Today I googled democracy and saw a few articles in 'news' stating that the USA has been found not to be a democracy, but an oligarchy, we all knew it of course but now a study has concluded it.

You can read all about that here.

Democracy -  government by the people; especially :  rule of the majority.

Oligarchy - a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.

A hearing is also being conducted on the NSA by the European parliament, which is available to watch at various places which I will link to.

It is very long but also extremely interesting, and while I didn't feel like spending so much time watching anything I couldn't pull myself away.

Here it is. 

There were MANY  scary and interesting points made but I found the statements of Jacob Appelbaum very worthwhile, so if you want to watch his much shorter interview from after the hearing you can click here.

For some people who did not have the pleasure (hah) of living in East Germany and or know not what Mr. Appelbaum refers to - he alludes to the Stasi.

He also uses the german word Zersetzung.

And for those living in the States, I will include this final dramatization.  

oooo... a couple... how cute

Excellent video addressing the problem of bullying.

But like Laurie said, it can easily get out of hand, and people don't like to put themselves in danger whatever their reaction is. What if there is a gun involved? Or a gang doing it?

But that's why the bad guys often win, because other people don't get involved. The bullies make themselves feel powerful by beating up on someone more vulnerable. Abusees often become abusers.

I think educating re: bullying and how to handle it by reporting it and getting help needs to begin very young. But even among the very young, everyone hates a tattler.

A dilemma.