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whitebearthreerivers · 7 years ago

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The main reason pro-gun people and anti-gun people can’t talk to each other is that their respective rhetorics are based on two irreconcilable worldviews. The anti-gun people are essentially collectivist; the pro-gun people are essentially individualist.

Lately, for example, I’ve been hearing arguments from the anti-gun people about how “arming teachers” is a bad idea. The image they’re evoking with this language is that of a group of teachers lining up to receive their mandatory government-issued firearm for use in defending their classrooms. Most proposals I’ve seen, however, aren’t for arming teachers en masse. They are for allowing individual teachers who are already permitted to carry guns to do so on school property. The anti-gun people use collectivist language about “arming” a group of people, while the pro-gun people use individualist language about allowing individuals to make a choice about whether to carry a gun.

Similarly, anti-gun people often say things like “More guns are not the solution.” The image they are evoking is that of a basically homogeneous group of people, some percentage of which are causing problems for the group with their guns. To the collectivist mind, the proposed solution–increasing the percentage of gun ownership within the group–is absurd. But of course arbitrarily increasing the percentage of guns is not a solution anyone is proposing. The solution the pro-gun people are proposing is to remove limitations on the law-abiding members of the group that put them at a disadvantage when dealing with the non-law abiding members.

I often see anti-gun people make statements like “Children dying isn’t worth your right to have an AR-15.” To a collectivist, this statement makes perfect sense: after all, there’s no doubt that as a group, we’d be better off if there were no AR-15s. To an individualist, though, this statement is at best nonsensical and at worst insulting. To an individualist, the statement translates to “You personally having an AR-15 increases the chances of children dying.” And it doesn’t help when the anti-gun people go the next logical step and call NRA members “murderers” for something that none of their individual members have done.

This is also how collectivists are able to justify a ban on guns which would have to enforced by people with guns. To the collectivist, “police” are a different group than “civilians,” and it’s assumed that when you are talking about gun regulations, you are talking about regulations for civilians. For individualists, this distinction reeks of hypocrisy, because they see both the police and civilians as individual members of society, to whom the same laws should apply.

The problem of incompatible worldviews is complicated by the fact that in America, overt collectivism is still frowned on to some degree. Americans of all political stripes like to think we are proponents of individual freedom. Many collectivists in the U.S. are so inculcated in individualist language that they don’t even know they are collectivists (these are the people who resort to supporting their arguments with vague pronouncements about “the greater good,” “social welfare,” “the social contract,” etc.) Thus, collectivists tend (intentionally or unintentionally) to cloak their language in individualist rhetoric about “rights.” For example, “Doesn’t my child have a right to go to school without being shot?”

The problem with this question is that while it’s ostensibly about individual rights, it’s really a way of surreptitiously shifting the conversation onto collectivist grounds. It’s a way of saying that my fear (rational or not) outweighs your so-called rights. And once you accept that premise, you’re stuck in the collectivist mindset. Individual rights are now just an obstacle in the way of creating a perfectly just, peaceful society where no one is ever shot (or harmed in any other way, presumably).

You’ve probably figured out by now which of these two camps I’m in. I don’t pretend to be objective, but I have some pretty good reasons for preferring the individualist mindset to the collectivist. For one thing, as I’ve already mentioned, it’s telling that the collectivists have to employ misdirection and rhetoric borrowed from individualism in order to make their point. Most Americans still know on some level that the greatness of our country was its emphasis on individual rights over collective concerns, so the collectivists have to rely on deception to win them over.

Secondly, in my experience individualists have a pretty good understanding of the collectivist worldview. It isn’t difficult for most pro-gun people to perform a convincing imitation of the anti-gun argument. Anti-gun people, on the other hand, seem genuinely incapable of understanding pro-gun arguments, and end up arguing against strawmen tainted by their own collectivist ideology. This leads me to believe that collectivism is an intellectual crutch for those who can’t make sense of individualism.

But the main problem with collectivism as it relates to gun control and any other problem is that in the end, people *are* individuals. If you break a gun law, you, an individual, go to prison. If a burglar breaks into your house, you, an individual, are victimized. If you shoot a person, you, an individual, are responsible. You can talk about “society” having a problem with “gun violence,” but in the end what you are talking about is some individuals being hurt by other individuals with guns.

Collectivist language can be useful, but the collectivist worldview is at best an approximation and at worst a crutch for bigots and the intellectually lazy. Laws are applied to individual people, and I believe they should be passed with that in mind. You don’t have to believe that, but if you are in favor of gun control, you should at least make an effort to understand why many people do.

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whitebearthreerivers · 7 years ago

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What are the old Norse/Germanic holidays and when do they fall???Btw beautiful blog.

Here is a simplified wheel of the year.

And here is some more in-depth information from The Asatru Alliance

SnowMoon/January

Snowmoon 3,

Charming of the Plow: This is the date of an agricultural ritual performed in Northern Europe from ancient times. Grains and cakes were offered for the soil’s fertility, and the Sky Father and Earth Mother were invoked to that end. Meditate upon your dependence on the soil, and crumble upon the earth a piece of bread as you call upon Odin, Frigga and the Land Spirits to heal the Earth and keep it from harm.

Snowmoon 9,

Day of Remembrance for Raud the Strong: Raud was a landowner in Norway who was put to death by (St.) Olaf Tryggvason for his loyalty to Asatru by having a snake forced down his throat. Rauds lands were then confiscated in the name of the king and his monks. Raise a horn in honor of Raud and all of his kinsmen who gave their lives, rather then submit to the enforced love of the kristjan empire.

Snowmoon 14,

Thorrablot: This holiday began the Old Norse month of Snorri. It is still observed in Iceland with parties and a mid-winter feast. It is of course sacred to Thorr and the ancient Icelandic Winter Spirit of Thorri. On this day we should perform blot to Thorr and invite the mighty Asaman to the feast.

Horning / February

Horning 2,

Barri: This is the day we celebrate the wooing by Ingvi Freyr of the maiden Gerd, a symbolic marriage of the Vanir God of Fertility with the Mother Earth. It is a festival of fertility, the planted seed and the plowed furrow. For those of you who garden, this is the time to plant seeds indoors, to later be transplanted in the summer garden.

Horning 9,

Day of Remembrance for Eyvind Kinnrifi: Olaf tortured him to death by placing a bowl of red-hot embers on his stomach until his body burst open. Eyvind’s crime was a steadfast loyalty to the Old Gods. A good day to reflect on kristjan kindness.

Horning 14,

Feast of Vali: This feast originally celebrated the death of Hothr at the hands of Vali. This late winter festival relates to the triumphant return of the light of the sun over the dark days of winter. Today it is traditional celebration of the family. A time for the customary exchange of cards and gifts with loved ones. It is also a time for the renewal of marriage vows and an occasion for marriages.

Lenting / March

Lenting 9,

Day of Remembrance for Oliver the Martyr: He was an adherent of Asatru who persisted in organizing underground sacrifices to the Gods and Goddesses despite decrees by St Olaf the Lawbreaker forbidding such activities. Betrayed by an informer, he was killed by Olaf’s men while preparing for the Spring sacrifice in the village of Maerin Norway. Many other men whose names are lost to us were also killed, mutilated, or exiled for taking part in such sacrifices.

Lenting 20,

High Feast of Ostara: This is the Spring Equinox. The end of Winter and the beginning of the season of rebirth. Today we honor Frigga, Freya and Nerthus with blot and feast. Pour a libation of mead onto the Earth; celebrate the rebirth of nature, Asatru, and the new hopes of our Folk.

Lenting 28,

Ragnar Lodbrok Day: Ragnar was one of the legends most famous Vikings. On this day in Runic Year 1145 he raided Paris. It just happened to be Easter Sunday. Today toast Ragnar and read from his Saga.

Ostara / April

Ostara 9,

Day of Remembrance for Jarl Hakon of Norway: As ruler of the western part of the realm, Hakon restored the worship of the Old Gods and cast out the alien religion. In the process, the common folk regained political liberties which were erased under the kristjan yoke, and the flame of our Troth burned brighter in an era of gathering gloom. It may be that Hakon’s defense of our ancestral ways helped encourage the survival of our traditions in Iceland, where they eventually became the seeds of modern day Asatru. On this day reflect on how the actions of the individual can impact world events and the future of Odinn’s Nation.

Ostara 15,

Sigrblot/Sumarsdag: Today we celebrate the first day of Summer in the Old Icelandic calendar. In Iceland it had strong agricultural overtones, but elsewhere in the Nordic world, it was a time to sacrifice to Odinn for victory in the summer voyages and battles.

Ostara 22,

Yggdrasil Day: On this day we realize the great significance that the World Tree plays in our culture, heritage, and native spirituality. It is from the World Tree that we came, and it shelters and nurtures the Asatru today, and will offer refuge to the Folk come Ragnarok. Trees are the lungs as well as the soul of Midgard. Plant a tree today, nurture it, and protect it. In this act the Folk must abide.

Ostara 30,

Walburg: this is better known as Walpurgisnacht or May Eve. Walberg is a goddess of our folk combining some of the traits of Her better-known peers. Reflect on this day on Freya, Hel, and Frigga as the repository of the glorious dead, and you will have an idea of Wulburg’s nature. On this day pour a horn of mead upon the earth in memory of our heroes.

Merrymoon / May

Merrymoon 1,

May Day: The first of May is a time of great celebration all across Europe, as the fields get greener and the flowers decorate the landscape with colorful confusion. Freya turns her kindly face to us after the night of Walburg. Celebrate the birth of Spring and the gifts of Freya on this day.

Merrymoon 9,

Day of Remembrance for Guthroth: One of the upland minor kings. Guthroth had to the audacity to make a speech opposing the policies of Olaf Tryggvason, who at the time was busy killing people who did not want to become kristjans. For exercising his Gods given rights to worship his tribal Gods, Guthroth was captured and his tongue was cut out. Use your tongue for the Gods today! Sing their praises and recite some heroic poetry, tell someone of the Gods glory, and call a kinsman to keep in touch.

Merrymoon 20,

Frigga Blot: Today we rejoice in the warmth and splendor of Spring. A traditional time for a Kindred campout, perform blot to honor the AllMother and thank Her for the health and vitality of the Family, Kindred and Tribe.

Midyear / June

Midyear 8,

Lindisfarne Day: On this day in the year 1043 Runic Era (793 CE) three Viking ships raided the Isle of Lindisfarne, officially opening what is the Viking Age. Toast these brave warriors who began the noble resistance of the alien invasion of the Northlands and sought rightful revenge for the slaughter of the Saxons by Charlamange.

Midyear 9,

Day of Remembrance for Sigurd the Volsung: He is the model Germanic hero. His wooing of the Valkyrie Brynhild, the winning of the treasure of the Nibelungs, and the constant theme of Odinic initiation that weaves itself throughout his story are priceless parts of our Asatru heritage, that provide endless material for contemplation and inspiration for action.

Midyear 21,

Midsummer: This is the longest day and the shortest night of the year: Now Sunna begins its ling decline, sliding into the darkness which will culminate six months from now at Yule. Identifying the sun with the brightness of Baldur, we celebrate in honor of both. Hold blot to Baldur and High Feast. This was the traditional time for holding the AlThing in ancient times.

Haymoon / July

Haymoon 4,

Founder’s Day: On this day we honor the unselfish personal sacrifice and unswerving dedication to our Folk exemplified by the founders of modern era Asatru, H. Rud Mills of Australia, Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson and Thorsteinn Guthjonson of Iceland. On this day reflect on just what YOU can do to promote the growth of our ancestral religion and protect our sacred heritage and traditions.

Haymoon 9,

Day of Remembrance for Unn the Deep Minded: Unn was a powerful figure from the Laxdaela Saga who emigrated to Scotland to avoid the hostility of King Harald Finehair. She established dynasties in the Orkney and Faroe Islands by carefully marrying off her grand daughters. As a settler in Iceland she continued to exhibit all those traits which were her hallmark-strong will, a determination to control, dignity, and a noble character. In the last days of her life, she established a mighty line choosing one of her grandsons as her heir. She died during his wedding celebration, presumable accomplishing her goals and worked out her orlog here in Midgard. She received a typical Nordic ship burial, surrounded by her treasure and her reputation for great deeds.

Haymoon 29,

Stikklestad Day: Olaf the Lawbreaker (“St. Olaf”) was killed at the battle of Stikklestad on this date in the year 1280 R.E. Olaf acquired a reputation for killing, maiming, and exiling his fellow Norwegians who would not convert to Christianity, and for carrying an army with him in violation of the law to help him accomplish his oppression. Today honor the Asatru martyrs who died rather then submit to gray slavery. Also honor the warriors who brought justice to the Lawbreaker.

Harvest / August

Harvest 1,

Freyfaxi: Freyfaxi marked the time of the harvest in ancient Iceland. Today the Asatru observe this date as a celebration of their harvest with blot to Freyr and a grand Feast from the gardens and the fields.

Harvest 9,

Day of Remembrance for Radbod: On this date we honor Radbod a king of Frisia what was an early target kristjan missionaries. Just before his baptism ceremony, he asked the clergy what fate his befallen ancestors who died loyal to Asatru. The missionaries replied that Radbod’s Heathen ancestors were burning in Hell-to which the king replied: “Then I will rather live there with my ancestors than go to heaven with a parcel of beggars.” The baptism was cancelled, the aliens expelled, and Frisia remained free. Drink a horn this day in memory of Radbod.

Shedding / September

Shedding 9,

Day of Remembrance for Herman of the Cherusci: Few mortals have privileged to serve our Folk as did Herman, a leader of the tribe called the Cherusci. We he defeated Varus’ three Roman Legions in 9 C.E. he blocked our amalgamation into the Mediterranean morass. Herman was very aware of his duties not only as a member of his tribe but also as an Asaman - indeed the two were probably inseparable with him. Shedding is the ideal time to give him praise, because the crucial battle for which he is remembered was fought during this month.

Shedding 23,

Winter Finding: The Fall Equinox; Summer and Winter balance for a moment and the cold, old man wins - for now. Brace yourself for longer nights and the onset, eventually, of the cold and darkness of Winter. Do blot to Odin for inspiration to get through your personal lean times, whenever they may strike. This is the traditional time for Fall Fest and the Second Harvest Feast.

Hunting / October

Hunting 8,

Day of Remembrance for Erik the Red: Praise the stalwart founder of Greenland, and father of Leif, the founder of Vinland. Erik remained loyal to Thor even when his wife left the Gods and refused to sleep with her Heathen husband. Pause in memory of Erik today; drink a toast to his honor. No doubt he gets enough warmth in Har’s Hall to make up for his wife’s coldness.

Hunting 9,

Day of Remembrance for Leif Erikson: this is a day that even the U.S. Government admits who should dedicate to the man who beat Columbus to the shores of Vinland by over 500 years. Don’t let it slide quietly - write your local newspapers and share the word of the Norse colonies with neighbors and friends.

Hunting 14,

Winter Nights/Vetrablot: In the Old Icelandic Calendar, winter begins on the Satyrday between Hunting 11th and 17th. Winter Nights celebrates the bounty of the harvest and honors Freya and the fertility and protective spirits called Disir, that She leads (often the Disir are seen as our female ancestors). Give glory to Freya and pour a libation of ale, milk, or mead into the soil an offering to the Disir and the Earth itself.

Fogmoon / November

Fogmoon 9,

Day of Remembrance for Queen Sigrith of Sweden: When Olaf the Lawbreaker had been king of Norway for three years, he asked Queen Sigrith of Sweden to marry him. She agreed, but when he insisted that she give up her ancestral Gods Sigrith replied, “I do not mean to abandon the faith I have led, and my kinsmen before me. Nor shall I object to your belief in the god you prefer.” As usual Heathen tolerance was met with kristjan imprecations and a blow to the face. The wedding was off - depriving Olaf of political power that could have sped the christianization of Scandinavia. As it were, history tells us that the Heathens held on for over 300 more years in the Northlands. Hail Sigrith, defender of Asatru, and women of stubborn virtue!

Fogmoon 11,

Feast of the Einherjar: The chosen heroes who sit in Odin’s Hall are the Einherjar. Today we honor those dead kin who gave their lives for Family and Folk. If you have friends or family who died in battle, visit their graves today, if that is not possible, drink a libation in their memory.

Fogmoon 23,

Feast of Ullr: The Feast of Ullr is to celebrate the Hunt and to gain personal luck needed for success. Weapons are dedicated on this day to Ullr, God of the Bow. If your hunting arms were blessed by the luck of the God of the Hunt, your family and tribe shared the bounty with a Blot and Feast to Ullr.

Yule / December

Yule 9,

Day of Remembrance for Egil Skallagrimsson: Odin was his God, and the blood of berserks and shape-shifters ran in his family. His lust for gold and for fames was insatiable. Yet the same man was passionately moved by the love of his friends and generously opened handed to those who found his favor. The same brain that seethed with war-fury also composed skaldic poetry capable of calming angry kings. Can it be by accident that Egil worshipped Odin, the great solver of paradoxes and riddles? Indeed all Asafolk - but especially those who follow the one-eyed God of battle and magic - can learn much from the life of this amazing man.

Yule 21,

Mother Night: As the night before the Winter Solstice, this is the time when the New Year is born. We honor the beginning of Sunnas return and the breaking of Winter’s spell. This is a time to honor Thor and Freyr, celebrate by Blot, Sumbel, and High Feast. Burn a Yule Log and jump the flames for luck and purification.

Yule 22,

High Feast of Yule - Beginning of Runic Year - Sacred to Thorr and Freyr

Yule 31,

Twelfth Night: This culminates the traditional twelve days of Yule. Each day of which is a month of the preceding year in miniature. Reflect on the past year. Take stock and lay a course for the future. Make New Years resolutions in the old way by swearing your oath on Freyr’s boar or on your Hammer.

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whitebearthreerivers · 7 years ago

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I support Austin Petersen for Senate! Will you join me? #AP4Senate Click here to learn more about Austin Petersen http://thndr.me/kcDySj

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whitebearthreerivers · 7 years ago

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DESSERTS!

Viking Age Recipes More @facebook.com/rocklovefanpage

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whitebearthreerivers · 8 years ago

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What are the old Norse/Germanic holidays and when do they fall???Btw beautiful blog.

Here is a simplified wheel of the year.

And here is some more in-depth information from The Asatru Alliance

SnowMoon/January

Snowmoon 3,

Snowmoon 9,

Snowmoon 14,

Horning / February

Horning 2,

Horning 9,

Horning 14,

Lenting / March

Lenting 9,

Lenting 20,

Lenting 28,

Ragnar Lodbrok Day: Ragnar was one of the legends most famous Vikings. On this day in Runic Year 1145 he raided Paris. It just happened to be Easter Sunday. Today toast Ragnar and read from his Saga.

Ostara / April

Ostara 9,

Ostara 15,

Ostara 22,

Ostara 30,

Merrymoon / May

Merrymoon 1,

Merrymoon 9,

Merrymoon 20,

Midyear / June

Midyear 8,

Midyear 9,

Midyear 21,

Haymoon / July

Haymoon 4,

Haymoon 9,

Haymoon 29,

Harvest / August

Harvest 9,

Harvest 19,

Shedding / September

Shedding 9,

Shedding 23,

Hunting / October

Hunting 8,

Hunting 9,

Hunting 14,

Fogmoon / November

Fogmoon 9,

Fogmoon 11,

Fogmoon 23,

Yule / December

Yule 9,

Yule 21,

Yule 22,

High Feast of Yule - Beginning of Runic Year - Sacred to Thorr and Freyr

Yule 31,

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whitebearthreerivers · 8 years ago

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The only thing Japanese about Kusanagi is her brain. She has a cybernetic body. Her eyes are blue! Johannson is perfectly fine for the role in Ghost in the Shell.

Don’t let anyone tell you representation doesn’t matter.

youtube

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whitebearthreerivers · 8 years ago

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Redbad - WTF fun facts

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whitebearthreerivers · 8 years ago

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If you’re an introvert, can you reblog this to help raise awareness that introverts do in fact exist?

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whitebearthreerivers · 8 years ago

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Same.

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whitebearthreerivers · 8 years ago

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#DNCLeaks

NOTABLE EMAILS LEAKED FROM THE DNC, DISGUSTING STUFF.

DNC member killing horses for insurance money. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/578 DNC making fun of black womans name. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/17942 DNC telling each other, “I love you too. no homo.” https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/425 DNC requesting a pull on MSNBC commentary segment. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/6107 DNC controlling the narrative with time released stories. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/12450 DNC conspiring to create false Trump information and release with reuters. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/7102 DNC Hillary supporters infiltrated Sanders campaign. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/4776 DNC members going to complain to Morning Joe producers about his mentioning of a rigged syste: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/8806 DNC discussing their relationship with NBC/MSNBC/CNN and how to get better treatment: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/13762 Super PAC paying young voters to push back online Sanders supporters. Paid shills. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/8351 DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz having an off the record meeting in Phil Griffin’s office, who is the president of MSNBC. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/8867 DNC being messed with by the Washington Examiner. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/5304 DNC discussing Hillary’s policies as unfeasible. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/519

$200k for a private dinner with Hillary: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/17287 Offering to send interns out to fake a protest against the RNC: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/13366 Faking outrage and pasting in a video later: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/7102 A mole working inside of the Sanders campaign: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/7793 Bringing up Sanders religion to scare the southern voters: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/11508 Possible money laundering by moving money back and forth to bypass legal limits: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/6230 Politico writer sending his stories to the DNC before he sends them to his editor: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/10808 DNC feeding CNN the questions they want to be asked in interviews: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/4077 Creating a fake job ad for a Trump business to paint him as a sexist: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/12803 Hillary funding 2 million dollars in a cooridanted campaign in battleground states to win back the senate: https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/7784 DNC is upset that their “allies” didn’t send in protestor so they sent out interns. https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/13366 “Clinton Foundation quid-pro-quo worries are lingering, will be exploited in general” https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/8351 $50,000 - Lawrence Benenson https://wikileaks.org/dnc-emails/emailid/14700

Unrelated but related: Super PAC for shilling http://usuncut.com/politics/clinton-super-pac-busted/

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