Lemming

A person's beliefs and actions, can be separate.

Sometimes answers can be semantic,

I'm not saying that the Biden Trump election was such a time,

But possible person thought of some future event, maybe would have been better to resist the Nazi's when they 'won their election, than to submit.

Again, I 'don't mean Biden Trump election with Nazi reference, but far future what ifs.

Maybe guy overthought the question,

I really don't see it as 'treasonous.

@ADreamOfLiberty

I'm not fond of plea deals,

And often our justice system seems a strange, conviction vs acquittal, based upon lawyer strength,

Rather than truth and justice.

@oromagi

I don't know, it just doesn't seem 'Death 'Penalty, or 'Spy/'Traitor, levels to me.

For example, suppose Trump sold information to Russia because he thought it would weaken his opponent,

He wouldn't really be 'serving Russia, he'd be using Russia to his own ends.

I often miss prayer,

Being able to put my faith, trust, hope in God, that all wrongs shall be righted in the end,

That one's soul can be saved,

The existence of objective morality.

Askance for strength, confiding in a higher power one's worries, and in that communion be strengthened, for God was not simply another human.

Perhaps it is exasperated by my moral nihilism,

Horrifying I find evil existences at times, both for the reasons that one, they are not evil, evil doesn't exist, no anchor point,

Two, that they exist, that in history people died in the worst ways, yet the wrongs cannot be righted, that many suffer now, that people 'will suffer, that there is no salvation from it, but by chance, chance that one is lucky enough to avoid it,

You cannot imprison/break my spirit, some people have said in past and prose,

But it's simple enough, everyone has a breaking point, suffering beyond what can be endured, that scars,

Anyone, no matter how mighty, can slip or have they heel cut, fall low, pride and good face, cannot be kept against force overcoming,

The mind but a plaything of the body, lobotomy, drugs, no safety.

Ah, but I'm rambling, and it'll pass, just a moment, and the idea'll be forgotten for a time, a 'long while at times.

What does it mean to register as a foreign agent?

Does it mean the person is saying that they are a spy?

Does it mean that they have done work for foreign powers, but in a more official stance?

Lobbyist for a foreign government?

Not asking questions to try to wriggle Manafort out of anything,

I just don't know much.

I don't think Paul Manafort qualifies as a Russian 'Agent?

Is that against the law?

I don't include the link as a aha, but as a question, that I can better understand the law in regards to what you spoke.

Course I also see this link,

I don't much feel like engaging the topic, as I'd have to either research and think well out my posts,

or

Search through the folder where I saved my DDO debates, for my debate on guns in America.

I do feel like posting the links to a couple of parody videos though.

Unfortunately I'm lazy,

But the gist is some guy gave the Russians poll numbers?

Unfortunately I'm also ignorant,

I understand Julius and Ethel Rosenberg - Wikipedia,

Being a big deal, poll numbers though, I don't much care about?

I could see some of the nature worshipping ones coming back around,

Sun worship, fire, trees,

Certain parts of human life, such as planting season, war, making of cloth,

Wouldn't surprise me if religions occurred that encouraged cooperation, or xenophobia, love, hate,

Single and multiple deities,

Encouragement of idols, or not,

Golden Rule,

People going to have beliefs, same way they going to have technology,

Seems better for tech 'or belief, that it be developed, than undeveloped.

. . .

Well, if they're developed positively, rather than negatively, I suppose.

I think Pelosi's visit as a symbol has multiple interpretations.

If both partners are inclined towards work yet still enjoying life together, it doesn't seem bad to me.

Money has a certain amount of value in life, though I think eventually it's value ends up as diminishing returns, once one is well off, one is well off,

There comes a time to reap the harvest and enjoy life,

Though I think people can make the mistake of doing that too early in life,

People who drink 'all the time and leave heavy tips even when poor, eat out all the time, buy expensive cars, boats, but that's all off topic.

Again, I don't think it's bad to work,

Maybe just don't forget each other's initial goals though, don't forget each other, don't work so much you 'never have time for each other.

I speak broadly, as I'm unsure what the details of your life and work are.

I don't mean it as an insult, though their inactions (As they appear to me) I 'do view as negative.

'Is a coarse/rude way to put it, though you've not complained,

I've been up too long, mental filter slightly ajar.

I suppose I'm also lumping all of Europe together, and I'd assume missing actions.

Hm, after WW1 saw lot of nations became reclusive, then again after WW2.

Though France had a colonial push going in Vietnam for a while, unethical it was, I've read. Ended up a quagmire for them, then later the US.

The British had their Falklands war.

Of other European nations, I don't recall reading much, though history and action's been taking place I'm sure.

. . .

Hm, I suppose part of my pr- no no, filter.

I suppose part of my problem is I view outgoing culture and people as more telling of a countries success, than 'incoming culture and people,

To my mind incoming culture and people is insanity for a nation, 'especially one with entrenched people and culture, though maybe that's xenophobic of me.

I like counting numbers to fall asleep, or make time go by faster at work, by turning my mind off the present, on to counting.

. . .

Well, if I'm trying to fall asleep 'fast I count numbers, if I don't have a sleep deadline, I daydream until I fall asleep, enjoy sensation of laying down, feeling of eyes closed, blanket.

China was happy to make a buck back then in the 80s,

And China was willing to say that the 2003 Invasion ought not be,

Though I'd have to read more to have an understanding of 'what their motivation in doing that was.

What evidence do you have of genocide in Ukraine?

I don't mean this question to say that you are wrong, to challenge your truth on the question,

I simply have not been following the situation in Ukraine closely, and it's to my benefit to be informed of what you say. (Again this is about my ignorance, and is not meant as a challenge to your statement)

Hm, people haven't mentioned the Uyghur in a while,

Can't say I ever made up my opinion on those claims people made there, but people 'did claim genocide on China's part.

Even without genocide, China has a history of 'disappearing people,

Of imprisonment, removal of liberty, destruction of culture, autonomy of other states autonomy.

Tibet,

The USA is not claiming Taiwan for itself,

But I 'appreciate people in government who argue they have a right to be their own people.

We're not asking every region of China, but Taiwan is not part of the CCP, as I see it.

. . .

I've a pessimistic view of people, of nations.

The Europeans look to have had their balls cut off after WW2,

America chose the path of Democracy and Right, even if they don't do right by that path all the time,

South America flails about inadequately,

Africa remains sundered,

The Middle East small dustballs of conflict,

I don't know much about India, but it seems oddly quiet,

Russia surprisingly looks an attempt to be USSR again, but is failing,

China looks to have long term plans of expansion, 'looks like it has a roughly homogonous society, a forced culture to obey, ambition, was founded in Communism ye old international dream of world domination,

China makes me nervous, makes me see a nation better addressed 'sooner, rather than later.

I look at Intelligence_06's comments in Pelosi landed at Taiwan (debateart.com),

To 'me, they give an indication of might makes right 'justified,

Complaints of other people acted immorally in the past for power, why can't China?

Though this may be a - is 'likely a misreading on my part of Intelligence_06, but he didn't engage his thread much, so hard for me to tell.

I'm rambling, and I can admit I'm an ignorant fellow of world affairs, nations histories, militaries, implications,

I'm not saying I'm doing so while you're not, I'm 'just saying I've limited knowledge, but I still have an opinion,

Again, I'm 'not saying you don't have justification for your views.

Freeing North Korea sounds more difficult a task, than safeguarding Taiwan,

To me.

In either case China want's it's buffers and expanded influence,

But North Korea they 'have, so to speak,

Taiwan they don't (yet), I'd figure?

Depends what you mean by prioritize,

Seems normal enough to 'me, if someone has to work more than they like, be away from home longer than they like at times,

People usually need to work, to make a living.

Even some people gone from months at a time,

Though not 'everyone is willing to trade work for love, even if it will provide benefits in the future.

Personally I'd say it important to talk with one's partner, see what they want, consider options.

Though some couples 'both want to work hard and reap benefits later on.

Years ago, my parents divorced when my Dad changed jobs, against my Mother's ultimatum that if he 'did, she'd divorce him,

There were other things too, just a straw on a camels back.

@NoOneInParticular

Just reminded of an older coworker, who said carrying guns around town, shooting things, or to school was normal when he was a kid.

@zedvictor4

I 'do like the idea of art lasting longer, stone, metal,

Though a lot of wood art looks nice too.

Some places made of wood, are impressive in their renewal of structures.

@Ehyeh

True, the well adapted form was a bit more of my own side thought, than the argument of inner beauty that you put forth.

@AnyOneWhoHappenedToBe Reading

I don't really mind makeup 'that much, often makeup is rather attractive,

Though I still don't think my arguments earlier wrong.

Of post  #9, I think there's an argument to be made for authenticity and attraction/appreciation,

People are sometimes disappointed if they learn exhibit in museum is replica, when first they thought genuine, or they mistake satellite for a shooting star.

Also of an earlier statement, while I 'do appreciate muscle for use not show,

I also like muscle for show,

A lot or a little, what people like can be many, even at both ends of a spectrum.

I like and agree with what you say,

But ideas would still need definitions, synonyms, rough sentences to explain meaning, other than word itself.

What do you mean?

Does beauty mean appreciation?

Hm, no no, that's not 'quite it.

. . .

Attraction?

Close, requires clarifiers I suppose.

Thinking past a post,

I suppose I wouldn't consider beauty a moral 'virtue,

But it 'can be a boon to possess, depending on one's circumstance in life,

Or a disadvantage, again depending on one's circumstance.

For 'purpose in form,

I'd suppose some people find a body created to be 'hardy and useful, beautiful,

Though I don't mean 'show muscle, but a body able to 'live best in it's situation.

I don't really 'mind beauty not having a 'moral 'virtue, much myself,

Though it 'might be argued it possesses one, in it's alleviating effect on life, relaxation, appreciation of existence,

Hm, maybe that's not 'moral 'virtue though.

Still, a sunset, sunrise, stars, moon, ocean, river, all have beauty,

Hm, have 'uses as well I suppose,

But again, I'm of the opinion that beauty itself, regardless of the object associated can have a use,

But 'use isn't the reason we appreciate them so much is it? (Talking to self)

. . .

Sure I'd agree people often have the idea that they are not their body itself,

And I suppose there's 'some truth in that view,

Burn my face, place me in an iron lung, 'I am still there,

,

Though we identify one 'still by their appearance and body's ability,

We say person A can/can't do this or that,

Because of their material possession.

. . .

I 'would agree/think myself, that people would think more of a person who appreciates others based on who they are or of what they are capable, that 'just their looks.

'Usually. .

Is odd to design a ship for looks, yet it cannot sail,

Build a house that looks nice, and falls down,

Choose a friend who is beauty, but stabs you in back.

Still depends on circumstance,

Though I don't feel like going on about that.

Interesting view,

But I'd argue we put form above purpose plenty in life.

We fill magazines and movies full of good looking good acting people,

We put art in galleries,

Paint houses varieties of colors,

Myself I'm a materialist,

Though it's not wrong to place importance on ones 'inner self,

Outer self is part of us as well,

Often traumatizing to people if they 'suddenly lose their looks,

Aging's a slow process,

But loss of face in burn, acid, gunfire,

A cause for discomfort.

People wear makeup, dye their hair even into old age, get facelifts,

People place great importance on outer beauty I'd say.

Character is part of beauty I suppose,

Is it less arbitrary though?

@#30

What would a non-arbitrary manner be?

I'm not sure that 'all Libertarians believe in 'No taxes 'anywhere?

I've not even a guess, but America's navy, it's bases and allies cross the globe.

I don't recall reading of the USSR shooting down planes during the Berlin Airlift.

Other parts of the world are near Taiwan.

Depends how America and allies approach situation.

May past glories be remembered, and new glory, created.

Ideally glory in peace, but even should a war come, may it be that we are worthy enough to overcome.

@#40

The Berlin Airlift succeeded.

And it's in our long term interests if other nations 'do strengthen, that the international community at large believe in peace,

Seeing on how we didn't go for conquest victory after WW2.

Maybe other nations 'will be able to match us, though I'm of the opinion that day has not yet come.

Not that I'm saying this, that we ought go to war.

It prevents loss of trade.

Creates gains from stealing enemies trade, both in treasure ships and trade routes.

Creates civilian militia of ships in times of war, to increase military power.

If the Confederates had retreated en masse to Cuba, would Cuba be Taiwan?

Though Cuba wasn't isn't an old part of US I suppose.

Hm, but when 'did Taiwan become part of China? (In the past I mean)

You seem to think that a small minority of individuals in Taiwan force the public not to join China?

You seem to think a majority of the people of Taiwan 'want to join China, but are prevented?

From a big viewpoint, America did not do enough in Ukraine, (I think)

Enough would have been to insist Russia retreat or face war, and follow through.

Enough would have been to make clear that war would follow an invasion, 'before an invasion.

Damned if one doesn't, damned if one does,

But better to be damned to a war when one is strong,

What did the Europeans do as Hitler kept claiming land?

Nothing, expecting his appetite to fill,

I don't see Pelosi's action as provocation, but warning,

Attempt to prevent war, not incite.

It's a commonheld view by Americans that Taiwan is a sovereign state, (I think),

No matter the US government's 'current 'spoken word.

In 27 years, it'll be 100 years since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, (I think)

100 years. . . In which the China has claimed Taiwan to be a band of rebels,

China, long attempts, harassing fishing boats, coast guard, air space, building islands and claiming 'new water territory.

. . .

There's more views that this one, and I'm not saying those views are incorrect,

But that's the problem with viewpoints at times I suppose,

More than one can be correct, even when they contrast with one another.

. . .

Hm, 'my view of America and the world,

I'd rather not say, as to my discomfort I've become far more radical in my 'opinions and views, though not actions.

From a view 'not mine,

There's a logic in curbing China's outward ambition,

Both in self interest and interest of those that China would absorb.

Though one 'could argue it's in China's interest to expand.

I think personal meaning comes about from resonance,

Between an individual and X,

Individual and X changing, varying, as material does.

Sometimes resonating from meditation,

Uncovering truths in oneself or outside, that they resonate, though some truths resonate even before we 'knew them.

Though I also think this resonance is objectively worthless, subjectively worthless at times,

This truth tainting even the subjective worth,

But resonate will resonate, as material wills.

Rambling.

. . .

Mm, I am reminded of The Centipede's Dilemma - Wikipedia

. . .

Kindling for the soul,

Chemistry,

Various materials, varying quantity, volume, time,

Cooking.

. . .

Stimuli.

. . .

I'd 'think people know or are able to stoke their own fire's best,

Though individuals can also stoke others,

I'd imagine such is a reason of success of religions,

Organizations that feed men's souls.

Well, 'groups in general perhaps, ideals, goals, 'reasons.

. . .

The Soul/Will/Mind's an ember,

Action a flame,

That even when windblown,

The outer flame dead,

Heat and flame burns within,

Capable of reigniting action without.

Well, so long as the ember remains.

Truly I am a Lotus Eater, in my life's pursuits, metaphorically I mean, in my enjoyment of music, nature, YouTube, comics, books,

Trivial pursuits,

Ah well, though multiple choice as to what binds me.

1 No

2 No

@#13 Eugenics and parental/reproduction license,

'Does seem a logical outcome of societies where 'society has larger influence than individual autonomy,

And societies 'do look inclined to tread in that direction, though that's a guestimate on my part.

Personally I'm of the opinion (During some moments) that no one should have kids, and we ought sterilize the Earth of all life, even down to bacteria,

Due to my view that one can't ask permission of the unrealized, whether they want to 'be,

And my view at times that it's better to have never been, Though once one 'is, it is better to 'Be, as long as one can, live as best one can.

Sometimes when I wake up groggy in the morning from only sleeping for a hour after only sleeping a hour previous day, I talk out loud,

My mind feels rather blank,

Though I suppose I'm thinking, I don't really recall 'thinking anything, though I'm 'aware,

Just kind of act on habit and follow my vocal commands of what I need do.

Rich people should create and spread superior City/County States.

A Martial Fighting Tournament such as in YuYu Hakusho, seems a decent method of picking a leader to me.

Leader risks self, is Democratic as allied forces do not fight each other.

I'm not actually bothered by Communism in 'new states.

Another way countries can pay off debt historically,

Is by allowing merchant ships to arm themselves, that they be able to fight off pirates,

Or in a time of war authorize privateers.

Such would decrease losses in trade or spending in navy.

More a wooden ships and iron men sort of age though.

I'd rather date a woman with 'slightly crooked teeth, than a woman with 'more crooked teeth perfectly aligned by braces.

Sure a person's body and personality are often shaped by nurture rather than nature, and thus their genes could be fine, even if their appearance 'indicated bad genes,

But it doesn't sound right to me, to claim that people's appearances are not effected by their genetics, or that the human eye is incapable of viewing others and reaching reasonable conclusions about their genetics.

"(Deadbeat mum and all that)." - zedvictor4 #22

What's that supposed to mean?

I don't know much about national economics,

But I'd reckon there are ways to handle it.

Not going to needless and unprofitable wars, would be a decent way not to increase our debt.

I'd rather be balding than wear a toupee, 

But beauty's in the eye of the beholder,

I find good genes attractive in a person.

. . .

Also honesty, and being confident enough in oneself not to hide their genetics.

@Ehyeh

I'm not saying people should be bullied for having bad teeth,

But I find good genes more attractive than bad genes.

I don't think avoiding makeup and plastic surgery means a person doesn't care for their looks,

Keeping in shape, keeping clean, brushing one's teeth,

Plenty a person can do.

@Reece101

Well, true, I'm not interested in having kids myself,

Still, we don't all have to like the same thing,

I'd prefer a natural 4 than an unnatural 10,

Though what's 'considered unnatural is a bit too wide a definition I suppose.

I'd rather be able to 'see someone's genes, than have them hide them.

Personally, I don't see anything 'false with the replacement theory/fear some people have.

Demographics, Cultures, Ideals change and shift,

Faster, Slower, depending on situations, actions.