WilliamCharles's Profile

Not all heroes wear capes.

linxminx comments on Jul 20, 2020:

Oh good....because we wouldn't want to distract from the protest's important message. HUGE eyeroll for this amazingly stupid female who selfishly did this to get attention to herself and away from the purpose of the protest. Bad form sweetheart...bad form.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 22, 2020:

@linxminx - Good questions all. No answers, and there's quite the fluid dynamic in play currently. I don't think #BLM has exclusive control of what's being protested. And MLK's sexuality was indeed included in the power play unfolding. Most people see it as inconsequential in relation to what was being fought for. But it was considered a tactic meant to silence.

Not all heroes wear capes.

DenoPenno comments on Jul 20, 2020:

I agree with the protesters but in todays world she is lucky she was not shot.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 22, 2020:

It is my understanding they did shoot rounds (rubber bullets?) in the direction of her feet. At one point, another protester with a shield tried to insert himself between her and the officers, but she moved to steer clear of him (which I felt further enhanced the point she seemed to be trying to make - i.e., her willingness to courageously face them without any defense against their own utilization of violence).

Not all heroes wear capes.

snytiger6 comments on Jul 20, 2020:

In the state of Oregon, if you are protesting, it is perfectly legal to be naked.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 22, 2020:

@Beowulfsfriend, @Marcie1974 I like to say, "Every body is a 'beach body'." It's one of the elements present with LS (lifestyle) nudists. That is, people should be comfortable with the skin they're in. Somewhat related are the topless protests by women. It is rather amusing how the legality of so-called "indecent exposure" often centers on the female nipple, whereas the male nipple presents no legal issue, even in the case of "moobs" (man boobs).

Not all heroes wear capes.

linxminx comments on Jul 20, 2020:

Oh good....because we wouldn't want to distract from the protest's important message. HUGE eyeroll for this amazingly stupid female who selfishly did this to get attention to herself and away from the purpose of the protest. Bad form sweetheart...bad form.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 22, 2020:

And another one in support. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=771003310372848&id=100023895586932

Not all heroes wear capes.

linxminx comments on Jul 20, 2020:

Oh good....because we wouldn't want to distract from the protest's important message. HUGE eyeroll for this amazingly stupid female who selfishly did this to get attention to herself and away from the purpose of the protest. Bad form sweetheart...bad form.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 22, 2020:

@linxminx - I think you have made many good points in support of your position. Certainly something to think about. But on the whole, I think we'll have to agree to disagree. Here is a FB piece defending her, and the general consensus is in support. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10217153728463338&id=1473653805=m_notif=feedback_reaction_generic

Not all heroes wear capes.

linxminx comments on Jul 20, 2020:

Oh good....because we wouldn't want to distract from the protest's important message. HUGE eyeroll for this amazingly stupid female who selfishly did this to get attention to herself and away from the purpose of the protest. Bad form sweetheart...bad form.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 22, 2020:

@linxminx - I contend there were many (essentially) "defenseless" women protesters out there. The Portland Moms group got gassed. This woman scrambled the tapes as it were of the mercenary goon squad, and got media coverage of the "victory" in doing so. I do not necessarily equate nudity in and of itself with sexualization. One of the things that nudity does away with is the standard trappings of rank and status. Was this a hippie chick, a mom, a business exec? I have no idea. Could be all three for all I know. Often these type of protests are decidely organic rather than directed from the top down. I still feel her action was rather bold and creative... and largely effective (also legal if I am not mistaken). People are free to pursue their own tactics in standing up to the abusive power of the state. YMMV. Not everyone will be equally as successful, but at least they're out there pitching. To paraphrase murdered Kent State student Allison Krause, "Flowers [and naked flesh] are better than bullets."

Not all heroes wear capes.

linxminx comments on Jul 20, 2020:

Oh good....because we wouldn't want to distract from the protest's important message. HUGE eyeroll for this amazingly stupid female who selfishly did this to get attention to herself and away from the purpose of the protest. Bad form sweetheart...bad form.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 21, 2020:

I think there are a variety of art-themed elements to your typical protest (the giant puppets come to kind, chants and drumming, etc.). It looked like the dynamic here was to be in a position of complete defenselessness, yet willing to stand in defiance of armed and heavily armored men. I felt she reinforced that by moving clear of the person trying to shield her. Considering other protesters have lost eyes and had limbs mangled and parts severed, I thought she put her safety on the line in a manner that inverted the power hierarchy.

I've been meaning to recommend this series for some time.

barjoe comments on Jul 19, 2020:

God does not exist, of this I am absolutely sure. Nature exists the supernatural is a fairy tale. I don't believe in fairy tales. It's so easy.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 19, 2020:

@barjoe The host of the series. Forget his particular credentials but it doesn't matter as he delves into any of these issues with a rationalist's approach and willingness to be persuaded. He takes any of the claims with skeptic eyes, but for any of the topics, even more science themed ones, he seems to give all sides an opportunity to make their case and explain their viewpoint. That seems always a good model.

I've been meaning to recommend this series for some time.

barjoe comments on Jul 19, 2020:

God does not exist, of this I am absolutely sure. Nature exists the supernatural is a fairy tale. I don't believe in fairy tales. It's so easy.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 19, 2020:

That is exactly what he tackles in a very thoughtful way. He examines the definitions and the claims associated with them. He ties together so many and various disciplines in their search for truth and a basis for knowing.

“Wherever forests have not been mowed down, wherever the animal is recessed in their quiet ...

Robecology comments on Jul 18, 2020:

I went through a period of intense empathy for the native American for many years. From buying lots of silver and turquoise to attending pow-wows, to helping to fund pro-Native American efforts....I was there.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 18, 2020:

And Leonard Peltier still needs to be released/pardoned. https://www.freepeltier.org/peltier12.htm

Glob bless Caity Johnstone.

FearlessFly comments on Jul 17, 2020:

This story is all-over many news sources. She didn't originate it did she ?

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 17, 2020:

The critiques of the veracity of the reports are hers.

"God wants those who will exploit the land to have it!" - The New World

brentan comments on Jul 4, 2020:

It's the Matthew Principle.

WilliamCharles replies on Jul 4, 2020:

"The Matthew effect of accumulated advantage, Matthew principle, or Matthew effect for short, is sometimes summarized by the adage "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer".[1][2] The concept is applicable to matters of fame or status, but may also be applied literally to cumulative advantage of economic capital. In the beginning, Matthew effects were primarily focused on the inequality in the way scientists were recognized for their work. However, Norman Storer, of Columbia University, led a new wave of research. He believed he discovered that the inequality that existed in the social sciences also existed in other institutions.[3]" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_effect

Ulysses S Grant one of the most underrated presidents

WilliamCharles comments on Jun 30, 2020:

I was gobsmacked to learn how Democrats of the era torpedoed the progressive aims of Reconstruction and how the power shift prevented it from getting back on track. Sadly, I think in one way, the Democrats have come full circle. They kneecapped Bernie out of fear that progressives gaining traction ...

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 30, 2020:

@barjoe - I can separate them, but I remember the line from "Grant" on the History Channel where it said progressive policies of were kept from being enacted because of the Democrats. That could be a headlines from recent current events. Corporate Democrats are the worst. I expect the GOP to try to screw me over, but it's the Dems that close the deal more times than not. I think Creepy Addled Uncle Joe just might give Dolt 45 a second term. These are indeed perilous times, particularly as the DNC tries to pass Biden off as the"safe" choice.

"I apologize because of the terrible mess the planet is in.

Robecology comments on Jun 29, 2020:

I don't agree with K.V.; it hasn't "always been a mess"....we humans and our unbridled growth...have made it so...look at the chart.

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 29, 2020:

Even before the unbridled growth, the tendency was to see things from the perspective of the dominant group. Those outside the fold as it were didn't count for much.

"I apologize because of the terrible mess the planet is in.

Marionville comments on Jun 29, 2020:

These good old days that people harp on about, and are a case of bad memory and wishful thinking, are why people voted for Brexit here in the UK and fell for Trump’s MAGA in the USA...it’s all based on a myth!

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 29, 2020:

It hits home for me re: the 'good old days' before Civil Rights. It selectively focused on the 'in group' completely ignoring those systematically marginalized.

“I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different.

brentan comments on Jun 29, 2020:

I can't say he's wrong but I've got my fingers crossed that there's more going on than that.

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 29, 2020:

I don't think he implied exclusively.

"To love.

zeuser comments on Jun 28, 2020:

It's a good quote, but I'd like it better if I had some context, or at least a direct object.

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 28, 2020:

@gigihein - the hashtag is auto-generated.

"The story I’m about to share with you about Joe Biden is special — in fact, I’m fairly ...

M4Amama comments on Jun 28, 2020:

I'm hoping he uses that humanity to help push Medicare for All (NOT a public option) legislation, criminal justice reform, humane immigration issues, The Green New Deal, and many other progressive justice-for-all issues. I'm not holding my breath.

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 28, 2020:

@seenoevil9620 - the DNC saddled us with a shitty nominee for a reason. They needed to kneecap the progressive ascendance.

"The story I’m about to share with you about Joe Biden is special — in fact, I’m fairly ...

SeaGreenEyez comments on Jun 28, 2020:

Too bad he gave up small dollar donations from constituents to become a Corporate shill. If this were still his policy, he might not need to worry about the Black voters that are feeling taken advantage of and the progressive votes that think he's nothing but a Republican in less offensive ...

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 28, 2020:

I think you nailed it. "Lunch Pail Joe" is part of the image he cultivates, but the reality is far different.

In examining the dynamic in the current presidential race, it is necessary to understand that ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jun 22, 2020:

Well, there i was, reading along, not necessarily agreeing but enjoying following your reasoning, then you mentioned SARAH PALIN??????????!!!!!!!! Bu-bye!

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 23, 2020:

@AnneWimsey - Wow. You sure want to make this some sort of pissing contest. It's not a "big comeback" as you describe it... it's simply my take. I've replied to the points you've made whether I agreed with them or not. The clip expressed just that. We've got differing views. I chose to provide the rationale for mine, even in the face of you choosing to get snotty about it. Whatever. I don't really know anything about you or your opinions for the most part, and other than offering a response in defense of my own views, don't really care. Hence, The Big Lebowski reference. Besides, you already given your big "Bu-bye!," but you keep coming back like a bad penny. You've said your piece. How can I miss you if you won't leave? So, don't go away mad... just go away. In a huff, or in a minute and a huff. No Idea why the mention of Palin triggered you. I suppose I could have said Margaret Thatcher or Theresa May as I can't stand them either, but they're not US politics. No need to try to untangle it anyway, you've got too much of a hair trigger. You might want to try being less antagonistic in discussions with strangers next time. I don't mind debating anything, but it was too early for you to go full on bombastic like that. YMMV.

In examining the dynamic in the current presidential race, it is necessary to understand that ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jun 22, 2020:

Well, there i was, reading along, not necessarily agreeing but enjoying following your reasoning, then you mentioned SARAH PALIN??????????!!!!!!!! Bu-bye!

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 23, 2020:

@AnneWimsey - you're welcome to discuss the issue in any manner you see fit. You'll forgive me if I choose to do the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVCtkzIXYzQ

In examining the dynamic in the current presidential race, it is necessary to understand that ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jun 22, 2020:

Well, there i was, reading along, not necessarily agreeing but enjoying following your reasoning, then you mentioned SARAH PALIN??????????!!!!!!!! Bu-bye!

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 23, 2020:

The point about Palin being that it does not follow that criticisms of Clinton have to be because of misogyny. It does not matter if Clinton is smarter or more accomplished. I'd be calling her out for her politics regardless of her gender. I'm calling out Joe Biden regardless of his party affiliation. I have no idea what your storming off in a huff is supposed to accomplish other than register your displeasure. Duly noted, for whatever that's worth.

Looking up some other background info, I came across this.

Varn comments on Jun 20, 2020:

If the US election of 2020 becomes a race for perfection, there will be no winners. If Biden loses - so will our nation and planet ~

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 22, 2020:

@Storm1752 - I'm all for mail-in ballots, but worry about the integrity of the vote. There's been ratfvckery with virtually every method. Your schoolyard taunts do you no favors. I can't wait to see how those with your mindset will go about trying to win hearts and minds. Instead, it will likely be a parade of multiple versions of "Not Trump!" Delegates have already reported the heavy-handed manner that the DNC is enforcing a policy of no dissent. Sounds like a lack of confidence on their part.

In examining the dynamic in the current presidential race, it is necessary to understand that ...

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2020:

Actually, the Obama Administration was the third term of the Clinton Administration, with a young impressive African-American guy at the helm, and Hillary's Administration was supposed to be the fourth or is that the fifth administration of the Clinton administration, but since millions and millions...

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 22, 2020:

@AnneWimsey - there were multiple instances of DNC shenanigans. Superdelegates voted against the results of their state, exit polling showed discrepancies, MSM outlets had a virtual blackout on Bernie coverage, debate schedule meant to prevent Bernie exposure, voter roll scrubbing, superdelegates were added to Hillary's tally before they cast a single votes, etc., etc. If she was such a strong candidate, she wouldn't have had to have the DNC put their thumb on the scale. She was just as tone-deaf post convention. She said she didn't need to do anything to win over progressive votes because of her supposed massive victory margin.

In examining the dynamic in the current presidential race, it is necessary to understand that ...

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2020:

Actually, the Obama Administration was the third term of the Clinton Administration, with a young impressive African-American guy at the helm, and Hillary's Administration was supposed to be the fourth or is that the fifth administration of the Clinton administration, but since millions and millions...

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 22, 2020:

@David1955 - that assessment seems to fit the bill. And by political dynasty, I did not mean as in Kennedys, Bushes, and Clinton's as much as the power blocs that keep a tight grip on the reins of power throughout their respective parties. Bill Clinton established the third way neoliberalism that opened up the corporate feeding trough for the party. Establishment Dems are entrenched and see their primary purpose as kneecapping progressive upstarts that might threaten their stranglehold on operations.The DNC is essentially an arm of the Clinton wing.

In examining the dynamic in the current presidential race, it is necessary to understand that ...

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2020:

Actually, the Obama Administration was the third term of the Clinton Administration, with a young impressive African-American guy at the helm, and Hillary's Administration was supposed to be the fourth or is that the fifth administration of the Clinton administration, but since millions and millions...

WilliamCharles replies on Jun 22, 2020:

The everpresence of political dynasty.

It's amazing how much explanation it took after the 2016 election when I'd say, "I hate Trump, but ...