Jace, Extat

Some people suck, no matter the language they use or is used to describe them. Some people, quite a few, are bad. I have met some and been under the power of one. I am telling you from personal experience. There is no magic word or phrase yet undiscovered, to be expressed, which makes a pedophile anything other than a fucking monster.

I... don't know that it is. I think I get what you're saying, that language typically treating sex and sexuality in binary terms could make it difficult or impossible to even concieve of oneself as trans or gay or whatever. I can see what you're saying there, that's an interesting idea that probably has some substance to it. But I don't think that some kind of language revolution is the obvious answer, the driver for more people identifying as... whatever they may identify as. I think it's a technology revolution that's driving the change, and the language is adapting to new realities/experiences. People have access to so many more experiences and perspectives than they did even thirty years ago that they don't feel isolated or even singular in their own. Knowing that there are other people, who you can interact with, who feel like you do is... huge! Biggest change in human culture since the invention of language. Bigger than the printing press, which made transferral of knowledge or experience much easier but still only by and for a tiny minority of people. When I was a kid the only trans people I saw were on Maury Povich, and I knew I was born in the wrong body or whatever, but I also knew I wasn't that. I never told nobody I wanted to be a girl until I had the internet and saw/read stuff from normal trans gals and learned that you could transition and not be a freak. So you could call that a representation issue, and I'd be inclined to agree, but it's not a language one. And technology is what changed access to more positive representation, which I think drives more open identification/expression. I'd say that the language has changed because the technology changed how readily people could communicate, and new words and ideas sprang naturally to describe previously undiscussed perspectives.

Is this suggestion aimed at someone else? I have never, ever, EVER in my life said, implied, joked, or even thought that the explosion in non-binary identification is due to genetic or biological factors. Is someone saying that? That's insane. That's fucking nuts. Spontaneously... evolving gay?

I don't want to sound like I'm banging the table here or anthing, because I do not know a great deal about economics, so I could well be wrong here. But when Speer described how the German economy functioned late in WW2 he essentially called it a barter economy. It's been a while since I read that book, and I am not an economist, but I seem to recall Speer saying that because factory/resource extraction workers were working essentially for ration cards they wouldn't deliver equipment or materiel unless they had in hand the stuff they needed to make or extract more. Like a barter economy, but with the state acting as a sort of purchaser and supplier, AND a seller of the only thing that had value: food. And Nazi Germany successfully suppressed any kind of political or social revolution literally up until Hitler put a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

Are you saying that language, and specifically english, is responsible for... suppressing non-binary self-identification? Like, at the conceptual level?

You're right, and I wasn't trying to say Kitchener was correct and that Russia can't collapse if its economy goes under. I was just saying that it might be able to fight on for some time afterwards, that the end of the war might not be imminent even if the outcome is more-or-less assured.

There's a famous line from Horatio Kitchener that "no financial pressure has ever stopped a war in progress." It's not exactly true, but he was talking about industrialized states with effective governments that could bear obscene costs more-or-less indefinitely because as long as the political will to fight remains then the belligerents will prioritize the war effort over everything else. And I think that's important to keep in mind with Russia here. I am not an economist, I am not a general; I'm a tranny with a smartphone, so take this post for what it's worth. But I don't expect Russia's economy to suddenly evaporate and the war to stop overnight because of that, as a lot of people are hoping. As long as there's food, bullets, and soldiers I think a state the size and strength of Russia could fight on... maybe forever. The critical factor, the one that has stopped many a war in progress, is the ability of the regime to monopolize violence inside the state. When the police and military stop believing in the possibility of benefit, when they allow the citizens of Russia to act against Putin, is when the breaking point will occur. That would surely be hastened by a complete collapse of Russia's economy, but I don't necessarily think it's guaranteed from it. At least not overnight. All this to say: I do not expect the war to end for years yet. But I do expect Ukraine to win.

Okay, Jesus... I get it. I will try to stop wallowing in misery and rubbing it on the walls. I do think we are well and truly fucked because everyone sucks. But I'll shut the fuck up about it. Okay?

Then I misunderstood. I guess my reading comprehension needs work. Alright. I think you're a little hung up on the Democrats in shambles thing, and I don't get why. I didn't mean to moralize or make a thesis out of that. I mean... they are a fucking mess. But whatever.

Well, I think you're being a little too optimistic, like Jax said. But as to the question, it depends what it looks like. New Leaf Jace would say that I will not participate in bombings or terror attacks. Not even should MAGA crown an Emperor in the mausoleum of their Dear Leader. I don't want to kill people, or see them killed. But if it were a Civil War pt.2 situation, with states aligned against the executive branch and the federal government, then I would reenlist with whichever side was not fascists. I have experience and skills that would be of use in fighting reactionary thugs. But I would not do it "in the street" so to speak. I wouldn't join a gang or political faction for street violence.

Both things can be true... Trying to be decent, to say shit that's true is a burden on Democrats that Republicans simply cast aside. And at the same time, no champion of the truth or decency has emerged since Trump appeared. So, in a dark way it seemed reasonable to me for a moment to just give up on saying shit that's true as a party. To just lie, nakedly and repeatedly. And that was remarkable to me. I read Neil's post and thought to myself "oh, they should just start making shit up. Why not?" And I thought that was pretty dark. And alarming. You said: "And basing that on one post and your own thoughts on the Dems' willingness to be "lie." When as I mentioned, they don't really" Which I interpreted, as best I could, as you saying I was upset that Democrats lie... or something to that effect. If that's not what you were saying, I take back my comment.

I didn't see this before my last post, but everything I said above I meant. If you or someone wants to start an Iran thread I will engage with it and explain my opinions on why striking Iran is justified forthrightly and without my accustomed nastiness. I mean it, I will stop acting like a rancid bitch if we can reach a detente here.

We'll do this part first: I absolutely am not a credible character, here on this forum. I fancy myself a performer, and I act like one. Jace is not, generally, genuine. I come here for fun. I do not act in real life the way that I act in these threads. So with that said, I get that I am deserving of a certain disregard and even disdain. Sure. But I do not just insult people and imply disgusting character accusations about them instead of engaging with their posts. I don't. And I'm fucking me. Fair enough. I was feeling sentimental this morning with my coffee. It did seem significant to me, for me, to shrug and think "yeah, just start making shit up." I've argued against that kind of thing in the past, in a way that might be called "pearl-clutching". Fair enough. I did not mean to suggest that this was significant to the broader American narrative, like some Rubicon had been crossed, except in its sigificance to me and the impetus for the thread. We've had threads like this before, I just thought to make one now. Well maybe I can work on that. I'm not made of stone, and all the best characters develop and change. I would have to say that something about Trump and Trumpism... kinda fucked me up. I took on a much darker woldview that I like to play off around here as comically sinister. It's a little more sophisticated than trolling, I like to think, but indulges the same base depravity. And when I mix that with genuine political commentary, I can understand dismisal or disbelief. I have fun acting like a stupid monster, knowing full well the feelings that engenders about me. So fair enough, for not taking me seriously. I'll rethink some things, about how I behave here. And in return can you not suggest that I like seeing dead Palestinians in random threads? Can we make that pact? I will try to act better and you can try to treat me better than the worst sort of person you can imagine? Can we work on that going forward? Again, asking as someone fully aware of how I act here. I acted like a douche for a long time, I didn't just have it coming, I was begging for it. But can we turn over a new leaf? Together?

I hope I'm not wishy-washy, but I don't think it'll happen in the U.S. Democrats don't have it in 'em and Republicans are the winners with no need to revolt. Some kind of lefty uprising would fail because of lack of coherence/leadership and because the other side has all the guns.

Yeah, maybe you need to work on your reading comprehension, professor. I did not start this thread to whine about Democrats and nowhere did I accuse them of a willingness to lie. I said that they're powerless and disorganized, and that another poster's suggestion that they should just start lying and making shit up sounded frighteningly appealing to me. Because the truth hasn't worked, and I don't know that it can. At least not with the "leadership" on offer. Thanks, though. Where is my "pearl clutching"? I mean, are you serious? Do you really think that what Democrats have been doing is effective? We just lost to a guy who attacked the capitol. People died on Jan. 6th, and Americans chose to give Trump power again rather than stick with Democrats. How on earth is it "pearl clutching" to say as much? I understand that you don't like me, and fair enough. But I started a thread to talk about the calamitous state of our politics, after I saw it suggested that Democrats should simply start lying and misleading as Republicans do and found myself saying "why not?" And your response was a personal attack. Do I go into threads and call you a piece of shit, implying you're a racist, without even bothering to engage in the conversation you're trying to have? If you don't think there's merit to my thread topic then say that or fuck off to another one with whatever lickspittles and morons who can still pretend that Kamala Harris was defeated for narratively convenient reasons which make you feel righteous in defeat.

Gimme a break. There is no longer even a pretense of honesty or adherence to truth in our politics. You can now attack the capitol, kill people, and maintain that you're the victim. And be rewarded for it. That's a little more serious than a casual 'politicians lie' attitude towards politics.

I think democracy had a pretty good run. There's a lot in the last 160 years to be proud of in the West. A lot to be proud of. But I think we're at the end of the line. @TrackerNeil just laid out a political strategy in the U.S. Politics thread that I find compelling and horrifying for the fact. That I would read a normal, sane, person advocate that the party I identify with just start lying and making shit up; that I would think that is the path to take... is horrifying. America is in a really, really, bad way. When truth has become a burden, an albatross, for Democrats because of the disgusting worldview and practice of the Republicans (as I think has happened) then I don't know how democracy survives. The apathy and ignorance of the population has rewarded, again and again, liars and cowards and thieves. Insurrectionists and outright traitors won power, and not by a slight margin, after having acted openly to destroy the rite of a fair transfer of authority. I don't know how you fight that and win. I know how you fight it and lose: with unpopular and unconvincing candidates who are granted nominations instead of winning them. But there is no champion of truth and American values on the left, there is no hero who has emerged to lead us out of this nightmarish place. And I don't expect one will. Democrats are in a shambles. They have no vision that resonates, no victories to stand on. And the only path forward for them seems well to be the dispensing of truth itself in favor of populist vitriol, at least to try something. We are well and truly fucked.

I wish Elon well with his endeavor. Any "America Party" that gets on ballots is going to take votes from Republicans. If it gets votes at all.

I prefer the radio. If I wanna listen to a specific song I'll pull it up, but I'm not a fucking DJ. I let professionals do that.

I had a dream last night that my older sister was a dominatrix, painting my kitchen, and I was begging her to take me to a stylist to dye my hair blonde so I could catch more guys...

Well the Google AI blurb says "mid-to-late '25. And it mentions October. But I thought when they made that Amazon renewal video they said '26

Also, Helluva Boss has the greatest breakup song ever made. Sang by a cartoon owl.

I think it's not due out until next year, which sucks. But she's writing two different cartoons that share a universe at the same time. I'm willing to wait. 100% The characters in Helluva Boss just aren't as good as Hazbin's. I don't care about Luna, don't think she's funny or interesting. Millie and Moxie are good but not great. When you see a new episode of Helluva Boss has dropped you want to see Stolas or Fizz on the thumbnail.

Oh for sure, Velvette is who I wish I was. And why are you avoiding war, that's what the guns you sell are for But Angel is like my spirit animal. I'm dying for the next season, I've never been so invested in a cartoon before. Helluva Boss is real good too. I think I'm half in love with Brandon Rodgers. Most of his youtube stuff is garbage, but he's got some gems and Viv Medrano knows how to let him shine as Blitzø

Sing it with me, Ripp