Track of the Bear

I'm reading a book written by Malcolm Nance, “The Plot to Destroy Democracy”. I know, the title seems a little hyperbolic. But I thought I would give it a chance given the events surrounding, and the result of, our 2016 presidential election. I am only a short way into it so won't give it either an up or down review. So far it is readable and the case he makes is interesting. But the reason I bring it up is because of a newspaper article that I just read in my paper today. It was another instance where Russia seemed to be a player in some way, shape or from in the events that transpired.

The article was regarding the resignation of Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a far-right leader who was filmed in 2017 promising government contracts to a woman claiming to be the niece of a Russian oligarch. Strache was known for his derogatory attitude toward the press and his admiration for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's success at curtailing freedom of the press in that country. The article I read was from The New York Times. But as they want you to subscribe I will post a BBC article.

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Resigns

Germany's DW has a portion of the video here:

If I had only read the article, and wasn't reading the book, I probably would have shrugged this off as just another corruption scandal. Or just another sign of the inroads the extreme far right have made in Europe, just as they have in America.

Then I heard that Trump just welcomed Orban to the White House.

While I wouldn't go so far as to say that Russia has orchestrated all of this there seems to be a collection of useful fools type of scenario taking place with events moving in a positive spin for that country. But then I haven't finished the book yet, it may present a substantial case for bear tracks.

Will People Listen?

I know this year I have focused many of my posts on climate change or its effects.  Perhaps that's because it has become very apparent that it is not a far danger, but a near one.  It is not only a danger to those on the coasts but to every one of us.  Even on the surface for those a warming planet may have advantages for there are problems that will arise.

This video was from a couple of years ago but is a nice question and answer session from our friends in Canada.

Like the earlier video I posted about the flooding in the mid western section of my country, this video focuses on extremes in other areas of the world that point to a rapidly changing environment, which will lead to continuing migrations of people.  It is a full length documentary from Deutsche Welle, a German broadcaster.

As before, I feel the need to add a video on other aspects of our changing world.  This highlights our poor stewardship of this planet and its effects on other inhabitants, even down to the smallest.  They are not an afterthought and their "vanishing" will have far reaching consequences for all.

So I ask, will anyone listen?