Iran, Nukes, Israel, And the Middle East

A lot of Facebook feeds are aflame with the current issues regarding Iran.  Many of my friends as well as the media has only be paying attention to this issue in very recent days.  However, I have been watching this problem grow over the course of many years.  So here, I offer my more than ten cents on this issue that I feel I can educate you on better than the media hopes to.

Before I continue, yes I am Jewish, and I'm liberal too (which may surprise you a bit when you read the rest of this post)  Does this mean I am biased?  Of course it does.  But ask yourself this simpleton if you have a problem with that.  Who isn't biased on every issue?  That is no blanket statement, its fact.  Avoiding bias just is not possible when one is a rational thinking individual.  With that out of the way, lets continue.

President Obama, along with Secretary of State John Kerry have reached an agreement with Iran.  One that Congress claims it will do everything in its power to veto.  But lets be honest here, Congress cannot even get a 2/3 majority on what day of the week it is.  This deal is gonna stick.  Despite the fact that I voted for Obama twice, there are a few of his policies that I have always been opposed to.  This is one of them.

Lets be honest.  Iran is a rogue nation that has a government that wants to see America, Israel, and most importantly, Saudi Arabia crushed.  And unlike Lebanon and Syria who share all the same enemies, Iran is far more dangerous.  They are smarter, better armed, much better off economically (despite the sanctions) and most importantly, they are far more subtle and patient.  Dealing with them in any way is a mistake.  Especially in a way that gives them any ability to improve themselves economically.

Now lets look at the most obvious issue of all.  This deal was passed in the hopes that it would slow down (not stop) Iran's breakout period.  Better known as the time it would take the country to build a bomb and have the ability to use it.  This entire idea is foolish when you consider two things:

1) How does one prevent a country from building one of these?
Syria managed to build nukes years ago and that country is far less stable than Iran.  The only reason Isis isn't using those nukes now is because Israel blew them up years ago by the way.  Wouldn't even surprise me if somewhere in the country, Assad has more of those nukes.  He has Saran Gas (a chemical weapon) what says he doesn't have other WMDs? (weapons of mass destruction)  Also Isis has that chemical weapon.  The fact that it has not been used should make you very afraid of them.  I digress, lets get to the second issue and focus back on Iran and not Syria.

2) What happens when we reach the breakout period?
This is the question I am worried about.  Iran almost assuredly has bombs that could be detonated right now.  The problem is, like with North Korea, the country has no way to launch them intercontinental.  If they did, I doubt the USA would even be in these talks in the first place. But there is more.  Remember how I listed their enemies:  USA, Israel, Saudi Arabia.  One of these is not like the others...
Saudi Arabia does not have nukes (yet, or rather ones that we know of)  I can bet you all sorts of obscure things that I should not be putting on a gambling table that Saudi Arabia is developing launchers of their own to compete with their number one enemy in the Middle East.  I can assure you that should the entire middle east become openly Nuclear, the atrocities that Isis is currently committing will be a thing of the past in comparison.  Of course, as usual, the media (on all sides I might add, not just the left) are blaming a country that is neither Sunni or Shiite (the two major types of Islam)

I speak of course of Eretz Yisrael.  Israel, my people's homeland.  Israel has nukes, even though on the record they don't.  But quite frankly, how do you prevent the country that is filled with the people who created all the original atomic bombs to not have some of their own?  Not to mention they live in a place where every one of their neighbors (Jordan and Egypt currently withstanding) want to kill them down to the last woman and child (this includes the Palestinians too by the way)

Now as a liberal, I do not agree with just about any of Netanyahu's social policies at home.  However, I am not naive to think that he is not the leader that Israel needs at the moment.  Israel currently needs its Churchill.  A war-hawk to deal with its crazy neighbors. Once their enemies are subdued, the political process will likely remove him from office via election, just like with the British Leader post World War II.

Unfortunately, although the media loves to ignore this point, Israel just happens to be trapped in the middle between two countries that want to rule an entire swath of territory.  This territory is of course the entire Middle East.

Imagine the cold war between the USSR and the USA,  Now replace those two countries with Iran and Saudi Arabia.  Ironically enough, Russia supports Iran and the USA supports Saudi Arabia to this very day.  Forgetting for a moment that this is yet another one of Ronald Reagan's many (many many many) failures, lets note that this is nothing more than a multi layered proxy war.  Israel is trapped in the middle of it.  And adding Nukes to the conflict just adds even more ways for the entire region to explode further.

So please listen to this unusual Liberal for just a moment longer.  If Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and North Korea have not already taught us how the result of this deal will play out, I implore you to think of the consequences of these actions.  The lives of tons of innocents all around the world hinge on this error being fixed quickly.  Iran needs to be stopped.  More sanctions, not less, are needed as a first step.  Stopping them also stops Saudi Arabia.

And since neither Russia or the USA want to cut ties to these nations, this is the only way that I see where a way out that lacks bloodshed is possible.

Honoring Satoru Iwata

It would be an understatement for me to say that Nintendo has been a definitive part of my entire life.  Many of the video games produced by this company have become staples within my home.  Others which were co created with other video game companies (such as Final Fantasy 6) are among my favorite games of all time.

Thus it is with a heavy heart that I say my farewell to the now former President and well known Personality of Nintendo.

Iwata passed away at the age of 55 after complications involved with a bile duct growth.  He will be sorely missed, not only for his innovations but for his cult status as the face of Nintendo.

Wherever he is now, perhaps he can finally grasp Giygas' true form.  Now he knows with confidence who the mother of Bowser's children is.  Now he knows for sure that Zelda is a girl.

The ideas and creations you brought into this world will endure.  You will not be forgotten.

May he Rest in Peace.

My Problems With Hard Science Fiction

Recently I have been reading 2312 which is along with much of the Kim Stanley Robinson's work, very well received by the Science Fiction Community at large, but by me personally, not so much.

My problems stem from the fact that in Hard Science Fiction, the actual science is required to be completely plausible to the point where the story cannot function without it.  To this end, more time has to be spent explaining the science rather than explore the characters, the plot and most importantly, the conflict.  

I am more than halfway through the book, and basically minus some isolated incidents, the whole story has been about a cool world that has nothing happening.   It is no helped by the fact that the protagonist Swan, is not a likable character.  She is the bad kind of drug addict.  The kind that drags others down with them and doesn't even see a problem with their actions.

The world just does not seem realistic from a social perspective.  The Science is filled so far to the brim as far as Physics and Engineering are concerned.  But come Psychology and while the Author certainly references the Science much through the story, in regards to new idea sexual encounters and societal change, he does not seem to take Human nature into account.

History has shown us that many a Hard Science Fiction Author is very naive when they try to predict the future.  An idea that new tech will slow down or halt fighting and killing significantly is just silly.  The entire purpose of most Science and Technological Advancement follows the pattern of Weapons First, Defense Second, Civilian Third.  The fact that much hard science fiction fails to take into account this constant cycle irks me.

To that end, there is a reason I have chosen to write Soft Sci Fi and Dark Fantasy.  they focus on the themes that I feel are more important while still not forgetting what has brought these genres to the forefront in the first place.  

The Search For Eden Novels are Dark Fantasy with elements of Sci Fi and take the more Cynical approach to Humanity that I think is more realistic.  To that end, I chose this medium and while I appreciate other mediums, the more optimistic ones just strike me as foolishness.

Twitchtv

Many of you may not be familiar with the website listed above, but this is a place where many video gamers showcase their abilities and for the more talented one, they gain spectators.

The most talented (and persuasive) can even make some money with this.  Professional Streamers gain donations from fans and can also set up subscription plans where fans can fund their favorite gamers.

I have tried to break into the Streaming world before, but I have the problem of not being a professional Video Gamer.  To the world, I'm just another shmuck in a world saturated by novices in the video game world.  Each and every one of them thinking they have talent.

While I can certainly claim that I am more skilled than the average gamer, average does not cut it on Twitch.  You either have to be exceptionally talented at the game you are playing, or you go a second avenue (if you are Male.  Females have a third option of course.)

This second option is of course to be a personality.  Or rather, someone that is interesting enough that people watch them play games.  As I decide to go this avenue, I will be searching out games to play, strategies to employ and all sorts of wit and tact for your entertainment.

Gaming does not detract from my.  Rather it helps enhance it.

On Twitch I go by Praughx.  Give me a follow and I may follow you back as well as keep you entertained.

A Hearty Thank You to my Birthright Group

I know some of what is contained here is a repeat of what I told you guys at the end of the trip, but I wanted to immortalize how I felt in the infinite vastness known as the internet.

I went on birthright very much afraid of how things might play out.  Being that I have Aspergers which until recently was considered a form of Autism (apparently its a unique condition now) I was afraid of being in a place with people I had never met before all alone.  I had no allies as far as I knew.  I was completely and utterly alone.  There had been times in my life where being in this situation had gotten me physically and mentally abused.  I really was putting myself on a limb on this trip.

Also although this seems like a silly thing to worry about, when I had tried going on the 18 to 21 year old trips, I was also worried about the rampant amount of hookups that would occur on the trip.  I had no interest in being pressured into random hookups. In fact after having a very crummy experience with dating, I had devoted a great portion of the last couple years of my life to better myself instead of focusing on this other aspect.  My hard work would have potentially come crashing down.

Instead, I took a series of risks and talked to everyone through the first couple of days.  I seemed to have succeeded in making everyone think I was this loud mouthed extrovert while in reality, I was shaking in fear the whole time on the inside.

But instead of pushing everyone away, instead I managed to make some truly remarkable friendships, and spent an entire 10 days with some of the most exceptional Jews I have ever known.  Each and every one of you far and beyond exceeded my expectations by far.

Which is why when I had my lovely outburst when we had the Holocaust Discussion, I had feared that I had pissed all over those friendships.  I had grown complacent and in my calmness, let my opinions run wild when it was out of place.

Still rather than my fears coming true, I managed to not even push any of you away at all.  I even gained the respect of a few of those of you who I feel will become some of my closest friends.

It means a lot to any individual on the Autistic Spectrum to be able to act as themselves around others and not be shoved out into the cold.  Thank you so much to all of you, for making me feel included, loved, and that it is acceptable to be the way I am.

I love you all :)

PS:  Ori was right, after drinking Goldstar, Heineken is crap by comparison

July 4th

Rather than write a snide post about America's problems, or political crap that I tend to write, I will take a moment to remind those of you reading this to appreciate each other this holiday weekend.

Too much negativity is spread around the world.  Take this July 4th weekend to do what you love.  Soldiers have fought for their lives so that we can freely make both good and bad choices in our lives.

So once again, take this time to reflect on what it is you enjoy , and should you have the means to do so, go for it.  If that means grilling food, do it.  If that means playing video games, that's cool too. If that means getting absolutely shit faced drunk, cool beans.  If that means using psychedelic drugs, more power to you.

Stay safe while you do whatever it is that you enjoy on this Fourth of July Weekend.  I know I will be. :)

Trans-Pacific Partnership

In this 3 part controversy series, I have moved from the most exciting issue, to finally, ending with the most bleak.  The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been a controversy of late.  Especially as cited by the Nay Sayers who claim that the other two issues that I have already written about in length: Marriage Equality and the Confederate Flag, are nothing more than distractions while this becomes law.

Many fear that as history has taught, trade agreements in general tend to screw over the poor and middle class (which in my opinion is just a nice way of telling slightly less impoverished poor people that they are special, but I digress.) And they are actually correct.  However, what they are wrong about is that discussing this issue will create some sort of change.

I warned at the start that this was to be the most negative of the three posts.  The protests, the political opinions, they matter on some issues.  This is not one of them.  This is a created by the rich, for the rich issue.

When it comes to making money, unless you the reader are one of them its quite simple.  They do not care about you.  They Do Not Care About You. They Do Not Care About You.

Have I gotten my point across?

This deal will succeed no matter how much the American people as well as the people of every single nation feel about it.  We are nothing more than pawns to these people.  We are just another cog in the machine.  even worse, if we start behaving like rabid dogs to try and get our way, they may even consider putting us down.

Be careful about what issues you protest.  Unless you are truly prepared to fight, breath, and maybe even die for what you believe, it may be futile.