We decided to take HBO up on their free trial and started Chernobyl mini series last night.

[NRaleighLiberal]

Just into the first part of the second episode and the parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis are chilling. It is crystal clear that trump models is so called "leadership" style on the soviet hierarchy, mistrust scientist, keep the people in the dark even if it means harm, harness personal power at all costs methodology. Whether this is all pure trump, or putin acting through trump, watching that series felt like grounhog day.

What mystifies me is the apparent human urge - lust - for power at all cost. Do we all have the urge, but most of us know or learn better? Is the power tendency nullified by an empathy urge that most of us have?

There will be much to learn about human nature - our species - both in very positive, and very negative lessons. And I suppose, looking back through all of human history, none of it will be new. It is simply that we don't learn from the past very well.

[hlthe2b]

1. Chernobyl was very well done, but eerie in the mistakes being replicated today for our disaster.

Not learning from history is a cardinal "sin" to me (as per the quote in my sigline ),

It is so hard to see similar deadly mistakes and driving arrogance be repeated.

[Renew Deal]

2. It's a great series. Enjoy

There are significant cultural differences, but the themes are similar. One of them is the complete dishonesty by some. The other is the goodness of others.

[exboyfil]

3. Unfortunately we can't get access to the documents

for complete validation, but couldn't one of our more talented filmmakers do a dramatization to be released in October for a nominal sum on all the streaming services that would take it? Something funded by a PAC?

The Republicans do this crap all the time and they make stuff up.

The movie will probably come out years later like And the Band Played On.

[Paladin]

4. Grim series, but very worthwhile. (nt)

[sinkingfeeling]

5. There's a fire at Chernobyl happening right now.

Link to tweet

[hatrack]

6. Trump would make a pretty good Diatlov . . . .

"200,000 dead - not great, not terrible. Fuck Hodemchuk! What I need is consumers moving through my economy!!"

[Tommy_Carcetti]

7. One of the best things ever produced for television.

And it is highly relevant for today, whether it be how vain autocratic minded governments react to disaster, or the dissolution of the concept of truth.

The writer and producer, Craig Mazin, had done mainly lightweight comedies up until this point. That he could tackle such a heavy project with such success speaks well for him.

Warning--while it is incredibly well-done, it is also emotionally taxing to watch. Especially animal lovers for Episode 4.

But it will be one of the best things you will ever see on television.