World News

[Lady Vulpix]

I've been waiting for a thread like this for a while, but no one has made it, so I'm making it myself.

Rules:
1. This thread is for discussing the latest news, anywhere in the world. You can still make specific threads for anything that merits its own separate discussion, but if you feel like commenting something that happened and don't think it's worth posting a new thread just for that, then this is the place to do so.
2. You may post new pieces of news and/or discuss other people's posts.

Aside from the Misc rules and General TPM rules, that's it. So, there we go.

First piece of news: former Argentinean president Néstor Kirchner has died of a heart attack. He was planning to run for president again next year, so now his party will obviously have to find another candidate as well as another head. I wonder how our current president will react, and how this will affect her political decisions for the rest of her ruling period. After all, he was not only her husband, but also the mind behind all their political schemes. Personally (and this is where my objectivity ends), I'd like to be optimistic and think this will put most of her plans on hold and he won't be able to do any damage from beyond the grave, but you never know... anything can happen in politics.

Oh. Paul the German octopus has died too. Of course, octopi don't have very long lifespans, so that wasn't as much of a surprise.

[Blademaster]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

NOT PAUL!!!!!

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Well I have a silly question, is this thread more like 'The Global News' or 'News From Around The World'? Or both? I ask this because nobody is interested in what happens in Finland, or...?

[Lady Vulpix]

I don't know the difference between global news and news from around the world, but if something happens in Finland and you find it interesting, it's likely that other people will too. You can share it here, just as you can share any interesting things that happened elsewhere. Any piece of news, really.

As for Blade's post... yes, the world will miss Paul. He provided quite a lot of entertainment and speculation. There's even a song about him on YouTube.

[Ayeun]

Well, its old news, but I live in the NT, so our news is SO out there, I will give this a comeback!

UFO's INVADE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT. Yes, that WAS the front cover of our news paper.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

What I meant about Global News was the news that affect the whole world and are of greater importance rather than some minor events. But I guess I could provide news from Finland, then.

A Finnish broadcasting network called YLE has been sending a program 'of current interest' called Homoilta. Homoilta is Finnish for 'homo evening', and it posed representatives against and for legalizating gay marriages and adoption. Some Church representatives and the Christian Democratic Party leader Päivi Räsänen have made statements that have made record-breaking numbers of people resign from the Evangelical Lutheran Church during the last few weeks. Almost 80% of Finns are part of Evangelical Lutheran Church, but in 2005, they opened a site where you can easily resign! The current situation is making both the gay-friendly people and those who oppose the marriages and stuff between the same sex resign because the Church is forced to keep a neutral attitude. That may change for there're the Church elections, and the legal age for voting is now 16 years! As for myself, I resigned from Evangelical Lutheran Church already in 2003. Have considered joining back if there's someone who wants to marry me clerically. And I can't lie, also this homo conversation has made me wonder if I could affect the future of the church by joining in and voting.

[Lady Vulpix]

Ayeun: that's really crazy.

Mikachu: your church has elections and an official procedure to resign from it? It's the first time I've heard of something like that.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Yep, that's the system in Finland. In Church Election, we elect members for the councils who in turn elect representatives for church meetings, bishoprics and bishops. Of course, you have to be a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church to take part in those elections. And also, you have to have gone through 'rippikoulu', i.e. 'confirmation school' a school where children that are usually 14 or 15 year-old can go. I myself chose not to go there in 2000, because I was a polytheistic. You can also go there later on.

As for the procedure to resign from it, I just walked to the church office of my old hometown in 2003 some months after my 18th birthday and signed papers. I posted incorrect info in the last post, the website eroakirkosta.fi (resign-from-the-church.fi) was opened already in 2003, sorry. But the real boom began in 2005 or something.

By the way, I have long wanted to ask you Lady Vulpix, are there still protests against the Finnish company UPM-Kymmene in Argentina?

[Magmar]

On Tuesday, residents of Rhode Island are voting whether to change our state's name!

Since we were founded in the 1500s, we have had our name as "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations", now "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations".

Some have argued that the name is a connotation of slavery and a reminder of persecution. However "plantation" just means "settlement".

I'm voting against it, my state's too much in debt to be spending money on changing its name right now. More importantly, question 2 on the ballots will give my school a new art center! I'd rather the money was allocated to furthering education, not changing a name for reasons based on a poor interpretation of state history.

[Lady Vulpix]

I thought plantation meant a large crop-filled area. Doesn't the word derive from 'plant' and 'planting'? A place where something is planted?

Mikachu, every time I heard about the protests, the company was referred to as Botnia. I've never heard of UPM-Kymmene before. Protests continue, although they have decreased in strength lately. I think they should worry more about other paper companies like Ledesma, which has been proven to seriously polute the environment, not to mention its owners are mass-murderers. But for some unkown reason nothing's being done about that.

[Heald]

I thought plantation meant a large crop-filled area. Doesn't the word derive from 'plant' and 'planting'? A place where something is planted?

It does, but it has entered the US lexicon as being primarily associated with the African slave trade, which is obviously rather controversial.

This video is a striking example of what a typical American (or someone who is aware of American colloquialisms) would imagine when they hear 'plantation':



(if for some reason this video stops working, it is a cartoon with a bunch of really rather racist depictions of black slaves on a plantation)

[DarkestLight]

I miss that cartoon :O They dun show good cartoons like this and Looney Toons anymore. Lookit dem chikn!

This cartoon is hilarious in its racistness. Its really been a long time.

ROTF Graham Cracker! That was a treat XD

[Knight of Time]

Well, I've got a bit of news no fan of Wheel of Fortune would want to hear...Charlie o'Donnell, the announcer of Wheel of Fortune for 26 years, died recently in his sleep at 78...it's sad, but at least he wasn't suffering. It's about the most peaceful way someone can go, really.

[Heald]

So, in my home land of Scotland, apparently this is an appropriate way to deal with teenagers with learning difficulties.

[crown34]

So, in my home land of Scotland, apparently this is an appropriate way to deal with teenagers with learning difficulties.

Not really much to say about this.

[abunaidesu]

So, in my home land of Scotland, apparently this is an appropriate way to deal with teenagers with learning difficulties.

what, you don't believe in the traditional dogmatic ways of "scaring" neurological disorders out of people?

[Blademaster]

The autism cage... Now I've really seen everything.

[Lady Vulpix]

"Mr MacDonald said the specifications of what was needed had not been made clear to the supplier." I wonder what the specification was. @_@

[Magmar]

why on earth would an 18 year old with any disability need a cage to play in?

[Heald]

The cage was bad enough, but the bleachers and popcorn stall were probably a bit too much.

[shazza]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the midterm elections yet. I'd make a new topic about it but I feel it isn't my area.

[Dark Sage]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the midterm elections yet. I'd make a new topic about it but I feel it isn't my area.

I'm glad the midterms are over because it means that the vicious attack ads will stop. But I will say a few things about the results.

The GOP now has control of the House. But they will only keep it for two years unless they keep all their campaign promises. If they don't, the Democrats will regain power in 2012, and Obama will win re-election in a landslide.

Can they keep their promises? Probably not. With the Democrats still holding a majority in the Senate, I doubt that either party will be able to do anything unless they learn to cooperate with each other, which is something they have refused to do ever since Obama took office. There will be no repeals of Obama's policies, and no new GOP initiatives. There will just be gridlock every time a major issue is proposed.

And when the economy remains in the doldrums and unemployment doesn't improve, you can bet that in two years, voters will reach for the clicker again.

[Heald]

They practically had control of the House anyway, considering the Dems refused to move against them, even when they had the majority because they were going for the 'bipartisanship' angle, which the Republicans just abused and refused to budge on any issue and basically calling everything the Dems proposed communism or fascism.

That's the problem with bipartisanism: it only works if both parties are willing to do it.

So the House will be deadlocked, nothing will happen because the GOP will put party interest before national interest (as usual) and Obama will get the blame because 'he's one of dem blacks'.

Which brings us to the KKK 2010 Tea Party. Some Tea Party backed candidates won, which should make for interesting viewing, especially if the wool unravels in front of the voters' eyes and they realise they've just been conned by Fox News into voting for yet more extreme-right nutjobs.

[Roy Karrde]

The most common responses were concerns about spending and limiting the size of government, but together those were named by less than half the groups. Social issues, such as same-sex marriage and abortion rights, did not register as concerns.

If anything tied the groups together, it was what motivated their members to participate. Virtually all said that economic concerns were a factor, and nearly as many cited a general mistrust of government. Opposition to President Obama and Democratic policies was a big factor, but only slightly more so than dissatisfaction with mainstream Republican leaders.

Eleven percent said that Obama's race, religion or ethnic background was either a "very important" or "somewhat important" factor in the support their group has receive

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...T2010102304023

You learn something every day Heald.

[Heald]

Learn the difference between revealed preference and stated preference. Of course a bunch of Obama-hating people aren't going to admit that his race, religion or ethnic background had anything to do with who they support. In fact I'm amazed 1 in 10 had the balls to say that his race was the real reason why they hate him.

[Roy Karrde]

Learn the difference between revealed preference and stated preference. Of course a bunch of Obama-hating people aren't going to admit that his race, religion or ethnic background had anything to do with who they support. In fact I'm amazed 1 in 10 had the balls to say that his race was the real reason why they hate him.

So in other words you are only assuming that they hate him because he is black, you don't have any facts because lets face it the most comprehensive survey of the tea party proved you wrong. I mean of course it has nothing to do with his horrible policies, the deficit, or the current economy. Then again these are the same people who also just embraced Pastor Stephen Broden, who would love to see Clerance Thomas run for President, or even Marco Rubio. For a bunch of racists they don't seem to mind a Black or Hispanic President, if he were to support their views.

[Heald]

So in other words you are only assuming that they hate him because he is black, you don't have any facts because lets face it the most comprehensive survey of the tea party proved you wrong. I mean of course it has nothing to do with his horrible policies, the deficit, or the current economy. Then again these are the same people who also just embraced Pastor Stephen Broden, who would love to see Clerance Thomas run for President, or even Marco Rubio.

I believe the Tea Party has an incredibly horrible, racist element to it. The fact that even a cursory search for photos of Tea Party rallies or videos of Tea Party members giving their views backs up my belief. I'm not saying that is representative of the entire movement, but the fact that the Tea Party refuses to acknowledge or condemn the racist element in it speaks volumes about it. Many prominent conservatives have refused to align themselves with the Tea Party because of the racist element it has. There is also a strong homophobic and Islamophobic element in it as well.

That survey isn't proof of anything, apart from what Tea Party members are willing to reveal about themselves, and there is a strong incentive for people to lie in such a survey, therefore it is an incredibly flawed piece of evidence and doesn't prove anything, much less prove me wrong about anything.

I never said the entire Tea Party was racist, which is what you seem to think I said, but I do believe it does have a strong racist element. That is my opinion, but it is also an opinion shared by many people and organisations.

[Dark Sage]

Roy, people like you make me laugh. I live in New York City, the melting pot of this country, in a blue state where the Democrats actually won both Senate races and the governor's race last night.

Yet, a few weeks ago, I was in a cafe, when I heard too folks mention Obama's name, then say something about "watermelon" that made them both laugh. I didn't ask them to repeat it - I didn't want to know.

As for the Tea Party. Well, let me put it this way. Ever see that famous editorial cartoon that was made in colonial times where the British loyalist is being force-fed tea after being tar-and-feathered?

I'd love to do that to Sarah Palin. That's how much I despise her and her whole bigoted ultra-conservative movement.

[Roy Karrde]

I believe the Tea Party has an incredibly horrible, racist element to it. The fact that even a cursory search for photos of Tea Party rallies or videos of Tea Party members giving their views backs up my belief. I'm not saying that is representative of the entire movement, but the fact that the Tea Party refuses to acknowledge or condemn the racist element in it speaks volumes about it. Many prominent conservatives have refused to align themselves with the Tea Party because of the racist element it has. There is also a strong homophobic and Islamophobic element in it as well.

So because you do a search of photos and signs, you automatically decide to degrade a movement as a whole. By that poor logic, I can do a search of signs at John Stewarts Rally, or at any Democratic Rally, and find signs that are incredibly Anti Christian, or Truthers. Does that mean the Democratic Party as a whole hates Christians or has a strong Truther element to it? By your logic it does. Why doesnt the Democratic party address it?

Mind you, you are also looking at pictures of signs, a few snap shots out of thousands. Do you honestly believe some people do not purposely go looking for those signs? Of course they do. Have you ever been to a Tea Party Rally? Or are you basing your entire judgement on pictures?

That survey isn't proof of anything, apart from what Tea Party members are willing to reveal about themselves, and there is a strong incentive for people to lie in such a survey, therefore it is an incredibly flawed piece of evidence and doesn't prove anything, much less prove me wrong about anything.

As said by the Washington Post, it is the most comprehensive survey of the Tea Party ever taken, it is a look at the structure and beliefs of the movement. Unless you can provide any evidence to the contrary then you're argument is null and void.

I never said the entire Tea Party was racist, which is what you seem to think I said, but I do believe it does have a strong racist element. That is my opinion, but it is also an opinion shared by many people and organisations.

And it is a flawed opinion, made by small minded people and organizations. Why? Because it is easier to dismiss a group if you can call the Homophobic or Racist. You do not have to hear their ideas or views. As they do not have any credence since they are "Racists".

I will remind you that the Tea Party is held together by two separate groups. Social Conservatives and Libertarians. Libertarians are Socially Liberal but have a Fiscally Conservative view. If the members of the Tea Party who are racists were anything more than a small minuscule amount of individuals, the Libertarian wing of the Tea Party would either bolt or create warfare within it.

As for calling the Tea Party racist...

"Which brings us to the KKK 2010 Tea Party."

Yet, a few weeks ago, I was in a cafe, when I heard too folks mention Obama's name, then say something about "watermelon" that made them both laugh. I didn't ask them to repeat it - I didn't want to know.

And that deals with what we are talking about how?

As for the Tea Party. Well, let me put it this way. Ever see that famous editorial cartoon that was made in colonial times where the British loyalist is being force-fed tea after being tar-and-feathered?

Nope.

[Heald]

Roy, as I said, it's my opinion, and I don't make opinions based on assumptions or generalizations. You of all people should know that. My opinion isn't 'flawed' at all, you just disagree with it. There's a difference.

I actually consider myself a libertarian on a great deal of issues, which is why the Tea Party infuriates me so much; I don't want libertarianism associated with such a moronic and hateful movement. I hated the Tea Party before I decided that there was a more insidious element in it. But that's my final say on the matter. I don't want to kill this thread with a stupid quote war, especially over something so incredibly subjective. I've said my view, you've said yours, leave it at that.

[Roy Karrde]

Roy, as I said, it's my opinion, and I don't make opinions based on assumptions or generalizations. You of all people should know that. My opinion isn't 'flawed' at all, you just disagree with it. There's a difference.

Then if you make your opinion based on facts you should present them, so far you have presented none. If your opinion is based on a snapshot of photos seen on the web, then it is flawed.

I actually consider myself a libertarian on a great deal of issues, which is why the Tea Party infuriates me so much; I don't want libertarianism associated with such a moronic and hateful movement. I hated the Tea Party before I decided that there was a more insidious element in it. But that's my final say on the matter. I don't want to kill this thread with a stupid quote war, especially over something so incredibly subjective. I've said my view, you've said yours, leave it at that.

Fine with me, and you can continue to be ignorant of the Tea Party, yet the fact remains that they are a heavily Libertarian group, and as such they are not a hateful/racists/homophobic what ever group. I would invite you to come to a Tea Party rally, maybe it will enlighten you. And with that I have had my say, but if you continue to call the Tea Party racists or make ignorant statements about them, I will call you out on it.

[Dark Sage]

Roy, you didn't have to listen to Carl Paladino for the past two months. He was a bigot, which is likely the reason he's not going to be governor of New York. I listened to this guy put his foot in his mouth, bashing gays, lying about his opponent to smear him, and I wondered what the GOP was ever thinking.

People like this expose the rot at the heart of the Tea Party. The real GOP should not accept these pretenders. I thought you were a member of the real GOP, but I guess I was wrong.

[Heald]

I would invite you to come to a Tea Party rally, maybe it will enlighten you.

Do I have to bring my own wooden cross to burn and robes or do they provide them for me?

[Roy Karrde]

Roy, you didn't have to listen to Carl Paladino for the past two months. He was a bigot, which is likely the reason he's not going to be governor of New York. I listened to this guy put his foot in his mouth, bashing gays, lying about his opponent to smear him, and I wondered what the GOP was ever thinking.

So you want to use one guy to bash a party? My God lets look at Nancy Pelosi then? How about Barney Frank the man responsible for the mess we are in.

People like this expose the rot at the heart of the Tea Party. The real GOP should not accept these pretenders. I thought you were a member of the real GOP, but I guess I was wrong.

So.. you take one person and equate a whole movement to them? My God you could have chosen some one a bit more closely associated with the Tea Party. Try Marco Rubio, he is considered the quintessential Tea Party candidate and a man who is already on the short list for the Vice Presidency. Oh wait that's right Marco Rubio is Hispanic, and the Tea Party are a bunch of racists right?

Do I have to bring my own wooden cross to burn and robes or do they provide them for me?

And you were saying before about not calling the whole Tea Party racists?

[Heald]

*Sigh* learn to take a joke, dude.

[crown34]

I swear someone's gonna have a field day with the " Rent's to Damn High Party".

[ChobiChibi]

Every time you guys say Tea Party, I can't help but imagine the scene from Alice in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter and such...

Here endeth why I hate politics.

[Dark Sage]

Every time you guys say Tea Party, I can't help but imagine the scene from Alice in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter and such...

Here endeth why I hate politics.

Believe me, the Tea Party makes about as much sense sometimes as the Hatter's famous riddle about ravens and writing desks.

And Roy, I looked up Marco Rubio. He's okay, but his Senate win in Florida was a sure thing. And exactly who wants him to be a running mate for the GOP in 2012? If you say Sarah Palin, I might bust a gut laughing.

[Roy Karrde]

And Roy, I looked up Marco Rubio. He's okay, but his Senate win in Florida was a sure thing. And exactly who wants him to be a running mate for the GOP in 2012? If you say Sarah Palin, I might bust a gut laughing.

Well if you looked up info on Marco Rubio then you would know that his Senate win in Florida was far from a sure thing. As he battled it out with Charlie Crist and at one point earlier this year looked like he was going to lose to Charlie Crist.

As for who wants him, right now we have a long list of candidates so far for President. But at the same time, we have a short list of who are viable for choices to be vice President. As ABC Radio pointed out last night at the 7:30 CST news break, he is good looking, young, a great speaker, latino, a wonderful story, and a quick rising star in the GOP and the Tea Party, as such he makes the short list for any GOP Presidential nominee who wants to tap into the latino and tea party vote.

[Dark Sage]

Long list? I'd like to see that list.

Roy, the only GOP candidate I know of that might be taken seriously who comes to mind is Huckabee. Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich are sure losers, and you know it.

And if I was a bigwig in the GOP right now (and I thank goodness I'm not) I would not look for a VP candidate to get the Tea Party vote. Maybe you don't realize what a blight this movement is becoming, but smart people sure do.

And I'm not singing out one person either. The Tea Party candidate in Delaware didn't even know what was in the First Amendment, and she was what pretty much ruined the GOP's chance to take control of the Senate.