The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and is
offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.

Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to spend
money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:

1. $75B+ to Ukraine
2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers

But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
because Uncle Sam needs that money.

On Monday, 23 October 2023 at 16:05:00 UTC-4, BTR1701 wrote:
> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and is
> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>
> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to spend
> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>
> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>
> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
> because Uncle Sam needs that money.

They're all "fake" Americans anyway. Lebanese who prefer to live there, but somehow have American
citizenships.

On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and is
> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>
> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to spend
> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>
> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>
> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
> because Uncle Sam needs that money.

So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...

"$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"

....and, lo, I discovered...

"Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."

....which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?

On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:

> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>> is
>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>
>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>> spend
>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>
>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>
>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>
> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>
> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>
> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>
> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>
> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?

$465,000 taxpayer dollars

If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.

On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:02:38 -0400
moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:

> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> > The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave
> > Lebanon and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a
> > *loan*.
> >
> > Here are five things the United States government is more than
> > happy to spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a
> > war zone:
> >
> > 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> > 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> > 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> > 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> > 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
> >
> > But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty
> > barbarians in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight
> > to escape the country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>
> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>
> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>
> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>
> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about
> the behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>
> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>
>
>

It sounds just as absurd in your version. It calls for a premise that the
behaviour of pigeons somehow anticipates or mirrors the behaviour of
humans, otherwise how could the research possibly benefit humans?

If I were deciding whether to make or deny this grant, I would
challenge the researchers to offer evidence that makes them suspect
this proposition is true. If they can't, the research is
unlikely to benefit the taxpayers that are being asked to pay
for it.

--
Rhino

On 10/23/2023 5:11 PM, chromebook test wrote:
> On Monday, October 23, 2023 at 5:02:45 PM UTC-4, moviePig wrote:
>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and is
>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>
>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to spend
>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>
>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>
>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>
>
>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>
>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>
>
>
>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>
>
> $465,000... that's a LOT of chicken feed

Well, yes. Unless that number is likewise "incomplete" reporting...

On 10/23/2023 5:20 PM, Rhino wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:02:38 -0400
> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>
>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave
>>> Lebanon and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a
>>> *loan*.
>>>
>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than
>>> happy to spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a
>>> war zone:
>>>
>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>
>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty
>>> barbarians in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight
>>> to escape the country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>
>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>
>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>
>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>
>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about
>> the behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>
>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>
>>
>>
>
> It sounds just as absurd in your version. It calls for a premise that the
> behaviour of pigeons somehow anticipates or mirrors the behaviour of
> humans, otherwise how could the research possibly benefit humans?
>
> If I were deciding whether to make or deny this grant, I would
> challenge the researchers to offer evidence that makes them suspect
> this proposition is true. If they can't, the research is
> unlikely to benefit the taxpayers that are being asked to pay
> for it.

And, in deciding, let's hope that your grasp of the proposal extends
beyond "[paying] casinos so that pigeons can study gambling".

On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>
>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>> is
>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>
>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>> spend
>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>
>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>
>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>
>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>
>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>
>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>
>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>
>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>
> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>
> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.

If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.

On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:02:22 -0400
moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:

> On 10/23/2023 5:20 PM, Rhino wrote:
> > On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:02:38 -0400
> > moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
> >
> >> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> >>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave
> >>> Lebanon and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a
> >>> *loan*.
> >>>
> >>> Here are five things the United States government is more than
> >>> happy to spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a
> >>> war zone:
> >>>
> >>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> >>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> >>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> >>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> >>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
> >>>
> >>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty
> >>> barbarians in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your
> >>> flight to escape the country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
> >>
> >> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
> >>
> >> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
> >>
> >> ...and, lo, I discovered...
> >>
> >> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn
> >> about the behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in
> >> humans by teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
> >>
> >> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your
> >> thoughts?
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> > It sounds just as absurd in your version. It calls for a premise
> > that the behaviour of pigeons somehow anticipates or mirrors the
> > behaviour of humans, otherwise how could the research possibly
> > benefit humans?
> >
> > If I were deciding whether to make or deny this grant, I would
> > challenge the researchers to offer evidence that makes them suspect
> > this proposition is true. If they can't, the research is
> > unlikely to benefit the taxpayers that are being asked to pay
> > for it.
>
> And, in deciding, let's hope that your grasp of the proposal extends
> beyond "[paying] casinos so that pigeons can study gambling".
>
I never said ANYTHING about "paying casinos so pigeons can study
gambling". It never even crossed my mind. I was assuming it was the
researchers who were getting the money to compensate them for their
efforts and costs.

Putting such words into my mouth makes it clear that you are willing to
say anything, including making up nonsense out of whole cloth, in an
attempt to discredit someone who disagrees with you.

Shame on you! Clearly, you need to go back into my killfile.

--
Rhino

On 10/23/23 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and is
> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>
> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to spend
> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>
> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>
> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>
>

Wow! Now do forgiveness of student loan debt, since you're suddenly
being generous.

--
"Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a man’s mind." - OC
Bible 25B.G.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek8kap93bmk0q5w/D%20U%20N%20E%20Part%20II.jpg?dl=0

Gracie, age 6.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0es3xolxka455iw/BetterThingsToDo.jpg?dl=0

On 10/23/23 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>
>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>> is
>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>
>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>> spend
>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>
>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>
>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>
>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>
>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>
>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>
>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>
>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>
> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>
> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.

Oh, is that right in the Constitution too, Oathkeeper? I know how
you're a stickler for sticking to your convictions.

--
"Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a man’s mind." - OC
Bible 25B.G.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek8kap93bmk0q5w/D%20U%20N%20E%20Part%20II.jpg?dl=0

Gracie, age 6.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0es3xolxka455iw/BetterThingsToDo.jpg?dl=0

moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>> is
>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>
>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>> spend
>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>
>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>
>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>
>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>
>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>
>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>
>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>
>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>
>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>
>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>
> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.

Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
citizens from a war zone is.

atropos@mac.com wrote:

>The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>is offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>
>Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>
>1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers

You forgot to mention the $100-billion something dollars to Palestine, Hamas,
and other Middle-Eastern terrorists.

>But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>because Uncle Sam needs that money.

This policy has been around for a long time, but yheah, it's ridiculous.

--
Let's go Brandon!

In article <PbBZM.99329$tnmf.76300@fx09.iad>, pwallace@moviepig.com wrote:
> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:

>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon
>> and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>
>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>> spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>
>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>
>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the
>> country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>
>So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>
> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>
>...and, lo, I discovered...
>
> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>
>...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?

"Whataboutism" noted. Get back to us when you haver a real argument to make.

--
Let's go Brandon!

On Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:06:42 +0000
BTR1701 <no_email@invalid.invalid> wrote:

> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
> > On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> >> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig"
> >> <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
> >>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> >>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave
> >>>> Lebanon and is
> >>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
> >>>>
> >>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than
> >>>> happy to spend
> >>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
> >>>>
> >>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> >>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> >>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> >>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> >>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
> >>>>
> >>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty
> >>>> barbarians in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your
> >>>> flight to escape the country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
> >>>
> >>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
> >>>
> >>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
> >>>
> >>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about
> >>> the behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans
> >>> by teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
> >>>
> >>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your
> >>> thoughts?
> >>
> >> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
> >>
> >> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to
> >> pay for it themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their
> >> own research, too.
> >
> > If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically
> > takes priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive
> > behavioral addiction, then your expert insight into both far
> > exceeds mine.
>
> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating
> it's citizens from a war zone is.

Have you learned NOTHING from our "progressive" elites? EVERYTHING is
the purview of the government, Any perceived problem or wrong - or even
"microaggression" - needs to be addressed by the government. The
government is the ONLY body that can morally act in the collectivist
mind. ALL other institutions are suspect, including churches, clubs,
non-governmental service organizations, etc. etc. and don't even THINK
about letting the free market have a role because that is the engine of
the greatest evil of them all, capitalism!

--
Rhino

On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>>> is
>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>
>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>> spend
>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>
>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>
>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>
>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>
>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>
>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>
>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>
>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>
>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>>
>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>
> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
> citizens from a war zone is.

Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it. Say,
which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?

On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:03:24 -0400, moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com>
wrote:

>On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>>>> is
>>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>>> spend
>>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>>
>>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>>
>>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>>
>>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>>
>>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>>
>>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>>
>>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>>
>>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>>
>>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>>>
>>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>>
>> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
>> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
>> citizens from a war zone is.
>
>Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
>Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it. Say,
>which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?
>

This sounds like a variation on those studies of cocaine and its
impact on rats but in this its looking at is there a commonality in
the impacts of gambling on all animals. We know that even in something
as simple as loot boxes in games it can have a huge impact on game
players and there's been a huge amount of research into how to best
use those to maximize income.

In article <1uGZM.86051$%WT8.54509@fx12.iad>,
moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:

> On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> > moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
> >> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> >>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:

> >>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon
> >>>>> and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
> >>>>> spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
> >>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
> >>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
> >>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
> >>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
> >>>>>
> >>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians
> >>>>> in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the
> >>>>> country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
> >>>>
> >>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
> >>>>
> >>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
> >>>>
> >>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
> >>>>
> >>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
> >>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
> >>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
> >>>>
> >>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
> >>>
> >>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
> >>>
> >>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay
> >>> for it themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own
> >>> research, too.
> >>
> >> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
> >> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
> >> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
> >
> > Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
> > destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
> > citizens from a war zone is.
>
> Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
> Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it. Say,
> which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?

Common afflictions? Few, if any.

On 10/23/2023 7:26 PM, Rhino wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:02:22 -0400
> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>
>> On 10/23/2023 5:20 PM, Rhino wrote:
>>> On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:02:38 -0400
>>> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave
>>>>> Lebanon and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a
>>>>> *loan*.
>>>>>
>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than
>>>>> happy to spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a
>>>>> war zone:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>
>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty
>>>>> barbarians in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your
>>>>> flight to escape the country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>
>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>
>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>
>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>
>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn
>>>> about the behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in
>>>> humans by teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>
>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your
>>>> thoughts?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> It sounds just as absurd in your version. It calls for a premise
>>> that the behaviour of pigeons somehow anticipates or mirrors the
>>> behaviour of humans, otherwise how could the research possibly
>>> benefit humans?
>>>
>>> If I were deciding whether to make or deny this grant, I would
>>> challenge the researchers to offer evidence that makes them suspect
>>> this proposition is true. If they can't, the research is
>>> unlikely to benefit the taxpayers that are being asked to pay
>>> for it.
>>
>> And, in deciding, let's hope that your grasp of the proposal extends
>> beyond "[paying] casinos so that pigeons can study gambling".
>>
> I never said ANYTHING about "paying casinos so pigeons can study
> gambling". It never even crossed my mind. I was assuming it was the
> researchers who were getting the money to compensate them for their
> efforts and costs.
>
> Putting such words into my mouth makes it clear that you are willing to
> say anything, including making up nonsense out of whole cloth, in an
> attempt to discredit someone who disagrees with you.
>
> Shame on you! Clearly, you need to go back into my killfile.

Whatever tints your world.

Meanwhile, *I* never said ANYTHING about what *you* said. I merely
iterated my original disparagement of the original description.

As for what *you* said, casting doubt on this study (*or* approving it)
would need a hell of a lot more expert information than *I* have. You?

On 10/23/2023 11:06 PM, shawn wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:03:24 -0400, moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com>
> wrote:
>
>> On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>>>> spend
>>>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>>>
>>>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>>>
>>>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>>>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>>>>
>>>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>>>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>>>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>>>
>>> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
>>> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
>>> citizens from a war zone is.
>>
>> Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
>> Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it. Say,
>> which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?
>>
>
> This sounds like a variation on those studies of cocaine and its
> impact on rats but in this its looking at is there a commonality in
> the impacts of gambling on all animals. We know that even in something
> as simple as loot boxes in games it can have a huge impact on game
> players and there's been a huge amount of research into how to best
> use those to maximize income.

Last I heard (though without really listening) it's the excitement of
the bet that presses the dopamine syringe, rather than, say, the thrill
of an occasional win. Ob tv/movies, there's a watchable old Altman
flick, CALIFORNIA SPLIT, that plumbs those depths.

On 10/23/2023 11:19 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> In article <1uGZM.86051$%WT8.54509@fx12.iad>,
> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>
>> On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>
>>>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon
>>>>>>> and is offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>>>> spend money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians
>>>>>>> in Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the
>>>>>>> country because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>>>
>>>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>>>
>>>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay
>>>>> for it themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own
>>>>> research, too.
>>>>
>>>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>>>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>>>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>>>
>>> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
>>> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
>>> citizens from a war zone is.
>>
>> Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
>> Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it. Say,
>> which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?
>
> Common afflictions? Few, if any.

Covid? Smoking? Smallpox? Potential cures for the common cold?

On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:33:09 -0400, moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com>
wrote:

>On 10/23/2023 11:06 PM, shawn wrote:
>> On Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:03:24 -0400, moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>>>>> spend
>>>>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>>>>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>>>>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>>>>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>>>>
>>>> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
>>>> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
>>>> citizens from a war zone is.
>>>
>>> Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
>>> Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it. Say,
>>> which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?
>>>
>>
>> This sounds like a variation on those studies of cocaine and its
>> impact on rats but in this its looking at is there a commonality in
>> the impacts of gambling on all animals. We know that even in something
>> as simple as loot boxes in games it can have a huge impact on game
>> players and there's been a huge amount of research into how to best
>> use those to maximize income.
>
>Last I heard (though without really listening) it's the excitement of
>the bet that presses the dopamine syringe, rather than, say, the thrill
>of an occasional win. Ob tv/movies, there's a watchable old Altman
>flick, CALIFORNIA SPLIT, that plumbs those depths.
>
>

That's not exactly what I heard when looking at gamblers/game playing.
Particularly with mobile games where they want the game to provide
those little wins timed just to hold the game player's attention. So
the bets are what provides the fun but the small wins are needed to
keep people playing.

On 10/23/23 11:03 PM, moviePig wrote:
> On 10/23/2023 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig"
>>>> <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave
>>>>>> Lebanon and
>>>>>> is
>>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than
>>>>>> happy to
>>>>>> spend
>>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>>
>>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty
>>>>>> barbarians in
>>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape
>>>>>> the country
>>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>>
>>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>>
>>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>>
>>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>>
>>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>>
>>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect.  Your thoughts?
>>>>
>>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>>
>>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to
>>>> pay for it
>>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research,
>>>> too.
>>>
>>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>>
>> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
>> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
>> citizens from a war zone is.
>
> Ironically, such a "lack of self-control" may be what's being studied.
> Silly, I guess, when you obviously already know all about it.  Say,
> which common afflictions *should* the govt. concern itself with?
>
>

Still waiting for Thanny to explain how Judicial Review isn't the
business of government either... but, somehow it is.

--
"Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a man’s mind." - OC
Bible 25B.G.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek8kap93bmk0q5w/D%20U%20N%20E%20Part%20II.jpg?dl=0

Gracie, age 6.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0es3xolxka455iw/BetterThingsToDo.jpg?dl=0

On 10/23/23 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>>> is
>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>
>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>> spend
>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>
>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>
>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>
>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>
>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>
>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>
>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>
>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>
>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>>
>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>
> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
> citizens from a war zone is.
>

Gambling is subject to legislation at both the state and federal level
and otherwise regulates the activity.

Gambling Disorder is a recognized addiction - even if they didn't get
the Thanny Seal of Disapproval.

--
"Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a man’s mind." - OC
Bible 25B.G.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek8kap93bmk0q5w/D%20U%20N%20E%20Part%20II.jpg?dl=0

Gracie, age 6.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0es3xolxka455iw/BetterThingsToDo.jpg?dl=0

On 10/23/23 8:06 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
> moviePig <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>> On 10/23/2023 5:16 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>> On Oct 23, 2023 at 2:02:38 PM PDT, "moviePig" <pwallace@moviepig.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/23/2023 4:04 PM, BTR1701 wrote:
>>>>> The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Lebanon and
>>>>> is
>>>>> offering to pay for their flights but only as a *loan*.
>>>>>
>>>>> Here are five things the United States government is more than happy to
>>>>> spend
>>>>> money on instead of the safety of its citizens in a war zone:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. $75B+ to Ukraine
>>>>> 2. $6.97M to research "anal print" smart toilets
>>>>> 3. $477,000 for transgender monkeys research
>>>>> 4. $465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling
>>>>> 5. $25,000 for Chinese surfers
>>>>>
>>>>> But if you're an American being surrounded by bloodthirsty barbarians in
>>>>> Lebanon, you have to pay back the cost of your flight to escape the country
>>>>> because Uncle Sam needs that money.
>>>>
>>>> So, more or less at random, I picked one of those to Google...
>>>>
>>>> "$465,000 for casinos so that pigeons can study gambling"
>>>>
>>>> ...and, lo, I discovered...
>>>>
>>>> "Researchers at Oregon's Reed College are hoping to learn about the
>>>> behavioral economics that drive gambling addictions in humans by
>>>> teaching pigeons how to play slot machines."
>>>>
>>>> ...which somehow sounds less manipulated for effect. Your thoughts?
>>>
>>> $465,000 taxpayer dollars
>>>
>>> If we can tell Americans who are trying to evacuate a war zone to pay for it
>>> themselves, then the pigeon gamblers can pay for their own research, too.
>>
>> If you're suggesting that a cautionary evacuation automatically takes
>> priority over seeking to cure a widespread destructive behavioral
>> addiction, then your expert insight into both far exceeds mine.
>
> Seeking cures for gamblers who lack the self-control to keep from
> destroying their lives is not the business of government. Evacuating it's
> citizens from a war zone is.
>

Aaahhh... there's that famous Thanny Bullshit. The State Department
says so.

> If commercial transportation is unavailable, and if we have consular officers at the embassy or consulate, and if the conditions permit, we will do our best to identify what transportation options may be available to help U.S. citizens travel out of the crisis location.

And it isn't a free service of Uncle Sam.

> In extreme situations, if there are no commercial transportation options (planes, trains, boats/ferries, etc.) available, and if we have consular officers at the embassy or consulate, and if the conditions permit, we may help U.S. citizens seeking to depart by working with the host government, other countries, and other U.S. government agencies to identify – and in some cases arrange – available transportation. Regardless of the method of transportation, or who provides it, U.S. citizens (and others who are eligible for U.S. government assistance) are generally responsible for reimbursing the government for the cost of their travel.

You're on your own, citizen.

> Our primary role is to keep the U.S. citizen community informed of safety and security developments and travel options. Regularly scheduled commercial transportation is always the best option when local communications and transportation infrastructure are intact and operating normally. If there are no commercial options available, and if we have consular officers at the embassy or consulate, and if the conditions permit, we may help U.S. citizens identify possible transportation options. In some situations, we may encourage you to stay at a safe location and leave as soon as you can do so safely, using transportation you are able to find on your own.

So, basically, you're wrong again. For fuck's sake, you know less about
this than me... and I knew very little until a few minutes ago.

> In general, the U.S. government cannot provide in-country transportation to individuals or groups during a crisis.

You're a joke, albeit not a funny one.

--
"Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a man’s mind." - OC
Bible 25B.G.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek8kap93bmk0q5w/D%20U%20N%20E%20Part%20II.jpg?dl=0

Gracie, age 6.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0es3xolxka455iw/BetterThingsToDo.jpg?dl=0