To all that America was and stood for, I say goodbye
Excerpt from a commentary from Mike Lodgrum of Salon Magazine, most appropo in my opinion:
No one can say that Trump ran a stealth campaign. He clearly told the American people his agenda. Now imagine if any politician told the electorate the following:
I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends.
I will dump your health insurance, raise your insulin and other drug prices, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can go ahead and die.
Forget about public health. I will put a brain-damaged lunatic in charge of vaccine policy, so that you will run a higher risk of dying in the next pandemic.
I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you.
If your kid has asthma, tough, because my rich donors will be able to pollute to their heart’s content. Do you remember reading about killer smogs in Pennsylvania steel towns and the Cuyahoga River catching fire? Get ready for more of that.
If you don’t like any of this agenda, don’t bother demonstrating, because I will use the military against you. And don’t expect habeas corpus when you’re thrown in prison, because I will invoke martial law. The courts won’t help you, because I stacked them with loyalists. And there won’t be a free press to report on it, because it will have been sued out of existence or taken over by my corporate friends.
--------------
If the remnant of sane and decent people wish to retrieve the situation — a questionable hypothesis in itself, because unlike in World War II, there is no United States to liberate anyone from tyranny: we have become the bad guys — they must digest some hard truths:
What do-gooders consider the disqualifying features of the Republican Party — the performative cruelty, administrative incompetence and corruption, lack of judgment and utter disregard for what Jefferson called the decent opinion of mankind — is precisely what currently attracts a working majority of American voters. Lincoln to the contrary, these voters have no better angels of their nature.
If Democrats expect to make any headway nationally — presuming America still has competitive elections — they cannot make the mistake, at least in the short term, of nominating a woman for president. Virtually alone among developed countries, pervasive misogyny makes it a fool’s errand. An even more unpalatable truth is that a large number of misogynists who will never vote for a female president are American women.
America has undergone a revolution. This was an overthrow of the intelligent, the technical expert and the professional by an anti-intellectual mob. Our situation may not reach the depths of Pol Pot’s Cambodia, when people were killed for the crime of wearing eyeglasses, but it has already nearly reached the level of the movie "Idiocracy," which in hindsight wasn’t a satire but a prescient documentary.
I have written extensively of the nihilism and death-cultishness of Republicans and their largest constituency, the religious fundamentalists. America controls the largest nuclear arsenal in the world; I doubt many people have honestly confronted the fact that it will be under the exclusive authority of a vengeful and increasingly demented man egged on by apocalyptic Bible-thumpers. (Neither the Joint Chiefs of Staff nor anyone else has a veto.)
No one reading this can remember a time when America wasn’t preoccupied with a foreign threat: Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, the Soviet Union, Islamic fundamentalists. But it was all an illusion: the enemy was right here, an incubating serpent’s egg waiting for the right moment to be hatched.
In the final analysis, don't blame me I voted for Harris.The hubris and arrogance of the author nearly put a dent in my morning. That was an ugly piece bud. You should bookmark it and take another look after the 'first hundred days.'
This is the kinda stuff you start your day with? Ugh. You're going to be bummed and pissed at the world for the rest of the day. That must be what's meant by "getting up on the wrong side of the bed." ;-)
GAI could expect no less, after all you are one of THEM. Look how easily you dismiss valid concerns, symptoms of the Trump flu?
I didn't dismiss any valid concerns, I dismissed the rubbish you quoted.
You might be right about catching that flu. You folks have been pushing me in that direction, inch by grudging inch, for nine years now.
Since the election, Trump's picks have said we are going to get the 'FU' MAGA and conservatives wanted. So far, I'm good with it. I'm optimistic. I start my day with a smile and a good cup of coffee. That's a lot better than the way it looks like you start yours—with Salon and a cup of Bitters.
GA"You might be right about catching that flu. You folks have been pushing me in that direction, inch by grudging inch, for nine years now."
And your folks have been pushing me in the opposite direction for at least as long. My concens are your rubbish and vice versa.
Youre good with it? Well, I say may the next 4 years be Helter Skelter, where the dust will never settle.......
And we will just see who will win the day....
It is amazing as to how far we have fallen since we agreed that Frank Reagan of Blue Bloods was a great Police Commisioner+ 10000000
As someone else is prone to sayingall those fancy words to say 'waaaah...my side lost!' and yes, I WILL blame you for voting for Harris; that cackling hag would have us in WWIII faster than even the PROVEN PEDOPHILE occupying the White House until sometime in January
One of them... Oh my does that not well share your mindset?
We are at war, Sharlee, and while it is never personal, politically we are not buddies not pals. I am sure you and I could share a cup of coffee as long as we avoided speaking about politics. So, yes, NOW, there exists US vs THEM. In another thread, I expressed pessimism in regard to the future of the Union in the upcoming years, for this reason.
I understand where you're coming from, and I agree that the political divide right now makes it hard for us to be on the same page. I feel we are headed in the right direction, as I did his first term... I was more than happy until COVID.
But down the road, as we see how things play out, maybe we can open discussions on how he is doing. I mean is there not time to go after him if he fails? Myself, I am so excited and anticipate changes that will be positive. Not sure why anyone wants to see him fail.As much as I despise the man, I will struggle to keep an open mind...
Phew! It’s great that you’re trying to keep an open mind, even if you’re not a fan of Trump. This is important because it allows you to see things from a broader perspective and understand the reasons behind certain decisions, even if you don’t agree with them.
Plus, it helps avoid knee-jerk reactions based on bias and leads to a more balanced outlook. You might even notice some positives that would have been overlooked otherwise, by keeping an open mind. In the end, being open-minded helps form opinions based on actual substance rather than just personal feelings or assumptions. As I’ve shared, there will always be plenty of time to critique Trump’s actions when he does something that calls for it.Don't give me too much credit, Sharlee, my quill will show him little mercy and it will be a matter of time before he gets out of line. I am going to be on him hard, long and frequent. He will have to struggle to reach just satisfactory assessment by me, while improbable it is possible.
Better watch out... the Brownshirts going to know you are posting stuff like this...
You know, GA, one of your classic lines comes to mind. I've used it frequently on other platforms, though not here. It’s a great line, and it seems especially fitting for Cred's post this morning, as it reflects a certain disregard for the world. Let me think about how to phrase this politely—"I'm grateful for my perspective and wouldn't trade places with you."
My memory escapes me when it comes to who you shared the line with, but I do remember it being quite memorable. It was a perfect comeback that really fit the narrative in response to the comment.I don't remember it, but it does describe how I see things. I prefer optimism. It's healthier, even when it's unwarranted.
If I were a sensitive guy it would break my heart to see Cred suffer from so much angst. But I'm not, and he enjoys being the girded sentry, so all open doors and soft spots are fair game. ;-)
GAI won't suffer, I will do the Alamo thing and stand my ground to the last man.
I prefer reality over misplaced optimism, which you all had no problems bringing to the forefront during the Biden term.
It is all Rightwinger angst, so I have to be doing something Right.
Trump will be subject to scrutiny and criticism from me for every screw up and when he does do something right, I will only give him approval grudgingly, after eliminating all other possible causes for the favorable outcome.
This is just the beginning......You doing the Alamo thing . . . now there's an easy & pleasant mental image. You've prompted it several times. Except, it wasn't Alamo walls, it's the wall of dead (that the Spartans were embedded in) blocking the pass in the movie 300. You're at the top in Spartan armor, one sandaled foot raised to the lip, loins girded, and a sharpened quill raised to the heavens, challenging the advancing horde of Perians (aka 'Them').
Yep, that seems to fit.
You won't be alone 'scrutinizing' Pres Trump and his cadre. I'll be looking at actions, not words. You should too.
GADude... we still gotta get there...
You realize how many WEEKS we got left with Dementia Joe running the show???
Your realize the likelihood of Russia or China or North Korea or Iran or ??? going for broke NOW... while they know the most incompetent Administration since Woodrow Wilson is at the helm???
It would also be a great time to attack within... take down the internet... take down the grid... America grinds to a halt without one foreign gun being fired in our direction...
Scarry times... and then there are the real twisted by power and corrupted by evil folks living inside the DC Belt... they WANT to spark WWIII rather than hand things back over to Trump...Whoooops...
Biden approves Ukraine use of long-range US missiles inside Russia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNxqwNAFF_gKen,
Do you follow the war at all?
russia continues to sustain high casualties. They've tried to introduce North Korean troops into the battle to shore up their troop levels. The first few engagements did not go well. Now the North Korean troops are going to serve more of a support role. According to a russian blogger the North Korean troops often refused to go into battle or once they retreated to a safe position, they refused to leave. This is simply and indication of their battlefield inexperience.
Ukraine could easily make a play for Moscow right now, but they won't. They've decided to not even take more russian territory, which would be easy.
russia is on the ropes struggling to maintain. Enabling Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside russia will enable them to take out more military installations, more factories producing russian weapons of war. They will be able to take out more of the russian oil refineries. Doing this will make it easier to bring russia to a peace conference. The levels of experienced russian troops is at its lowest in decades.
Right now Ukraine is letting russians come to them on the battlefield and destroying russian troops and equipment at very high levels.
Come on--- I am trying to enjoy our great victory. Do not bust my bubble LOL
I am waiting for Trump and his magic wand to fix all the international disasters for which you now blame Biden. And you can bet I will critical if Trump screws up on his vaunted claims to "fix it" or its timeliness.
I have a great deal of regard for the future of this nation and the world, that is why the true nature of Donald Trump and his agenda needs to be revealed as the source of malevolence.
This is your right to hold that view. I personally can’t agree without concrete evidence that shows Trump is a source of malevolence. Your perspective isn't one that resonates with me, but I respect it. Everyone has their own stance on these matters, and I think it’s important to have those discussions based on facts and actions.
Facts and actions both present and past are what I evaluate, certainly not anything that he says.
I’ve really had to think about this, and for me, life under Trump felt like it had more opportunities. It wasn’t just about finances—it was about a sense of personal freedom and national pride. Things felt more stable, and there was a real focus on getting people back to work, reducing regulations, and putting America first. I noticed people felt more optimistic, and I saw jobs being created, especially in industries that had been neglected. Under Biden, I can’t say I felt the same enrichment. There’s been a bigger push for social programs, but at the same time, it feels like we’re losing some of the things that made us stronger—like personal responsibility and independence. For me, the shift under Trump felt like progress, and under Biden, it’s been harder to see that. What about you—do you feel like your life was enriched more under one than the other?
Right now, we’re in a state of flux, all waiting to see how Trump’s return to DC will impact us personally and the nation as a whole. We can either wring our hands in anxiety or adopt a wait-and-see approach. It feels like a brief respite after the past few years filled with so much frustration. None of us know what the next four years will bring. Some of us, like me, are eager for change, while others are feeling uneasy. Maybe it’s time for all of us to just stop—yes, stop in our tracks—and let the next four years unfold as they will. We have no real power over what happens next, do we? But we do have the power to step back, reflect, and understand that it's only us—together—who can slow down this out-of-control roller coaster."We can either wring our hands in anxiety or adopt a wait-and-see approach."
Or, as the Boy Scout motto goes, "Be Prepared".Another Boy Scout reference . . . And as well-fitting as the first . . .
There must be a backstory in there somewhere.
GAWe are certainly versed in being prepared. So how do you suggest we do that in the case of a new president? What steps would you take to prepare yourself for the possible mistakes Trump might make?
Who is we?
Who said I am looking for mistakes? That is quite presumptuous. Are you assigning me to a side or grouping. Beware.
So far, I perceive, subject to change while knowing 'change is inevitable', no known trail ahead within an ominous forest of mystery and adventure. I only see signs of change while not giving them the attribute of being omens. Presently, I only see an edge, a boundary, or a starting point to the unknown. My hope is to embark upon this adventure as Lewis & Clark, Ameilia Erhart, John Glenn, or my parents seeking destiny's promises.
With analogous thinking I plan on using a traditionalist conventional lens, a zoom lens, a microscopic lens, and a wide angle lens to get the lay of the land before I proceed while remaining apolitical. I will monitor the weather as best as can be with the tools I have and know how to use presently. Of course, I will take inventory to know how much I can expend and/or lose.
For now, my strategy is one-step-at-a-time with aim at what I can see and hoping the unforeseen,which most certainly will arrive, is not insurmountable.You jumped in here --- you took one sentence from my lengthy conversation with Cred --when I used the word we --- I was referring to Cred and myself. My comment was a response to Cred in an ongoing conversation. This is where problems can occur. You grasped a few words from that lengthy conversation and built a comment out of it.
tsmog wrote:
"We can either wring our hands in anxiety or adopt a wait-and-see approach."
--- Or, as the Boy Scout motto goes, "Be Prepared".
My reply to you We are certainly versed in being prepared. So how do you suggest we do that in the case of a new president? What steps would you take to prepare yourself for the possible mistakes Trump might make?
( I assumed due to your using the Boy Scout motto you are versed in being prepared, hence "we" meant as you and I )
Then I furthered the conversation by using the word "you", and asked you a few questions.
"Who said I am looking for mistakes? That is quite presumptuous. Are you assigning me to a side or grouping. Beware."
Your statement indicates being prepared over wringing one's hands ---
"Or, as the Boy Scout motto goes, "Be Prepared".
Were you indicating you will be prepared for all the great stuff coming? I took you as a Boy Scout who would know how to handle a problem. As I know the Motto it is sharing a mindset for problem situations. I would not think it would cover handling winning, as Trump has promised. Or perhaps you feel the Motto goes for handling the good, and bad that life serves up.
"For now, my strategy is one-step-at-a-time with aim at what I can see and hoping the unforeseen, which most certainly will arrive, is not insurmountable."
Yeah, this was pretty much what I shared in my lengthy comment with Cred. https://hubpages.com/politics/forum/362 … e?page=3#pI apologize if you felt or thought I sought to offend you. I did not intend to. From my observation common decorum in this forum topic is to comment at anytime. Am I wrong in that? I do it very rarely and see I should not have put my nose where it did not belong. Oops!! I learned!!
A little info . . . the link goes to title "No Follow and adult hubs" by Hubber Night Crawler from 17 years ago.. The OP is;
"Was looking and noticed that all adult hubs have the No Follow tag in them. Didn't matter what the hub score was or the Hubbers over all score. Is this a error or is this a permanent thing?"
If there is message with it it eludes me.No apology is necessary, I was not offended.
"From my observation common decorum in this forum topic is to comment at anytime"
It is very much acceptable to comment at any time. A problem can occur when a user adds a comment to a long ongoing conversation. The context can get lost.
Trump never left me with the impression that you obviously have had.
I have always been better off under Democrat administrations as they share 90 percent of the beliefs I that hold, both then and now.
Reducing regulations could put the greedy avaricious corporate structure in a position to rape and pillage the environment, so I am naturally against them getting too firm a foothold on our governing entities. Of course, these entities want to pay less tax and be free to operate without accountability with the man on the street having no recourse against their violations. I don't think that that is freedom. Trump is no friend of the EPA. Who knows, it might be well one of the agencies on his chopping block while taking his meat ax to the federal bureaucracy?
He is a narcissistic, avaricious rich guy, the last person that I would trust to have the interests of the man in the street in mind.
With such a threat in the wings, I don't have luxury of a wait and see attitude. And while I have no power myself, my obligation and that of the "Left" is to scrutinize and criticize leaving the political right no where to comfortably sit.I respect your perspective, but I see Trump’s agenda differently. While I understand your concern about corporate greed, reducing regulations was about balancing the power between government and businesses to foster innovation and economic growth. The goal wasn't to let corporations run wild but to cut through unnecessary red tape that hindered small businesses and job creation. As for the environment, Trump did roll back some regulations, but his policies aimed to restore economic growth and energy independence, something that could benefit the working class, not just big corporations.
I also see Trump’s wealth differently. He wasn’t in it to further enrich himself but to bring a fresh approach to the government, not as a career politician, but as someone with an outsider perspective. Yes, he made mistakes, but I think he was more about making things work for everyday Americans than the political elite. The EPA issue you mentioned is definitely contentious, but I believe there’s room to protect the environment while also allowing businesses to thrive, so long as there's accountability.
I agree that we need scrutiny, but I also think it’s important to look at both the good and bad in any administration. I just feel Trump's policies were more in line with empowering individuals rather than growing government control.
Is he narcissistic, I think he has some tendencies that lean that way...
"Excerpt from a commentary from Mike Lodgrum of Salon Magazine, most appropo in my opinion:"
So, you opened the door to opinion. Let me share mine.
Won't call this person a liar, but you can't correct all his lies!
"No one can say that Trump ran a stealth campaign. He clearly told the American people his agenda. Now imagine if any politician told the electorate the following:"
TRUE, Trump was straightforward with his agenda and clear on what he hopes to change and accomplish. For imagining I will leave that up to folks who are inclined to live their lives using imagination and easily skirt facts.
FALSE "Trump never shared this sentiment in any form--- I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends."
Trump has consistently highlighted that tariffs would serve as a strategic tool, ideally to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Yet, it is the media and certain commentators, like this author, who perpetuate the misconception that he indiscriminately supports them. For a more accurate understanding, it’s essential to refer directly to Trump’s own remarks on tariffs and the conditions under which he would employ them—with 'necessary' being the operative word.
As for dismissive remarks using the very word "Walmart," he comes off as haughty and superficial. This type of attitude suggests an unjust sense of superiority, which I would hope liberals have recognized is often met with strong disapproval by Americans over this election period.
FALSE-- "I will dump your health insurance, raise your insulin and other drug prices, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can go ahead and die."
During his first term, Trump made progress in lowering the price of insulin, although Biden has managed to reduce it further. Trump’s current agenda includes a commitment to lowering drug prices across the board and improving Obamacare. Notably, he has not suggested eliminating private health insurance during his campaign—an idea that seems to be an assumption made by some left-leaning commentators.
FALSE ---- 'Forget about public health. I will put a brain-damaged lunatic in charge of vaccine policy so that you will run a higher risk of dying in the next pandemic."
Robert Kennedy has made it clear that he does not intend to eliminate vaccines, although this point seems to be frequently overlooked. He has stated that his goal is to provide more comprehensive information on vaccines so the public can be better informed. Additionally, for those concerned about pandemics, it’s worth looking into the U.S.-funded bio labs in Ukraine that conduct virus research. These are the same labs that Tulsi Gabbard urged to be scrutinized when Russia began its incursion into Ukraine, due to fears that potential bombing could unleash viruses that could accelerate a pandemic. She certainly pointed out what could, and still could turn into a tragedy. Some media outlets claim there were no such Biolabs in Ukraine. Please see the Government source that verifies these labs' existence.
https://media.defense.gov/2022/Mar/11/2 … KRAINE.PDF
FALSE downright rediculous hyperbolic unintelligent rhetoric. Not worth a reply --- "I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you."
FALSE "If your kid has asthma, tough because my rich donors will be able to pollute to their heart’s content. Do you remember reading about killer smogs in Pennsylvania steel towns and the Cuyahoga River catching fire? Get ready for more of that."
Is that so? In reality, Trump has shown a commitment to improving the quality of our water, air, and food. Scientific evidence indicates that these elements have a substantial impact on public health, often more directly than broad climate control measures. What I find interesting is that not long ago, these issues were top priorities for many advocates. Yet, when faced with the challenges and sacrifices needed to genuinely clean up our food supply and environment, it seems their attention shifted to a different agenda.
I won't touch on your personal view at the risk of being insulting."FALSE "Trump never shared this sentiment in any form--- I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends."
But Trump says he will pay for the tax cuts by imposing tariffs on foreign goods entering the US...that IS his actual plan. And yes the cost of the tariffs will be passed on to the consumer."In reality, Trump has shown a commitment to improving the quality of our water, air, and food. Scientific evidence indicates that these elements have a substantial impact on public health, often more directly than broad climate control measures"
Do you find that there is any evidence of that view from his first administration?
The Trump Administration Rolled Back More Than 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/202 … -list.html
Trump Administration Cuts Back Federal Protections For Streams And Wetlands
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/23/79880995 … -waterways
The Trump administration’s major environmental deregulations
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the- … gulations/
Trump Administration Rolls Back Clean Water Protections
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/clim … tions.html
As president, Trump repeatedly weakened environmental protections, put communities at risk to dirtier air and water, and ignored scientists recommendations to cut carbon pollution.
Protections against air pollution received the most attacks, with 28 separate rollbacks of rules for cleaner air.
If you do not like the New York times, or others I will gladly cite the same factual information from any source you prefer.While Obama took some crucial steps, many people felt that the response was too slow and that more could have been done earlier in his presidency. The crisis had lasting consequences for the people of Flint, and its resolution continued to unfold beyond Obama's time in office.
Yes, during Donald Trump's presidency, the federal government allocated funding to help address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. In 2017, Trump approved a $100 million budget to assist with the replacement of lead pipes and infrastructure upgrades in Flint. This was part of a broader effort to address water contamination issues across various regions in the U.S. While the Flint water crisis began under a previous administration, Trump's support for funding helped provide resources to address the ongoing situation. Action not a bandaid or just words.But what about all the other regulations he unraveled in terms of air quality and water quality?
I could offer detailed reasoning for all the concerns you raised about the links you provided, but honestly, I’m not interested in doing that. Why? Because I fully supported each one of those actions. In my view, Trump was quick to eliminate many regulations that I had hoped he would. When he came into office in 2016, he had a clear agenda to cut through the red tape, and I was all for it. I liked his agenda then, and I still like what he’s putting forward now. So, doesn’t it make sense that I wouldn’t feel the need to defend his actions when I was already on board with them? I’m just being truthful here.
' In my view, Trump was quick to eliminate many regulations that I had hoped he would."
Like the Clean Water Rule? But all in all Trump’s first term weakened or wiped out a multitude of rules and policies aimed at protecting our air, water and land.I felt it was very clear, I supported Trump's decision to cut Obama's regulations. Much of Trump's philosophy was sending decision-making back to the states.
Did air and water become cleaner under Trump?
Under President Trump, some positive changes occurred in air and water quality. Air pollution decreased by 7% during his administration, and water quality was reported to be the highest it had ever been.
The Trump administration also focused on cleaning up Superfund sites, achieving more cleanups in a generation.
While critics point to concerns about regulatory rollbacks, supporters argue that these measures helped improve environmental standards without harming economic growth.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/enviro … ad-3715440
Under President Trump's administration, emissions did show some improvement, particularly in certain areas. Greenhouse gas emissions, for example, decreased during his time in office, with reports indicating reductions from 2016 to 2019
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/enviro … ad-3715440Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a federal agency. Actually, you can check emissions stats and lots more.
Under President Trump's administration, air quality in the United States improved significantly, with a 7% reduction in air pollution between 2017 and 2019. This progress was part of a broader trend of declining pollution levels since the 1970s, supported by initiatives like the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted a 77% decrease in emissions of six major pollutants from 1970 to 2019, even as economic growth, population, and energy use increased during that time.
Additionally, water quality improvements were reported, with efforts focused on protecting watersheds and addressing critical pollution sources. These changes align with the administration's focus on maintaining environmental standards while balancing economic considerations https://gispub.epa.gov/air/trendsreport … troduction
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-ce … ations-airAir pollution in the U.S. has plummeted since Congress last overhauled the Clean Air Act in 1990, at least judged by EPA data on several key pollutants. But that downward trend appears to have reversed itself in 2018, when greenhouse gases began rising again after falling to a 25-year low in 2017.
Under Trump, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions spiked by 3.4 percent in 2018.
Trump has also flopped on clean air in general, according to an Associated Press analysis of EPA data. It shows a 15 percent increase in the number of high air pollution days in the two years of the Trump administration as compared with the last four years of the Obama administration.
"FALSE downright ridiculous hyperbolic unintelligent rhetoric. Not worth a reply --- "I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you."
Trump refused to give California wildfire aid until told how many people there voted for him, ex-aide says...
"Mark Harvey, who was Trump’s senior director for resilience policy on the National Security Council staff, told E&E News on Wednesday that Trump initially refused to approve disaster aid for California after deadly wildfires in 2018 because of the state’s Democratic leanings.
But Harvey said Trump changed his mind after Harvey pulled voting results to show him that heavily damaged Orange County, California, had more Trump supporters than the entire state of Iowa.
We went as far as looking up how many votes he got in those impacted areas … to show him these are people who voted for you,” said Harvey,..."
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/0 … r-00182419Noted, not interested in the conversation. My God, he is president, all your digging up oldies but goodies did not matter --- do you understand that?
I responded to your accusation that the following was false...
Your wrote the following...
"FALSE downright ridiculous hyperbolic unintelligent rhetoric. Not worth a reply --- "I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you."
I only provided the information that clearly shows that he really did want to withhold aid and had to be talked out of his impulse.Not interested in conversing with you. I feel like I am being very much an enabler. Sorry, but I am straight up with my views.
"Trump has consistently highlighted that tariffs would serve as a strategic tool, ideally to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Yet, it is the media and certain commentators, like this author, who perpetuate the misconception that he indiscriminately supports them. For a more accurate understanding, it’s essential to refer directly to Trump’s own remarks on tariffs and the conditions under which he would employ them—with 'necessary' being the operative word."
https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-ta … t-economy/
Is the truth always liberal in its origin? I have to wonder.
There is more evidence that he supports the use of such tariffs than otherwise, even though there may be a nuance here and there. Why do you always think that the media is an adversary? So, there is the "enemy of the people? Trump has fundamentally declared war on a free press and it is only natural that free speech will be next, and you want me to "give him a chance"?
https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics … index.html
What are Robert Kennedy's credentials for holding this post? Considering his inane comments over the past year, sounds like a "spoils candidate" to me.
I am not done yet...
So, what about the superiority complex of you and the righwingers? Do you think that it goes unnoticed?
Improving Obamacare? Don't make me laugh, he spent the last 8 years trying to destroy it. Both he and the Republicans could have cared less about a substitute. I don't a believe a word that Trump says, but his record speaks volumes and is far more reliable.
Ok, on your eliminate vaccines paragraph without further research on my part.
Is it hyperbolic and unintelligent, really? there are many in close proximity to these issues that say that much of this is true.
I defer to Willow, who in her post shows that always Donald Trump speak is mere placating talk. His record as shown in a recent post by Willow indicates an indifference if not outright hostility to anything concerning the environment and who can improve on it? That is of course, if you believe that all these credible sources is just more fake news? Better check on Trumpian Flu infection?
Simply said, I don't trust Trump and will always assume the worse until the facts show otherwise. So, he has a chance but he starts underwater and is rated with a negative number at the starting gate.Washington
CNN
—
"Just days after winning a comeback election, President-elect Donald Trump is evaluating how his campaign promises MIGHT translate into policy. When it comes to rolling out the broad-based tariffs that he pledged on the campaign trail, the strategy IS NOT YET, multiple SOURCES familiar with the matter told CNN. " ( note no real source one could pin a name on, and how very careful CNN has been with wording, this is pushing a narrative, a narrative that thus far hold no truth)
“The vision is there, BUT THE PLAN IS NOT,” said one SOURCE close to the discussions, noting major decisions about how to pursue these strategies – and the personnel executing them – have yet to be made. (now the hook) Economic experts say the cost of the tariffs is expected to be passed along to consumers rather than being borne by companies who are producing goods.
The entire article has context as the first two paragraphs. Maybe have another look. Oddly, some can see past this form of journalism.
Trump can be quoted regarding how he would use tariffs as a tool as needed. There is no doubt in my view that he would use them if necessary. He does not put down a red line unless he will retaliate if need be. Those who support him understand that he may or may not use tariffs.
I can only share my perspective on Kennedy. Trump likely values him for his strong stance against corruption in the health sector, particularly his critiques of pharmaceutical influence and the food industry. Trump seems to want disruptors who can challenge the status quo and restore transparency, especially in public health agencies. His appointments align with his commitment to dismantling longstanding problems in Washington. It’s clear that Trump isn’t aiming for the traditional approach; he’s looking for individuals who will support his vision of shaking things up.Who says that “shaking things up” is to have a positive outcome, what is Trump shaking us up to? Why do we assume that the shake up will be advantageous over the status quo? I see no indication of a positive outcome based on Trumpian policy statements to date.
I understand your perspective, but I see things a bit differently. When I think about Trump shaking things up, I see it as a much-needed change from the establishment that has been entrenched for so long. For me, it’s not about blindly assuming the shake-up will be better—it’s about wanting a shift in the direction we’ve been heading. The status quo has led to problems like inflation, broken borders, and a lack of accountability, and I believe Trump’s policies offer a chance to address these issues head-on. His approach may not always be polished, but it’s about bringing back common sense and prioritizing the needs of American citizens over bureaucracy.
I’ve seen enough from his previous time in office to feel confident that he can get things moving in a better direction. Plus, just think—some of the changes he is offering are things many Americans have bitched about for many years, like securing our borders, bringing back jobs, and restoring law and order. These aren’t just abstract promises—they align with the everyday concerns of everyday people.
Aren’t we a great experiment? Shouldn’t we, through our growth, break free from the status quo and be unafraid to try something new?Ok, interesting enough.
Is that change authoritarian or dictatorial in nature? Is it the kind of change that is outside the bounds of tradition American governance? That is not the kind of diversion from the status quo that I would welcome. He has said and done quite a bit that would have me appreciate the direction that his "changes" would lead to and that is not a "wait and see" option for me.
While the status quo is not perfect, I prefer it over any further abuse of power and authority by our elected leaders
I only promise to stay within the parameters of the law, beyond that he is fair game.I don’t see Trump’s agenda as that of a dictator at all. His focus is on reinforcing the foundational principles that built America—economic independence, strong borders, and individual freedom. These ideas are deeply rooted in the traditions of American governance and have been central to policies of past leaders, especially those who valued limited government and the rights of the people.
For example, Trump’s approach to deregulation, tax cuts, and prioritizing American manufacturing aligns with traditional conservative ideals. These policies are meant to empower citizens rather than expand the reach of federal authority. His strong stance on border security and combating illegal immigration also reflects a commitment to law and order, a cornerstone of American values.
By contrast, Kamala Harris has championed policies that I feel push beyond traditional American values, such as government-mandated social equity initiatives, leniency in immigration enforcement, and expanded federal control over industries like healthcare. While these ideas might aim to address systemic issues, they also introduce significant government oversight, which some might argue verges on an authoritarian approach by centralizing power.
To me, the real question of authoritarianism is whether policies enable individual freedoms or diminish them. Trump’s agenda often emphasizes giving power back to states and individuals, which fits the American tradition of checks and balances. In contrast, Harris's policies seem to favor federal solutions to societal issues, which can sometimes stray into territory that feels less reflective of traditional American governance.
Would you agree that restoring principles like these is what America needs right now?
I completely agree—while things aren’t perfect, it’s still better than enduring more abuse of power by our elected leaders. The erosion of checks and balances is concerning, and I’d prefer a flawed system that upholds individual freedoms over granting more authority to those who might misuse it. Presidents should certainly be critiqued for both their mistakes and their accomplishments, as accountability is essential to a functioning democracy.Would you agree that restoring principles like these is what America needs right now?
Answering the question.
I don't know, I don't trust the Right and its perception of States Rights and moving things away from Washington. Will Trump take the same attitudes when blue states butt against his policies? We will see whether this is a principle or just a platitude? The existence of checks and balances is designed to keep any one entity from abusing the system at the expense of others as this is my feeling about plutocrats and oligarchs. I like concepts that keep every body in check where anyone and everyone can be held accountable and no one is above the law. Fall short of that and I am going to naturally resist. It is not about individual freedom, but money and power and my belief that the influence of both need to be circumscribed.
Am I to believe that some billionaire born with a million dollar silver spoon in his mouth is really going to appreciate that?It is the Pendulum swinging...
This is why America has survived... and continued to evolve into a better place for all humans... black or white... rich or poor... male or female.
If it goes TOO FAR in one direction TOO FAST it corrects.
The harmful issues we have today are from TOO MUCH success and corruption... since the end of WWII in particular.
An element of that is "the Deep State" which is a large bureaucracy that is unelected and unanswerable to those we do elect... or they often control who we elect... a military/Pentagon that hasn't been held accountable in decades, that spends trillions, that never passes an audit.
Lets consider the two wars we are funding, arming, and escalating... yes, essentially they are part of a greater war or one-war or world-war... still, it is a deliberate choice that we have pursued the direction we have, when negotiations and accommodations were never really tried.
Defeating/Breaking Russia was always our goal for supporting Ukraine, supporting an insertion of a Western controlled government.
There are influential institutions and conglomerations that want control of the 72+ Trillion dollars' worth of Natural Gas and Oil and Resources in Russia and Ukraine... and they have serious influence, if not control, over our efforts in this war.
There are some who, not understanding our efforts to control Ukraine, Russia, Georgia's resources... that see this as America is standing up to the next Third Reich/Hitler, claiming that Russia started it by seizing Crimea.
Its a false comparison but one that is easily sellable to most Americans.
A better comparison: if Alaska suddenly had a coup and Russia installed a government there that wanted to join BRICS and partner with Russia.
I don't think America would accept that... we as a nation would react far more violently to Alaska wanting to join BRICS and allow Russia to place missiles and military units in Alaska than Russia has reacted to our efforts in Ukraine.
The government is on the verge of being out of control... and treating its citizens as enemies. Its time for some cleaning of the DC house... minimizing MANY government agencies, curtailing their power, and getting us out of trying to control the whole world, or else bringing about WWIII.
Right now, we don't have a government that puts its citizens' interests first.
We have a government that thinks it knows better than everyone else, wants to control everything and everyone else and is marching us clearly on the path to WWIII.
Hopefully Trump does some good in cleaning it up and cleaning it out.It depends what poison Trump uses. Life cannot exist without bacteria.
We have backslid enough for me to question if it is a truly a better place. Agitation has always been a necessary component of my tribe living here to make sure the course of justice remains the path of American society. And as such, it will continue.
If it weren't for the progress that you derided over the past 80 years, much of it coming by force by either the gavel or bayonet, you would still be hanging us from trees, burning down our houses and denying us every Civil Right as Americans. So,you cant really speak to me about pendulums. Really, can you?
I promise one thing through, any attempt to turn back the clock will be the equivalent of breaking it. Under those circumstances, we are all invited to restart at the beginning, Mayflower and Plymouth Rock. A perilous position to be in considering the state of international relations and tensions. But if the Right presents only unreasonable options, so be it.
I simply cannot acknowledge or believe your perception of the world. Isn't it one promoted by every Right-winger?
This Deep state stuff is just a Trump creation to resist anyone questioning a power grab beyond authorized authority, and I don't buy it.Elaboration would be appreciated.
Highly unlikely that I would be part of that.
First its not how I was brought up. Second its not in my nature.
While there is a part of me that was trained/sharpened to the point where I could do those things to anyone, it was not based on a belief that one race was superior to another... it was based on misconceptions, lack of comprehension about a great many things, but not racism.
I learned racism from facing racism, experiencing it in the military first.
And then I worked to unlearn it, or recognize it and neutralize it, in my years after my time in the military.
Brilliant minds, wonderful good-natured people come in all ages and all colors.
And hateful, spiteful people come in all ages and all colors. Some people are trapped by it, and all they can do is spread it to others.
Is it goodness, or hate, that allows us to fund and escalate the wars the current Administration wantonly is involved in?
Isn't it a choice to pursue war and refuse to negotiate?
That is the heart of it, why you are stuck with the vitriol that you have expressed for quite a while now.
You don't have to believe it... but in order to understand it you must try to put yourself in my shoes (anyone's whom you want to better understand).
It IS exactly what I made an effort to do to better understand your perceptions of the world.
The most important part of that was better understanding the world that existed in the 50s and 60s, in particular what someone of color had to contend with in America during that time... the Civil Rights movement, etc.
------ ----- ----
I think you have accepted some of the worst elements I have heard in recent years... perhaps you have ingested too much CRT, the hate that has been directed at white people in recent years simply for being white... if whites had been a minority in America, I believe we would have seen much of what you saw/experienced in the 60s brought upon them.
White people not the root of all evil
https://iowastatedaily.com/209583/uncat … -all-evil/
You choose not to consider that (the above)... instead you cling to:
Are White People Evil? Or Do They Just Hate Us?
https://www.washingtoninformer.com/muha … t-hate-us/
Some white people are evil... most definitely.
There are plenty of them, they want to make pedophilia legal, they want to compete against women even though they are men... I consider these things a form of evil.
I guess it depends on what you consider evil.
In Malcolm X’s Letter from Hajj, he stated:
There are Muslims here of all colors and from every part of this earth. During the past days here in Mecca (Jeddah, Mina, and Mustaliph) while understanding the rituals of the Hajj, I have eaten. From the same plate, drank from the same glass and slept on the same bed or rug – with Kings, potentates and other forms of rulers – ******* with fellow Muslims whose skin was the whitest of white, whose eyes was the bluest of blue, and whose hair was the blondest of blond – I could look into their blue eyes and see that they regarded me as the same (Brothers), because their faith in One God (Allah) had actually removed “white” from their mind, which automatically changed their attitude and their behavior (towards) people of other colors. Their beliefs in the Oneness as made them so different from American whites that their colors played no part in my mind in my dealing with them. Their sincere [dedication] to One God and their acceptance of all people as equals makes them (so called “Whites”) also accepted as equals into the brotherhood of Islam along with the non-whites.
I believe that today this is most of America... not all... but not all racists are white either, something clearly seen throughout the world, in China, in Israel, are not the wars being fought today because of this evil... this divide between nations, races, and religions?
Maybe I am misreading your angst, maybe you think more along the lines of:
White People Are Cowards
https://www.theroot.com/white-people-ar … 1826958780
I will let you elaborate on your position and beliefs, rather than presume.And you can bet that I will be delighted to elaborate once I complete a couple of errands.
So, let me elaborate, Ken. If I had a dime for every white apologist that told me that he or she was the exception to what was the prevalent racial state of our society that seem to be predominant, I would be as wealthy as Elon Musk. Otherwise where would be the source of all the angst, since obviously you are not responsible for it. Somebody is....
The vitriol is expressing a reality so many of you choose to deny. The war has always been between have and have nots, racism is just a tool in the tool box for the oligarchs to divide and conquer. Trump and his regime of clueless billionaires is taking advantage of it. Nothing ev r really changes, beyond the cosmetics.
It is not whites that are the bad guys inherently it is the attitudes prevalent in the society. The happy talk sounds good, but is it the reality? I have been over much of Western Europe and the Caribbean. When I was in Europe, my nationality was more problematic than the fact that I was black. I can adjust to any culture, but I cannot change the color of my skin. I need not be excluded from acceptance due to things that I could not change and that is a vast improvement. That was many years ago, but Arthur of England confirms a different attitude toward race and diversity, in English society and that is preferable for me. No, you are not universally conditioned as whites to take a racist tack, but in America they are.
The struggle to obtain parity of opportunity in our society will always be resisted.
Yes, the article is spot on as to how I really see things right now. Excellent selection. It speaks for me, better than I can speak for myself. Before I read the article, many of the points made in it, I did touch upon.What I don't understand is how you think people can support:
25% loss in dollar value
All those trillions spent - stole it from those least able to afford it.
For what?
What did Americans get for the trillions spent over the last 4 years?
Other than war, and some 10+ million migrants we are now supporting.
Deranged Men now THE protected minority... over women
Who in their right mind (those of us still clinging to sanity) wants to see teenage boys competing against girls in High School and College?
Do you recall how strong, how fast you were at that age?
Paying for wars overseas while leaving the Border wide open
Supporting Child mutilation - while also trying to take the Parent's right to protect the child away
Putting Pride Month into schools while putting Parents on the FBI watch list
While most "white" people didn't want to hear more about CRT or Reparations or any other nonsense akin to it... it really wasn't the deciding factor... or even a consideration... because of all the other Bat Shit Crazy stuff that has been pushed onto society the past few years.
And if Trump can't root out all the nonsense and overreach out of the government... if the Establishment wins again... the next guy who comes along may very well be the fascist dictator the media tried so hard to convince America that Trump was.
I doubt I will care at that time... I may not even be living in the States at that time... hopefully at least not fulltime.
I would love to be able to make America the place I only come to visit on occasion, getting away from all the stress, expenses, and agitation that has become America.Getting parity of opportunity for our numbers is always a constant concern and is simply more important to our group than the other things you discuss here. The article explains the specific details, I refer you to that. Why would you want to leave, America has been built for you?
There is a reason why we supported Harris at 87percent levels, we acknowledge many of the underlying themes in the article and go with the group that while certainly not perfect, is better than any Republican in positively addressing them."America has been built for you."
No... it really isn't.
This is what I have tried to stress to you for many years.
Who suffered more from the dollar losing 25% of its value in 4 years?
Did your "tribe" suffer more from that than mine?
What "tribe" suffered when the Democrat controlled States allowed the burning of stores and homes during the riots in 2020?
Were those the rich white neighborhoods burning to the ground?
You notice there were no neighborhoods burning to the ground in Florida.Should I ask you what "really isn't"
Racism "trumps" everything else. Your people have your single issue voters, this is our single issue or the prevalent one.
I do not defend criminals and criminal activity. It is the Right that wants to link peaceful protests with opportunistic criminals and riots. What better way for Trump to deal with the threat of massive dissent which I am hoping for and many of us anticipate. After Floyd's murder by rogue cops in 2020 the protests were international, how many of them out of the hundreds could be called violent or a riot?
Our tribe always suffer more than yours on every front, politically, economically, etc.
Yeah, poor white people, their families average wealth 10-20 times that of Black Americans, do you really believe that we are talking about apples and apples? That article and your discovering it was a stroke of genius, because it lays out the reality of where we are and my opinion so well.
That is a point of interest, no riots or strife in Red States, that is something to think about. Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin (3 states)I have the benefit of having run some programs that catered to those in the absolute lowest economic bracket.
Those programs required me to enter into homes, black, white, everything in between.
I never saw worse living conditions than I saw in poor-white-trailer communities.
Poor is poor... it is as un-racist a problem as exists.
Whether you live in a poor-white-trailerpark community or a poor-black-innercity community, you are screwed, and the odds are stacked against you.
The "really isn't" ... is just that.
I would not travel the world today "proud" of being an American... I would do my best to keep that from being known.
America, the nation, is destroying other nations around the world... funding wars and chaos... berating and belittling others.
Trump is disliked by you... but you were fine with Biden and Harris.
But Biden stole 25% of all American's wealth... and the poorest felt it most.
Biden started a war with Russia that could have been negotiated... and they used the lie that he was going to be the next Hitler and try and take over the world.
Biden funds ALL sides of the conflict ongoing in the Middle East, sending billions to Iran while sending billions to Israel, etc. without American funding those conflicts would have ended (or never started) long ago.
No... this 'really isn't' my country...
My country was what JFK talked about... Peace not War ... building a better world not tearing it down... working with other nations not destroying them.
As for the "race" issue... I have my eyes open... it has never been easier for people of color to succeed and be successful in our Nation.
You want to ignore the success of Obama, Oprah, Chapelle, Denzelle... whether politics or hollywood or business, or sports... today's teachings of Equity and CRT are beyond absurd... they are a sign to me that this country is in decline and descent.
Those who still travel outside of America probably see this far more and far better than I express here.Understood, poor is poor. While you point to the exceptions all the time, l am looking at the rule as supported by statistical analysis that are more accurate than personal experiences. What was it the article spoke about cows riding bicycles as a physical capability of all cows? The cow riding the bike is not the rule, but the exception.
I am not as interested in the superstars that successfully negotiated the minefield systemically put before them, we have always had those,but more about how and who is supporting concepts that allow the larger proportions of our group to enjoy more economic parity within this society.
If you did not learn anything from the article, you should have picked up that there is a considerable amount of truth in CRT, if you study American history and not just be content to have your ears tickled.
Building a better world has to be more than just talk, what steps are being. Made toward that goal? Lying about the past and the true nature of our history does not promote that goal.
It may be just my opinion, but I see Trump as nothing more than a witless fomenter exacerbating current conflicts and involving us even further. He is anything but the Prince of Peace. How do you know that the Ukrainian war could have been negotiated on terms acceptable to Putin and the Ukrainian government? Is it just because Trump says so?
So compared with Trump, the American people will soon realize that Biden and Harris were saints.
The last and 2nd to last said much of the same things, if you feel they represent your perspective well... then I would say you are consumed with negativity (racism) towards a particular people based on skin color.
And as I noted, I try to understand that perspective, but much of what you express to me appears as if you are allowing it to consume your better judgement.
It is a two way street... if a white person works to better himself and attack his racial biases... but a black person is preaching the evil of the white man and how they need to be treated as if they are evil incarnate based solely on race... then racism is bound to continue and flourish.
That is what CRT and Equity is to me... racism... bold, unadulterated, unapologetic, raw racism.
It doesn't matter if it is a rich white woman advocating for it, or a poor black person... it IS racism to its very core.You are absolutely right - CRT is racism... bold, unadulterated, unapologetic, raw racism. It is truly a shame that our nation must once more go through the racism bit and fight to have all peoples treated the same.
No, I am consumed with pursuit of the truth rather than comforting lies. I don’t subscribe to happy talk. I don’t have an issue with anyone on individual Basis, and that includes whites, after all some of my better friends are white.
So, I don’t operate on that paradigm. But, history is history and the role of white society in initiating and perpetuating the racism that had been such a prominent feature of American life for minorities cannot be denied. I am a voracious reader, that forgets little and finds no security nor comfort in ignorance. I am opposed to equity if that is supposed to mean equal outcomes for its own sake. There are distinctions in talent, determination and hard work that differentiate people in valid fashion, that is called merit. So, you should not be able to access everything just because you are a white guy, while excluding others because they are not is just a raw confession on my part.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/critical-race-theory
You do me a favor please and read this carefully and tell me where their assessment of the true nature of American racism is in error” Your group have practiced these heinous things over centuries and now you want to deny that it had ever happened.If you truly wish to "pursue truth" then you recognize, acknowledge and accept that this schtick of "you want to deny that it had ever happened" is nothing but baloney.
Given that you have been on this forum for years espousing the opposite the answer to that conundrum is apparent.As usual, wilderness, you always turn a tin ear toward anything you don’t want to hear.
OK finished it, wanted to consider some of the later parts of it by rereading it.
Yeah... bad stuff into the 60s... then change and gradual social equality, government, institutional... by the late 90s things are pretty good.
Into the 00s things are so good Obama becomes President, the biggest sports stars are largely black, stars like Denzel Washington are enjoying success at Tom Cruise like levels.
Many white people are still racist... so what?
That means you are willing to support a government willing to start WWIII for some rich people's insane desire to control the whole world... have a Great Reset... have Agenda 2030 become reality?
They are insane.
Having men compete against women in sports... insane.
Having kids get sex changes... insane.
Even bringing up that you want to make Pedophilia legal which the UN damned sure made a point to argue in favor of... insane.
Bringing in tens of millions of migrants... to compete for jobs... to lower wages of the poorest workers... should be something you are especially against if you are hoping to make things better for your "tribe".
You support the most corrupt, criminal, despicable humans and their agendas because they put a D beside their name and say they represent the interests of 'minorities'... if you don't vote for them, you ain't black.
That 25% loss in value to the dollar stole from the poorest Americans far more than it did the millionaires... who barely notice it.
The rich get richer... the poor get poorer... that happened FAR MORE in the last 4 years than it did Trump's 4.
1:
"Critical race theorists hold that racism is inherent in the law and legal institutions of the United States insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans."
I disagree, I do not believe the laws and institutions of the United States function to create and maintain inequalities based on race... quite the opposite... since the Civil Rights, EO, Affirmative Action, etc. have been put in place their are opportunities available based on being a person of color that are NOT available to poor or working-class whites.
In other words, our institutions and government work on behalf of aiding a "minority" class, it does NOT oppress them... individuals do.
2:
"Critical race theorists are generally dedicated to applying their understanding of the institutional or structural nature of racism to the concrete (if distant) goal of eliminating all race-based and other unjust hierarchies."
Their understanding comes from a perspective that societal institutions are racist.
I would argue their perspective and say that today our institutions are racist AGAINST whites that have little or no means to FORCE the government or institutions to comply to their demands.
In other words, our system is NOT racist, it is economics and class that determine your fate more than race ever could
3:
"the critical legal studies (CLS) movement, which dedicated itself to examining how the law and legal institutions serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized. (CLS, an offshoot of Marxist-oriented critical theory, may also be viewed as a radicalization of early 20th-century legal realism."
Imagine that, this is what I was saying... probably should have read ahead... now I am sounding like a Marxist
4:
" critical race theorists believed that political liberalism was incapable of adequately addressing fundamental problems of injustice in American society (notwithstanding legislation and court rulings advancing civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s), because its emphasis on the equitable treatment under the law of all races (“colour blindness”) rendered it capable of recognizing only the most overt and obvious racist practices, not those that were relatively indirect, subtle, or systemic."
I disagree, the system is either by law, code and regulation racist or it is not.
As we know, NO system will ever be perfect. What America had created by the late 1990s was a close to equality based on merit and ability as America had ever been... we had the Obama Presidency and since race has become one of the many issues of Progressive ideology all over again.
5:
"Second, racism in the United States is normal, not aberrational: it is the ordinary experience of most people of colour. Although extreme racist attitudes and beliefs are less common among whites than they were before the mid-20th century, and explicitly racist laws and legal practices—epitomized by the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation and denied basic civil rights to African Americans in the South—have been largely eliminated."
I would largely agree with this. And I would say what racism exists in America is the SAME as can be found ANYWHERE... not saying it is everywhere, but it can be found in many places.
Try being non-Jewish in an Orthodox neighborhood, or the only white guy in an Asian nation, and so on... if you are different, even a white person in a black neighborhood in America, you will experience discrimination and racism.
Welcome to humanity in the 21st century.
6:
" If convicted of a crime, people of colour, particularly African Americans, are generally imprisoned more often and for longer periods than whites who are found guilty of the same offenses."
Some of that is due to individual racists... while in other cases it is due to economics.
Try being a poor white dude in Mexico and break the law... see what benefit being white gets you there.
BREAK ---Ken, I appreciate our continuing discourse on this topic, you being a unique conservative in my experience who does not hide behind his momma's skirts in moments of controversy.
The definition:
critical race theory (CRT), intellectual and social movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour. Critical race theorists hold that racism is inherent in the law and legal institutions of the United States insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans. Critical race theorists are generally dedicated to applying their understanding of the institutional or structural nature of racism to the concrete (if distant) goal of eliminating all race-based and other unjust hierarchies.
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If we start from the beginning, let's use YOUR Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, as an example. I visited Montecello in Virginia during the early 1990s for a tour to learn more about the great thinker and inventor and the routines of such a household so long ago. Well, I was told that Jefferson's slaves, for which he owned about 600 in his lifetime were skilled and virtually ran the plantation so that men like Thomas Jefferson could get wealthy exploiting the talent and life possibilities of others without compensation. While, he spoke about slavery being the institution that would unravel the Republic in time, and he was right, he was of a dual conscience. He was grappling with a great principle verses the short term of self interest, attaining his wealth and maintaining it. I prefer people who stand for principle over platitude. I believe that other non slave holding whites did not complain because they found that the hierarchy was of benefit to them to certain extent just as you can identify in "The Root" article. I could same the same thing about YOU folks 2 centuries later.
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"Jefferson’s belief in the necessity of abolition was intertwined with his racial beliefs. He thought that white Americans and enslaved blacks constituted two “separate nations” who could not live together peacefully in the same country.14 Jefferson’s belief that blacks were racially inferior and “as incapable as children,”15 coupled with slaves’ presumed resentment of their former owners, made their removal from the United States an integral part of Jefferson’s emancipation scheme. Influenced by the Haitian Revolution and an aborted rebellion in Virginia in 1800, Jefferson believed that American slaves’ deportation—whether to Africa or the West Indies—was an essential followup to emancipation."
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Inferior, huh, those "inferior" people virtually ran Jefferson's plantation and he took Sally Hemings as a consort having children from her as an "inferior being" Jefferson knew better and so did most Americans then and now. But again self interest always precluded concept of Justice and fairness for far too many, so why bother rocking the apple cart?
So the definition of CRT is correct in that rather than any biological distinction, it is a socially constructed one, culturally invented to oppress and exploit people of color. Why? Was it merely because they were different, what kind of excuse is that? This is the basis of racism in America from the 18th century to the current age of Donald Trump.
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You said:
I disagree, I do not believe the laws and institutions of the United States function to create and maintain inequalities based on race... quite the opposite... since the Civil Rights, EO, Affirmative Action, etc. have been put in place their are opportunities available based on being a person of color that are NOT available to poor or working-class whites.
In other words, our institutions and government work on behalf of aiding a "minority" class, it does NOT oppress them... individuals do.
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I am not asking about the last 50-60 years, Ken where we literally had to wrest concessions from the "system". What about before that, Jim Crow was systemic is it not? Did this not come from the Supreme Court, the highest law of the land? What was the basis behind segregating people in regards to use of public accommodations?
I am also P.O.ed by this
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/18/11297359 … -to-fix-th
How much potential wealth was stolen, who can calculate it? Is the government not complicit in its negligence allowing so many deserving veterans to be denied their housing benefits after risking their lives? As a veteran, I take offense at that. That theft plays a role as to the current disparity of wealth between white and black communities But again, the only explanation why this practice was so wide spread and not curbed is that most whites must of believed that keeping up the oppression had a beneficial outcome, otherwise this would not have happened. Funny, that I noticed that the French mentioned in the article could not shower enough recognition and gratitude toward the one Black man's service in European Theatre during WWII, only to be treated as rubbish when he returned home. So, the issue is not about white people, but about white Americans, you need to understand that. It is only the way it is now because you folks deliberately wanted it, and it was not and is not universal.
I will be back to address your other points, thanksCurious I did a browser search on the phrase, "cost of racism to the economy history". Google landing page url address next.
https://www.google.com/search?client=fi … my+history
One quote states, "In a recent study by Citigroup, “Closing the Racial Inequality Gaps,” economists state that in the last 20 years, racism has cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion. This is not insignificant as the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is $21 trillion."
The Cost of Racism Affects Us All by Friends Committee on National Legislation (Apr 1, 2022)
https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2022-04/co … cts-us-all
The information was from a study by Citigroup from 2020 and updated in 2024. Link next where a link to the report can be found
Closing the Racial Wealth Gap by Citigroup (Apr 2, 2024)
https://www.citigroup.com/global/insigh … wealth-gapWow, 16 trillion, that is approaching our GDP all within the last 20 years, while the Right has the nerve to try to lie to me about the circumstances surrounding all of this.
Very interesting statistics from responsible sources. Thanks for sharing it, I would spend a little time checking the statistical data.
I agree, I am not trying to argue any of the issues with which you point out regarding what occurred prior to the late 60s.
Actually, one of the reasons why I feel Woodrow Wilson was one of the worst Presidents in our history is he INSTITIONALIZED (made it Federal law) racism, discrimination, etc.
Wilson reversed many of the freedoms and rights given to non-whites after the Civil War.
What occurred in history, generations ago, is not something I believe deserves reparations... I am not going to be punished (taxed - property taken) because of something that happened 250 years ago without fighting a government that tries to do so.
Again, it IS a class issue... but they can't divide Americans so well by pushing that... they can't sell "if you don't vote for me, you ain't poor"
But they try and sell "if you don't vote for me, you ain't black."
Let me share this, it is interesting what people see... IMO its the individual perception, not the system, and this is a prime example of what I speak:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsoO8lqPiRE"Conservative commentators The Hodge twins are vocal conservatives, and have over three million subscribers on their Conservative Twins YouTube channel. The twins are Donald Trump supporters, and appeared on Trump's Real News Update webcast. They oppose the Black Lives Matter political and social movement."
So, On the contrary, it is the system, how many pieces of silver did these twins get from Donald Trump's pockets?
These guys are Rightwingers and Uncle T*** and have will no credibility with me. The video was a nonsensical example attempting to divert us from real threat of a Trump administration regarding racial progress in America.
Yes, indeed , Wilson turned back the progress that was already at a dismal level at that time. America certainly was already a racist society at it fundamentals be it 1865, 1915 or 1965.
So what about the last 60 years? Yes, many of the grievances have been addressed, but it was in the face of the rising medium of Television, communications satellites, and an on going Cold War. This country was only compelled to modify its behavior by what Dr. King referred to as the glaring eye of the television camera. We talked about democracy and sang its virtues while not practicing it at home? The height of hypocrisy in the eyes of our global adversaries, who would take such hypocrisy to criticize this nation. Grandfather Eisenhower was reluctant in regard to the overrule of "separate but equal" 1954 and deploying National Guard into Little Rock in 1957. He was slow to see that gradualism wasn't going to be good enough, action and results were demanded, NOW. JFK picked up the spirit knowing that if our country were to be taken seriously, we needed to show the world that we walked the talk. Civil Rights legislation was created by Kennedy only to be passed under his successor. These are the kinds of tools to include internet, social media etc, to expose the New Trump regime to the world and see how it plays to global audience.
You folks are far too hard hearted to even consider asking national recompense for the damage done, so I don't even ask But I will be damned if you will be allowed to lie to me as to what actually happened and how we all got here, woke or no woke, Trump or no Trump.
While social class is always an issue, it is not the total explanation, not by a long shot.
This will be continued....It was an attempt to show a simple truth...
"what we see mainly depends on what we look for" - John Lubbock
If you want to see a racist country where the white people are out to get you... the businesses and banks and schools and government is against you... then that is what you will see... and that is what your reality will become.
Even though these are two people of color... this is what I am trying to say... this is you and I... this discussion, only it is a black man making the exact argument I am:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iFeiFuKvRHk
Point 2
Critical race theorists are generally dedicated to applying their understanding of the institutional or structural nature of racism to the concrete (if distant) goal of eliminating all race-based and other unjust hierarchies."
I find this to be the ideal and reasonable goal to attain to. Yes, things are not as severe as they once were but the residue left from so much injustice, theft and denial of opportunity remain after just 60-70 years, the lifetime of one man compared with habit and patterns formed over centuries?
Reverse discrimation against whites is just more rightwing propaganda and nonsense, who robbed them to the extent African Americans were robbed?
"Black Americans had $4.9 trillion in wealth as of the third quarter of 2023, compared with the $120.4 trillion held by white Americans. White Americans held 85% of the country’s wealth, while Black Americans held 4%, despite representing 59% and 14% of the population, respectively."
So who are we trying to fool, Ken? I am I really suppose to believe that white people are being put upon?Well, when you see in terms of black and white...
How about who was Catholic or Protestant or Jewish...?
How much of that 85% is held by 50 or 60 people?
If 80% of the wealth that whites have is held by 50 individuals... the Bezos and Musk and Gates types...
Well then... that means the overwhelming majority of whites are just as well off ... or just as poor ... as everyone else.
Point 3
the critical legal studies (CLS) movement, which dedicated itself to examining how the law and legal institutions serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized. (CLS, an offshoot of Marxist-oriented critical theory, may also be viewed as a radicalization of early 20th-century legal realism."
The Rightwinger would call it Marxist, I say that this quite true, regardless.Point 4
"critical race theorists believed that political liberalism was incapable of adequately addressing fundamental problems of injustice in American society (notwithstanding legislation and court rulings advancing civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s), because its emphasis on the equitable treatment under the law of all races (“colour blindness”) rendered it capable of recognizing only the most overt and obvious racist practices, not those that were relatively indirect, subtle, or systemic."
This is what was meant by the majority of whites while claiming that they are not involved in discriminatory behavior personally yet tolerate those that do allowing it to perpetuate without nary a whisper.
There is de Jure discrimation (by law) and de facto discrimation that is not necessarily prevented legally but represents social customs and mores which is oftentimes more malicious than the overt legal kind.
Well, we need to work harder toward the goal, and the existence and selection for President of a man like Donald Trump can be considered nothing but a setback. It makes me have to wonder just how serious America is about expunging its foul history in regards to these matters.Point 5
"Second, racism in the United States is normal, not aberrational: it is the ordinary experience of most people of colour. Although extreme racist attitudes and beliefs are less common among whites than they were before the mid-20th century, and explicitly racist laws and legal practices—epitomized by the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation and denied basic civil rights to African Americans in the South—have been largely eliminated."
We can agree on this sole point.
But, American racism is unique and more heinous than most, in my opinion and I have traveled over much of the Western world. Even the Nazis sent people here to learn from the experts how to oppress (specifically Jim Crow Laws) an undesirable population. Racism here encompasses every aspect of your life as a dark cloud, and while there is light that can be seen through that cloud today as what was not the case in the past, eternal vigilance is required to avoid a backslide. I did not find that characteristic true anywhere that I had the opportunity to visit in Western Europe.
None of your examples involve all emcompasing experience, we are talking about a national phenomenon not just individual experiences. The sheer scope and magnitude has always to be considered, and you know that I will not overlook this big picture, Ken.While you traveled Europe... and experienced it as a minority...
I spent years traveling places like Korea, Egypt, etc. where I got to experience what it was like to be the minority... racially, religiously, etc.
Whatever ills in America's past... trying to relive them in the present only brings new life to racism, it does nothing to diminish or defeat it... and that is what our Universities and Progressive politics push today...
It will not result in the righting of wrongs from the past, it will result in the destruction of a country that made opportunity (based on merit and ability) open to everyone, regardless of race, religion or sex.
The country was there... equality had become real... proof is in Obama and Oprah, Denzel Washington and Kobe Bryant... they had the ability and they made it to the very pinnacle of success in what they do...
How could such a racist country allow that to happen?
There will always be poor people... white or black... there will never be equity unless and until they make us all poor and powerless...
Those who are capable of so much more, those who are the very best at what they do, deserve to be rewarded for it... not punished or hated for it.
And those who aren't capable should be thankful that they live in a society that does not sacrifice them to the gods... as is said some cultures did in the past.Ken,
When I read this, I remembered my time in the Army. I was in a Muslim Majority country. A few American officers and UK officers met with some local officials. After discussing the topics we needed things got relaxed and they were curious about how we do things in our countries. The topic of family came up. Not one but three men said how they had daughters the had to kill because they had disgraced their family. You could see they all felt bad about it. After we were left the UK officer told me he didn't know if he was more upset because they killed their own daughters, felt justified they killed their own daughters or there was an expectation of them to kill their daughters.
America has its faults, but that is one of many experiences where I was very thankful to be an American citizen."Whatever ills in America's past... trying to relive them in the present only brings new life to racism, it does nothing to diminish or defeat it... and that is what our Universities and Progressive politics push today..."
------
Perhaps, but I am not going have you or people of your ideological stripe try to expunge the truth of American history either. Trump and the anti-woke advocates that want to whitewash and sanitize will come up against the intellectuals of our communities. We are prepared to fight book banning and the Pollyanna lies that they want to use to replace hard historical facts. Trump will draw blood in such a repression and it will be part and parcel of Helter-Skelter that we will see that he will experience during his term.
Yes, we have superstars, but we have always had sport and entertainment superstars, what of it? The real issues are those of power and wealth, the rightwinger and white power establishment would never consent to concessions in these areas. So, to try to divert my attention is futile.
I am for recognitions of excellence, what the conservatives fail to understand is that the opportunity to attain to such standards is not the sole purview of the white folks, particularly the men. You say that we are beyond the racist America that I believe is alive and well? Funny, that I have never heard white men refered to as DEI beneficiaries, why is that?'Why are white men never DEI beneficiaries'? Surely that was a rhetorical question, right? It's the same as asking why white men weren't affirmative action beneficiaries. The answer is the same for both.
GAYes, I got ahead of myself, OK
https://theconversation.com/why-the-ter … tle-228074
This explains my problems with the term and the chip on my shoulder regarding the right wing conservatives that fling it around, as if non white people can never earn anything on their merits, only white people do that?
That is what they imply. This is just another form of the racism that conservatives keep telling me is a thing of the past? Does not seem like that to me.You are still 'ahead' of yourself. Earning on your merits is what the opposition to DEI is about.
We want you to earn your success, not warrant it due to your skin color or sex. Since skin color is a big issue for you, you should be all in for the same position. No white man should get a job just because he is white, and no woman should get a job just because she's a woman, right?
And what the hell does one's preferred sexual desires have to do with merit? Being gay or bi doesn't have anything to do with job performance, right?
Surely you don't support DEI because it offers a bit of 'affirmative action-style 'payback,' a sort of reparations compensation, right?
GASo, why are Republicans, the Governor of Utah or even this so called Genius Elon Musk attacking all governmental officials and workers of color of not earning their position or benefits based on merit? This is what Republicans imply which is a blanket racist assumption. These people are throwing around racist assumptions that have no basis in fact, no matter how much qualifications, education or experience that the person of color have. I experienced this resentment as part of my career ascendency.
Is the nature of the American bias such that no one of color can achieve anything of note short of being given a hand out? Or does that apply just to minorities that do not support rightwing ideology? That is the message that is being sent. Was Kamela Harris a DEI hire as she was attacked by deplorable rightwing types? As a public prosecutor, Senator and Vice President, who would have said the same about any white guy with those qualifications? So conservatives are still guilty for fomenting this attitude, much like the Great Replacement Theory. Attempting to shroud this reality does not make it disappear.
So, it's the "same old song"......Yep, it is the same old song — from you. The legitimacy of DEI was the point of our exchange. Why the detour to what some people say about other people?
You supported affirmative Action while acknowledging it was also discrimination, is your support for DEI the same? It seems contradictory to complain of no recognition for merit and also support a program that discriminates by subjugating merit.
As for who would say the same . . . If the public prosecutor, senator, and vice-president were a white Republican, you would. Do you remember your thoughts on Dan Quayle?
GABut affirmative action and DEI initiatives are not the same.
They both use discrimation criteria in decision making. The core components of both are (were) discriminatory. The intent of both looks the same to me.
I will add a bit of controversy to that statement. I support the need for affirmative action programs in the first years, but not the last. White America needed the kick in the butt, and it worked.
In that sense, DEI is different. There is no specific discrimination to address, and no "first years" are needed. The problem is not a 'white-created' one.
GA"They both use discrimation criteria in decision making."
Absolutely not. DEI doesn't address "decision making". I find no framework in DEI initiatives that guilde decision making.You succeeded where Cred failed, now I am confused.
As I understand the concept, in layman's terms, the purpose of DEI is to promote its components to create a more equitable workplace. This is done through DEI-influenced hiring and promotion decisions.
Is that wrong?
If not, then an applicant's D, E, and I components add weight to the hiring decision. An equally qualified white applicant loses to a similarly qualified minority candidate solely due to those added DEI points.
Is that wrong too? Isn't that how DEI works in the workplace?"
GAMy understanding of DEI initiatives are that they look to cast a wider net in recruitment of job candidates. I believe, that with the idea there are equally qualified potential hires across the spectrum of race, ethnicity and gender. The idea (and I believe research bears this out) that a diverse work force benefits the company.
I see these initiatives as broader concepts whereas affirmative action was a legal policy to fill target numbers of minorities without regard to qualification. DEI policy doesn't impose hiring quotas. Numerical quotas would be legally problematic.
DEI is more of a focus on process, not numbers. Instead of quotas, the strategies focus on expanding candidate pools, removing bias from the hiring process, and creating an inclusive workplace culture. It's about actively seeking out and considering applicants from a wider range of backgrounds.Your description left this perception; DEI programs are intended to purposely expand the applicant pool but not influence the hiring decision. That's asking too much for me.
If a DEI program is initiated, or a department is created, then the company is making an extra effort to seek minority applicants. That extra effort and expense to 'get them on the bus' will also get them visible seats on the bus (the "bus" being the hiring process).
Surely you don't think the process then becomes blind to the minorities' status and considers merit qualifications only.
Reality and human nature say it is most logical to believe that any qualifications 'ties' will be decided in favor of a DEI applicant—due solely to the additional minority status considerations. That is discrimination. I see it as the same kind of discrimination as was found in the Affirmative Action programs. Numbers or "quotas" were just additional details. They don't mitigate or accentuate the fact of discrimination, they are only details.
To be clear, I also think a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce is a positive thing, but I don't think forced discrimination is the right way to get there.
GASurely you don't think the process then becomes blind to the minorities' status and considers merit qualifications only.
That's the intention. I think the premise is very simple; for every qualified white male , there really is an equally qualified minority candidate. Bring everyone to the table and have at it. I don't see any "forced discrimination" here. We do have laws that regulate those practices.
One of the interesting tools or aspects of DEI recruitment...blind resumes. A recruitment strategy where a candidate's personal information like name, gender, age, and ethnicity are removed from their application materials, allowing hiring managers to evaluate them based solely on their skills and experience, aiming to reduce unconscious bias and create a more equitable hiring process.
I like that. It reduces bias and focuses on merit.I'm too cynical to think blind resumes are SOP for most companies emphasizing DEI hiring. Google didn't find me any numbers and I'm skeptical that it is a practice that works just to expand the pool and not affect the final decision. *shrug*
GA
Now I am confused
“Your description left this perception; DEI programs are intended to purposely expand the applicant pool but not influence the hiring decision. That's asking too much for me.”
What’s wrong with expanding the applicant pool? Wouldn’t a better hiring decision be made with a larger pool of applicants to consider rather than a smaller one?
“If a DEI program is initiated, or a department is created, then the company is making an extra effort to seek minority applicants. That extra effort and expense to 'get them on the bus' will also get them visible seats on the bus (the "bus" being the hiring process).”
Why should any company not make an effort to broaden its applicant pool with equally qualified candidates? Why should it be such an extra effort or expense while pursuing qualified white candidates is not? It is a bias to automatically assume that the presence of non-white applicants is a distinct advantage to them in the hiring process.
“Surely you don't think the process then becomes blind to the minorities' status and considers merit qualifications only.”
So what are merit qualifications, all those that make the short lists are equally qualified? There are many factors to consider as to what the evaluation standards are and they are not restricted to any one win or lose factor. That’s the reality of hiring, conservatives want cut and dry standards which never really exist to insure that their desired candidates always come out on top.
“Reality and human nature say it is most logical to believe that any qualifications 'ties' will be decided in favor of a DEI applicant—due solely to the additional minority status considerations. That is discrimination. I see it as the same kind of discrimination as was found in the Affirmative Action programs. Numbers or "quotas" were just additional details. They don't mitigate or accentuate the fact of discrimination, they are only details.”
Diversity has value, from where I sit, if I sense of or hear of a working environment of a company that is not diverse and inclusive, I will take my dollar elsewhere. I wish that our folks would apply the economic boycott weapon with greater frequency as it is non-violent and it makes sure that companies/corporations get the message that there will be a correlation between diversity in their workplaces and our desire to do business with them.
Companies need not be forced to comply with DEI, but would pay an economic price in an increasingly diverse society if they don’t. Of course, I keep my ears to the ground for any substantive complaints in these matters.Your confusion might come from some wrong conclusions and addressing points I didn't make.
I didn't say expanding the applicant pool was a bad thing. Or that a diverse workforce was either I even wrote—as a last word, that I thought it was a good thing, you must have missed it.
"Merit qualifications" are 'ability' qualifications, not minority status ones. So far, you are the only one bringing racism to the table to defend DEI practices. White folks assuming minorities can't achieve on their own is your mantra, not mine. It hasn't been a part of this conversation—until now.
Recalling the Disney and Bud Light 'controversies,' and recent news (since the election) headlines about 'company statements' regarding in-house DEI programs (ditching them), there doesn't seem to be much support for your desired economic boycotts. ;-)
GANo, you did not say that it was a bad thing, but this society is full of lip service involving nice words without any authentic intention or real solutions. I have heard these kinds of expressions all of my days but there has never any real effort to make it happen, but it sounds good though….
So, why do I make a big deal about DEI relative to its reference to blacks and minorities? It is ok if you don’t read the papers, but I never miss a single issue.
https://www.newsweek.com/dei-racial-slu … ns-1884034
Who would think that I could forget how the Trump campaign used this term to attack the competency of people of color? You think that I did not notice? I am holding that against Trump and his entourage as well. No it is the mantra of Trump Republicans, but of course, you are not one of those……
I am familiar with the Florida Chapter of the NAACP and with the upcoming Trump regime almost sure to exacerbate this controversy, It may be time to sharpen blades and reintroduce weapons that have grown rusty on the shelf. I am committed to supporting that effort, whatever it takes.What a crappy way to start the morning, I clicked your link and—racism, racist, n-word racial slur, Trump . . .
I'll wait till something pisses me off (to get on your playing field) and come back to this one.
GA
[ADDED]
That didn't take long. It only took a minute to pass. ;-)
I jumped in replying to your question of 'why white men aren't DEI beneficiaries.' This reply (yours) confirms my answer. The rest of my replies in the thread have been to the program idea and its implementation—both as visualized and real world.
I'll stick to those aspects, I don't want to play on your field. A quote from your link describes it: "It comes as no surprise that mindless racial hatred flourishes among the crudest of internet trolls."
I'll even pass on the 'reading' crack. It's an enjoyable Sunday morning here and I'm feeling benelevant.
GAGA,
Don't you have to ask yourself why Asian Americans are the wealthiest demographic in the United States? Asians are really a minority in American society, yet, they have become the most wealthy. Japanese Americans were even put in camps during World War II and faced significant racism.
Yet, today, Asian Americans are the most law-abiding and wealthy Americans.
Could it be Asian Americans don't have a victim mentality? Could it be the emphasis Asian Americans put on the family? The value they have for law & order as well as working hard to achieve goals. They never blame their failures on racism OR being in an unfair society. Asian American simply put their head down and go to work no matter what the situation.
Any ideas on why Asian Americans are the wealthiest demographic in the United States today?It could be all of those things. I think the 'why' is because they focus on the future, not the past.
GAYes, they focus on the future, but the past is not to be ignored.
The DEI professor had a quote that fits you to a 'T.'
But first, did you know the DEI industry is a multibillion-dollar industry? I didn't. Did you know that large corporations are the primary users of professional DEI services? I suspected so. Do you think those (formerly evil) big corporations are spending big money to actually do better, or are they just virtue signaling? I'm going with virtue signaling.
Are the mentions of 'hundreds of studies' and 5-year post-action reviews showing the programs to be unsuccessful worth a look, in your mind?
This guy might be a lone dissenting voice, but he appears to have the credentials to be one.
Relative to your perspective, he noted this:
"If you can keep this racism thing going then you'll always have a business getting rid of racism."
Comparing the two groups; Asians & you, it appears being unchained from the racism of their past is the smarter choice.
GAYou don't have to be chained by racism of the past, to want the fact that it occurred to not just disappear as that would be most advantageous for the protagonists. Should the Jews just expunge the fact that there was an attempted Nazi genocide, and that there are more than a few Rightwingers that denied that it ever happen. Well. I would not expect the Jews to just forget no more than I can be expected to "forget" in our case. If any reason, just to insure that it does not happen again.
Just stop this American patriotic crap and tell the truth regarding American history.
And it is troubling that the programs to make it at least plausible that anyone other that white straight males warrant and get all the real opportunity in America. It is a noble effort for corporate American to try to improve in this regard. Because for some reason true "merit" has only possible with white males, why should I expect that to change without impetus? I would not the private sector to be compelled to participate, but I expect that from a federal government that I have to pay to support.
The Japanese always been an insular people even when they families came to America willingly, and prepared and not as slaves. So much of their survival and thrive advantages came with the package.Sound counter...
I will have to contemplate this a bit.
‘Significant”is not to the same extent and magnitude. I lived in Hawaii among large Japanese populations and am quite aware of their self discipline and commitment to hard work. Our group could use more of that, but doesn’t explain everything does it?
“Asian American simply put their head down and go to work no matter what the situation.”
A situation that your forebears put them in unjustly, the facts behind why so many of you righties are anxious to expunge this from the American history textbooks. A “situation” where it is easy to say “keep your nose to the grindstone”, but what if the situation were reversed? Would your people have the same fortitude that you ask of others? I doubt it.You seem to think it was DIFFERENT in any other part of the world.
If you were a MINORITY in another part of the world... you got treated like a MINORITY... there were no "human rights" everyone lived by hundreds of years ago... you were just as likely to be a SLAVE to a Muslim in Tangiers as you were a Christian in America.
So... tired of hearing about how badly white Americans treated everyone else... that was how the world worked... EVERYWHERE.
If you were a white person in Japan, you were treated like an animal. A gaijin.
If you were Irish, you got treated like a dog by the English.
Parts of the world are like that to this day.
America is not. Not systemically, not according to laws and regulations.
But do enough damage to it, America will become like that again.
And the Biden Administration, the Democrats, did plenty of damage the last few years... it will be interesting to see how much damage has been done... time will tell.Any serious student of history recognizes the savagery of racism and discrimination as part of our national history. What happened in other societies does not make an excuse for America as presenting itself as a an democracy based ion the equality of man and the rule of law.
One should consider what was accepted globally during those times, and consider the change that has occurred, here, and globally.
Isolating America for having slaves when the entire world had for thousands of years such issues... to this day there are places in the world where slavery thrives... and even more places where women are subjected to being little more than property.
The efforts to destroy America because of its past... to create a future unburdened by what has been... will only lead to the erasure of many of those rights and liberties 'minorities' have gained in the last 100 years. IMO.Was it accepted really? These Founding fathers knew that slavery was totally inconsistent with the society and government that they said that they wanted to create. I criticize America for hypocrisy more than for the slavery itself.
Regardless, the truth of its past will not be swept under the rug because it is convenient for the Right to have it done so. There is no such thing as a future for which the past or present does not play a role. If you want me to forget, better work harder at correcting it. Any attempt to backslide will have grave implications for what cohesiveness that we presently have within our society, today."I criticize America for hypocrisy more than for the slavery itself."
And you do it even as you support slavery (through its handmaidens, discrimination and racism) in today's social culture. DEI, Affirmative Action, comes to mind, and the entire WOKE concept is based on discrimination and racism; the very root of slavery.
You want to talk hypocrisy; the hypocrisy in decrying slavery and discrimination while openly promoting it is absolutely massive.I don't know what you are talking about, Wilderness
Where is your history primer?
In this country, discrimination and racism is an off-shoot of slavery. Even Nixon proposed affirmative action recognizing how by law and custom Blacks have been exploited and subjected to an unfair disadvantage, much of it by our very government. WOKE is just another way of saying that you want that truth shrouded.
And even though I can never go back in time and correct the savage behavior of the Caucasian majority toward a people who posed no threat to them merely because they were different, I am not going to let you lie or distort the facts as to what happened why. If that makes so many of you uncomfortable, then so be it.You seem to imply there was no racism or discrimination in our northern non-slave states. Was that your intention? That would also imply that only white people can be racist or discriminatory. Is that right?
I think racism and discrimination are human traits, not white-only traits. I think a history primer would show a lot of examples of racism and discrimination that wasn't directed at Black folks.
Racism and discrimination aren't "off-shoots of slavery," they are components of it. There's a difference, and it makes your claims look bad.
GANo, I don't declare states north of the Mason-Dixon as innocent. Race riots initiated by whites were plenty to be found during the first half of the twentieth century, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis much in response to the Great Migration of Blacks from the South. When you control the vast majority of wealth and power within our very institutions as whites do whose practices of bias and discrimation are going to have more lasting effect and ramifications? So, it is not apples and apples.
You are right, the tendency to cling and trust ones own over someone that does not look like us is a natural common to us all. But, civility and harmony within what I would have like to have believed was a multi-ethnic democracy demands more than a kneecap response and attitude for its proper maintenance.
The Caucasian group have everything, so how do they get hurt? I don't deny that the caucasians discriminated against indigenous people, Asians and anyone else off color....
I won't debate the merits of your last sentence. I believe that the legacy of slavery has made discrimination and racism more virulent in America than, say, in Canada. And, yes, I have been there over several provinces and there is a difference.It's 'Knee-jerk' response.
Okay, as you corrected your statement, you're right. Slavery probably did make things worse. And you're right about other people doing it too.
I didn't doubt your Canada statement. With all the world travelers we have here why would I?
As for my 'last sentence,' your reply seems to confirm it. So it must have had some merit.
GAIt's 'Knee-jerk' response.
Yes, I stand corrected
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Okay, as you corrected your statement, you're right. Slavery probably did make things worse. And you're right about other people doing it too.
Thank you
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I didn't doubt your Canada statement. With all the world travelers we have here why would I?
I never had any reason to believe that you doubted my Canada statement.
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As for my 'last sentence,' your reply seems to confirm it. So it must have had some merit.
yes, it has "some".....
I'm sure you don't know. But that's because you are so wrapped up in "proving" discrimination and racism by whites, setting aside your own racism and discriminatory comments.
If you are honest you know them, if you are not you will pretend they are not racist and are not discriminatory even as they could be used to define racism and discrimination.
Its a good thing to remember, those who do not know or understand the past are doomed to repeat it... right?
It is another thing to say that because of what happened 100 years ago, 200 years ago, etc. we are going to give special treatment to a certain race based on that.
Don't agree... don't want to hear about it... don't accept Equity... don't accept much of anything proposed or put into Executive Order from the last 4 years... be it child mutilation or transgenders in women's sports.
Pedophilia needs to remain a serious crime. Children need to be protected from any harmful hormone or surgical changes that cannot be reversed... regardless of what they believe they want at age 4... or 8... or 12... or 14.
When you lump your cause and your ideals in with a Party or an Administration that is pushing such obviously harmful and/or divisive issues on a vast majority of citizens that refuse to accept it... then your cause and your ideals will suffer.
This is why you have had such backlash and support for Trump.
Too many issues that the Democrats stand for... the American people cannot stand for and refuse to accept.“It’s a good thing to remember, those who do not know or understand the past are doomed to repeat it... right?”
All the more reason that we need an accurate understanding and rendition of the past so that it is not repeated.
A certain race was ripped off and placed at an incredible disadvantage, while I cannot correct what happened, I will not permit lies about what in fact did happen. So no watering down, sugarcoating or book banning, because I am dedicated to making sure that the truth be known and who is afraid of the truth?
Speak for your own vast majority, Trump did not win with a landslide majority and he can expect a contentious environment during his reign. Sorry Ken, but my majority says something else.My recommendation... find a way to support your beliefs while trying to force out the insane from the Party you believe in.
People didn't vote for Trump because of the nonsense MSNBC or the View spout off about.
People voted for him because of 25% inflation... because of men competing against women in women's sports... because of child drag shows and child sex-changes...
It was a combination, you might be able to get away with men in women's sports if the economy is doing better than ever in living memory... you might be able to get away a bad economy if people see the trillions spent by our government improving schools, roads, ports, creating jobs...
But across the board... from unpopular wars... to millions of migrants sent across the country... to putting concerned parents on the FBI watch list...
This Administration, the Democrats, do not have the majority of the country behind them... they did a horrible job for Americans the last 4 years... that is what most people feel.
If you do not accept that... if you think the people who voted for Trump did so primarily because of racism, or sexism... doubling down on that rhetoric, then I would expect the elections to continue to go against the Democrats.
Here ya go Cred. look what fate tossed into my feed this evening. I didn't Google the professor, but what he says sounds right to me.
He may be just an 'Uncle Tom' to you, but give him a few minutes. He talks about a lot of DEI stuff. I didn't know corporate DEI training was a billion-dollar business.
If you're willing to gird up and watch the whole 30 minutes, we could have a good time with his perspective.
GAThat has to have been around for a while because I had watched it before on Youtube, very articulate and rational in his argument.
Equity cannot endure a Pluralistic and Civil Society... one ideal or the other must be given up.The guy made sense to me. I was tempted to look him up to see how much weight to give his view of DEI, but nah, I don't need to go deeper, for now.
I like John Stossil's approach to things. His points are obvious and his conservative bias doesn't distort those points.
GA
I did gird up. I have no issue with the idea of equality-merit-colorblindness. But what was Trump referring to when he spoke of “black jobs”? I think that the “extreme woke” as right wingers call it comes from right wingers who want to divert attention from more substantive issues of wealth and power distribution.
Conservatives trot out Thomas Sowell and Eric as cover or basically presenting solutions to our community as the best available under the circumstances. I simply don’t think that your people really appreciate the extent of the theft of wealth and opportunity taken under the auspices of the federal government in just the GI Bill, even Nisei that served in the European theatre after WWII were not denied their housing and education benefits. Most of you don’t want to know as it is an inconvenient fact. So, let’s not just blame the minority, where is the contribution of the systemic racism that still contributes to why and where we are today. It is not such that average white is so brilliant as to have attained 10 times the wealth of the average black family with their explanation for the disparity being family values, solely?
The Professor was well spoken and of course it is ridiculous to think that teaching proper English grammar is racist. But that is just the extreme ridiculous stuff, let’s look at the substantive stuff instead, shall we?
Equality is preferred over equity, but while it sounds good, it is just as futile in this society as conservatives consider “equity”. How do we insure equality? When it has always been easier to take just white applicants from off the shelf in the past, so who is committed to fleshing out the words with deeds? So, why not simply continue a standard practice? All this enlightenment and change conservatives say would be the difference between race relations and treatment of minorities in 1940 verses 2025 seems to me can flip on a dime under enough stress.
Merit is crucial, have you earned what benefits that you have received from society? What constitutes merit depends on what one is being evaluated for.
And for serious jobs outside of Trumps “black jobs” there are many factors that go into making that decision.
Color blindness The Professor is right in the fact that my color should have nothing to do with my qualifications for a job or otherwise how I received and treated by co-workers. No one wants to look for trouble when there is harmony consistent with fairness, of course.
The Professor is right is saying that the DEI may be just throwing us a bone instead of dealing with more substantial problems that simply will not disappear because we want them to. But, acknowledging that does not mean that the issues just disappear.Then you are not trying, and as I have said often, your folks simply don't listen.
That's bullshit. We 'folks' here repeatedly try to listen, but all you have is Trump and racism. Any topic, any tact, and your response always jumps to Trump and racism.
Have at it bud, my world isn't like that and it's not because it's a white world.
GANo, your world isn't like that, but your "world" is not universal, why it is natural that you would cling to it and deny the world as seen by others. I watched your video with an open mind, but still your concept of what is reasonable is not universally held.
Both Trump and racism are two peas in a pod. You cannot expect me not to appreciate the significance of his attacks and racial foment? You have the luxury of ignoring it as it never affects you, but I don't.
Jumping into the middle here, and maybe I don't understand what is being said or implied. But...
If a company "takes extra steps to expand the number of black applicants, are they not take a very, very racist step? When the intent, the goal of their extra expense in dollars, manhours and effort is to hire more black people is that not racist by definition?
Given that, do we really need more racism in this country? We've had slavery, we've had implicit discrimination (racism) and we've had explicit, forced discrimination (racism) carried out by our government. Do we really want more of the same?So, what is your beef, Wilderness, jump in!
Why does the company have to take anymore elaborate steps to have qualified candidates of color over solely white ones? Do they have to actually search for black candidates while white candidates are always right on the shelf? You make it seem like such a Herculean task for a company to consider and evaluate all candidates from a diverse selection rather than an exclusively white one.
After an interesting view of “The 1619 Project”, it clearly reveals that racism is the very foundation from which America was built. America is already becoming an ugly place and the more that I observe, the more that I can confirm that it is on its decline. That really is too bad, too. Unfortunately, I have no place of refuge to make good an escape.I guess I should have known better - that you do not view racism as anything but mistreatment by white folks is a very definite form of racism itself.
But I do not intend to debate what is racism with anyone that comes already convinced of that, for the racist can (and usually does) rationalize their own racism into something reasonable and moral. Another time, Cred.
You are still missing the point, am I confusing you?
My situation is that I was best qualified for my position in the Civil Service, and there was also a commitment to have the service and organization be representative of the people that it served. Because before any of this, there were no black faces anywhere in responsible positions whether they were qualified or not. Without the force of law and protest, you conservatives would have maintained it that way. You have been around long enough to be aware of all this, why do you gaslight? What did I say? I said that the attacks on Harris with unfounded accusations of her inadequacy were based GOP racist premises. It was not just "some people" but was a major theme of Trump and GOP through the campaign.
Trump, and yes, I said it ,TRUMP, had no political experience whatsoever, yet who has questioned his qualifications for the top job? Everybody already assumed that he was qualified because he was a rich white guy, that's a pretty big free pass. Imagine that, a man who could not even spell "Constitution"
Best qualified (merit) has many measuring sticks, are the ones that only insure that whites are hired all the time the only valid ones? The struggle for equal opportunity in hiring has also been a long one and I don't forget it.
I remember Dan Quayle, why he was accused of being unqualified was because his resume was relatively light. But looking at it again, there was no reason to say that he was not qualified. Unqualified has to be based on merit, that is clearly measured and compared, not racist stereotypes. How do you know what my thoughts were regarding Dan Quayle? So, don't accuse me of the racism that Republicans are known for. Quayle came off as unpolished after the zinger that Lloyd Bentsen hit him with in the 1988 debate and I don't think that he recovered that even though he became Vice President.No, you're not confusing me. The Quayle question was simply because he's the first white conservative VP who might be analogous to Harris. I didn't have a clue to your thoughts about him.
GA
Point 6
"If convicted of a crime, people of colour, particularly African Americans, are generally imprisoned more often and for longer periods than whites who are found guilty of the same offenses."
A court of law is institutional and not just a bunch of individual racists. Do you really think that that totally explains the disparity in sentencing between white and black lawbreakers within the justice system?
I guess that is a mouthful, Happy Thanksgiving....
Will you send me the abridged pamphlet of that book when it comes out?
"FALSE "Trump never shared this sentiment in any form--- I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends."
It is actually TRUE, IF Trump implements his steep across the board tariffs. The standard of living WAS lowered EVERY TIME America did what Trump is promising.
Check out these FAILED Tariffs:
* The Tariff of 1828, known as the "Tariff of Abominations,"
* The Morrill Tariff (1861)
* McKinley Tariff (1890)
* The Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930) - turned the recession in America to a worldwide depression.
* The 1970s "Chicken Tax"
* Trump Administration Tariffs (2018-2020) - Bankrupted thousand of farmers.
Each of those tariffs failed. Each hurt the overall US economy. The kind Trump is talking about may be worse than the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930.
Outcome of most broad tariffs like Trumps:
* Tariffs can have severe unintended consequences, especially in an interconnected global economy.
* Retaliatory measures by trading partners can neutralize or reverse intended benefits.
* Short-term protection often comes at the cost of lower long-term economic growth and worse international relations. (This was one main reason Trump is so hated by the world.)
What do they say is the definition of insanity? Trying the same failed policy over and over again and expecting a different outcome each time?
Yes Lord, thank you!
Goodbye to the cesspool that has been the D.C. Swamp! Goodbye to corruption on steroids, backroom deals, backstabbing, at the expense of the American people over and over again! Goodbye to biological men competing against biological women for medals, trophies and the pounding of their former hairy chests, as they get their (W's) in women's sports! Please Lord, let us please say goodbye to experiments done on children, abortion on demand, and the profiting which comes from both!
Goodbye to endless, worthless, destructive wars, may we please have a return to peaceful times! Goodbye to paying double for fuel, double for electricity, double for groceries, triple in interest.....
It can't all come soon enough!"Goodbye to paying double for fuel, double for electricity, double for groceries, triple in interest.....
It can't all come soon enough!"
Right? Excited for prices to drop by 50%! He said it will all happen very quickly too. Like one week quick. He alone can fix it..magic wand lets go!
But first things first... He needs to get this war started by Russia settled.
"That is a war that's dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president," Trump said during his debate with Harris .
So, he's already on the clock for that promise.Let's go, let's rock -n- roll!
Buckle up buttercup!
I don't know that I intended to impart my comment in the quite the way that you received it, but C'est la vie, regardless.
It is sad to see that the US has not only alienated itself from the European Union but become a thread to the EU!
Nation leaders in Europe are incredibly worried about the loyalty of the United States. Something that used to be a given.
The loyalty of Trump is towards the person/country that gives him personally the most benefit. This unreliability is a dangerous threat with consequences.
Consequences on a world scale. As climate crisis has started, and Trump is not going to fight this as he does not believe it to be true.
A tariff war is a joke and will only hurt the small shops and business owners.
And who will do the low paid hard work if all the foreigners without papers are thrown out? Who will do this slavery work in the butchering industry, picking the almonds and oranges. Who will pick the cotton!!!
Anyway, that's a past ship.
I hope that the people who voted for Trump won't be disappointed and will have a better life in two years time.
Oh... And was there not a massive voter fraud going on!!! --
Oh no, silly, we won,, so of course there wasn't any voter fraud. Only if we lost...When "loyalty" is used to denote "money" it is far past time the US was considered a threat to leave.
Who will do the cheap labor? Does Europe employ tens of millions of foreign citizens to do its hard, cheap slave labor? America can do the same.As of 2022, there were approximately 8.3 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. workforce, which was 4.8% of the total workforce... We are not just absorbing that loss. That loss will be a major blow to our economy. We do not have people to simply step in and pick up these jobs. We are a graying nation and The U.S. birth rate is far below the rate needed to keep the population at replacement levels. We need immigration.
Yes we do. We need immigration. We need people skilled in the workforce, in the trades, in engineering, in chemistry, in nuclear physics, in simple things like welding.
So we invite in 30 million illegal aliens to feed, aliens unskilled in nearly any job opening in the country, and exclaim that we need them.
I disagree.
As Willowarbor says. The strange thing is that politicians talk about "to get rid" of those foreign citizens. Basically to get votes. The hard reality is that an economy need this cheap labour force.
So 1. Trump does what he promises and sends all this cheap labour/illegal and legal emigrants home destroying a big part of the economy.
2. He does not do what he promised to do and the voter is being lied to.
If he is stupid he does number 1
But I think he will do the second. As McDonalds, Amazon, Wallmart and many coops need those cheap labour to handle and produce cheap products. And those companies will tell Trump that they don't want to loose cheap labour.
He probably sends a family home and makes a big deal out of it. cry cry And wants the left media to pick it up to show how tough he is...
But mass deportations would be super stupid, besides the humanitarian side of it.
Same reasoning applies to Europe.You didn't answer; does Europe have some 30 million foreigners in the countries illegally, doing menial slave work while collecting benefits (cash) from the tax base? If not, who DOES do that work?
It may well help the economy to have them here...the economy of the country they send their earnings to. To the man in the street, paying to educate their children, feed them, repair cars that have been hit by uninsured illegal drivers, pay their medical care, pay the costs of extra cops, etc. etc. etc. I don't think the decrease in GDP will be felt when they are gone." I don't think the decrease in GDP will be felt when they are gone."
I have been unable to find any reputable economist who would support that opinion but also it's just common sense that if we sweep these people out of the country we will not be able to fill those jobs. These are jobs that are crucial.
We have people whining out here everyday that their hamburger costs a buck more, just wait till you don't have enough people to work in the slaughterhouses and meat packing plants.
Trump would have the country cut off its nose to spite its face. He's got people so worked up in a frenzy that migrants are coming here for the sole purpose of murdering people... As if murder doesn't exist in their own countries.Must be wonderful to not to worry abt monthly living costs, and to be psychic. Curious did you predict the 9% inflation, and the enormous rising cost of food, not to mention the 10 plus million migrants, and let's not forget the two wars we support? Did Your crystal ball pick up any of that?
Most expected inflation due to the pandemic and I don't think any Nation escaped the economic impacts of covid. Why would America be any different or immune? As far as immigration goes, that's a congress problem.
I'm sorry: I have watched as we "swept" a job site clean of illegal aliens. And the union provided an complete new workforce for that subcontractor the next day - they happily quit picketing and went to work.
Yes, I'm pretty sure they do some jobs that Americans don't want...but will do if it means not starving. Prices will rise, but I'm OK with that - they won't rise much more than our taxes would fall if lawmakers didn't automatically spend every penny they can lay their hands on.
Wilderness, a person without papers doesn't get unemployment benefits.
A person without papers is being blackmailed in factories to do dirty work for hardly any money without labours rights as a person without papers does not have rights. A person without papers can't go to the police and say that he/she is being exploited.
I see it here next to me where africans are picking oranges, people without papers. Hard work that Spanierds don't want to do because it pais terribly.
So who is going to do the shitty jobs?
There are about 27.3 million immigrants in Euroipe. In Spain. If you are a foreigner, like somebody from the UK, you will not have excess to the health care system in Spain. Something that was a side effect of Brexit.
So the situation you describe is nonsense. An illegal person does not collect benefits.
And why are people not allowed to find a better life abroad? Your great grand parents immigrated too to the US. Or are you native American?Hi Peterstreep; although I don’t frequent HP forums these days (I’ve got far better things to do with my time) I did (by chance) catch sight of your contributions to this forum discussion – and on reading back on all your posts here, there’s little I can add, other than Brexit did to Britain what Trump will do to America e.g. higher prices, chronic labour shortages, supply issues (goods in short supply) due to high tariffs, greater isolation in the world etc.
Hi Arthur, yes it starts to become a bit of a pantomime over here. O yes it is, o no it isn't..
Great to see your DIY projects. Keeps your mind of the ugly state the world is in. I won't say "Things were better in the old days.", because they weren't. (unsafer cars and traffic, higher infant mortality, etc. it's more nostalgia and memories than facts)
But I think to make this world a better place we have to start with doing things ourselves. Making your living place a bit better, and the street you live in, and the people close to you and so widen the circle.
I had a conversation with a friend the other day and he said to me: " I only believe in the individual now." And I think he's right. People start to loose rationality when they are in masses and follow internet influencers and leaders. But I guess individual critical thinking is not something we learn at school. (Another brick in the wall comes to mind...).
Joost.I love “Another Brick in the Wall”, it’s one of my favourite Pink Floyd tracks – and very apt with what you say: https://youtu.be/YR5ApYxkU-U
Thanks – Yep, my DIY projects certainly does keep me busy, and allows me to focus on something positive and productive, and helps to keep my “mind off the ugly state the world” and the “pantomime” across the pond.
"higher prices, chronic labour shortages, supply issues (goods in short supply) due to high tariffs, greater isolation in the world etc."
I would think the European Union and UK would applaud this move. It means America will need to purchase more of their products.
This could become quite economically beneficial to the European Union and the UK. I'm sure there are businesspeople in the European Union and the UK cheering the tariffs against Mexico, China and now Canada as they rush to the United States to make deals to sell their products.I doubt it:
Last time Trump was in power he imposed high tariffs on the EU & UK (causing a trade war between Europe and America); who’s to say he’ll not do it again.
There is no trade agreement between the EU & USA, in spite the USA being the largest export market for the EU; negotiations for a Trade Agreement between the EU and USA, which started in 2013 failed in 2019 – one of the biggest stumbling blocks being America’s instance that any ‘trade agreement’ must include the EU accepting the import of American food that is high in toxins that are illegal in the EU & UK.
There is no trade agreement between the UK & USA, over 50% of the UK’s trade is with the EU, and the USA accounts for just 6% of the UK’s export market of goods.
Nevertheless, at the start of Brexit in 2016, the UK (now desperate for ‘Trade Agreements’, following Brexit) did enter into trade talks with the USA; but those talks also failed in 2019 – for the same reason the trade talks between the EU & USA failed e.g. that America insisted that any trade deal must include the UK accepting the import of American food that does NOT meet ‘UK Food Standards’ under British Law: This short (1 minute video clip) of Mike Pence in trade talks with Boris Johnson (Prime Minister, in 2019) makes a passing reference to this…. https://youtu.be/_BEe2T81jtg
The recent 'top' news about the COP29 climate change fund for poor nations supports your point: the U.S. is expected to give $11 billion (publicly acknowledged) 2024. Who know what our gift will be in the new $300 billion fund.
As for the 'workers' issue, expanding our guest worker visa programs seems like an easy and obvious fix. At least the applicants would be vetted, and the employers would be responsible for their employment and housing.
GAI very much doubt Trump will stay in the Paris Climate Agreement... He pulled out in 2017, and with his plans to cut spending, I would think that 11 million will be one of the first to go. I did some research ----
If a future U.S. president decides to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in 2025 or otherwise change U.S. climate policies, it could potentially affect the $11 billion climate finance pledge and other commitments made by the Biden administration.
Commitments Are Not Legally Binding: --- The Paris Agreement itself is not legally binding in terms of specific financial or emission-reduction targets. Therefore, a new administration could decide to renegotiate, delay, or cancel financial pledges like the $11 billion, citing domestic priorities or policy shifts.
Funding Depends on Congress: Even under the Paris Agreement, U.S. contributions like the $11 billion require congressional budget approval. A new administration might find it challenging to redirect allocated funds but could influence future budgets.
If Congress approves the funds before a withdrawal decision, they are likely to be distributed as planned for 2024.Yeah. We have been used simply as a nearly unending supply of cash to support what Europe wants but doesn't want to pay for. I'm as tired of it as Trump is.
I like the worker visa. Prices will rise, but I'm OK with that - if nothing else I can be more positive that no one is operating sweatshops. I've seen the way some employers treat illegals; it is shameful, it is illegal and we should not be allowing it.Trump promised lower prices. Lower grocery prices. Lower gas prices. Lower insurance prices. Energy prices cut in half. Mortgage rates lowered. And so on. Promises made, promises kept as he says. Lol, all this nonsense is what people voted for. There will be no forgiveness, no grace on timing. It must all happen very quickly. Absolutely no excuses.
Give Trump a call and share your expectations—or maybe hold off on the hand-wringing. Trump is highly likely to deliver. He’s assembled a well-coordinated team, is ready to clean house, and will be on his way to achieving results.
Oh, I forgot to follow up with you about the market. Last week, you were wringing your hands in fear, convinced that Trump’s appointments were dragging the stock market down...
LIVE UPDATES "Stock Market Today: Dow scores record close as Trump Treasury pick calms bond traders"
https://www.marketwatch.com/livecoverag … ry-nominee
Nov. 25, 2024 at 4:33 PM EST
There’s so much excitement in the air. Meanwhile, Kamala was out there pushing "joy"—but it looks like Trump’s supporters are the ones feeling joyful. Funny how things turn out!
You rightwing types have been bitching about Biden’s inflationary policies, so you claim. But you would accept even more higher prices and inflation as long as republicans are at the helm?
Pure partisan, I would say.I'm sure it is partisan. Liberals don't give a care in the world how much of our money they spend, nor do they care what it buys as long as at least some of it produces some more Democrat votes.
So...yes, fiscal responsibility is a very partisan thing - something Democrats do not possess.
Your concerns about the viability of our alliances with Europe are well founded. Trump is a small minded and petty man lacking the capacity to understand the magnitude implied when utterance spill from his mouth. The idea of "democracy" is a facade. Oligarchy more accurately defines America today.
It is not so much that Trump does not believe in climate change, but he is more joined at the hip with the fossil fuels industries that are more concerned about profits in the short term.
Trump will solve the Ukrainian crisis by capitulating to Putins demands, let's face it Trump is no Benjamin Disraeli.
Trump has been told time and time again about the dangers of mass deportations on the economy, but the fears of his xenophobic base are more important.Yes Trump will give Ukraine away, betraying not only Ukraine but Europe as well. (That's how it's seen here).
It is dangerous to do. As if the US is not willing to support a democracy. And not willing to be "the police" of the world any more. It is basically a free call for bigger nations to invade smaller neighbours..
China will see an opening and attack Taiwan. And probably Trump won't support Taiwan when it comes down to it. Taiwan though has the most important chip factory and semiconductors in the world. If China conquers Taiwan it basically dominates the chip industry. (everything that Apple and NVIDIA uses...)
So basically not seeing the big picture is disastrous for the US and the world as a whole.
Credence: You and I are both old enough to remember Nixon. The system worked then. America has never faced a Felon as president, but if this is what it takes to get us back to the country that forced a law-breaking president to resign, then so be it. It will be hard to watch, but if this is what it takes, this is what it takes. Remember, the MAGAs are a minority.
Yes, Kathleen, it did work. Even partisan kindred told Nixon after Watergate that they would have to feed him to the wolves. Criminality in the Executive Branch was not tolerated in a bi-partisan spirit. Our law makers were responsive to requirements of the law then. Their proceedings reflected why they were sent there and their promise to the people to uphold the law though the heavens may fall. But, that is all a thing of the past now. Through the apathy of so many, we let the bad guys win. They will all soon find out that Trump is "no day at the beach".
This country and its people are unrecognizable to me now, I am no more confident or even certain of our future direction, no more than that of a marble in a roulette wheel.
We let them win, and there will be a penalty."This country and its people are unrecognizable to me now"
An interesting statement, coming from one that professes "progressivism" (or whatever term you like) and demands constant change for the sake of change.
I fully agree that our country is unrecognizable from what it was earlier in my lifetime (not 100 or 200 years ago - in my own adult lifetime). Like you, those rapid changes for nothing more than to "feel good" or to buy votes leave me feeling like that marble in the wheel. No idea where we're going, no idea what we SHOULD be looking for, no real idea of what society considers right and wrong. All I get anymore is that I, personally, am bad (because I'm white) that I caused (because I'm white) slavery, that I'm racist (because I'm white), etc. etc. It is not the tolerance, understanding and acceptance we strove for in my youth; it is an almost 180 degrees from that.Progressivism moves in one direction, forward not backward. And it is not change for its own sake but necessary changes in the law that made this society more just and equitable, but I don't expect conservatives to see things that way. When have they ever? They support a hidebound status quo because that is the way that it has always been?
I don't know, from the ideas that you so often espouse, 150 years ago would be just about right. Yep, we are in agreement in our confusion for differing reasons, mine just as valid as yours.
Your forebears are guilty of all the crimes, (I presume that you are progeny Anglo-American) it has nothing to do with you. But, I am not going to ignore and excuse what has been done as documented from the past history just so that you can be comfortable. The foul deeds were done and to think that there would be no consequences as a result is naive.
What is tolerance? Why do non-whites have to be tolerated as a condition to retain rights and privileges that should have belonged and been available to them in the first place?Everyone, black, white, red, yellow or purple with green polka dots needs to be tolerated and accepted, with all the rights that anyone else has.
This escapes you, I think, as you continually espouse that whites should not get the rights non-whites have and need not be accepted when and where non-whites are. It is why you and I lock horns so much on the matter of racism; you promote and demand discrimination, I will tolerate it on behalf of anyone. That and you insist that the discrimination and programs of 150 years ago are alive and active today in our country.But only one group, by an overwhelming margin, took its intolerance to levels the others have not come close to, can we agree on that?
Where did I say that whites were not entitled to equal rights? What I am saying is that YOUR tribe has been primarily responsible for the terror committed against others in this country. Your forebears have stolen a great deal. It is like between the rape of the indigenous people, the theft of their land, and centuries of labor without recompense adding to it an apartheid social structure for over a century that even Hitler had to admire. Your people have gathered 100 points to our 10, I would not say that even half of it was based solely on merit.
So, of course, you all extol the virtues of Free enterprise, only based on your incomparable advantage. As long as you have so many points over others, you always win, right? That is the substance of my beef and to say that all is equal and hunky dory is just that much more bulls***.
I can't do a great deal about so much of this, but I won't give neither you nor the Right the satisfaction of believing that I am not aware of it.To the first sentence, no, we cannot.
You see things in terms of race... more than partly because our MSM (Main Stream Media) sources tell you Trump supporters are racists, that Trump is Hitler, KKK, etc.
So I have to give you that... you have been bombarded with vitriol for damned near a decade now, just on Trump.
But I have also spent several years now trying to explain how they are using it to divide... how the effort to tear down the Nation will NOT be beneficial to ANY American (white OR black) that is not rich, or does not know how to break the rules and make themselves rich.
The goals of Agenda 2030 and the Great Reset have the most powerful/rich people and corporations and financial institutions behind these efforts... and they do NOT have the best interests of American citizens in mind in ANYTHING they do or any agenda they push.
Take 5 minutes of your time and listen to this... it is time stamped to exactly what I would like you to listen to, tell me that it is wrong if you think so, but give it a listen first:
https://youtu.be/bboJkzp831s?t=409Much of America's problem surrounds race. It is my conspiracy theory definition asking people to believe things contrary to what they actually see or hear. Your folks are spinning and reinterpreting comments that Trump has DIRECTLY said, right out of his mouth, and it doesn't work with me. Trump and his Oligarchy is the problem rather than the solution and in my continuing complaints, I am going to make that clear.
I am more concerned about Project 2025 over some Agenda 2030.
Yes, I heard your explanation, I simply don't buy it.
I saw the video, my views can be described as mix but mostly negative.Yes, you are concerned about Project 2025... why is that?
What power do the people behind 2025 have... in comparison to the forces behind Agenda 2030 and the Great Reset?
You find something that the MSM feeds up to you, like 2025, and consider it a real threat to how the country operates and what is to come.
You choose to ignore the current Administration's WH pressers and EOs... you choose to ignore the efforts of the UN and the NGOs they fund...
because you are more concerned with the threat you believe Trump poses.
How does the Ukraine - Russian war benefit America?
How does collapsing Syria, like we did Libya, benefit the American citizen?
Supporting millions of migrants... help or hurt American taxpayers?
Spending trillions... on what is anyone's guess... show me where those trillions went... other than to inflation...
None of these things are in our interests... Equity is not in our interest, it is the opposite of sanity... sanity is putting the best people in a job to get the job done, regardless of race... that is called Equality.
Equity is the opposite of that... doubly so when you throw in Trans, Non-binary, and other complete total BS that we are required to accept by the current Administration.
You are supporting the side determined to destroy the very rights you believe you are defending... the real threat was clearly shown the last 4 years.
The country is poorer now... and closer to Nuclear War than ever in our lifetimes... Trump didn't create this reality... your Progressive Administration that has run things for 4 years did.What power do the people behind 2025 have...
At this point I think he's put at least a dozen of them in positions in his administration. He is giving them power.I feel you need to back such a wide statement. List the dozen's names.
I’ve found only one contributor to Project 2025 so far—Brendan Carr. His chapter on Big Tech was included in Mandate for Leadership, a key policy document associated with Project 2025, and I found it both interesting and highly relevant to today’s challenges.
Brendan Carr, a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), focused on addressing concerns about Big Tech companies in his contribution. He tackled issues like censorship, data privacy, and monopolistic practices. Carr has been outspoken about the need to hold Big Tech accountable, and his chapter emphasizes the importance of structural reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in how these platforms operate.
He highlights the need to address perceived biases in content moderation, protect free speech, and safeguard user data from exploitation. Carr also advocates for stronger regulatory measures to prevent these companies from stifling competition or consolidating too much power.
His proposals align with broader conservative goals of reducing Big Tech’s outsized influence over public discourse and its role in political censorship. I believe his suggestions provide a solid framework for limiting their power and fostering a more balanced and fair digital ecosystem.
On a more personal note---Yes, it’s clear this wouldn’t sit well with leftists who hope to use Big Tech to push their narratives, skew information, and suppress truths from reaching the public. In my view, though, Americans aren’t ready to accept this level of blatant propaganda. The left came close to gaining full control over Big Tech—but close doesn’t count. No cigar, LOL! We’ve got a new president who’s serious about fixing things—not breaking them or covering up the mess left behind.This is who we currently have. I will add to it as he makes more picks
Tom Homan
Brandon Carr
Russ Vaught
John Ratcliffe
Pete Hoekstra
Stephen Miller
Karoline Leavitt
James Braid
Kash Patel
Mark Paoletta
Michael Anton
https://www.usnews.com/news/national-ne … oject-2025
https://project2025admin.com/personnel/kash-patel/The rest are listed as contributors and advisors. A couple of them participated in making training videos and teaching training courses.
Having ties to Project 2025 is good enough for me. On that note, though Trump has distanced himself from personally seeing or reading it, I don't think he is dumb enough not to assign someone the task of knowing about it. That would seem quite foolish and I don't see Trump as a complete fool. He should want to know about it so he can lay claim that such and such was his idea and not Project 2025.
I think Trump’s distancing from Project 2025 could be a strategic move to maintain an independent image, separate from any specific external group. While he might not want to be directly associated with the project, many of the people involved in it—like Stephen Miller, Kash Patel, and Russ Vaught—are trusted allies who share his policy vision. The goals of Project 2025, such as government reform, national security, and immigration, align and overlap closely with his own MAGA agenda.
Appointing these individuals makes sense. Essentially, he can still work with those aligned with his goals without officially backing the entire ideologies of Project 2025.
Several individuals you listed worked directly in Trump’s first presidency. Russ Vaught served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), playing a key role in shaping fiscal policy and government operations. John Ratcliffe was appointed Director of National Intelligence during Trump’s presidency, having previously served as a Congressman and being a strong ally on national security and intelligence issues. Stephen Miller was a senior advisor throughout Trump’s term, particularly influencing immigration policies and domestic initiatives. Kash Patel held several important roles, including as a senior advisor at the Department of Defense, and was central to Trump’s efforts to reform the intelligence community. Mark Paoletta worked as a lawyer, particularly involved in judicial nominations and legal issues. Michael Anton served as a National Security Council official, focusing on foreign policy and national security.
While others like Pete Hoekstra, Karoline Leavitt, James Braid, and Russ Vaught may not have been high-profile figures during Trump’s first term, they have close ties to the conservative movement and were involved with Trump’s policy initiatives, either before or after his presidency. It seems like he's bringing back many of the people he felt did good jobs during his first term. People he feels will help him with his agenda.
One must also consider that Project 2025 was written by conservatives, many of whose ideologies align with Trump’s own. The project included a mix of suggestions, some of which were common-sense conservative ideas that many conservatives would support, while others may not sit well with certain individuals at all.
Yes, you are concerned about Project 2025... why is that?
What power do the people behind 2025 have... in comparison to the forces behind Agenda 2030 and the Great Reset?
Why? because it is the biggest cookbook for right wing fascism and tyranny, all the rest of this 2030 stuff is just more rightwing redirection. While the fascist chef has cookbook in hand.
---------------
You find something that the MSM feeds up to you, like 2025, and consider it a real threat to how the country operates and what is to come.
Yes, I consider Trump and Project 2025 as a threat. BTW, who is feeding stuff to you? You have yet to convince me of your supposed prescience in any matter, so far.
--------------
You choose to ignore the current Administration's WH pressers and EOs... you choose to ignore the efforts of the UN and the NGOs they fund...
because you are more concerned with the threat you believe Trump poses.
Yes, Trump is an ass, and since when are EO illegal, Is it only when Biden issues them? Do you really think that I am not aware that Trump has used EO during his term more than once?
-----
How does the Ukraine - Russian war benefit America?
How does collapsing Syria, like we did Libya, benefit the American citizen?
Supporting millions of migrants... help or hurt American taxpayers?
And, yes,Trump will fix it!! Are you sure?
---------
Spending trillions... on what is anyone's guess... show me where those trillions went... other than to inflation...
Trump says that he would correct the inflation, he had better, because if he fails......
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None of these things are in our interests... Equity is not in our interest, it is the opposite of sanity... sanity is putting the best people in a job to get the job done, regardless of race... that is called Equality.
You rightwing folks have always been against equality as well, you just call it equity to distract us from that basic fact.
--------
You are supporting the side determined to destroy the very rights you believe you are defending... the real threat was clearly shown the last 4 years.
The country is poorer now... and closer to Nuclear War than ever in our lifetimes... Trump didn't create this reality... your Progressive Administration that has run things for 4 years did.
I am supporting the side that has supported my objectives more honestly and consistently and that wont change without a great revelation, that I have yet to see. The REAL threat is yet to come beginning next January 20th. According to statistics the America economy has thrived regardless of the onslaught of lies from the Right. You say that Trump did not create the reality but, rest assured that he will perpetuate it making it many times worse.Come on... such low hanging fruit...
Yes I am sure there are some that were/are against Equality...
Equity is the opposite of Equality... Equity IS racism and sexism and also insanity... for it is insane to qualify someone based on being a Non-Binary or Transgender... such qualifiers would not exist in a sane world.
In a sane world, folks that want to identify as a Non-Binary or Furry or whatever is trending would probably be getting dragged away by men in white coats and shipped to an Insane Asylum...
Today we make those that used to occupy Insane Asylums our political leaders and our social sensations.Ken, just breaking --- 'Very high sources' say mystery drones originated from Iranian mothership, GOP lawmaker says. I guess Joe is at the beach. OMG, this is so unbelievable. Who in the world is making decisions in the White House? I think this deserves a thread, but not here. Sort of a waste of time to post much serious sh-- here. I mean who cares about Iran invading our East Coast when you can rant about Trump? If this were not so serious, I would laugh. But have no fear the FBI is on a case. Now that is a laugh.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6365868173112Where did Fox News get this information and run with it?
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh during a briefing today said there was no truth to the allegations.
"There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called ‘mothership’ launching drones toward the United States," Singh said.Fox interviewed Drew, he was clear in his context and confident in his sources, and if he's not being truthful, he risks looking foolish. As for Singh, I have little confidence in the Pentagon at this point, given the frequent dishonesty seen under the Biden administration. https://www.foxnews.com/media/new-jerse … -shot-down
The entirety of the Pentagon is illegitimate? Yet I'm to believe maga follower, Drew, who says he got his info from unnamed sources...yes, the man does look foolish.
Wouldn’t it be naive to think that the specialists who develop and design drones don’t know exactly what these drones are and what they’re capable of? On top of that, drones can be tracked through methods like radar systems, satellite technology, and electronic signatures. It’s just common sense to realize we’re not being told the full story, and that’s troubling. What makes this even more concerning is that Trump, who is known for being transparent and often driven by his ego to share things that boost his image, isn’t sharing what he knows. If he’s holding back, it suggests this could be some kind of grave threat to the U.S. that can’t be publicly disclosed.
We have the best drone capability and designers in the world. There is no way that our government doesn’t know what these drones are and what they can do. It’s odd how some in our society are so willing to ignore these facts.
"We" didn't let them win if we voted. The ones who stayed home let them win. All 90 million of them.
Facts matter. as well as sensible context --- The claim that 90 million registered voters stayed home and "let them win" in the 2024 presidential election is not supported by the actual statistics. In fact, voter turnout in 2024 was historically high, but not nearly as many as 90 million registered voters abstained.
Here’s a more accurate breakdown of the 2024 U.S. election turnout:
Total Registered Voters: According to estimates from the U.S. Elections Project, there were approximately 240 million eligible voters in the U.S. in 2024, and around 160 million of them voted in the presidential election, making it one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history.
Voter Turnout: In 2024, the voter turnout rate (the percentage of eligible voters who actually voted) was estimated to be around 67-68%, a significant increase compared to previous elections. This was a strong turnout compared to historical averages, which typically hover around 55-60%.
Voter Non-Participation: If we assume 240 million eligible voters, this means that roughly 80-90 million eligible voters did not vote in the 2024 election. However, the number of registered voters who chose not to vote would be somewhat lower than this, as not everyone who is eligible to vote is also registered. The actual number of registered voters who abstained would be closer to around 50-60 million.
Therefore, the statement about "90 million" staying home is exaggerated, and the actual number is closer to 50-60 million, accounting for those who were registered but chose not to vote. This still highlights a significant portion of the electorate that did not participate in the election, but the overall turnout was indeed historic, reflecting strong engagement by many voters.
Under Biden's tutelage, America was all but destroyed. The extreme liberal agenda has almost destroyed America. Because of this agenda, there is an escalation of crime & other forms of lawlessness. New York City is now at 1970s level regarding crime. Hopefully now that Trump will be president, America will return to some type of normalcy. One thing good about Republicans -they believe in law & order as opposed to Democrats who bleed for criminals who destroy societies.
"Hopefully now that Trump will be president, America will return to some type of normalcy."
Only in peoples dreams. Chaos theory will unfold as entropy seeks to predict the future.The real truth is that under Biden's great leadership, America prospered better than any other country in the world after the pandemic.
The truth of the matter is crime went down overall in America.
It is interesting to think that Republicans believe in "Law and Order" at the same time they elect a convicted felon and sexual abuser to lead them. That doesn't seem rational to me, does it to you?Crime is not escalating.
Would you care to offer any statistics to back up your claim that crime is worse now versus 1970? Because it isn't...You always seem to look away from root causes, as well as in this case skewed stats.
The broader narrative of declining crime often focuses on overall numbers, which may mask the rise in specific violent categories. Media outlets and some politicians may emphasize property crime reductions or improvements in certain areas, but the reality is that violent crime—especially gun violence and homicides—is increasing in multiple states. This can lead to a perception that things are improving when, in fact, there are troubling trends that require attention.
Would you like more detailed breakdowns of particular cities or states?
Crime in the U.S. is often portrayed as decreasing, but when you break it down by categories, there are significant increases in some major areas. While overall crime rates, particularly property crimes like theft, may show some decline in certain states, the more violent categories are on the rise in many parts of the country. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Violent Crime
Homicides: In several states, especially in urban areas, the number of homicides has seen a noticeable increase. Cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have had sharp rises in violent crimes over the past few years, with shootings, gang violence, and drug-related killings becoming major concerns.
Assaults and Aggravated Assaults: These have also gone up in many states, partly due to factors like social unrest, economic hardship, and the strain on law enforcement agencies.
2. Carjackings and Auto Theft
Carjackings have spiked dramatically in cities across the U.S. States like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta have seen significant increases in this violent crime, as well as a rise in auto thefts.
3. Robbery
Robbery rates, especially in larger cities, are up in places like San Francisco and Miami, where robberies and armed robberies have increased in certain neighborhoods.
4. Drug-Related Crimes
The rise of drug-related violence and crimes has become more prevalent, particularly with the growing influence of fentanyl and other opioids. States like Ohio, California, and Florida are grappling with the consequences of the opioid epidemic, including an uptick in overdose deaths, drug trafficking, and related violence.
5. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence rates have also risen in many states, often exacerbated by the stress and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic struggles, and lack of resources for victims.
6. Gang Violence
States like California, Texas, and Illinois are seeing significant increases in gang-related violence, with drug trafficking and turf wars contributing to the rise in violent crime.
7. Theft and Property Crimes
While overall theft and property crime rates may show a decrease, retail theft has skyrocketed in places like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where organized shoplifting and robberies have been on the rise, often leading to law enforcement challenges.
States Showing Significant Crime Increases:
California: Particularly in major cities, violent crimes such as shootings and robberies have increased. Carjackings and organized retail theft are also growing concerns.
Texas: Homicides, aggravated assaults, and drug-related crimes are on the rise in cities like Houston and Dallas.
New York: While some property crimes have decreased, violent crime, especially shootings, has seen a concerning uptick in certain neighborhoods.
Illinois: Chicago, in particular, has faced rising gun violence and gang-related crime.
Florida: Crime rates in Miami and other cities have seen a surge in areas like drug trafficking and car theft.Cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have had sharp rises in violent crimes over the past few years, with shootings, gang violence, and drug-related killings becoming major concerns.
Do you have stats to show a yearly increase?
In LA..
"In 2023, there were 327 homicides, which was a 17% reduction in homicides as compared to 2022. All geographic Bureaus within the LAPD saw a reduction in homicides.,"
https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/lapd-rele … geles-2023
Chicago..
Year-to-date, homicides have decreased 12%, and shootings are down 14% percent.
https://crimelab.uchicago.edu/resources/trend/
NYC...
New York, New York — New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that 2024 concluded with a nearly 3% reduction in overall index crime, which equates to 3,662 fewer incidents and thousands of fewer victims of violence and disorder across the five boroughs. The index crime categories of murder, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny—auto each saw sizable reductions across New York City in 2024
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/news/pr00 … wer-crimesFor perspective, what year is being used as the zero point for change. A Pew Research Study shows crime in general since 90's has declined.
What the data says about crime in the U.S. by Pew Research (Apr 24, 2024)
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads … in-the-us/Great information! I was more focused on the larger cities, as Pew Research covers the entire U.S. I've come across numerous articles suggesting that crime stats, particularly for the bigger cities, might be skewed. It's important to look at the actual city-specific data, broken down by categories like rape and other violent crimes, to get a clearer picture of what's really going on.
Biden was definitely America's Manchurian Candidate...
History will prove his Treason out, in full.
Almost every action he took made things better for China and worse for America.
Biden fled Afghanistan leaving an army's worth of equipment and one of the largest American airfields to China.
Biden encouraged a war with Russia, cutting it off from Europe and pushing it into the waiting arms of China... giving it no other option.
Biden gave hundreds of billions to Iran which in turn funds Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and directly engaged Israel in conflict.
Biden alienated former allies, like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, pushing them into China's arms.
Biden allowed China to move right in to Mexico, if Harris had won the election our nation would be flooded with Chinese cars and other items American companies cannot produce as cheaply here in America.
And so on...Biden never addressed the 30 Americans killed on Oct 7th nor has he gotten back the hostages. Oh forgot--- he sent out his sympathy... Yeah, some find this the very most important issue when it comes to the job of the president--
There have been hundreds of thousands that have been killed because of Biden's decisions... Ukrainian, Palestinian, Russian, Syrian, etc.
With a very real possibility of that now translating into hundreds of millions more to follow.
I expect Trump's efforts to protect America's interests and secure our Borders as well as our trade routes will be severely tested by traitors within the country trying to undermine America ... on behalf of things like the misguided belief that the world is ready for an International body to determine its course, one that is not responsible to nation states or their citizens, or that Agenda 2030 goals are actually feasible and enforceable on nations that do not want to pursue or participate in those goals and agendas."I expect Trump's efforts to protect America's interests and secure our Borders as well as our trade routes will be severely tested by traitors within the country trying to undermine America ... on behalf of things like the misguided belief that the world is ready for an International body to determine its course, one that is not responsible to nation states or their citizens, or that Agenda 2030 goals are actually feasible and enforceable on nations that do not want to pursue or participate in those goals and agendas."
All that gobbledygook has nothing to do with the Right of self determination of people which I thought was an American principle in modern times, but listening to you, obviously I was wrong. How quickly you return to the 19th century paradyne on the slightest excuse. This agenda will not go unnoticed nor unchallenged.
Salon magazine seems to be a favorite of yours these days...
Take up a hobby... Bird watching or car restoration... Something...
That stuff you are lapping up will rot the brain.So what are you reading that is SO much more authoritative, or is it just that they print and are proud purveyors of the very finest morsels of red meat?
Nothing in particular...
I am not plugged in... I won't consume... and be consumed...
By generated opinions fabricated by entitled people...
For the purpose of agitating divisive thoughts based on presumed commonalities with the provider (author or producer).
OR... in another way:
If you eat the same crap every day... you become that crap...
If you enjoy a nice Italian meal outdoors on a sunny autumn afternoon...
And the next day a melt in your mouth steak at the local steakhouse...
And the next day you fast... just a glass of red before bed...
But you make up for it the next day, with an authentic Cajun meal...
Eric Chandler
·
I deployed to the Middle East seven times in 20 years. I flew and fought to the best of my ability. I went overseas to fight foreign enemies. I killed a Taliban dude by dropping all four of my bombs from the Viper in this picture, about two hours before it was taken. In a second fight on that same sortie, I emptied the gun on a dude that shot an RPG at me. I’ve been shot at and I’ve got blood on my hands.
In the E. Jean Carroll case, the judge ruled that the former president committed sexual abuse. The former president was convicted of 34 felonies. He also incited a violent mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. 74 million of you voted to put this convicted felon, sexual abuser, insurrectionist back in the White House again. His own cabinet members called him a fascist. I mean, was “pussy-grabbing” not enough? What do you teach your children?
But hey, 100 million more of you couldn’t even be bothered to vote.
So, more than half of 330 million Americans helped put a wannabe tyrant back in power. There will never be an accounting for the three other criminal cases that were pending. He is above the law. He will pardon the people who attacked the US Capitol, something even all the confederate states were never able to do. Three of my ancestors died fighting that war to preserve the Union and abolish slavery.
You were supposed to help me with the “domestic enemies” part of my oath. You failed. You don’t know the difference between right and wrong. I don’t trust you. You have broken faith with me. I have never been so angry and so filled with grief. You have threatened our republic more than any foreign enemy ever could. My entire military career was a waste except for the work I did to help my fellow service members on the ground and in the air. Save for that, it was all for nothing. I am not okay. I speak only for myself.
“Shmo sure is dramatic. *eyeroll*” I hear you. I don’t care. I don’t give two shits about why you did it. You have proven there is no crime, no depravity, no bigotry too great for you. And that’s why I fear the worst. There is no bottom. You. Do. Not. Care.
I fought like hell for our country with everything I had. I killed for this country. My wife and children sacrificed for this country. My ancestors in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, and WWII all fought for this country. My family helped build this country since 1630 when Edmund Chandler arrived at the Plymouth Colony.
And you just gave it all away. Didn’t even throw a punch. Handed it right over.
So, if you are one of that group of 174 million people thinking about giving a knee-jerk “thank you for your service” to me or any other veteran, I think you should shove those thanks straight up your ass.
Happy Veterans Day.Yep, Idiocracy is a great film – and as you say Credence, so fitting for today’s America.
I’ve stopped wasting my time on HP forums (got better things to do) because it’s nothing but Trump, Trump, Trump, America, America, America – As America looks inwards, and withdraws from the rest of the world.
I’m just glad I’m not living there right now – And I wish you the best of luck in what will be a turbulent four years in the un-USA.I have a friend who lives in Wales.
I understand the NHS is quite a hot topic in the UK these days.
Do you agree?When hasn’t the NHS been a hot topic in the UK?
Ever since its creation by a socialist government in 1948 the Conservative Party have despised it (because it’s pure socialism). So under Conservative rule its run down, but can’t be dismantled because it’s popular with Conservative voters e.g. to dismantle the NHS would be political suicide, even though Margaret Thatcher tried, but was stopped by her own Conservative Party.
And under Labour rule it’s built back up again – So it’s always has been a hot topic during General Elections, and no doubt will always be.
Hi, Arthur, I sorry that you will witness our descent into madness. Actually having the voting public take the jack hammer to the pillars that support Constitutional Law and the principles of equality under the law has been most disturbing. You are fortunate to be a safe distance from the anomaly, while I am in the very heart of the maelstrom. Yours was an important voice as to how all of this is being seen from across the pond. I wish that we had more input from people outside of the fray. I hope that you have had a nice holiday.
My spouse is all over me now about the decision to move from Hawaii to the "mainland", always critical of politics here, particularly in a State like Florida. She lived in the Caymans and Jamaica. I was meaning to ask you after her insistence that we renew our passports, about British Territories in the Caribbean. From you, I learned quite a bit more about your system in Great Britain and am keen on the way you folks run things. We just need a warm climate. Yes, we have Google, but being a British Subject, you could tell a little about what you think of them and which would be most hospitable. It may be just a pipe dream, but things here could turn nasty, fast. We now have to consider options that we did not before. If you wish, I could drop you a line outside the forum, let me know.
I wish that you would reconsider and not disappear entirely.Thanks, yep, we’ve had good holidays this year; and I’ve been keeping myself busy e.g. just finished renovating our son’s bedroom and now busy catching-up on lots of little jobs around the home and garden; and then it will be time to start Christmas.
I don’t know much about the British Territories, but I get the impression their standard of living isn’t what I’m accustomed to – but that is only an impression.
I fully understand you wishing to emigrate to a warm climate; if I was doing the same I would without hesitation opt for Southern France – which I do know well, because for decades we used to spend two weeks holiday each summer in Southern France specifically for the hot weather.
I love France because the British and French have a lot in common, due to our historical links – a love/hate relationship.
Northern France has the same weather as England; but Southern France picks up the Mediterranean weather, so it has a similar climate to Spain – in fact, the video link below is of one of our holidays in Southern France where the temperature that week was over 40c (100f). Our favourite part of Southern France (where we went most years) is the Vendee Coast.
My preference of Southern France over Spain is that the people and culture in France isn’t that dissimilar to Britain, whereas Spain’s culture and thus the people are different e.g. Being in France for us is like being home from home – whereas Spain (although popular with a lot of Brits) would take a little getting used to.
https://youtu.be/1fCZZsEXkkg
I may pop into HP in the future if there are topics of interest to discuss that isn’t just ‘All American’; but most certainly I would welcome keeping in touch outside of the forum, just drop me a line and I’ll give you my email address.
So Pete Hegseth paid a settlement to the woman who accused him of sexual assault...really now? And I'm to believe there is no better person to head the Department of Defense?
Seriously?! Do we really need to drag out the bar scene from Star Wars, that IS the current Administration, again?!
Have you heard about "Wintering", you should look into it.You do know Biden was accused of rape, butting his fingers in a woman's vagina? Did this disturb you?
Factually --- There have been claims regarding sexual assault involving Pete Hegseth, and some reports mention an alleged settlement, but the details remain unclear. He has been accused by a woman of assault, but there is no confirmation or extensive coverage about a formal settlement for these claims. Attorney Timothy Parlatore said Hegseth denies assaulting the woman and has characterized the incident in Monterey, California as a “consensual sexual encounter.Why do you pay someone off of it was consensual?
Why would a woman make a legal agreement and now break it, and now be put in the position to be sued? I can't read Pete's mind.
"President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a settlement agreement that included a confidentiality clause, according to Hegseth’s attorney.
Attorney Timothy Parlatore said Hegseth denies assaulting the woman and has characterized the October 2017 incident in Monterey, California as a “consensual sexual encounter.”I'm assuming she was paid off to be quiet and now she no longer wants to be quiet?
But again, why is the Fox News host a capable pick to head the Department of defense lolYes, you assume. She has broken the law, she was dishonest in entering into a contract she now broke. She was dishonest. I did not need to assume that.
It’s clear that Trump is selecting people he believes are fit to accomplish the job he's been tasked with. He’s a disruptor, and he’s surrounding himself with others who share that mindset. His focus is on delivering what his supporters sent him to do, and I trust his judgment. I want him to have a team of like-minded individuals who are aligned and powerful. As you probably know, I’ve always supported MAGA and stand behind his decisions.Hegseth's lawyer, Parlatore confirmed he sent a cease-and-desist letter to the woman in 2020 after learning she was going to file a lawsuit against Hegseth.
The lawyer has said the encounter was consensual and that Hegseth was the intoxicated one. The two parties settled a few months after the cease-and-desist because of concern about the allegations coming out during the #MeToo movement, Parlatore has said.
Oh this society is always so quick to blame the woman, turn and wag their finger... So looking a bit deeper into this, How did she break the law? Looks like Pete wanted the contract? In any case, his lawyer is the one talking about it now. Come to think of it, I don't think I've heard a peep from the woman, have you?
"Parlatore said a payment was made to the woman as part of a confidential settlement a few years after the police investigation because Hegseth was concerned that she was prepared to file a lawsuit that he feared could have resulted in him being fired from Fox News, where he was a popular host. Parlatore would not reveal the amount of the payment.".
https://time.com/7177104/pete-hegseth-s … secretary/He’s a disruptor, and he’s surrounding himself with others who share that mindset
History shows that it has always been easier to destroy than to build, I am not all that confident about his "disruption".
Why can you ignore Biden's accusation of rape, yet it's obvious you feel very concerned about Pete Hegseth?
Did Biden's accuser complete a rape kit as did Hegseth's?
And what did law enforcement conclude?
Why were there no charges brought against him?"Did Biden's accuser complete a rape kit as did Hegseth's?"
Well he did not pass sperm, he used his fingers.
As I said the police found nothing that led to any charges. End of story.
I am sorry, I am getting a little sarcastic. I would just love to bridge our planets
This is will be my last participation on this Forum, and the only reason for it is that, as a Canadian, I need to be educated about American Justice system -- as it refers to Trump's many "alleged" charges.
The way it seems right now -- either that Justice system is completely ignorable, or Trump doesn't qualify for presidency with all those charges. So which one is it?
This question is preferably addressing Trump's followers, so please, don't just cowardly ignore it, or in any way belittle my curiosity, which would be typical Trump's strategy when he is facing uncomfortable questions.
Is it possible that all those 60 judges who ignored Trump's claim about the 2020 election being rigged, were leftists?
Is it possible that in all those later charges, all of those prosecutors, all witnesses, all judges, all jurors, all victims, all documents -- everybody and everything was just a politically motivated lie?
Is it possible that all those, over 25 bona fide psychiatrists who came up with a book size report about Trump being mentally unfit for presidency, were also Trump-haters?
If that would be the case, then American justice is one big joke. And the joke is even bigger if all those charges were true, and that same Justice system placed him above the law.
I said it before and I'll say it again -- I am a political cynic, not trusting ANY politicians, as I view them as only some puppets of the elite.
No one has to agree with it, and I don't care, but at least this is to tell you that I have nothing in particular against Trump, and I could say some stuff about Biden, or my Prime Minister or the King of England.-- it's for the people to glorify whom they want.
I am simply curious about this peculiar phenomenon of Justice system in America apparently "at a brink of putting Trump in jail for some unforgivable sins" -- but then the dude is getting away with everything and turning out to become the next president.
How is that possible, I ask, and I hope a brave Trump's follower can answer that without calling me names, ignoring my question, or otherwise silently admit that the American Justice is just one big joke, and no one should touch those who are untouchable.
I will NOT respond to any kind of comment.
I will simply learn something -- either about Justice system there -- or about you as a Trump's follower.Good thing that I caught this before I, too, walked away Vlad.
We aren't perfect here in America, and, newsflash, our leaders aren't perfect either. We do what we can to move forward the best we can; as safely as we can, as practical as we can, as peacefully as we can. Americans are no different than Canadians in wanting what is best for our beloved Country, and for our loved ones.Yes, our justice system is broken, particularly when it comes to Donald Trump.
He has been persecuted by the Justice System for over 8 years now, from 2 fake impeachments to the "me too" crowd claiming sexual crimes (changed in the media to "rape", though that was not the verdict) to massive wrongdoing in New York to taking government papers.
Found guilty of the "crime" in NY, a crime with no victim, no harm done anywhere and no one complaining, he was still "guilty" and fined. Found "guilty" of sex crimes decades ago, with no witnesses, only one person complaining and no other proof. Found guilty by the hanging mob (public and MSM) when telling rioters to "march peacefully" with the crime being insurrection as the rioters attempted to take over the United States armed with a flagpole and a fire extinguisher.
He DID take the papers, though, and that crime is stalled with a technicality while everyone else guilty of the same thing was let go.
So...you decide for yourself, just as everyone else has. Is he guilty of 100+ crimes or not? And if he is, should he be President even though there is no legal reason not to be? We all made that choice this election."We all made that choice this election."
You reap what you sow.
You reap more than you sow.
You reap after you sow.
Last time God sent a Pandemic.I agree.
This time God sent dementia to destroy the democrat party and get President Donald Trump back in office.I presume this time He will send an Asteroid and the United States will be no more. Along with the rest of the world.
Thus is the evil within both your god and Trump.
I appreciate your curiosity and will do my best to answer your questions directly. The U.S. justice system operates on the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." Former President Trump, like any citizen, has the right to defend himself in court against charges. The multiple cases against him represent accusations that haven't yet resulted in final convictions. The legal process is lengthy, and political polarization magnifies the perception of bias in these cases.
Regarding the judges who dismissed the 2020 election lawsuits, their rulings often cited a lack of substantial evidence or standing and the fact the cases were in many cases submitted to the wrong court, not necessarily political alignment. The diversity of judges involved—appointed by presidents from both parties—indicates that the decisions weren't uniformly "leftist."
As for psychiatrists or critics, assessments of fitness for office often involve subjective interpretations, and many Americans, particularly Trump supporters, see such claims as politically motivated rather than clinical conclusions.
The phenomenon of Trump maintaining political viability despite legal challenges reflects a combination of public support, distrust in institutions, and a robust legal framework protecting his candidacy until proven otherwise. Whether this reveals a flaw in the justice system or political resilience depends on one's perspective. I respect your cynicism and encourage more exploration into the nuances of these systems.
Mike, you would think, but I am not sure how much thinking goes beyond, oh gawd... not Trump!
Many people use the term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) without fully grasping how much it has evolved. Some view it as simply casting a "wide net" to recruit diverse candidates, but in reality, it has grown into something far more expansive and complex. Originally, DEI aimed to create fairer, more inclusive spaces for historically marginalized groups, focusing on race, gender, and disability representation. Over time, however, it has come to encompass a wide range of variables, including sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, and even political ideology.
While the surface goal of increasing diversity sounds straightforward, DEI initiatives now often delve into systemic changes, cultural awareness, and equity of outcomes. For some, this shift represents progress; for others, it feels like a departure from merit-based principles. Critics argue that DEI sometimes prioritizes identity markers over qualifications, leading to concerns about fairness and productivity. Additionally, efforts to include contentious variables like gender identity or political ideology have sparked backlash, with detractors claiming these moves promote ideological conformity rather than genuine diversity of thought. Some even feel that DEI programs risk marginalizing majority groups or reducing individuals to checkboxes rather than recognizing their unique talents.
The casual use of terms like "wide net" (a favored phrase among progressives) often glosses over just how divisive DEI has become. What began as a well-intentioned effort to address inequality has been redefined and reshaped, particularly by far-left extremists, to align with their broader agenda. While I respect the intent to foster inclusivity, it’s clear that DEI has morphed into a contentious and sometimes polarizing framework.Honestly... I think you would find many people do... not... care.
The last 4 years gave us 25% Inflation and WWIII...
No one sane trusts the Federal Government in DC or the Main Stream Media that covers for it.
That's why you have Trump... again... heading to the White House...
Because the corruption and lies and harm our government is doing to the American people and the Nation is so overwhelmingly obvious to the majority of Americans... they are willing to send Trump back in there, no matter how badly he does we will probably be better off than if we allow these asswipes currently in control to continue marching the country in the direction it is going.Very few people care an iota about foreign affairs. Trump was hired because he promised to put more money in people's pockets. He promised to do it on day one. He ran on giveaways. Cutting grocery costs, reducing gas prices, energy prices cut in half, reducing mortgage rates, reducing the price of housing, reducing insurance rates, cutting taxes for the middle class, child tax credits, no tax on social security, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime... The American people are very transactional. Most will turn on him instantaneously when he does not produce what he has promised. And the thought of the price of goods rising due to his tariffs? Oh absolutely not. We are approaching "put up or shut up" time. And the "look here, not there" nonsense? No one is interested in J6 pardons on day one or the other nonsense he is spewing such as the investigating the investigators crap...
Just 1 percent of IPSOS respondents believed that the pardons should be Trump’s first priority.
The lesson of this election shouldn’t go unnoticed by maga...inflation doesn’t sit well with voters, and they won’t forget. The very thing that helped him win, I predict, will sink him...very quickly."Trump was hired because he promised to put more money in people's pockets. He promised to do it on day one. "
They will remember in 2028 how bad inflation got under Trump and vote a Democrat in, They will remember in 2026 how bad inflation got under Trump and vote the Republicans out of the House, at least.
ASSUMING Trump, the criminal and sexual predator, carries out his agenda as promised, most economists say that inflation is almost a forgone conclusion and a recession is very likely.
Another MAGA/Trump lie exposed
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/12/politics … index.htmlThanks, ESO, we both are well aware of the sham the American people so easily fell for. Nice to have you back. We will see you at "the front".
Good to be back and shame on those cowards who can't handle the truth plainly spoken and the hub mediators that let them get away with it.
The Republicans have officially dragged America down into the status of a third-world petty dictatorship. There is a lot lower they can go, and probably will disgrace America even more, but they are just getting started.
After investigating January 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney
In pretending Jan 6 never happened "Wrapping up their own investigation on the January 6, 2021 US Capitol attack, House Republicans have concluded GOP former Rep. Liz Cheney should be prosecuted for probing what happened when then-President Donald Trump sent his mob of supporters as Congress was certifying the 2020 election.
The findings issued Tuesday show the Republican Party working to reinforce Trump’s desire to punish his perceived enemies, including Cheney and members of the January 6 committee that the president-elect has said should be in jail."
The only real difference I see now between Trump/Republicans and Putin's Russia is that Trump, as far as we know, hasn't ordered that Liz be pushed out a window of a tall building or poisoned with Novichok.
I am literally sick to my stomach, and every other patriotic, God-fearing American, should be to now.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/18/politics … index.htmlNo surprise here. This IS the focus of his next term. It's always been about revenge on his perceived enemies and of course grifting. He's already backpedaling on his lowering prices on everything promise. This investigation is about to be as credible as the one into the Biden's. Fire up the clown car...look here , not there.
A great outcome, which I don't expect, is the 2 or 3 Conservatives with a Conscience left in the House resign their party and become Independents thereby throwing control back over to the Democrats.
An unreasonable perception (in America anyway) that the economy was bad coupled with a Hitleresque- style fear campaign by Trump, the criminal and sexual abuser, was enough to do in America and a chance of an even brighter future. It wasn't just in America this happened, but across the world as this article lays out.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/24/world/ye … index.htmlMore bad news for America, this time from the Biden administration.
Unlike the Trump supporters on this forum, I am willing to fault Biden and/or his administration when they screw up. Even though Trump set the stage and left Biden very few option, I was focal in my denunciation of Biden himself in not exiting Afghanistan in a more orderly fashion. Likewise, I am ready to blame his administration, the USDA in particular, for letting a potential pandemic develop!
They couldn't have done it at a worse time with Trump taking over the reins in a month. He already has a history of screwing up a pandemic and being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Now he gets a chance to do it again with the Bird Flu.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/24/health/a … index.htmlIn 15 days, you can say Goodbye to another institution Biden resurrected from the grave Trump, the criminal himself and sexual abuser, had destroyed - the DOJ. It will soon become AGAIN the DOIJ, the Department of InJustice. The first thing that will probably happen is his insurrectionist friends and followers who haven't been sentenced or arrested will get off scott-free for having attacked the United States and attempted to overthrow our government.
I think a good idea would be for any DOJ employee who thinks there is a chance they will be purged anyway by Biondi to quit and join a holding firm specifically designed to give these people a place to go while they wait out the transformation of the DOJ and FBI into some form of the KGB.
Do I think I might be harassed by Trump's dictatorship, or worse, arrested, for the truths I have written about him - yes I do.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/05/politics … index.htmlYou give yourself too much credit. Cred is the one they want.
GA ;-)Very possibly, but I do try to be humble sometimes.
Try harder...
Nothing I've seen you post ever hinted it in the slightest.
Oh yes, he would have to shut me and other thoughtful progressives up, the First Amendment be damned. He is thin skinned and would find anyway to stifle dissent, be it fair or foul. As President, he would have to use all the brutality within his Arsenal to thwart protests, peaceful or not. He will pull the throttle back on a free press with ridiculous charges of libel or simply have his billionaire buddies buy out troublesome media outlets, just as Bezos did with the Washington Post or Musk's contemplation of buying out MSNBC.
Conservatives have always had the reputation of fear of a "free press"
But regardless, I stand tall under the onslaught of the Rightwingers' adversity, never allowing them a day's peace.
----------
Has it been so long that leaders with integrity can no longer be found?
"Yes, Kennedy suggested, the administration’s views might clash with those of its inquisitors.
----------
But, he added, “I not only could not stifle controversy among your readers — I welcome it. This administration intends to be candid about its errors; for as a wise man once said: ‘An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.’ We intend to accept full responsibility for our errors; and we expect you to point them out when we miss them.”
--------
That’s the opposite of Trump’s approach.
But the opposite of Trump is what American needs now.
Free speech is a right and a good thing—it encourages learning, conversation, and awareness of what society values and feels. I'm not sure why you’re worried about being harassed or "picked up." Honestly, have you noticed that not many people here on HP's respond to your posts when you share them? Maybe take a moment to realize your views don’t even create a ripple on social media. I think the new DOJ will have much bigger fish to fry. So, don’t worry—be happy!
Consider--- at the start of President Joe Biden's term, the Department of Justice (DOJ) asked for the resignations of most U.S. attorneys who had been appointed during the Trump administration. This is a STANDARD practice when a new administration takes office, as U.S. attorneys are political appointees who typically serve at the pleasure of the president.
The process began in February 2021, when Biden's DOJ requested the resignations of 56 Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys.Does Russia have free speech? Where do you think Trump is headed. That is his model as to how a government should be run - he has said as much himself.
There are only a handful of political appointees in DOJ and I am well aware of the time worn practice of political appointees (without being asked) turn in their resignations when an administration changes.
Those are not the ones I am talking about. I am talking about the 10,000 non-politically appointed attorneys that work at DOJ. Those people are the ones that will be purged if Trump or Biondi take a dislike to them, Those are ones Trump wants to put on his new civil service schedule so that he can fire them at will like he can political appointees.
As to my posts, probably as many that respond to you. We all are in the same circle of responders. When I go to a new forum from you or from Credence, I see the same cohort of participants."As to my posts, probably as many that respond to you. We all are in the same circle of responders. "
What I meant, and I see my context was not good at all --- I was trying to say a few posts here, and this forum does not make a ripple in social media.
I can agree, that if Bondi dislikes anyone under her she most likely will ask them for a resignation. I also agree in my view, Trump will replace anyone he feels is not supporting his agenda or his policies.What forum does make a ripple? I agree this one does not but neither do any of the political ones.
If Bondi does do that, it will politicize an organization that America took well over 100 years to unpoliticize, the civil service.
January 6 - a day that will live in shame - especially for those who re-elected the felon or did their part by not voting at all.
I keep forgetting those 4 million blind Democrats who will beat their chest and rend their clothes in surprised outrage when Trump carries out his agenda to ruin America.
The whole year (2019 - 2020) is a good study in manipulation...
Very much like the type of efforts seen in foreign nations to stir the populace against the sitting President (or similar title).
Lots of fun facts, who funded the Antifa efforts and where did they go after the election?
How many FBI agents were inserted into organizations like the Proud Boys? ... and a follow up to that what did they coerce non-agents to do that they may not have done on their own?
The world is not what it seems... especially when it comes to riots and efforts to 'overthrow' a government.
Plenty written out there on such a topic:
US Election: A Color Revolution ‘Comes Home to Roost’
https://canadianpatriot.org/2020/12/01/ … -to-roost/
The Secret History of the Shadow Campaign That Saved the 2020 Election
https://time.com/5936036/secret-2020-election-campaign/
They used the word "saved" in the title for what was essentially explaining how they rigged and election... of course that was only one part of an effort that included riots and a constant creation of charges and insinuations against the sitting President.
How Ukraine’s Orange Revolution shaped twenty-first century geopolitics
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/u … opolitics/Ken,
Do you find it interesting that over 2 dozen FBI "Human" resources were at the capital on January 6? Some, such as Ray Epp...told the crowd to storm the capital. Other of these "resources" broke the barrier and let people into the capital.
Isn't this odd? Main stream media doesn't seem to want to cover this for some reason.
Any ideas why?A couple decades back I remember a group in a nearby small city that was hit by the FBI... a 'terrorist group' that consisted of two or three individuals and twice as many FBI agents that were manipulating them into doing things that would constitute "terrorist group" planning of actions that made charging them possible.
I have often wondered did this help avert a terrorist attack or was it because of the FBIs influence that they developed the plan of action with which allowed them to be arrested?
In the case of Jan 6th... it is highly... highly probable that the violence and efforts to enter into Congress would not have occurred without direct FBI influence and action.
The FBI was out to get Trump and out to ensure he never returned to the White House. This seemed the most probable way of destroying his reputation as efforts to label him a traitor and Putin puppet had failed.
Most people who have not worked in Special Ops or Intelligence have no idea just how much of what goes on in the world is a direct result of the actions of our FBI, CIA, Ops forces, etc."it is highly... highly probable that the violence and efforts to enter into Congress would not have occurred without direct FBI influence and action.
The FBI was out to get Trump and out to ensure he never returned to the White House. This seemed the most probable way of destroying his reputation as efforts to label him a traitor and Putin puppet had failed"
I agree with you.More conspiracy theories not based in - well anything.
Off topic, I have to hand it to you, Mike, you have penned a lot of interesting and enticing articles. You have definitely piqued my curiosity, I will have to find the time to read more of them
Cred,
I read many things.
Here is an article about it from the BBC. I feel you would dismiss an article from Fox News.
"FBI informants were at Capitol riot but no agents, watchdog finds
12 December 2024
More than two dozen FBI informants were in Washington DC ahead of the riot at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, but no full-time undercover agents were present or took part in the riot itself, according to a new justice department report.
The report said none of the agency's informants were authorised to enter the Capitol or join the riot, but four did enter the building.
The report also found that the FBI failed in the "basic step" of adequately using its field offices across the US to gather intelligence that could have predicted the riot.
The report, from the justice department's Office of the Inspector General, found that 26 "confidential human sources" - or paid informants - were in Washington on the day of the riot.
Three of them had been tasked with gathering information for domestic terrorism cases who might have been going to the rallies on 6 January, one of whom entered the Capitol building.
The remaining 23 had not been directed to be in the area and did so on their own initiative.
At the time, some were in contact or travelling with members of far-right groups including the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
Of the 26 in total, four confidential sources entered the Capitol during the riot. Another 13 entered the restricted area around the Capitol - a security perimeter established in preparation for election certification on 6 January.
None of the confidential sources who entered the Capitol or its environs were among those criminally charged with trespassing.Seems to me you just blew up yours and Ken's conspiracy theory. Assuming I read what you posted correctly, the FBI had 3, count them, 3 paid informants collection information on domestic terrorists like the Trump supporters invading the Capitol at his direction. Only ONE of which followed the right-wing insurrectionists into the Capitol.
Thank you for your help in putting this piece of fake news to bed.From Mike's post: "The remaining 23 had not been directed to be in the area and did so on their own initiative."
So...23 informant's in the area, not 3. Three had been directed to be there, 23 were there on their own initiative.
"Of the 26 in total, four confidential sources entered the Capitol during the riot. "
Four informants entered the Capitol. Not 1
"Another 13 entered the restricted area around the Capitol"
You didn't mention this, but it seems pertinent. 13 more acted illegally.
Looks to me like your own "news" is just as fake as the ones saying there were far more informants and even agents. It's all in how you spin it, and what data is left out isn't it? Except it's not; it's about the "Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth". It's about "The rest of the story".Common sense tells me this information needs to be questioned by Congress, and asked whether were they assigned to be there and paid. Were they there as just citizens attending the Trump speech? As always we are left in the dark, with no answers to simple common sense questions.
This is all complete and utter debunked nonsense and common Sense tells me that Republicans should avoid embarrassing themselves anymore with their "investigations". Do you really want to see Comer's clown car roll out again??
American patience is thin, produce what you said you're going to produce... Absolutely no one is interested in going over and over the fodder of conspiracy theorists. Lower the grocery prices, the gas prices, the housing prices, interest rates, taxes and so on...tick tock. Enough of the look here but not there...If it IS debunked nonsense then the investigation will find nothing.
I don't think that will be the case.
This was one of the most horrible cases of the democrat party gas lighting the American public for political gain in modern history.
American citizens have a right to know what exactly the democrat party and the federal government did that day.
Has anybody heard about the bomb threat outside the DNC on 1/6/20?
I didn't think so. I wonder why that wasn't big news.
I'm wondering if all those 26 informants, whether instructed to be there or not, were reporting what was going on as it happened. Or before...I recall something about knowledge of Pearl Harbor before it happened, just letting it go as a reason to get into the war. Jan6 has certainly been useful to Trump haters, even if the HAVE blown everything completely out of proportion, arrested hundreds that did nothing thousands of other rioters did without repercussions, lied through their teeth about what happened, etc.
That seems right... that it would seem to you... that when Mike shows a source that corroborates what I had said... you believe it does the opposite.
Funny stuff.Exactly HOW did it corroborate what you said when it refutes it?
I'm sure that is based on the official report given out by...?
Of course, all official reports should be considered 100% truthful and honest, as all former government employees, especially those who worked inside the military or alphabet agencies can tell you.We probably will never agree on on our diversions politically. I am focused on your intersting biographies and articles regarding technological development. I asked my niece, who is a Star Trek fan like her old uncle, to have a look at your article about the first cellular telephone. She commented on how cumbersome and bulky it was. I told her that the computer microprocessor chip, the foundation for electronic calculators and PCs was invented in 1971, while I was in high school.
She asks about Star Trek technology ever being possible. I said that I have been around long enough to have seen things that 50'years ago were impossible. So, I don't use that word. Star Trek technology may not be impossible but it is FAR beyond the realm of current science and technology.
I asked her what would George Washington have made of our current cell phones, an instrument that everyone has? Not a single function on that phone could even have been conceived of in Washington's lifetime. He would have considered it magic.
In the next 250 years, so much of the "Star Trek Magic" could become a possibility. Our conversation gets her thinking about things and possibilities. Your article served as a catalyst for an intelligent discussion between us.I wonder if we are destined to become Borg like.
Or perhaps tied in to a Matrix type of existence.
Or Soylent Green ...maybe that's closest to becoming reality...
I think our awareness of how fragile our existence is, is becoming an increasing pressure on humanity's collective psyche.
The idea that we are on a planet that is a mere atom or less in size compared to a larger Cosmos...
That how insignificant we are, how breif our existence has been on this earth... How we now know many disasters have befallen civilizations in our past we have no knowledge of.
Before the Egyptians, Minoans, still further back, beyond known history... Gobleki Tempe, Puma Punku, the foundation stones in Lebanon, so much evidence today it can no longer be dismissed as theory or conspiracy.
Will it be a cataclysmic volcanic eruption, a meteor, sunflare, magnetic pole shift?
We have enough knowledge of our past, of the universe, to know we are doomed if we do not spread our existence beyond this world.You have a point, people are being distracted by minutiae and missing the main event.
With all the trashy pop culture diversions, today, I teach my niece to ask questions and learn to think independently as that is what her adversaries will fear most. To avoid being intellectually lazy and being prepared to dig to get answers. Perhaps, at 14 and 15, I was not so terribly attentive. Must be part and parcel of being 14 or 15.
I focus on Star Trek as a positive portrayal of humanity's fate in the future. We are talking about not just new gadgets and technologies, but a rebirth of man and with the invention of the pattern replicator to no longer judge success by the number of toys one accumulates or ones ability dominate one another. By that time as Capt. Picard mentions, the species will have finally grown beyond its infancy. The Matrix, Solent Green or even Logans Run paint a darker future.
You are wise to recognize the fragility of our existence and futility of our goals and objectives based on a very limited life span.
We may not have to wait for a natural cataclysm, it could be all man made as we have been a rush to destroy ourselves until we acquire the wisdom not to......SHAME on you for let alone Teaching your niece but to teach her to think Independently, SHAME. That is not the Trump or Conservative way, didn't you know.
You should be teaching her revisionist history like DeSantis does.The awareness of how fragile we are, how small, how short a time in the long history of what we know...
We don't know if past civilizations suffered this level of awareness...
Or if it caused civilizational collapse once it was obtained...
The Egyptians go back centuries... clearly they had in their past knowledge and wisdom that dwarfed anything we saw from them in the AD (vs the BC)...
What causes this decline... back into the darkness...
Does humanity suffer from a collective PTSD...?
Do we rise from darkness because we are blissfully unaware... only to gain knowledge and understanding so advanced as to be able to build a Pyramid the size of a mountain smack dab in the center of the earth, pointing true north, including in its build such depth of mathematical comprehension as to be on par with our understanding of math and the stars today... with all our vaunted technology.
And upon reaching this level... do we reach for the stars, make it to Mars... or do we self-destruct... again... forced to make another climb out of the darkness.
Just a bunch of debunked conspiracy theories Katherine, nothing more.
The civilized world must look at America now like they do Russia or Guatemala, re-electing known felons and sexual abusers as their leader. Now, we sink even further into incivility as another billionaire decides to trash his civic duties as Zuckerberg has decided to allow his platforms, e.g.. Facebook, to become full-fledged purveyors of lies, disinformation, misinformation, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian propaganda.
I think the only protection now is to get rid of the that section of the law that prevents platforms like his and X from getting sued for what they allow to be read.
If I had young kids, I would not let them view Facebook, X, or any other dangerous platform.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/07/tech/met … index.htmlIf the rest of the world looks at America like that... then the corrupt, criminal, cabal in control of our government today is to thank for it.
As they are the ones who directed the DOJ and FBI to fabricate and instigate all that has been directed at Trump and those who would dare support him... until it became a far superior number of Americans that supported him than hated him.
The majority of Americans have no trust of this (Biden and Co.) government... and that is why we have Trump returned to the WH.
Just goes to show you Americans aren't as nearly as dumb as the those in the DC belt believe them to be.It is now OK to insult women by calling the "household objects" on Facebook. I wonder if Hubpages will now allow the same thing or worse?
I suppose it is now fine to publish on X or Facebook that the surgeon general advocates getting rid of all vaccines so that children won't get autism. That lie will have real world consequences as, for example, my massage therapist is one of those antivaxxers who believe disinformation like that and won't get her kid vaccinated. That, of course, puts himself and other kids around him in danger.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/07/tech/met … index.html
Remember, and I will keep reminding you, THIS is the kind of chaos you wanted and voted for:
Further, Trump did not rule out using the military to wrest control of the Panama Canal and Greenland — both territories Trump has raised interest in acquiring.
He said he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” (Did I mention he is mentally ill?)
Trump said he encouraged Wayne Gretzky, a former NHL player and coach, to run for the job.
Trump said Russia’s war in Ukraine could “escalate” and that it is “much more complicated.” - Obviously, Trump will break his promise of ending the Russian war of aggression before he is inaugurated.
Trump also warned that if hostages being held in Gaza are not released by his inauguration, “all hell will break out” in the Middle East. - I guess Trump is going to put American boots, or at least bombs, on the ground in the Middle East.
The world has every right to be frightened of this madman.
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/ … index.htmlJust in case you don't get the European Current Affairs New in the USA:
Elon Musk is currently a far greater risk to free democracy in Europe than Trump. Not only has he been interfering with the politics across Europe, including countries like Germany, where he has been trying to influence the General Election in favour of the far-right wing party in Germany; but also:-
1. There is an ongoing row between Musk and the Labour Party, as Musk periodically attacks Labour (no great surprise in that Labour is a left-wing socialist party, and Musk is far-right-wing) e.g. over the past week Musk has been spreading lies about Labour.
Sir Keir Starmer (Labour Prime Minister) Responds to Elon Musk's Support for Tommy Robinson, as part of Elon Musk’s continued attacks (lies) on British Politics: https://youtu.be/z0Vgjscfq1g
2. Elon Musk, also this week turned on (attacked) Nigel Farage (leader of the far-right political party in the UK (UK Reform); because Nigel Farage has distanced himself (and always has had the good sense to distance himself) from Tommy Robinson.
Elon Musk attacks on the UK Reform Leader for not being far enough far-right in his politics https://youtu.be/pgNB6PcQPRo
Tommy Robinson, who Elon Musk fully supports, and who Elon Musk would like to see as the new leader of UK Reform, has a long list of criminal records, and is currently serving a prison sentence, is a far-right fascist activist (and fully, and openly, supports Hitler’s Nazi politics), and has been an active member of several far-right fascist political parties in the UK, including the BNP (British National Party) which was banned as a political party in the UK in 2016 - the BNP 'is an openly Nazi party' whose 'leadership have serious criminal convictions' whose 'crimes range from bomb making, organising illegal paramilitary groups, possession of firearms and a series of convictions under Race Relations and Public Order Acts' and that 'BNP publications are uninhibited in their racist style and report unashamedly on their members stabbing Black people'.
Tommy Robinson not only entered the USA illegally under a false passport in 2013, but in 2019 sought political asylum (from Britain) in the USA.
So the above says a lot on how far-far-right Elon Musk politics is ….which should be a worry to us all in the free and democratic world.No surprise... there has been substantial efforts in Germany from the Left... from terrorists and activists... to destroy Tesla's operations in Germany.
Tesla... which built a factory there and hired thousands of Germans... if Musk doesn't regret that decision I would be surprised.
That decision was likely based on Germany having cheap, affordable, power as well as a slew of well educated individuals to choose from...
However the attacks on Tesla factories and recharge stations is nothing short of terrorism... and the red tape from the political Left made the building of that factory take twice as long as expected.
Germany is heading into troubled waters because they have brought in tens of millions of migrants that will have no real job opportunities as the economy stagnates...
Germany is screwed because its entire economy relied on the cheap energy and resources that came to it from Russia.
The dominoes of the EUs decline are already starting to fall... this was caused by Biden's reckless war against Russia and Biden's reckless spending which empowered the American dollar at the expense of its ally nations... Japan, Germany, and Ukraine will suffer great economic hardships in 2025 and beyond... probably more nations... Canada is another that I think will spiral, which is why Trudeau is bailing, the collapse is imminent.
[edit]
Also there is the whole insane idea of Nations like the UK wanting to fine companies like X (Twitter) half their gross revenue for allowing one 'inflammatory' post on their site.
So yeah, in general, I'd say he has some reason for getting in to politics as Left parties/governments have decided to target his businesses for destruction.My post was focused on Elon Musk’s political attacks in UK politics (spreading his far-right-wing/fascist lies (disinformation) on ‘X’); I only mentioned Germany and Europe in passing, as a reference that it’s not just the free democracy in the UK that Elon Musk is attacking, but also the free democracies of Europe in general – because they are not far-right-wing enough for his liking.
FYI, although the EU has gone through an economic crisis following the pandemic, just like the rest of the world, the economic outlook for the EU is generally positive, with growth expected to increase in 2025 and 2026 (albeit slowly), and inflation expected to fall by half (to below 2%) by the end of this year. One big economic advantage the EU has over the USA and UK is that unlike the USA and UK, the EU has had a good track record of keeping a balanced budget e.g. no national debt that is spiralling out of control. Yeah, sure, the EU borrowed €100 billion during the pandemic (to support jobs), and a further €800 billion to finance the recovery after the pandemic, which will be paid back by the end of 2026; and it plans to borrow a further €421 over the next couple of years, with plans to pay that back by 2058 – But these debts are small fry compared to the national debts in the UK and USA. So no – I don’t think the EU is in decline.
FYI, it’s not a 50% fine that the UK/EU would impose on Social Media platforms for allowing harmful content to be posted online; under UK law it’s a maximum fine of “10% of global annual revenue”; and under EU law it’s 6%.The other side sure likes to make facts and figures up, don't they. If I had my way, after the third offense, they would be banned as a national security threat.
With Trump almost in power, you can kiss your economic growth goodbye IF he implements his tariff and deportation policies.
His tariff plans will cause inflation and likely cause a recession. His deportation plans will cause a recession and probably inflation at the same time.
I use the term "will" because if he implements them the way he has said he is going to, it will be a mathematical certainty.
Nope, been reading about it. Sorry we have infected Europe with our trash.
I'm not: much of Europe (and other parts of the world) did everything they could to put Biden in office. They deserve no sympathy for doing it.
They absolutely understood America needed Biden to recover from the ravages that Trump visited upon us - and is going to do again.
LOL For sure - we needed double digit inflation! We needed wars across the globe! We need skyrocketing crime in our neighborhoods! Yeah for Biden!
We didn't need the inflation but let me educate you again - Biden didn't Cause It.
More education - CRIME IS DOWN IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS across America.
So yes - Yea for Biden.
Thanks, I appreciate your sympathy
; I also feel for those Americans who did not vote for Trump, and who will suffer under Trump.
https://thehill.com/policy/internationa … k-germany/
Elon Musk represents the very worst of the American tycoon. How is it that he has the gall to stick his proboscis in the affairs of others? Trump's emissary is already spreading vitriol across the European continent, attacking your elected leaders. As an American, I find that all the more abhorrent and embarrassing, he addresses your heads of state by insulting names. I hope that your people stand firm against the incursion by this pompous and arrogant man. And you know what, I don't care how much money he has, it is more than compensated for by his lack decorum and wisdom.
And everybody here like to swoon over how great he is??Thanks for the link – a most interesting read.
But unfortunately, it’s not just Musk – Trump is turning out to be a 2nd Hitler e.g. his threats to seize power from sovereign States in Europe and the Middle East, just like Hitler did in the build up to WWII.
Greenland is a sovereign State that belongs to Demark, and hence belongs to the EU - So there is no way the EU will allow Trump to seize Greenland without a war - World War III.
It seems that Trump and Musk (his sidekick) are turning out to be another Hitler; and I'm sure the UK Government will side with Europe if Trump carries out his threat to seize Greenland.Again with the Hitler comparison. Maybe need to read some history on that one.
The US obtaining Greenland is about the security of the free world. Greenland and even countries in Europe understand the situation. Europeans have a history of not recognizing threats to the world. It's the history of World Wars starting in Europe that gives concern to their views on things.
"The Northwest Passage, or Northern Sea route, was first crossed in the winter months by a Russian commercial vessel several years ago, and is a shorter route linking east Asia's major ports to Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. Western powers have already voiced concern about Russia and China using it to boost their presence in the North Atlantic.
"The Americans have a strong interest in overseeing the activities of foreign countries in Greenland because it's such a big security asset for foreign states, and due to that, any investment or activity, from the American point of view, may be seen as a security threat," Frank Sejersen, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, told CBS News on Wednesday.Does not every tyrant make the claim that territorial aggression is always for some higher purpose? "Security threat" is the excuse China and Russia use, so, so what? No one is buying it, Mike. None of this is going to go down well.
The only threat to the world is Donald Trump and his territorial ambitions. The Right of self determination of people whether it be Taiwan, Ukraine, Greenland or Panama is more important than Trump's tyrannical bent on treating its residents as just an inconvienient obstacle to another real estate deal. Our American Left and Europe will resist, on that you may rest assured. This will have to be just another hair brained scheme of his that public opinion and pressure will force him to put to bed.President Donald Trump never said he would us military force to obtain Greenland. He just didn't rule it out. Part of successful negotiations is to never refuse to play a card.
There are European governments who understand the world security threats as does President Donald Trump. Maintaining shipping routes is essential to maintaining peace.
This is from Forbes
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told reporters the United States and NATO had “legitimate” interests in the region, saying “in conjunction with the melting of the Arctic and new shipping lanes opening up, we are unfortunately also seeing an increase in great power rivalry.”
Greenland is part of Denmark, has representatives in the Danish parliament and its foreign relations are controlled by Denmark, though there has been a growing push for full independence in recent years
Trump, the ‘America First’ candidate who pledged no new wars, now is looking into imperialism: Remember when he said that the U.S. could no longer afford to be the world’s policeman? Such talk of undermining sovereign borders and using military force against allies and fellow NATO members...is this what you voted for??
He sure has duped y'allAgain, there was no mention of using military force, it just wasn't ruled out.
I think it is the left that just can't see things for what they are and that's the problem.Why was it not ruled out, more equivocating? Under what circumstances will it be "ruled in" and can it ever be justified?
I often wonder if the left knows anything about negotiating things.
If President Donald Trump was to rule out the use of military force he may not be taken serious. By NOT ruling out the use of military force he now has the attention of the decision makers. It's just that simple.
putin didn't invade Ukraine during Donald Trump's first presidency. Why? He had a meeting with putin. President Donald Trump told putin if he invaded Ukraine he would "bomb the shit out of them." putin was quiet for a few seconds and said, "You wouldn't do that." President Donald Trump shrugged his shoulders and said, "But I might."
This is when putin started telling the russian press that President Donald Trump was crazy and made him nervous. Think about that, President Donald Trump made putin nervous.
President Donald Trump didn't act on his threat to putin because he had putin thinking there could be serious consequences if he invaded Ukraine. He wasn't sure if the President Donald Trump would order bombings on russia or not. That was a brilliant move that kept russia away for four years.
Then biden comes into office senile and clueless and I'm certain putin said to himself "Now is the time to invade."Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine BEFORE he takes office....tick tock...
Did Biden get that American hostage back? On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a devastating attack in Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, including more than 40 American citizens. Has Biden ever mentioned these folks as our revenge for their deaths? And regarding the war in Ukraine who has done nothing but watch the killing, support the killing.
I have faith that he will end both wars with good speed."And regarding the war in Ukraine who has done nothing but watch the killing, support the killing."
Well by your standards, I guess your guy will pick up right where things left off...My guy will do what's best for America first, and that will be to bring a peace deal. I have faith that he will do just that. I guess that will be a hard pill for you to swallow.
He promised to do that before he took office but it seems that he's more interested in distracting maga with visions of overtaking Greenland, the Panama canal and Canada... Look here not there. Most folks just wanted a cheap pack of hot dogs.
Gosh, it seems some here are very bitter, and not sure this bitterness serves to prove anything or benefit your views. To just repeat silly statements seems ---silly.
Are you suggesting telling the world that Trump might use military force to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal (and maybe even Panama) is "silly"?
If I said it or you said it, then it would be silly. But when the most powerful man (who does not have all his faculties about him) in the world threatens to do such a thing, it is scary as hell!". During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on January 7, 2025, when asked about potential military action to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump refused to rule out such measures, stating, "I'm not going to say what I would or wouldn't do."
Donald Trump REUTERS"
This does not indicate anything but him saying ultimately--- No comment
You stretch things every which way to suit your needs.
Wouldn't you be bitter to if you are going to lose your democracy?
When I think about the idea that those around Biden have hidden signs of his confusion or cognitive struggles, it really troubles me. Transparency and accountability are essential for a healthy democracy, and if leaders or their teams aren't honest about their capacity to govern, it creates a serious disconnect with the people they're supposed to serve. As a citizen, I feel like we have a right to know the truth so we can make informed decisions about our leaders. Hiding this kind of information undermines that right.
It also makes me question the trustworthiness of our institutions. If something as important as a leader’s ability to govern is being concealed, it makes me wonder what else is being hidden or manipulated for political purposes. This kind of secrecy doesn’t just damage trust—it breeds cynicism and makes people disengage from the democratic process.
To me, democracy depends on openness and honesty. When the truth about a leader’s abilities is hidden, whether intentionally or not, it weakens the system and shakes the foundation of trust that democracy needs to thrive.
The Democratic party has always been dishonest, they never have been trustworthy, in my view. I have always been ashamed of their cheap obvious ploys.
I am not from Missouri, yet still I say that I will only believe it when I see it. Because at the moment Trumps claim to make the peace is just so much hot air.
Regardless of whatever he does it can't be worse than Biden's record.
Of course, Trump is Republican and thus held to a MUCH higher standard. He must create world wide peace, no fighting anywhere in the world, within 7 days of taking office right?"Regardless of whatever he does it can't be worse than Biden's record."
Oh, yes it can and you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be.
"Of course, Trump is Republican and thus held to a MUCH higher standard. He must create world wide peace, no fighting anywhere in the world, within 7 days of taking office right?"
Well HE is the guy that said that he could "Fix it" immediately. If you are going to boast, be prepared to ante up when it is time to pay the piper.What are you calling Trump a liar?
"“That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president,” he said during the debate with Kamala Harris.NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!
Trump is a politician. He lies just like every other politician, including your god, Biden.
Personally, I recognize that simple fact in politicians and watch their actions rather than their lips. A person can actually learn something that way - God knows I learned far more about Biden than I wanted to, just seeing his actions.
It will certainly be worse than Biden's record which will go down in history as one of the most successful presidential terms in American history. He already ranks way up there with those experts who understand such things while Trump ranks very near the bottom.
I suspect after Trump drives huge inflation and massive recession, he will end up in last place all by himself.
Ten days before inauguration and still no peace in Ukraine like he promised there would be before he takes office.
"“That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president,” he said during the debate with Kamala Harris.I am keeping the faith, I do think he will bring peace to both Israel and Ukraine. .... As I did in the Americans to vote him in. He will work like hell to do so.
During his rambling living room press conference though he didn't mention Israel or Ukraine at all... Chose to talk about crazy sh*t and grievance from 10 years ago instead. I wonder how Putin and Xi feel about Trump sharing their expansionist visions?
Well he seems a bit more interested in Whales dying due to windmills currently.
I can understand why you might feel disgruntled, but focusing on a few words from an otherwise highly informative press conference overlooks the bigger picture. It highlighted numerous positive business ventures that promise to create new jobs—all of this even before being sworn in. So far, I’m genuinely impressed with the progress being made.
Do you believe whales wash up due to windmills? I mean this isn't just a passing comment, he has made this comment for probably almost 10 years now...
Not worth a reply. Do you think the several new investment ventures will aid or hurt Americans? Thus far 220 Billion our way will bring jobs, and help with a lagging economy. Guess you may rather see Trump fail --- Yikes talk about cutting off one's nose. Have fun with that.
It is yet to be seen if anything will materialize from these ventures. The manner in which he talks about nonsensical issues, is very concerning. Windmills aren't killing whales. I find it extremely odd that the man would continue to talk about it. I don't know, what is it called when an individual continues to believe something when there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary?
Of course she does - Trump said it and Trump never lies, lol.
He promised new jobs before and fell short of both Obama and Biden (who just had yet another month of robust job growth). why would you think he would do any better since Biden has already got it in motion?
Besides who would invest in America as inflation skyrockets again while we are in a massive recession because of his tariffs and deportations.
Negotiation is not about intimidation and exacerbating international sensibilities in this tinder box of a world.
It is a serious thing when the President of the United States threatens others a with sword over a principle about using military force to intimidate allies? He has no right to even imply that military force can be used to annex Greenland, take away Panama's national sovereignty to obtain an economic advantage.
Trump is as phony as a three dollar bill and I going to spend the next 4 years of his upcoming term writing and telling people just that.
Is this what an America First agenda looks like??
That, like Putin and Hitler, is what he does - CON everybody around him.
Yes, AGAIN. When the shoe fits, wear it I always say. Don't stick your head in the sand and ignore reality I also say.
The world knows who and what Hitler was and can easily see the comparison. The ONLY think missing for the moment is Trump starting a Holocaust.
The other obvious comparison is Trump following Putin's (and Hitler's) playbook on how to turn a democracy into an autocracy. In about days, he will have accomplished 3/4 of the job:
* Putin destroyed all faith in the Russian justice system - Trump has done that with half our country
* Putin destroyed the new Russian believe in elections - Trump has accomplished that with his incessant lies.
* Putin has put loyal lackeys in charge of Russian institutions who put him first and screw Russia - Trump is in the process of doing that for the first time in modern American history.
* Putin has wiped out (sometimes killed) any opposition in his own "party" - Trump, without the killing yet, has done largely the same. He is soon to turn HIS DOIJ on them as soon as Bondi is confirmed.
* Putin has jailed or killed or otherwise suppressed opposition from outside his party so that he has a TOTALLY COMPLIANT Duma - Trump has not accomplished that yet, but he will try to put some in jail.
* Putin has total control over the Russian Supreme Court - Trump has a put sympathizers on the Supreme Court but generally can't tell them what to do - yet.
* Putin has near total control over the media and what is told to the Russian people which has allowed him to brainwash a good part of the population. - Trump has control over about 1/3 of the media and is on the attack against the other 2/3rds to effect the same outcome. MAGA is made up of those who Trump has brainwashed.
* Putin is a known murderer and criminal. Trump is a convicted criminal and sexual abuser.
* Putin lies at the drop of a hat. Trump lies at the drop of a hat.
* Putin IS expansionist wanting to take over other nations. Trump has reversed course from being an isolationist to an expansionist and wants to take over Canada, Panama Canal, and Greenland (and who know what else).
How much more clearer do I have to make it so that you pull your head out of the sand?Hey, Hey, Hey, hey....
Now waaaiiit a minute.....
hey-yeah
(Trump-woo) yeah-yeah-yeah
(Trump-woo) all-right
(Trump-woo) all-right
(Trump-woo) come on now!
(Trump) come on now!
(Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah
(Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
(Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
(Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
(Trump) all-alright (good sound)
(Trump) it's all-alright (good sound)
(Trump) all-alright (good sound)
(Trump) all-alright (aah)
Now wait a minute!
I feel alright!
(Yeah yeah, yeah yeah!)
You know you make me wanna
lift my heels up and saaaay....
TRUMP!"You know you make me wanna
lift my heels up and saaaay....
TRUMP!"
Ken,
Ha, I love it! Excellent!That should be TRUMP, THE CRIMINAL, THE SEXUAL ABUSER, THE INSURRECTIONIST, THE NATIONAL SECURITY RISK, THE LIAR1 if you want to be precise.
Personally, I want honest people with integrity to run our country. But, to each his own I suppose. If you wanted a bad man to by your leader, you got one.Will you ever realize others may share another view from your own?
Will you ever realize that is not a view - that is FACT! You probably should get used to having elected a Felon to the highest office in the land.
Yeah right: That’s what all tyrants use as an excuse when they try to justify seizing land from sovereign nations.
And I guess you don’t think Trump’s desire to seize Greenland has anything to do with Greenland’s wealth of untapped oil and gas – with Greenland containing some of the world's largest remaining oil and gas reserves.The US currently has a military base in Greenland and favorable trading relations with them. They are not happy being part of Denmark. Greenland would benefit tremendously by being a US territory.
"They are not happy being part of Denmark. "
Lol, says who?
“We are a proud Indigenous people with right to self-determination and not some sort of good that can be traded,” Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland's parliament, told NBC News, adding that the future “is for Greenlanders to decide, and the majority wants to be independent.”
Trump ran on isolationism, now he's
selling imperialism?
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trum … rcna186932We will let the Greenlanders decide that, if you Rightwingers would let them?
So what; just because the USA has military base in Greenland means nothing: The USA also has military bases in multiple NATO countries across Europe, including Germany, Poland, and the UK. In fact it dispels the argument for Trump seizing Greenland for its own defence and security – and strengthens the true reason that Trump wants Greenland e.g. the wealth of untapped oil.
You can’t say that the people of Greenland “are not happy being part of Denmark”; opinion is divided - a 2019 poll showed that 67.8% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark sometime in the next two decades.
But equally, and more so if you listen to what the people of Greenland say; the people of Greenland are definitely not in favour of being part of the USA either – subject to a referendum, which may be as soon as April this year, the majority want ‘independence’, not to be part of another nation:-
In the words of Greenlanders:-
“Our country is ours – it’s not for sale”
“It’s taking away our voice and dehumanising us”
What do Greenlanders make of Donald Trump’s advances for their home? https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/ … p-advancesI would give it time.
They probably aren't fully processing the HUGE benefits that would come their way by being a territory of the United States. Not only economic, but militarily. If russia and China start making moves on Greenland, they will then see the benefits of being part of the United States. The presences of russia and China in their part of the world is only going to steadily increase over time. THEY would love to make Greenland part of their countries.
There is much to think about for the citizens of Greenland. Things in their part of the world are changing and are going to continue to change.To volunteer to become an American colony within the Trump regime? There cannot be a fate any worse.
Who says that the Greenlanders are not fully processing the significance of becoming an American colony?
For all perpetuity, the answer should remain NO!Yeah right? HUGE benefits by being the 52nd State of the USA, behind that of Canada, if Trump gets his way!
More like a culture clash. Greenland has the same culture as Europe and the UK, which they value very highly – including:
• A great welfare state – just like Europe.
• Good European style healthcare.
• Free Education, and great student support – just like Europe.
Yeah, things are changing in that part of the world due to climate change – climate change which Trump believes is a hoax.
The wish of the people of Greenland is to become independent one day. But their ambition is not to go from being governed by one country to being governed by another country – as stated by Greenland's Finance Minister Erik Jensen.
The point is, is that Trump is acting like another Hitler.
I would be most concerned when a shark tells a minnow "let's be friends". Don't trust America nor its motives and you will be sorry if you do.
The EU Commission... the EU’s executive body... its Commission President and the individual Commissioners are not directly elected by the people of Europe.
So, in that sense, he can't really be targeting their 'elected leaders' can he?Credence wasn’t referring to the EU Government (albeit FYI the EU Parliament is elected directly by the people); he was referring to the democratically elected leaders within the EU & UK, including for example Germany's elected Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the UK elected Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
Elon Musk is systematically “spreading vitriol across the European continent” attacking elected leaders, including frequent attacks on Sir Keir Starmer the UK’s Labour (socialist) Prime Minster, even to the point recently of asking the King to dissolve the UK Parliament for a fresh General Election.
On 9th Jan 2025 Elon Musk asks if Sir Keir Starmer could be removed as British prime minister https://youtu.be/-VHOShpUetI
On 3rd Jan 2025 Elon Musk claims King should dissolve Parliament in fresh attack on Starmer https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/p … 73185.htmlHe is expressing a political view... he sees a threat in the direction of current policy and law being enacted.
He is not alone in that... those on the other side of things, trying to disassemble the current global system of nation states... or those trying to undermine the 'Western/American' hegemony are supporting their 'side', those politicians and agencies trying to bring a 'new' world into existence.Elon Musk making a statement on the 3rd Jan 2025 that the King should dissolve the UK Parliament and call for a fresh General Election, and Elon Musk making a statement on the 9th Jan 2025 (just two days ago) that Sir Keir Starmer should be removed as British prime minister; is not just Credence “expressing a political view” – it is, as Credence stated, Elon Musk is systematically “spreading vitriol across the European continent” attacking elected leaders, including frequent attacks on Sir Keir Starmer the UK’s Labour (socialist) Prime Minster.
Ken must think little of Musk to minimize his influence and place him with the common folk.
Being uber rich, let alone being the richest man in the world, provides a huge ability to do much good or damage. In Bill Gates' case, it is for good, but in Musk and Trump's case, it is for evil.Damn man, I do appreciate your posts, sometimes they are priceless.
The monotonous circular debates tend to bog these threads down...
Your sporadic wit lightens them up and is always good for a chuckle.Yes, I wish we had more people like Bill Gates
I second that.
And less people like - well you know who.
Or perhaps a whimsical dismissal of their overall irrelevancy and ineffectiveness to govern their own tiny nation, let alone tackle the bigger issues the world is currently contending with...
The monumental shift away from the EU/UK on the global stage and toward China Asia/Africa ... and America North & Central America ...
BRICS on the one hand ... and a more concentrated focus for America on North and Central America... SWIFT Dollar backed system... a split... of global power where the UK and EU are almost an afterthought...Or to be more precise; Elon Musk (who is extreme far-right) just doesn’t like the fact that the British people have chosen to democratically elect a socialist government.
Nah, I think I'm probably spot on....
The war with Russia does not appear to be resulting in Russia's downfall... Rather its seemed to solidify it, strengthen it on the global stage, help bring BRICS to the forefront.
While diminishing and marginalizing the EU... and by extension the UK.
Power and wealth is fast being redirected from the EU... manufacturing... Germany in particular... relied on cheap Russian energy and resources... that now gets redirected to India, China, etc.
While production (jobs) move hastily out of the EU... the EU is taking in millions of migrants in search of support.
Fun times ahead for the EU... as reality comes crashing down on the ideology and idiocy that has driven the EU the last quarter century.Yep, Russia is doing just fine, lol.
What has the war in Ukraine cost Russia from 2022 to 2024
ChatGPT said:
From 2022 to 2024, the war in Ukraine has imposed significant costs on Russia across military, economic, diplomatic, and social dimensions:
1. Military Costs
Casualties:
Estimated Losses: Russia reportedly suffered heavy military casualties, with Ukrainian sources claiming 200,000–430,000 soldiers killed or wounded during the conflict, averaging several hundred casualties daily.
High casualties reflect the intense battles in regions like Bakhmut and along the southern and eastern fronts.
Equipment Losses:
Thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft have been destroyed or captured by Ukrainian forces.
Heavy depletion of advanced weapon systems and precision-guided missiles.
Conscription Strain:
The mobilization of hundreds of thousands of conscripts disrupted domestic life and strained resources for training and equipment.
2. Economic Costs
Sanctions and Revenue Declines:
Economic Growth:
Russia's GDP contracted in 2022 by 2.1%. While some recovery followed in 2023 due to oil revenue and domestic spending, growth remained stunted under continued sanctions.
Energy Revenue Losses: [Ukraine blew up a major oil refinery on Jan 11, 2025]
European countries reduced reliance on Russian gas, and price caps limited revenue. Exports to China and India increased but at discounted rates, causing long-term fiscal strain.
Foreign Investment Withdrawal:
Over 1,000 foreign companies exited the Russian market, leading to reduced capital, employment challenges, and loss of technology access.
Government Spending:
Defense expenditures skyrocketed, consuming an estimated 20-25% of the national budget by 2023. Daily spending on the war reportedly reached $300-$400 million.
To fund operations, Russia relied on borrowing, inflationary measures, and energy revenue, contributing to financial imbalances.
Inflation and Domestic Economics:
Initial inflation spikes and devaluation of the ruble in 2022 led to declining purchasing power and higher consumer costs.
Despite stabilization efforts, high-interest rates hampered economic growth.
3. Diplomatic and Strategic Costs
Isolation from the West
Russia faced extensive sanctions from the U.S., EU, and other allies, barring its financial institutions, technology imports, and significant energy markets.
International forums such as the G7 excluded Russia, and numerous bilateral relations deteriorated.
Shift in Alliances:
NATO expanded its presence near Russia, with Finland and Sweden joining the alliance.
The war strengthened partnerships between Ukraine and Western powers, undermining Russia's influence in the region.
China, while maintaining ties with Russia, leveraged its economic position to extract favorable trade terms, leaving Russia in a subordinate position.
4. Social Costs
Population and Workforce Losses:
Over 1 million Russians fled the country between 2022–2024 to avoid conscription or political repression, leading to a brain drain and labor shortages in critical sectors.
Civil unrest and protests emerged, especially during conscription waves in 2022 and 2023.
Living Standards:
Western sanctions contributed to reduced living standards for ordinary Russians, with limited access to imported goods, declining real wages, and stagnant economic opportunities.
Censorship and Repression:
Political dissenters were targeted under increasingly harsh laws, with a crackdown on free speech and media reinforcing domestic control.[Trump [probably will use his playbook for this]
5. Estimated Financial Cost of the War
Military Expenditures:
Total military spending on the war is estimated at $150–$200 billion by 2024, including weapons production, soldier salaries, and operations.
Economic Losses:
Direct sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign businesses have cost Russia hundreds of billions in lost trade, investments, and GDP growth.
6. Long-Term Impact
Economic Decline:
Russia's dependency on energy exports has deepened, with limited avenues for diversification or modernization.
Weakened Global Influence:
Russia's aggressive actions have diminished its role as a global power while bolstering the cohesion of NATO and EU allies. [Now that Trump is elected, he will probably rip that cohesion apart]
Internal Stability Risks:
Continued social and economic strain could lead to increased domestic unrest and political instability.
In summary, the costs to Russia from 2022–2024 span hundreds of billions of dollars, severe military losses, economic decline, and diplomatic isolation, leaving lasting damage to its economy and global position.
YEP, Russia is doing just great, ROFL. That said, I am sure Trump will do his best to prop up Russia.
As to BRICs this is what Trump says about that:
"n November 30, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump made a resounding statement on X, declaring that BRICS countries are moving away from the dollar “while we stand by and watch is OVER.” This statement’s timing not only came a month after dignitaries from thirty-six countries and six international organizations attended the sixteenth BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, but also doubled down that countries would “face 100 percent tariffs” whether they intended to replace the dollar with the BRICS currency or any other currency."
On the one hand Trump is going to help Putin, his friend, with things like Ukraine but on the other he is going to piss him off by attacking BRICs.Au contraire, contrary to what Musk would have you believe on ‘X’; the EU & UK are far from “diminishing and marginalizing”
FYI: In 2024, the EU has the 2nd largest GDP, 2nd to only the USA – with Germany 5th and the UK 7th e.g. the UK was 6th before Brexit.
1. USA GDP: $25.4 trillion.
2. EU GDP: $19.4 trillion
3. China: $14.7 trillion.
4. Japan: $4.3 trillion.
5. Germany: $3.9 trillion.
6. India: $3.4 trillion.
7. United Kingdom: $2.7 trillion.
8. France: $2.6 trillion.
Also, the top 10 strongest Currencies in 2025 – from strongest to the weakest are e.g. both the British Pound and the EU’s Euro are stronger than the USA Dollar.
1. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
2. Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
3. Omani Rial (OMR)
4. Jordan Dinar (JOD)
5. British Pound (GBP)
6. Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
7. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
8. Swiss Franc (CHF)
9. Euro (EUR)
10. United States Dollar (USD)
FYI the EU’s social “ideology” is more than the “quarter century” that you quote, the birth of the EU goes back 70 years; and the birth of socialism in the UK goes back 80 years.
But it still doesn’t alter the fact that “Elon Musk (who is extreme far-right) just doesn’t like the fact that the British people have chosen to democratically elect a socialist government.” E.g. with his consistent and vile attacks on the UK’s Labour (socialist) Prime Minister; nor Musk’s using his ‘X’ platform to “systematically spread vitriol across the European continent” attacking elected leaders with his lies and disinformation.Interesting data. EU's GDP position relative to China's surprised me.
Arthur, you are letting him off far to easy. So, what gives Musk the authority to criticize and have it taken seriously? Does his wealth confer greater insight and wisdom into the affairs of men? Besides being a greedy opportunist with enough gall to fill your English Channel, what are his qualifications for passing judgement on the peaceful and democratic governances in the U.K. and Western Europe? Regardless of what conservatives say, American politics proves that there is not necessarily a correlation between wealth and wisdom.
Without mentioning names, some will never openly admit to supporting fascism yet quietly advocate for it behind the curtain. They prove to be the most deceptive and dangerous among us.
The point is, Ken, is that Musk is an arrogant buffoon, who believes that he can control the world just because he has money. I despise people like that. Britain and the European continent do fine with their parliamentary democratic system. Who is Musk to criticize the will of their people and their selected leaders, just because he says they are inappropriate? So, he has attacked the British Prime Minister and the current German Chancellor.
What a huge embarrasment Trump is to America and he is not even President yet. After that, it will only get worse. This story is about the greatest CON man in American history hawking more of his wears as he conflates his business interests with politics. This time it is a gold--plated guitar with his name on it.
Along with being a criminal and sexual offender, this man has absolutely no shame. But apparently, those are the qualities MAGA needs, along with being the biggest liar in American history, to get their vote.
It is just sickening!!
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/08/politics … index.htmlHi Credence: Off Topic - But some good news:
My son, a professional photographer, has just been commissioned by the Bristol Museum, on behalf of the Princess Royal (HRH Princess Anne), to do a paid job early next month for charity; and he will be nipping over to the Museum next Wednesday, with his mother, for a ‘dress rehearsal’ e.g. the Royal Family does a lot of charity work.You must be proud, a son to be commissioned on behalf of Princess Anne as an official photographer. Not just anybody can receive this sort of recognition, I have to believe that he has the "right stuff"
Yes, we are very proud of our son.
Yep, Nathan (our son), is making a name for himself locally.
He started his photographic career after leaving University with a BA with Honours Degree in ‘Creative Media Practice’.
And in more recent years; following several years of study, he proudly obtained his LRPS (Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society), a qualification in Britain that recognizes a photographer's technical skill and high standard of work – A prestigious award that’s worth its weight in gold.
The RPS is one of the world's oldest photographic societies. It was founded in England in 1853, and received royal patronage from Queen Victoria that same year.
Princess Kate (Catherine, Princess of Wales) was made an honorary member of Royal Photographic Society in 2017: https://youtu.be/Hc-mez4409E
His bread and butter is Burlesque photography in a Bristol gay nightclub, including work of some of the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race, when they’ve been on tour in the UK; and meeting Conchita Wurst (Austrian drag queen and singer) when she was on tour in the UK in 2015, after winning the 2014 Eurovision Song. And Nathan also gets a lot of commission to do Boudoir photography.
The short (1 minute) video below is a promo of the nightclub where Nathan currently earns his bread and butter, a promo he was commissioned to make just after graduating from university - his name is in the credits at the end of the production. https://youtu.be/xCGkxAqrzoY Following that, the nightclub owner liked his style of photographer, and hired him (as a freelance photographer) – and the rest is history.
But he specialises in night-time photography, especially old churches (as they make great subjects for photography); although his macrophotography of insects on things like coasters and fridge magnets etc. is very popular with kids at the ‘Arts & Crafts’ stalls that he, with his mother, regularly run at various Bristol markets throughout the year.Do you know why Europe drops the word "the" in front of some nouns like University? For example, you said "leaving University" while we, or at least I would say "leaving the University".
I am wondering if things like "University" is a different class of words I wasn't taught about, or have forgotten.
Thinking more about it, how does the word "home", as in 'leavening home' different from "home" as in "is the home for rent?"You raise some interesting questions that I don’t know the answer to:
Interestingly, on asking Google I noticed that other Americans have asked the same question in a number of social media forums, but there doesn’t seem to be a satisfactory answers given!
All I know is that “the university” is bad grammar in British English; and in actual fact, when Brits are talking to each other we don’t even say “university” we say “uni”. Brits talking to each other would say for example “leaving uni”.
The only difference that I know of between the meaning of university in the USA and UK is that (unlike the USA) in the UK college and university are two completely different establishment e.g. in the UK students go to college from the age of 16 to 18 to get ‘Higher’ qualifications in preparation for university, and then to university from the age of 18 to get their ‘Degree’.
“Leavening home” is a word that I find perplexing; I can find no reference to it on Google, except for one reference in an American Official Document – so perhaps it’s an American word?Sorry, that was supposed to be "leaving home". Sometimes my fingers have a mind of their own.
I see you came up with another anomaly, at least in the way I say things. You wrote "UK students go to college ...", which is the way I would say it, and then "... and then to university ...". There, I feel compelled to say "and then to the university ...". I have no clue as to why I would draw a distinction between "college" and "university".
One of those great mysteries I suppose or, more likely, my poor use of grammar.Yeah I do that sometimes, even after proofreading what I write I sometimes let a typo slip through:
That reminds of when I first started work – the first thing I bought with my first wage packet (at the age of 16) was a portable typewriter – and in the case was a small ‘Teach Yourself to Touch Type’ Instruction Manual.
For the next six weeks I came home from work and spent an hour in the evenings working my way through the instruction manual – and after six weeks I could touch type (60 words a minute); a skill that has been invaluable throughout live – and which is still invaluable to this day.
Getting back to your previous question, where you said:
“Thinking more about it, how does the word "home", as in 'leaving home’ different from "home" as in "is the home for rent?"
Is that American grammar? E.g. in the UK we would never say "is the home for rent?” we would always say “is the house for rent” or “is the flat for rent” etc., we would never say “home” in that context.
RPS is interesting in the fact that its creation was so close to the development of photography itself. I confess that I don't know a great deal about photography Jacob Riis, Mathew Brandy or Ansel Adams are the big names in American photography of note and I an sure that there were more.
An interesting observation:-
• Photography was invented by a Frenchman in 1822.
• It didn’t start in Britain until 1839.
• The RPS was founded and given royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1853.
• But photography didn’t become common place in Britain until Kodak (an American company) launched the sale of his Kodak Brownie in England in 1900 for just 5 shillings (£0.25 - $0.30) – which s brought photography to the masses.
The most popular British professional photographer I know is David Bailey CBE (bon 1938), Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2001. I did communicate by email with David Bailey once, when I asked his permission to use one of his photos on my website – which I’m pleased to say he granted e.g. a photograph of a steam train named “The Bristolian”.Arthur, I do from the standpoint of history, look for the oldest daguerreotypes and tintypes out there, the 1822 photograph was hard to discern but the 1839 photo of the man attending to someone's shoes on the street was interesting, placing myself in the eyes of the photography to imagine the world that he recorded, not long after Napoleon Bonaparte was banished.
A stoic photograph was taken of the irascible John Quincy Adams in 1843, the first American President ever photographed. James K. Polk was the first American President photographed while in office, 1849. The first Presidential inauguration photograph was that of James Buchanan in 1857. I followed Mathew Brady into the Civil War while the technology was improving, bringing the savagery of the War for the nation to see.
I have seen and searched for pictures of reconstruction of the White House and Capitol building, as well as a window into regular people and themes during such an era, prior to the Civil War.
Photography leaves the rough edges and does not romanticize a figure as canvas and paint would.
When I was a kid, Dad bought a Polaroid land camera the boasted instant photography, that is if you were a chemist who could treat the photo with all the smelly chemicals around 1963, you could do it yourself. The phenomenon of photography made available for the masses occurred with the Kodak Brownie popularity here in a situation similar to yours across the pond at the turn of the last century.
Just ironic that Kodak never really got the hand of digital photography, so there is no Kodak or Polaroid anymore. But, I hear for professionals, some of the old techniques for photographs are still used by purists,Thanks for the comprehensive history of photography, and interesting read:
One of the oldest photos I have is a tintype family photo of very close American friends of my great-great grandfather – looking at the age of the child in the middle (Selina Middleton born 1855); I’m guessing the tintype photo was taken in the middle to late 1860s. The parents on either side are William Richard Middleton and Catherine Margaret Middleton.
My great-great grandfather (George Burgess, born 1829) lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, in America from 1845 to 1857; and while there became close friends with the Middleton family from Washington. William Richard Middleton: Captain in the 50 N.Y. Engineers, in company M for the Union Army fought in the civil war.
My great-great grandfather (George Burgess), who was born in 1829, Bristol, just a 5 minutes’ walk from where I live; on his return to England he stayed very close friends with the Middleton family in Washington, exchanging letters and photos – and he named his 2nd daughter, Catherine Middleton Burgess (born 1872), after his American friend, Catherine Middleton, born 1829.
Other early family photos I have include a photo of George Burgess’s 2nd wife, Eliza Knight (1844-1878), and a photo of George Burgess taken in 1889.
My first photo (as a kid) was half a bus e.g. an unsuccessful attempt to photograph a moving bus, resulting in only capturing the rear half of the bus on camera.
However, my son collects old cameras as a hobby, and now has a large collection of vintage cameras from 1903, including the Butchers Magic Lantern manufactured in England between 1914 and 1926. He also has the Eastman Kodak No 3a pocket b-3, manufactured from 1903 to 1915 in his collection.
Below, tintype photo of the Middleton family from Washington, America.
Below: William Richard Middleton: Captain in the 50 N.Y. Engineers, in company M for the Union Army fought in the civil war.
Below: Photo taken in 1889 of my great-great grandfather
Below: Reverse of the above photo
Speaking of Presidents, I went back and looked to see if there were any updates to Presidential rankings.
There are many ways to do this, but one of the most robust is to look at surveys conducted be respected organizations in the field. The three that consistently publish surveys are:
American Political Science Association (APSA) (2024)
C-SPAN (2022)
Siena College (2021)
Looking back in time there are other polls such as the Wall Street Journal, the Times (presumably the NYT), They stayed pretty much in agreement with the first three I listed.
I'll present the information in terms of quartiles so that people can't argue about a point here or a point there.
This is how APSA rated the Presidents in their 2024 poll; I will start with Roosevelt:
FDR - 1st Quartile
Truman - 1st Quartile
Eisenhower - 1st Quartile
Kennedy - 1st Quartile
LBJ - 1st Quartile
Nixon - 4th Quartile
Ford - 3rd Quartile
Carter - 2nd Quartile
Reagan - 2nd Quartile
GHW Bush - 2nd Quartile
Clinton - 2nd Quartile
GW Bush - 3rd Quartile
Obama - 1st Quartile
Trump - 4th Quartile
Biden - 2nd Quartile
This is how Siena's 2022 survey came out:
FDR - 1st Quartile
Truman - 1st Quartile
Eisenhower - 1st Quartile
Kennedy - 1st Quartile
LBJ - 1st Quartile
Nixon - 3rd Quartile
Ford - 3rd Quartile
Carter - 3rd Quartile
Reagan - 2nd Quartile
GHW Bush - 2nd Quartile
Clinton - 2nd Quartile
GW Bush - 4th Quartile
Obama - 1st Quartile
Trump - 4th Quartile
Biden - 2nd Quartile
This is how C-SPAN rated everyone:
FDR - 1st Quartile
Truman - 1st Quartile
Eisenhower - 1st Quartile
Kennedy - 1st Quartile
LBJ - 1st Quartile
Nixon - 3rd Quartile
Ford - 3rd Quartile
Carter - 2nd Quartile
Reagan - 1st Quartile
GHW Bush - 2nd Quartile
Clinton - 2nd Quartile
GW Bush - 3rd Quartile
Obama - 1st Quartile
Trump -4th Quartile
Biden - To early to rate
Clearly, the die is cast on how history will view these men.
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