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[Dunamisdeos]

The US has done all kinds of shitty stuff diplomatically, what's new? Pretty sure every country in the world has done shitty stuff at some point in the past diplomatically speaking. It ain't pretty, but it's what it is.

The US has done plenty of shitty stuff, but Reelya's claim that the US gave Saddam permission to invade Kuwait is pretty much a conspiracy theory.

Even so, the idea that it's 100% within the realm of feasibility says something about the US's diplomatic tendencies.

[Frumple]

... in any case, pelosi is apparently in the sixth hour, now. Trying to get the house to get off its ass and do something about DACA, I think? Any case, she's been going for a good long while. Decently impressive, it is.

E: Uh, huh. Apparently the news things are saying pelosi has now broken the house record for longest continuous speech. Completely unofficial bonus points, she's done it while wearing four inch heels.

[Doomblade187]

"Longest house floor speech in at least 109 years."

Ya know, even if we increase military spending, I'll be happy to see our legislators MAKE AN ACTUAL BUDGET.

[MrRoboto75]

Ya know, even if we increase military spending, I'll be happy to see our legislators MAKE AN ACTUAL BUDGET.

Some say that if you gather a dozen chimps and give each a typewriter, you'll get a US budget faster than congress eventually.

[JoshuaFH]

Ya know, even if we increase military spending, I'll be happy to see our legislators MAKE AN ACTUAL BUDGET.

Some say that if you gather a dozen chimps and give each a typewriter, you'll get a US budget faster than congress eventually.

We used to have a chimp, but his term ran out.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 

[Doomblade187]

Ya know, even if we increase military spending, I'll be happy to see our legislators MAKE AN ACTUAL BUDGET.

Some say that if you gather a dozen chimps and give each a typewriter, you'll get a US budget faster than congress eventually.

This is probable, I say.

Edit: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/05/fbi-footnote-carter-page-warrant-390795

Heh.

[SalmonGod]

On the one hand, it is a spectacle that is woefully uncommon in the West, which is a shame. Pomp and circumstance is always lovely.

Cannot relate to the sentiment.  Not in the slightest.  There is not the smallest particle in me that understands what the appeal is.

[Frumple]

Eh, it's basically the same appeal as any sort of en masse choreography, just different props, though. If you can appreciate can can dancing or the multi-person parts cirque du soleil or somethin', you have a base understanding of pomp and circumstance.

E: Albeit proooobably a dislike of the themes tending to be involved with said props, ha.

[hector13]

On the one hand, it is a spectacle that is woefully uncommon in the West, which is a shame. Pomp and circumstance is always lovely.

Cannot relate to the sentiment.  Not in the slightest.  There is not the smallest particle in me that understands what the appeal is.

The pretty machines of war and destruction. The faces of the people in charge, as they metaphorically slap their military dick in the faces of other nations.

Something like that, anyway.

[SalmonGod]

I think of appreciating choreography or displays of athleticism and skill as something different from pomp and circumstance.

I imagine pomp and circumstance as being about the display of importance, power, associated decorum, excessive formality, etc.  I cannot relate to any sense of appeal for those things. 

I have a fairly strong aversion to formality for its own sake in almost all cases.  Can only tolerate if there's some significant meaning or purpose behind it beyond its own sake, and it's not routinely enforced or expected -- things like marriage ceremonies or meditative rituals.

[MetalSlimeHunt]

I remember watching one of those rifle inspections for the honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and I can't help but think that the people that tomb is for wouldn't actually be honored by the kind of ceremony that surrounds it. Like, is there any actual person who's values would have them want to be represented by the strict procedures of an institution?

With things like that, and now Trump's North Korean parade, I get a far more cynical suspicion: That it is intended to be above all else a public spectacle with an unspoken threat of violence behind it. Rolling tanks are not for how great we are, or for honoring members of the military, or even to threaten enemy states. It's to threaten and compel our own public.

[Maximum Spin]

Like, is there any actual person who's values would have them want to be represented by the strict procedures of an institution?

Yes.

[nenjin]

Are we really debating the merits of Bread and Circuses?

[Frumple]

Only if one of the parade vehicles are throwing out candy.

...

Do they even do that from tanks and whatnot? Flying sweets are basically the only reason I've ever enjoyed watching a parade, and I've never been to a military themed one to know if they chuck the good stuff or not.

[birdy51]

I heard they fire from the main gun into the crowds, supplying both adults and children alike with Smarties flying with all the force of tank shell.