In Service for America

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*1. In Service for America

From NYT - The Graves of the Marines I Lost

It's Memorial Day. Take a moment and remember those that have given the full measure.  Also, if you know a service member thank them, too. They serve for many reasons - their fellow service members, for a job, for college money..., but ultimately they serve for our great country. Deep down they know they are a conflict away from coming home in a box, and by the grace of God do they go. And they do go - whenever they are called - and sometimes they don't come home. And we all reap the amazing rewards of the service they provide. Don't ever take it for granted.

*2. You Gawking Me?!

What started as an entertainment headline along the lines of, "Silicon Valley billionaire takes on Gawker," has now become a deep dive study into how billionaires are trying to take over the media and a full blown First Amendment argument against tech billionaire Peter Thiel's vendetta against Gawker for outing him as gay.

From NYT - Tech Titans Raise Their Guard, Pushing Back Against News Media

"The situation is complicated by the fact that these days rich tech companies, their owners or venture capitalists are as much the owners and producers of the media as the subject."

As a counter to Thiel, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, who also owns First Look Media will...

"in keeping with its mission to protect the First Amendment, be helping to organize supporting briefs for Gawker."

+ From Vox - Gawker was irresponsible, but the precedent Peter Thiel is setting is dangerous

"The crucial point here is that Thiel isn't actually using the legal system as a venue in which to adjudicate his dispute with Gawker; hell, his lawsuit isn't even about his personal dispute with Gawker. Rather, Thiel is using the legal system as a weapon to bleed Gawker in every case."

+ From NYT - Thiel-Gawker Fight Raises Concerns About Press Freedom

+ From WaPo - The chilling effect Peter Thiel’s battle with Gawker could have on Silicon Valley journalism

*3. Fascism?!

From WaPo - In San Diego, Trump shames local ‘Mexican’ judge as protesters storm streets

Is it reasonable to use a political rally to threaten a federal judge?

"'I’ll be seeing you [Judge Gonzalo Curiel] in November, either as president…” Trump said, trailing off. “I think Judge Curiel should be ashamed of himself. I think it’s a disgrace that he’s doing this.” Trump brought up Curiel’s ethnicity: “The judge, who happens to be, we believe, Mexican…I think the Mexicans are going to end up loving Donald Trump.'"

So, what does he do if he becomes president? Maybe Robert Kagan has it right. In an May 18th WaPo opinion piece he said...

"And is a man like Trump, with infinitely greater power in his hands, likely to become more humble, more judicious, more generous, less vengeful than he is today, than he has been his whole life? Does vast power un-corrupt?"

A couple other interesting articles on this topic...

+ From NYT - Rise of Donald Trump Tracks Growing Debate Over Global Fascism

+ From WaPo - Carl Bildt: Austria's narrow election is a warning signal to all

*4. America is Still Great

From WaPo - America is still great - but it needs to stay strong

This is a timely article given the depressing stories in the previous article compilation. I tend to agree with its conclusion...

"The reality is that America remains the world's leading power, but it can achieve its objectives only by defining its interests broadly, working with others and creating a network of cooperation. That, alas, does not fit on a campaign cap."

*5. Pearl

From Fast Company - Don’t Be Surprised If Google’s New Animated Short Wins An Oscar

"Pearl is the story of a little girl growing up with a struggling, traveling musician for a father. Set completely inside and around a car, the duo drives across the U.S...playing the same song for anyone who will listen. The girl grows up, meets new friends, gets in trouble, and forms a band of her own. The dad grows old, sells out, and never regrets a minute of it."

"There are films that make you feel like a kid again. There are films that make you feel the invincible freedom of your teenage years. And there are films that capture the pangs of parenthood."

"Pearl manages to do all at once—in about six minutes."

Pearl was made by Google Spotlight Stories, which is a team of Pixar and Dreamworks alums, and what they made is pretty awesome. Watch the six minute video and use the 360 view arrows. You will not be disappointed.

*6. North Korean Nonsense

From NYT - North Korea Linked to Digital Attacks on Global Banks

"Security researchers have tied the recent spate of digital breaches on Asian banks to North Korea, in what they say appears to be the first known case of a nation using digital attacks for financial gain." To the tune of $81 million.

Sanctions might be having their intended affects.

+ From WaPo - The secret life of Kim Jong Un’s aunt, who has lived in the U.S. since 1998

"'My friends here tell me I’m so lucky, that I have everything,' Ko Yong Suk...told the Washington Post. 'My kids went to great schools and they’re successful, and I have my husband, who can fix anything. There’s nothing we can envy.'"

"Her husband...chimes in with laughter: 'I think we have achieved the American Dream.'"

Truth be told, I reviewed these two articles because I really wanted to justify writing about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's aunt living in the U.S. Das it!

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