Theater to Stream: Shakespeare Villains and Hot-Tub Dreams – The New York Times

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Dinner with Gertrude and Lillian

Caryl Churchills Top Girls engineered a meeting between female historical figures. Little Wars, Steven Carl McCaslands new play, also sticks with literary heroines. When a dinner party includes Lillian Hellman (Juliet Stevenson) and Gertrude Stein (Linda Bassett, wondrous in Escaped Alone at the Brooklyn Academy of Music), the conversation could get interesting. Through Feb. 14; broadwayondemand.com

L.A. Theater Works specializes in audio theater with startlingly good casts, and its impressive catalog keeps growing. The latest offering is Hannie Raysons eco-minded Extinction, with a cast that includes Sarah Drew and Joanne Whalley. Hankering for the days of before? Check out the last two productions Theater Works recorded in front of a live audience, early last year: a commissioned adaptation of Frankenstein by Kate McAll, starring Stacy Keach as the creature; and Qui Nguyens semi-autobiographical Vietgone, inspired by his Vietnamese refugee parents, and directed by Tim Dang. latw.org

Theater or something companies are calling theater by mail is alive and well. Ars Novas P.S. project has been going on since November; the second season of the Artistic Stamp companys epistolary project is underway, with a third beginning soon; and next month, Arena Stage is starting Ken Ludwigs Dear Jack, Dear Louise: Love Letter Experience.

The most ambitious initiative yet may well be Post Theatrical, which encompasses 13 mail-based theatrical experiences from companies in the United States, Lebanon and Hong Kong. Through June 30; posttheatrical.org

Remember Yorick, the jester whose skull plays a big part in Hamlet? He takes center stage in Francisco Reyess solo with puppets Yorick, la Historia de Hamlet/Yorick, the Story of Hamlet, presented by the Los Angeles contempory-arts center Redcat. American audiences may know Reyes from his role as Orlando in the Chilean movie A Fantastic Woman. In English with Spanish subtitles. Feb. 12-14; redcat.org

If youre wondering about the back story to the French song in that Allstate commercial, its Non, je ne regrette rien, made famous by Edith Piaf. And if you missed the biopic La Vie en Rose, head over to Raquel Brittons docu-concert Piaf Her Story Her Songs, brought to us by Broadways Best Shows and the Actors Fund. Feb. 15-18; actorsfund.org

For tunes in English, turn to Theater Forward, an organization that supports regional theater, which will offer performances by Jason Robert Brown, Kate Baldwin, George Salazar, Anika Noni Rose, Shaina Taub, Branden Noel Thomas, Taylor Iman Jones and the Bengsons for its annual benefit. Feb. 8; theatreforward.org

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Theater to Stream: Shakespeare Villains and Hot-Tub Dreams - The New York Times

IBM Algorithm Can Tell Who’s Going to Get Alzheimer’s by Reading Their Writing – Futurism

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Image by Natasha Connell via Unsplash / Futurism

A new artificial intelligence algorithm built by IBM may be able to help doctors diagnose or predict the onset of Alzheimers disease years before symptoms emerge.

And all it takes, The New York Times reports, is for subjects to tell that algorithm a story. By comparing writing samples from study participants over the years, the algorithm was able to predict the onset of Alzheimers disease years in advance with 75 percent accuracy potentially giving doctors a new tool for spotting Alzheimers and other serious neurodegenerative conditions before they would have otherwise.

The algorithm looks at data from a neurological study with 270 participants who were asked to, among other things, vividly describe what was happening in a simple image several times over the course of years, according to research published in the journal The Lancet. Based just on those samples, the algorithm learned to identify patterns like increasingly-repetitive language, typos, or missing words as signs of neurodegenerative disease.

This is the first report I have seen that took people who are completely normal and predicted with some accuracy who would have problems years later, Dr. Michael Weiner, an Alzheimers disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco who didnt work on the study, told the NYT.

Now that its been tested on Alzheimers, the IBM team plans to move on and test the algorithm against other neurological conditions, according to the NYT.

What is going on here is very clever, University of Pennsylvania Alzheimers research Dr. Jason Karlawish, who also didnt work on the study, told the NYT. Given a large volume of spoken or written speech, can you tease out a signal?

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IBM Algorithm Can Tell Who's Going to Get Alzheimer's by Reading Their Writing - Futurism

The Universe May Have a Fifth Dimension, According to New Research – Futurism

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A fifth dimension could finally explain the mysteries of dark matter.5D Everything

A team of German and Spanish scientists says theyve found a natural explanation for dark matter and other unresolved scientific mysteries but their work depends on the existence of a new theoretical subatomic particle and an entire fifth dimension of the universe.

The new particle, a yet-undiscovered type of fermion, would be able to traverse this new dimension and bind dark matter to the luminous matter that makes up everything in the universe we can see or touch, Motherboard reports, in a way that doesnt contradict any of the other models we have on how dark matter behaves. Its seems a bit far-fetched physicists creating new rules for the universe in order to explain their own theory but if it pans out, it could vastly improve our understanding of the cosmos.

The scientists explained to Motherboard that this new particle would likely be similar to and interact with the Higgs Boson, but that it would be too heavy to detect with the current generation of particle accelerators and colliders.

But assuming the particle and the fifth dimension it navigates both exist, it represents a unique window into dark matter, according to the teams paper, published in The European Physical Journal C last month.

If this heavy particle exists, it would necessarily connect the visible matter that we know and that we have studied in detail with the constituents of the dark matter, assuming that dark matter is composed out of fundamental fermions, which live in the extra dimension, a member of the team told Motherboard.

In lieu of a tangible way to prove that this mysterious particle or the fifth dimension exists, the researchers told Motherboard they hope that other scientists keep their model in mind as they continue to study particle physics and cosmology.

This could also eventually lead to an interesting cosmological history of the universe and might lead to the production of gravitational waves, the team told Motherboard. This is an interesting line of research, which we plan to follow in the months ahead.

READ MORE: Scientists Have Proposed a New Particle That Is a Portal to a 5th Dimension [Motherboard]

More on dark matter: Astronomers Find Over 1,200 Dark Matter Hot Spots

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The Universe May Have a Fifth Dimension, According to New Research - Futurism

NASA Boss: We Have "Every Indication" That Artemis Is Safe Under Biden – Futurism

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"Every indication we have so far, in week two of the new administration, is that Artemis will not be abandoned."Forging Ahead

Even though its under new leadership and commanded by a new presidential administration, NASA is still pushing ahead to launch and complete the Artemis missions to the Moon.

The series of missions, which include plans to send the next man and the first woman to the surface of the Moon and to establish a base of operations on the lunar surface, were set forth under the Trump administration, alongside extremely ambitious deadlines. But in an interview with Futurism, acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk said that NASA is still pushing ahead despite the change in leadership, and he doesnt expect to be told otherwise.

Every indication we have so far, in week two of the new administration, is that Artemis will not be abandoned, Jurczyk told Futurism.

But no matter how much NASA wants to meet the timelines, financial reality may get in the way. Jurczyk told Futurism that NASA was only granted $850 million for the human landing system in its 2021 budget about a quarter of the $3.2 billionthe agency asked for which might force it to push later Artemis missions back.

Mostly driven by budget and not necessarily by policy, Jurczyk said, were looking at the timeline for the Artemis III mission and that might affect the Artemis IV mission.

That said, Jurczyk said he still plans to launch Artemis I an uncrewed test of the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System in November of this year.

But even if individual missions within the Artemis program get pushed back, Jurczyk maintains that the program will still be invaluable as a testing ground and development environment for bigger and better things specifically reaching Mars.

And because of that, he feels that the Artemis missions and other human space travel initiatives will be safe and valued during the current and future presidential administrations.

I think using the International Space Station, using missions around and on the surface of the Moon, with the ultimate goal being Mars, is still the strategic direction for human exploration, Jurczyk said.

Read the rest of the Q&A: We Interviewed the New Head of NASA About SpaceX, China, and Aliens

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NASA Boss: We Have "Every Indication" That Artemis Is Safe Under Biden - Futurism

It’s Official: Biden Admin Fully Supports the Artemis Moon Program – Futurism

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"Certainly, we support this effort and endeavor."To the Moon

Senate Democrats and the White House have reiterated their support for NASAs Artemis program, which has the goal of returning the first human astronauts to the surface of the Moon as soon as 2024.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said during a conference today that the government will work with industry leaders to send another man and a woman to the Moon, which is very exciting. Psakis also called the Moon a waypoint to Mars.

Certainly, we support this effort and endeavor, she added.

In a Wednesday letter signed by 11 Democratic senators, lawmakers urged the Biden administration to fully fund the human landing system initiative.

Developing the next generation crewed lunar lander is an essential step in returning astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century, including the historic milestone of landing the first woman on the Moon, reads the letter.

The senators also urged NASA to proceed with the planned selection and to include all necessary funding for [the Human Landing System] in your FY 2022 budget request.

Overall, significant budget constraints have put a squeeze on the space agencys efforts to develop a human landing system capable of lowering astronauts to the Moons surface, as Ars Technica reports.

That tracks with what the new head of NASA, Steve Jurczyk, told Futurism earlier this week: that without full funding for the human landing system, a 2024 Moon landing will be logistically challenging.

READ MORE: Senate Democrats send a strong signal of support for Artemis Moon program [Ars Technica]

More on Artemis: NASA Boss: We Have Every Indication That Artemis Is Safe Under Biden

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It's Official: Biden Admin Fully Supports the Artemis Moon Program - Futurism

Avi Loeb and the Great Unknown – Futurism

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It was an otherwise non-notable day in October 2017 when Canadian astronomer Robert Weryk made an astonishing discovery.

Thanks to data from the University of Hawaiis Pan-STARRS1 telescope at the Kaleakala Observatory in Hawaii, Weryk spotted an unusual object, oblong and approximately the size of a football field, screaming through the solar system at 196,000 miles per hour. Strangest of all was that it seemed to be accelerating slightly, pushed by an invisible force that has yet to be fully explained.

Its highly unusual trajectory caused it to slingshot past our Sun, leading scientists to believe that the space object later dubbed Oumuamua, or scout in Hawaiian was the first ever visitor from outside our solar system to be observed directly.

Over the last three years, countless attempts have been made to explain Oumuamuas unprecedented characteristics. Some speculated that it was hydrogen iceberg, while others suggested it was a traveling space rock covered in a layer of organic sunscreen.

To Avi Loeb, astrophysicist and professor of science at Harvard University, the answer could be a tantalizing one. His controversial argument is that Oumuamua may have been a probe sent by an extraterrestrial civilization an explanation thats garnered enormous attention in the media and, unsurprisingly, proved divisive among experts.

In his new book, titled Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth, Loeb explores his provocative hypothesis, using the story of Oumuamua to lay the groundwork of a much greater conversation: the struggle to be taken seriously within a scientific community that has historically held the search for extraterrestrial intelligence at arms length.

During an interview with Futurism, Loeb argued that scientists explanations fell short of explaining Oumuamuas many quirks and eccentricities. The scientific community advocated for something that we have never seen before, he said.

One example of this was what Loeb referred to as the dust bunny hypothesis, which theorized that Oumuamuas odd trajectory could be explained by a very low density.

The problem with that is I dont think something of the size of a football field that is a dust bunny would survive a journey of millions of years through interstellar space, Loeb said, vacuuming up that hypothesis. I mean, I just dont think that it can hold itself together.

To Loeb, scientific explanations that attempted to squeeze Oumuamua into an existing scientific framework just didnt make sense.

The point is, you cant on the one hand say its natural, Loeb argued, and then whenever you try to actually explain it with natural processes, you come up with something that we have never seen before.

And thats how he ended up at aliens.

At the root of Loebs alien theory is that Oumuamua may have been a solar sail sent to us from another star system.

In the simplest terms, a solar or light sail is a form of spacecraft propulsion that turns the low pressure of solar radiation into movement. Earthling scientists have already experimented with the concept; in 2019, the non-profit Planetary Societylaunched a craft called LightSail-2,which uses 340 square feet of an extremely thin layer of reflective polyester film to gradually propel itself.

To Loeb, a solar sail being pushed by starlight could explain Oumuamuas unexpected acceleration. If its solid and isnt a dust bunny, the astrophysicist concluded that the interstellar visitor must also be shockingly thin perhaps, according to his calculations, less than a millimeter thick.

To the astronomer, the solar sail conclusion was following footsteps, just like detective Sherlock Holmes. When you rule out all other possibilities, whatever youre left with must be the truth.

That conclusion is a stretch to many astronomers in the field, who have repeatedly challenged Loebs conclusion.

In a 2019 study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, an international team of researchers argued that they found no compelling evidence to favor an alien explanation for Oumuamua.

Oumuamuas properties are consistent with a natural origin, University of Maryland astronomer Matthew Knight, co-author of the study, toldReuters at the time, and an alien explanation is unwarranted.

Their argument was that Oumuamua is a planetesimal, or a small fragment of a planetary building block that just happened to drift through our star system.

Weryk,who discovered the object in the first place, had no kind words for Loebs hypothesis. Honestly, thats a bit of wild speculation, he told the CBC in 2018.

I think its a remnant from another solar system, Weryk added. Its just something that happened to run into us, and we were very lucky to have been operating the telescope that night and looking in that direction.

These rebuttals appear to have only emboldened Loebs investigations into the alien origins of Oumuamua as well as leading him to make a passionate plea to the scientific community, as outlined in his book, to take SETI research seriously.

To Loeb, its all about reading the stars with an open mind.

My guiding principle is modesty, he told Futurism. If we are not arrogant, if we are modest, we would say that life, the way we have it, must be common.

We now know from the Kepler satellite data that about half of the Sun-like stars have a planet like the Earth, roughly at the same distance, so that it can have liquid water and the chemistry of life as we know it, Loeb said, referring to the habitable zone of a star system within which life can theoretically could be supported.

So we know that the dice was rolled billions of times in the galaxy, he said. And if you arrange for similar circumstances like we have on Earth, you would get a similar outcome.

To Loeb, this simple calculation is conservative, not speculative, and that it should be the mainstream view. But proposing that we are not alone in the universe is seen as a fringe view and the mainstream claims there should be a taboo.

The scientific community can address a topic even if other people address it in a way that is not scientific and doesnt make much sense, Loeb argued.

So my point is the existence of the literature on science fiction or the existence of unsubstantiated UFO reports should not eliminate this subject from being part of the mainstream discussion, he added.

In fact, Loeb contended that it is less speculative than other areas of study, from the study of dark matter to multiverse and string theories.

All of these hypothetical concept for which we have no basis, he said. And you have communities of hundreds of scientists working on giving each other awards and honors and so forth, he added in a slightly derisive tone.

To him, the refusal to believe we are not alone in the universe is a vicious cycle of self-fulfilling prophecies.

When you put blinders on, youre not searching for anyone else, you might think that youre special, he said.

The only way to break that taboo, to break that state of mind, is to find evidence for others, Loeb argued. But, if you dont search, you will never find it, closing the cycle.

Worst of all, a lack of funding for SETI research only ends up deterring young people from entering this field, Loeb said.

So the search for life beyond the Earth must go on and Loeb has plenty of ideas on how to do so.

Arguably the most ambitious plan hes involved with, a project called Breakthrough Starshot, is a proof-of-concept interstellar probe project by Breakthrough Initiativesthat involves sending an army of small light sails called Starchips as far as Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to our own at just over four light years away.

TheCentauri system contains a promising planetary candidate called Proxima b, a tantalizingly Earth-like planet.

Four light year may not sound like much on paper, but the distances that the sails would have to cover are immense. Rather than harnessing the solar radiation from the Sun, the project is investigating if we can shoot an extremely powerful laser at these spacecraft from here on Earth to provide enough acceleration.

Its an endeavor that involves near-insurmountable hurdles. In fact, Loeb isnt sure if the Starshot project will materialize in his lifetime and Breakthrough Initiatives estimates that it could take 20 years for the mission to reach Alpha Centauri after launch.

But I think we have to do it as a civilization, Loeb told Futurism. We have to go in that direction and consider how to visit other stars, because currently all our eggs are in one basket here on Earth and we cant ignore the risk from a catastrophe.

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Avi Loeb and the Great Unknown - Futurism

HALs futuristic, deadly CATS to be battle-ready by 2024-25 – The New Indian Express

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By Express News Service

BENGALURU:Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is looking at a 2024-25 deadline to develop its unique Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), a deep penetration attack system that enables a fighter pilot to remain safely within the countrys borders, while being able to deploy missiles or swarms of drones deep into enemy territory to destroy targets.

The project, with an initial investment of Rs 400 crore, comprises three components that can be separately or simultaneously deployed CATS Hunter, CATS Warrior and Alpha-S -- all of which are unmanned systems, but which can be controlled from the mothership, the fighter aircraft from which it is launched by its pilot from a safe distance. This unique concept will ensure maximum firepower against enemy targets, while keeping the pilot and fighter aircraft out of enemy fire.

The CATS Hunter is being conceived as an air-launched cruise missile that has the capability of deep penetration strikes which can be released by a fighter aircraft like LCA Tejas, Jaguar or Sukhoi-30 MKI. CATS Warrior can take off on its own from the ground and target enemy locations carrying heavy explosives. It can go up to 700km and hit a target, or fly 350km, release attack drones and return to base, said Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL.

The Warrior can also carry and release the Alpha-S, a swarm of up to 24 drones each carrying about 5-8kg of explosives, and can target multiple enemy locations simultaneously on being released. Alternatively, the Alpha-S can be released directly by a fighter aircraft using a glider that can carry the drone swarms deep into enemy territory, controlled by the pilot from the mothership. The drones in the swarm of Alpha-S are networked via electronic data links, and equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors. This enables each drone to select separate targets.

The CATS Warrior and Hunter can be powered by a modified PTE-7 engine of the HAL, which was the power plant of the Lakshya unmanned aircraft. He said it will take around 15 months for the mothership to be made compatible with CATS.

We should be able to develop the CATS by 2024-25, he said. We are investing our own funds and going ahead with the project, and subsequently the Indian Air Force will come in. HAL had quietly initiated the CATS project in 2017, and also tested the project in Pokhran for the IAF, and its capability had left senior officers impressed.

Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs) are being developed and tested to deliver rations and supplies to soldiers posted at high altitude border posts, Chatterjee said. With extremely difficult conditions making helicopter flights almost impossible to carry rations to forward posts, HAL has come up with RUAVs to do the job instead.

SHOOTER SATELLITE UAVHAL is planning to develop an unmanned flying system that can fly at about 70,000ft continuously for 2-3 months, to maintain surveillance on the ground below. Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL, described it as the first in the world. This is a futuristic concept which no other country has yet developed. It will be a solar energised system. We are developing this jointly with a startup,he said.

IAF proposal for basic trainer HTT40HAL has received a Request for Proposal (RFP) and quotation from the IAF for its basic trainers requirement, at Aero India 2021 on Thursday. The documents were handed over to HAL CMD R Madhavan, by Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, and Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, VL Kantha Rao. The RFP is for 70 HTT40 aircraft, with an additional clause for 38 more. Production will take place at HALs two manufacturing units in Bengaluru and Nashik. The RFP has come within six years of HALs first flight, which is claimed to be the shortest timeline in the aircraft industry. The trainer will have more than 60% indigenous content.

MoUs with MIDHANI, GE Aviation signedHAL on Thursday signed an MoU with MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited) at the ongoing Aero India 2021 for development and production of composite raw materials. Composites raw materials, mainly in the form of Prepregs used in platforms like LCA, ALH, LCH and LUH are currently imported. HAL also signed a contract with GE Aviation for development and supply of ring forgings for GE Aviation military and commercial engine programmes. The 5-year contract valued over `100 crore involves supplying both steel and nickel alloy forgings for shrouds, cases, rings and seals. The forgings will be manufactured at HALs new facility at its Foundry and Forge Division in Bengaluru.

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HALs futuristic, deadly CATS to be battle-ready by 2024-25 - The New Indian Express

chengdu’s futuristic fully-automated unmanned metro stations open to the public – Designboom

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J&A and sepanta design have collaborated in the interior design of chengdus first fully-automatic unmanned metro line. dubbed chengdu metro line 9 phase I, the project covers approximately 22 kilometers running southeast to northwest and includes 13 underground stations designed to entirely change peoples expectations of what metro stations can offer them.

images by CHAPA

our main aim in the design of chengdu metro stations was to provoke emotions, said reza esmaeeli, founder of sepanta design and design director at chetwoods architects. there are some metro stations around the world that do that, but not many. metro stations in central moscow are a great example of how to take the design to another level and go beyond the functional and regulatory requirements. chengdu metro stations are not going to be merely points of transit. they are going to be memorable spaces that offer their passengers an artistic and futuristic expression of their own culture.

when designing the chengdu metro stations, J&A and sepanta design were inspired by the culture and the artistry of sichuan silk and embroidery. through its interior design they aimed to reflect chengdus progressive and creative spirit. the result is an abstract interpretation of the embroidery techniques, featuring continuous movements of lines that interweave, creating nodes, patterns and textures.

the 13 stations were divided in two categories feature stations and standard artistic stations. the feature stations have a unique concept and reflect their local environment while the standard ones follow the same design with a few local elements differentiating them. each feature station has a different sub-theme based on its location, which is explored and defined by use of its own color palette, featured zones, bespoke furniture, special activities and choice of materials.

overall, sepanta and J&A design wanted to create design concepts that were fully inclusive and that all the conceptual and functional elements would come together under one organizational form.

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chengdu's futuristic fully-automated unmanned metro stations open to the public - Designboom

Surgeons Give Man New Face and Hands – Futurism

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Image by Victor Tangermann

Joe DiMeo, a 22-year-old from New Jersey, recently underwent an extremely rare face and hands transplant, the Associated Press reports a testament to the advancements of modern medicine.

After being badly burned in a car crash in 2018, DiMeo spent months in a medically induced coma and had to have 20 reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts. But the most recent operation carried out at the NYU Langone Health hospital could end up being lifechanging.

I knew it would be baby steps all the way, DiMeo told the AP. Youve got to have a lot of motivation, a lot of patience. And youve got to stay strong through everything.

Despite the surgery, DiMeo will have to make some adjustments. For one, he still has to learn how to control the muscles in his new face and hands. He will also have to stay on medications for the rest of his life to avoid his body rejecting the transplants.

The fact they could pull it off is phenomenal, Bohdan Pomahac, a surgeon at Bostons Brigham and Womens Hospital, who had previously carried out a double hand transplant, told the AP. I know firsthand its incredibly complicated. Its a tremendous success.

The anonymous,deceased donor of DiMeos new hands and face was fitted with replica parts that were constructed using 3D photography and printing, the New York Post reports.

Despite the fact that theyre now declared deceased we still respect the dignity of the donor, Eduardo Rodriguez, lead surgeon, told the New York Post. Its important for us to continue to care for the donor because that patient is still our patient.

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This Cadillac Cyclone Concept Car Pushed The Boundaries Of Futuristic Styling – HotCars

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Beautiful, futuristic, and way too ahead of its time, the Cadillac Cyclone concept car is unique and truly one-of-a-kind.

In 1959, General Motors designer whiz Harley Earl, the man behind the Buick Wildcat and the Corvette, designed what would be one of his last cars the Cadillac Cyclone Concept, although he himself retired in 1958 at the mandatory age of 65.

There is only one Cyclone ever built and it remains one of the most future-forward concept cars ever. So ahead of its time, it never entered production. And sixty years later, it remains a concept, although largely forgotten because of Father Time and Uncle Progress.

Most people dont know much about the car and cannot really recognize it unless they are true automobile cognoscenti. But it is still a fascinating car to have been made back then, with some of its concepts that sounded way too far-fetched now being used as everyday tech, though not in the same way as it was in the Cyclone.

Beautiful, futuristic, and way too ahead of its time, the Cadillac Cyclone concept car is unique and truly one-of-a-kind. Heres more about it and how it pushed the boundaries of car design and safety

RELATED:Here's Why The Volvo Amazon Marks An Important Shift In Design

Lets start with the look of the car. While it started its life painted white when Bill Mitchell took over from Harley Earl, he finally got it done up in silver and thats how the Cyclone looks today.

It has a flip-top canopy done up in the glass, giving it a bubble-top appearance and it came fully powered. At the touch of a button, it would disappear into the trunk and rest on a specially made airbag to keep it safe and out of sight.In reality, though, the car was only designed to have a powered canopy since it never went into production, the concept cars canopy remained a manual one, and rather cumbersome to boot.

To keep the inside of the car cool and not turn into a greenhouse because of all that glass, the canopy was coated in vaporized silver to deflect the suns rays, and honestly, that kind of a think-tank for 1958-59 is pretty commendable.

The doors were sliding, like the kind we see on vans today, although no modern cars were able to take cues from it. The sliding doors would also open at the push of a button, making ingress and egress pretty easy. Since there was no window in the car and any kind of interaction would require the canopy to go back, there was a rectangle in the door, to allow for communication without the need to open the top, with external speakers as well to let the drivers voice come through easily. This was also an easy way to pay the toll, although, considering the Cyclones dimension, the driver better had some long arms, like those of the law.

RELATED:Ranking The 18 Most Incredible Concept Cars Of All Time

The place where most cars bear a headlight, the Cyclone had these rocket-like black cones. And strangely enough, these were not for show but had an actual purpose, something no one needed back then but is pretty commonplace today, although not as ostentatiously placed or displayed.

The black edges of the front nosecones had a radar-based guidance system that would go in sync with smart roads and even back then, had a proximity warning system that would let the driver known of any obstacles on the road, way before he or she ended up hitting them. Pretty far-fetched back then, although this is one of the most common safety mechanisms todays cars carry. At the time though, people probably laughed at the idea, wondering why the driver needed to be warned of obstacles ahead, considering he had eyes

RELATED:15 Disappointing Cars That Looked Way Better As Concepts

The Cadillac Cyclone Concept car, code-named the XP 74, came powered by Caddys 6.4-liter V8 that jetted 325 horses, de-tuned in fact, and made 430 ft-lb torque. It ran on a two-speed rear differential mated to a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. To make the actual car, a standard chassis off the Cadillac assembly line that measured 225 inches with a 130-inch wheelbase was shortened to 196.9 inches with a 104-inch wheelbase. This makes it only slightly longer and a bit wider than the 2016 Cadillac CTS.

It debuted at the 1959 Daytona 500 and after that remained a significant part of GMs Motorama. The car also underwent a few changes over with its tailfins gradually being reduced in size to keep it looking closer to Caddys styling at the time.

For a long time since then, it remained on display at the GM Heritage museum though it has often been taken out for parades, car shows, and even been lent to various museums as part of exchange programs.The car is a design marvel for sure, and apparently, one of the many automobiles that drove Ed Welburn to become a car designer, and later even chief of design at GM itself.

Sources: Hemmings, GMAuthority, HistoricVehicle, AutomobileMag

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This Hellcat Swapped Chrysler 300 Is The Super Saloon Chrysler's Too Afraid To Make

Arun Singh Pundir has been a longtime media crackerjack and worked most of his life in sales and marketing. In 2018, he officially flipped and switched sides to the editorial. He lives with his wife, two rascally sons, and is a car and motorcycle nut in his free time. Not that he has too much free time. He currently writes for HotCars on anything that has any number or kind of wheels. He considers his Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, Suzuki Ciaz, and Royal Enfield Classic 500, the three current flames of his life. His dream is to drive around the world; even if it takes more than eighty days.

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Pentagon orders stand-down over fascist threat in US military – WSWS

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The threat of a fascist military coup in America that erupted to the surface with the storming of the US Capitol on January 6 has not ended; it has only just begun.

This is the only serious conclusion one can draw from the extraordinary order issued Thursday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for a stand-down by the entire US military and its 2.1 million personnel to discuss the problem of extremism in the ranks.

The order followed a meeting between Austin, a retired general and former commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), civilian service chiefs and the uniformed Joint Chiefs of Staff which made clear that the Pentagon brass has no clear idea of the extent of the spread of fascist and white supremacist forces in the military, nor has it carried out any systematic effort to uproot them.

Following the meeting, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the Capitol coup attempt had been a wake-up call for the military. Extremism in the military was not an insignificant problem, he said, and the number of troops involved was not as small as anyone would like.

The meeting of the top brass convened by Austin follows reports that former and active-duty military personnel comprised up to one-fifth of those arrested for storming the Capitol building in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Joseph Bidens election as president and the defeat of Donald Trump.

It was clear from the Pentagon press conference that the senior command has no coherent plan for confronting the issue. We dont know how were going to be able to get after this in a meaningful, productive, tangible way, and that is why he had this meeting today, and that is certainly why he ordered this stand-down, Kirby said.

The stand-down, which is to be organized across the sprawling US military over the next 60 days, as yet appears to be conceived as little more than commanding officers delivering pep talks to their units professing the Pentagons opposition to extremism.

In no sense, clearly, will the stand-down signal any reduction in US military acts of aggression and provocation around the globe. On the contrary, the first weeks of the Biden administration have seen US warships stage provocative deployments in the Black Sea and the Strait of Taiwan, while US B-52 bombers are continuing their menacing overflights of the Persian Gulf.

The role of current and former military personnel in the January 6 events has emerged with increasing clarity over the past month. Among those killed in the coup attempt was Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, shot by police as she attempted to break into the Speakers Lobby.

Among those criminally charged is Lt. Col. Larry Rendall Brock, a retired Air Force officer who broke into the Senate chamber holding zip ties, presumably intended for use in seizing members of Congress as hostages. Meanwhile, active-duty Army Captain Emily Rainey is under investigation for organizing buses to the Trump rally from the area of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

In the storming of the Capitol, militias that recruit former and current soldiers, including most prominently the Oath Keepers, played a pivotal role, organizing military-style squads to breach the entrances to the building. Former military personnel in the Oath Keeperswhich continues to call for its supporters to fight against the communists and deep state traitors who have stolen the White Househave been charged with conspiracy, as have members of the Proud Boys, whom Trump infamously told to stand back and stand by.

Those participating in the physical storming of the Capitol were only the most visible military participants in Trumps coup plot. Retired Gen. Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security adviser, played a leading role in the stop the steal campaign based on the fabricated claims of a stolen election, which set the stage for the January 6 coup. He was a vocal advocate of Trump invoking the Insurrection Act and imposing martial law to overturn the election and establish what would have amounted to a presidential dictatorship.

Flynns extreme right-wing politics are undoubtedly shared by other senior officers still in uniform. Still unexplained by the Pentagon is the role played by his brother, Lt. Gen. Charles A. Flynn, who participated in the deliberations that led the Army to delay the dispatch of National Guard troops to the Capitol until the mayhem was over.

Trump clearly had a plan to utilize sections of the military and neutralize others in his attempt to overturn the election and hold onto power. In the immediate aftermath of his defeat at the polls, he carried out a wholesale purge of the Pentagons top leadership, installing extreme right-wing loyalists in key positions, headed by former Special Forces Colonel Christopher Miller.

Nearly a year before the election, Trump had demonstratively sought to curry favor with the militarys Special Operations personnel with his lionizing of, and pardons for, convicted war criminals like Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher.

There is no doubt that the Trump administration cultivated the growth of extreme-right and outright fascist elements within the military. The roots, however, run far deeper. They lie most fundamentally in the inextricably linked deepening of the crisis of US and world capitalism and the corresponding crumbling and disintegration of democratic forms of rule.

A key element in this process has been the inexorable growth of US militarism, as American capitalism has sought to offset its economic decline by increasing reliance on armed might. The result has been 30 years of uninterrupted war waged by Washington in the Middle East and Central Asia. The use of an all volunteer force to wage these wars, in many cases through multiple deployments, and the concentration of immense political power in the hands the Pentagons combatant commanders, has steadily eroded the constitutional principle of civilian control of the military.

In his brilliant June 1933 essay on the rise of Hitlers Nazis in Germany, What Is National Socialism?, Leon Trotsky wrote:

The banner of National Socialism was raised by upstarts from the lower and middle commanding ranks of the old army. Decorated with medals for distinguished service, commissioned and noncommissioned officers could not believe that their heroism and sufferings for the Fatherland had not only come to naught, but also gave them no special claims to gratitude. Hence their hatred of the revolution and the proletariat.

Among the 2.7 million military personnel who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, there are doubtless not a few who share similar sentiments about their own sufferings in Washingtons dirty colonial-style wars having come to naught.

The alternatives posed in 1933socialism or fascismare the same ones that now confront the working class in the United States and internationally.

The combined threat of militarism and fascism is by no means a uniquely American phenomenon. From Germany to Brazil, Spain and across the globe, there is a growth of both fascist elements within the security forces and support by the military for fascistic movements.

The role played by the Democrats and Biden demonstrates the futility and danger in relying on any section of the capitalist ruling class, its parties or institutions to counter these threats or defend democratic rights.

Together with the media and virtually the whole of the pseudoleft, they have sought to cover up the high level conspiracy and role of the military in the events of January 6. Instead, Biden appeals for unity with his Republican colleagues who provoked and directly aided the coup attempt. They are united in a common defense of the interests of a ruling financial oligarchy and in the imposition of a homicidal policy that places profits above lives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defeating the threat of fascism and military dictatorship and the defense of democratic rights can be achieved only through the methods of class struggle and the fight for the socialist transformation of society.

See the article here:

Pentagon orders stand-down over fascist threat in US military - WSWS

Just The Point: Do you really hate Socialism? Winters Express – Winters Express

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By Richard KleebergSpecial to the Express

Socialism has become a controversial word; many people fear Socialism far more than pandemics, war or famine. But when people understand what modern Socialism is today, and see how it improves our Capitalistic system, they realize they actually do value, encourage and promote it.

The definition of Socialism has changed drastically since it was first proposed in the early 1800s. Socialism originally meant that the State would own or control both production and property. But modern Socialism, employed by democratically elected governments today in England, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Norway, Finland and France, is far different. It is a system designed to produce programs and projects for the good of the community, and a community safety net, all without impairing economic growth.

Today, Socialism, often called Democratic Socialism, is based on a foundation of Capitalism. There is no State ownership or control of production or property. Instead, the State (the government or the local community) collects taxes from everyone to expand the reach of Capitalism, and assist the community by providing social programs and services, paid for by all.

Our public library is an excellent example of Socialism. All taxpayers in the community help fund the library, providing this service to everyone in the community. The public library is not free it takes tax dollars to operate and it provides all of us with the opportunity to read books, and use computers, with no charge.

Our extensive national highway system is a Socialistic project, which was authorized in 1956, by Republican President Dwight Eisenhower. We all pay for this incredible highway system, whether we use it every day or never at all.

Our public water system in Winters is also Socialism. We each pay our share to build and maintain the City water system. And, as homeowners, even if we use absolutely no water at all, we still must pay a mandatory monthly fee.

Airports are another example. We are all taxed to fund our major airports, whether we fly weekly, occasionally or never at all. There is no entrance fee at the airport, but it is certainly not free. Whether you use it or not, the airport is good for the community.

The list of Socialistic programs and projects that work to improve Capitalism, and our community, is extensive. Modern Socialism is public schools, public parks, the Post Office, and our police and fire departments. Socialism is also bridges, garbage collection, Social Security and Medicare. And it is food stamps, our court system, prisons and museums. All are paid for by the entire community, for the benefit of the community, even if we never use them or participate.

So why does the word Socialism scare people? Because of politics and propaganda. Some people argue that Hitlers Nazis, (the National Socialist German Workers Party), were Socialists. Some say that the USSR (the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics) was Socialist. Both claims are false.

Germany and Russia both chose the word Socialist for its propaganda value. Neither the Nazis or the Russian Communists were Socialists at all they had no desire or intent to offer social services, to provide programs for the community, or to create a safety net for the common good. They chose the word Socialism because it appealed to the masses, who mistakenly believed their government was interested in helping lower-class workers.

We can see similar word propaganda in the official names of the former communist East Germany, and with North Korea today. East Germany called themselves the German Democratic Republic. And today North Korea is officially the Democratic Republic of North Korea. But we all know that East Germany was in no way a democracy or a republic, and of course, North Korea today is a terrifying dictatorship.

Modern Socialism improves our society because Capitalism, by itself, provides no community programs or projects, and offers no safety net for the less fortunate, the sick or injured, or for the elderly. Modern Socialism is not really scary at all; it needs to be expanded for it is a conscientious and ethical method to improve the lives of millions of people.

Continue reading here:

Just The Point: Do you really hate Socialism? Winters Express - Winters Express

Letter: The socialist agenda is running amok in the U.S. – Daily Record-News

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The paranoid purge continues

The socialists need to convince us all now, that conservatives are domestic terrorists and white supremacists.

According to comrade Pelosi we are the enemy within Congress. The only hate speech allowed is that from the all-knowing socialists and big brother tech. I see that Facebook has recently canceled Pat Fischer comments on the Daily Record letters and defending her own. The comments from socialists too fake and nutty to write their own letters are all thats left in the comment section.

Im sure they are good people, just confused/conflicted. Intolerant socialists patting themselves on the back without dissent. No such thing as freedom of speech that does not agree with theirs. They always lose arguments when freedom is allowed to flourish. Freedom bad, government good. Females are males and males are females. We can build new energy sources, roads, and infrastructure without mining or fossil fuels. Vaccinate Gitmo prisoners first. Teach sex-ed in kindergarten. Make everyone else pay for worthless college indoctrination degrees and to have their children aborted. Rewrite history so we wont repeat it. And do it all for free. Now lets get loaded!

Not only do they need President Trump out of office, they need to destroy him and any others that believe America is great. Aint gonna happen socialists. Youre already so nervous you are now praising law enforcement. You are also vetting the National Guard for any that have supported Trump. You are pursuing a worthless unconstitutional impeachment and again on false accusations out of pure hatred. You have been inciting violence for the past four years! You talk of unity now?

That fence up around the Capitol is another one of your great ideas to unite us. Looks like any other totalitarian regime now. Heck, poor old Joe isnt even trying to run the office. You and your swamp are telling him what to do! We now have a fake president and fake news! If our elections have become corrupted, democracy of and for the people is finished. The socialists spent the last four years contesting our elections. With them in charge, we may never know now. Communist Russia and China are proud and happy America is last again. Oh well if it gets miserable enough in America, the illegals and others escaping socialism may decide to stay home instead.

We choose truth over facts J.Biden Doublespeak G.Orwell, 1984

Originally posted here:

Letter: The socialist agenda is running amok in the U.S. - Daily Record-News

Letters to the Editor – pvtimes.com

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Unlikely Nevada will have enough vaccine for near future

On Jan 11, 2021, governor Sisolak gave a news conference, aired on Channel 5, about the COVID-19 vaccination program in Nevada. It emerged that the state of Nevada had received 170,000 doses of vaccine since Dec 14, 2020, and that 61,000 have been used, leaving 109,000 in storage.

There are about 3 million residents in Nevada. If all residents were vaccinated twice, then 6 million doses would be needed. At 60,000 shots in the arm per month it would take about 100 months, or more than eight years to complete the vaccination program (or four years if we went with one dose)!

Now, that length of time is not likely because our health care system is currently under a terrible strain from the surge in COVID-19 cases. We will likely be able to devote more resources to vaccination when the surge abates. Also, we will learn how to be more efficient.

However, that being said, it seems highly unlikely that Nevada will be able to boost its vaccination rate to over half a million per month.

This would be about ten times the current rate, and needed to complete a one-dose program by end of June this year (HHS secretary Azar on Dec. 23 claimed this would be done). Even if we could do a half million per month we might be limited by supply from the manufacturers. Lets hope that as more vaccine manufacturers come online, and existing ramp-up production, supply will not be limiting.

Anyway, what I conclude is that the state will not be able to vaccinate enough people to provide a general immunity anytime soon. Maybe by the end of 2021. We are sensibly prioritizing health care workers, the elderly in nursing homes, and other essential workers for shots which should reduce the death rate faster than a first come-first served program.

George Tucker

Mail-in voting does not prove there was voter fraud

David Perlman in the PV Times on Jan 27, took the position that mail-in voting constituted the theft of the election. Yet, like Trump and others, he did not present one shred of evidence to prove his assertion.

At least 34 states, many of them like Florida, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, and Utah, states that Trump won, allowed mail-in voting. The Democrats, if they wanted to use the same tactics like Trump and Mr. Perlman, could assert that Trump lost these states because they allowed mail-in voting. Fortunately, our legal system does not allow assertions without evidence to rule our representative republic.

That is why Trump, in his 61 attempts to get a court hearing, many of the courts presided over by Republican judges, failed to even get a hearing on voter fraud.

Task Mr. Perlman to consider this hypothetical example. Suppose you were the Republican secretary of state in Georgia, a state that Biden narrowly won. The local prosecutor has just indicted you for aiding and abetting voter fraud. Wouldnt you demand the prosecutor to present proof,, which our legal system requires before a verdict could be considered, instead of unfounded hearsay?

No government has ever been perfect. Ours is no exception. But it is certainly much better than one that would be instituted by an angry, and in many cases, an ignorant mass of mobsters. Please, Mr. Perlman, lets keep what we have. Albeit, it is not perfect, many have died for it. Lets try to make changes through our peaceful democratic process..

I remember my college professor in history when he stated, throughout the ages it has been proven, time and again, that revolutions, seldom if ever make life better for the people at large. More often than not, they amount to one power structure replacing another one, which is worse for most of them.

Jim Ferrell

Trump impeachment is waste of time and money

Well, here we go again, our government wasting time and money with this ridiculous impeachment and trial. As I said in my letter a couple of weeks ago, it is a waste of time because Trump will be timed out before they can push him out.

The proponents claim that if he is convicted, which is highly unlikely, he will not be able to run for another federal office. What ex-president has ever sought that? None that I can remember.

This is just vindictiveness because the Democrats never got over Trump beating Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election after the polls said that she would win in a landslide. They hated him from day one and did everything they could to get in his way.

I read an editorial question in this newspaper, are we heading for another civil war? I think that its already here. We have left-wing radicals destroying cities, Portland and Seattle are examples, then there are right-wing radicals invading Washington, breaking into offices of politicians, breaking, and stealing property..

Biden won by a slim margin, which means that almost half of the voters voted for Trump. It would be nice to see Biden try to convince the Senate to refuse to go forward with the trial since some constitutional scholars claim that its unconstitutional anyway. Biden says that he wants to unite the country, stopping the Trump trial would be a first step to accomplish this.

George Cross

BLM plays crucial role in protection of conservation areas

President Biden has established the commendable goal of protecting 30 percent of our nations lands and waters by 2030. This could be a significant response to the mounting climate and extinction crises. However, achievement of this goal is questionable given the failure of federal agencies to protect some lands that should already be protected under existing laws.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the most federal lands. It could play a crucial role in meeting this goal. Unfortunately, the BLM cannot do so because it has repeatedly proven unwilling to provide required protection.

The BLM continues to allow harmful commercial livestock grazing and other uses in many of its national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, and areas of critical environmental concern. Indeed, the BLM recently approved a controversial Northern Corridor Highway through its Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in southwest Utah. This approval goes against the statutory conservation purposes of this area, degrades lands acquired for permanent protection, jeopardizes Mojave desert tortoises, and destroys their legally designated critical habitat.

The BLMs dominant management culture is regressive, biased, and secretive. I know because I worked for them from 2002-2017. This culture persists, including during the eight Obama administration years. Managers tend to be most afraid of commercial interests, angry ranchers, and the politicians who support them. They allow political expediency to supersede the law, science, and public interest. Protection can be a mere word in legal documents when it is not effectively implemented.

To help achieve his important conservation goals, President Biden should fundamentally reform the BLMs dominant management culture.

Richard Spotts

Great Reset to address worlds most pressing problems

Few people have heard or are aware of whats being called the Great Reset. Its not really new and has been renewed and added changes and upgrades for many years, including new apostles. It was conducted in Davos, Switzerland by worldwide commerce leaders and world political leaders or by their representatives, including the USA.

They plan to address, what they feel, are the most pressing problems the world faces today.

First and foremost is global warming, next is inequity around the world. Theyre not interested in correcting these things through individual governments or individual international corporations, their plans resemble copying certain government action taken by various governments throughout history (even recent history) on a worldwide scale that all countries will need to conform to.

There may be some of these people who are naive true believers, but with a little thought, one can see the advantages of joining this worldwide Reset. There will be forms of dues to be paid and rules to be followed, but this will be well worth the protections received. For example, if they gain enough power on a global scale, competition, especially on a global scale, will disappear. Members will be only subject to their elected board, with little regard for individual countries rules and laws. These people realized how easy it was to control populations around the world because of the pandemic and knew it was time to make some bold moves towards these long-awaited plans.

They also realize they must gain a level of worldwide support, which can be accomplished by sprinkling some free stuff to various people in need along with a plethora of promises of the more good things to come. Some will regard these leaders as saints and saviors, a tactic that is seen through the pages of history, by sincere believers and tyrants alike. No doubt there will remain democratic practices such as voting, but true power will be in the international power structure. The results will not only affect small business by controlling their growth through regulations and tax policies that may be seen as competitive threats to the members dominance, but down to the individual by controlling one of the cornerstones of the free enterprise system, to which they have already declared Capitalism is dead. Chances are this would start out violently like the many times before in history, it will happen legally through things like increased property tax rates, or failure to comply with standards of energy compliance, not have the properly approved appliances. Which naturally you can only buy from members if this internal cabal.

Some of these things have taken place and are still taking place, the National Socialist Workers Party (the NAZIS), a refined form of the Communist Chinese Party, well know how successful it can be to have government and commerce work together for mutual benefits of each other in particular, as long as youre able to keep the masses under control. Its no different than George Orwells Animal Farm except on a world scale when after all the animals revolted against Farmer Jones and ousted him, all the animals were equal, some just more equal than others.

David Jaronik

Fascism could come to America in the name of liberalism

When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross, is a quote that is dubiously attributed to Sinclair Lewis, author of It Cant Happen Here. Written in 1935 at a time when fascist regimes were consolidating their power in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Lewis basically envisions a scenario where the United States becomes an authoritarian state through a president coming into power by embracing patriotism, traditional values, and economic and social transformation; and buttressed by a base of ultranationalist, religious fanatics, and xenophobes. He furthers his hold on power by suppressing a free and liberal press, and supporting a paramilitary that enforces the policies of the president and terrorizes all opposition. As prophetic aspects of this novel are in light of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and our democracy, we are not fully holding everybody who contributed to the big lie(s) accountable and reforming the infrastructure that breeds the big lies.

After challenges to the presidential election have been reviewed ad nauseum (repeated to the point of nausea) it would take a long stretch of the imagination to claim that the election was fraudulent, and all of our institutions and officials were complicit in a grand scheme. Thankfully, our courts, election officials and security experts did a remarkable job objectively calling the election. Either the adherers of fraud are choosing not to accept above any reasonable doubt the results because their man did not get enough votes and they are so distressed of the new administration that they will not accept the majoritys decision and jeopardize our democracy or they are mesmerized diehards that are completely entrenched in their beliefs and trust in Trump that nothing will enlighten them.

If fascism ever comes to America, it will come in the name of liberalism (60 Minutes December 1975), is a quote that is attributed to President Ronald Reagan. Although by liberalism he did not mean to liberate as Trump and his supporters of patriots promoted in the Save America rally, he has ironically identified a key tenet of Trumps supporters. It is a liberalism, under almost all circumstances that gives people the right to do whatever they chose, freedom without limits. Patriots apparently think it is alright to liberate states (by kidnapping governors), have freedom to not wear masks (as you endanger others), and now protest the steal (by violently attacking and murdering). Save America by destroying it is oxymoronic or just moronic if anything is.

President Ronald Reagan spent World War II as an Army captain in the first motion picture unit fighting fascism. In 1946 he began making speeches condemning fascism and communism. His speeches against fascism focused on the atrocities of World War II, Americas growing fascist movement, and the need to protect against racism and all forms of intolerance. President Reagans battle against communism coincided with the Cold War, his presentations exposed the oppressive character of communist regimes.

Scholars view fascism as capitalism run amok and communism as socialism run amok. Both are dictatorial, both engage in a high degree of propaganda, falsely elevating their leaders as saviors and protectors from an enemy that is not part of their group or an enemy that is foreign or an enemy that has opposite political views. Consensus among economists is that a mixed economy where capitalism plays its part and socialism plays its part is best, but neither has dictatorial power and both exist within the confines of a democratic state.

The Trump brand of fascism fits Sinclair Lewis characterization to a large degree. He is viewed as larger than life leader who for some has been sent by God, he is a strong man who is protecting his followers from non-Christian cultures, socialists, fake news, government intrusion, Second Amendment restrictions, satanical Democrats, and the list goes on. Fear-mongering and scapegoating are classic tools of fascists. Lies and exaggerations are basic.

On August 22 (1939), Adolf Hitler told his generals: I will provide a propagandistic casus belli (provocation used to justify war). Its credibility doesnt matter. The victor will not be asked whether he told the truth. (Wikipedia Propaganda in Nazi Germany) Thereby, justifying the invasion of Poland that led to the Second World War.

Trumps lies and exaggerations have led to our present state of pandemic denial and violent mobs.

Trump is no Rambo, no strong man or has he been sent by God. Inciting a mob, promising (a promise unfulfilled) to lead it to Congress and then condemning its action as heinous is duplicitous to say the least.

Media personalities, equivocal and unscrupulous politicians, and a biased mindset contribute to the Big Lies. Solutions to complex problems are made simple, or better yet, problems are denied that they exist. Willingness to propagate and accept unsubstantiated and false narratives, obviously, magnifies their existence. A proportion of the populace distressed economically and one that perceives to be threatened unrealistically by multiculturalism, socialism, government, mainstream media, poor immigrants etc. are easily swayed to scapegoat, demonize and accept conspiracies promoted by biased media and self-serving politicians.

Freedom of speech has a responsibility to be truthful. Just as it is illegal to create panic by falsely yelling fire in a theater, it should be illegal to stoke chaos and political polarity by spewing lies. Genuine policy disagreements are essential in our democracy and should be encouraged. Unfortunately, Hitlers view that credibility doesnt matter has taken hold in the American political and media spheres. Unfortunately, the only remedy to this, is restricting and regulating, coupled with litigation (Dominion threatening to sue Fox News for false stories) In England, a regulatory entity enforces rules on impartiality and accuracy. We may need something similar to assure that we do not radicalize but inform, to give us an unbiased and comprehensive presentation of news and issues.

The attack on Congress and our democracy has revealed a better insight and appreciation of what motivated Union soldiers, especially immigrants during the American Civil War after the siege of Fort Sumter. They had left tyrannical systems of government, fought against these systems and were not going to let attacks by insurrectionists on democracy and self-government be unanswered.

In a Times article history professor Don H. Doyle, author of The Cause of All Nations: An International History of the American Civil War writes: So it was civil war, but for many foreign-born soldiers and citizens, this was much more than Americas war. It was an epic contest for the future of free labor against slavery, for equal opportunity against privilege and aristocracy, for freedom of thought and expression against oppressive government, and for democratic self-government against dynastic rule. Foreigners joined the war to wage the same battles that had been lost in the Old World. Theirs was the cause not only of America, but of all nations. (Times magazine-The Civil War Was Won by Immigrant Soldiers Doyle, Don H, Dec. 23, 2019)

Those of us that came here as refugees because of repressive and totalitarian states and those of who inherited this democracy will not concede and have our vote discounted. We will defend the decision of our court system, and the majority of voters.

To quote President Reagan: Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. (Brainy Quotes, Quotes of Ronald Reagan online).

The opposite of that is: War is not absence of conflict, it is the inability to handle conflict by peaceful means.

War has casualties. Those who support violence and armed insurrection need to assess the risk and benefit of their actions. We are all mortal, our lives are tenuous and war against the majority is likely to be futile and the consequences catastrophic.

Our vote, whether we are in the majority or in the minority, is sacrosanct, and is our connectedness to self-government. It is the majority vote that makes the final decision, and we, if are in the minority, are obliged to respect and defend.

George Peretsky

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Letters to the Editor - pvtimes.com

The ‘witches of the night’: the story of the female pilots who terrorized the Nazis – Explica

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Riddled, burned and silenced by history: this was the life of the night witches, the Soviet scientists who fought the Nazis.

According to its etymological root, the word witch means wise woman. In the Celtic tradition, such reference was made to those who had a deep knowledge of the nature, the thought and being human. Throughout history, however, the word has acquired a negative connotation. The witches of the night, during the Second World War, unfairly fell under this category.

Airmen of the 588th Night Bombardment Regiment. Photo: TASS via .

Like many of its historical predecessors, a number of Soviet women engaged in science they fell prey to machismo. In this case, in the rigid scheme of National Socialism during the Third Reich. Like thousands of soldiers, these women carried the burden of being separated from their families by being enemies of National Socialism.

It didnt matter that they cut their hair and dressed up as men to pass as soldiers. Many of them suffered of sexual abuse and violence to bring down Adolf Hitlers army. According to the Russian researcher Lyuba Vinogradova, they were the key to end the hostilities of World War II:

The Germans did not have women as fighters in their army, let alone pilots. They were naturally very curious about the aviators. However, those who were caught were treated harshly .

Despite being an active part of the Soviet Army, many of them were riddled and burned alive as they fell prisoners. To verify their identity, they were stripped naked. Some were victims of rape and torture. Some, to avoid giving information, decided To shoot oneself before revealing anything.

We suggest: Krampus, the Christmas demon who kidnaps children to devour them

588th Night Bombardment Regiment. Serafima Amosova (left) and Rufina Gasheva. Photo: TASS via .

Despite the fact that many female warriors in the Soviet army were raped by their own comrades, the female aviators were a privileged group. They were even more prepared than many of the male soldiers, and had a remarkable knowledge of combat techniques and warfare.

At the time, they were so efficient and so feared that they earned the title of witches of the night: they shot down multiple Nazi bombers and successfully claimed more than one mission to weaken the German army. The tactic was so effective that more than a million women were recruited by the Red Army.

As sappers, manipulating war tanks and even as snipers, many of them claimed their place in history in a double fight: against the nazis, and against heteropatriarchal system of male oppression. At the end of the war, more than a hundred of them received the title of Heroines of the Soviet Union. Another 50, posthumously.

Piloting fighter jets or engaging melee in battle change against the enemy, the night witches were a lethal element of the USSR. They were students, peasants or workers, they actively participated in the communist youth against Hitlers troops. Today in Russia no distinction is made in honors for them, that shine like hardened national heroines.

Keep reading:

The day the Nazis turned Christmas into a Hitler cult

What is the most bombed nation in history?

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The 'witches of the night': the story of the female pilots who terrorized the Nazis - Explica

Defense of the revolution is defense of democracy (I) – OnCubaNews

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In the tropics, the day fades quickly and there is hardly any time for imaginative games among the lights and shadows of twilight. When a few years ago I set foot on Cuban soil for the first time, it was already dark in Havana. The few lights of the public lighting, between revolutionary posters and brand-new private business signs, brought to mind the first years of Perestroika, and the doubts, illusions and contradictions that we lived in the then Soviet Union.

Even knowing that the Cuban system withstood several tests of the same that came to overthrow European socialisms, and knowing several critical analyzes made from Cuba on the causes of the fall of the USSRI think many more than within the former Soviet Union itself , and some undoubtedly much more seriousI never stopped thinking about the risks, temptations, traps and hopes that are found, coexist and confront each other on an island that continues to throw into the world infinite questions and that, being a main knot of the struggles, dreams and nightmares of recent history, refuses to be a caricature of the last century.

This conversation with Julio Csar Guanchea Cuban lawyer, historian and analystcomes after an agreement between friends from Russia, Ukraine and Chile. For a long time, we have been talking informally about Cuba with the directors of three independent left-wing mediathe Ukrainian magazine Liva (banned in their country), the Russian magazine Skepsis and the international news agency Pressenzaand we decided to pass our questions on to someone of Cuba with whom we could agree on the concern and especially sensitivity.

We thank Julio Csar Guanche for this conversation, because in addition to the trust he generates in us, we believe that he is one of the best connoisseurs of these issues. With this interview that we will divide into two parts, we hope to open a space for exchange and reflection, which will be our humble contribution to solidarity with the beloved Cuban people.

We understand that the period of greatest development of the Cuban process was framed by the relations with its main political ally, the USSR. But we also understand that there has always been, at least in culture, an important degree of autonomy with respect to the Soviet model.

The Soviet influence in Cuba is not reducible to socialist realism. Cinema, literature, concert music, ballet, artistic education, translation work, coming from the USSR, were used by Cuban culture. Without taking into account this positive influence, the explanation of the Cuban culture of the 1960s loses its depth.

Crossovers and influences are always complex processes. Works of socialist realism (The Volokolamsk Road, A Real Man) influenced a current of Cuban narrative, known as of violence (Jess Daz, Norberto Fuentes, Eduardo Heras), which in turn did not respond to socialist realism. The debate on the architecture of the National School of Art, or controversies around films such as Una pelea cubana contra los demonios and Un da de noviembre, are not reduced to positions for or against socialist realism, as various referents intervened in them.

In the 1960s, the Cuban artistic avant-garde, in plastic arts, concert music, theater, dance, literature, photography, showed great critical capacity. In a great many of the cases, it was not expressed as a questioning of revolutionary politics, but rather was based on it, while being critical. Compared to the socialist art of other geographies, it had institutional backing as well as space for experimentation and for dialogue with the best of Western art.

On the other hand, socialist realism did not exist in Cuba as an official aesthetic doctrine, as a mandatory reference for everything. Of course, it permeated and did a lot of damage. Institutions such as the Havana International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, the Casa de las Amricas, the National Ballet of Cuba or the Casa del Caribe in Santiago de Cuba, were bulwarks against socialist realism, but the level and scope it reached and how it marked the future of Cuban culture, its modes of expression, the lives of the creators and the formation of the public cannot be underestimated.

And does socialist realism have any influence today?

Strong contents of the culture of socialist realism exist in the country, visible in anti-intellectualist discoursesconsolidated by Stalinism, but with broader sources and previous to it in Cuba, in the pedagogical vocation that some demand of art, in the difficult place that the circulation of criticism proper of intellectual discourses has, or in the marked separation that exists between university, general education, intellectual world and circuits of access to the public.

However, its been a long time since avant-garde cultural expressions, whether they have institutional support or lack thereof, have shown a strong critical charge regarding the problems of Cuban society and its institutions, and they have nothing to do with the dogmas of socialist realism.

On this horizon, the recoveries of previously marginalized intellectuals, which have taken place from the 1990s onwards, have multiplied. In contrast, even the intellectuals who produced the most sophisticated notions of socialist realism, such as Mirta Aguirre, have been forgotten.

Attempts to rehabilitate officials committed to the politics of socialist realism, such as Luis Pavn Tamayo and Armando Quesada, provoked a huge wave of repudiation in 2007. The ideologues of what was called the gray five-year perioda concept that qualifies as the worst period of Soviet influence in Cuba (1971-1976) 1contribute nothing to the Cuban present. Their followers are careful to quote them.

On the other hand, there are visions that reduce culture to artists and writers, that treat the literate city as the privileged seat of critical consciousness about society, or defend essences of nationality that must be protected by the creators. They are simplified visions, with little social understanding of how culture is produced, and that dont know how part of Cuban intellectual discourses are not connected with social agendas of peremptory importance, or how, in contrast, critical discourses remake the bases of what we will understand by Cuban culture.

Is this Soviet influence still seen in the political debates of the left in Cuba?

Marxism-Leninismthe Stalinist formula of Marxismhas long been repudiated by many. Critical Marxism; contemporary currents of critical thought that are nourished by Marxism but arent limited to it; feminisms, anti-racism and environmentalism, the decolonial approach, left-wing republicanism, among others, are referents of the Cuban debate on democracy within the Cuban left. The identity of these lefts is not reduced to their position with respect to the State, since they also have differences among themselves. For its part, the Cuban State doesnt recognize or dialogue with a great deal of them.

There are orthodox attempts, official or para-official, to disqualify areas of these lefts, but they swim against the current: they have few and coarse referents to sustain themselves and they are forced to go through a huge amount of theoretical vicissitudes, of which the old recourse, of Stalinist descent, of condemning as enemies, with a vocation to restore capitalism is not alien, to a large number of actors who follow such critical references on socialism and democracy.

What do you think was the influence of Stalinism on the Cuban revolutionary leadership?

Your question refers, I understand, to people within the leadership. I have to ignore here contexts and discussions that structurally framed the positions of that leadership vis--vis the USSR, such as the discussions around Titos Yugoslavia, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Sino-Soviet conflict or the geopolitics of the Cold War. I also need, for space, to ignore the theoretical discussion on what to understand by Stalinism. For this reason, I respond with a perhaps broad focus on what I consider that presence and influence on the Cuban leadership.

If we are dealing with people, this is a description of some of those positions. Blas Roca led the first Communist Party of Cuba for decades (for three decades called the Popular Socialist PartyPSP) and later he was a senior leader of the Communist Party of Cuba (current) and presided over the National Assembly of Peoples Power (ANPP).

Before 1959, Rocas party lavished statements in favor of Stalinism. Ral Roa Garca, a non-party socialist before 1959, was very critical of the little red father. Later, he was a brilliant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Revolution and later vice president of the ANPP, right next to Roca.

By the 1960s, the term Stalinism was not very common in official Cuban discourse, but there was a strong discussion between pro-Soviets and critics of real socialism. In other words, it meant taking sides with the Stalinist legacy. Among senior leaders, or intellectuals representative of the revolutionary process, such as Carlos Rafael Rodrguez and Juan Marinello, there was open support for the USSR, as well as a high level of political and intellectual analysis.

At the same time, other leaders of the process, such as Armando Hart, Alfredo Guevara or Ricardo Alarcn, were never characterized for praising Stalinism. In some cases, they were even public critics, as is the case of Alfredo Guevara.

Within what has been the highest revolutionary leadership, there are differences.

In 1957, Ernesto Che Guevara held a polemica demonstration of the ideological diversity of the Cuban insurrectional movementwith the also revolutionary Ren Ramos Latour in which the latter placed Che behind the iron curtain, that is, ascribed to the world of what would later be called real socialism.

In the early 1960s, Che Guevara defended before K.S. Karol the need for the use of Soviet manuals. However, he would soon distance himself from the politics and ideology of the USSR. Che was one of the few socialist leaders who in the second half of the 20th century mentioned Trotsky and Stalin together, to defend the need to study them both.

The figure of Fidel Castro surely requires more space in this description you are making.

Fidel Castro, before 1959, because of his militancy, first, in the Cuban Peoples Party (Ortodoxo Party), which had a left wing, with some Marxists, but was generally quite critical of the USSR; for his broad spectrum readings; and for his statements throughout the revolutionary struggle of the 1950s, he was a democratic nationalist. At that time, this meant having commitments to socialism and democracy, which collided with the political imagination of the USSR.

Throughout the 1960s, this position was specified in notions such as revolution without ideology, revolution green like the palm trees, or in slogans of the type we want freedom with bread and bread without terror. Fidel Castros support for the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968) was conditional; it was not an uncritical surrender to the USSR: he demanded that that power defend other socialist projects at war with the United States, such as Vietnam and Cuba, and described that invasion as being contrary to international law.

The Padilla case (1971) put the concept of Stalinism in the foreground for Cuba.2 The famous first letter from foreign intellectuals critical of this case was positioned against what they understood as acts typical of Stalinism in Cuba.

The entry of Cuba to the CAME and the closer relations with the USSR brought other contents. From then on, Fidel Castro would celebrate more openly the experience of real socialism, but not of Stalinism, which, moreover, did not happen that way in the USSR after 1956, either because of de-Stalinization, or for the survival of Stalinism without Stalin.

The Diccionario de pensamientos de Fidel Castro (Dictionary of Fidel Castros thoughts; 2008), doesnt mention the term Stalinism as part of his thought. In the last years of his public life, Fidel Castro commented to Ignacio Ramonet (2006): The phenomenon of Stalinism did not occur here; a phenomenon of this nature of abuse of power, of authority, of cult of personality, of statues, etc. was never known in our country. In a reflection on Lula da Silva, Fidel critically listed deeds committed by Stalin.

And Ral Castro? And the current younger leadership?

Ral Castros thought has been much less studied than that of Fidel and Che. It doesnt contain criticism of Stalinism or the USSR. Usually, ties to the PSP and continued acceptance and support of that countrys policy are recognized. Nikolai Leonov wrote a biography (2015) about his friend Ralthey have been friends since 1953in which Leonov doesnt question several of the assumptions of Stalinism for relations with Latin America at that stage. Brian Latell (2005) has assured that Khrushchev believed Ral had been his man in Havana, while Hal Klepak (2012) assures that Ral follows the Cuban tradition, more closely based on the thought of Jos Mart than that of Marx, Lenin, or Stalin.

The current generations that have succeeded the historical leadership of the Revolution, such as President Miguel M. Daz-Canel Bermdez, dont have Stalinism, nor reflection on it, within their vocabulary. A new chapter in the interpretation of Cubas historical relations with the USSR is about to be reworked, now through the prism of relations with Russia. A metaphor for this can be found in the Russian support for the reconstruction of the dome of the National Capitol.

What would be a minimum balance of relations between the USSR and Cuba?

Discussions about how to deal with the Soviet experience and Stalinism are known as milestones in Cuban Marxist thought after 1959. For example, the debates of the Department of Philosophy of the University of Havana against the use of Soviet manuals, or the exchanges of Alfredo Guevara with Blas Roca on socialist realism, both in the 1960s.

Other types of thinking of that time, such as the approaches of Lunes de Revolucin, and books such as Los Siervos, by Virgilio Piera, or Fuera del Juego, by Heberto Padilla, were clearly anti-Stalinist. Later, Stalinism had an influence in Cuba, but a balance would also recognize the resistance against it and the weight of the Cuban cultural tradition, and of its makers, in this resistance.

The relations with the USSR yielded important advantages: crucial support to the national economy, decisive contribution to the construction of the first welfare state in Latin America (as documented by Hans-Jrgen Burchardt)for access to social rights, cultural and services infrastructure, etc.,and the underpinning, even with contradictionsof the Cuban revolutionary foreign policy.

It also brought great problems: following a criterion of directed economy, without democratic planning or control by workers over the production process, with high levels of inefficiency and waste of resources, and the bureaucratization of economic processes.

From the political point of view, it underpinned the notion of State of all the people, a term that was not assumed in Cuba, but its content was: limitation of popular control and the possibilities of contesting state decisions, the synonymy between State and Revolution, the translation of notions such as internal enemy (for example, counterrevolutionaries), the disavowal of criticism and political self-organization and the criminalization of all opposition, together with the celebration of the single party as exclusive possibility of socialism.

The formula Marxism-Leninism like that, with a hyphenwas taken out of the constitutional text in 2019. The 1976 Constitution had used it as a state ideology, but it had also incorporated features of the Peoples Power system that were alien to the Soviet experience. What was done in 2019 with this concept of Stalinist origin is a good path, but it is symptomatic of the long march that the culture of Soviet socialism has experienced in Cuba and of the course its refutations have followed.

(To be continue)

Notes:

1 The expression Gray Five-Year Period refers to a disastrous serious period of censorship in Cuban culture, marked by a dogmatic and repressive vision, which marginalized many writers and artists from public spaces. It was largely rectified with the creation of the Ministry of Culture and the appointment of Armando Hart as minister. To read more about this concept, this text by Ambrosio Fornet is useful. (Note by Oleg Yasinsky)

2 Poet Herberto Padilla was arrested on March 20, 1971 after his recital of critical poems at the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba. He was imprisoned for 38 days. He was released, renouncing under pressure his previous ideas. Then he left the country. His imprisonment meant the first great conflict of the Cuban government with well-known intellectuals of the world left, sympathizers of the revolution who came out in defense of Padilla. Among them, signatories of the mentioned first letter, Julio Cortzar, Simone de Beavoir, Carlos Fuentes, Jean-Paul Sartre, Juan Rulfo and others. (Note by Oleg Yasinsky)

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Defense of the revolution is defense of democracy (I) - OnCubaNews

Letters to the Editor Saturday, Feb. 6 – The Daily Gazette

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Anti government? Then return stimulusIn 1986, Ronald Reagan famously quipped, The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, Im from the government, and Im here to help.I wonder if those who got a chuckle from that gibe are willing to send back their stimulus checks and refuse the COVID-19 vaccine to demonstrate their commitment to that idiotic anti-government ideology.Fred ComoBurnt Hills

Belief in lies and liars fed Capitol riotIts been almost three months since the election and more than three weeks since the attack on the Capitol. Ive read and thought a lot about what happened and have come to the following observations and conclusions.1. The failure of over 60 lawsuits claiming voter fraud supports the conclusion that the presidential election was a fair election.2. Despite no proof otherwise, tens of millions of Trump supporters still believe the election was fraudulent.3. Once a belief is adopted, changing it is next to impossible.4. People tend to believe a lie that is constantly repeated, especially if the liar is a person or group they admire.5. Theres often another issue other than voter fraud such as abortion, regulations, taxes, racism or trust in government that influences support for the liar.6. In order to bridge the countrys political divide, these peripheral issues must be recognized and addressed.7. For many, the belief in a lie can be changed only if the chief liar or group of liars admit their error.8. Continually repeating the truth and supporting it with facts may change the minds of some of the lie believers.9. Closet believers of the lie who are in the government, military or police, must be exposed.10. Holding all liars and lie believers accountable for their actions is necessary to maintain law and order and retain our democracy.11. The lies and actions of President Trump and his cadre instigated the attack on the Capitol.Charles RiellyAltamont

Not buying cable for the commercialsI subscribe to a cable service because I want to watch the TV shows I like. Has anyone counted the commercials that come on between the show breaks?I have and Ive counted between seven to 15. It is so unbelievable that there are so many.I would imagine that the advertisers pay big bucks to the networks to air their ads. Then the cable companies have to pay the networks to carry their shows.Why do the cable companies have to pay so much when the networks are making so much money that our cable bills are so high?The cable companies could add more shows if some of the commercials were eliminated. I pay for cable to watch TV shows, not commercials.Janet NearyScotia

Need accountability in Niskayuna school planIn my 35 years as a commercial real estate broker, Ive been involved in hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate acquisitions and dispositions, including numerous build to suit and repurposing projects of significant scale.These involved office and warehouse product valued in the tens of millions of dollars. In each case, specific programs, negotiated and agreed to by all parties involved, established parameters for completed and cost-effective projects. This provided the baseline for funding the transaction.With regard to the capital project currently being contemplated by the Niskayuna school district, Ive seen no outline or structure presented other than a broad declaration of wishes for redevelopment. The fact that the administration is asking for the funding to be approved prior to outlining specific details of projects is troubling to say the least.Im not endorsing this project. Not because I find it to be unworthy, but because I see unaccountability as the first casualty of the process.Peter StruzziNiskayuna

St. Clares retirees need pensions nowThe St. Clares Hospital retirees had a chance to make something of themselves. Unfortunately, their lives were put on hold due to a pension collapse at the St. Clares Hospital.Now instead of living the dream in their retirements, they all are facing their futures with an uphill fight to recover their pensions. Instead of happy days they have had to live through two years of fighting for their pensions, plus hoping one day they in the near future they will all have their pensions so they can all live their lives again.Make no mistake, all these loyal workers have done nothing wrong to have to be tortured day after day with the side effects that could lead to major health issues if they can live long enough to recover their pensions. They all need their pensions now before someone gets hurt.Walter Neal BrazellRotterdam

Executive orders violate ConstitutionExecutive Orders Article 1, Section 1 of the Constitution clearly restricts the power to make laws: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States. Presidential executive orders are clearly legislative powers. We oppose the use of presidential executive orders that make law. This subversive practice must be stopped.What is the difference between a law and executive order?Such orders carry the same force of law as executive orders, the difference between being that executive orders are aimed at those inside government, but proclamations are aimed at those outside government.What is an executive order and who can overturn it?Congress may try to overturn an executive order by passing a bill that blocks it. But the president can veto that bill. Congress would then need to override that veto to pass the bill. Also, the Supreme Court can declare an executive order unconstitutional.The president, by executive order, halted the Keystone pipeline.There are several particulars outside government that should be addressed. The union workers on this project are not federal employees. There are many contracts between Canada and several states and Native Americans that must be honored. This order has affected many outside government control that the Supreme Court may declare unconstitutional.The current Republicans should sue the government to get this executive order overturned as unconstitutional. There may be others that may be unconstitutional as well.William D. WildaySchenectadyThe writer is chairman of the Constitution Party of New York.

Frightened for the future of democracyAt first, my focus was the meeting of Kevin McCarthys visit with Mr. Trump to secure his help in winning back control of Congress. McCarthy rightly condemned Mr. Trumps action in inciting his supporters to stop the democratic electoral process. Now he is soliciting his help in rallying his revolutionary followers to help the Republicans to take back the House, and maybe also the Senate.But because of recent events, I have to change the focus to my fear for democracy in America.Sen. Lindsey Graham stated that an impeachment trial would split apart the Republican Party, not split apart America. All they care about is gaining power to hinder President Biden.We have conspiracy QAnon, rebellious members and revolutionaries in Congress disobeying the congressional rules and attempting to carry guns. What are they expecting, a shootout to force their will upon their colleagues? Why shouldnt I fear?It scares me that they are trying to utilize Trump supporters to win back control; those same kind of supporters who committed sedition against the United States.Obviously, they dont want to see him impeached.Yes, I am scared. I hope that my destiny shields me from the terror and agonizing torment that will soon encompass America. I hope that I am not here to witness the catastrophic decline of the United States of America at the hands of rebels and traitors.God Bless America.Andy LavigneWaterford

Hating all the hatred directed at TrumpI am appalled at all the vicious hate that has been written to this newspaper in Letters to the Editor against President Trump. The America I once knew is gone.1. In America now, if you express your opinion in favor of President Trump, you are in need of a re-education camp.2. Black Lives Matter, but white, Caucasian is looked down upon.3. You can no longer say mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, etc.4. If you speak against homosexuals (LGBTQ), you are homophobic.5. Men claiming to be women can now compete with women in sports.6. Defund the police.I could go on and on.Riots at the Capitol, but BLM and Antifa protests, in which buildings were burned and destroyed, were peaceful demonstrations, according to some Democrats.The news and media are ALL one-sided against President Trump.Well, now we have Biden/Harris in the White House, lets see what they will do to further bring America down. I wonder if we will get any hate-filled letters against Biden/Harris, or will they be love letters.Audrey SaltsmanJohnstown

Welcome new future with arms wide openAnd a 22-year-old poet shall lead us up and out of the dark, dangerous, deceptive and despotic four-year abyss. Poetry is truth. Truth is beauty.Let us, with arms, hearts and minds wide open, welcome the beauty and promise of the new day just peeking over the horizon.Virginia MeeAmsterdam

Show nurses that you care: Take precautions

The Mohawk Valley Nurses Association wishes to express our support of our fellow nurses, and all who are working so hard on the front lines with them, in our local hospitals, doctors offices, health clinics, nursing and adult care facilities, schools, home health agencies and public health offices to ensure residents in our communities get the care they need during this COVID-19 pandemic.We ask everyone in these communities to say Thank you to these nurses and health care providers and show their support of them by wearing a mask, washing their hands, social distancing and working towards a post-covid future.Our nurses and health care teams are great! Show them you care!Judy KellyFultonvilleThe writer is president of the Mohawk Valley Nurses Association Board of Directors.

New state senator welcomes inputAs the newly elected state senator of the 46th Senate District, my job, first and foremost, is to be a resource for you, the people who sent me to Albany.Here on Team Hinchey, we have an open-door policy, which means that we spend a lot of time meeting with constituents to learn about the issues that matter most to our communities and finding ways we can work together to address local needs.Constituent services are at the core of everything we do, and its important to us that you know exactly how to reach us.In our first few weeks in office, weve done everything from help people recover their unemployment benefits, worked to fix our local roads, and fought for clean water infrastructure in our communities.Were here to be a resource for you. You can contact us if you need assistance locating food or health services, applying for small business assistance, solving an issue with your utility company, or any other number of matters where the State can be helpful.If you think we can help with a problem youre facing or just want to share your thoughts on an issue thats important to you, give us a call or send me an email. We can be reached at 845-331-3810, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.To contact me directly, email[emailprotected]. See you around the district!SEN. Michelle HincheyKingston

First Amendment governs governmentIn his Jan. 30 letter to the editor (Dems want to deny free speech to right,) Mr. Dave Edwards was upset about Amazon keeping Parler offline, citing it as an example of free speech being stifled.Hes mad that a federal judge wont let Amazon do what it wants.So lets be clear about what Mr. Edwards is advocating: He wants a federal judge to tell an American corporation how to run its business. In short, he wants the government not the marketplace to pick winners and losers. That would be a form of state socialism.In the 1930s, it was called National Socialism, and we know what that led to.The First Amendment guarantees only that the government cannot abridge our right to speak freely. It says nothing about corporations.I am no lover of Amazon, but I am shocked that someone like Mr. Edwards, who appears to have conservative leanings, should want the government, in the person of a federal judge, to tell any American business what it can and cant do.As for Parler, its hard to work up sympathy for them, since the internet offers any number of alternative platforms that welcome even the most vile forms of speech. People who hate have no trouble finding digital outlets for their malice.Frank DoneganSchenectady

Protect your heart by curbing your drinkingFebruary is the month of love. Every store is adorned with hearts of all kinds: chocolate hearts, sweethearts, stuffed hearts, you name it and, surely, they have it in heart form.However, amongst all these hearts and all the bubblegum pink candy-coated love, the one heart that is not in focus this month is your own.Now women, I am talking to you here. According to the CDC, over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including high blood pressure [and] heart disease.Yet, throughout the course of the pandemic, women have increased their heavy drinking episodes by 41%. Heavy drinking episodes are defined as consumption of four or more drinks within a couple of hours.Before you go out this month to buy candy hearts for the ones you love, give yourself a little love and consider your drinking habits.Are your current habits unhealthy or are they becoming unhealthy? Put your heart first. You only get one and you cant replace it on the candy store shelf.Limit the amount you drink to healthy serving sizes and dont increase your risk of getting heart disease. If you are struggling to cope with changes and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, reach out and ask for help instead of refilling your glass.There are many resources in the community including those at New Choices Recovery Center where you can seek help for excessive drinking.Dakota T. Torales MaxwellSchenectadyThe writer is a prevention coordinator at the New Choices Recovery Center.

Support Fair Trade to protect workersWith Valentines Day coming consider this: Americans love chocolate, consuming a combined 2.8 billion pounds per year. Put another way, thats over 11 pounds per person. Needless to say, chocolate is a major industry. But being a major industry can come at a major environmental and social justice cost.Fortunately for those who seek to lessen their footprint can do so while also doing what is right for workers: Fair Trade.When a product carries a Fair Trade Certified label, it means producers were paid wages that allow them to support their families and contribute to the betterment of their communities.Fair Trade farmers deal one-on-one with importers (rather than middlemen), and Fair Trade encourages democratic decision-making, transparency, gender equity, and independence.By choosing Fair Trade, we can support the environment, too. Since Fair Trade supports small-scale farmers, it encourages biodiversity, for example, the shade-grown practice to produce coffee and cocoa helps protect wildlife habitats. Fair trade also encourages sustainable practices like organic farming.Theres no need to sacrifice quality with Fair Trade either; one emphasis of Fair Trade is supporting farmers in improving the quality of their crops.So this Valentines Day, share your love of neighbor (the workers) and Mother Earth and look for Fair Trade products.Bill BrooksGlenville

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Letters to the Editor Saturday, Feb. 6 - The Daily Gazette

CD3 Rep. Boebert’s first town hall gets off to a rough start – Aspen Times

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Congresswoman Lauren Boeberts first teleconference town hall got off to a rough start Thursday night when two early callers accused her of treason and affiliating with white supremacists.

Boebert, a Rifle Republican who won election to Colorados 3rd Congressional District in November, talked with constituents for nearly one hour.

One initial caller asked her why she was photographed in the past with people allegedly flashing white supremacy symbols. That was a reference to a photo of Boebert posing with members of the American Patriots III% and Bikers for Trump at a gun rally in Denver in December 2019.

Maam, Im sorry youve been deceived by conspiracy theories, Boebert responded.

A few minutes later, a woman identified as Nicole from Pueblo asked, When you are tried for treason, which prison do you want to do your time in?

Boebert and the moderator quickly dismissed the question and moved on to the next person. For the remainder of the event, Boebert was mostly thrown softball questions from people who expressed support for her.

Boebert sent a tweet at 2:52 p.m. Thursday announcing the town hall. Interested people were directed to register at a website. Registration was closed at 4:15 p.m., three hours before the event.

Mark from Montrose thanked Boebert for everything she has done for the Western Slope and 3rd District. He said she is standing up for Constitutional rights, including the right to bear arms, which he said is constantly under attack.

For those who oppose you and those who criticize you on this town hall meeting, its going to do nothing but rally the base and we are going to come out in full force with lots of money to support you, to re-elect you, the caller said.

Boebert thanked him and called his comments sweet.

I want to let you to know I am doing everything I can to promote the things that matter most to Americans right now, Boebert said. We need to open our economy. We need to get businesses open. We need to have our schools open. These are all things that are very important. I think were all kind of over the politics of personal destruction.

Sarah from Monte Vista said she had intended to ask the Congresswoman what has been the most frustrating aspect of her job, but that came apparent listening to the criticism of some callers. Im so sorry you have to deal with those things, the woman said. She asked what Boebert would say to her critics.

I think my message would be that I wake up every morning fighting for freedom and prosperity, Boebert said. I want every American to have every opportunity and more than I had. I want our children to grow up in a free nation. I dont want socialism for our children. I dont want government to step in and say they know best and they know how to run our lives better than we do. The American people are smart and sometimes it feels like government doesnt trust its people, and so Im hear to be that voice. Im not a politician.

Boebert continued to say she is motivated to help the people of the district and that attacks wont intimidate her.

Please note that the negativity, the attacks, its not deterring me, Boebert said. I pray for those who are in opposition. Its OK, and I understand its not unique to me and I hope you all understand that as well.

A lot of these attacks that youre seeing, theyre cookie cutter and theyre occurring across the nation, unfortunately to good people who are in this for the right reasons, to serve, Boebert continued. Im not letting that distract me from the work I was sent here to do.

Please note that the negativity, the attacks, its not deterring me. I pray for those who are in opposition. Rep. Lauren Boebert

In addition to taking audience comments and questions, Boeberts team asked the telephone audience to answer poll questions and she outlined her legislative agenda.

Boebert said she is excited to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee.

Ill pursue policies that increase access and ensure multiple-use for sportsmen and other public land enthusiasts, she said. Ill allow for responsible energy production while protecting the environment, reduce our dependency on rare earth and critical minerals from China where we know that child and slave labor is often used, empower tribes, increase storage and protect precious water supplies and promote job creation while removing unnecessary regulations and red tape.

She also serves on the Budget Committee, where she will work to reduce the national debt.

America is nearly $28 trillion in debt, she said. The federal government doesnt have a revenue problem. The federal government has a spending problem. It is far past time that Congress gets its fiscal house in order, prioritizes the values of the American people and puts an end to Washingtons wasteful spending.

The town hall ended with Boebert dismissing the need for National Guard protection and fencing around the U.S. Capitol despite the mob riot that resulted in five people dying on Jan. 5.

I had the honor of meeting with a large group of the National Guard today and just speaking with them and letting them know how valued they are, but also how their not exactly needed here at this time, Boebert said.

She then questioned why a wall remains around the Capitol when the wall at the United States border with Mexico hasnt been completed. She recently visited the border wall and saw eight-foot gaps and missing sections of fence because construction has been halted, equipment is lying on the ground to rot.

However, some people in Washington, D.C., felt threatened and immediately erected a very strong wall. Its a great wall, its a beautiful wall. President Trump would have loved this wall, Boebert said with a laugh. Its in the wrong location. We certainly dont need that around the Capitol and Ive actually been talking to my team about strategies to get that moved and I would love to keep you up to date on that, to see where we go with that because we have some fun strategies with this wall and where to take it.

It is unfortunate to see, she continued. People guard what they care about and its very, very clear that those that are in power here care about themselves and President Trump wanted to guard our nations border because he cares about the American people. You protect what you value and bringing in 25,000 National Guard, thats a little unnecessary for a mostly virtual inauguration.

The wall is unnecessary and needs to be taken down from around our Capitol, Boebert concluded.

scondon@aspentimes.com

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CD3 Rep. Boebert's first town hall gets off to a rough start - Aspen Times

100 days for a better world: Resolution of the CPUSA National Board – Communist Party USA

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Resolution based on the report and discussion of the National Committee, January 23, 2021. Adopted by the National Board, February 3, 2021

Our country is at a turning point moment, but this has to be fought for and won. We are at this moment because of the large-scale resistance and organizing, strikes, and uprisings over the last four years.

We have to continue to focus on fighting the right-wing danger while keeping our eyes on the prize of responding to working-class and peoples needs building the unity required to defend democracy against the fascist threat and demanding transformative change. The doors are wide open to organize the unorganized and build a movement of the unemployed.

During the first 100 days, grassroots pressure will be crucial to overcome obstruction, filibuster, and further coup attempts. Pressure is crucial to win emergency relief, undo the harm and move forward for the needs of the multi-racial working class to address the crises of COVID-19, the economy, systemic racism, and climate change. In our states and communities we will organize to:

1. Enact the $1.9 trillion comprehensive COVID relief package, $2,000 individual relief, a $15 minimum wage, relief for renters and student debt, and aid to states and municipalities.

2. Expose and halt fascist forces including a special all-peoples commission to determine how the coup attempt on January 6 was funded, organized, and executed. Removal from office of those who participated.

3. Pass the PRO Act to remove barriers to workers organizing into unions, massive green infrastructure job creation, racial justice equity, and all the measures in the Workers First Agenda put forward by the AFL-CIO.

4. Support the seven planks of the Peoples Agenda developed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus with the Poor Peoples Campaign, including legislation to dismantle racism, restore and expand the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, enact statehood for the District of Columbia, create a just immigration system, hold corporations accountable, and shift funds from military to human needs.

5. Continue our efforts to build a united movement of the unemployed by working with all affected and their organizations and communities.

The Communist Party fights for and celebrates those measures that benefit workers and the people, and opposes those that do not. We cannot abide a progressive policy domestically and an imperialist one abroad.

We as the Communist Party should quickly issue our own Emergency Relief Unity Program that embraces the movements demands, includes everyone regardless of immigration status, holds finance capital and capitalism responsible and offers a working-class foreign policy.

We are committed to the long, hard, persistent educational, ideological, and political work it will take. We are not giving up on any section of our class. While addressing economic and social problems, we must stand up and expose racism, sexism, homophobia, and anti-communism, all staples of the GOP campaign.

Systemic and institutionalized racism, poverty, and war are embedded in the profits-first capitalist system. The crises we face are reflective of corporate greed and domination that drives the capitalist system. As Communists we welcome those into our ranks who want to work together for socialism to achieve a more democratic, humane, and sustainable society.

We are committed to uphold our proud legacy and current growth to build the Communist Party, YCL, and Peoples World boldly. Were preparing to run candidates, and were going to be out on the street, campuses, and workplaces for the 100 days and beyond to put people and planet before profits..

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100 days for a better world: Resolution of the CPUSA National Board - Communist Party USA

Letters to the Editor, Sunday, Feb. 7 – BlueRidgeNow.com

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Hendersonville Times-News

Tune in 'The Social Dilemma' on Netflix

To the Editor: IstronglyurgeyoutoseeThe Social Dilemma on Netflix,ifyouhave not yetseenit.Throughinterviews with former executives and developers for Google, FaceBook, Twitter, etc., this explains how social mediais using subtlyinsidious methodstomanipulateyour opinions, moving each of us further right, or further left, and exacerbating political divisions. The Russians did not needtohack FaceBook; they merely used thetools that Facebook developed and which are availabletotheir advertisers. We needtobe alerttothis because we cant rely on the fact checking algorithmsin the media; we must be personally vigilant.

Larry Mobley, Hendersonville

Teachers should get vaccinated

To the Editor:Shouldnt our teachers and staff go to the front of the vaccination line? HC is a retirement community with more than 30,000 people over 65 to be vaccinated in front of our school personnel. Is it fair to ask our teachers and staff to put their health and others at risk, when most of us who are retired can stay safely in our own homes? The teaching staff in HC public schools is only about 900. More than20 states have prioritized teachers.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said schools are safe to open even if teachers are not vaccinated ifproper safety protocols were followed, including good ventilation, adequate testing and tracking, proper distancing, and mask-wearing. Until Henderson County has hired and trained enough people and received the materials to put these safety precautions in place, our community should, at the very least, make vaccinations available at schools to teachers and staff, shouldnt they?

Teachers have been working overtime to educate our children to the best of their ability despite all the extra challenges and health worries of Covid-19. They deserve our support now to help our children thrive. Henderson County and state leaders, please act to make vaccinating teachers a priority!

Linda Miller, Hendersonville

The rest of the story

To the Editor:For those readers who were perplexed by the abrupt ending of Jonah Goldberg's editorial on Feb. 4th, 2021 here is the rest of the editorial.

"Sure, government can't make you violate your conscience (though if your conscience says you should rape or murder, you're out of luck).But government can-and should - try to make you believe some things. It should try to convince you that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and necessary.It can tell you the correct date of Election Day.

This isn't dictatorial by any definition. It's telling the truth, and truth-telling is supposed to be the first obligation of both politicians and pundits, because democracy doesn't work without the truth. And neither will the GOP."

Ann Twiggs,Hendersonville

The role of legislatures

To the Editor: John Hood made a sound case in his Feb. 3column that legislatures are the proper engine for government and must constrain governors, presidents and courts from arrogating too much power to themselves.Hood wrote that one strength of legislatingis that it forces intense scrutiny and compromise between competing approaches to address issues.Paraphrasing, he said that half-loaf measures leave open the possibility of second-half reprises when the political climate changes.He could have added that partial measures produced by compromise also tend to validate or invalidate procedures before committing excessive (and too often permanent) funding to them.

This kind of conservatism extends to the Madisonian doctrine that dynamic state governments competing with and constraining the national government are the truly federal prescription the U.S. Constitution mandates.

Hood urged that the U.S. Congress should channel the North Carolina Legislature and "consider legislating for a change." I hope that as it does so, it will remember Hood's position that respectful due diligence is crucial to good legislation, and wise legislation surely is the surest constraint on executive overreach

David M. Hudelson,Horse Shoe

Senators must make a choice

We need to thank former President Trump for showing us just how fragile our democratic form of government is.The tragedy is that there are millions of Americans who have been so captured by Trumpism that they are willing to subvert our democratic form of government and accept tyranny in its place.What is even sadder, the Trumpists were supporting a dictator wannabe while waving American flags as they stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overthrow a free and fair election.They fell for the big lie from the consummate conman.

Now the test is before the Republican Senators.Will they convict Trump for inciting an insurrection, or will they decide that they are okay with an attempt to retain power by force?Will they defend democracy, or will they condone tyranny?The choice should be easy, but many Republican Senators seem to be having trouble making that choice. Our Representative Madison Cawthorn has already come down in favor of tyranny, but that was no surprise.Now we will see if Senators Burr and Tillis will help to correct this wrong, or will they join other cowards in their party and condone an insurrection.

Duane Johnson, Hendersonville

Don't let socialists take control

To the Editor:Has anyone elsenoticedtheunceasing, relentless drumbeat for socialism?Every day we are told that we are incapable:unable to make our own decisions, unable to solve our own problems, unable to live our lives without assistance.

Some timein the last 10years we went from being the most energetic, innovative, creative people on the planet to being pathetic incompetents.Really?!

How doyouwant to live your life?Do you want to be taken care of or do you want to be free?Decide now.If socialists take control of our government, you will no longer have a choice.

Suzanne Grasser, Flat Rock

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Letters to the Editor, Sunday, Feb. 7 - BlueRidgeNow.com