Trump - 4 more years of this at least...

[pritch]

Hey pal!

I'm still celebrating. Also preparing for Vance 28 and Vance 32. Hopefully one day soon we can have a world government so we can get a proper leader instead of the piss weak center left and right candidates we unfortunately have here.

Just my view.
Dreams are free.

Vance might share your dream, although for anybody else it's more like a nightmare. The current plan seems to have DeSantis run in 28. As always though plan A is subject to change to plan B.

[pritch]

It seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree... Junior has dumped his 'fiance' for another woman. Having Kimberly Gargoyle hanging around DC could be a bad look so Trump has announced she will be ambassador to Greece. That'll get her out of the way. There is potential for the Greeks to take offence but they can seek solace from the fact that at least Trump isn't sending them a criminal. Unlike the ambassador he is sending to France.

[Grumph]

It is possible - and not uncommon - for a country to refuse an ambassador.

Both the nominees for France and Greece have histories which could see them declined.

I for one would love to see the French Coq grow a pair and stand up to the US

Alas it's likely to prove a hen....

[pritch]

Trump's lawyer has written to the NY AG requesting that she withdraw the prosecution against Trump for fraud. He pointed out that he is soon to be appointed US Solicitor General under Trump. She declined his kind offer. Trump has already been found guilty and fined just short of half a billion.

The fact that Trump is to be president has no bearing on any of this. This is not the prosecution of a sitting president. The events occurred before he was president and the prosecution is over, he was found guilty. The only reason the case is still current is his appeal.

[pritch]

It is possible - and not uncommon - for a country to refuse an ambassador.

Both the nominees for France and Greece have histories which could see them declined.

I for one would love to see the French Coq grow a pair and stand up to the US

Alas it's likely to prove a hen....




I had a browse and all I could find was this. None of which conflicts with your thoughts, apart from possibly the frequency with which it occurs.

"Once the White House has an official candidate, it informs the host-country of the selection and seeks agrément, or acceptance. Rarely denied, it’s usually the final step before the official announcement of the nomination."

[Kb2020dope]

Vance might share your dream, although for anybody else it's more like a nightmare. The current plan seems to have DeSantis run in 28. As always though plan A is subject to change to plan B.

He does, and I respect that everyone has different views.

Good point, I guess we will see what unfolds over the next couple of years

[Laava]

Alas it's likely to prove a hen....
You're talking about Vance right?

[Grumph]

You're talking about Vance right?


If it wears eyeliner......

[pritch]

Only the best people? Trump's picks for his administration just get better. Well more amusing anyway. His Middle East Envoy is to be Massad Boulos, a man of international experience according to Trump. Massad works as a salesman for a small truck sales company in Nigeria. The company is worth less than a million dollars but Massad has shares - $1.53 worth of shares. It would seem he has precisely zero experience as a diplomat.

So how would such an obscure person come to the attention of the president elect of the United States of America you may ask. It happens that Massad is the father in law of Tiffany Trump, Donald J Trump's first born. Some sources report Boulos is a billionaire and that he owns Boulos Enterprises, but other than having the same name, he has no involvement with or relationship to that business.

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/massad-boulos-trump-mideast-advisor.html

[Dean]

Only the best people? Trump's picks for his administration just get better. Well more amusing anyway. His Middle East Envoy is to be Massad Boulos, a man of international experience according to Trump. Massad works as a salesman for a small truck sales company in Nigeria. The company is worth less than a million dollars but Massad has shares - $1.53 worth of shares. It would seem he has precisely zero experience as a diplomat.

So how would such an obscure person come to the attention of the president elect of the United States of America you may ask. It happens that Massad is the father in law of Tiffany Trump, Donald J Trump's first born. Some sources report Boulos is a billionaire and that he owns Boulos Enterprises, but other than having the same name, he has no involvement with or relationship to that business.

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/massad-boulos-trump-mideast-advisor.html

That is not a news article, Pritch, that is a blog.

Lacks credible supporting information.

[husaberg]

That is not a news article, Pritch, that is a blog.

Lacks credible supporting information.
Reality is not your friend nor is it KBdopes

its written by an established news author on an established News site
https://www.theintelligencer.net/
https://mynewsonthego.com/wheeling/SignIn.aspx
Matt Stieb
Staff Writer, Intelligencer
Matt Stieb has been a staff writer for Intelligencer since 2019... he's also a staff witter for New York magazine. Prior to that he spend 2 years as a fact checker...
But hey don't go letting facts get in the way of your attempt to troll pritch.
Maybe you should print it out and get a sharpie and write Blog on it...

[pritch]

That is not a news article, Pritch, that is a blog.

Lacks credible supporting information.


If you actually Google it you'll find that newspapers all around the world are reporting the same story. You can take your pick. That's just the one I chose.

[sugilite]

All Hail To The New America

https://andys-kawasaki-zxr-zx7r-tribute-site.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/elump.jpg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhfvzxYXlBU

[Laava]

Queen Donald.
Off with her head!:nya:

[pritch]

Rolling Stone magazine have an important story on Trumps latest grift and he isn't even president yet. He is actively seeking donations to his "Inaugural Fund.' Basically there is no such thing as an inaugural fund but he has corporations queueing to pay the going rate of one million dollars. He has reportedly inquired by name as to whether various corporations have paid. The money just keeps rolling in. About 150 million so far. I can't post a link, it's behind a paywall.

Meanwhile there is grumbling in paradise. The demands of the tech bros who financed Trump's campaign are very different to the expectations of the MAGA types who voted for him. Simply put MAGA want immigrants out, tech bros want immigrants in.

Trump is threatening to take over several countries to a greater or lesser extent: Canada, Greenland, Panama, Mexico, and he is posting angry unhinged "Christmas" messages.

Nick Fuentes is questioning Vice President JD Vance's credentials as a white man, Vance has an Indian wife and his child has an Indian Christian name. Apparently that's not white enough for Fuentes.

Meanwhile Vance himself is doubtless studying the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

[pete376403]

Trump been taking ideas from the putin playbook, making noises about taking over the panama canal, making canada a US state and buying greenland (and good luck getting him to pay for it) Obviously another countries sovereignty matters little

[pritch]

Trump been taking ideas from the putin playbook, making noises about taking over the panama canal, making canada a US state and buying greenland (and good luck getting him to pay for it) Obviously another countries sovereignty matters little

Last Time around Trump wanted to send cruise missiles into Mexico to take out the cartel drug facilities. It was pointed out that sending missiles into another country would be an act of war. He replied that the US could just deny it was them. Who the Hell else could it be?

That is instructive though. When he was asked about if his tax details leaked, he just said he'd say they weren't his. It definitely seems he thinks he can say whatever he likes and some idiots will believe it. It seems there's no shortage of idiots.

[husaberg]

Last Time around Trump wanted to send cruise missiles into Mexico to take out the cartel drug facilities. It was pointed out that sending missiles into another country would be an act of war. He replied that the US could just deny it was them. Who the Hell else could it be?

That is instructive though. When he was asked about if his tax details leaked, he just said he'd say they weren't his. It definitely seems he thinks he can say whatever he likes and s̶o̶m̶e̶ ̶i̶d̶i̶o̶t̶s̶ Republican voters will believe it. It seems there's no shortage of i̶d̶i̶o̶t̶s̶.republican voters

I fixed a bit...;)

[pete376403]

Not exactly trumps fault but to be sure it's not going to get any better after inauguration

[Katman]

It seems there's no shortage of idiots.

This thread is a prime example.

[R650R]

Not exactly trumps fault but to be sure it's not going to get any better after inauguration

Some very interesting info and in depth article here showing you can’t really blame whose in power, oddly enough the highest number of incidents happened under Obama in the table supplied.

https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/presidents-and-mass-shootings

And here we have shooter demographics/warning signs etc

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings

[pete376403]

Some very interesting info and in depth article here showing you can’t really blame whose in power, oddly enough the highest number of incidents happened under Obama in the table supplied.

To me that is quite understandable - school shootings would probably be the domain of MAGA 2A supporters foaming at the mouth and expressing their outrage over the sheer audacity of a democrat, a BLACK democrat, occupying the whitehouse

[1/32 man]

Quote Originally Posted by pritch View Post
It seems there's no shortage of idiots.
This thread is a prime example.

You will have to explain that one...too cryptic for me.

[pritch]

There have been various studies of mass shootings and the perpetrators. One study some years back determined that the shooter almost always told people what they had in mind prior to the event. One problem with that is that there are also people who say they will but don't. Anyone who says something similar should be taken seriously.

One guy had repeatedly told his workmates that if he was ever fired he would come to work and shoot the place up. He was subsequently fired and the guys on the factory floor were on the lookout with escape routes planned. When he was seen approaching they put their plans into action. Nobody had mentioned any of this to the people in the office upstairs with fatal consequences for the people there.

Another study by a shooting products company found that a high percentage of mass shooters were on prescribed psychotropic drugs. Many were on Prozac. That might be worthy of further study. Of course whatever the outcome of such a study nothing would be done. Trump's latest is to tell people to get over it.

[TheDemonLord]

Last Time around Trump wanted to send cruise missiles into Mexico to take out the cartel drug facilities. It was pointed out that sending missiles into another country would be an act of war. He replied that the US could just deny it was them. Who the Hell else could it be?

That is instructive though. When he was asked about if his tax details leaked, he just said he'd say they weren't his. It definitely seems he thinks he can say whatever he likes and some idiots will believe it. It seems there's no shortage of idiots.

Let us entertain it for a moment:

Firstly - would taking out the Cartels with Cruise Missiles be a net-loss for Humanity? I dont think so.
Secondly - what is Mexico going to do?
Thirdly - It would be hilarious for Trump to do this at the press conference:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g5Hz17C4is

My only hesitation here is that the US has a nasty habit of starting Military action, winning the initial war and then having no clue how to rebuild a society.

I would not shed a tear at the US Military going and taking out the Cartels.

I would, however, shed a tear for the inevitable shit-show where the US failed to fill the vacuum of power, failed to deploy sufficient resources to stop insurgency attacks etc.

[TheDemonLord]

There have been various studies of mass shootings and the perpetrators. One study some years back determined that the shooter almost always told people what they had in mind prior to the event. One problem with that is that there are also people who say they will but don't. Anyone who says something similar should be taken seriously.

One guy had repeatedly told his workmates that if he was ever fired he would come to work and shoot the place up. He was subsequently fired and the guys on the factory floor were on the lookout with escape routes planned. When he was seen approaching their put their plans into action. Nobody had mentioned any of this to the people in the office upstairs with fatal consequences for the people there.

Another study by a shooting products company found that a high percentage of mass shooters were on prescribed psychotropic drugs. Many were on Prozac. That might be worthy of further study. Of course whatever the outcome of such a study nothing would be done. Trump's latest is to tell people to get over it.

The latter part is something of particular interest.

If we could treat the cause and not the symptom, that would be ideal.

[sugilite]

Crikey, these days I'm thinking the musk thread should be merged with this one.

So just before Christmas, the demonstratively most unproductive congress in history actually had a bipartisan bill ready to sign, to be sent off for bidens signature to keep the Government going for a few months longer. So what stopped this rare act of the congress doing their job? Well that would be Elon Musk stepping and reminding the magamob they now work for him as he had purchased the election for them. He used his social media channel to interfere with the US Government by telling them the bill was naff, and he then went on to let them know if they did not fall in line with his orders, he would finance primaries against all of them - essentially firing them. amusingly trump only got in on it much later in the day once he had finished golf.
Enough of the congress magamob followed the new bosses instructions and tanked the bill. They did pass a replacement bill, just without provisions like researching children's cancer. Elons saving money methods are off to a fab start.

Musk was just getting warmed up, because he got into a scrap with the far right maga mob on his twitter platform and ended up restricting a bunch of their accounts. Mr free speech absolutest shining bright.
Add to that he clearly demonstrated in numerous tweets that he views the maga voters as surplus to requirements now have done their voting job, and is showing them they can all fuck off now.

I still admire a lot of what musk has achieved. However he raised my eyebrows when he called the Thai cave rescue guy a pedophile for the act of daring to decline musks kind offer as the submersible as he explained - it was not suited to this type of caves rescue mission.
I noticed his trolling bent when he would mess with crypto values with mischievous tweets. I realized then, he does not give one shit about other people when it comes to his amusements.
Combine that with the kind of temperament that can fire 500 employees over a petty point towards a senior manger, then rehire most of them again over the next few weeks - totally turning these peoples lives upside down.
so when elon is not offering to finance Stamer in the UK, and writing op eds in German newspapers explaining to the Germans only the far right party can save them - he also has the burden of slashing a claimed 2 trillion off the US government spending. Problem is, he can only have an influence over a certain percentage of government spending with large allotments such as defense spending are out of his scope to change. So that pretty much leaves social services. how fucking entirely predictable.

I genuinely feel sorry for a large block of trump middle class voters as they were sold a incredibly well crafted fairy tale of how trump had their backs leading up to the election. Now an unelected Billionaire with empathy issues is about to royally fuck their lives. Poor cunts.

[1/32 man]

Good write up, Sugilite.

I like how you worked up to an excellent ending of your statement using an excellent choice of words...simply poetic even.

[pete376403]

The next four years summed up in one picture (note - NOT AI, this is from a news report https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7qd97eyp0o )

[pritch]

It was reported that this vehicle and the one used in New Orleans were rented from the same company Turo. Turo is not a rental car company as such. It's a peer to peer app like Airbnb for cars. Who knew? And why would you?

In an indication of his intent Trump has announced an appointment to a new position. He has appointed a White House Executive Producer. His presidency is going to be run like a reality television show.

[Laava]

It was reported that this vehicle and the one used in New Orleans were rented from the same company Turo. Turo is not a rental car company as such. It's a peer to peer app like Airbnb for cars. Who knew? And why would you?

In an indication of his intent Trump has announced an appointment to a new position. He has appointed a White House Executive Producer. His presidency is going to be run like a reality television show.
Like Dr Phil? Or David Letterman? Maybe the Coen brothers. Yes more like them. Or Tarantino….

[onearmedbandit]

It was reported that this vehicle and the one used in New Orleans were rented from the same company Turo. Turo is not a rental car company as such. It's a peer to peer app like Airbnb for cars. Who knew? And why would you?

.

Doug Demuro (YT car reviewer and owner of Cars and Bids) has been using them for years and raves about them. Pretty well known app in America, but yeah you wouldn't know about them here unless you've watched his or other users vids. As I mentioned in the Elon thread the driver apparently shot himself in the head before the 'rudimentary explosive' was detonated. I've read elsewhere that his wife had posted some anti-MAGA posts online too.

[R650R]

An interesting little sidetrack. Biden is awarding presidential medal of freedom to Hillary Clinton, bono and George soros.In the link below you can see who trump and others made awards to, guess it’s a bit like our knighthoods and new years honours list.

https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf

[Kickaha]

An interesting little sidetrack. Biden is awarding presidential medal of freedom to Hillary Clinton, bono and George soros.]

He's got to be doing that to take the piss, it'll have the Magatards frothing at the mouth

[TheDemonLord]

He's got to be doing that to take the piss, it'll have the Magatards frothing at the mouth

More likely he doesnt have the first clue as to what he is doing and his handlers are appeasing their masters.

[sugilite]

Yeah, and I hear he is talking about using economic force to make canada a state, buy greenland even though it is not for sale and wants the panama canal back, oh wait, that is the other fucktard.

[nerrrd]

Meanwhile I'm looking forward to the US invasions of Panama and Europe (via Greenland) (https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/360542099/trump-refuses-rule-out-use-military-force-take-control-greenland-and-panama-canal)...

Also if anybody gets around to telling him Canada is actually a federation, and if he goes after the provinces one at a time he can get the US up to 60 states, a much bigger number than 51, can we look forward to the US Air Force dropping plane-loads of pamphlets over Canadian soil encouraging the locals to revolt?

Can't wait for the inauguration.

[neels]

He's got to be doing that to take the piss, it'll have the Magatards frothing at the mouth

More likely he doesnt have the first clue as to what he is doing and his handlers are appeasing their masters.

He might be a bit slow when he's speaking, but I suspect he's still plenty sharp enough in the thinking department.

biden-offshore-drilling-ban (https://apnews.com/article/biden-offshore-drilling-trump-florida-atlantic-pacific-aa26f50e158fd4f9c24d368898244dce)

[Kickaha]

More likely he doesnt have the first clue as to what he is doing and his handlers are appeasing their masters.

The mythical handlers appeasing what masters ? the Global elite ? the Freemasons? the Illuminati ?

[TheDemonLord]

The mythical handlers appeasing what masters ? the Global elite ? the Freemasons? the Illuminati ?

I mean, I dont like to invoke him - but the fact that George Soros got an award...

However to answer the What Masters question: There are a number of people who share a utopian vision of the future, who sincerely believe that they could make a perfect world if everyone just did as they bid.

The WEF is an example of one such institution, Stalinda and Trudeau implementing curiously identical policies, rubbing shoulders with curiously the same people, being invited to curiously the same functions and holding curiously similar beliefs.

There are other institutions that display similar behaviors.

Do I believe it is a formal conspiracy, run in a secluded chamber where people sit around smoking cigars and laughting maniacally - No.
Do I believe that there are people who have gone through the same University indoctrination, have a priori similar views and beliefs, align with people that also share those goals and so coalesce around a number of similar ideas - Yes.

And the fact that Hilary Clinton and George Soros recieved Medals seems a pretty clear indication that someone was trying to sway some favor with those people.

[TheDemonLord]

He might be a bit slow when he's speaking, but I suspect he's still plenty sharp enough in the thinking department.

biden-offshore-drilling-ban (https://apnews.com/article/biden-offshore-drilling-trump-florida-atlantic-pacific-aa26f50e158fd4f9c24d368898244dce)

All I see is more vindictiveness at a treasounous administration trying to pour as many poisoned Chalices as they can before they are ousted.

[TheDemonLord]

Yeah, and I hear he is talking about using economic force to make canada a state, buy greenland even though it is not for sale and wants the panama canal back, oh wait, that is the other fucktard.

I agree....

NZ should be the 51st state.

Bring on the US Constitution!

[sugilite]

Great Idea, they don't seem to be using it anymore :bleh:

[Kickaha]

And the fact that Hilary Clinton and George Soros recieved Medals seems a pretty clear indication that someone was trying to sway some favor with those people.

I think it was squarely aimed at Trump and his followers as a big Fuck you and not trying to favour anyone

[pritch]

Last go round Trump awarded Presidential Medals Of Freedom to Jim Jordan and Rush Limbaugh. Two nastier arseholes would be hard to find.

[TheDemonLord]

Last go round Trump awarded Presidential Medals Of Freedom to Jim Jordan and Rush Limbaugh. Two nastier arseholes would be hard to find.

Hilary Clinton and George Soros, Objectively are nastier.

[pritch]

Hilary Clinton and George Soros, Objectively are nastier.

Only if your moral compass is seized.

[TheDemonLord]

Only if your moral compass is seized.

You think Hilary Clinton is a more moral person?

[pritch]

You think Hilary Clinton is a more moral person?

No not at all. She was a bulshit artist. She was total class compared to a hate monger and an alleged abuse enabler though.

[Dean]

The worlds most profound idiot. And the most laughed at. In global circles.

He still has his followers though. They are as stupid as the clown himself. Captain 'Bone spurs' . The man that claimed he had the 'Biggest brain in the world'

When , clearly , he has the mental maturity of a 9 year old boy. God help the USA.

And the people that follow him. Stupid is as Stupid does , I guess.

I don't do stupid. TheDemon Lord and people like him do though.

Give me a break.

Trump was voted in as president in the 2024 election by a landslide.
So comments like “worlds most laughed at” are not congruent with the real world results and therefore entirely subjective IMO.

Lay off the turps before posting on here mate.

[Laava]

The worlds most profound idiot. And the most laughed at. In global circles.

He still has his followers though. They are as stupid as the clown himself. Captain 'Bone spurs' . The man that claimed he had the 'Biggest brain in the world'

When , clearly , he has the mental maturity of a 9 year old boy. God help the USA.

And the people that follow him. Stupid is as Stupid does , I guess.

I don't do stupid. TheDemon Lord and people like him do though.

Give me a break.
Yep, a couple of years into his first term, he trotted off to some global stage, might be the one where he arrogantly elbowed his way to the front for a photo session, and started brashly proclaiming his biglyness and all the other leaders all laughed at the stupid cunt. He didn't get it then either how little he is thought of by the worlds leaders…

https://youtu.be/Sr0DA1eBYSc

[pritch]

Trump was voted in as president in the 2024 election by a landslide.
So comments like “worlds most laughed at” are not congruent with the real world results and therefore entirely subjective IMO.

Lay off the turps before posting on here mate.

Somebody should lay off the turps. Your landslide was actually a modest margin of 1.62%. Sure Trump claimed it was a landslide but that's for the benefit of his base. He loves the poorly educated because they believe him.

Currently he's talking of invading Canada, Greenland and Panama. His ignorance of history is monumental or he would know that the US invaded Canada previously - and he'd know how that ended.

The latest insanity from Trump is that he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico. He wants to call it the Gulf of America. I wonder if this sudden urge will extend to renaming New Mexico. He could call it Puebla Land but…

[HenryDorsetCase]

Somebody should lay off the turps. Your landslide was actually a modest margin of 1.62%. Sure Trump claimed it was a landslide but that's for the benefit of his base. He loves the poorly educated because they believe him.

Currently he's talking of invading Canada, Greenland and Panama. His ignorance of history is monumental or he would know that the US invaded Canada previously - and he'd know how that ended.

The latest insanity from Trump is that he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico. He wants to call it the Gulf of America. I wonder if this sudden urge will extend to renaming New Mexico. He could call it Puebla Land but…

I heard he was going to sell Texas back to Mehico so as to alleviate the border wall problem, and get money for buying Canadia.

Even in their current state, in my role as shadow Secretary of State, my advice to the God Emperor would be don't fuck with Canada. They will fuck your shit right up.

[pritch]

All I see is more vindictiveness at a treasounous administration trying to pour as many poisoned Chalices as they can before they are ousted.

Nah. That was Trump when he released 5,000 Taliban before he left office. Plus he left other fish hooks all over the place. He had no right to expect anything different this time around.

[TheDemonLord]

No not at all. She was a bulshit artist. She was total class compared to a hate monger and an alleged abuse enabler though.

Let us not forget the dead bodies in Benghazi.

And I would keep real quite about alleged abuse enabling when comparing to Hilary.

[TheDemonLord]

Yep, a couple of years into his first term, he trotted off to some global stage, might be the one where he arrogantly elbowed his way to the front for a photo session, and started brashly proclaiming his biglyness and all the other leaders all laughed at the stupid cunt. He didn't get it then either how little he is thought of by the worlds leaders…

Howd that all turn out for them...

Oh right - eating humble pie when he was proved right.

[1/32 man]

Howd that all turn out for them...

Oh right - eating humble pie when he was proved right.

He was proved right about what?

If you were waiting in line and I barged in front of you your immediate impression of me would be what?

Sorry but I cant ignore

[Kickaha]

The latest insanity from Trump is that he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico. He wants to call it the Gulf of America. I wonder if this sudden urge will extend to renaming New Mexico. He could call it Puebla Land but…

The Mexican President has come back with an old map which shows the USA called "America Mexicana"


.

Even in their current state, in my role as shadow Secretary of State, my advice to the God Emperor would be don't fuck with Canada. They will fuck your shit right up.

Apparently they call the Geneva conventions the "Geneva suggestions"

[TheDemonLord]

He was proved right about what?

If you were waiting in line and I barged in front of you your immediate impression of me would be what?

Sorry but I cant ignore

He warned them about Russia, he warned them they needed to increase their defense spend. The Scoffed at him.

Time showed he was correct.

[Dean]

He was proved right about what?

If you were waiting in line and I barged in front of you your immediate impression of me would be what?

Sorry but I cant ignore

So in this instance you would be a dole bludger, a WINZ beneficiary, angry that the man who funds a big part of your lifestyle wants some recognition.

America contributes 70% of the financial and military contributions to NATO, that’s 30 countries, contributing more than Italy, Germany, UK and France combined. And what thanks do they get? Tell me what the tangible return on investment to the US is in detail?

Last I checked many of those countries are sucking up to Trump for funding and security guarantees in light of the Russia & China threat.

And who is one of the largest lenders globally (not just NATO) when you combine its government lending, financial institutions and its role in global financial markets?

Trump saw through the BS and is finally advocating, no, enforcing, that the US get a fair return and establish their rightful equity of power which they paid for.

[pritch]

Let us not forget the dead bodies in Benghazi.

And I would keep real quite about alleged abuse enabling when comparing to Hilary.

If you know something about Hillary and child abuse let's hear it. I sincerely hope you aren't going to bring up the basement in the pizza place.

Apropos of Benghazi, no less than ten inquiries found no fault against Clinton. On one occasion she gave evdence for something like eleven hours without once invoking the fifth amendment. Compare that to any member of the Trump crime clan.

After all that anybody bringing up Benghazi is casting doubt on their own cognitive capability.

[pritch]

So in this instance you would be a dole bludger, a WINZ beneficiary, angry that the man who funds a big part of your lifestyle wants some recognition.


WTF are you on about? Trump pushed the Prime Minister of Montenegro aside. Montenegro was not then a member of Nato. They are now though because Putin's invasion of Ukraine made Nato membership much more attractive.

Look at this tiny man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZIUFf6nQIA

[Dean]

WTF are you on about? Trump pushed the Prime Minister of Montenegro aside. Montenegro was not then a member of Nato. They are now though because Putin's invasion of Ukraine made Nato membership much more attractive.

Look at this tiny man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZIUFf6nQIA

So you meant to say, Montenegro arrived at a US funded party as a freeloader, contributing nothing, to be the centre of attention in the photo?

Let’s also not forget the amount of financial and military aid given to Montenegro by the US, including trumps administration playing the most pivotal role in their ascension into NATO to protect them of the looming geographical threats.

Seriously though mate, we’re a bunch of grown adults talking about a light “shove”. Really? You get that shopping at Costco.

[pritch]

So you meant to say, Montenegro arrived at a US funded party as a freeloader, contributing nothing, to be the centre of attention in the photo?


No, that's silly. Trump would like to break Nato up because that's what Putin wants him to do and Trump is Putin's boy. He uses the excuse that Nato countries aren't paying. Putin's invasion of Ukraine caused Nato member States to up their military spending.

[TheDemonLord]

If you know something about Hillary and child abuse let's hear it. I sincerely hope you aren't going to bring up the basement in the pizza place.

There is as much evidence that Hilary abused Children as there is that Jim Jordan did. Which is to say, none at all.

The accusation is that Jim should have known about someone else abusing children - but there is sufficient evidence to show he did not know.


Apropos of Benghazi, no less than ten inquiries found no fault against Clinton. On one occasion she gave evdence for something like eleven hours without once invoking the fifth amendment. Compare that to any member of the Trump crime clan.

After all that anybody bringing up Benghazi is casting doubt on their own cognitive capability.

Still more dead bodies than Jim Jordan or Rush Limbaugh.

[TheDemonLord]

No, that's silly. Trump would like to break Nato up because that's what Putin wants him to do and Trump is Putin's boy. He uses the excuse that Nato countries aren't paying. Putin's invasion of Ukraine caused Nato member States to up their military spending.

I dont think Trump wants to actually break up NATO - but he has said at length that he is annoyed at NATO member states not spending their agreed amount of GDP on defense

Trump warned the NATO members before Putins invasion that they needed to do this.

Seems to me that if they had heeded Trumps warning, then there is a good chance that the invasion does not happen.

[pritch]

There is as much evidence that Hilary abused Children as there is that Jim Jordan did. Which is to say, none at all.

The accusation is that Jim should have known about someone else abusing children - but there is sufficient evidence to show he did not know.



Still more dead bodies than Jim Jordan or Rush Limbaugh.

Again you have to resort absurd mental gymnastics to try and prove your point. Jordan's students said they told him and his response was to giggle. There are other specific details mentioned but I suspect you already know them.

Zero dead bodies attributed to Hillary despite ten enquiries and eleven hours of testimony.

Give it up.

[Laava]

How much of americas "foreign aid" is actually just them building an american military base in someone elses country? Or supplying arms where they should not be interfering?
*steps back satisfied that another multi-week tangent has been opened*

[TheDemonLord]

Again you have to resort absurd mental gymnastics to try and prove your point. Jordan's students said they told him and his response was to giggle. There are other specific details mentioned but I suspect you already know them.

Zero dead bodies attributed to Hillary despite tens enquiries and eleven hours of testimony.

Give it up.

Some students claimed that.

Some politically motivated students.

All the other students and faculty members gave a version of events that disputed this.

As for Hillary - I do not dispute there were enquiries or testimony, I just dispute their efficacy.

I mean, not like she doesnt have a long and storied history of lying through her teeth to advance her political career.

(That is a Monica Lewinsky reference)

[TheDemonLord]

How much of americas "foreign aid" is actually just them building an american military base in someone elses country? Or supplying arms where they should not be interfering?
*steps back satisfied that another multi-week tangent has been opened*

It is actually more interesting than that.

Much of it is re-stocking the US own Military stores.

It works something like this - almost all equipment has a shelf-life, say the US was to give $100,000,000 in aid to a foreign country - what they do is:

Donate a bunch of equipment that is close to expiring
Spend the amount donated on buying new equipment from the usual suspects (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin etc.)
Put the brand new equipment into the US Military inventory

[Stylo]

It is actually more interesting than that.

Much of it is re-stocking the US own Military stores.

It works something like this - almost all equipment has a shelf-life, say the US was to give $100,000,000 in aid to a foreign country - what they do is:

Donate a bunch of equipment that is close to expiring
Spend the amount donated on buying new equipment from the usual suspects (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin etc.)
Put the brand new equipment into the US Military inventory

I'd like to know a bit more detail about Donald's plans on using warfare to take back the Panama canal. His strategy on taking over Greenland ?( a Nato ally ) And, his plans on making Canada another state of the USA ? It's a Sovereign

country . It's like making New Zealand another state of the USA. Or, Australia.

Also, I'd like to know how he will go about re-naming the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America' . He said it, he spoke about it at length. So, how will he do all of these things and, when will it happen ?

He's the President elect. I'm sure my questions will be easy to answer for those more aligned to Trump than I am.











https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QVK1cFqQs

[Dean]

No, that's silly. Trump would like to break Nato up because that's what Putin wants him to do and Trump is Putin's boy. He uses the excuse that Nato countries aren't paying. Putin's invasion of Ukraine caused Nato member States to up their military spending.

Trump simply called out the dole bludgers of the NATO alliance, in particular those who continually failed to meet their individual defence spending commitments under the NATO rules and regulations (% of GDP), without any serious infractions, letting Trump pick up the bill.

According to NATO’s Article 5, the US are obligated to come to any members defence when under attack. Geographically and politically, this is unlikely to take place in the US, smaller nations like Montenegro benefit from a US funded and protected alliance.

Trump would never remove the US from NATO - the military industrial complex would not allow it & neither would myself and many other Americans who hold millions of dollars of shares in Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

[Kickaha]

I just dispute their efficacy.

Your standard practice no matter what

[husaberg]

Trump simply called out the dole bludgers of the NATO alliance, in particular those who continually failed to meet their individual defence spending commitments under the NATO rules and regulations (% of GDP), without any serious infractions, letting Trump pick up the bill.

According to NATOÂ’s Article 5, the US are obligated to come to any members defence when under attack. Geographically and politically, this is unlikely to take place in the US, smaller nations like Montenegro benefit from a US funded and protected alliance.

Trump would never remove the US from NATO - the military industrial complex would not allow it & neither would myself and many other Americans who hold millions of dollars of shares in Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.


This is some funny stuff troll.


Trump doesn't pick up the Bill. Nato spending is Nato spending. it's not a meal where its cost x dollars and if it comes up short trump has to pay the difference.....
NATO article 5 Actually obliges all members to come to the aid of the other not just the USA.:killingme
The fact you tried to manipulate this to be only a US issue is pretty funny, or a reflection on your lack of intelligence, or both.

if you actually have a look at a map A lot of Nato members are further away from Russia than the USA is. In fact most are multi countries apart compare to the adjoining USA and Canada.
Most of the US spending its directly on themselves to protect itself from a Russian attack not to protect Europe.
The US has arms and troops not to protect Europe but for training and to project power.

for instance let's look at troop numbers


In total, NATO has around 3.5 million soldiers and personnel. The United States has only 1.33 million of those troops.
so that means they are providing more troops then the US is far far more in fact.

Not only that trump seemed to forget that Europe provides facilities for US bases.
Lets see the Yanks if they had to send their personal back from Europe
11 years ago the Pentagon stated NATO Allies covered 34 percent of the United States’ European basing costs, worth $2.5 billion annually. imagine the cost now.
Trump forgot to add that in....
Defence analysts say It would cost us more money to bring the troops home than to keep them in Europe.
Not only that the US military is well know for inefficient spending.
So why does the dollars matter if a billion of us spending doesn't add equivalent value to 500 million spending from France.
Not to mention most of the land area NATO protects is in the USA.
The United States is 9,833,517 square kilometres in total area
Yet the entire EU area is only the European Union's (EU) land area was 3,996,695 square kilometres in 2022.

Anyway, Keep up the mediocre trolling.

[Dean]

This is some funny stuff troll.

But If my opinions on Trump were considered trolling to you - by your own accord you just played yourself into devoting your time and energy in an attempt to disprove me with novels of your own research, no?:yes:

Time you could have spent with your family, gone for a bike ride etc.

If you can muster the self control to have a respectful debate - I can reply to your points.;)

[husaberg]

But If my opinions on Trump were considered trolling to you - by your own accord you just played yourself into devoting your time and energy in an attempt to disprove me with novels of your own research, no?':yes:

Time you could have spent with your family, gone for a bike ride etc.

If you can muster the self control to have a respectful debate - I can reply to your points.;)
You are more likely to express milk than a well considered opinion.
You can't debate otherwise you would. You just run, hide and deflect. or even funnier attempt to puff your chest out and bluster.
You don't seem to understand you are not eliciting anger or any emotional response other than pity. You also don't understand embarrassing trolls like you has its own rewards as it's funny. No one is buying your act. A little energy is being devoted towards you. Just like in life on KB you are pretty much mediocre and irrelevant.
when you get over your own emotional feel free to embarrass yourself further by offering your rebuttal or more of "your own opinions"

[Dean]

You are more likely to express milk than a well considered opinion.
You can't debate otherwise you would. You just run, hide and deflect. or even funnier attempt to puff your chest out and bluster.
You don't seem to understand you are not eliciting anger or any emotional response other than pity. You also don't understand embarrassing trolls like you has its own rewards as it's funny. No one is buying your act. A little energy is being devoted towards you. Just like in life on KB you are pretty much mediocre and irrelevant.
when you get over your own emotional feel free to embarrass yourself further by offering your rebuttal or more of "your own opinions"

Errr ok…..is everything good at home/work? Are you ok?

No need to reply to me past midnight, or at all - spend that time doing productive things. Work on the bike, study some books etc. There is no pressure to respond to this either btw so don’t feel compelled to.

Now back to the topic of the thread - unfortunately, I have now put you on ignore (or some call it neutering a person these days?) anyways I will resume my good and respectful conversations with multiple other good relevant folks and friends on here re Trump and many other topics. That is the beauty of freedom on KB.

Take care,
Dean.

[sugilite]

So in this instance you would be a dole bludger, a WINZ beneficiary, angry that the man who funds a big part of your lifestyle wants some recognition.

Wholesale disparaging remarks towards beneficiaries as a whole aside, you do realize it is not trump personally paying the bill eh? For the record, I do feel these nato countries should be paying what they agreed upon.


Trump simply called out the dole bludgers of the NATO alliance, in particular those who continually failed to meet their individual defence spending commitments under the NATO rules and regulations (% of GDP), without any serious infractions, letting Trump pick up the bill.
And again. It is almost as if you see trump as a dictator!


Trump would never remove the US from NATO - the military industrial complex would not allow it & neither would myself and many other Americans who hold millions of dollars of shares in Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
You don't know what trump would do. And here is that odd "I'm an american" stuff coming from you again! huh? I also find it so odd that a christian would invest in shares of companies that produce weapons designed to kill people. If Jesus came back to the planet, do you think he would advocate for investment in war weapons companies?


But If my opinions on Trump were considered trolling to you - by your own accord you just played yourself into devoting your time and energy in an attempt to disprove me with novels of your own research, no?:yes:

If you can muster the self control to have a respectful debate - I can reply to your points.;)
There were extremely good points in that research, but you appear to have taken the snowflake off ramp to avoid having to answer some hard questions?


Errr ok…..is everything good at home/work? Are you ok?

No need to reply to me past midnight, or at all - spend that time doing productive things. Work on the bike, study some books etc. There is no pressure to respond to this either btw so don’t feel compelled to.
I have to ask - you and your conjoined brother dope seem to feel you both have this mandate and mana to layout terms and rules of engagement and reply. You both make suggestions on how people should be otherwise spending their time while you yourselves are doing pretty much the same thing - huh?


Now back to the topic of the thread - unfortunately, I have now put you on ignore (or some call it neutering a person these days?) anyways I will resume my good and respectful conversations with multiple other good relevant folks and friends on here re Trump and many other topics. That is the beauty of freedom on KB.

Take care,
Dean.
Well, as long as your rules are followed eh Dean?


It is a real shame that trump has turned the gop into a party of wailing snowflakes. What a stark contrast this last jan 6th was over the last one. Despite 50 lost court challenges and zero proof the election was stolen, the gop wailed and cried, then continued to do so for 4 year. Contrast that with the dems last week, they stoically backed the election results and certified it with no wailing or crying to be seen. I don't have much respect for the dems or like that many of their policies, however they still have a certain amount of class. Where as the gop are just the party of trump dick suckers and arsehole lickers.

[TheDemonLord]

for instance let's look at troop numbers


Lets not, lets look at Military spending as a percentage of GDP and all those NATO countries who spend less than 2 percent.

[TheDemonLord]

I'd like to know a bit more detail about Donald's plans on using warfare to take back the Panama canal. His strategy on taking over Greenland ?( a Nato ally ) And, his plans on making Canada another state of the USA ? It's a Sovereign

country . It's like making New Zealand another state of the USA. Or, Australia.

Also, I'd like to know how he will go about re-naming the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America' . He said it, he spoke about it at length. So, how will he do all of these things and, when will it happen ?

He's the President elect. I'm sure my questions will be easy to answer for those more aligned to Trump than I am.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QVK1cFqQs

If I ask you for a billion dollars, then we negotiate down to say just $10,000,000 - you think you have done a great job in negotiating me down - but if I only wanted $1,000,000 I have done a great job in getting what I want.

I will be honest - the Greenland one is a bit odd, some military commentators have suggested it is (again) about getting European countries to take their defence seriously, others have pointed to historical concerns about Greenland as a strategic interest of the US.

I am waiting to see what comes of this.

Same with Canada.

The Gulf of America is just hilarious. Afterall, it is the Falkland Islands, not the malvinas or whatever.

[TheDemonLord]

Your standard practice no matter what

Usually because they are more about political theatre than any attempt at truth finding.

[sugilite]

The whole trump Canada, Greenland, Panama canal thing is trumps way of keeping the spotlight on him, and off musk.

[TheDemonLord]

Contrast that with the dems last week, they stoically backed the election results and certified it with no wailing or crying to be seen. I don't have much respect for the dems or like that many of their policies, however they still have a certain amount of class.

It is easier to look magnanimous in defeat when it has been complete.

I am still curious to where the ~7 Million passionate voters for Biden went in 4 years. They disapeared almost as if they never existed. The results of the 2024 election have confirmed my belief that the 2020 election was abnormal.

[TheDemonLord]

The whole trump Canada, Greenland, Panama canal thing is trumps way of keeping the spotlight on him, and off musk.

To be fair - Musk currently has been ripping UK Labour to shreds over the grooming gang scandals - and I am 100 percent here for it.

I dunno, I am happy.

[sugilite]

*Correction, 4+ years of baseless wailing over the fake "stolen election" premise. And in the meantime, trumps old puckered arsehole remains spotless. :rolleyes:

[sugilite]

To be fair - Musk currently has been ripping UK Labour to shreds over the grooming gang scandals - and I am 100 percent here for it.

I dunno, I am happy.

How did the tories deal with these 10 year old allegations while they were in power?

[pritch]

Trump simply called out the dole bludgers of the NATO alliance, in particular those who continually failed to meet their individual defence spending commitments under the NATO rules and regulations (% of GDP), without any serious infractions, letting Trump pick up the bill.

<snip>

Trump would never remove the US from NATO - the military industrial complex would not allow it & neither would myself and many other Americans who hold millions of dollars of shares in Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

It seems you have made the basic mistake of believing Trump's alternate facts. Yes he did call out the bludgers, but since Putin started misbehaving the Nato countries have been paying up. That won't make Trump change his story though.

If Putin wants the US out of Nato Trump will make it happen.

[TheDemonLord]

How did the tories deal with these 10 year old allegations while they were in power?

There are two sides to this.

The first is the obvious fact: Abysmmally. The Tories have been an utter disapointment, I had high hopes for Boris - he was terrible and everyone else has been a wet blanket.

The second, though, is much more nuanced.

It seems some people in the Tories did try and get some progress on this - Suella Braverman or Priti Patel IIRC tried to get the Ethnicity of offenders recorded and they were stalled, stymied and blocked by the Home Office and the Civil Service.

Now, even if that is true - the fact that when the Tories had an overwhelming majority, they didnt just update the rules on Government Employees and fire the entire lot of them that opposed attempts to deal with the problem (will get there in a minute) - means that point 1 still *very* much applies.

There is something rotten at the heart of the British Beaurocracy - and it will either be resolved at the ballot box, or there will be a revolt of sorts.

Edit:

For thos interested, there is a definite issue of Class at work here - whereby Working Class people (who are directly affected by the problems) describe the issue in ways that seem Racist to the Middle and Upper Classes of the UK.

I saw a US commentator pointing out that Douglas Murray and Tommy Robinson essentially say the same thing on the Grooming Gang issue - yet one is persona non-grata and the other still gets to appear on the BBC.

Then you have historical issues, such as the River of Blood speech (which some might call prophetic) and other hang-ups whereby for the fear of appearance of potential Racism and for fear of daring to speak out against non-British cultures and cultural practices and dare to assert British Values as the domininant values in Britain - they have been browbeaten into inaction.

[TheDemonLord]

It seems you have made the basic mistake of believing Trump's alternate facts. Yes he did call out the bludgers, but since Putin started misbehaving the Nato countries have been paying up. That won't make Trump change his story though.

If Putin wants the US out of Nato Trump will make it happen.

Just one question:

Why werent they paying up before Putin started misbehaving?

[pritch]

In this country child protection services are run by central government. The system is not perfect and there is considerable criticism. Some of the criticism is justified, some not so much. The care homes for kids who, for whatever reason cannot live in their own home, are run by Orange Tamariki.

In Britain child protection services are run by local councils and they often hire out the care home contracts to private companies. To maximise the return on their investment the companies buy homes in the part of town where house prices are lowest. This results in 'at risk' kids being placed in the worst part of town with sadly predictable results.

There have been several scandals resulting from this with some, but not all, involving muslim groups. There have been multiple inquiries and some changes have been made. The events at Rotherham took place from the 1980s to 2013. It might seem odd that Musk is now choosing to comment on such matters but it seems he has adopted the cause of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon alias Tommy Robinson, the anti-muslim activist. Musk is commenting on these events as if they are current but they are historic. Robinson is in the right place, he is in prison.

Musk told Nigel Farage MP of the Reform Party that he wants Robinson in Parliament. Farage said no. Farage is no longer on Musk's Christmas card list. This is just one more example of Musk interfering in the politics of other countries. He is also boosting AfD the neo Nazi party in Germany. If the Nazis are in Germany though we can probably dispense with the "neo".

Both Musk and Robinson have their own threads but I put this here because the topic is current here and in case anyone was wondering what the fuss was about.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotherham_child_sexual_exploitation_scandal

[TheDemonLord]

In this country child protection services are run by central government. The system is not perfect and there is considerable criticism. Some of the criticism is justified, some not so much. The care homes for kids who, for whatever reason cannot live in their own home, are run by Orange Tamariki.

In Britain child protection services are run by local councils and they often hire out the care home contracts to private companies. To maximise the return on their investment the companies buy homes in the part of town where house prices are lowest. This results in 'at risk' kids being placed in the worst part of town with sadly predictable results.

There have been several scandals resulting from this with some, but not all, involving muslim groups. There have been multiple inquiries and some changes have been made. The events at Rotherham took place from the 1980s to 2013. It might seem odd that Musk is now choosing to comment on such matters but it seems he has adopted the cause of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon alias Tommy Robinson, the anti-muslim activist. Musk is commenting on these events as if they are current but they are historic. Robinson is in the right place, he is in prison.

Musk told Nigel Farage MP of the Reform Party that he wants Robinson in Parliament. Farage said no. Farage is no longer on Musk's Christmas card list. This is just one more example of Musk interfering in the politics of other countries. He is also boosting AfD the neo Nazi party in Germany. If the Nazis are in Germany though we can probably dispense with the "neo".

Both Musk and Robinson have their own threads but I put this here because the topic is current here.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotherham_child_sexual_exploitation_scandal

The issue is ongoing and that is the problem. Not just in Rotherham. These groups are overwhelming comprised of Pakistani Muslims.

Where the homes were located was not and was never the issue. The issue was the Police, the Councils and the entire British Establishment covering it up for fear of inflaming community tensions.

And let us take the demographic component out of it for a minute.

Imagine you had a 12 year old girl, who goes to the Police and says they were raped by Adult Men.

12.

Under the Age of Consent.

There is no scenario whereby a rational police officer and police force could not investigate that as a crime

And yet, we hear multiple instances of the same or similar stories - Officers failing to investigate these crimes and saying that it happened because a 12 year old consented - apparently staturory rape is no longer a thing.

Everything about this issue stinks from the top to the bottom - and the more Musk goes on about it, the happier I am, because the English working class people need Justice.

[Laava]

*Correction, 4+ years of baseless wailing over the fake "stolen election" premise. And in the meantime, trumps old puckered arsehole remains spotless. :rolleyes:
Ahhh fuck! I was eating prunes as I was reading this! FFS!

[Dean]

For the record, I do feel these nato countries should be paying what they agreed upon.

Firstly, how has your summer holiday been?

That’s great - we both agree! Case closed! That was my main principle, as was TDL’s.



You don't know what trump would do.


Sure - no one can predict future events, despite how unlikely they are to occur, just as I cannot rule out I would be struck by lightning tomorrow. But I suggest you read up on Americas history pertaining to the military industrial complex.



And here is that odd "I'm an american" stuff coming from you again! huh? I also find it so odd that a christian would invest in shares of companies that produce weapons designed to kill people. If Jesus came back to the planet, do you think he would advocate for investment in war weapons companies?


I am simply pro the constitution and the values the republican party uphold. Note I also have friends and family over there. I donÂ’t mean for that to come across as anything else. Yes sometimes in the “heat of debate” I may try it on with you as you do with me!

I don’t wish to delve any further into my personal financial matters on here. What I will say is - war itself was sanctioned by God in the right circumstances. It was seen as a necessary action to take against people who oppressed his people or greatly disobeyed him.

There are defense contractors out there who operate/supply markets of largely Christian populations in whom engage in conflicts with nations or parties that both oppress our people and disobey his teachings - case in point: war on terror.

- The battle of the assyrians (2 Kings 19)
- King DavidÂ’s wars (1 Samuel 16:2, Samuel 10)
- The battle of Jericho (Joshua 6)
- The war against the Midianites (Numbers 31)

I’m not trying to convince you btw - you can have your own personal view as you have the right to. And we can happily move on from this topic.



There were extremely good points in that research, but you appear to have taken the snowflake off ramp to avoid having to answer some hard questions?


Two things.

1) I won’t engage with someone who can’t get their point across without using foul insults and seeking to degrade me as a person. Would you? Despite this, I offered discourse if that individual could hold some self control, and how did that end up…

2) The founding principle of my argument is that there needs to be more contributions from the NATO members towards defense spending. In particular, the prescribed % of GDP. Which Trump has been signalling for some time now. What else is there to respond to?



I have to ask - you and your conjoined brother dope seem to feel you both have this mandate and mana to layout terms and rules of engagement and reply. You both make suggestions on how people should be otherwise spending their time while you yourselves are doing pretty much the same thing - huh?

This whole KBdope and me thing is just getting old.

In this specific example - I am addressing an individual who relentlessly attacks me in all manners of ways despite my pleas for him to put me on ignore and move on. To the point where I can see his fixation with me is not healthy. I wouldn’t need to layout any such terms with people like yourself or Pritch etc because you would never do that!



It is a real shame that trump has turned the gop into a party of wailing snowflakes. What a stark contrast this last jan 6th was over the last one. Despite 50 lost court challenges and zero proof the election was stolen, the gop wailed and cried, then continued to do so for 4 year. Contrast that with the dems last week, they stoically backed the election results and certified it with no wailing or crying to be seen. I don't have much respect for the dems or like that many of their policies, however they still have a certain amount of class. Where as the gop are just the party of trump dick suckers and arsehole lickers.
Sorry but on this very thread there were a few people suggesting and/or outright saying that Kamala lost because she was “black” and a woman. Have you forgot?

[sugilite]

Firstly, how has your summer holiday been?
I've been leaving plenty of black lines, so pretty good thanks. You?


Sure - no one can predict future events, despite how unlikely they are to occur, just as I cannot rule out I would be struck by lightning tomorrow. But I suggest you read up on Americas history pertaining to the military industrial complex.
This is trump we are talking about. He wont take any notice of what has come before. It's like part of his brand.


I am simply pro the constitution and the values the republican party uphold. Note I also have friends and family over there.
Me too, but I do not identify as an American in any way shape or form. I do like the American Constitution, but it is being badly eroded with the supreme court all but granting full presidential immunity against being prosecuted for crimes while in office. I abhor them for placing one man above the law.


I don’t wish to delve any further into my personal financial matters on here. What I will say is - war itself was sanctioned by God in the right circumstances. It was seen as a necessary action to take against people who oppressed his people or greatly disobeyed him.
That would make sense if you were the one controlling that these weapons only be used in these "God sanctioned" wars. I'm struggling to see your statement as anything but that you are ultimately making profit for yourself from the weapons industry, and damn the consequences.



This whole KBdope and me thing is just getting old.
In this specific example - I am addressing an individual who relentlessly attacks me in all manners of ways despite my pleas for him to put me on ignore and move on. To the point where I can see his fixation with me is not healthy. I wouldn’t need to layout any such terms with people like yourself or Pritch etc because you would never do that!
That is odd, as you are interacting with him a lot for wanting him to put you on their ignore list.
And I'm just observing that you and dope have very similar tactics and mannerisms. For the record, I do not think you are the same person.



Sorry but on this very thread there were a few people suggesting and/or outright saying that Kamala lost because she was “black” and a woman. Have you forgot?
How does that address in any way what I actually said?
This is the weakness of every maga I ever encounter, make a factual statement about anything trump, gop or maga and it is always "look over there, look over there!".
And as an aside, since you have started a new tangent - being black and being a woman will be factors in why she lost, not the only factors granted, but factors none the less.

So yeah, despite what you say above - the below still applies and I have a ton of receipts if you want to take it further?

It is a real shame that trump has turned the gop into a party of wailing snowflakes. What a stark contrast this last jan 6th was over the last one. Despite 50 lost court challenges and zero proof the election was stolen, the gop wailed and cried, then continued to do so for 4 year. Contrast that with the dems last week, they stoically backed the election results and certified it with no wailing or crying to be seen. I don't have much respect for the dems or like that many of their policies, however they still have a certain amount of class. Where as the gop are just the party of trump dick suckers and arsehole lickers.

[pritch]

I do like the American Constitution, but it is being badly eroded with the supreme court all but granting full presidential immunity against being prosecuted for crimes while in office. I abhor them for placing one man above the law.


Wonder of wonders the Supreme Court has denied Trump's appeal to delay sentencing on his 34 felony convictions. Trump's case that he has presidential immunity was absurd. These offences were committed before he was president and he is not president now, but this Supreme Court is corrupt so nothing was impossible. Perhaps some SCOTUS members are starting to worry how history will treat them because they voted 5 - 4 to deny Trump's application.

Tomorrow we'll know how wet the bust ticket that he is to be slapped with will be. I suspect it will barely be damp.

[husaberg]

You are more likely to express milk than a well considered opinion.
You can't debate otherwise you would. You just run, hide and deflect. or even funnier attempt to puff your chest out and bluster.
You don't seem to understand you are not eliciting anger or any emotional response other than pity. You also don't understand embarrassing trolls like you has its own rewards as it's funny. No one is buying your act. A little energy is being devoted towards you. Just like in life on KB you are pretty much mediocre and irrelevant.
when you get over your own emotional feel free to embarrass yourself further by offering your rebuttal or more of "your own opinions"


Errr okÂ…..is everything good at home/work? Are you ok?

No need to reply to me past midnight, or at all - spend that time doing productive things. Work on the bike, study some books etc. There is no pressure to respond to this either btw so donÂ’t feel compelled to.

Now back to the topic of the thread - unfortunately, I have now put you on ignore (or some call it neutering a person these days?) anyways I will resume my good and respectful conversations with multiple other good relevant folks and friends on here re Trump and many other topics. That is the beauty of freedom on KB.

Take care,
Dean.


I see you went with the puffing out chest, bluster defection and then hiding as a combo.
How about instead of getting all emotional and claiming you are being personally attacked, when its clear to anyone with a modicum of intelligence it is not you being attacked.
Its the content of the your posts and your motivation in posting them that are being questioned.
So instead of getting all pent up and claiming you are supposedly being unfairly treated. How about replying to what i posted, that clearly shows your claims appear to be without merit. Instead of just further troll posting where you feign "you are being wronged".
ps its rather amusing that you are making claims about "neutering" when it appears from my own history you are rather lacking in the balls to respond to valid criticism of your own posts.
It seems you get rather upset with people replying your posts with straight talk, but then you claims to admire trump when he sets those liberals straight...

[Laava]

While they are on a roll…

[Kendog]

I see you went with the puffing out chest, bluster defection and then hiding as a combo.
How about instead of getting all emotional and claiming you are being personally attacked, when its clear to anyone with a modicum of intelligence is not you being attacked its the content of the your posts and your motivation in posting them that are being questioned.
So instead of getting all pent up and claiming you are supposedly being unfairly treated, how about replying to what i posted that shows your claims appear to be without merit. Instead of just further troll posting.
ps its rather musing that you are making claims about "neutering" when it appears from my own history you are rather lacking in the balls to respond to valid criticism of your own posts.

Hi Dean,
I feel like hysaberg has nailed it with his post above.

I like this Trump debate.
I wish people were more objective, yourself included.
I wonder if you removed your block and read without bias, you’d see why I wish for objectivity.

[husaberg]

While they are on a roll…

I heard trump as well as Greenland wants to claim on Epstines island, as he has found memories of his frequent holidays there.....
Its just a rumour though...

[Laava]

I heard trump as well as Greenland wants to claim on Epstines island, as he has found memories of his frequent holidays there.....
Its just a rumour though...
Hahaha! Yep him and his daughter can go there…

[pritch]

Hahaha! Yep him and his daughter can go there…

Nah. She's far too old now. :whistle:

[sugilite]

Wonder of wonders the Supreme Court has denied Trump's appeal to delay sentencing on his 34 felony convictions. Trump's case that he has presidential immunity was absurd. These offences were committed before he was president and he is not president now, but this Supreme Court is corrupt so nothing was impossible. Perhaps some SCOTUS members are starting to worry how history will treat them because they voted 5 - 4 to deny Trump's application.

Tomorrow we'll know how wet the bust ticket that he is to be slapped with will be. I suspect it will barely be damp.

Yeah I'm sorry to say the judge has already confirmed no jail time. Basically the convictions just get registered and no punishment whatsoever.

As a bonus corrupt "judge" cannon wrote a denial order for trumps documents case evidence to be released. Problem is, once she shutdown the case, she lost jurisdiction over it - so she has no legal standing to have released that order. So she is either too ignorant to have realized, or is just as corrupt as she appears to be.

[Katman]

There's so much butt hurt in this thread.:killingme

[Laava]

https://youtu.be/bjkp48XohbE?si=xRgKuGdBafW1WPm-

[pritch]

As a bonus corrupt "judge" cannon wrote a denial order for trumps documents case evidence to be released. Problem is, once she shutdown the case, she lost jurisdiction over it - so she has no legal standing to have released that order. So she is either too ignorant to have realized, or is just as corrupt as she appears to be.

The appeals court has denied Trump’s appeal. The documents can be released. Canon outed herself again for now’t.

[pritch]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/51JKSpmjSko

[TheDemonLord]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/51JKSpmjSko

Sure... But the President is not hired by the Government, the President is voted in by the electoral college, via the People.

Who, I might add, overwhelmingly voted for Trump.

[Grumph]

Sure... But the President is not hired by the Government, the President is voted in by the electoral college, via the People.

Who, I might add, overwhelmingly voted for Trump.

You've been drinking the bleach again. 1.5% margin over Harris amplified by the GOP's gerrymandering of the electoral college.

In no way,shape or form can it be called overwhelming. Unless - as is apparent - you're a proponent of the big lie like Trump.

[TheDemonLord]

You've been drinking the bleach again. 1.5% margin over Harris amplified by the GOP's gerrymandering of the electoral college.

In no way,shape or form can it be called overwhelming. Unless - as is apparent - you're a proponent of the big lie like Trump.

2 Million plus votes, All the swing states, The house, the Senate.

Yeah - I would say that was overwhelming.

And no, the GOP did not Gerrymander the Electoral College - the Electoral college did exactly what the founding fathers created it for - to ensure a few densely populated cities did not solely decide the election.

Speaking of Election results and Trump - I noticed something that I found rather interesting.

If you look at the Country - most States between a 60-40 to 50-50 split between each candidate - with one very interesting exception.

One of the core contentions of those described as MAGA is pointing out that the Establishment (read the vast, unelected beaurocracy of the Federal Government...) was hostile to Trump, with various key incidents being pointed to as being proof of this...

Well, look at the District of Columbias vote tally - 92% for Harris. Bit of an Outlier. Really goes a long way to the 'Swamp' claims.

[sugilite]

The appeals court has denied Trump’s appeal. The documents can be released. Canon outed herself again for now’t.

Great stuff, and cheers for that heads up about Tulsi the other week. I had no idea how dodgy she is - yikes!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXWa08U-zn4

And as the electoral collage has popped up in the thread again. If the founding fathers had been seeking balance, I'm sure they would be horrified that the knuckle draggers in charge these days have not amended that system to reflect how the country has massively changed since it's inception. Essentially these days, a small number of states are effectively hijacking the election process. I mean, the leaders of the parties spend 90% of their time campaigning in these few states. Balanced is what the electoral college is NOT.

[pritch]

Great stuff, and cheers for that heads up about Tulsi the other week. I had no idea how dodgy she is - yikes!


Gabbard came to my notice a few years ago when somebody posted a photo of her in uniform on a veterans group. The guys were impressed. I have to admit she looked great in uniform but even then there were cracks appearing. Her behaviour suggests she is not somebody who should even have a security clearance. For her to be in charge of a nation's intelligence is just a joke.

[Katman]

And it hasn't started yet. Trump's list of people to cover the high level roles in his administration are acutely unqualified in every sense.

I'm looking forward to seeing what RFK Jr achieves.

[TheDemonLord]

And as the electoral collage has popped up in the thread again. If the founding fathers had been seeking balance, I'm sure they would be horrified that the knuckle draggers in charge these days have not amended that system to reflect how the country has massively changed since it's inception. Essentially these days, a small number of states are effectively hijacking the election process. I mean, the leaders of the parties spend 90% of their time campaigning in these few states. Balanced is what the electoral college is NOT.

A very interesting point you make - one that many Republican commentators have remarked on...

Namely, that if the Founding Fathers were alive today, they would likely insist that each state had their own electoral college, to ensure that one city in a state did not determine the election.

However, the reason this has not happened is because the Democrats would never win another election.

Just something to think about.

[pritch]

However, the reason this has not happened is because the Democrats would never win another election.

Just something to think about.

The whole system is past its use by date. By 2030 it's predicted that 30% of the population will elect 70% of the Senate seats. That's without any of the gerrymandering that takes place in Congressional districts.

[TheDemonLord]

Great stuff, and cheers for that heads up about Tulsi the other week. I had no idea how dodgy she is - yikes!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXWa08U-zn4

Oh look, Rachel Maddow lying through her teeth.

Let us go through them one-by-one:

Point 1: She was Homeschooled and raised to not like Gay people

Pretty normal behavior amongst religious groups in the early 80s and no one has a choice who their parents are, what their parents religion is etc.

Point 2: She has created legislation opposing Trans Women in Womens sports - therefore she still hates gay people.

This is a Bait and Switch - one can be fine with both Gay people and Trans People in general, whilst still remembering that Biology exists. Rachel also raises the Minor Attracted Persons thing - which I have pointed out is being used by certain individuals to try and lessen the stigma around Pedophilia and that this is being used under left-wing presuppositions: 'I was born this way, I cant help who I am attracted to, Love is Love, oppressing me for who I am is wrong' - to which my response is: Shhhhh in the wood chipper you go.

Point 3: More smears about her Dad and Family - which I am going to completely ignore because she had no agency here. I prefer to judge her on what she did after she left home and was her own person. She served her country with distinction and honor, deployed to combat etc.

Point 4: The Presidential Campaign in the Democrat party - saying it was rigged. I mean... You have Bernie Sanders in 2016, The fact that Kamala was VP despite being woefully unpopular. What happened to Biden and Kamala in 2024 - How many instances of rigging do we need to bring up?

Point 5: Russia. Oh FFS really - Another Russia Hoax propagated by - Oh Look! Hilary Clinton! Trump beats Hilary - He is a Russian Asset, Tulsi is popular - she is the favorite of the Russians. That is the sole source of this claim - and once again Rachel Maddow is merely a mouthpiece for the entrenched Democrats (like Hilary).

And remember - I liked Tulsi Gabbard when she was still a Democrat (which is when this line was uttered) - I had my quibbles (not a fan of her Green Policies personally).

[TheDemonLord]

The whole system is past its use by date. By 2030 it's predicted that 30% of the population will elect 70% of the Senate seats. That's without any of the gerrymandering that takes place in Congressional districts.

Well, that 30% will be situated in 70% of the land area of the US.

And look - we can have a discussion abstracted from modern events about the pros and cons of the Electoral college.

The issue I have is that the Founding Fathers were very explicit in their reasoning why it was necessary. They correctly predicted that populous states would have a greater sway and specifically did not want this.

Yes, you can also raise that Slavery was a concern (let us not gloss over it).

To say the whole system is past its use by date when it is doing exactly what it was intended to do is wrong. We can argue as to whether or not what it was intended to do is correct, but as it stands it is working as designed.

With some people making the argument that State level electoral colleges (in line with the founding fathers vision) are necessary.

[TheDemonLord]

I'm looking forward to seeing what RFK Jr achieves.

I will be honest, I am not onboard with many of RFK Jrs ideas per se....

However - the man does seem to truly believe in what he says, which is always an admirable quality - and my view is this:

I doubt he can make Americas overall health any worse - so worst case scenario, he works with Trump to implement some of his policies and ideas, they dont work, Americans are still just as fat and unhealthy as before - nothing really lost.

But....

If even one of his ideas is correct and it does work how he thinks it will and the overall health of America improves... Man, what an opportunity.

So from that basis, despite being skeptical of some of his claims - I am keen to see them tried in practice because I dont think it can get worse and I see a possibility (slim though it may be) for improvement.

[sugilite]

they would likely insist that each state had their own electoral college, to ensure that one city in a state did not determine the election.


Lets spread the problem statewide - genius! :laugh:





And remember - I liked Tulsi Gabbard when she was still a Democrat (which is when this line was uttered) - I had my quibbles (not a fan of her Green Policies personally).
She be the Dem version of a RINO, so a DINO then. She a bad hombre bro, bad hombre. In all the movies, traitors usually get knocked off, or at the very least voted off the island because they cannot be trusted by either side - and this is trumps worlds worst reality show.

[TheDemonLord]

Lets spread the problem statewide - genius! :laugh:

That presumes it is a problem - And California burning at the moment suggests that maybe if a few big cities didnt control the State, then maybe some of the issues would not be happening.


She be the Dem version of a RINO, so a DINO then. She a bad hombre bro, bad hombre. In all the movies, traitors usually get knocked off, or at the very least voted off the island because they cannot be trusted by either side - and this is trumps worlds worst reality show.

I mean, I know she is a Bad-ass...

However, this DINO business is interesting. The same could be said of Trump, Elon, RFK etc. all were former Democrats. I have said this many times prior - but many of Trumps policies would not look out of place on a 1990s era Democrat platform.

Are they DINOs - apparently the term favored in Democratic circles is a Blue Dog Democrat.

The decline of membership of the Blue Dog Caucus (from where it gets its name), especially over the last 10 years really suggests that the people who would traditionally form the conservative wing of the Democrat party have moved to the Republicans.

TL;DR - I think this is another case of the Democrat party shifting so far to the left that it has alienated people.

[sugilite]

The whole conservatives bashing LA dems and blaming them for the fires is political grandstanding at it's worst. No surprises there from the party of scum bags, particularly trump and musk. It was funny watching the life stream musk randomly started whilst interviewing a senior fire department official, then when his wanky theory was debunked to his face, musk abruptly ended the stream with a gormless fuckit look on his face. Musk has pretty much turned 100% wanker now.

And man, the past dems (Dinos) you mention, looks like they got rid of the worst of the worst lol
On the other hand, the RINOs number are many, and most of them that be deemed to be so were actually the good ones with principles. Their main crime, they don't suck off the parties DICKtator. :laugh:

[TheDemonLord]

The whole conservatives bashing LA dems and blaming them for the fires is political grandstanding at it's worst.

Is it though - There are at least 3 different factors that are a direct result of Democrat Policy that one can point to:

- Shrinking Fire service
- Water Policy
- Not doing back-burning and other techniques to mitigate the risk of Fires

Pointing out that certain policies, that are 'great' when nothing bad happens and make people feel good, have dire consequences when the proverbial hits the fan - are now affecting the people that voted for them is not, IMO Political grandstanding.

It is pointing out that actions have consequences.


And man, the past dems (Dinos) you mention, looks like they got rid of the worst of the worst lol
On the other hand, the RINOs number are many, and most of them that be deemed to be so were actually the good ones with principles. Their main crime, they don't suck off the parties DICKtator. :laugh:

I dont think they were Dinos though - I think they are the result of a radical shift in political positions from the Democrats, since Obama.

The RINOs, on the other hand, few Republicans are shedding tears at their depature.

[sugilite]

What republicans are you talking about? They are extinct replaced by maga, with chief convicted scumbag at the top.

As ever with trump, the pendulum is starting to swing the other way now.

Welcome back judge Engoron :woohoo:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIt-UDtpmig

[1/32 man]

Is it though - There are at least 3 different factors that are a direct result of Democrat Policy that one can point to:

- Shrinking Fire service
- Water Policy
- Not doing back-burning and other techniques to mitigate the risk of Fires

Dont forget the fourth one.....raking the forests, they never did that.

[pete376403]

Dont forget the fourth one.....raking the forests, they never did that.

The federal government owns 58% of the Calif forests. The state owns 3 percent, and the remainder is in private ownership. Did the government and the private owners rake theirs? https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/13/california-u-s-forest-service-establish-shared-long-term-strategy-to-manage-forests-and-rangelands/

[pete376403]

Dont forget the fourth one.....raking the forests, they never did that.

The federal government owns 58% of the Calif forests. The state owns 3 percent, and the remainder is in private ownership. Did the government and the private owners rake theirs? https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/13/california-u-s-forest-service-establish-shared-long-term-strategy-to-manage-forests-and-rangelands/

[pritch]

Dont forget the fourth one.....raking the forests, they never did that.

Ah yes, raking the forests. Alas raking the forest wouldn't have done much to alleviate the Pallisades fire. The one that destroyed so many houses. The fire started within the residential area itself, and not in the margin where rural meets residential.

Also it is very apparent after many floods in this country that forests here are not raked. Does anybody anywhere actually rake forest floors?

There is a lot of misinformation about, well Trump has involved himself so there would be. There was mention of smelt. Having spent some time chasing trout I'm something of a fan of smelt, they are a valuable food item for trout and presumably for salmon. The smelt though are apparently hundreds of miles from Los Angeles.

The drop in water pressure was explained by fire officials as being due to the high number of hoses in operation. I think one said a single hose can pump a thousand gallons a minute. Now think dozens of hoses, that's a lot of water.

Essentially the Republicans will blame anything except what is actually causing the problem: climate change.

[TheDemonLord]

The federal government owns 58% of the Calif forests. The state owns 3 percent, and the remainder is in private ownership. Did the government and the private owners rake theirs? https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/13/california-u-s-forest-service-establish-shared-long-term-strategy-to-manage-forests-and-rangelands/

Who is in charge of the Federal Government at the moment....

[TheDemonLord]

This has been doing the rounds:

Firefighting is mostly white and male. A California program aims to change that (https://www.npr.org/2023/06/05/1180213128/firefighting-is-mostly-white-and-male-a-california-program-aims-to-change-that)

DIE working as intended, yet again.

[pete376403]

Who is in charge of the Federal Government at the moment....

At the time that article was published, it was trump

"The Great American Outdoors Act, signed by President Trump on August 4, will provide critical funding for the Forest Service’s work in California."

[TheDemonLord]

At the time that article was published, it was trump

"The Great American Outdoors Act, signed by President Trump on August 4, will provide critical funding for the Forest Service’s work in California."

Is Trump the President now (Four more days!)

Or is it Biden.

Could it be that this was something good that Trump did that Biden screwed up completely and has had a causal impact on the Fires.

I do not know - but it is not outside the realm of possibility.

[pritch]

What if they held an inauguration and nobody came?

Trump has raised $170 million for his inauguration fund. Hotel bookings in DC are at 70% occupancy the lowest in modern history for an inauguration. The weather forecast is crap so the locals may stay home too. A single protest permit has been issued so there won't even be many protestors.

Still we'll likely be told the crowd was the biggest ever because in whatever is left of Trump's mind it has to be.

[Grumph]

What if they held an inauguration and nobody came?

Trump has raised $170 million for his inauguration fund. Hotel bookings in DC are at 70% occupancy the lowest in modern history for an inauguration. The weather forecast is crap so the locals may stay home too. A single protest permit has been issued so there won't even be many protestors.

Still we'll likely be told the crowd was the biggest ever because in whatever is left of Trump's mind it has to be.

Looking forward to this. It'll be the most scrutinised inauguration crowd in history. Networks with cameras on the Washington Monument and i believe drone cameras too.
The National Park Service are no longer responsible for crowd size figures so a rocket from Trump like they got last time won't be happening.

I pity the White House press secretary who has to stand up and lie this time. He or she will be exposed to ridicule. i hope the money's good.

[husaberg]

Looking forward to this. It'll be the most scrutinised inauguration crowd in history. Networks with cameras on the Washington Monument and i believe drone cameras too.
The National Park Service are no longer responsible for crowd size figures so a rocket from Trump like they got last time won't be happening.

I pity the White House press secretary who has to stand up and lie this time. He or she will be exposed to ridicule. i hope the money's good.
Don't fret we have a fix worked out.
Bigly Covfett
355513355514

what is propaganda barbie doing for a job now?
full of shit, but nice tips....

[R650R]

It’s being held indoors due to it being “ dangerously cold” outside

https://notthebee.com/article/report-trumps-inauguration-moving-indoors-due-to-cold-front

It’s also public holiday Martin Luther King day so stock markets closed. Tuesday (Wednesday our time) will be the interesting day.

[pritch]

It’s being held indoors due to it being “ dangerously cold” outside


Yeah, he finally realised nobody was coming. Jan 20 1961, 8 inches of snow had fallen that morning and the temperature were similar for JFK's inauguration to those forecast for Monday. Likewise for Obama's 2009 inauguration. Reagan had his in the Rotunda when it was freezing but he was ancient. Oh wait...

[husaberg]

Yeah, he finally realised nobody was coming.
So just like every woman he ever raped sexually assaulted or groped or melania then?

[pritch]

Interesting that the Congressional ban of TikTok is now in effect but the CEO of TikTok has a place of honour as Trump's guest at the inauguration. Normally that could be embarrassing but nothing about any of this is normal.

[husaberg]

Interesting that the Congressional ban of TikTok is now in effect but the CEO of TikTok has a place of honour as Trump's guest at the inauguration. Normally that could be embarrassing but nothing about any of this is normal.

Someone posted about Musk and intervening "saving Tiktok."

Musk in a possible 'rescue' for tiktok in America

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/supreme-court-upholds-tiktok-ban-or-sale-law-set-to-start-sunday/DYM4JEILAJGATO6FAJE3VV3DLY/
I never bothered to read the link at the time but anyone a bit suspicious might think sudden ol trump supporter and BFF musk might be trying to save X.


The Supreme Court on Friday (today NZT) refused to block a federal law that would effectively ban TikTok in the United States as early as this weekend if the wildly popular video-sharing app does not divest from Chinese ownership.

The justices’ order was a blow for TikTok, prohibiting its operation in the lead-up to Monday’s inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to “save” the app.


Trump had asked the Supreme Court to delay implementation of the law to give him an opportunity to act once he returns to the White House. With the court declining that option and no sale of the app seemingly imminent, the ban is now poised to take effect on the eve of Trump’s inauguration.


especially given the state of affairs at X


X, formerly known as Twitter, is struggling financially and in terms of user base. Since Elon Musk bought the company in 2022, X's value has dropped by over 70%. X is also projected to lose millions of monthly active users in the U.S. through 2025
X was supposed to be in the black raking in profits by now
Elon Musk said he wanted to turn Twitter into the “town square” and “everything app.” He has failed at both.
Also: some observations

Financial decline
X's annual revenue peaked in 2021 at $5 billion, but has been declining since then.
Fidelity Investments, an investor in X, has written down its investment value.
X has faced reduced advertising revenue.
User base declining
X is expected to lose millions of monthly active users in the U.S. through 2025.
Some users have turned to alternative channels like Threads, Meta, and TikTok.
Factors contributing to decline
Paid features: X has introduced paid features like X Blue, post editing, and text formatting.
Mass layoffs: X has laid off a significant number of employees.
Fines: X has been fined for failing to comply with search warrants and for not properly disclosing information about child abuse content

[onearmedbandit]

That’s why I put ‘rescue’ in inverted commas, I only see more divisiveness coming from his involvement.

[Laava]

divisiveness coming from his involvement.
With everything.

[TheDemonLord]

Can you imagine the Media furor that would have erupted if Trump had unilaterally declared that an Amendment was now part of the consitution...

[Pursang]

https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/462698271_3803697876564361_6439389877554473650_n.j pg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=vdZUSoPdk_4Q7kNvgFG3m4a&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&_nc_gid=AurbQmO1dJgwQnK4918m-15&oh=00_AYC905MobpOg6cYBoSgGTNGjVdpqHqnMW9LSXF34lLHs Rw&oe=67929C92

[pritch]

Elon Musk said he wanted to turn Twitter into the “town square” and “everything app.” He has failed at both.


It already was the town square, he buggered that up. He banged on about free speech but only as long as it suited him. Hate speech was fine and there was lots of it. Criticism of things Musk liked, not so much.

Now he has fiddled with the system so that people who pay him, mostly "conservative" get their Xcrements boosted. People without blue ticks, likely progressive, post in relative obscurity.

Last week millions were leaving every day. Blue Sky is a serious challenger now. The world doesn't need X anymore MAGA can have it.

[TheDemonLord]

It already was the town square he bggered that up. He banged on about free speech but only as long as it suited him. Hate speech was fine and there was lots of it. Criticism od things Musk liked, not so much.

Now he has fiddled with the system so that people who pay him, mostly "conservative" get their Xcrements boosted. People without blue ticks, likely progressive, post in relative obscurity.

Last week millions were leaving every day. Blue Sky is a serious challenger now The world doesn't need X anymore MAGA can have it.

Except we know that prior to Elon, Twitter was artificially suppressing Conservative Commentators, not to mention their ToS explicitly enshrined certain Left-Wing viewpoints.

What is the quote from the left that is applicable here....

Ah yes...


When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.

Twitter was biased to the left for so long that a level playing field feels like:


"conservative" get their Xcrements boosted. People without blue ticks, likely progressive, post in relative obscurity.

[pritch]

Except we know that prior to Elon, Twitter was artificially suppressing Conservative Commentators,

We? You know that. Normal people don't. Jack was accused of being right wing. Holidaying in Myanmar? That doesn't sound like a leftie paradise.

[TheDemonLord]

We? You know that. Normal people don't. Jack was accused of being right wing. Holidaying in Myanmar? That doesn't sound like a leftie paradise.

I mean, I made the point back in what, 2018-2019? That Twitters policy around misgendering someone was enshrining a Left-Wing viewpoint.

We have the infamous discussion between Jack Dorsey, Vijaya Gadde and Tim Pool on Joe Rogans podcast - whereby Tim made the same argument - you have a rule that only punishes one side of the argument - you have Bias. Vijaya Gadde had no come back for that, except to say (in the most Corporate of Corporate legal speak) - We will take that feedback onboard (which I think we all know what she meant).

Interestingly enough, what that Interview showed, IMO, was that what happened was the middle-management got free reign to implement their policies.

The Twitter files showed that there were, in fact, internal Blacklists that restricted certain account (almost entirely Right Wing) from posting Content.

We had the numerous examples of people breaching Twitters ToS and retaining their accounts because they were Left-wing, whereas people on the Right getting their accounts suspended for the sole crime of being Right Wing.

The only people that accused Jack of being Right Wing were Communist woke-scolds.

He is just like most of the other Tech Billionaires and Joe Rogan himself - Libertarian, Ex-Hippy types, Not the traditional Right Wing - very much what used to be considered the Left Wing, the 90s era Democrat position (Just like Trump, Elon, Myself etc.)

[TheDemonLord]

My apologies, what you actually said was "Organizing the end of the Middle East Wars is another,". That is a pretty bloody compelling and finite statement - yes?

Curious, isnt it.


Hamas launch a massive attack on Israel, under Biden.
Israel launch a retaliation campaign, under Biden.

cue all the wailing and gnashing of teeth from both sides.

Then, the week of Trumps innauguration, They agree to a ceasefire and right before Trump becomes president, they exchange Prisoners.

The imagery of two brothers fighting each other tooth and nail and then standing up straight like nothing happened because they hear Dad open the front door is very apt.

We will wait to see what happens in Russia and Ukraine.

[sugilite]

The imagery of two brothers fighting each other tooth and nail and then standing up straight like nothing happened because they hear Dad open the front door is very apt.

We will wait to see what happens in Russia and Ukraine.
Your grotesque gloating over this tragedy of humanity that has left the palastinian people with no hospitals and countless dead children being characterised by you as being squabbling brothers sorted out by daddy trump shows you to be the callous right wing stooge that you are.

Trump has 24 hours to sort out the Ukraine Russia war to achieve his stated goal. Any longer is failure measured by his stated time line to get it done.

Convicted felon Trump just pulled the classic crypto rug pull on his suckered supporters and the trump saves tik tok despite being the instigator of it being banned has president Musk's China iinterests front and centre. The fact that tik tok shut themselves down only to release a "thank you for saving us vice president Trump" dick sucking press release. What a fucking charade which adds no end of weight to my assertion that this trump "presidency" is just one big scripted reality tv show by design. But hey, I'm sure the chinese government having a massive influence over young American minds with their algorithm will be well worth Musk getting ever richer.

This post of yours has not showered you with glory. Wake the fuck up and open your eyes sport.

[TheDemonLord]

Your grotesque gloating over this tragedy of humanity that has left the palastinian people with no hospitals and countless dead children being characterised by you as being squabbling brothers sorted out by daddy trump shows you to be the callous right wing stooge that you are.

Is it a tragedy of Humanity when it is entirely self-inflicted?

But even if you assume the worst intentions of my post (which I am not going to entirely disagree with) - the fact that I am celebrating a ceasefire contradicts the point you are making.


Trump has 24 hours to sort out the Ukraine Russia war to achieve his stated goal. Any longer is failure measured by his stated time line to get it done.

I think I said a wee while ago that I did not think the Day 1 claim was realistic - but if there is a Ceasefire in the Ukraine - will you concede that Trump being in power was a factor?


Convicted felon Trump just pulled the classic crypto rug pull on his suckered supporters and the trump saves tik tok despite being the instigator of it being banned has president Musk's China iinterests front and centre. The fact that tik tok shut themselves down only to release a "thank you for saving us vice president Trump" dick sucking press release. What a fucking charade which adds no end of weight to my assertion that this trump "presidency" is just one big scripted reality tv show by design. But hey, I'm sure the chinese government having a massive influence over young American minds with their algorithm will be well worth Musk getting ever richer.

This post of yours has not showered you with glory. Wake the fuck up and open your eyes sport.

The whole TikTok thing is curious to me - I am not a user of that platform, I will agree that the ban and releases have the air of political theatre and charade about them.

To what end, I am not sure, my gut tells me that there is more going on here. I suspect one element is simple flexing on China: We can snap our fingers and turn you off and back on at will.

But I feel TikTok is more being used as a pawn in a wider game of chess. Apparently China has been building up a force of Amphibous landing craft in the port closest to Taiwan.

The sort of thing one would do if the US president (Biden) had terrible foreign Policy and China thought they could pull a fast one.

We will see.

[R650R]

But hey, I'm sure the chinese government having a massive influence over young American minds with their algorithm will be well worth Musk getting ever richer.
.

Not on TikTok but pretty sure the same garbage and soft porn hoes are on all the American owned platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The real issue is one of education and societal acceptance these platforms.
Dare I say it but IÂ’d say Hollywood and Netflix are prob doing a far greater job of corrupting minds than China, hell even Disney has a few things to answer for..,
Btw the original ban was only about ownership, if they sold to an American buyer you can guarantee the same trash content would be on there just BidenÂ’s mates would be getting rich.
The ban wasnt so much about national security as a badly disguised colonial digital land grab.
Not publicly traded yet but you can buy shares in two NYSE firms that own part of TikTok and then perhaps raise concerns at next shareholder meeting.

https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/communication/social-media-stocks/tiktok/

[R650R]

Is it a tragedy of Humanity when it is entirely self-inflicted?

But even if you assume the worst intentions of my post (which I am not going to entirely disagree with) - the fact that I am celebrating a ceasefire contradicts the point you are making.



I think I said a wee while ago that I did not think the Day 1 claim was realistic - but if there is a Ceasefire in the Ukraine - will you concede that Trump being in power was a factor?



The whole TikTok thing is curious to me - I am not a user of that platform, I will agree that the ban and releases have the air of political theatre and charade about them.

To what end, I am not sure, my gut tells me that there is more going on here. I suspect one element is simple flexing on China: We can snap our fingers and turn you off and back on at will.

But I feel TikTok is more being used as a pawn in a wider game of chess. Apparently China has been building up a force of Amphibous landing craft in the port closest to Taiwan.

The sort of thing one would do if the US president (Biden) had terrible foreign Policy and China thought they could pull a fast one.

We will see.

Like everything it was all about money . The original ban legislation gave TikTok an out if it sold into American ownership $$$$$$$$$$$$.
If it’s anything like Fakebook it’s a money printing machine. FB keeps an astonishing 82% of its ad revenue as pure profit. But of course money would never be the motivation for any USA politician.,

For those suffering from envy rage of billionaires success you can now easily buy fractional shares of these big companies and have your equitable slice of the pie and eat it too.

Btw China war scheduled for 2027, by then their naval fleet numbers will have amassed a huge superiority over USA. USA has about zero meaningful ship building capacity to even think about catching up.

[Grumph]

Relax. Trump will sell them Taiwan.

[TheDemonLord]

Btw China war scheduled for 2027, by then their naval fleet numbers will have amassed a huge superiority over USA. USA has about zero meaningful ship building capacity to even think about catching up.

There is a lot of nuance here.

I see this a lot - China has more ships (ostensibly) but that is because of figure fiddling. Although the dual-use policy for all ferries to have a Troop Carrying capability is interesting.

The real issue though is Aircraft Carriers, Nuclear Submarines and Destroyers.

Aircraft Carriers being the big one - China has 2-3 Carriers, the US has 11.

The Lead time for a Carrier is years.

Now, I will grant you that some defense analysts that I listen to have talked about the fact that US Shipbuilding is not where it needs to be, the Arleigh Burke classes are getting older and due to fleet numbers are not getting the right amount of rotation and maintenance that they should be (causing excess wear) etc. So there is an element of truth there - but the notion that the Chinese Navy will be a threat to the US by 2027 is, IMO, Laughable.

And I mean that from a Tonnage PoV, a numbers PoV, a Capability PoV - and what we are seeing with Russia in Ukraine - that the capabilities of Eastern Bloc equipment is simply lacking. Systems down because of parts availability and maintenance issues, Systems not working how they should etc.

Finally - Trump has vowed to invest more in Shipbuilding.

[Grumph]

Musk will push for drones.

[R650R]

Musk will push for drones.

Already happening but it’s coming from people much more successful than Musk (thankfully).

In the background of Ukraine lots has been happening. The next “Elon musk” of the world is Palmer Luckey a genuinely clever guy. He got rich designing oculuS VR which got bought out by meta. His defence company Anduril has just committed to a one billion dollar drone/missile factory in Ohio creating 4000 jobs.
Other big names in this space are Redcat and Palantir with the latter essentially being the real world version of the computer in popular tv series Person of Interest.

[TheDemonLord]

Musk will push for drones.

Which is probably reasonable to a degree.

Ukraine has shown that Drones are an effective tool and especially for the pricepoint. Until someone comes up with a cost-effective anti-drone solution (especially at the squad level), then investment in military Drones is prudent.

[R650R]

There is a lot of nuance here.

I see this a lot - China has more ships (ostensibly) but that is because of figure fiddling. Although the dual-use policy for all ferries to have a Troop Carrying capability is interesting.

The real issue though is Aircraft Carriers, Nuclear Submarines and Destroyers.

Aircraft Carriers being the big one - China has 2-3 Carriers, the US has 11.

The Lead time for a Carrier is years.

Now, I will grant you that some defense analysts that I listen to have talked about the fact that US Shipbuilding is not where it needs to be, the Arleigh Burke classes are getting older and due to fleet numbers are not getting the right amount of rotation and maintenance that they should be (causing excess wear) etc. So there is an element of truth there - but the notion that the Chinese Navy will be a threat to the US by 2027 is, IMO, Laughable.

And I mean that from a Tonnage PoV, a numbers PoV, a Capability PoV - and what we are seeing with Russia in Ukraine - that the capabilities of Eastern Bloc equipment is simply lacking. Systems down because of parts availability and maintenance issues, Systems not working how they should etc.

Finally - Trump has vowed to invest more in Shipbuilding.

Aircraft carriers are obsolete outside of beating up on third world nations. The Russians learnt the hard way in Ukraine about how vulnerable a blue water fleet is to new tools like surface drone boats.
Even the Americans are sweating it over the houthis.
In the confined space of Taiwan area the us fleet would be a sitting duck to swarm attacks from multiple ballistic systems.
The Israel conflict has shown swarm attacks by low tech weapons s can overwhelm the “ best of best “ fancy systems.


Trump has vowed to invest but it will take time, China is already cranked up to speed and its control on supply chain has switched off the supply of many crucial metals and rare earth elements needed for western tech weapons.
I think weÂ’ll actually see a negotiated new peace/trade deal. Trumps about doing business and wars are expensive loss making exercises.
One Chinese ballistic missile through the roof of Taiwan Semiconductor factories would send west back to dark ages, just look at chip shortages after covid. And in the west we wouldnÂ’t stomach the severe losses inflicted, our societies would break down.
Just look at how public reacted to lives lost in Vietnam/iraq which would pale in numbers compared to conflict with China. And Ukraine has shown itÂ’s all about numbers despite western hi tech weapons of your a smaller population thereÂ’s always only going to be x amount of people suitable for combat duty. A country of 330 million with obesity problem is not going to win against 1.4 billion whose while lives have always been hard work.

[TheDemonLord]

Aircraft carriers are obsolete outside of beating up on third world nations. The Russians learnt the hard way in Ukraine about how vulnerable a blue water fleet is to new tools like surface drone boats.
Even the Americans are sweating it over the houthis.
In the confined space of Taiwan area the us fleet would be a sitting duck to swarm attacks from multiple ballistic systems.
The Israel conflict has shown swarm attacks by low tech weapons s can overwhelm the “ best of best “ fancy systems.

Not really - Looking at the sinking of the Moskva (for example) - lack of maintanence and spare parts lead many systems to be offline.

Swarm attacks are one of the things that a US Carrier fleet is designed to defend against.

The Houthis, despite repeat attempts, have not done anything meaningful to the US - and the US is not exactly showing its real hand here:

There is a theory that the US is deliberately not using its full capability to defend here because it is not needed but also because the people subsidising the Houthis are trying to bait the US into revealing the real extent of their capabilities in order to gather intel.

In order to get into Swarm attack range - you have to get through a perimeter of F35s, supported by Hawkeyes. That also assumes that the US allows an enemy to get into a position to attack in the first place.



Trump has vowed to invest but it will take time, China is already cranked up to speed and its control on supply chain has switched off the supply of many crucial metals and rare earth elements needed for western tech weapons.
I think weÂ’ll actually see a negotiated new peace/trade deal. Trumps about doing business and wars are expensive loss making exercises.

I agree Trump will seek a Deal, but unlike everyone else, he is prepared to treat China as a hostile entity.


One Chinese ballistic missile through the roof of Taiwan Semiconductor factories would send west back to dark ages, just look at chip shortages after covid. And in the west we wouldnÂ’t stomach the severe losses inflicted, our societies would break down.
Just look at how public reacted to lives lost in Vietnam/iraq which would pale in numbers compared to conflict with China. And Ukraine has shown itÂ’s all about numbers despite western hi tech weapons of your a smaller population thereÂ’s always only going to be x amount of people suitable for combat duty. A country of 330 million with obesity problem is not going to win against 1.4 billion whose while lives have always been hard work.

Vietnam, Iraq and even Ukraine are harder sells for the US Public. Taiwan might be seen as a 'not our problem' - but continued Chinese aggression makes the case to the American people easier to make.

Whilst there is a numbers problem, to a degree - The battle of Conoco fields shows why this is less of a problem for the US than you make it out to be - whilst China might have a population advantage of 4:1, when the US has a kill tally of 100:0...

Not to mention that the US has lots of recent experience of Casualty exfil and battlefield medicine.

[Laava]

I am redesignating the US of Trump as North Mexico. Think about it, North Korea, North Mexico, they have a lot in common. They can write each other beautiful perfect letters.

[R650R]

When they’re shooting down their own jets coming in to land I think their systems aren’t as good as they think. If a cruiser is launching sams in panic mode it says to me they don’t have a comprehensive intel picture of what’s going g on around the carrier group.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoYOsX2GpX4

[TheDemonLord]

When they’re shooting down their own jets coming in to land I think their systems aren’t as good as they think. If a cruiser is launching sams in panic mode it says to me they don’t have a comprehensive intel picture of what’s going g on around the carrier group.

I saw a different break down by Mover - AKA CW Lemoine - He suspected that there was an issue on the ship-based system IIRC - reasoning that one missile fired at one Aircraft - probably pilot error with their IFF system, 2 Missiles fired at 2 Aircraft - After the first one, the second one would have quadruple checked their IFF was set right and if they still got a missile...

However, whilst all systems have a degree of fallibility...

The difference is - even when the systems are failing on the US side, there is still a 'successful' intercept.

That is - the system thought there was an incoming threat and engaged that threat and neutralized it. Which is better than the Russian system that is not even switched on because it is broken.

As for China - they have not really battle tested any of their gear. Whereas the US systems have been tested in active combat. I would also be surprised if the system of Design, testing, procurement and critique in China is conducive to building effective systems.

How long do you think the Engineer who says 'This system sucks' to his boss is going to retain his job? Whereas the Engineer who signs off that everything meets the specifications and concurs with his bosses report to his superiors - is probably going to have a long and illustrious career.

[pritch]

Trump has 24 hours to sort out the Ukraine Russia war to achieve his stated goal. Any longer is failure measured by his stated time line to get it done.


Today I saw a news item suggesting that at a China/Russia conference China had told Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. "It was not a request." We'll see.

Meanwhile should we run a sweep on when Trump will invade Panama?

[pritch]

Not on TikTok but pretty sure the same garbage and soft porn hoes are on all the American owned platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The real issue is one of education and societal acceptance these platforms.


It was never about the content. Ii was about security concerns prompted by the Chinese government having unlimited access to the words and thoughts of so many Americans. Presumably TikTok has now donated a million dollars to Trump's inauguration so the security concerns have evaporated.

The interview of a TikTok executive at the Seate hearing by Josh Hawley was an eye opener. Hawley, with his top drawer education, made a complete twat of himself. Again.

[Grumph]

Today I saw a news item suggesting that at a China/Russia conference China had told Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. "It was not a request." We'll see.

Meanwhile should we run a sweep on when Trump will invade Panama?

What no-ones talking about is Maduro wanting to Liberate Puerto Rico.

Given Trump's previous reluctance to provide disaster relief what's the odds on him letting Venezuela have it ?

[pritch]

I've avoided coverage of the inauguration much as Trump avoided putting his hand on the bible as he took the oath of office. This pic though set the tone for me, and no it's not a mistake he repeated it.

If you Google "Musk inauguration". this is what you get.

[husaberg]

I've avoided coverage of the inauguration much as Trump avoided putting his hand on the bible as he took the oath of office. This pic though set the tone for me, and no it's not a mistake he repeated it.

If you Google "Musk inauguration". this is what you get.
is it just me or does trumps "wife" look like Michael Jackson
355598355599

[pritch]

is it just me or does trumps "wife" look like Michael Jackson
355598355599

Or Spy V Spy? Or Zorro?

[pete376403]

is it just me or does trumps "wife" look like Michael Jackson
355598355599

Hamburglar as seen in this trump family portrait (if purple was actually orange)

[FLUB]

I've avoided coverage of the inauguration much as Trump avoided putting his hand on the bible as he took the oath of office. This pic though set the tone for me, and no it's not a mistake he repeated it.

If you Google "Musk inauguration". this is what you get.Watch the full video clip to see it in its true context rather than the media sensationalist photo.

Sent from my Pixel 8 using Tapatalk

[Grumph]

Watch the full video clip to see it in its true context rather than the media sensationalist photo.

Sent from my Pixel 8 using Tapatalk

Nothing sensationalist about it, the mans an idiot. But bear in mind he's a Saffa - and they're basically all Boers at core.

Bezos partner caught my eye. Victoria Beckham clone. Well he's got enough money to do it.

[Stylo]

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/539556/donald-trump-pardons-almost-everyone-involved-in-6-january-capitol-riot

TI'm wondering what the wives and families of the policemen that got killed on Jan 6 or commited suicide afterwards think about Trump now. They were only doing there job.

[pritch]

Watch the full video clip to see it in its true context rather than the media sensationalist photo.

Sent from my Pixel 8 using Tapatalk

I deliberately didn't watch the whole show but I saw the clip from which the photo was taken. It's quite possible he was under the influence of drugs but even so he is a Nazi. He frequently endorses fascist posts on his hate speech site.

[Dean]

Btw China war scheduled for 2027, by then their naval fleet numbers will have amassed a huge superiority over USA. USA has about zero meaningful ship building capacity to even think about catching up.

Hmm I suspect they’re calling a bluff.

They (China) are under their own “golden handcuffs” regarding their position as a the “world factory”.

Any conflict with Taiwan, and the subsequent risk levels imposed on surrounding bodies of water, including the sanctions and penalties imposed by others would completely cripple their key shipping routes (East China sea, straight of malacca etc etc). The world demand for exported goods, after a short stall in global markets, would eventually be supplied by another country or series of countries to take its place.

I don’t know how vertically integrated their military industrial complex is, but I suspect it isn’t setup as profitable as America, so I don’t think they want to risk entering more national debt on their rapid rise to the no.1 world economy either.

We will see.

[Dean]

Regarding the strength of naval fleets (China vs US).

It’s helpful to address the key asset management considerations:
- The average age of the US naval fleet is 20 years.
- China, 15 years.

I would hope the US have the manufacturing capacity and some bipartisan budget & pipeline in their long term planning for the renewal of these assets. Maybe this conflict is just the reason for the military industrial complex to justify…..

Whilst there are nuances within that data, it is generally accepted that the US invested and built fleet at a world class production rate much earlier than China. (Because of the demand in which they’re required when you involve yourself in many conflicts around the world!!).

Granted, no one person on here will really have an inkling as to the outcome IF both went to war - but it sure is fun to speculate.

[Berries]

Meanwhile should we run a sweep on when Trump will invade Panama?
I think he will be shot before he gets around to it.

Now, not sure if this image is real or not -

[R650R]

I've avoided coverage of the inauguration much as Trump avoided putting his hand on the bible as he took the oath of office. This pic though set the tone for me, and no it's not a mistake he repeated it.

If you Google "Musk inauguration". this is what you get.

Looks like he’s trying to hail a taxi, he can’t get anything right

[R650R]

Hmm I suspect they’re calling a bluff.

They (China) are under their own “golden handcuffs” regarding their position as a the “world factory”.

Any conflict with Taiwan, and the subsequent risk levels imposed on surrounding bodies of water, including the sanctions and penalties imposed by others would completely cripple their key shipping routes (East China sea, straight of malacca etc etc). The world demand for exported goods, after a short stall in global markets, would eventually be supplied by another country or series of countries to take its place.

I don’t know how vertically integrated their military industrial complex is, but I suspect it isn’t setup as profitable as America, so I don’t think they want to risk entering more national debt on their rapid rise to the no.1 world economy either.

We will see.

Quite a long read https://www.cfr.org/article/china-increasingly-relies-imported-food-thats-problem

But essentially chinas real worry is feeding the population

[pritch]

Trump didn't wait to display his ignorance. Spain is not a BRICS nation. The founding nations were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Others have joined since, mostly Arab countries. It's an economic bloc, among other things they want to move away from reliance on the US dollar for international trade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-lqq4-X4GE

[F5 Dave]

Is four years over yet?

[onearmedbandit]

Is four years over yet?

You wish. It's going to be at least four more years in this thread of side A saying, "you're wrong, we're right, here's the reasons why", and side B saying, "No you're wrong, we're right, here's the reason why" ad infinitum. And neither side will concede to the other. It's like a soap opera, you could leave for a few months, come back, and see the same old story line still going.

[TheDemonLord]

You wish. It's going to be at least four more years in this thread of side A saying, "you're wrong, we're right, here's the reasons why", and side B saying, "No you're wrong, we're right, here's the reason why" ad infinitum. And neither side will concede to the other. It's like a soap opera, you could leave for a few months, come back, and see the same old story line still going.

No, you are wrong, it is not going to be like that...



:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Dean]

Quite a long read https://www.cfr.org/article/china-increasingly-relies-imported-food-thats-problem

But essentially chinas real worry is feeding the population

Interesting read, sounds like more of a reason for China to bluff.

Suspect we will see an increase over the years in:
- Series of Intimidation in surrounding waters.
- Minor excursions of aggression.
- Verbal threats.
- Economic & cyber attacks.
- And political reforms.

I sure hope they’re not stupid enough to wage a full scale conflict/war with Taiwan - that would greatly affect us at the till for some period of time here in little ole NZ.

Let’s wait and see!

[pritch]

You wish. It's going to be at least four more years in this thread of side A saying, "you're wrong, we're right, here's the reasons why", and side B saying, "No you're wrong, we're right, here's the reason why" ad infinitum. And neither side will concede to the other. It's like a soap opera, you could leave for a few months, come back, and see the same old story line still going.

That'd be nice, although it's going to be increasingly difficult for Trump fan bois to deny what is taking place. Although we can fully expect them to try.

[TheDemonLord]

That'd be nice, although it's going to be increasingly difficult for Trump fan bois to deny what is taking place. Although we can fully expect them to try.

Undoing all of Bidens mistakes - I mean, yes - that is what is taking place.

I am currently listening to a review of all the Executive Orders he has signed. It fills my soul with glee.

[pritch]

This is Milo Rossi (no relation). He's an archaeologist, he tours sites of interest on his DR650 and debunks theories about how the pyramids were built by spacemen or similar.

Here he discusses current affairs.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7l1OJ5iidP4

[Grumph]

You wish. It's going to be at least four more years in this thread of side A saying, "you're wrong, we're right, here's the reasons why", and side B saying, "No you're wrong, we're right, here's the reason why" ad infinitum. And neither side will concede to the other. It's like a soap opera, you could leave for a few months, come back, and see the same old story line still going.

It's about time several threads went to pink hell. Those that have been revived for the purposes of trolling - by the troll - are easy to identify

This one at least has current interest. But I've always considered the priviledge of posting in rant and rave should be earned by motorcycle related posts.

[HenryDorsetCase]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/donald-trump-inauguration-elon-musk-performs-nazi-salute-draws-outraged-reaction/VY3GO2CPFVA2FN4OF4APXRNOBM/

Didnt take long.

next will be the uniforms (designed by Hugo Boss, made by slave labour somewhere in the third world) then the tanks.

America voted FOR this. It was a choice.

[Kickaha]

Is four years over yet?

No, but it's just about Christmas


That'd be nice, although it's going to be increasingly difficult for Trump fan bois to deny what is taking place. Although we can fully expect them to try.

It wont be dificult at all, they shown themselves to be totally blind regarding his actions so nothing will make any difference




next will be the uniforms (designed by Hugo Boss, made by slave labour somewhere in the third world) then the tanks.


Hugo Boss did not design them, he did manufacture those and other uniforms though

[R650R]

Interesting read, sounds like more of a reason for China to bluff.

Suspect we will see an increase over the years in:
- Series of Intimidation in surrounding waters.
- Minor excursions of aggression.
- Verbal threats.
- Economic & cyber attacks.
- And political reforms.

I sure hope they’re not stupid enough to wage a full scale conflict/war with Taiwan - that would greatly affect us at the till for some period of time here in little ole NZ.

Let’s wait and see!

There are specialist manufacturing facilities there that are kinda irreplaceable due to how impeccably clean they are for the high performance chips. Even if you rebuilt today it’s a 3-5 year time frame to clean filter a new facility to production standard.

[R650R]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/donald-trump-inauguration-elon-musk-performs-nazi-salute-draws-outraged-reaction/VY3GO2CPFVA2FN4OF4APXRNOBM/

Didnt take long.

next will be the uniforms (designed by Hugo Boss, made by slave labour somewhere in the third world) then the tanks.

America voted FOR this. It was a choice.

Since when did someone with ADHD waving their arms around become a Hitler salute. Everyone has been so click bait raged on this by a media unable to come up with meaningful stories. If you watch the actual clip it’s laughable that this comparison has been drawn.

Best thing I seen today was pic of someone’s dog holding paw up “guess my dog is a nazi now” lol

[R650R]

It's about time several threads went to pink hell. Those that have been revived for the purposes of trolling - by the troll - are easy to identify

This one at least has current interest. But I've always considered the priviledge of posting in rant and rave should be earned by motorcycle related posts.

Yes let’s do it, I second it. Send it mods

[TheDemonLord]

Best thing I seen today was pic of someone’s dog holding paw up “guess my dog is a nazi now” lol

Count Dankula - man that is old.

[pete376403]

Undoing all of Bidens mistakes - I mean, yes - that is what is taking place.

I am currently listening to a review of all the Executive Orders he has signed. It fills my soul with glee.

Such as this? "United States President Donald Trump said today that he had pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the man behind the “Silk Road” online marketplace that facilitated millions of dollars of drug sales.

In 2015, Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of masterminding the “dark web” platform, on which some US$200 million ($353m) in narcotics were sold to customers across the world.

Ulbricht, who ran Silk Road under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts” and who had also been accused of commissioning five murders, was sentenced to two life sentences for narcotics distribution and criminal enterprise."

[F5 Dave]

You wish. It's going to be at least four more years in this thread of side A saying, "you're wrong, we're right, here's the reasons why", and side B saying, "No you're wrong, we're right, here's the reason why" ad infinitum. And neither side will concede to the other. It's like a soap opera, you could leave for a few months, come back, and see the same old story line still going.
Oh, I unsubscribe as soon as I post and don't check back too often.

[pete376403]

This is hilarious. https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-24e041e0ce174d1d3d82a4eedd21c838

[TheDemonLord]

This is hilarious.

I agree, just not in the way you think it is.

[TheDemonLord]

Such as this? "United States President Donald Trump said today that he had pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the man behind the “Silk Road” online marketplace that facilitated millions of dollars of drug sales.

In 2015, Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of masterminding the “dark web” platform, on which some US$200 million ($353m) in narcotics were sold to customers across the world.

Ulbricht, who ran Silk Road under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts” and who had also been accused of commissioning five murders, was sentenced to two life sentences for narcotics distribution and criminal enterprise."

I have not looked deeply into the Ross Ulbricht case.

However, from what I know, Silk Road was simply an unregulated market place - and yes unregulated means that there was a lot of drugs being bought and sold, however No one accussed Ross of actually dealing the Drugs.

The Murder-for-hire accusation was (according to Yahoo news...) Dismissed with Prejudice.

It appears the main argument from a legal perspective here is that whilst Ross did facilitate something Illegal - he was a first time, non-violent offender - similar people recieving 1-4 year sentences. The double life sentence was due to the accusation of a murder-for-hire plot, but this was never proven in court (as above, appears to have been dismissed with prejudice) and so should not have been a factor in sentencing.

Looking at some Libertarian sources - I see similar sentiments: No one is saying Ross was not guilty of committing a crime or should not have been sentenced - what they are saying is that harshness of the sentence was a massive overreach.

And one other point to note: Apparently this was a Campaign pledge that he would pardon Ross - so promises made, promises Kept.

[pritch]

This is hilarious.]

Yeah. In case anyone didn't quite grasp that. It's why we all have nipples. Males have no purpose for nipples but the nipples develop before the gender of the foetus has been determined.

These redneck politicians are idiots. Dangerous idiots.

[TheDemonLord]

Yeah. In case anyone didn't quite grasp that. It's why we all have nipples. Males have no purpose for nipples but the nipples develop before the gender of the foetus has been determined.

These redneck politicians are idiots. Dangerous idiots.

Except that Gender is determined, at conception, by the 23rd Chromosome. Whilst the post is partially correct that the differentiation between the two sexes does not happen until week 6 or 7 - at no point do the cells in the body have an XX chromosomal pair on the 23rd pair, that magically changes to an XY.

They are not Dangerous Idiots - this is the equal and opposite reaction to a concerted effort to push a radical view of Sex and Gender that has no basis in Biology and has its origins in political theory.

Men and Women are different - it should not be controversial to say that, but here we are.

[pritch]

I didn't watch the inauguration but have seen clips such as Musk's tribute to Hitler. It seems I also missed a significant fail. Trump's organisation is usually ummm fragile.
Normally US presidential staff have everything as near perfect as possible. Trump teams not so much. They tend to misspell the name of the guest of honour or similar. When a few months back Trump told the oil bosses that if they gave him a billion dollars they could have anything they wanted their main concern was that nobody in Trump's White House would be capable of preparing the documentation.

At the inauguration Carrie Underwood was to sing 'America The Beautiful' to the accompaniment of a backing track. They couldn't afford a band? Normally for such a significant event you'd have backup - and probably backup for the back up. Not for Trump's inauguration though. A few notes in the backing track failed. Ms Underwood was suddenly singing a cappella. She did it well though and people in the room may not have even released a fuck up was in progress.

[Laava]

Lols, think this guy might be setting the tone for things to come…

https://youtu.be/4frg29mH6ns?si=gRuz8sNC4b8C9XPr

[pritch]

EarlierI wrote that these redneck politicians are idiots. They're even worse than I thought. Get a load of this...

https://www.wlbt.com/2025/01/22/mississippi-politician-files-contraception-begins-erection-act/

[pritch]

Trumps plan to deny citizenship to people born in the US has hit a road block. A federal judge has ruled it unconstitutional. From here I guess it winds its way to the Supreme Court where it seems almost anything goes these days.

[TheDemonLord]

EarlierI wrote that these redneck politicians are idiots. They're even worse than I thought. Get a load of this...

https://www.wlbt.com/2025/01/22/mississippi-politician-files-contraception-begins-erection-act/

https://www.newsweek.com/mississippi-contraception-begins-erection-act-abortion-rights-senate-2019615

The link doesnt do it justice, it is missing a key detail...

Mississippi Democrat

You are right Pritch, these Democrat Politicians are Idiots :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:: laugh:

[R650R]

Interesting to see if it’s a full release or only partial like last time he was in power. Note the obedient media has zero questions about the jfk files….

Warning at one point the pen is a bit dry and its likes fingernails on chalkboard.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYR36f74gNI

[pritch]

The Trump/Musk Department of Government Efficiency has been hit with a legal challenge. That wasn't surprising, the president doesn't have the authority to create a government department. That power resides with Congress. DOGE will be classified as a federal advisory board or similar. Once it becomes official it must operate in accordance with all the usual government rules and regulations. All meetings must be recorded, Official Information Act requests must be honoured, etc etc. Musk is not happy, he wanted to operate in secret.

You will note there is no mention of Ramaswamy. He is no longer involved. He is running for Governor of Ohio where he is likely to learn about racism in the USA.

[sugilite]

Not on TikTok but pretty sure the same garbage and soft porn hoes are on all the American owned platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Saw an interesting youtube video a few months back where they created multiple new user profiles with differing personality types etc. The tik tok algorithm was much much faster at getting a read, then feeding shaped content. That is a very powerful tool when a certain government can directly heavily influence the minds of it's opponents citizens. I get your point with the other platforms, but they mainly in it for the money.


Is it a tragedy of Humanity when it is entirely self-inflicted?
But even if you assume the worst intentions of my post (which I am not going to entirely disagree with) - the fact that I am celebrating a ceasefire contradicts the point you are making.
Palestinians are members of the hamas, but the hamas are not the Palestinian people as a whole. It is like saying the gangs in nz speak for all nz's. I think Israel likes the saying an eye for an eye and this has gone way past that. I find it morbidly interesting that the Israeli government, representing a people that suffered catastrophic holocaust (and when it suits, they will bring it up faster than a vegan feeling the need to tell you they are vegan) - are essentially using the (yes really nasty) actions of a militant group to justify their very own infliction of an holocaust. Lets all pretend it is not happening lest thy be deemed antisemitic. Trouble in that region is eons old, and trump having an effect on this so called "ceasefire" are of complete insignificance. I mean, what is trump going to do to the hamas that is not already thoroughly being done by the Israelis? For what ever reason, it is convenient for there not to be any fighting by 2 reprehensible parties - In the meantime, the Palestinian peoples suffering will not dissipate in any meaningful way. Hence the lack of applause for your "enthusiastic" trump is the daddy celebrations.




I think I said a wee while ago that I did not think the Day 1 claim was realistic - but if there is a Ceasefire in the Ukraine - will you concede that Trump being in power was a factor?
Gosh darn it, in the time it took me to reply, Trump has already failed. Apparently Putin was not swayed by Trumps mean tweet. Who knew :mellow:



is it just me or does trumps "wife" look like Michael Jackson
355598355599

It was sex pest repellent.

https://c.files.bbci.co.uk/94a6/live/2eb12470-d763-11ef-87df-d575b9a434a4.jpg



Watch the full video clip to see it in its true context rather than the media sensationalist photo.

Sent from my Pixel 8 using Tapatalk
After watching an interview with musks father where he vividly describes his family having emigrated to South Africa because of their deep admiration for apartheid is food for thought. Personally I thought it was a deep troll from musk - but as ever, his power means his trolls have more significant repercussions.


https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/539556/donald-trump-pardons-almost-everyone-involved-in-6-january-capitol-riot

TI'm wondering what the wives and families of the policemen that got killed on Jan 6 or commited suicide afterwards think about Trump now. They were only doing there job.
Indeed, this has made a mockery of the American Justice system. These people had their due process and most of the evidence was video. I was shocked when I found out they even released the violent ones - I reckon through abject laziness, just release them all. I remember certain people on this thread regarding the question of systemic racism, passionately defending the US justice system as being largely immune to corruption of justice. They didn't take into account trump.


Trump didn't wait to display his ignorance. Spain is not a BRICS nation. The founding nations were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Others have joined since, mostly Arab countries. It's an economic bloc, among other things they want to move away from reliance on the US dollar for international trade.
This one is closer to home, fuck you trump.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg451wx2n63o


That'd be nice, although it's going to be increasingly difficult for Trump fan bois to deny what is taking place. Although we can fully expect them to try.
Even the triers are in for a torrid time for at least 2 years - trump has the house, the senate, the whitehouise and the supreme court - it leaves them nowhere to hide! Buckle up trump fanbois!


Undoing all of Bidens mistakes - I mean, yes - that is what is taking place.

I am currently listening to a review of all the Executive Orders he has signed. It fills my soul with glee.
Oh you mean reinstating his first round mistakes that the bestest ever president - president biden correctly overturned? :innocent::bleh:


Trumps plan to deny citizenship to people born in the US has hit a road block. A federal judge has ruled it unconstitutional. From here I guess it winds its way to the Supreme Court where it seems almost anything goes these days.
Meh, that was just window dressing, they knew it be knocked back - just the latest scene in the reality show "The Shitifying of America".


The Trump/Musk Department of Government Efficiency has been hit with a legal challenge. That wasn't surprising, the president doesn't have the authority to create a government department. That power resides with Congress. DOGE will be classified as a federal advisory board or similar. Once it becomes official it must operate in accordance with all the usual government rules and regulations. All meetings must be recorded, Official Information Act requests must be honoured, etc etc. Musk is not happy, he wanted to operate in secret.

You will note there is no mention of Ramaswamy. He is no longer involved. He is running for Governor of Ohio where he is likely to learn about racism in the USA.
Yeah, looks like Ramaswamy got served indian takeout. His mistake? Ordering the mango chicken.
Musk is just there to be the bad guy looking to cut all the social services he can.

Something I find concerning is this crypto coin trump created and has a huge majority holding in. I guess we should not worry that a convicted criminal would accept potentially billions in untraceable bribes. Certainly more profitable than the bibles line. Oh speaking of Christianity. Trump called the Episcopal bishop of Washington "Nasty", I can never tell if it is because they are a woman, or they did something he did not approve of, but in this case I think her crime was she urged for mercy to scared individuals, including “gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families”. How dare she! There is no room for mercy in trumps cruel vision for America.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/22/trump-bishop-mariann-edgar-budde

Oh yeah, when vice president trump announced a $500 billion injection of cash into the further development of AI, President Musk had to step in once again to correct trumps error. If this keeps happening, I think President musk should fire vice president trumps arse and get that nice vance fella back in the position, I have a distant memory of him having a nice smile. :msn-wink:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/elon-musk-pours-cold-water-214640348.html

[TheDemonLord]

Palestinians are members of the hamas, but the hamas are not the Palestinian people as a whole.

No, but it is worth pointing out that when they did a survey of Palestinians, after Oct 7th, there was something like 70+% approval for the attack.

When was the last time you saw 70% approval for anything the NZ Government did...


I think Israel likes the saying an eye for an eye and this has gone way past that. I find it morbidly interesting that the Israeli government, representing a people that suffered catastrophic holocaust (and when it suits, they will bring it up faster than a vegan feeling the need to tell you they are vegan) - are essentially using the (yes really nasty) actions of a militant group to justify their very own infliction of an holocaust.

What is the only rational course(s) of action, when faced with a group who explicitly want you dead.

You either let them kill you or you kill enough of them that they change their Tune. If the Palestinians still possess the means and will to fight, then that means you keep fighting.

Even if that means down to the last Man, Woman and Child

There is no Eye-for-Eye. You either kill the people who want you dead or die. End of.

Or perhaps another way - let us run a little Thought Experiment - Assume tomorrow, Israel takes over all of Gaza, The West Bank etc. Hamas are completely removed and all of the contested areas are under the direct control of Israel: What happens to the Palestinians - Worst case scenario they get a Westernized style democracy, Gay Rights etc.

Now run the same thought experiment in reverse - Assume tomorrow, Palestinians or Hamas take over all of Israel: What happens to the Israelis...

Now, to clarify - my ideal situation is that the Palestinians decide that indoctrinating their children into hating Jews (I can post a link to some of their Childrens Cartoons - Imagine Sesame Street mixed with Mid-Century German ideas, said in Arabic) and attacking Israel is not worth the retaliation.

Maybe then a coexistance could happen. Maybe even some of the historic grievances could be heard and could be addressed. But for that to happen the majority of Palestinians would need a significant change of heart.


Trouble in that region is eons old, and trump having an effect on this so called "ceasefire" are of complete insignificance. I mean, what is trump going to do to the hamas that is not already thoroughly being done by the Israelis? For what ever reason, it is convenient for there not to be any fighting by 2 reprehensible parties - In the meantime, the Palestinian peoples suffering will not dissipate in any meaningful way. Hence the lack of applause for your "enthusiastic" trump is the daddy celebrations.

The Hostages have been returned and the attacks have stopped. Will it be a permanent Ceasefire - I share your cynicism - but wouldnt that be a nice thought.

To answer your question as to what Trump is going to do - I do not know specifically - but it seems clear to me that the timing indicates that Hamas fear the reprisal of an America with Trump as President, in a way they did not fear it under Biden.

To answer your last part - let me ask you this: Are they suffering more or less with the Ceasefire?


Gosh darn it, in the time it took me to reply, Trump has already failed. Apparently Putin was not swayed by Trumps mean tweet. Who knew :mellow:

Apparently the updated time frame is 6 months - If that is hit or we see a de-escalation in that region - will you then admit that Trump is a good president for world Peace - without having to accept any other aspects about him as positive?


Oh you mean reinstating his first round mistakes that the bestest ever president - president biden correctly overturned? :innocent::bleh:

We will see - if the US moves in a positive direction, we will know what the reason was.

[pritch]

During Trump's previous presidency the quality of his executive orders was surprisingly low which made challenging them in court easier than it otherwise would have been. Normally they'd be prepared by lawyers then checked and double checked. It was thought in the light of that experience that more attention would be paid to the quality of executive orders this time around. But no.

One of Trump's new orders deals with oil exploration in Alaska and it contains an itemised numbered list. Each and every item is number 1.

The order to rename the Gulf of Mexico the 'Gulf of America waxes poetical about the various marine life and the recreational opportunities which are completely irrelevant. It doesn't matter because the US president does not have the power to rename the Gulf. For his next act he will command the tide to stop rising.

The conclusion is that these orders have been written by AI and they have not been checked at all. A zero competence White House. Scary really.

[sugilite]

What is the only rational course(s) of action, when faced with a group who explicitly want you dead.

Both sides have wanted each other dead for how many thousand years? I'm not getting into that, little point. I'm not picking a side despite what it appears. Israel wants them gone and wants their land. The river to the sea statement says the Palestinians want it all too.


To answer your question as to what Trump is going to do - I do not know specifically - but it seems clear to me that the timing indicates that Hamas fear the reprisal of an America with Trump as President, in a way they did not fear it under Biden.
Happy coincidence in timing at best. A narcissistic orange buffoon vice president is not going to move the hatred needle between these factions, no matter how much breathless fanboi-isym you expound.



To answer your last part - let me ask you this: Are they suffering more or less with the Ceasefire?

8 out of 10 at best from the 10 out of 10 before.



Apparently the updated time frame is 6 months - If that is hit or we see a de-escalation in that region - will you then admit that Trump is a good president for world Peace - without having to accept any other aspects about him as positive?
So if a CEO as part of his interview process told the board he could sort a major project in 24 hours and made multiple, multiple press releases saying as much, then goes oppps, looks like it is going to take an 18,164.00 PERCENT increase to get the job done, I put it to you the CEO would be FIRED in disgrace. But using the TDL long time approved sliding scale for vice president trump and it somehow turns into a mere "updated timeline".
The unfortunate fact for you is that vice president trump has failed already. That is the problem with missed time orientated objectives - no do overs.

In other news, trump wants to do away with the disaster relief government department fema, he wants the states to take care of it themselves (fuck you Florida for instance).
Looks like trump does not want to spend a government dollar thats final path cannot then be traced to one of his billionaire buddies pockets. Big shock

[pritch]

There is no bottom.

The Washington Post has some detail about Republican plans to out Liz Cheney. You may remember Cassidy Hutchinson, the young woman who gave evidence at the Jan 6 inquiry. She was pretty much the star of the show. A Republican, she worked for then Chief of Staff in Trump's White House, Mark Meadows. In an effort to discredit her, House Speaker Mike Johnson, wanted to subpoena her text messages to find evidence that she was being coached by Liz Cheney.

Johnson was contacted by other Republicans shouting, stop! If Hutchinson's texts were publicly available all of the threatening and sexually explicit texts sent by Republican politicians would be revealed.

They are all class.

[Laava]

Why do I somehow feel that this is all my fault?

[pritch]

There is on YouTube and Reddit the sad but still ongoing story of a MAGA guy who inherited $1.2 million. "YOLO" says he and promptly "invests" it all in DJT stock on the expectation that following Trump's inauguration the stock would sky rocket in value. It didn't. It's complicated, but he has lost almost the lot so far and he has now lost his wife too. Evidently she has more sense than him.

[R650R]

There is on YouTube and Reddit the sad but still ongoing story of a MAGA guy who inherited $1.2 million. "YOLO" says he and promptly "invests" it all in DJT stock on the expectation that following Trump's inauguration the stock would sky rocket in value. It didn't. It's complicated, but he has lost almost the lot so far and he has now lost his wife too. Evidently she has more sense than him.

Couple of my AI and defence industry stocks are up thanks Trump.

Palantir PTYR +9.00%
Palladyne AI PDYN +13.45%

[pritch]

One of Trump's new executive orders apparently bans the Centre for Disease Control from releasing any data to anybody including the medical profession.

There is in China, and now the US, an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu. A US duck farm recently had to destroy 100,000 ducks. The organism has now jumped species to cows which are carrying the virus. Cats fed raw cows milk have died.

This might normally be considered a good time to caution against using raw milk but RFK Jr has invited a major seller of raw milk to address the Food and Drug Administration. Presumably to proselytise the health benefits of raw milk. It does seem though that this raw milk supplier, whose products have been recalled because of bird flu, has previously produced milk with virtually every harmful pathogen known to man.

Australia has reported its first human case but so far there is no reported human to human transmission. Events in DC hardly inspire confidence.

[sugilite]

I knew it, they fucking stole the election!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LN65qFUDDo

[R650R]

I knew it, they fucking stole the election

Hang on didn’t we just have four years post jan 6 of having the competent trustworthy mainstream media and many esteemed kb posters telling us USA elections can’t be stolen????

“The election denial movement in the United States is a widespread false belief among many Republicans that elections in the United States are rigged and stolen through election fraud by Democrats. Adherents of the movement are referred to as election deniers. Election fraud conspiracy theories have spread online and through conservative conferences, community events, and door-to-door canvassing. Since the 2020 United States presidential election, many Republican politicians have sought elective office or taken legislative steps to address what they assert is weak election integrity leading to widespread fraudulent elections, though no evidence of systemic election fraud has come to light and many studies have found that it is extremely rare.”

[pritch]

The US Senate confirmed Hegseth as Secretary of Defence in a 50/50 vote. The Vice President had to cast the deciding ballot in the confirmation process for the first time in US history.

Then, at around midnight, Trump fired many of the Inspectors General. They are responsible for eliminating fraud and waste in their department. Inspectors General are not normally political appointments they usually serve under multiple presidents. Trump himself had appointed some of them during his previous presidency.
They couldn't be fired earlier as that would have alienated at least one senator and Trump could not afford to lose a single vote.

Suddenly there are less impediments to committing fraud. In the event anybody had that intent...


PS. The firing of the Inspectors General is not legal. A president is required to give 30 days notice to both houses of Congress if he wishes to fire an Inspector General. Of course Trump being back means this is just one more illegality in a growing list. Nobody in his White House knows - or cares.

[sugilite]

Hang on didn’t we just have four years post jan 6 of having the competent trustworthy mainstream media and many esteemed kb posters telling us USA elections can’t be stolen????

I think if you were to review the thread, the esteemed kb posters were saying there was simply no evidence of any meaningful fraud in the 2020 election, with over 50 failed court cases yadda, yadda. Not so much that fraud was not possible.
The things in the video I posted were on my radar before hand. Did you know that in some of the swing states, repukelicans made laws allowing any old citizens to "challenge" a voters right to vote and that voter would then be effectively banned from voting until they had re proven eligibility? No notification was given either. Obviously, magas over social media organized large groups to target dem voters.


The US Senate confirmed Hegseth as Secretary of Defence in a 50/50 vote. The Vice President had to cast the deciding ballot in the confirmation process for the first time in US history.

Then, at around midnight, Trump fired many of the Inspectors General. They are responsible for eliminating fraud and waste in their department.

Yeah, convicted criminal trump is not wasting anytime removing impediments to committing wholesale fraud - as allowed by the abjectly corrupt right wing branch of the supreme court.
Open and honest Government - my arse.

When orange vomit face was running for election the regrublicans were all about "Ohhhh, no, no DEI hires allowed. People need to be hired on merit" - which I actually agree with btw. However, soon as the magats get in power trump appoints a raft of hopelessly unqualified people to the highest positions in the land. hegsworthless is a case in point. Never had any more than 8 people working under him, and both positions he had when he did have people working under him he was sacked for drunkenness on the job and incompetence.
Vice President trump has ushered out DEI and simply replaced it with ISWASTD Incompetent Stooges Who AbsolutelySuck Trump Dick.

And hohoho, looks like the vice president trump is rebelling against his demotion by sicking the Chief-of-Staff susie wailes onto president musk, kicking him out of his expected whitehouse office and restricting his access to the vice president trump- oh dear.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ7o_G5CcrY

[R650R]

Yep any leader wouldn’t want someone popular and unpredictable like musk lurking about who could say or do unpredictable things. Trumps taken the money and run lol
Plus a lot of Musk lovers are from ev and tech industry who are more left leaning.

Wonder if Musk gets done for Theranos style fraud will trump seize Tesla and spaces making them state assets????

[TheDemonLord]

Both sides have wanted each other dead for how many thousand years? I'm not getting into that, little point. I'm not picking a side despite what it appears. Israel wants them gone and wants their land. The river to the sea statement says the Palestinians want it all too.

I know that this is a popular trope that 'Israel wants their land' - I am not convinced. I think more than anything Israel wants to stop being attacked by them.

Now - imagine if the Palestinians behaved themselves for a period of time, like say a good decade or so - if we saw Israel still doing dodgy things - with no provocation or justification - Maybe I might agree with this idea, but I suspect we would see an improvement in relations on both sides.


Happy coincidence in timing at best.

Doesn't happen in Trumps first term in Office - Happy Coincidence.
Happens in Bidens Term in Office - Unhappy Coincidence.
Stops right as Trump is taking his second term in Office - Happy Coincidence.

Gee, these Coincidences are sure adding up, aren't they...


8 out of 10 at best from the 10 out of 10 before.

So, an improvement. Maybe if they can behave themselves it could go down to a 6 out of 10, then to a 4 out of 10, then a 2, then a 0.

Wouldn't that be great.


So if a CEO as part of his interview process told the board he could sort a major project in 24 hours and made multiple, multiple press releases saying as much, then goes oppps, looks like it is going to take an 18,164.00 PERCENT increase to get the job done, I put it to you the CEO would be FIRED in disgrace. But using the TDL long time approved sliding scale for vice president trump and it somehow turns into a mere "updated timeline".
The unfortunate fact for you is that vice president trump has failed already. That is the problem with missed time orientated objectives - no do overs.

If the previous CEO failed to do anything meaningful in 3 years, I think a little leeway is granted - yes, I know he said 24 hours - I took that for typical Trump hyperbole.

Realistically, now that he is in Power, he has the authority to intercede.

If there is a Ceasefire or better yet a resolution to this conflict in or around the 6 month period - will you agree that Trump had something to do with it?


In other news, trump wants to do away with the disaster relief government department fema, he wants the states to take care of it themselves (fuck you Florida for instance).
Looks like trump does not want to spend a government dollar thats final path cannot then be traced to one of his billionaire buddies pockets. Big shock

Typical Dictator behavior - shrinking the size of the Central government and giving more power and responsibility to the States ;)

[pritch]

Y
Plus a lot of Musk lovers are from ev and tech industry who are more left leaning.


WTF have you been smoking? According to his actions and the tweets he endorses or posts Musk is an anti-Jew, pro Nazi, facist. Tesla drivers in Europe have bumper stickers saying things like, I bought it before he bought Twitter.

The EV and tech people might be left leaning but Musk has been busy alienating them.

[sugilite]

I know that this is a popular trope that 'Israel wants their land' - I am not convinced.
Palestinians should "behave" themselves?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpgpj8kzwo
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c207j6wy332o
https://www.nrc.no/news/2025/january/escalation-in-the-west-bank-violations-surge-amid-fragile-ceasefire-in-gaza
Do you disparage and belittle the Palestinians so much because they have support of silly little wanna be marxist twats in US universities? Could that be what is fueling your one side is right crusade?


If the previous CEO failed to do anything meaningful in 3 years, I think a little leeway is granted - yes, I know he said 24 hours - I took that for typical Trump hyperbole.

This highlights your maga cult status when you describe a 18,164.00 percent increase as a "little leeway". As adorbs as it is you cannot admit trump failed by his own metrics and expect me to use your sliding scale for trump responsibility of backing his shit up. That number again - 18,164.00 percent.


Typical Dictator behavior - shrinking the size of the Central government and giving more power and responsibility to the States ;)
More like President musk whispering in vice president trumps ear "Pssst, this climate change thing is real mate, abdicate emergency funding to the states now so we can line our own pockets with more of that sweet, sweet cash".

And ahhh yes - the dicktator. Criminal trump breaks the law yet again.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAGhWq2iheU

[Pursang]

...
ADMIRE THE KINGS BEAUTIFUL SUIT!!!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GZJNVybXYAI7lFe?format=jpg&name=small

[nerrrd]

Trump orders 25% tariffs on Colombia after US planes deporting migrants turned back (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxny0lnyepo)

This will be an interesting early test case for the new President's approach.

[sugilite]

I know that this is a popular trope that 'Israel wants their land' - I am not convinced.
Update!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-resumes-sending-2000-pound-bombs-to-israel-undoing-biden-pause
"Trump’s comments were welcomed by far-right Israeli politicians. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described the relocation of Palestinians as a “great idea”, and said he would work with the prime minister and cabinet to create an “operational plan for implementation” as soon as possible."

I find it remarkable TDL - within hours of you posting, how often trump comes along, unzips his pants, pulls aside his nappy, takes out his wee todger and takes a wizz all over your words. :killingme

And yes, you better believe maximum smug mode is engaged ;)

[pritch]

And ahhh yes - the dicktator. Criminal trump breaks the law yet again.




The Chairman of the Council of Inspectors General has written to Trump about his sacking of them. The letter is all over BlueSky but not in a form that reproduces legibly here.


This is the key paragraph:

As Chairperson of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), I
recommend that you reach out to White House Counsel to discuss your intended course of
action. At this point, we do not believe the actions taken are legally sufficient to dismiss
Presidentially Appointed, Senate Confirmed Inspectors General.


So they aren't going anywhere just yet.

[TheDemonLord]

Palestinians should "behave" themselves?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpgpj8kzwo
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c207j6wy332o
https://www.nrc.no/news/2025/january/escalation-in-the-west-bank-violations-surge-amid-fragile-ceasefire-in-gaza
Do you disparage and belittle the Palestinians so much because they have support of silly little wanna be marxist twats in US universities? Could that be what is fueling your one side is right crusade?

Let us assume, for the moment, the worst interpretation of those News articles. It does not justify Terrorism. Now, I have said here and elsewhere that had Hamas attacked say Military installations or even the Police and other structures of Government, I would perhaps have more sympathy for the claim that they are striking out against an evil oppressor.

But they didnt and so I dont.

Secondly - ask yourself this: Why is there an alliance between those 'silly little wanna be marxist twats in US universities' and Hamas - It is the same reason why Arab Socialism is a thing: They both share the same goal of destroying the West. I live in the West and do not wish to be destroyed - ergo, not a fan.

But lastly - and this is perhaps the most personal reason: Imagine I walk through Israel and then walk through a Hamas controlled area - wearing a T-Shirt of one of my Favourite bands.

In one, I might get a few funny looks. In the other, I risk arrest, criminal conviction and even Death for Blasphemy.

For wearing an Iron Maiden T-Shirt (never mind some of my more spicy Death and Black Metal shirts). Suffice to say, my biases are with whoever doesnt want me dead.


This highlights your maga cult status when you describe a 18,164.00 percent increase as a "little leeway". As adorbs as it is you cannot admit trump failed by his own metrics and expect me to use your sliding scale for trump responsibility of backing his shit up. That number again - 18,164.00 percent.

Again, I take Trumpian Hyperbole as just that. I never said that I believed the 24 hours claim. However, that still is beside the point - if there is an end to the war in Trumps Presidency - will you concede that it didnt happen under Biden, did happen under Trump.


More like President musk whispering in vice president trumps ear "Pssst, this climate change thing is real mate, abdicate emergency funding to the states now so we can line our own pockets with more of that sweet, sweet cash".

Or, he is consistent on shrinking the size of the Federal Government, pushing issues and responsibilities back to the States. Peak Dictatorial move there, de-centralizing power.


And ahhh yes - the dicktator. Criminal trump breaks the law yet again.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAGhWq2iheU

I tried to watch the video - but the general gist is:

To fire someone, you need cause (fair) and notice (also fair) - unless I missed it, it is never explicitly stated that they havent been given notice - nor does saying that you have fired someone (in a political sense) mean you have marched them out the door an an immediate dismissal.

Then when it comes to cause - the guy takes ages to answer and his response is: We just have to assume Trump is lying. The fact that he says the Legacy media will act as Trumps Stenographers - it shows how far off reality this person is.

After that I stopped watching - as I couldnt take anything he had to say seriously after that. His notions about how this is all some form of Power move by Trump to kowtow the Republicans - that, to me, is a Left-wing conspiracy theory.

I have got a different view - and I will use a very specific example: The Hunter Biden Laptop - it was genuine, we know it was genuine. Multiple people used their Government position to aid the Democractic campaign. That was wrong. Those sorts of people who will use neutral positions for partisan reasons need to be ousted from Government.

What Trump is doing is clearing out those sorts of people and hopefully sending a message to the rest of the Civil Servants: If you use your government position, for political purposes, you will be ousted.

[TheDemonLord]

Update!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-resumes-sending-2000-pound-bombs-to-israel-undoing-biden-pause
"Trump’s comments were welcomed by far-right Israeli politicians. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described the relocation of Palestinians as a “great idea”, and said he would work with the prime minister and cabinet to create an “operational plan for implementation” as soon as possible."

I find it remarkable TDL - within hours of you posting, how often trump comes along, unzips his pants, pulls aside his nappy, takes out his wee todger and takes a wizz all over your words. :killingme

And yes, you better believe maximum smug mode is engaged ;)

Is Trump Israeli?

Must have missed that bit of news.

Let me clarify my comments: There is a particular theory, that talks about Zionism, Jews etc. this view asserts that all Jews and all of Israel wants to eliminate Palestine.

From talking with Israelis - the common response I hear is that if the likes of Hamas stopped attacking them, they would be more inclined to leave them alone - but with attacks, the Israelis want a Military and Police prescence etc.

So no, Trump saying we should move Palestinians out is not what I am talking about. Smugness denied.

[sugilite]

Is Trump Israeli?
Must have missed that bit of news.
So no, Trump saying we should move Palestinians out is not what I am talking about. Smugness denied.
Opps, you must of missed the quote from the Israeli senior government ministers regarding trumps words that I had helpfully supplied, here it is again below.
"Trump’s comments were welcomed by far-right Israeli politicians. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described the relocation of Palestinians as a “great idea”, and said he would work with the prime minister and cabinet to create an “operational plan for implementation” as soon as possible."

Smugness reapplied, and I'm afraid due to your missing the quote from the article - it has now been upgraded to insufferable.

P.S. taking pity on the forum. I'm not going further with you on the Israel/Palestinian situation, just take it as a blanket I disagree with each and every word you wrote and I view both sides leadership as being morally bankrupt. Lets get back to Trump openly attempting and succeeding at further corrupting American democracy. There is so much fresh meat around!

[pritch]

It is belatedly reported that only hours after taking office Trump fired four officials who oversee the work of the Immigration Courts. These were not political appointments and Trump does not have the power to dismiss them. As dictator though he has given himself the power to sack everybody and replace them with people whose only qualification is loyalty to him. Straight out of Project 2025. (Schedule F.)

[TheDemonLord]

Opps, you must of missed the quote from the Israeli senior government ministers regarding trumps words that I had helpfully supplied, here it is again below.
"Trump’s comments were welcomed by far-right Israeli politicians. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described the relocation of Palestinians as a “great idea”, and said he would work with the prime minister and cabinet to create an “operational plan for implementation” as soon as possible."

Smugness reapplied, and I'm afraid due to your missing the quote from the article - it has now been upgraded to insufferable.

P.S. taking pity on the forum. I'm not going further with you on the Israel/Palestinian situation, just take it as a blanket I disagree with each and every word you wrote and I view both sides leadership as being morally bankrupt. Lets get back to Trump openly attempting and succeeding at further corrupting American democracy. There is so much fresh meat around!

I saw the Quote, did you see the part where I talked about Regular Politicians?

Bit like taking say the viewpoint of Te Pati Maori on an issue and conflating it with being the viewpoint of all kiwis.

[sugilite]

I saw the Quote, did you see the part where I talked about Regular Politicians?

Bit like taking say the viewpoint of Te Pati Maori on an issue and conflating it with being the viewpoint of all kiwis.

When the highest politicians in the land, the ones currently making the laws publicly shoot down your argument - at what point must one acknowledge that maybe, just maybe one has struggles with what is truth?

AND due to ones silly clinging onto a dead and buried talking point - A burnout has now broken out with insufferable smugness still firmly engaged :bleh:

[pritch]

The US Airforce flights "repatriating" immigrants from the US to Colombia were denied permission to land and were forced to return to the US. Trump is annoyed and has imposed a tariff on goods from Colombia. That'll show them. It'll likely just increase the price of coffee in the US. We can probably assume the importers don't pay tariffs on cocaine.

[TheDemonLord]

When the highest politicians in the land, the ones currently making the laws publicly shoot down your argument - at what point must one acknowledge that maybe, just maybe one has struggles with what is truth?

AND due to ones silly clinging onto a dead and buried talking point - A burnout has now broken out with insufferable smugness still firmly engaged :bleh:

Okay - fair point, I typod - I said Regular Politicians, I meant Regular Israelis - which changes what I meant significantly

[Katman]

Let us assume, for the moment, the worst interpretation of those News articles. It does not justify Terrorism. Now, I have said here and elsewhere that had Hamas attacked say Military installations or even the Police and other structures of Government, I would perhaps have more sympathy for the claim that they are striking out against an evil oppressor.

You seem to be conveniently forgetting about the Jewish terrorist gangs of the 40s and 50s.

[R650R]

Update!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-resumes-sending-2000-pound-bombs-to-israel-undoing-biden-pause
"Trump’s comments were welcomed by far-right Israeli politicians. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described the relocation of Palestinians as a “great idea”, and said he would work with the prime minister and cabinet to create an “operational plan for implementation” as soon as possible."

I find it remarkable TDL - within hours of you posting, how often trump comes along, unzips his pants, pulls aside his nappy, takes out his wee todger and takes a wizz all over your words. :killingme

And yes, you better believe maximum smug mode is engaged ;)

I think that Trumps (sic) anything trump has ever said before in a careless fashion. Hopefully he was just thinking out loud in business brain mode. The concept makes sense temporarily relocate and do a primo rebuild but we know in reality that’s just not workable and the people won’t stand for it.
It’s like he forgets thousands of media scribes are hinging on every word he says.

[TheDemonLord]

You seem to be conveniently forgetting about the Jewish terrorist gangs of the 40s and 50s.

70 years ago.

[Katman]

70 years ago.

Yeah, even further back than Hamas.

[pritch]

Apropos of earlier comments about incompetent Trump White House staff and their inability to spell a guest of honours name correctly etc. A document has been published to enable people to update themselves on the tariffs he has imposed on Colombia - complete with the name of the country spelled wrong.

[onearmedbandit]

The US Airforce flights "repatriating" immigrants from the US to Colombia were denied permission to land and were forced to return to the US. Trump is annoyed and has imposed a tariff on goods from Colombia. That'll show them. It'll likely just increase the price of coffee in the US. We can probably assume the importers don't pay tariffs on cocaine.

Seems like it worked

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/in-a-u-turn-columbia-decides-to-send-plane-to-bring-deported-nationals-after-us-slaps-sanctions/articleshow/117587851.cms?from=mdr

[nerrrd]

Apropos of earlier comments about incompetent Trump White House staff and their inability to spell a guest of honours name correctly etc. A document has been published to enable people to update themselves on the tariffs he has imposed on Colombia - complete with the name of the country spelled wrong.

Why stop at the ‘Gulf of America’? Let’s rename the whole continent!

[TheDemonLord]

Why stop at the ‘Gulf of America’? Let’s rename the whole continent!

Gulf of America, Gulf of Mexico - I am not sure which one has a better ring to it TBH.

[HenryDorsetCase]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8ljRgcJNM

Amerika ist wunderbar!

[Pursang]

Gulf of America, Gulf of Mexico - I am not sure which one has a better ring to it TBH.

The name "Gulf of Mexico" (Spanish: golfo de México; French: golphe du Mexique, later golfe du Mexique) first appeared on a world map in 1550 and has been the most common name since the mid-17th century, when it was still considered a Spanish sea. French Jesuits used this name as early as 1672.


Arbitrarily changing the name after 475 years seems to be a case of MAGAt Woke!

[Pursang]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mw2YbeQ2doc/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwE7CK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAy0IARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJ D8AEB-AH-CYAC0AWKAgwIABABGGUgZShlMA8=&rs=AOn4CLDqZ5YTHiATVZuKf0rxHFcHxf_vXA

Who Voted for this Nepotistic Lunacy?

[husaberg]

Hilarious

kind of ironic this came from Bush 2

We can't allow the world's worst leaders to blackmail, threaten, hold freedom-loving nations hostage with the world's worst weapons.George W. Bush...

[F5 Dave]

The expression is 'Toe the line'. I.e. line up in a straight formation, toes on a line.

His way you, are, um, towing a line. Not sure what you are towing it with. Or what it is connected to. Dumb shit.

[pritch]

Hopefully he was just thinking out loud in business brain mode. .



Trump hasn't got a business brain mode. An extensive list of bankruptcies, failed and fraudulent businesses attest to that. He even bankrupted casinos.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/27/donald-trump-toxic-remarks-on-gaza-reveal-lack-of-joined-up-thinking

[TheDemonLord]

The name "Gulf of Mexico" (Spanish: golfo de México; French: golphe du Mexique, later golfe du Mexique) first appeared on a world map in 1550 and has been the most common name since the mid-17th century, when it was still considered a Spanish sea. French Jesuits used this name as early as 1672.

Arbitrarily changing the name after 475 years seems to be a case of MAGAt Woke!

Now, to be clear - I have zero dog in this fight - but there is a point to be made - the Left think they can rename places arbitrarily, especially in regards to indigenous names - So Trump is doing the same, but from his view of America First.

Also - Colombia seems to have bowed the Knee and the flights are landing.