More genocide and no escape by boat.

Satellite image shows the Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River near Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine, October 18, 2022.

November 6. 2022

Ukraine’s army (click here) accused Russia on Sunday of the large-scale destruction of civilian vessels moored on the banks of the Dnipro River in the occupied southern region of Kherson that Kyiv’s forces are trying to capture.

Ukrainian forces have been piling pressure on Russian troops on the western bank of the Dnipro that bisects Ukraine, fueling speculation that Moscow’s troops are preparing to retreat to the other side.

The Ukrainian General Staff’s spokesperson said in a statement that the fuel from the destroyed vessels had leaked into the river’s delta and also accused Moscow’s forces of appropriating the vessels’ engines and other equipment.

The Ukrainian General Staff gave no explanation for Moscow’s actions. Destroying civilian vessels would prevent Ukrainian forces from using them should they decide to cross to the eastern side in the event of any Russian withdrawal....

November 5, 2022
By Gaspard Sebag and Stephanie Baker

A Spanish court (click here) moved to seize a superyacht valued at $140 million that’s linked to a senior executive at a Russian defense conglomerate, after the owner stopped paying maintenance fees in June.

The court order to seize the 85 meter (279 feet) Meridian A — formerly called Valerie — was handed down by a Barcelona judge on Wednesday, according to the Spanish maritime authorities.

The vessel, linked to Rostec State Corp.’s chief executive officer, Sergey Chemezov, was immobilized in mid-March by Spanish authorities while it was at a Barcelona shipyard for repairs. The European Union considers the vessel is formally owned by the stepdaughter of Chemezov.

The court decision comes after the MB92 shipyard lodged a complaint when the vessel’s maintenance fees went unpaid.

Yachts owned by sanctioned businessmen have been immobilized in ports or naval yards across Europe in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That includes the blocking in Germany of Dilbar — tied to billionaire Alisher Usmanov — and French authorities’ move to prevent a possible swift departure of the Amore Vero.

A luxury yacht once owned by sanctioned billionaire Dmitry Pumpyansky was sold for $37.5 million at auction in Gibraltar....

Political violence are hate crimes.

A hate crime is, typically one involving violence, that is motivated by prejudice on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, or other grounds.

November 7, 2022
by Clare Foran

...The violent attack on Paul Pelosi (click here) has raised fresh concerns over threats of political violence driven by partisan animosity and increasingly hostile political rhetoric – and highlighted the potential vulnerability of lawmakers and their families in the current political climate....

The Republicans are tossing out their own ballots. NICK is voting absentee and most likely Republican.

November 7, 2022
By Amy Gardner and Emma Brown

The lawsuits (click here) coincide with a systemic effort by GOP leaders to persuade voters to cast ballots in person, not absentee

Republican officials and candidates in at least three battleground states are pushing to disqualify thousands of mail ballots after urging their own supporters to vote on Election Day, in what critics are calling a concerted attempt at partisan voter suppression....

What makes Republicans think people listen to the instructions they provide? That is extremely narcissistic to think voters are actually listening to voters. Nick isn't listening to anyone. He completely goes by how his life is rolling out and if he doesn't like it he votes for the opposite party. He is voting by absentee ballot.

Those Republicans that want the party members to vote in person is a form of oppression. It is a strategy that is very illegal. Carrying out ballot purges while advocating only one day of voting is oppressing the vote. The voting is open only a limited number of hours to vote on election day. By demanding people only cast their vote in person is really oppressing the electorate. If this is Republicans that are following those rules, there is a chance there simply won't be enough votes cast.

Limiting votes to one day and in only polling places will eliminate voters that are fully engaged in the process, but, find the one particular day very inconvenient. That is especially true of 2 to 3 income families. They simply are unable to wait in long lines to vote. It is not only unethical and irresponsible, it is a deliberate strategy to eliminate the opportunity to vote for low and lower middle income families. 

Those running for office should be encouraging all voters to exercise their rights and in a way that is easiest for them. Any other message is completely unethical. No candidate should give the impression elections can be rigged. 

I am quite certain this is a philosophy not frequently heard. Perhaps it is more Republican in nature.

In speaking to my homeless veteran friend yesterday I found out he isn't destitute. I don't know why he prefers living in his car, but, evidently it is a life he enjoys. Maybe it is all the fresh air.

But, at any rate I asked if he had voted yet. He stated, "No. But, I have read all the issue votes and there are three out of four I will vote "no." He stated he did his homework and read every word of the proposals and there are some aspects of the issues he didn't like and will not see them pass with his vote.

But, as to voting for candidates this is what he said, "I don't really worry about the particular candidate. They are all alike. Voting is like flushing a toilet. If you don't like the current officials or the programs, just don't vote for them, vote for the other party. If they are worse then vote the other guys back in the next time." 

I stated that is not any way to run a country. That candidates can be honest or corrupt. The particular candidates do matter and it is the choice of one candidate that brings on responsible government.

He said, "Nope. They are all alike. They are all corrupt. It is just a matter of whether or not we can live with them in office. It is just like flushing the toilet. Out with the stinkers and onto new menus."

If that is the way Americans vote, no wonder the country has issues.