“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
This Dark Night before Daughn to Light THURSDAY 20191121 Open Thread is very open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever KAG! / KMAG world (KMAG being a bit of both MAGA and KAG!).
Don’t forget we went through 8 years of the Socialists attempt to tear down our nation. NOW KAG!
<
You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on.
Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it.
Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. They tried to FORCE fake Orwellian civility on us. In response, we CHOOSE true civility to defend our precious FREEDOM from THEM.
Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, and one might say that we have RESTORED THE OLD REPUBLIC – the early high-interaction model of the Treehouse – except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways.
Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible. Please also consider the Important Guidelines, shown here https://wqth.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/ Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT!
“I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!
–>
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics:
In honor of the Adam Schiff Show and all foreign service witnesses thus far in the Intelligence Committee Bore Fest.
As for mood music, since Les Mis premiered on stage on this date in 1988, a familiar anthem is in order.
Okay, so here’s the deal. This is the open thread. This is where we all come to get the news that other Q tree inhabitants think is worth knowing and sharing. Please, post links to any “news” stories quoted, and ask for help if you are stumped as to how to do that. We’re a friendly lot. Someone will be with you shortly, and there is no reason to have to press one for English.
Free speech, and the open exchange and hashing out of ideas is not only allowed, but encouraged. If we all don’t use it, we’re going to lose it. A little incivility goes a long way, though. Everyone here has closely held convictions and values. Insulting others and their way of life could turn a simple lunch into something like this:
There is absolutely no reason for infighting to result in burning down the tree, house up in the branches and all. Please, keep the tail feathers tucked and avoid lifting legs on the fire hydrants.
And now for some house keeping:
There are a few rules here in the branches of the Q Tree. Our host, Wolfm00n, outlined them in a post on New Years Day. Please, review these rules from time to time.
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics of civility in political discourse:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Steve suggests – to be accurate – no shooting at the nuclear weapons, but to be safe about it, don’t event point firearms toward them. I, Deplorable Patriot, bossy chick that I am, request no teasing the animals, pets and wildlife alike. Wolf, our most gracious site owner, asks that personal assaults and threats not be posted here.
Teasing and trolling the lefties and their bastions, on the other hand is a moral imperative.
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
As always, prayers for the fight against that which seeks to enslave us are welcome.
This Night before Daughn THURSDAY 20191114 Open Thread is very open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world (KMAG being a bit of both MAGA and KAG!).
<
the Continental Congress What would our founding fathers think of today’s Disgraceful Democrats Display of Debauchery?
You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on.
Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it.
Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. They tried to FORCE fake Orwellian civility on us. In response, we CHOOSE true civility to defend our precious FREEDOM from THEM.
Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, and one might say that we have RESTORED THE OLD REPUBLIC – the early high-interaction model of the Treehouse – except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways.
Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible. Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT!
“I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!
–>
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics:
Morning all. Hopefully, your pre-holidays weeks are going well. It’s that time of year when roaring fires become cozy beacons…oh, let’s face it. A solar minimum has us using the Crock Pots way more than normal. Please, stay warm.
And now, how about something from the American Revolution.
Okay, so here’s the deal. This is the open thread. This is where we all come to get the news that other Q tree inhabitants think is worth knowing and sharing. Please, post links to any “news” stories quoted, and ask for help if you are stumped as to how to do that. We’re a friendly lot. Someone will be with you shortly, and there is no reason to have to press one for English.
Free speech, and the open exchange and hashing out of ideas is not only allowed, but encouraged. If we all don’t use it, we’re going to lose it. A little incivility goes a long way, though. Everyone here has closely held convictions and values. Stepping on them might result in something like this:
https://youtu.be/QUkTiLA1d5g
There is absolutely no reason for infighting to result in burning down the tree, house up in the branches and all. Please, keep the tail feathers tucked and avoid lifting legs on the fire hydrants.
AND before hitting the “post” button, ask yourself if the words you use are reminiscent of the Alinsky method of isolating a target rather than actually fostering dialogue and discussion. Getting the MAGA movement to engage in infighting is one of the other side’s goals. Falling into that trap no matter the topic being discussed feeds the divisions, and the impression the other side wants to impose on us as being violent and all that goes with that characature.
And now for some house keeping:
There are a few rules here in the branches of the Q Tree. Our host, Wolfm00n, outlined them in a post on New Years Day. Please, review these rules from time to time.
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics of civility in political discourse:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Steve suggests – to be accurate – no shooting at the nuclear weapons, but to be safe about it, don’t event point firearms toward them. I, Deplorable Patriot, bossy chick that I am, request no teasing the animals, pets and wildlife alike.
Teasing and trolling the lefties and their bastions, on the other hand is a moral imperative. Found this on FB.
In the eternal fight against the forces of evil and darkness, unceasing prayer is always needed.
Today’s Gospel is St. Luke’s version of the ten lepers asking Jesus for pity before he cured them, but the reading that speaks to our times comes from the book of Wisdom of the Helenistic Canon:
WIS 6:1-11 Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse! Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels. Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God, Terribly and swiftly shall he come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted– For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test. For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does he fear greatness, Because he himself made the great as well as the small, and he provides for all alike; but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends. To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin. For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy, and those learned in them will have ready a response. Desire therefore my words; long for them and you shall be instructed.
As always, prayers for the fight against that which seeks to enslave us are welcome.
This Night before Daughn THURSDAY 20191107 Open Thread is very open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world (KMAG being a bit of both MAGA and KAG!).
<
You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on.
Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it.
Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. They tried to FORCE fake Orwellian civility on us. In response, we CHOOSE true civility to defend our precious FREEDOM from THEM.
Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, and one might say that we have RESTORED THE OLD REPUBLIC – the early high-interaction model of the Treehouse – except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways.
Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible. Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT!
“I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!
–>
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics:
Impeachment: What Democrats would have to deal with if they persist with this folly. The President’s attorneys will have the right to: Subpoena and question ANYONE THEY WANT! So, during the impeachment trial, we will be hearing testimony from James Comey, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, Bruce Ohr, Glenn Simpson, Donna Brazile, Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Christopher Steele, Hillary Clinton, John Brennan, James Clapper, and a whole host of other participants in this whole sordid affair and the ensuing cover up activities. A lot of dirt will be dug up; a lot of truth will be unveiled. Finger pointing will occur. Deals will start being made, and suddenly, a lot of democrats will start being charged and going to prison.
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to get out the leaf blowers and REALLY annoy the neighbors. Some people still rake, but there are many who prefer the efficiency of a motor…or they just like talking frogs.
Let’s see…mood music…what to play, what to play….
Admit it, you clapped along.
Okay, so here’s the deal. This is the open thread. This is where we all come to get the news that other Q tree inhabitants think is worth knowing and sharing. Please, post links to any “news” stories quoted, and ask for help if you are stumped as to how to do that. We’re a friendly lot. Someone will be with you shortly, and there is no reason to have to press one for English.
Free speech, and the open exchange and hashing out of ideas is not only allowed, but encouraged. If we all don’t use it, we’re going to lose it. A little incivility goes a long way, though. Everyone here has closely held convictions and values. Stepping on them might result in something like this:
There is absolutely no reason for infighting to result in burning down the tree, house up in the branches and all. Please, keep the tail feathers tucked and avoid lifting legs on the fire hydrants.
And now for some house keeping:
There are a few rules here in the branches of the Q Tree. Our host, Wolfm00n, outlined them in a post on New Years Day. Please, review these rules from time to time, like when waiting for the hot water to hit the shower two floors away.
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics of civility in political discourse:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Steve suggests – to be accurate – no shooting at the nuclear weapons, but to be safe about it, don’t event point firearms toward them. I, Deplorable Patriot, bossy chick that I am, request no teasing the animals, pets and wildlife alike.
Teasing and trolling the lefties and their bastions, on the other hand is a moral imperative.
In the eternal fight against the forces of evil and darkness, unceasing prayer is always needed.
Today’s Gospel reading tells us what Our Lord and Savior asks from us in preparation for the fight. From the Gospel According to St. Luke, Chapter 14:25-33.
Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?
Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”
As always, prayers for the fight against that which seeks to enslave us are welcome.
Remember – your greatest gift to President Trump is FIVE WORDS: I AM PRAYING FOR YOU
Dodging Digital Serfdom Tuesday
First let’s start with the kind of powerful words that motivated America’s founding fathers to create the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore,
and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
We know it’s going to require a decision on our part to “stand firm” and “not submit again” before we are going to take this seriously. But we have the help of God and the support of our President with his team.
So let’s be happy even as we fight for our right to a place at the table.
Think*3
What? We are Digital Serfs? How?
In his latest newsletter, our fellow freedom fighter, Martin Geddes, announces:
I have created a new portal for myself and my patriot, scientist, and artist activities. This removes my dependence upon fickle social media services.
His newsletter goes on to explain. If you have the time, I recommend reading it even if you don’t get every nuance. (Newsletter text emphasis added by me.) If we are to neutralize this threat, we must understand what it is and why it matters. I highly recommend subscribing to his newsletter.
New Martin Geddes personal portal
(and why we have to take responsibility for our own virtual identity)
From around 2013 to 2015 a lot of my professional energy was dedicated to the Hypervoice Consortium, looking at the future of “smart voice” communications, and the ethical use of such personal data. The notable thing about voice is that it is intimate biosensed data: it isn’t just what we say that is private, but also:
our voice “security print”,
our current mood,
our background location noise privacy leakage, and
even things like our state of mental health (that can be inferred via machine learning).
A core conclusion was the need for self-sovereign identity systems, since our virtual self cannot be separated from our physical being. You can change a password, but you cannot change your voice, face, or fingerprint. The result of this research endeavour was a vision for the Guardian Avatar. (Video, Presentation, Report.) Back in February of 2017, I had a series of interactions with LinkedIn — where my “professional avatar” lived — that told me they were not a company whose values I shared or wished to be associated with. Having “talked the talk” on privacy and ethics, I felt obligated to “walk the walk”. So I torched my account, together with 4000+ connections, and all the content I had created there. It has probably cost me some business, and I don’t regret acting on my conscience. However, not being keen on professional suicide, I first grabbed my career history, endorsements, and other data and created my own site for my “personal identity” (martingedd.es) as distinct from my corporate consulting one (martingeddes.com). For the last few years this has stood in place of a LinkedIn profile as my “professional avatar”. When people send me their LinkedIn profile to read, I inform them it is sadly inaccessible to me as a non-member. In the interim years, I have become more acutely aware of how over-dependency on these social media behemoths is a risky and unwise proposition. I have been deplatformed by Medium for writing on endemic corruption, with no reaction from my hypocritical liberal-minded friends about this free speech crime. Right now Twitter is stopping me from gaining followers, nailing my count at just under 79,000 with it hardly varying no matter how much engagement I get. (My impressions are around 13-15 million a month.) This is completely contrary to my experience over 10+ years on the platform. Many tell me they are being unfollowed without permission, or don’t see my tweets in their timeline. I am also being “reply banned” as part of their ongoing censorship regime:
My domain names are mostly hosted with a provider that has already deplatformed a perfectly legal free speech site. How far would they go in getting rid of customers whose content they disapprove of? Am I at risk? Hard to know until the “unthinkable” has happened. My corporate website uses WordPress technology, and they have censored Westerners for breaking Pakistani Sharia Law. I could be kicked off this Mailchimp platform without redress for “hateful content” (whatever that is), and equally dumped by Squarespace for similar thougtcrime against political correctness. Incidentally, Squarespace’s terms break the “do (not do) unto others” ethics golden rule, and would have been a good use case for a Guardian Avatar “lawyerbot” to catch:
We are presently digital serfs tending our subsistence plots on the virtual lord of the manor’s properties. But that doesn’t mean we have to consent to our condition. Withdrawing consent from being abused requires us to take responsibility for our own virtual identity. We can construct our own portals and avatars that are not vulnerable to the whims and policies of tyrants, censors, or free speech hypocrites. And with that, to my main purpose in sending this newsletter to you. I have refreshed my “personal portal” to encompass more of my activities — as a “patriot” (i.e. honest citizen journalist), a computer scientist, and as an artist too (a huge surprise to the Martin of yore!). This is the presentation layer of my “Guardian Avatar”, and it protects my outward identity. Enjoy — and maybe take inspiration on how you too can take back control over your online identity, even if it costs you some time, money, and convenience to do so. Because “free” and “easy” can be exceedingly costly to your liberty.
Remember – your greatest gift to President Trump is FIVE WORDS: I AM PRAYING FOR YOU
It’s a [BONUS] Red October Sunday
If it’s not a great day for foreign diplomacy AND a great day for exposing corruption AND a great day for a precision strike on the bad guys by our military, we may just have to run around the building a couple times just to burn off all the excess energy we are getting from the winnamins we’ve been taking!
Yes, there is much to take very seriously, but there is also much to fill our hearts with hope in this very special [BONUS] Red October.
May we be stirred to courage and prayer in these days of great activity in every arena and in every dimension.
Blessings, Think*3
Our Q Tree is Appreciated by MAGA Mom (and us too!)
When I come here I feel relaxed. Seriously. More than any other site. I don’t even agree with some on some things and with many on other things. (NO – not interested in who/what! That is Not the point!) And yet I still feel relaxed and among friends. Even at OT I don’t feel this way even when “talking” to long time posters/commenters. When I sit down at the computer I often start here for a quick scan and then am busy elsewhere – esp. social media these days. But at the end of the day when I am finished with all of that and just want to relax, here is where I come to put my feet up, breath a sigh of relief and relax. Seems like a family with the annoying younger brother, the wise grandfather figures, the loving grandmother figures, the interesting and fascinating uncles and aunts, the incredibly smart cousin, the funny old uncle, some eccentrics…and, no, none of these have to do with age (I imagine the annoying younger brother is much too old to act the way he does! ha) just characters and how I feel when I read here.
A wonderful place to read – most fascinating book Ever! And yet, I am an occasional player in the very book I am reading. Real, and not real. Amusing and yet so educational. Philosophical, fascinating stories and yet up to the minute reporting in which we learn both the details and the rest of the story! Anyway, love it here even if we don’t get to “real”/personal as this isn’t actually a small place and of course I remain aware that this is a very open, public space. Still love it and appreciate you all, each one of you, for what you bring to the table. Thank you to all who create the space – esp. wolf, + all of the wonderful contributors.
This Night before Daughn Happy Hollowween THURSDAY 20191031 Open Thread is very open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world (KMAG being a bit of both MAGA and KAG!).
You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on.
Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it.
Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. They tried to FORCE fake Orwellian civility on us. In response, we CHOOSE true civility to defend our precious FREEDOM from THEM.
Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, and one might say that we have RESTORED THE OLD REPUBLIC – the early high-interaction model of the Treehouse – except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways.
Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible. Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT!
“I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!
I love this pic so I’ll ask of you all to remember Vice President Pence in your prayers!
So, as we head down the path to our branch in the Q Tree please be kind to each other.
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Now we don’t know what’s going to be revealed today and tomorrow but, hang on to your hat!
We are here. The day before All Hallows Eve when parents everywhere are scrambling to get costumes finished and be sure that there is two hours worth of fun sized candy to hand out….
Oh, wait. That tradition has been wrecked, hasn’t it. Oh, well. We can enjoy some creepy music in the meantime. Here is one tune that we don’t hear all that often, but could well be one of the more haunting melodies of the American film score anthology played for once on a 1699 Stradivarius.
HA! Bet y’all thought I was going to post this:
Okay, so here’s the deal. This is the open thread. This is where we all come to get the news that other Q tree inhabitants think is worth knowing and sharing. Please, post links to any “news” stories quoted, and ask for help if you are stumped as to how to do that. We’re a friendly lot. Someone will be with you shortly, and there is no reason to have to press one for English.
Free speech, and the open exchange and hashing out of ideas is not only allowed, but encouraged. If we all don’t use it, we’re going to lose it. A little incivility goes a long way, though. Everyone here has closely held convictions and values. Stepping on them might result in something like this (start at about 1:30 in):
https://youtu.be/enrstfN8ado
And now for some house keeping:
There are a few rules here in the branches of the Q Tree. Our host, Wolfm00n, outlined them in a post on New Years Day. Please, review these rules from time to time. Tomorrow night while waiting for the doorbell to ring would be a good time.
Fellow tree dweller Wheatie gave us some good reminders on the basics of civility in political discourse:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
Steve suggests – to be accurate – no shooting at the nuclear weapons, but to be safe about it, don’t event point firearms toward them. I, Deplorable Patriot, bossy chick that I am, request no teasing the animals, pets and wildlife alike.
And…please, please, use the best critical thinking skills in making comments as tail feathers tend to raise while fire hydrants are being watered, even among friends.
Teasing and trolling the lefties and their bastions, on the other hand is a moral imperative.
In the eternal fight against the forces of evil and darkness, unceasing prayer is always needed.
Today’s Lectionary tells us what is our responsibility in the bargain of salvation:
LK 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”
As always, prayers for the fight against that which seeks to enslave us are welcome.
When I sit down at the computer I often start here for a quick scan and then am busy elsewhere – esp. social media these days.
But at the end of the day when I am finished with all of that and just want to relax, here is where I come to put my feet up, breath a sigh of relief and relax. Seems like a family with the annoying younger brother, the wise grandfather figures, the loving grandmother figures, the interesting and fascinating uncles and aunts, the incredibly smart cousin, the funny old uncle, some eccentrics…and, no, none of these have to do with age (I imagine the annoying younger brother is much too old to act the way he does! ha) just characters and how I feel when I read here.
A wonderful place to read – most fascinating book Ever! And yet, I am an occasional player in the very book I am reading. Real, and not real. Amusing and yet so educational. Philosophical, fascinating stories and yet up to the minute reporting in which we learn both the details and the rest of the story!
Anyway, love it here even if we don’t get to “real”/personal as this isn’t actually a small place and of course I remain aware that this is a very open, public space.
Still love it and appreciate you all, each one of you, for what you bring to the table.
Thank you to all who create the space – esp. wolf, + all of the wonderful contributors.