Blog Heap of Links for the day 11 October 2015

…“the next generation of genetically engineered life will more than likely possess a novel trait known as ‘gene drive’ that literally spreads gene alterations like a virus within the host population, whether it is a plant or an animal.” While genetic engineers may be enthusiastic about its potential for good, some scientists are concerned about it getting into the wrong hands. The self-replicating technology could eventually turn genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) into covert bio-weapons and these weapons would be able to destroy crops, livestock…and humans. …

…Admiral Bill Gortney, commander of US Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said he agreed with US intelligence assessments that North Korea had nuclear weapons, as well as the ability to miniaturise them and put them on a rocket that could reach the United States. …

Below are certain facts about our involvement in Syria that shed much light on the realities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.…
1. Syria has committed no act of war against the United States.
2. We have no business interfering in Syria.
3. Neither Obama nor any American politician has made a case for why it should be our business.
4. Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria, is not a war criminal.
5. Allegations that he used poisonous gas against Syrian civilians are highly suspect. …

As if there weren’t already enough problems to worry about in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia might be headed for trouble. From plummeting oil prices to foreign-policy missteps to growing tensions with Iran, a confluence of recent events is mounting to pose some serious challenges for the Saudi regime. If not properly managed, these events could eventually coalesce into a perfect storm that significantly increases the risk of instability within the kingdom, with untold consequences for global oil markets and security in the Middle East.…

The nation’s pork producers are in an uproar after the federal government abruptly removed bacon, pork chops, pork links, ham and all other pig products from the national menu for 206,000 federal inmates. … The Bureau of Prisons, which is responsible for running 122 federal penitentiaries and feeding their inmates three meals a day, said the decision was based on a survey of prisoners’ food preferences: They just don’t like the taste of pork. …

The African / Chinese Co-Prosperity Sphere Should Depopulate The Entire Continent Of Wildlife In No-Time… As China’s investment in Africa boomed in recent years, rumors swirled about the relationship between the country’s development projects on the continent and the illegal ivory trade. But Chinese smugglers were rarely arrested. They were too well-connected to the government, many suspected. Many said they believe that’is how Yang managed to operate with impunity for so many years. …

…Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt said that discussion could lead to… changes to the Oklahoma State Constitution.

“When you look at other states that have put Ten Commandments monuments on capitol grounds, the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken very clearly, that that is very constitutional… [the] taking of our own constitution by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, saying it (monument) is unconstitutional, is inconsistent with our First Amendment protections we have under the U.S. Constitution. … I’m hopeful there can be a remedy to that… [Regarding Article II, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution,] I believe if it is going to be interpreted like that, then I believe it needs to be repealed…”

Article II, Section 5 states, “No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, applied, donated, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, or system of religion, or for the use, benefit, or support of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary, or sectarian institution as such.” …

The Waffle House crew was busily going about its typical early-morning ritual… when a robber jolted them out of their routine. … A customer … opened fire in the North Charleston eatery, thwarting the holdup Saturday by fatally shooting the suspect.…

Nice Deb's Saturday Movie Matinee: Obama’s “Kindergarten Version of Warfare”

…A pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up in downtown Ankara today, killing almost a hundred people and wounding more than two hundred more. The explosions occurred in the midst of a pro-Kurdish demonstration. Angry crowds, suspecting state involvement with the attacks, clashed with police afterwards.

In other news, as temperatures dropped below freezing in Finland, donated winter clothes were distributed to “refugees” in major cities and towns.…