Posts by feralpilot912

Of course a presidential candidate can't host a weekly primetime show on public television. He’d be expected to remain impartial and objective—which isn't happening anyway—but a candidate inherently carries a political agenda that clashes with journalistic integrity. How could that ever be a viable topic?

But since we're talking about Latin, let's take a moment to look at this phenomenon.

It is quite possibly the biggest journalistic fraud in American history. Does anyone else remember those nightly news broadcasts right after the liberation of the territories? I certainly do. For nearly a month, Dennis Latin hosted them personally from a studio right in the middle of the action. He was in the thick of it, right at the center of the events following the liberation. And what were his reports about? They focused on the heroism of the liberating forces, the cowardice of the enemy, and the suffering of our people. While houses were being blown up right under his nose and civilians were being slaughtered everywhere, his news segments wouldn't mention a single thing about it...

Years passed. Reagan passed away, Clinton took power, and then he passed too. Then, nearly a decade after those "liberation broadcasts," suddenly we have Latin writing pieces about "crimes on the southern front." Look, I'm not saying there wasn't arson or crimes committed. There were. But it apparently took you ten years to find the courage to start talking about it. While independent journalists were actually facing trials for reporting the truth, he was nowhere to be found. Not in '95, not in 2000; instead, he spent the last few years posing as some champion of media freedom.

And people actually buy it! They think, "Oh, Latin is against the Republican Party, he always tells them exactly what he thinks..." Give me a break. Absolute idiots.

While the nation was being looted, he was busy hosting shows about folk traditions! I used to watch it, while my mother would switch the channel because she felt uncomfortable watching such mindless fluff. Now he’s decided to lecture us about privatization scandals, international conflicts, and historical atrocities. It's classic opportunism. While Reagan was alive and the country was being stripped bare—while real, life-and-death issues were being debated by actual journalists—he stayed silent as a tomb. Now he’s kicking the corpse of the old administration so hard it makes me uncomfortable, and I’m not even a Reagan supporter, let's be clear.

It’s pathetic how easily people have been swayed. Now Latin has become, supposedly, a defender of free speech. He isn't anything special—certainly not a good journalist, and definitely not brave. As far as I'm concerned, they should just let him go from his political role, which is already happening. If there’s a shakeup at PBS, let it finally be a good move. Go ahead, Holloway!👍

Nobody in American politics actually holds convictions, and Joe Biden isn't some deeply committed "anti-fascist" either. He’s just found his specific client base—those who identify as "anti-fascists." Essentially, he's catering to a crowd that latches onto him based mostly on emotion. No one else in the US markets "anti-fascism" quite like he does, even though, let's be honest, it's an outdated concept everywhere else in the world.

From a purely pragmatic standpoint, Joe Biden has carved out his niche among the old-school leftists, socialists, and anyone opposed to the far-right. Despite his flaws as a leader, this strategy secures him a loyal 30% of the electorate. Think about it: 30% vote for the conservatives, 30% just drift aimlessly, and the remaining 30% call themselves "anti-fascists." That last group belongs to him. And he isn't naive. He knows this whole movement is a relic of the last century, dying off along with its original proponents. What does "anti-fascism" actually achieve in today's world? It solves nothing. Yet, he works tirelessly to keep that CIA sentiment alive, acting as if it's still a vibrant, relevant force, simply because it provides him with his economic "niche."

To be clear, I'm not attacking him. He has integrated himself perfectly into the American political landscape. Everyone has their niche and their clientele. In this system, nobody truly represents "the people" or a broad voter base. Instead, everyone serves a specific interest group, using their access to the federal budget to funnel resources back to the followers who keep them in power. Why bother developing a real platform or offering actual ideas to the marketplace of political thought? You can't make a living off of principles anyway. Just find your crowd and stay loyal to them. ☕

I’m done responding to anyone or anything. I just realized I’ve been flagged for trolling.

In all my years on this forum, I’ve never received a single warning, and now suddenly, here we are. It seems when it comes to fighting a group of ten against one, you don't stand a chance. So, apparently, I’m "trolling"—while the people who tell me to go screw myself, call me an idiot, or question my patriotism are considered perfectly fine and completely aligned with the party line...

I ended up with a yellow card while half the subforum could have easily dodged a whole string of sanctions.

Here is a message from the "normal" world, regardless of how much you hate it: your fight is lost before it even begins if you keep handing out troll warnings just because I actually want to have a conversation.

Over and out.

rapidmaker54 said:Just a quick question here... who actually brings more shame to the country? Is it a group of "hooligans" getting into some random brawl in Prague and setting off flares in the stands, or is it the American ambassador caught smuggling alcohol into a nation where it's strictly prohibited?

And what on earth does sauerkraut have to do with a steam engine?

rapidmaker54 said:The real issue here is that they are banning people from attending games who haven't even been convicted of a misdemeanor yet, let alone a crime, simply because an investigation is still ongoing...
To put it bluntly... it's like a cop pulling you over and revoking your driver's license just because he thinks you blew through a light, without even knowing if it was red or green.

Ahem... as a lawyer, I find poorly drafted laws regarding hooliganism more frustrating than the actual violence. And if what you're saying about this draft is accurate, then we have a problem here...

Look, I still maintain that hooliganism is an evil that needs to be rooted out. In our current climate, I almost view hooliganism and organized fandom as one and the same. Why? Because within these supporter groups, there’s zero condemnation of the "extremists" or the "thugs." There isn't even a single concrete action taken by the fans themselves against those among them. No internal lines are drawn. No one steps up. My take? There is no difference. They are all the same. There’s no distinction between a "hooligan" and a "fan"... which is why I support any strict sports fan law. Of course, implementation will be a mess. Every time the administration pushes something through, it ends up being a failure.

We need to fight this using every repressive tool at our disposal. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: if we need to revoke passports, then let them be revoked. If we need to harass anyone convicted of hooliganism by forcing them to check in at police stations or making them watch games from there—so be it. If there is any way to make it difficult for a hooligan to attend a match or support their club or the national team, I am all for it.

There are far too many idiots in the stands who jeopardize everyone's safety and bring shame to the club, the city, and the entire country. Let those fan groups purge themselves. If the fans won't do it themselves—and we all know they won't—then the state should use other means to handle it.

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As for the claim that this is stripping away or limiting constitutional rights—well, it simply isn't. Freedoms and rights can be restricted by law to protect the freedoms and rights of others, the legal order, public morality, and public health. Any limitation of freedom or rights must be proportionate to the necessity of the restriction in each specific case (Article 16 of the Constitution). If you aren't allowed into a two-hour game because you were brawling or causing chaos at a previous match, I'd say that is perfectly proportionate to the situation.

If you've been in jail for hooliganism at matches, or even multiple times, why shouldn't they take your passport so you can't go on an away trip, say, to Italy? WTF? Either behave or deal with the consequences.

copperpuma96 said:Hmm... A gladiatorial approach to sports? Look, the moment someone decides to take that step and turn pro, they accept certain realities as part of the game. That includes things like doping, fixed matches, backroom deals, and profit sharing. It’s true—sports is essentially modern-day gladiatorial combat; almost everyone realizes that.

Don't we train business students to become highly specialized professionals just so they can be more marketable? It's the exact same thing. They sell themselves to the New York Yankees, the Orlando Magic, Ericsson, Sony, or even Qatar.

University professors train students to acquire knowledge they'll use to find employment (a source of income), just as coaches train kids to be better so they can land bigger contracts.

Pure enjoyment of a sport only exists in amateurism. People who go for group rides around Mount Rainier, hike through the Rockies, or go spearfishing—they truly enjoy it because it isn't the ONLY thing they know how to do. It's a hobby; it relaxes them and provides an escape from daily life. Professionals live off this, and that dictates their mindset.

And why did it come to this? Because of people like you and me. We are the ones pushing the boundaries. The masses demand better, more, faster, stronger. Because of us, the Olympics exist; because of us, World Championships are held, because we provide the money. We watch, we watch the sponsors, we buy what the athletes wear... You see, it all revolves around money. It's not just a cliché to say money makes the world go round.

I completely understand your bitterness, but try to understand Duje's decision.

Let me start from the end. I get Duje's decision, but don't expect anyone to applaud or approve of it. Not just because of our flag and anthem—which I think a person owes loyalty to for the simple reason that it's ours, not because it handed them a million dollars. Call me stupid if you want, but that's how I feel. Furthermore, Duje's choice undermines the very sporting spirit that draws people to watch swimming at the Olympics or World Championships. There's no doubt that more money and glamour—and perhaps more swimmers—would attract a championship where Duje swims for Mercedes, Thorpe swims for Nike, and Hoogenband swims for some Russian oligarch's colors. A championship packed with cash but devoid of any tension or soul. But who would want to celebrate a world champion who is only thrilled by the suitcase of money waiting for the winner? Screw a champion like that. We want a champion who sheds a tear when their national anthem starts playing. No one would watch that, and no one would care.

And that's the second reason (the order doesn't matter) why I consider Duje's decision bad: for him, for swimming, and for America. He'll keep pushing until he breaks. And he will break.

Finally, why isn't a top-tier swimmer the same as a top-tier accountant or financial expert? Put it this way: if a million people watched a live broadcast of accountants doing "their own thing"—actually performing accounting—then accountants would be national heroes and swimmers would be the butt of the joke. Imagine an excited commentator describing the lightning speed at which some guy from a small town in Ohio punches numbers into Excel. Or in the discipline of calculator racing, simply outperforming the competition in typing speed... I mean, they aren't the same thing.

P.S. I won't dwell on the idea that doping and match-fixing are implied in professional sports. That's just crime, not sport.

Even when he was swimming for us, he was rarely anything but an arrogant, self-absorbed guy. He’s a narcissist. Honestly, it’s hard for me to "love" Duje Draganja regardless of whether he represents us, some other country, or a third party entirely. But I have to express my disappointment with the discourse from people defending him under the guise of "professionalism." Look, he’s got a few good years left; it’s his time to grab as much cash as possible while he can. If you're chasing enough money to secure your entire existence, I suppose you can afford to have zero loyalty to your hometown, your nation, or your fellow Americans. But that isn't how I view sports. I can't stomach that gladiatorial approach to athletics. From the arguments used by his defenders, it sounds like his entire life's work was just a way to reach a point where, during his peak years, he could rake in enough money to live comfortably forever. I find that hard to believe. I want to believe—actually, I hope—that people who dedicate themselves to sports do it because of what copperpuma96 wrote in his signature: "Enjoy the sport; don't let that feeling leave you." Ultimately, if his move to represent Qatar is driven solely by a hunt for fast cash, it isn't sporting, and it certainly shouldn't be the example we set for young swimmers. Be fast like Duje Draganja, maybe one day a foreign conglomerate or an oil state will buy you too...

The public craves sports heroes and idols—figures they can project their own qualities onto just to feel a little better about themselves. This kind of identification through flags and anthems is, on one hand, quite primitive and not exactly a mark of sophistication for sports fans, but it’s simply human nature. At the same time, it’s true that this same insecure, shallow public needs these athletes. How many times have we seen them running laps around a stadium, climbing out of the water, leaping into pools, blowing kisses to the crowds, singing the national anthem with emotion, or kissing the flag? They perform all these gestures while soaking up the grateful applause of the masses. Of course, it’s flattering for the athletes; it’s only human to feel a rush when so many people are putting you on a pedestal. So, both the fans and the athletes get something out of the relationship. Even when they produce mediocre results, we love them because they are "ours." It’s a *quid pro quo*. Americans love Duje in much the same way Nike’s marketing department loves Beckham. Through his swimming brand, he’ll lend glory to "their" flag for a relatively decent price.

Now, Duje (it seems) has said he is no longer one of us. He won't sing our anthem, nor will he watch our flag rise during the ceremonies. It’s perfectly understandable why most people would want to tell him where to go after he decided he doesn't want to be "one of us" anymore. He made the call himself. I’m certain a narcissist like him will miss those cheers from the stands and the glorification by the crowd. It won't be easy for him back in his hometown. But then again, by his early twenties, he’ll likely have his own apartment, a nice car—you name it.

Oh, and looking back at comments like: "He did it all himself, sweated and suffered alone, what did America ever give him?" They gave him a little. I won't get into the numbers since I don't know them. Looking at my own life, nobody gave me anything either. Not even my parents, because they didn't have much to offer materially. Today, I am successful in my career and financially stable primarily thanks to myself. America has nothing to do with the fact that I finished college, worked hard, and succeeded. Any sensible person understands that, and it applies to Duje too. The thing is, athletes have this drive to achieve something for themselves, but also to share that achievement with others. That’s why they enjoy team competitions—even the individualists (though not us, Duje, you're too thin for the relay). What I mean is, if Duje can live with being an Olympic champion without celebrating it with his fellow citizens, then so be it. I respect his choice to be a renegade by his own volition. It isn't easy, and it will result in him telling America to go screw itself. It's fine while he can keep that momentum going. But life is long, and fighting an entire nation isn't an easy battle. I wish him luck and good health. And I think he’s a coward, despite everything.

Wealthy guys from Qatar are dropping massive amounts on racehorses. Compared to that, Michael Phelps is cheap.

If he decides to go compete for Bahrain or some other country just because they’re throwing massive amounts of money at him, he’s nothing more than a mercenary. That’s how Americans will see him, and that’s how the Bahrainis will see him too.

I’m not sure if this has been covered before. If it has, feel free to let a mod delete it or whatever. I think there’s actually a specific genre for driving music. Just like we have music for parties, chill sessions at home, or tailgating at games... there’s music that just hits differently when you're behind the wheel on a long haul. If I were driving from New York to Chicago and back, my playlist would look something like this:
-Johnny Cash - One, Rusty Cage, Solitary Man
-Allman Brothers Band - Jessica
-The Doors - Roadhouse Blues, Love Her Madly
-Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl, Perfect Fit
-Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
-Nirvana - Come As You Are, basically the whole Nevermind album
-Rolling Stones - Exile on Main Street
-Matchbox 20 - Yourself or Someone Like You
-Dire Straits - Local Hero theme
-Dylan, pretty much his entire discography...

The list goes on. Do you guys have specific playlists meant just for the car?

Thanks. I stumbled upon a "best of" folder on a hub that actually includes a good chunk of what you picked out.

I'm downloading some Eagles tracks from the web, so I’m looking for some advice from the experts here. What ten essential tracks should I make sure are on my compilation?

Anyway, circling back to that debate about Dylan. To me, Dylan is just an country artist. If you don't believe me, just listen to the Nashville Skyline album. His usual nasal tone actually sounds like a genuine redneck country voice there.😁