© Grigory Dukor / Reuters
Fifth Domain: Is Putin’s soccer ball gift to Trump bugged?
The soccer ball is a symbol of the beautiful game, but there is concern that one in particular could carry a far-from-lovely Russian bug.
Speaking during the joint press conference following his July 16 meeting in Helsinki with President Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin pulled from the tactics and equipment of the World Cup soccer tournament, which played out across Russia in June and July. As questions heated up, Putin signaled to someone for a soccer ball. A swift passing combination began.
Putin received a commemorative match ball from a throw-in off camera. He distributed the ball to Trump. “I’ll give this ball to you and now the ball is in your court,” Putin said. With possession of the ball, Trump paused. “That will go to my son Barron,” the American president said. He forwarded the ball to his wife, who was sitting in the front row. “Melania, here you go.” The ball appeared to bounce harmlessly on the ground.
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WNU Editor: Some want to check the soccer ball for bugs ....
Finally, if it were me, I’d check the soccer ball for listening devices and never allow it in the White House.— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 16, 2018
As to what is going to happen to that that soccer ball .... apparently it is going to be given to President Trump's son Barron.
3 comments:
If it were bugged it would provide an excellent opportunity to deliver some misinformation.
"Is that soccer ball bugged?" No, there is little to no upside to doing so coupled with huge downside risks. We actually could stop right there.
With that said everyone knows even though we know it isn't bugged it will be checked as a matter of course. This is similar to how we check EVERY airline passenger for weapons even though we know they don't have them as 99.99999999999999999999% don't fit the profile and will not carry such things. Hence we will naturally check the soccer ball knowing full well it isn't bugged.
A friend asked to paraphrase "do you suppose that soccer ball is bugged?" The friend was joking. We thought it quite funny. We laughed. After all we assumed no one would really be that dumb as to suspect it would actually be bugged.
Then in steps domestic US politics. Some of these people appear to actually think this thing is bugged or could be!! They reveal just how stupid and clueless they really are. We truly have become a laughingstock. I'm sure the Euros who have moved beyond such childish things are getting a real kick out of watching the US pundit and leadership class make complete idiots of themselves.
They kind of remind me of seventh grade boys. such people can be summed up by "to stupid to know they are stupid."
I would put in the White House as a powerful symbol of a new beginning for US foreign policy. I would make sure it is prominently displayed as well.
The fact that it rubs salt into the proverbial wounds of the pundit and political class who have officially made themselves enemies of the American people and are taking it on the chin for such evil and shameful stupidity is certainly an added bonus. As POTUS pointed out, he isn't going to allow politics to stand in the way of making peace. Kudos to his courage. Standing up for that which is right in the face of stiff, very organized, and unreasonable opposition requires courage. Few have it. I have always been impressed by those who do.
With that said he was right to express skepticism over the findings of US Intelligence regarding Russian election interference. Given the poor track record, any prudent leader would be doing well to express skepticism over anything they say or do. He should have stuck to his guns on this.
Let Congress hold "hearings" on this. Let them side with the bumbling idiots and political hacks who comprise this community. Let them reveal to the American people and the world their true evil and incompetence. We truly have become a laughingstock. I'm pretty sure Republicans at least don't really want to go down such a road.
Their "findings" are being used to justify expansion of Cold War 2 that we don't really need, can't readily afford, and may not be able to win. At a minimum, we are going to need more information from them to justify this. Given the poor track record of this community, "just trust us" or "because we said so" simply isn't good enough.
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