Why did I read “dead” instead of “dad”

Rorschach’d the title too hard

the fact that you get ripped off in the deal doesn't change that

What deal? When does the typical American sign it?

I dont accept the dichotomy of colony-or-neglected-region. It’s ruling class versus the working class, always has been.

It’s not realistic or useful to conceive of entire societies as class-conscious conspirators. No country has ever achieved that kind of uniform ideology, not even the Soviets nor communist China.

Abstract theory is of far lesser importance compared with the material circumstances of one’s own life, in terms that one understands. This generally means issues local to one’s town, neighborhood, and household. Thinking larger than that is pretty much unnatural and requires dedicated effort.

A backward family in, say, rural Kansas is going to be mostly aware and educated of their immediate issues, like the success of their farm and the stability of their family. All other issues of politics are viewed through this lens. When Junior joins the military, his family celebrates because it’s a path to economic stability for them, and they have little reason to doubt US foreign policy propaganda. They have no tangible experience that might be had in Ferguson or Philly or NYC. They’re basically ignorant (though not necessarily more ignorant in every way compared with the urban proletariat)

US is imperial core. It’s just that the whole labor-aristocracy thing has been greatly exaggerated. Whenever I hear that I just want to ask them if they’ve ever been to Philly or Baltimore or NYC or LA or Portland or… or, or. There is so much poverty in the US, and its visibility is a feature - a warning to the proletariat who barely clasp a semblance of an income.

The economy in the US is highly financialized, this is true. But the fact that this is nevertheless necessary labor is demonstrated by 1) the fact that it is hired at all in private industry, 2) the profound aggression by which the state fights unions and other collective efforts.

h3 particle

I think we don’t disagree significantly. I had in mind the Democrats generally losing elections up and down the ballot as they fail to respond to the undermining of what little democracy did exist in the US. There’s a real possibility that MAGA solidifies control over the entire government for more than the usual back-and-forth of presidential terms. If that happens, the Democrats won’t be taken seriously anymore by anyone except their most dedicated followers.

The Dems are effective only because of their perceived legitimacy. If they completely stop winning elections, then the public will look elsewhere: to either the Bernie/AOC types, or to MAGA. No one wants to follow a loser.

Money is necessary but insufficient for the DNC to effectively stifle opposition

Better red than dead

Reminds me of some new research that each person’s breathing pattern is like a fingerprint that can identify them. An ordinary smartphone microphone is sufficient

Liberals love economics too. Except instead of “it’s simple really, let me explain to you the supply-demand curve” the liberals will say “let me explain why this program for Pell Grant recipients benefits you metaphysically although not actually, and here’s why you should love it”

The natural human reaction to all of this is to first be horrified that a husband and father of two children was murdered.

This is just bad faith

CEO Sundar Pichai said, "We have a culture of vibrant, open discussion... But ultimately we are a workplace and our policies and expectations are clear: this is a business, and not a place […] to fight over disruptive issues or debate politics."

• Our apolitical business decisions
• Their disruptive protests

A billion-dollar contract with Israel is a political decision. There is no way to oppose it except politically. Own the decisions you make Google.

No, China doesn’t count because that would challenge my worldview. I know I’m right, I just haven’t figured out how yet.