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Catching Up on the News: The Weiner Scandal

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The Old Reader was down for 3 days and that means I have been separated from my newsfeed. As a result, I missed the new round of Weiner sexting drama and can’t now even figure out what the following attack of prissiness is about:

Because we’re still all pretending that this is a “sex scandal” and carefully avoiding identifying Weiner as a predator.

Which is also why Pelosi can say something truly incredible like “they don’t even realize, they don’t have a clue.” Because of course predators realize that what they’re doing is disrespectful of women. That’s kind of the whole point.

Why is Weiner a predator rather than a really sad loser who tried to do what in this country people are not supposed to be doing, namely, have both a career and at least a semblance of a sex life? Does anybody know what happened to provoke all this outrage? (Other than Weiner sending messages, I mean.)

48 responses to “Catching Up on the News: The Weiner Scandal”

  1. Stringer Bell Avatar
    Stringer Bell

    I don’t know about this latest series of texts, but he resigned from congress for sending unsolicited dick pics to campaign supporters. I think that takes it from ‘trying to have a sex life’ to actual sexual harassment.

    In any case, the things that make him unfit for government is that in twelve years in congress he has done nothing. Literally nothing. Except alienate everyone around him and harass his staff. He’s a rabid Israel-firster too.

    http://www.thenation.com/blog/175418/defense-carlos-danger#axzz2a5XLbb6d

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      “In any case, the things that make him unfit for government is that in twelve years in congress he has done nothing. Literally nothing.”

      – Ah, now this is what should be discussed.

      “He’s a rabid Israel-firster too.”

      – In the context of the discussion, I read this as “Israel-fister.” Which probably amounts to the same thing. 🙂

      I just read an article on Israel in Spain’s El Pais, and it seems like the religious barbarity is growing exponentially in the country. A fundamentalist Israel is totally what we all need in the region. 😦 😦

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      1. el Avatar
        el

        // I just read an article on Israel in Spain’s El Pais, and it seems like the religious barbarity is growing exponentially in the country.

        Except for natural growth of Haredi community, I am unaware of any religious growths. Update me?

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        1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
          bloggerclarissa

          The article discussed how the Haredim are bullying secular businesses in Jerusalem into closing down. Very sad. Of course, they procreate at rates non-religious people cannot replicate so the future looks grim. 😦

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      2. el Avatar
        el

        // Of course, they procreate at rates non-religious people cannot replicate so the future looks grim.

        Can’t it be said about other religious people, f.e. in US too? Why is it worse in Israel, if you think it’s worse, of course?

        Jerusalem has been part-Haredi and part-Arab city for many years. Secular youth left it in numbers in search of a town closer to their jobs. I have watched a part of TV news program about the issue many years ago, and already then it was *very* old news. Nothing is “growing exponentially” here. It’s like a person outside Israel reads an article about yet another terror attack in Jerusalem:

        Man stabbed in Jerusalem park in possible terror attack
        Victim of stabbing attack in public bathroom in Liberty Bell Park suffers moderate to serious wounds, says assailant was Arab
        http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4409333,00.html

        And after reading concludes: “terrorism is growing exponentially”. It isn’t.

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        1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
          bloggerclarissa

          “Can’t it be said about other religious people, f.e. in US too? Why is it worse in Israel, if you think it’s worse, of course?”

          – because I’m yet to hear a single story about Us fundamentalists successfully closing down a restaurant or promoting a segregated bus. 🙂 🙂

          ” I have watched a part of TV news program about the issue many years ago, and already then it was *very* old news. Nothing is “growing exponentially” here.”

          – If restaurants were open and now they have had to close, that’s obviously a change. And a very sad one.

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  2. Stringer Bell Avatar
    Stringer Bell

    “Ah, now this is what should be discussed.”

    Exactly.

    Another thing that baffles me is all the cries of ‘His wife is so much smarter and good-looking than him. She should run for office’. I usually dislike ‘Slate’ articles but this one hit the nail on the head:

    http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/07/25/the_overrated_huma_abedin.html

    At least her husband was elected to public office.

    “Ms. Abedin is responsible for guiding the Senator from one chaotic event to the next and ensuring that the many hundreds of situations that arise at each—the photo ops, the handshakes, the speeches—go smoothly,” wrote Spencer Morgan.”

    According to the media, this somehow makes you an intellectual. Perfect credentials for running for office!

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      People keep confusing politics and a celebrity gossip show. As a result we’ve got the politics we do. 😦

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  3. el Avatar
    el

    // – If restaurants were open and now they have had to close, that’s obviously a change. And a very sad one.

    Had the problem been that the restaurants were open on Saturday? Look here:

    http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.532240

    There are laws in Israel, banning shops working on Saturdays. Not only in Jerusalem.

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      “There are laws in Israel, banning shops working on Saturdays. Not only in Jerusalem.’

      – That’s what I’m saying! Horrible!

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      1. el Avatar
        el

        But the laws have always been there, it’s not like it’s something new. I think they should be changed, and each city, depending on its population, should decide for itself.

        // I find unreflecting patriotism to be quite unappealing.

        I don’t think that saying that Us Christian fundamentalists are like Haredim in many ways is “unreflecting patriotism.” Had they been as numerous (in % of total population) as Haredim in Israel, you would have seen such things in US too. More than now.

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        1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
          bloggerclarissa

          What’s new is that the mounting pressure from fanatics in Jerusalem is closing down businesses that used to be open. What are we arguing about exactly? 🙂 🙂

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  4. el Avatar
    el

    // – because I’m yet to hear a single story about Us fundamentalists successfully closing down a restaurant or promoting a segregated bus. 🙂

    They are successfully closing down abortions and open abstinence only “sex ed.”

    Whatever “Love Joy Feminism” writes about Christian fundamentalists resembles Haredim, but with a difference: Haredi men study Torah, while more Haredi women than Haredi men work.

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      I find unreflecting patriotism to be quite unappealing.

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  5. el Avatar
    el

    If you want to understand Israel, better read Israeli newspapers than an article from other sources. Unlike what you said about Russian press, Israeli one is reliable imo. Haharez is extremely left newspaper, btw.

    This one is center-right (supposedly, I don’t read it much):
    http://www.ynetnews.com/home/0,7340,L-3083,00.html

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      “If you want to understand Israel, better read Israeli newspapers than an article from other sources.”

      – As I said, I find unreflecting patriotism to be quite unappealing. 🙂 The patriotic propaganda machine in Israel is stronger than the Soviet one, and that’s saying a lot.

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      1. el Avatar
        el

        // – As I said, I find unreflecting patriotism to be quite unappealing. The patriotic propaganda machine in Israel ….

        And I am sure you have misunderstood me here. I didn’t say it meaning “read how great Israel is from our press.” I did mean “looking at Israeli press will give you both the facts (and usually more of them than Spain’s El Pais will give) and the context of culture, social discourses, history of f.e. religion-state relationship.”

        F.e. an article on Ynet now that seemed at 1st glance to be the only one of interest today:

        EU concerned by Israel’s restrictions of union’s WB, Gaza activity
        Following defense minister’s announcement that IDF is to minimize cooperation with EU representatives, humanitarian aid staff denied entrance to Gaza; EU concerned by Israeli measures, seeks ‘clarifications’
        …
        On Thursday, Ya’alon instructed the IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories to stop cooperating with EU representatives in the West Bank and Gaza. The defense minister’s decision came in response to the European Union’s decision to ban contracts with Israel pertaining to disputed territories.

        According to a defense establishment source, the Israeli decision was taken in a bid to send a clear message to the EU, stressing that any move to boycott Israeli actions beyond the green-line “turns the organization into a biased mediator in negotiations, and as such it must face the consequences.”

        What to think about this is your own choice. Surely you aren’t afraid of being persuaded by any propaganda, if you read? And can distinguish between facts and interpretation in a text.

        As for “Haharez is extremely left”, it is true. I have read it enough to notice. Another paper I read sometimes is extremely right.

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  6. Stringer Bell Avatar
    Stringer Bell

    el, you call yourself a moderate and yet it is shocking how much blood lust you’ve displayed in your comments on this blog over the years. Openly calling for war, murder, destruction, the same casual way one would order a burger at McDonald’s.

    Couldn’t be a better illustration of your country turning barbaric, like Clarissa suggested. If this is moderate I dare not imagine how the rest of your country thinks.

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    1. el Avatar
      el

      Over the years? Calling for war and murder? I remember some kind of argument (half-argument and half-misunderstanding?) over a post on Iran. Can you give more links to show me?

      I am not for war and murder. Even simply because it’s my family and me who would probably die in it, not you.

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    2. el Avatar
      el

      // I dare not imagine how the rest of your country thinks.

      Had you been interested in how the rest of my country thinks, you could read Israeli press and blogs in English. No need to imagine. Unless one enjoys the imagining, of course, and seeing Israeli Jews (but not Israeli Arabs f.e.) as barbaric.

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    3. Sister Avatar
      Sister

      I am fully with @el on this one. First of all, I do not recall her ever calling for murder or destruction. Personally, I am passionately anti-Muslim, but it does not mean that I want anyone to be killed. Second, of course you can not imagine how the rest of her country thinks. Do you come from history of persecution? And finally, what is wrong with being pro-Israel (“rabid Israel firster”)?

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  7. el Avatar
    el

    On another topic:

    This Russian blogger usually puts up interesting posts, f.e. about comparing USSR and Nazi Germany:
    http://russell-d-jones.livejournal.com/988060.html#comments

    Isn’t the following funny?
    Соединенные Штаты заверяют Россию, что не будут добиваться смертной казни Сноудену и пытать его, – об этом сообщает агентство Рейтер со ссылкой на американский Минюст.

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  8. el Avatar
    el

    That’s interesting – Hezbollah and Feminism, who would have thought?

    An inside look at the women of Hezbollah
    On the battlefield their role is limited to treatment of wounded, but Rima Fahri, female member of Shiite group’s political council, says women can do everything, including suicide bombings
    http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4410031,00.html

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  9. el Avatar
    el

    Interesting article

    The End of the Two-State Solution
    Why the window is closing on Middle-East peace
    http://www.newrepublic.com/article/112617/israel-palestine-and-end-two-state-solution

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  10. Stringer Bell Avatar
    Stringer Bell

    “Personally, I am passionately anti-Muslim”

    Well then, no wonder you side with el. Enjoy your bigotry.

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    1. Sister Avatar
      Sister

      I enjoy my bigotry about as much as you enjoy insulting others with no basis for it. To each their own. Still doesn’t mean that either el or I call for violence.

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      1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
        bloggerclarissa

        Come on, guys, why the sudden animosity? Surely, we all hate all kinds of religious fanaticism and can agree that there is no better or worse religious fanaticism. They all suck. Just like all uncritical patriotisms suck. Or, in my opinion, all patriotisms, period.

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    2. el Avatar
      el

      I am not anti-Muslim, or more exactly not anti-Arab (there are Christian Arabs too), but rather pro – [my ability to live in security and with good economy in Israel]. I am sure you and Clarissa are pro – [ ] too, if “Israel” is exchanged for “USA”. And this desire alone, which in itself can’t even be called patriotism, is enough f.e. to be against agreeing to X or Y with Palestinians, if after X or Y Israeli security will suffer (= number of Israeli Jews killed with rockets, exploding buses, etc will grow).

      If you ever want to call me names, please, give some proof (except that Iranian post). I am actually center-left, so it’s even kind of funny.

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      1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
        bloggerclarissa

        You did not just compare the intensity of your feelings for Israel to my approach to the US. 🙂 🙂

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      2. el Avatar
        el

        // You did not just compare the intensity of your feelings for Israel to my approach to the US

        I wanted to make a point that this desire alone would probably be enough to label me “lover of violence” and so on. Because I don’t think as Palestinian or Iranian, but rather about my own life, safety and economic prosperity.

        Btw, judging by your feelings about Ukraine, you would have been more intense than me, were you born in Israel. 🙂 I am serious. Of course, I haven’t been born in Israel, so the comparison isn’t 100% fair. 🙂

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        1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
          bloggerclarissa

          “Btw, judging by your feelings about Ukraine, you would have been more intense than me, were you born in Israel.”

          – What feelings? I haven’t been back once in 15 years and am not going any time soon.

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  11. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    According to this CNN article, that woman he sexted to isn’t his only victim. He apparently is also guilty of committing a sexual offense and spousal abuse towards his wife… I really don’t know what to say 🙂

    http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/24/opinion/bloom-huma-political-wives/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

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  12. kelly Avatar
    kelly

    The article (link) is excellent and right on target. And by the way, the picture shows one of the ugliest men (Weiner) ever seen. Can’t figure out how and on what basis Abedin is putting up with all that crap!.

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    1. Tim Avatar
      Tim

      Why she is putting up with this crap? Well, maybe she is wandering around like he is, only a little less subtle?

      As it has been stated on this blog before, an fulfilling sex life and a political career rarely go hand in hand. Maybe these two don’t dick each other that much anymore and they have decided to keep playing their part as the good christian monogamous couple while having some fun outside their home? If you consider that both admitting to an open relationship or divorcing is going to be career suicide, this is not that unlikely.

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  13. el Avatar
    el

    Today I watched the weekly Israeli news program on RTVi (Russian channel) and they reported that:

    Mideast: new Israeli all-news channel I24, on air tonight
    JULY 17 – A new trilingual Middle Eastern all-news broadcaster goes on the air tonight from the Israeli port city of Jaffa.
    The brainchild of former French diplomat Frank Melloul with financing from French-Israeli entrepreneur Patrick Drahi, the new TV channel called I24 will broadcast in Arabic, English, and French. ”We want to add a new regional voice besides Al Jazeera, France24, the BBC and CNN”, said Melloul, adding that I24 receives no funding from the Israeli government and will try to debunk anti-Israeli prejudice by offering new perspectives.
    It will use material produced by Israeli commercial Channel 2, and has hired star news anchors Suleiman a-Shafi and Lucy Ahrish, both seasoned Arab-Israeli reporters with experience in commercial Israeli broadcasting. (ANSAmed).
    http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/israel/2013/07/17/Mideast-new-Israeli-news-channel-I24-air-tonight_9033128.html

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  14. el Avatar
    el

    // You did not just compare the intensity of your feelings for Israel to my approach to the US.

    I definitely have intense feelings in my desire to live a normal life in my country. Is it bad? Not all people want or can change countries and go to Canada / US, like you have done. And, if for various reasons, one lives in a country and plans to continue doing it, shouldn’t one care about its’ future? Is it “patriotism that sucks”?

    Now read some good news about US schools:
    A Philadelphia School’s Big Bet on Nonviolence
    In a desperately poor, dangerous part of town, Memphis Street Academy decided to ditch its metal detectors and focus on supporting students. Violence dropped by 90 percent.

    http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/07/a-philadelphia-schools-big-bet-on-nonviolence/277893/

    There is even US expression “school to prison pipeline”, so it is important.

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      “I definitely have intense feelings in my desire to live a normal life in my country.”

      – This is SO not what I’m talking about and you know it. 🙂

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  15. el Avatar
    el

    Echidne reposted it, and in case you missed it before:

    The Pregnancy Police. A Re-Posting
    http://echidneofthesnakes.blogspot.co.il/2013/07/the-pregnancy-police-re-posting.html

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      “In that 2011 example the pregnant woman, drinking only water, wasn’t allowed to stay at a place for adults because she was a container for a fetus.”

      – I was asked to leave a bar while not pregnant and completely sober, too. This shit happens, and I don’t see a reason to make a huge big deal out of it.

      What I find very frustrating is that people often begin to make an interesting and valuable argument but then, in an effort to embellish it as much as possible, they end up destroying their message completely. Being arrested for something can in no way be compared to a private citizen not wanting to see you in their place of business.

      “One unintended (and severe) health consequence of such policies could well be that pregnant women with problems will not contact the health care system at all.”

      – Yes, this is SO totally likely. And the article started so well only to collapse into insanity.

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      1. el Avatar
        el

        If you define drug or alcohol addiction as a problem, it may be likely.

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      2. el Avatar
        el

        Or mental illnesses, if doctors are influenced by various laws and forced hospitalization becomes more frequent.

        For example, while searching for another story I read before:
        http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/pregnant-womans-involuntary-hospitalization-raises-legal-ethical-medical/1068455

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  16. el Avatar
    el

    Here is the case I have been searching for:

    Woman forced into court-ordered hospital confinement and c-section

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      This radical doula website is a place for insane people. I wouldn’t trust a word they say about anything.

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      1. el Avatar
        el

        I only found this site a minute ago, but read the story before. It is true.
        Look here – a post by By Diana Kasdan, Staff Attorney, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project
        http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2010/01/13/court-forces-bed-rest-pregnant-woman/

        The first comment :
        “There aren’t any studies out there that prove that bedrest, especially in-patient bedrest, makes any difference at all to the outcome of the pregnancy. This is entirely the opinion of one doctor whom the court is allowing to hold this woman hostage unwillingly.

        “

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      2. el Avatar
        el

        No need to trust any site, one can follow links and check.

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        1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
          bloggerclarissa

          They link to another completely insane website about forced c-sections. These are weird people promoting weird causes. Yes, there are pregnancies that require bed rest. What’s the big drama? Just yesterday a colleague told me that his wife had to be on bed rest for 7 months because of her complications. But now they have a healthy boy.

          Carrying a pregnancy to term often requires certain sacrifices. Which I happen to know only too well right now. So I don’t understand the immature people who go into fits when pregnancy doesn’t go according to their fantasies. Or the fantasies of uneducated, unhinged doulas.

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  17. kelly Avatar
    kelly

    “The morality of virtual sex, as long as no one is cheating on a real partner, is not what bothers me. What’s truly troubling about the whole business is that it resembles the substitution of texting for extended, face-to-face time with friends. Virtual sex is to sex as virtual food is to food: you can’t taste, touch or smell it, and you don’t have to do any preparation or work. Sex with strangers online amounts to a diminution, close to an absolute negation, of the context that gives human interaction genuine content. Erotic play without context becomes just a form of one-on-one pornography”.
    From: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/opinion/weiners-women.html?ref=todayspaper

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    1. bloggerclarissa Avatar
      bloggerclarissa

      Americans, man. 🙂 Somebody is having sex “without preparation or work”. What an outrage! Just to think that some people don’t work 24-7! The horror!

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