Why The Country Fell

Why The Country Fell

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The Afghanistan country military appears to have stopped fighting against the Taliban enemy forces in quick order.  The whole country seems to have been taken over within weeks.  Why?  Looking over many news reports one single factor really stands out.  The individual Afghan soldier seems to have realized that no one had his back.  He was not getting normal expected support for his own existence and efforts.  The military is one major arm of a whole country’s political process and existence.   If a system’s arm or leg is seen to be severed then the outcome that the system is pursuing is in trouble.  It appears that the Afghanistan military was not properly supported to fight with ALL the single factors required for the fighting effort.  In fact, numerous support deficiencies have been reported.  

Here are some of the major individual factors and reasons to promote the feeling that each Afghan soldier felt he was not getting proper support:

  • Poor military supply including ammo to Afghan military fighters.  
  • Lack of pay.
  • Lack of food.
  • Lack of water.
  • Lack of proper effective military leadership.

In addition to the important list of individual items that a soldier needs to be a good warrior, there seems to be also the view of how competent the military leadership is.  

The Afghanistan political leaders at the top of the political pyramid were viewed as being possibly corrupt due to these factors:

Self dealing:  “… wounded soldiers in a prestigious military hospital were left to starve if they did not bribe nurses for food.”

Corruption:   “Rampant corruption and poor leadership have taken a terrible toll. Soldiers complain of not being paid or not getting food or ammunition.”

Incompetence: “A small coterie of palace officials without military experience are widely held to have disastrously micromanaged strategy.”

US Government used wrong approach:  “We should have invested in Afghan forces from the outset, and fought this entire campaign by, with and through them.”

Future implications for the United States political system:  

It appears that President Biden’s administration failed to perform a proper civilized withdrawal from Afghanistan.  It appears that the people who advised the administration may have bungled the withdrawal planning.  As a result, this simply awful event may have given the GOP added support for the next round of elections.

 

 

Posted August 15, 2021

 

 

Pentair Superflo VS Pool Pump Error Code 0008

Pentair Superflo VS Pool Pump Error Code 0008

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Pentair Superflo VS Pool Pump Error Code 0008

 

I had just switched out my Nautilus FNS 48 DE filter elements and put in the required DE powder.  Years ago I had a problem getting my DE filter top section to fit properly.   The top section can be lifted up so the filter can be lifted out of the bottom half.  When I put the top filter shell down in place and clamped the top and bottom assembly together it leaked.  I fixed the problem but ever since I have put a plastic sheet up to protect the motor from getting wet from the filter.  The pool motor is next to the filter.  My mistake was to allow part of that plastic to also cover the pool pump rear fan.  Thus, the pump gave me an error code of 0008.  Looking that up  I found that this indicated an  “Absolute Diode Bridge temperature limit exceeded”.  This means the motor was getting too hot.  I looked down and viewed my mistake of allowing part of the plastic sheet to cover the pool motor fan intake.  Ooops.  I moved the plastic sheet away from the pool motor fan.  I then shut down the power to the pool pump but the pump display still was showing that I had power.  So, I pressed a lot of control buttons which depleted the internal power supply of voltage and the display went blank showing that I had truly shut off power to the motor.  I went to Starbucks and purchased my usual coffee drink, a zebra, grandi, lava hot, 5 an 5 pumps and drove home.  I applied power to the pool pump and it came back up working.  I guess I need to reprogram the pump schedule. 

It also occured to me to get a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment and vacuum out the pool pump fan opening.  I read reports that this can get clogged with debris.  

I love my Pentair Superflo VS Pool Pump. It is the only aspect of my pool that I like.  I hate my pool!

We are paying to get rid of our pool for a whole long list of reasons listed next.  

  • It wastes water.  Our part of the United States has an acute water shortage.  
  • The pool chemicals are expensive.
  • I do all the pool maintenance and I see no reasonable positive payback for the effort.
  • The pool had a diving board at one end so that end of the pool is very deep.  This is not a pleasure to swim in a pool that is shallow at one end and deep at the other.
  • The company that put the pool in did not have a license.  
  • Prior to us buying this house, the former owner applied pebble stone all around the pool.  I think they did this to hide the fact that there was a lawsuit against the company that applied the cement decking.  There are a number of cement cracks and the decking slants toward the house.  You never allow decking to slant toward a house.  You want all rain water to move away from your house.  Also, I hate pebble stone because you are expected to apply pebble stone epoxy every couple of years so the pebbles do not come loose.

We have received a number of bids to get rid of the pool.  We require that the whole pool be removed.  Estimated cost is just under $20,000.

 

 

 

Posted July 25, 2021
Improved H1; July 11, 2022

Current Treason Factors In The United States

Current Treason Factors In The United States

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What is treason if practiced in the United States today?

The Constitution specifically identifies what constitutes treason against the United States and, importantly, limits the offense of treason to only two types of conduct: (1) “levying war” against the United States; or (2) “adhering to [the] enemies [of the United States], giving them aid and comfort.” 

Some Republicans:

It appears that some Republicans may have committed treason by helping Russia but this is only an act of treason if Russia is considered an enemy.   So far, research only shows that Russia is a rival, not an enemy of the United States.   Thus, the apparent despicable acts of some Republicans should not be considered treasonous.  But, these episodes of some Republicans could be construed as disloyal and may come close to treason.

Mitch McConnell:

McConnel may have committed treason with his decision not to support President Obama’s wish to reveal to the American public CIA reports that Russia was supporting Trump in the 2016 election.

“Republicans were—and are—more concerned with hurting Obama than they were in stopping Russia. In a sense, Republicans as a group colluded with Russia.”

January 6 Insurrection:

“If some of those who attacked the Capitol assembled in order to incapacitate Congress—perhaps even by kidnapping or killing lawmakers—then their actions could be construed as an attempt to overthrow the government, and federal prosecutors could plausibly consider treason charges.”

Donald Trump:

“a treason case against Trump himself might conceivably be built, if prosecutors could establish that he knew in advance that his supporters planned to violently assault the Capitol…”

“No amount of playacting and rationalizing can change the fact that the majority of the Republican Party and its apologists are advocating for the overthrow of an American election and the continued rule of a sociopathic autocrat.”

Summary:

It seems that the Republican Party has in the past and still is making some profound mistakes that have turned away quite a lot of support.  As a result, the party has had to resort to cheating by changing the voting laws in a lot of states to favor the Republican Party and packing the judicial courts with right wing judges.  The United States is slowly becoming less equal, less democratic, more authoritarian.  

 

___________________

Reader’s Comment follows:

j’accuse

This Nation, this Democracy, is in trouble. The danger and threat to our Constitution is real and comes, not from foreign powers, rather it arises domestically — from within our own borders. Trump themes which are echoed in the Halls of Congress: the 2020 election was a fake; fraud was rampant in the voting; climate change is a hoax; U.S intelligence sources are not to be believed; the “insurrection” on January 6, 2021 was simply a group touring the Capitol.

The Leadership of the Republican Party is guilty of purveying misinformation and lies.

These “lies” have now permeated the psyches of many. Among the consequences: our government is crippled as the Supreme Court fails to support voters’ rights; bills have been filed in a majority of states that aim to reduce non-white voter participation in elections. Meanwhile, the Minority leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell [R – Kentucky], has brought the Congress to a standstill regarding legislation supported by the Democratic majority.

McConnell’s dictatorial behavior has the hallmarks of fascism:

“Fascism refers to a way of organizing society with an emphasis on autocratic government, dictatorial leadership, and the suppression of opposition.” [Merriam-Webster]

McConnell’s efforts to cripple the two most recent, duly elected, Democratic administrations are evident from the following quotes:

“The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”

“100% of our focus is on stopping this new administration.”

McConnell has prevented debate and votes on the floor of the Senate. He has kept his minions in line with threats to oppose legislation on: voting rights; pay equity; infrastructure updating; climate; a special commission to investigate the January 6 assault on the Capital. This infection of inhibiting and stopping the peoples’ choice for governing this country is spreading including the House of Representatives, e.g., Representative Chip Roy [R-Texas] stated his party [Republican] wants ”18 more months of chaos and inability to get things done.”

It is one matter to speak of a desire to retain and exercise power, utterances which are protected by the First Amendment [Freedom of speech] to the Constitution. That protection ceases when the words are put into ACTION!

McConnell’s ACTIONS ARE ACTS OF TREASON!

“Treason: A betrayal of trust or confidence, a breach of faith, treachery.” [Legal Dictionary]

“Engaging in any act that weakens the might of the United States” is considered “providing aid and comfort” to the nation’s enemies. [18 US Code 2381]

McConnell has forsaken the role of legislator/statesman in an attempt to grasp and retain power for political reasons despite his oath of office to protect the United States “against all enemies both foreign and DOMESTIC” [emphasis added] and at a significant cost to his country’s welfare.

McConnell and McConnellism must GO! File charges; kill the filibuster.

This threat to our democratic system of government must be removed.

Find a way!

(Author of this comment is not revealed which is the policy of this blog)

 

 

Post: July 19, 2021
Comment Approved: July 23, 2021
Updated: July 25, 2021
j’accuse comment Approved February 24, 2022

Covid Vaccination Rejection Issues

Covid Vaccination Rejection Issues

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It is vitally important that every person get inoculated agains the COVID-19 virus.  To not get inoculated really increases your chance of getting very ill and dying.  This is especially true for people of all ages including children who come into contact with the Delta variant.  Please get inoculated!

Misinformation fueling vaccine hesitancy

There also may be a natural selection factor for the humane race at work for individuals who are reluctant to get inoculated.  This some times is also called “survival of the fittest” which means that some of us are born with bodies and minds that can more easily and successfully fight off infections.  

Another related factor for individuals who fail to get vaccinated for reasons they get their information from allegedly bad sources:

There are some legitimate sources that state that the virus inoculation should not be administered:

A medical director of the vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization program at the Tennessee Department of Health was fired for sharing a memo with others that. “according to Tennessee Supreme Court case law, minors ages 14-17 years are able to receive medical care in Tennessee without parental consent.”       Note that Tennessee is a Republican state.

Another Issue:

There may follow some form of follow up retribution against known groups and individuals who promote not getting vaccinated.  The Republican Party has already lost a lot of followers.  Maybe Fox “News” is next.

If those people who reject being inoculated do so because they can not properly calculate how to react to this covid threat, then it is quite possible that the humane race might improve if their death precedes them making children that pass on this alleged deficient factors.  This is a terrible demeaning proposal but if this possibility shames more people to get inoculated, then the better for them, their families and this nation if this changes their attitude.

 

 

 

Posted July 15, 2021
Updated: July 16, 2021
NOTE:  This is an active story and this blog post will change in the future.

Some States Pay More. Some Get Less.

Some States Pay More. Some Get Less.

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There appears to be another stark division between Republican and Democrat states that few people seem to realize or understand.  

The Basics:

  • The amount of money going into the national treasury from each state is NOT equal to the amount of money sent back to each state.
  • The reason is the people living in some states have very high income.  The state these people live in becomes a donor state because the occupants of that state are taxed more because their total yearly income is high.
  • The Democratic states seem to have high income earners, for some reason, and thus are taxed more and more money from that state goes into the national treasury which explains why some states are considered donor states.
  • The money in the national treasury is then withdrawn in uneven portions and given back to each state due to federal programs.
    • Individual Social Security
    • Medicare
    • Highway spending
    • Education
    • Federal wages
    • Federal contracts
  • Each state thus receives a sizable amount of assistance money each year but the amounts vary by state.

“Federal aid is allocated to states for a variety of purposes, primarily to supplement state funding for programs or projects deemed to be of national interest, such as Medicaid payments, education funding assistance, infrastructure assistance, and more. Some federal aid is awarded in the form of competitive grants, while other federal funding is given according to formulas established by law. Formula grants usually incorporate factors like population size, poverty statistics, and state matching dollars for distributing federal aid among states. Competitive grants are awarded on a discretionary basis and are more likely to fluctuate from year to year.”

  • There is not a balance of payments to each state.  What a state pays to the federal treasury and what it gets back is not the same.  Here is a partial list of the results:
    • New York is a big giver.
    • New Jersey is a big giver.
    • Massachusetts is a big giver.
    • Connecticut is a big giver.
    • Kentucky is a big recipient.
    • West Virginia is a big recipient.
    • Mississippi is a big recipient.
    • Alabama is a big recipient.

      Summary:        Note that the giver states seem to be Democratic while the recipient states appear to be Republican.  

 

 

 

Posted July 13, 2021

Alleged Scam Using T-Mobile Customers As Targets

Alleged Scam Using T-Mobile Customers As Targets

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I am a T-Mobile use and July 4, 2021 I get a phone text message that appears to be sent by T-Mobile.   Next is the full text I received into my cell phone.

 

 T-Mobile / T-Mobile Limited Offer, Grab a chance to win prizes worth up to 100 USD. Visit:https://mobile1.blob.core.windows.net/74123/74123.html

 

Next is the web page that I am directed to.

 

Following are some of the survey questions.  So far, this looks to be an honest T-Mobile event.

 

 

 

I had to complete 5 more questions.

I can receive a reward up to $100 cash, if I complete a survey about what I think of T-Mobile products and service.  I complete the survey and then I am shown a very long list of alleged reward options to choose.  I think this to be really odd.  I select ear buds because I am unhappy with my newly purchased Apple Earbud Pro.  Once I choose the earbuds, I am asked to pay for shipping and handling.  I think this to be rather odd also.  I am asked to fill out my credit card information.  I complete the whole transaction and think this is done.  A short time later I get an e-mail showing that the earbuds are being sent to me as a 15 day trial.  I will then need to pay for the product.  I was lied to and am not receiving any benefit.  I am livid. I find a phone number and call to cancel the order.  

 

Particulars:

  • Cell phone message came from “[email protected]”. My search for this web site showed nothing.  When I do a search for just “mobilbh.com”, I get the warning message “mobilbh.com’s server IP address could not be found.”
  • Visit:   https://mobile1.blob.core.windows.net/74123/74123.html
  • Cell Phone:  844-995-1963. I called this number to cancel the order.  I was told that the order was cancelled.
  • Credit card charges:   Jul 4, 2021.  DANGOBUDS – ANC EARB.  $5.95.  Pending.  I am worried that they may still try to charge me.

 

I then call T-Mobile and spent well over a half hour explaining this event with them.  I was told that other customers have complained about this and that T-Mobile was tying to solve this issue.

 

My mistakes:  

  • I failed to look at the address of the party that sent me the text message.  The T-Mobile customer support told me that the address should show “T-Mobile”.
  • When I viewed the really long list of :rewards” for my participation, I should have stopped and checked the situation out further.

 

My Actions:

  • I send T-Mobile Media Relations a copy of this event, at the urging of the T-Mobile customer service person, I was on the phone with.
  • I logged a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

 

 

Posted July 4, 2021