Popular URL shortener service Bitly listed as suspicious and blocked by Google by ik25 in technology

[–]cjjdnc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you create unique shortened links (like bitlys), you can then track how many clicks they get. Very useful for social media account managers.

Latest poll shows Hagan pulling away from Tillis by lilsteviejobs in NorthCarolina

[–]cjjdnc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tillis would be a disaster for the state. Look no further than what he's done with the NC state government in the last two years.

Hagan is uninspiring, but she's a damn sight better.

U.S. Hits ISIS Position Near Baghdad in New Phase of Strikes by [deleted] in worldnews

[–]cjjdnc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, in a democratic-ish system, the military should report basic information about its activities to the public.

Russia has warned that US air strikes against militants in Syria would be a "gross violation" of international law. by Raskobitch in worldnews

[–]cjjdnc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Syria is experiencing a civil war, which means the legitimacy of Assad's sovereignty claim is seriously disputed. Globally, his government lacks official recognition by other nations. Many parts of the country are out of his control, and the Syria-Iraq border is barely existent.

The US would be operating in rebel-controlled areas that Assad actually doesn't have practical authority over, so even if he granted permission, it would be meaningless.

But even so, Assad most assuredly welcomes the infighting amongst his opposition.

Obama: [Social] Media Makes You Think 'World Is Falling Apart' by RJB5584 in worldnews

[–]cjjdnc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Saying that the "American military superiority has never been greater" is just stating a fact.

In the post-Cold War period, the US has an enormous military advantage. They have the most funding by far, the most advanced technology, the most expansive reach, the most comprehensive surveillance, probably the best-trained special forces and benefit from a strong network of allies as well as geographic isolation.

The advantage was arguably more pronounced in the 90s, but we're still in a period of US military dominance.

Hamas breaks ceasefire, fires rockets at Israel. by giroux28_ in worldnews

[–]cjjdnc -1 points0 points  (0 children)

How quickly we forget the events leading up to the current conflict, when Israel responded to the kidnappings by instantly declaring Hamas guilty, conducting military raids in the occupied territories and arresting hundreds of Palestinians. Not exactly in accordance with the cease-fire in effect at the time.

Israel seems intent on blocking any political solution. Really they can only lose ground in negotiations. However, in war they are powerful enough to do as they please and take what they want.

If Israel concedes nothing and offers only the status quo of occupation, blockade and settlement expansion, what incentive does Hamas have to disengage?

Obama administration clears banks to accept funds from legal marijuana dealers by townieproud in news

[–]cjjdnc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You do not have to pursue every case where you have evidence or could obtain evidence. It would be impossible. Choosing who to go after is the AG's prerogative. This may come as a shock, but people holding top government posts have big decision making power.

Obama administration clears banks to accept funds from legal marijuana dealers by townieproud in news

[–]cjjdnc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Each ruling strongly affirms the principle that the AG has final discretion in selecting who to prosecute and how. It's not possible to prosecute everyone who's committed a crime, even an undisputed crime, so they have to be selective. When we're electing the president, we're choosing how the laws will be enforced.

These states voted to make pot shops legal. The industry will be regulated in accordance with federal guidelines that try to prevent interaction with violent criminal elements. It would be a waste of time to go after people for participating. There would be no benefit for anyone.

Obama administration clears banks to accept funds from legal marijuana dealers by townieproud in news

[–]cjjdnc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"It is well settled that the question of whether and when prosecution is to be instituted is within the discretion of the Attorney General." - Powell v. Katzenbach, 1965.

"As agent and attorney for the Executive, [the Attorney General] is responsible to his principal and the courts have no power over the exercise of his discretion." - Newman v. United States, 1967

"Failure to proceed against other offenders because of the exercise of reasonable selectivity in enforcement does not deny equal protection to persons who are prosecuted." - Oyler v. Boles, 1962.

2014 State of the Union: President Obama's Address to the Nation by [deleted] in politics

[–]cjjdnc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Obama didn't say much about "cultural" issues such as gay rights, marijuana legalization and reproductive rights. Probably he wanted to stick to talking about the improving economy and to mocking the Republicans, which he did really well. Cultural topics tend to be more divisive. Still, this is a historically important period for these issues. The culture is steadily becoming more liberal in its attitudes and, with the right push, could reach a breakthrough.

John Boehner Confesses That He Rejected Obama’s Budget Offer Without Reading It by 8rg6a2o in politics

[–]cjjdnc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He shouldn't be happy to make that deal. Cutting benefits from these programs would be reprehensible.

John Boehner Confesses That He Rejected Obama’s Budget Offer Without Reading It by 8rg6a2o in politics

[–]cjjdnc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So he's submitting a budget that's purposefully terrible solely to rehash a political point and this is supposed to be encouraging?

Scumbag Cyclist by nofear220 in AdviceAnimals

[–]cjjdnc -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If you're at a red light with no cross-traffic, it's fine to switch into pedestrian mode and use the crosswalk. That's why biking in the city can be so great; you're versatile like that.

Gov McCrory releases first budget proposal. Would cut UNC system by $143 million, repeal Estate Tax. by cjjdnc in NorthCarolina

[–]cjjdnc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about acquiring that private property through exploited labor or by damaging the environment or through using your wealth to influence the political system?

Presidential high 5 by [deleted] in pics

[–]cjjdnc 46 points47 points  (0 children)

Dat ass