Gosh, the moral compass of the country is broken. American society seems to be so much more jaded, suspicious, judgmental, polarized, self-serving and reactionary.
Hope this trend has peaked and we regress to the mean soon.
bskeet
4171 posts
Both parties seem to be in an identity crisis, largely caused by factions at their extreme edges. I can't really think of Republicans as 'conservatives' -- at least not the principles of the 80s and 90s given that the deficit and spending with this administration is beyond anything I remember. And Democrats have abandoned 'traditional' positions as well and are being redefined by candidates like Bernie Sanders who is an unapologetic socialist. 25 years ago, it was unthinkable that a socialist could be a competitive candidate for president.
It feels like we're in a period of party redefinition -- and when it all shakes out, we may realize that the polarity of the political world has changed and its on a completely different axis.
The issue is congress not doing its job, IMHO. Abolishing one of the branches of government seems reactionary.
Terrorists like to recruit followers with falsehoods and assertions that are impossible to keep/prove (1000 virgins for the martyrs). They prey on minds that are receptive for something intriguing and exciting and primed for reinforcement of beliefs, the seeds of which were planted when they were young and susceptible.
I am not sure what Adam Jones' motivation is/was, but his tactics seem eerily similar.
Obviously the owners of the platforms felt he crossed a line.
I think the interesting question is, where is that line that leads to a ban? When Al-Qaeda crossed it, there wasn't as much uproar. But I would like to think that it's in everyone's best interest to know what that line is (for Facebook, Google, Apple, Twitter, etc.) and how it's defined, so that it is consistently enforced.
It would lead to a healthier discussion about whether the line is too lenient or too strict and in what ways... I'm sure the arguments would be just a passionate, but that's a more healthy debate rather than arguing about act made in apparent solidarity but without revealing the rationale or logic. For instance, did they all use the same criteria? Did they all decide to ban because of the same concern or violation, or did they each do it for a different reason?
I like Vick. Always have. He’s had his ups and downs and haven’t we all. Coming back and finishing school will be the best decision of his life when he looks back in 15 years.
In the short term, his athleticism has been underestimated consistently. I think he is the kind of guy that can propel the team to a deep run — again.
For reasons I can’t explain, I have always liked this kid and I wish him all the best this year. It will be a life changer, I think. He should in the NBA after this season.
That disorienting feeling that we can't tell what's real and what's fake is the new "fog of war".
It's that feeling that we don't know who to believe, or what to trust, and I suspect the loss of our sense of 'center' (as @approxinfinity put it) is also a byproduct.
It used to be that only soldiers were subjected to this, but we're all on the front-lines to some degree in this type of war.
What the enemy(s) of the US has/have learned is:
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Don't engage the US in land, air or water because the US is prepared for battles there.
1b. Engage on a more level playing field, such as the internet which provides numerous fronts. Two that are being exploited: economics and rhetoric. So, there are attacks on the markets, tariff wars and manipulation through social media. As far as we know, the moon is not a likely battleground, but all the stuff in earth's orbit is. -
Use America's freedoms against them. Create disruptions that create an environment where Americans are willing to give up freedoms and don't see it for what it is -- slow erosion. In the shadow of 9/11, we capitulated numerous freedoms in the name of security. New limits have been imposed on the right to assembly in the wake of protests that degenerated into riots with hate speech. Voters recalled a judge because a group was outraged that a sentence was too lenient, thus subverting other mechanisms already in place to ensure the integrity of jurisprudence. Presidents have been exercising executive orders that undermine the legislative powers and process. Etc. My point is, the constitution, our bill of rights, the branches of our government and the social moires that have provided the foundation of this country are being eroded, often by our own hand, willingly. Lots of unintended consequences, lots of collateral damage in reaction to isolated events.
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Hide your tracks. The days of groups claiming responsibility for this or that is over. Boasting attracts heat. The new enemy prefers to operate more or less guerrilla-style in the shadows. The victim may not even realize they were cut until they are significantly impaired, let alone who cut them.
We're in the middle of a world war. It's just being fought on a new theater -- information. It's hard to know who to believe when the messages from leaders change so quickly and we learn that governments have been sponsoring mis-information and meddling in other government elections for years. Rand Paul dismissed the concerns about Russian meddling in our election in an interview last night and then said that the US has been meddling in foreign elections for years.. that everyone does it. I had not heard an official admit this before, but when you hear this kind of stuff it feels like we're hypocrites. Then if you take the president saying one thing in front of Putin and then coming back here and taking it back, it makes you wonder how far the doublespeak can go.
We're a long way from the time when we wondered what the definition of "is" is.
DoubleDD said:
Me personally I'm not sure why we have to have the media privy to every minor detail. This isn't some reality show. The future of our children and nations depend on meetings like this. The media in my opinion isn't some outlet to be trusted with producing clear facts of a situation, summit, or meeting. As I think it is quite clear they are indeed pushing and agenda.
A timely topic.
If we could just get the cameras and reporters out of the way and let the despots have their meetings in privacy, we'd all feel a lot safer.
But then, we wouldn't know that our own president prefers to defend the Russians rather than his own FBI.
Even if he thinks it's broken, I'm not sure why he would sell them out on such a global stage.
I will give him this: He is making unique choices about what to be transparent about and what to keep quiet (I'm not sure what is in the latter category.)
Ignorance is Bliss.
It's one thing to play hardball -- and it's good to have a leader who knows how to operate around a variety of types of personalities -- but it's another to be the ultimate hardass all of the time. It's like he's turned up the 'asshole' to 11, 110% of the time.
I'm not talking politics. I'm talking about what kind of human being I want representing me. I don't want someone who sows seeds of doubt with idle threats with such comfort and frequency. And his use of innuendo is sublime. He says one thing officially and simultaneously signals a contradicting message.
This is the kind of behavior seen in dysfunctional corporate cultures that creates a toxic environment and slowly rots a business. My concern is that Trump is running the free-world the way he ran his businesses. That is, not well.
He operates as though the ends is irrelevant of the means. It's an approach that gets short-term results... and then, not so much. So he may be able to get some things accomplished that others haven't. But at what cost?
His threat to withdraw the US from NATO (-- he didn't actually say that, he just suggested the US might have to go alone) is an affront to the democratic system he is entrusted to preserve. This fiat seems dismissive of Legislative branch and his propensity to make such comments raise concerns about his despotic tendencies.
When Trump was elected, one of the hopes was that he would be a disruptor, especially to the the two-party political system that is riddled with foibles and in need of rejuvenation. But he's more like an Asmovian Mule: unpredictable and likely to render more collateral damage than any one could guess.
tick... tick...tick... tick... tick... tick...
The shoe companies are trying to influencing the game through a couple of approaches:
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Approach 1 is through dispersement of money to highly-recruited HS athletes... or their relatives (let's just call it what it is-- bribery.)
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Approach 2 is to funnel millions to universities for 'sponsorship' which creates a conflict of interest.
What if the NCAA developed their own shoe and apparel and required all players to wear it during games with the intent to effectively cut out Nike, Adidas and UnderArmor from all their sponsored schools and athletes?
What kind of impact would this have? Could this diminish the fraudulent activities by reducing the impact of a school sponsorship?
Maybe this is a stupid, crazy idea. But the NCAA is going to have to think outside of the box to change the culture and environment that surrounds and permeates the sport today.
God knows I love our basketball pedigree and dominance... but it sure would be good to get some of that historic quality football spirit back and not be seen as a one-trick pony.
Texas Tech deserves a mention too..
I didn't realize we won free throws by 11.
And here, I thought the game would come down to who shot better at the line. I guess that's why I'm not a coach.
@BeddieKU23 Just my opinion but I wouldn't put Cheick Diallo in the same category as Billy Preston.
Preston's contributions were limited to practice.
Diallo played in games and contributed, although we might have wanted more. AFAIK, he did nothing to tarnish KU's rep and is playing in the NBA.
Not sure who to group with Preston, but here are some candidates for disappointments:
- Carlton Bragg
- Cliff Alexander
- Naadir Tharpe
- Rio Adams
- Merv Lindsay
- Josh Selby
@HighEliteMajor I think your analysis pretty much nailed it.
We didn't defend the three and they did -- like crazy. That defense was the reason we took fewer 3pt attempts and that, in turn, reduced our opportunity for winning dramatically.
We have shooters that can make it from NBA and beyond range. I was hoping at some point the guys would take an open shot or two from 3 - 6 ft beyond the arc just to prove that we're willing to shoot a 3 and not settle for 2s.
There was a matchup issue with Spellman, as you noted, but we've dealt with matchup issues previously.
The real reason for losing was the game plan, which was devised to give them a chance even if Kansas was hitting at it's average clip of 40% from beyond the arc.
Nova just needed to hit near their average 3pt average to compete with that gameplan. Smart plan.
Of course, they shot even better than average and shackled us effectively.
I'm very proud of our team and glad that HCBS is adapting his game.. This season's results show he is on the right track and must continue that journey. The game is headed in a new direction fast.
If he stays, he needs to make free throws a priority.
Come to think of it, if he leaves he probably needs to make it a priority too.
Fine, but I am still officially putting Villanova in front of Duke and Kentucky on the list of rivals.
I attended that OSU game with my kids. Their first game at AFH and my first in about 15 years. I told them the loss was ok if it means they go to the Final Four.. Well done!
Now it's time to create some new memories.
Great team effort but Malik is the man. Signature win for Self and the program. Onward to another 2-game / 4-team tourney for another banner in the AFH rafters and immortality. Take care of Villanova first!
I'm sure Devonte, from Raleigh, NC will be amped for the games this weekend. It's a chance to show up all the teams the gave him the cold shoulder. It would be satisfying to get one win this weekend, but oh-so-sweet to get two.
Not a good tournament for even numbered seeds. 13 of the 16 are odd numbers.
That said, it has been an odd tournament.
:-p
I think KU has four future pro players in the starting rotation. The one who is not a future pro player is the one everyone talks about and is possibly player of the year.
I think this bodes well for flying below the radar and keeping the pressure off. Keep piling on the expectations to Duke and Mich St and others. We will have to beat a solid team next week, but that will put us in an epic dual in the Elite 8 for which we will likely be an underdog (yes, even as a #1) and will be able to play looser than usual.
shivers.
that was a thrilling game.
Ugh, why would you do this??
tundrahok said:
@truehawk93 Vick can still turn it up a notch. He has been good, but he can be better. Compare Devonte last year (very good) to this year (great). Vick could improve by at least the same amount. He has the physical ability to be great, if he locks in every single possession and takes ownership of the game.
Totally agree. And this is the time to make the step toward that next level. A great tournament this year could propel him into a great position next year.
He is spurty and inconsistent, but like you said, needs to lock in every possession on both sides.
It's hard to believe we won the game in the first half-- specifically, in the last minute of the first half.
Really, that's two pretty labored wins in a row.
@BeddieKU23 SHU almost went UMBC on us.
Part of the formula to a championship is to win a game where you play like crap.
Check.
ok.. breathe. breathe.
we appear to be slowing down..sucking air. Time out came at a good time for us.
South is a madhouse. Cincy vs UK looking more and more likely.
wow.. what a finish! I had Loyola in this game but picked Tenn.
I think it was a travel??? maybe? I didn't see a call either.
Yeah, 5 points feels very tenuous.
That said, it's low scoring so far. Gotta make sure they don't go UMBC / Can't miss in the second half.
Malik picking up where he left off in the B12 tourney. We need that. Also would like Vick to continue. And YES: FREE THROWS.
Shit. Please no concussion.
the spirit to punch back is really good. Need D'tae to get his mojo going
Need to hit some shots.
This run by Seton Hall started with multiple missed free throws.
Keep punching and grinding!!!
Graham was fouled early and often in the game but no call. Recently, the calls have been there. Officials are seeing the bumping and hacking. Lots of physical play, but I like our execution early.
Thank you, Virginia. I think there will be less infamy in being the second #1 to lose to a #16
JB, I think this is going to be a major test and could come down to the final possession. I would rather see them get a run in somewhere and hold the lead through the end, but it feels like a trap game.
Wow. What a long, slow, painful journey to defeat by Texas..
I looked long and hard at the Marshall / WSU matchup and on my three brackets, I picked WSU all three times. I did not see it coming. Also didn't anticipate a Buffalo win, let alone a blow-out.
Seton Hall is approx a 6 seed in an 8 seed clothing.
They beat Texas Tech (3 seed).
They beat Providence (10) twice.
They split with Creighton (8).
They beat Butler (10) twice and lost once by 1.
They lost to Rhode Island (7) by 1.
They lost to Xavier and Villanova twice each. The last loss to Nova was 1 point in OT.
Take away: They have played many games against NCAA caliber teams. They will not be awed by the opponent or the stage. We need to bring our A game. This team is somewhere around West Virginia/Texas Tech level.
FYI-- just a few days ago I heard Steve Kerr on the radio reference Aaron Miles with a compliment. Quote was something like "G-league isn't what it used to be. Today players go there and get some experience and come back. Miles is doing a great job making players better..."