He has what he wanted

The nasty guy said he had “solved” the nuclear issue with North Korea. Which makes Hunter of Daily Kos* ask if things are going so well why are North Korean diplomats blowing off meetings with their American counterparts? That diplomatic snubbing seems to be happening along with new efforts in the NK nuclear program.

Why? Because Kim Jung Un already has what he wanted – to stand on a stage with a major power and be treated as an equal.

Since nuclear weapons brought him that honor he has no reason to give them up.

Which is why smarter presidents stage that photo-op after the deal has been signed.



I remember the news a few years ago when someone announced that they had designed a gun that could be made with a 3D printer. This allows anyone to create an untraceable gun. Those are used only for nefarious purposes. At the time the State Department banned the distribution of the blueprint. And the company with the blueprint sued.

The nasty guy’s State Department has settled the case, allowing those plans to be distributed. Melissa McEwan of Shakesville responds:

There is no barrier to owning an untraceable 3D-printed gun — not even cost, as the price of 3D printers continues to drop and many are now cheaper than the price of many guns.

No licensing requirements; no background checks. No problem if you're a convicted domestic abuser. All you need is access to a 3D printer "and enough ABS plastic resin" to create one.

Shiver.

I was one who posted a reply to McEwan’s post:

Part of Hitler's rise to power was the terror inflicted by the brownshirts. If I heard I don't remember if the brownshirts were directed from above or took matters into their own hands. As DT has taken the same trajectory I've wondered who will be his enforcers. I also wonder if these enforcers will be directed from the top or will take matters into their own hands. It probably doesn't matter to DT.

Even if DT doesn't direct these modern American enforcers (beyond Twitter innuendo) he and his minions (and the entire GOP) are making sure these enforcers are well armed.

My second summer trip begins tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be attending a conference where the big topic is whether the United Methodist Church can avoid a schism over how to treat LGBT people and whether we can influence the decision towards being more inclusive. With that as a topic I may manage to do some blogging.