Optimistic Nihilism: A Psychologist's Personal Story & (Biased) Professional Appraisal of Shedding Religion Quote shared via Kindle: "The universe is not divine. God is not good. Nothing is tending to our prayers. Our beliefs in holiness and magic are merely coping strategies—defense mechanisms—whose obviou...

Optimistic Nihilism- D Landers "The universe is not divine. God is not good. Nothing is tending to our prayers. Our beliefs in holiness and magic are merely coping strategies—defense mechanisms—whose obvious and only goals are to help the living feel better in the face of the brutality of reality."

#psychopath- someone who is callous and lacks empathy, negotiating life with manipulation and/or force in order to suit his wants and needs.= #Trump

US Politicians have, for many years, rather enjoyed their positions of power and wealth, and they have showed a steady decline in any necessity to do or be responsible for anything.

Instant access to news across the world gives the impression of chaos.

Edmund Burke, an Irish philosopher once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Empires in retreat get into some pretty weird stuff. They get this intense pride and nostalgia for what they imagine they are and what they imagine they were because they can see it slipping away.” -David Byrne

“Fate’s no better than a whore”

“Say what?”

“When it’s nice to us, it’s only because it wants to screw us later.”

‘No Kings’ protests nationwide to push back on Trump’s ‘overreach’ On the same day as the president’s military parade in D.C., thousands of people are expected to protest what they call his dangerous brand of authoritarianism.

On the same day as President Trump’s military parade in D.C., thousands of people are expected to protest what they call his dangerous brand of authoritarianism.

No Kings On June 14—Flag Day—Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. ...

Spread the word and join a rally -- NO KINGS IN THE USA!!!

If the pictures and video of Senator Padilla being handcuffed today does not shock the sensibilities of every American then I am afraid that all is lost.

On 6/12, DHS Sec’y Kristi Noem said “We are staying here to liberate [LA] from the socialists and the burdensome leadership this governor and mayor have placed on this country and this city.” This use of military force to displace a democratically elected is the very definition of a coup.

Sen. Padilla pushed to ground, handcuffed for demanding DHS not lie Forcibly removing a sitting US senator, as they opposed the president's immigration policy, is a part of a broader slide.

A DHS spokesperson defended the detainment, accusing Sen. Padilla of failing to properly identify himself during Sec. Kristi Noem's press conference.

But multiple videos show Padilla clearly identifying himself as a senator.

🤦🏼‍♀️

Judge says Trump acted illegally in dispatching National Guard in California The state claimed the president improperly deployed the Guard and Marines to Los Angeles without the governor’s consent or input amid immigration protests.

Breaking news: A federal judge agreed to block the Trump administration from deploying the California National Guard, granting a request by Gov. Gavin Newsom and saying the president acted illegally in dispatching the troops amid immigration protests.

Reactionary politicians concerned more with popularity than prudence can cause irreplaceable harm.

House Dems demand testimony from Noem after Padilla handcuffed in LA “If it can happen to Alex, it can happen to ... anybody,” Rep. Jimmy Gomez said.

House Dems are demanding that Noem testify before Congress after Sen. Padilla was detained by federal agents at her DHS press conference in LA.

The Only Flute He Ever Played Was Putin's Skin Flute...

I think it’s notable that ICE isn’t conducting raids in red states, but is instead targeting deep blue states with big migrant communities that will fight back.

They want violence to justify more violence. This is fascism 101.

We should laugh at them and treat them like the cowards they are.

If you see any member of law enforcement act in a way you believe to be inappropriate, illegal, unjust, unkind… be a good witness. Record what you can safely (and without making yourself the focus of their attention). Note all the little details. Report it.
That’s how you increase accountability.

Whatever releases people and brings them together is good, and whatever confines and separates them is bad. Easy.

The world is, actually, not very good at all. People are unhappy and under pressure most of the time. The planet we live on is under severe duress. How can we do better?

Our deep blue district is represented by a 1st year Congressperson who hasn't said a peep about ICE raids despite the fact that 1 in 5 residents are Hispanic and every local farm relies on seasonal migrant labor.

Disappointed doesn't begin to describe how I feel right now

He’s building a ballroom while slashing food for hungry kids. That’s not “cutting waste,” it’s definition of waste. Millions go to bed hungry so a guy who doubled his wealth in 4 months can waltz under chandeliers.

Waste, Fraud and Abuse? Look in the mirror.

#PSA Whistleblower identifies legitimate safety concern, corporation prioritizes profit over precaution, whistleblower becomes increasingly isolated.

We should share core human values—reduction of suffering, increased well-being, sustainable prosperity, individual autonomy within collective security. The #GOP have excised themselves and have set themselves as the only people worthy of these human needs.

“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Mr. Trump picked a 22-year-old with ZERO experience to tackle U.S. extremism.

5 years ago he was a gardener. Last year, he worked in a grocery store.

Only the best people!!!

The irony isn’t lost —here we are, building thinking machines while insisting they can’t actually think.