YESTERDAY, THE DEMOCRATS AND THEIR DEEP STATE DECLARED WAR ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

POLITICAL-risk-meter

No, this is not hyperbolic clickbait but an acknowledgment of a self-evident truth.

Since 2009 and the inauguration of President Barack Obama, a trained communist organizer, the Democrat Party, deeply infiltrated by like-minded radical communists, has sought to gain perpetual control of the levers of power and subvert America from within. With active compliance of thoroughly corrupt media, scandals that would shock the conscience of ordinary American citizens have been minimized or covered up – many involving criminal and unconstitutional actions.

But yesterday, all was revealed with the announcement that an unprecedented sealed warrant for the indictment and arrest of an active political candidate for the Presidency on the most specious of grounds was issued by a hyperpartisan Democrat actor, an operative defined more by his race, radical black Marxist ideology, and funding by the un-American George Soros rather than his integrity or knowledge of the law.

Donald Trump Is Indicted in New York

Mr. Trump will be the first former president to face criminal charges. The precise charges are not yet known, but the case is focused on a hush-money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign.

Donald J. Trump was indicted in Manhattan on Thursday for his role in paying hush money to a porn star, according to five people with knowledge of the matter, a historic development that will shake up the 2024 presidential race and forever mark him as the nation’s first former president to face criminal charges.

On Thursday evening, after news of the charges had been widely reported, the district attorney’s office confirmed that Mr. Trump had been indicted and that prosecutors had contacted Mr. Trump’s attorney to coordinate his surrender. Mr. Trump is expected to turn himself in and be arraigned on Tuesday, according to one of his lawyers, Susan R. Necheles, at which point the specific charges will be unsealed.

Mr. Trump faces more than two dozen counts, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Mr. Trump had for decades avoided criminal charges despite persistent scrutiny and repeated investigations, creating an aura of legal invincibility that the indictment threatens to puncture.

His actions surrounding his 2020 electoral defeat are now the focus of a separate federal investigation, and a Georgia prosecutor is in the final stages of an investigation into Mr. Trump’s attempts to reverse the election results in that state.

But unlike the investigations that arose from his time in the White House, this case is built around a tawdry episode that predates Mr. Trump’s presidency. The reality star turned presidential candidate who shocked the political establishment by winning the White House now faces a reckoning for a hush money payment that buried a sex scandal in the final days of the 2016 campaign. <Source>

The color revolution in America is well underway

What is a “color revolution” and what are its defining characteristics?

A color revolution is a term used to describe a mostly non-violent political movement aimed at overthrowing an existing government, usually through a series of peaceful protests and civil disobedience campaigns. The term "color" refers to the use of symbolic colors, such as the orange used in Ukraine's Orange Revolution, the rose used in Georgia's Rose Revolution, or the green used in Iran's Green Movement, as a means of identification and rallying cry for the movement.

Color revolutions typically involve a coalition of opposition groups, civil society organizations, and other activists who come together to demand greater political freedoms, democratic reforms, and economic opportunities. They often rely on social media and other digital communication technologies to organize and mobilize large numbers of people quickly and efficiently.

While color revolutions are generally non-violent, they can be controversial, and their legitimacy is often challenged by those who oppose them. Some critics argue that they are instigated and supported by foreign governments and external forces as a means of achieving their own political and strategic goals. Nonetheless, color revolutions have played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of many countries around the world – and now they have arrived, courtesy of a communist-infiltrated Democrat Party and their embedded deep state operatives, on America’s shores.

Response to a color revolution can feed upon itself.

As we have said previously, a color revolution is a term used to describe a non-violent revolution that typically involves mass protests and civil disobedience aimed at changing the political system of a country. While such movements may have legitimate grievances and goals, they can also be manipulated by external actors or groups with hidden agendas, which can pose a threat to the stability and sovereignty of a country.

To prevent or mitigate the risk of a color revolution, governments and other stakeholders may implement a range of safeguards and measures, including:

  • Strengthening democratic institutions: This includes ensuring free and fair elections, protecting civil liberties, and promoting transparency and accountability in government.

  • Building strong and inclusive civil society: This involves encouraging the participation of all sectors of society in decision-making processes, promoting freedom of the press, and supporting the development of independent media and NGOs.

  • Addressing socio-economic grievances: This includes creating jobs, providing social services to citizens, and addressing legitimate inequalities and injustices that may fuel unrest.

  • Strengthening security measures: This involves ensuring law and order, protecting critical infrastructure, and addressing potential threats to national security.

  • Countering foreign interference: This includes monitoring and responding to external actors that seek to influence domestic politics or destabilize the country.

It is important to note that these measures should be implemented in a way that respects human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles. Heavy-handed or repressive tactics can exacerbate tensions and fuel unrest, potentially leading to further instability and violence.

Measure the actions of the Democrat Party.

As we can clearly see, The risk of a color revolution in the United States is influenced by factors such as economic inequality, social injustice, corruption, and foreign interference.

So let us measure the current actions of the Obama/Biden Administration against a simple list. And yes, it is genuinely the Obama/Biden Administration, given that President Biden is mentally disabled and being fed talking points by his handlers, with a weak, incompetent cabinet, and most of the power positions filled by Obama's radical acolytes, many who still hold Hillary Clinton in high regard.

  • Item: widespread economic hardship and highly publicized income inequality that leads to frustration and unrest, which could be exploited by external actors seeking to manipulate the situation for their own interests.

    Undoubtedly, the Obama/Biden Administration took a recovering economy and destroyed it by targeting fossil fuels, the lifeblood of our economy and a significant driver of inflation. Added to profligate spending by the Administration, the economy was doomed to hard times. Highlighting corporate executives' salaries, perks, and privileges in the media further exacerbated frustration and distrust of the system.

  • Item:  Social injustice, such as racism or discrimination, could also spark protests and civil disobedience that could escalate into a more significant movement for political change.

    Likewise, there is no doubt that the Obama/Biden Administration took a healing, mostly neutral racial environment and radically racialized it with Critical Race Theory that divides individuals into oppressors and victims based on their skin color. Exploiting almost routine police actions involving felons resisting arrest and racializing them to the point of widespread riots, looting, arson, murder, and mayhem, which was given media cover as "mostly peaceful protests."

  • Item: Inequality under the law demonstrated by the non-prosecution of Hillary Clinton, Hunter Biden, and others who were clearly guilty of criminal behavior.

    Look around; there is no doubt that the Obama/Biden Administration not only gave legal passes to Democrats but also to those who committed crimes that furthered the progressive communist democrat agenda, like the failure to prosecute criminals who engaged in widespread riots, looting, arson, murder, and mayhem during so-called "social justice protests."

    Look around, and witness that the Obama/Biden Administration has granted super-citizen privileges to those who entered the United States illegally by crossing our borders or overstaying their visas.

  • Item: Political polarization and divisions within the U.S. could create conditions ripe for a color revolution. When people feel that their voices are not being heard or the political system is not addressing their concerns, they may be more likely to turn to protest and civil disobedience to effect change. This is particularly true when political divisions become entrenched, and the possibility of compromise or collaboration between the political parties seems remote.

    Polarized politics was demonstrated by the demonization, persecution, and prosecution of Donald J. Trump even before he formally announced his candidacy for the Presidency. Few men have been subject to this onslaught of government and media pressure and have remained standing.

  • Item: External actors seek to influence domestic politics in the U.S. for various reasons, including geopolitical rivalries or economic interests. These actors are trying to sow discord and instability to undermine the U.S. or achieve their own strategic objectives.

    China, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, and North Korea are all trying to capitalize on a hyper-politicized and severely weakened United States. There should be no doubt that they are buying up our assets, using American intermediaries to purchase political influence, seeding their operatives in our population, and joining with the progressive communist democrats to further weaken the United States from within.

We are not different…

As much as "We the People" would like to believe our exceptional nation is immune from the political influence and pressures facing other "lesser" nations, the truth is quite different. The United States, like any other country, is not immune to the risk of a color revolution. Factors that could make the U.S. susceptible to such a movement could include social, economic, or political grievances, polarization, and division, as well as external actors seeking to influence domestic politics.

And the GOP is not a safeguard…

Undoubtedly, the progressive communist democrats have compromised much of the legacy media and social media infrastructure. So, let us start with the premise that there are no Republicans in the Democrat Party, but there are Democrats in the Republican Party.

Known more colloquially as RINOs (Republicans In Name Only), these aisle-hoppers often negate what little majority we may hold to jump the aisle to provide support and a winning majority for the advancement of the progressive communist democrat agenda. Names like Senators like Roy Blunt (Missouri); John Boozman (Arkansas); Shelley Capito (West Virginia); Susan Collins (Maine); John Cornyn (Texas); Tom Cotton (Arkansas); Lindsey Graham (South Carolina); Jim Inhofe (Oklahoma); Jerry Moran (Kansas); Lisa Murkowski (Alaska); Rob Portman (Ohio); Mitt Romney (Utah); Mike Rounds (South Dakota); Richard Shelby (Alabama); John Thune (South Dakota); Roger Wicker (Mississippi); and Todd Young (Indiana) come readily to mind. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (Kentucky) appears to be deeply compromised.

Bottom line…

There is no doubt that the radical progressive communist democrats have chosen this period of peak U.S. weakness to attack the system from within.

The Democrats have crossed the Rubicon, irrevocably demonstrating the party's support for tyranny and authoritarianism. Where corrupt and highly partisan prosecutors are willing to openly attack a former president and upcoming presidential candidate over virtually a bogus charge beyond the statute of limitations.

By now, it should be recognized that the Democrat Party, historically the party of slavery, secession, and segregation, is now the party of un-American totalitarianism. The rule of law is dying before our very eyes.

And those useful idiots who are applauding and celebrating the day are also celebrating the loss of their freedoms as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

We are so screwed as we are faced with a clear and present danger to our democracy.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TENNESSEE SHOOTING?

I am pissed when the legacy media tries to side-step the murder of three innocent nine-year-old children into an assault on the LGBTQ+ community.

Are-you-responsible

It is unconscionable that the media refuses to characterize the Tennessee school shooting as a religious hate crime perpetrated by a mentally deranged individual.

Those that claim they are unsure of the shooter’s motive, ignoring the shooter’s manifesto and her home environment, are deluding themselves or lying to you.

Church coordinator Norma, 61, and her husband Ronald, 64, refused to let Hale - who had recently adopted the name Aiden and used he/him pronouns - dress as a man in their home.

The loner would instead wait until she left their $700,000 Nashville property to change outfits, according to a well-placed source.

'You only see what you want to see. Their religion does not allow them to accept homosexuality,' the source told DailyMail.com.

'She was Audrey at home but when she left the house she changed clothes. They did know about it, they just didn't accept it.' <Source>

To do so would acknowledge the connection between gender dysphoria, transgenderism, and mental illness as if believing you can imagine yourself to be another biological sex by proclamation.

While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 appears to suggest that gender dysphoria is a mental disorder that may have more significant psychiatric co-morbidities, it may be unfair to lump transgenderism into a generalized category without the consideration of co-morbidities such as clinical depression.

To do so would remove the victimhood status from the mass murderer and acknowledge that the only victims in the shooting were those children and adults killed in what should be appropriately characterized as a hate crime.

'Hate has consequences': Trans support group blames GOP 'anti-trans legislation' for Tennessee school shooting, calls Audrey Hale's death a 'TRAGEDY' and demands media call shooter 'he/him'

The Trans Resistance Network, a fringe group with 3,300 followers, who view their private Twitter account, issued a statement after the Nashville shooting
Audrey Hale, 28, was identified by police as transgender: on some social media she referred to herself as 'Aiden', but police and her family use her birth name
The Network said Hale acted because 'he felt he had no other way to be seen', noting an 'avalanche' of anti-trans policies, adding: 'Hate has consequences'

They said there were two tragedies - the murder of the three nine-year-olds and three staff members, and the death of Hale.

'The second and more complex tragedy is that Aiden or Audrey Hale, who felt [she] had no other effective way to be seen than to lash out by taking the life of others, and by consequence, [herself],' they continued. <Source>

To do so would point out that the so-called gun registration and red flags laws are a failure as they would not have prevented this horrific tragedy, especially since the person was clearly under psychiatric care and could still legally purchase weapons.

Nashville shooter, who was 'under doctor's care for emotional disorder,' used 3 guns, police say

New details have emerged from Monday’s shooting in Nashville that left three children and three adults dead when an assailant targeted a Christian school, making it the latest American community to be rocked by the despair and trauma of gun violence. Police are searching for a motive.

The parents said the shooter, whom authorities identified as 28-year-old former student Audrey Hale, was “under doctor’s care for emotional disorder,” Drake said. “Law enforcement knew nothing about the treatment [the shooter] was receiving, but the parents felt [the shooter] should not own weapons.”

Drake said the assailant’s parents believed that the shooter had sold their only weapon and were unaware other weapons were hidden within the home. <Source>

Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale's mother, Norma Hale, appeared to be a gun control activist from her social media posts.

Norma also uploaded several posts about gun violence and how guns should be kept away from schools. She had even shared a petition for the same cause. <Source>

[OCS: Yet the parents, who were aware of Audrey’s mental issues, did not report the first gun purchase to the authorities.]

To do so would negate the false narrative that society has driven the miscreant to commit this heinous act, and, therefore, the system is partially to blame for this tragedy.

The progressive communist democrats refuse to promote individualism and posit that the collective accepts that it is the broader society that so profoundly influences your actions that you can be partially or fully absolved from the consequences of your actions.

If you believe the media, yes, you, the average heterosexual cis-gendered white male, are complicit in the wanton slaughter of children, as is all of America that does not accept the progressive sexual agenda. If only you and others were more accepting of the progressive communist democrat narrative of transgenderism, all would have been well.

Humanizing Mass Killers to Vindicate Progressivism

The Left’s impulse to reduce disturbed attackers to categories and force them awkwardly into a preexisting ideological framework insults their victims.

Commentary around Monday’s horrific mass shooting at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tenn., followed a familiar trajectory right until the perpetrator was revealed to be a biological woman who identified as a man. This priors-scrambling detail sent media outlets off on the frenzied pursuit of something that would justify the preconception that those who assume a trans identity are never victimizers, only victims.

First, there was the mad dash to indict Nashville police for failing to use the pronouns preferred by the person who shot and killed three teachers and three nine-year-old students. That was followed by an attempt from media outlets and politicians to allege — the lack of substantive evidence to back them up notwithstanding — that the shooter had been incited in some way by local legislation restricting “adult cabaret performances” in the presence of children and the provision of hormone-blocking therapies to minors. The application of a moment’s reasoning to the suggestion that any of this explains, much less justifies, the murder of children must have proven unsatisfying, because the press soon moved on to crafting a narrative of victimization for the deceased killer.

The humiliation and rejection that serve as the shooter’s supposed origin story stretch back into early childhood. “Twenty years later, after being rejected by her Christian family when she came out to them as gay,” the Daily Mail’s report on the shooter’s psychological trauma concluded, the shooter “had turned into a killer.” The tragedy of mass murder is, in fact, “not one tragedy but two,” according to a statement release by the Trans Resistance Network. The killer “felt he had no other effective way to be seen other than to lash out by taking the life of others.” <Source>

Transgender Shooter Reveals Perverse World of Leftist Ideology

The legacy media have a preset narrative machine when it comes to mass shootings. That narrative machine takes into account the identities of the shooter and the victims, and then churns out an explanation for the shooting. White shooter, black victims: systemic racism. Black shooter, white victims: alienation caused by systemic racism. Muslim shooter, gay victims: Christian homophobia.

On Monday, a self-identified 28-year-old trans man shot up a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing three children and three adults. The shooter left a manifesto, which police said reeked of “resentment.” And so this week, we are learning what pops up in the narrative machine when the inputs are “trans man” and “Christian schoolchildren.”

And here’s what pops up: America is systemically cruel to trans people, who apparently cannot be blamed for losing control and targeting small children at Christian schools. A hate crime by a trans-identifying person against a religious group is immediately transmuted into a generalized societal crime against the mass shooter herself. <Source>

NBC News Highlights the True Victims of the Nashville Shooting...And It's Not the Victims

Is NBC News kidding with this piece about the trans community post-Nashville? They think the real victims of the shooting at the Covenant School, a private Christian academy, is the LGBT community, and how they’re now gripped with fear because one of their own decided to murder some kids. Audrey Hale was the perpetrator of this heinous attack, which left six people dead, including three schoolchildren. The attack was intentional. Hale had maps and scouted other locations to commit this act of violence; she picked Covenant because the security situation was laxer. Hale was identified as transgender, went by male pronouns, and was killed when confronted by police.

The families of six people are shattered, but the real victims are the trans folks. Is that the line NBC is taking here? <Source>

Let us not forget the idiocy of our elite political class…

DHS Secretary Mayorkas says ‘assault weapons’ should be banned but can’t define the term

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been testifying before a Senate committee where he offered his support for an “assault weapons ban.” That term is in quotes because apparently it’s hard to define, as Sen. John Kennedy (who also startled the living daylights out of Mayorkas at the hearing), found out:

SEN. KENNEDY: “Tell me your definition once more of an Assault Weapon.”

SEC. MAYORKAS: “I am not an expert with respect to the assault ban…”

SEN. KENNEDY: “You are the Secretary of Homeland Security…”

SEC. MAYORKAS: “I defer to the experts.”

Bottom line…

Observe how the media refuses to report the news without the progressive communist democrat narrative and remember, this is why they can’t be trusted as the arbiters of truth.

That the progressive communist democrats and their media propagandists demand you accept the lie that biological sex can be transmuted at will is to mock reality and delve into the realm of idiocy and political ideology.

If one accepts the reality that individuals are responsible for their own actions, the entire progressive communist democrat narrative of class victimizers and victims dissolves before your very eyes.

When you blame everybody, you blame nobody!

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ANOTHER HORRIFIC SHOOTING, ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO DISARM LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS AND MAKE THEM INTO POTENTIAL VICTIMS PLEADING FOR AN AUTHORITARIAN STATE


FlaggunOnce again, we find a deranged, disaffected, dysfunctional individual committing a horrific act against children – an act of pure evil that transcends sex, gender, political ideology, and cultural adaptation, all of which may have influenced their actions but are almost irrelevant to the discussion.

  1. You cannot control the egregious actions of criminals, crazies, or terrorists. One, they will use any method to perpetrate their dastardly deeds. Two, they neither respect nor follow the law. And three, miscreants will always find ways to obtain or manufacture weapons, whether legal or not.

  2. You have a God-Given right to personal self-defense and the defense of your immediate family or those immediately imperiled.

  3. The operative rationale is that you must have a genuine, cognizable, clearly defensible good-faith belief and fear that your life or that of another individual is in mortal danger, and the risk of not acting has a significant probability of creating a fatality. Your rights do not generally extend to the protection of property or intangibles unless you are directly threatened in an attack.

  4. It is absurd, nonsensical, and immoral to strip law-abiding citizens of their God-given and Constitutionally-affirmed right to own and bear arms.

  5. Gun control is not the equivalent of crime control, and there have been and will continue to be, deranged individuals who impulsively or premeditatively desire to kill or harm others.

  6. Political types have promoted gun control as a public health issue divorced from their power politics. Protecting and perpetuating the power of the ruling class, and, secondarily, forcing the citizenry to rely on the government for their general protection is their true objective.

  7. The acid test: Exactly what law could we pass that would have stopped the tragedy in Nashville and elsewhere? Murder is illegal. Most states have stringent gun control rules that don't work, especially in progressive communist democrat-governed inner cities. Even the death penalty is not a deterrent. So I ask you, what law would be effective?

Even the Department of Justice knows the truth…

Nij-hdr

Target audience: Congressional representatives and staff; State and local legislators; Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; criminal justice practitioners and researchers; advocacy groups; State and local government officials.

Key findings: The authors, using a variety of national and local data sources, examined market trends— prices, production, and thefts—for the banned weapons and close substitutes before estimating potential ban effects and their consequences.

Key issues: Although the weapons banned by this legislation were used only rarely in gun crimes before the ban, supporters felt that these weapons posed a threat to public safety because they are capable of firing many shots rapidly. They argued that these characteristics enhance offenders’ ability to kill and wound more persons and to inflict multiple wounds on each victim so that a decrease in their use would reduce the fatality rate of gun attacks.

  • The ban has failed to reduce the average number of victims per gun murder incident or multiple gunshot wound victims.

Consequences of assault weapons use

A central argument for special regulation of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines is that they facilitate the rapid firing of high numbers of shots, which allows offenders to inflict more wounds on more persons in a short period of time, thereby increasing the expected number of injuries and deaths per criminal use.

The study examined trends in the following consequences of gun use: gun murders, victims per gun homicide incident, wounds per gunshot victim, and, to a lesser extent, gun murders of police.

There were several reasons to expect, at best, a modest ban effect on criminal gun injuries and deaths.

First, studies before the ban generally found that between less than 1 and 8 percent of gun crimes involved assault weapons, depending on the specific definition and data source used. Although limited evidence suggests that semiautomatics equipped with large-capacity magazines are used in 20 to 25 percent of these gun crimes, it is not clear how often large-capacity magazines actually turn a gun attack into a gun murder.

Second, offenders could replace the banned guns with legal substitutes or other unbanned semiautomatic weapons to commit their crimes.

[OCS: This is the crux of the phony research that claims certain laws are effective. The truth is that the miscreants no longer use banned guns in column A and switch to permitted guns in column B. This is not a victory for those promoting laws featuring column A -- dead is dead, no matter what weapon was used!

Yes, people agree that "something needs to be done," but they never agree on what that something might be.] 

Third, the schedule for this study set out in the legislation limited the power of the statistical analyses to detect worthwhile ban effects that may have occurred. Given the limited use of the banned guns and magazines in gun crimes, even the maximum theoretically achievable preventive effect of the ban on outcomes such as the gun murder rate is almost certainly too small to detect statistically because the congressionally mandated timeframe for the study effectively limited post-ban data collection to, at most, 24 months (and only 1 calendar year for annual data series). <Source>

Bottom line…

You cannot trust a corrupt government whose primary goal is to seize and maintain perpetual power. Ignore the progressive communist democrat narrative storytelling that accompanies all mass shootings -- ignoring inconvenient facts as they fashion their tale of victimhood.

Ask yourself why government buildings need to be protected but schools, for the most part, remain wide open. Doesn't the local government own most of them?

The police do not have a legal duty to protect any person not in their immediate custody and under restraint or arrest. Thus, they cannot be everywhere they are needed when required, and you are at the mercy of criminals, crazies, and terrorists.

The unavoidable truth is that mental health is the root cause of gun violence, not the availability of firearms. More attention should be given to identifying and treating mental health issues to prevent mass shootings and other gun-related crimes. This includes the desensitization effects of video games and the lack of empathy that comes from replacing human contact with electronic devices.

It is also a fact that the progressive communist democrats refuse to recognize gender dysphoria, where a person experiences a disconnect between their gender identity and their biological sex causing significant distress and discomfort, as a mental illness because their victimhood is part of a narrative to advance their revolutionary agenda.

In the final analysis, shit happens, and those not prepared to defend their life are at the mercy of another – in which case, you are screwed.

-- Steve

NRA-BENEFACTOR-1

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ANOTHER FIRST-WORLD PROBLEM: BATTERY ANXIETY

PHONE-ANXIETY
In today’s world, electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and smartwatches, we are surrounded by these devices. They have made our lives easier and more convenient in many ways. However, we have become so dependent on these devices that we are just one charge away from disaster.

We rely heavily on our electronic devices to stay connected with others, stay informed, and stay productive. Whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or another device, we use these tools to manage our schedules, communicate with others, and access important information. However, when our devices run out of battery, it can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. The truth is that many of us cannot imagine life without our electronic devices. And when the battery dies, and there is no way to recharge it, it can be a nightmare, especially if you are on the go or in an emergency situation.

The fear of uncharged electronic devices, sometimes referred to as low-battery anxiety or battery anxiety, is a natural phenomenon that affects many people. The feeling of unease or panic arises when our electronic devices are low on battery or about to run out of charge. This can lead to various negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, frustration, and even anger.

The reasons behind this anxiety are complex. On the one hand, we rely so heavily on our electronic devices that we feel lost or disconnected when they’re unavailable. On the other hand, we’re also conditioned to expect instant gratification and immediate access to information, so the thought of being without our devices can be overwhelming.

The good news is that there are ways to manage low-battery anxiety and reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with uncharged electronic devices. Here are a few tips:

  1. Plan ahead: To avoid the stress of uncharged electronic devices, plan ahead and make sure you have chargers and backup batteries available. This will ensure that you’re never caught off-guard when your device runs out of battery. My iPhone is equipped with a battery case giving me the equivalent of a second battery. I have a portable power brick in my attache case and one in my travel bag for larger devices such as my laptop.

  2. Limit your use: One of the best ways to manage low-battery anxiety is to limit your use of electronic devices. Take regular breaks from your devices, and avoid using them right before bed or when you’re feeling particularly stressed. It also helps to limit program use in the background and to remove apps no longer needed. 

  3. Practice mindfulness and embrace the moment: When you start to feel anxious or stressed about your devices, take a few deep breaths and practice mindfulness. Focus on the present moment and try to let go of your worries about the future. Instead of constantly checking your electronic devices, embrace the moment and enjoy the present. Look around, take in your surroundings, and engage with the people around you.

  4. Stay connected: While limiting your use of electronic devices is important, staying connected with others is also essential. Make time for face-to-face conversations, phone calls, or other forms of communication that don’t rely on electronic devices.

Bottom line…

The stress and anxiety of uncharged electronic devices is a natural phenomenon affecting many people, young and old -- and is just another thing to be managed before it manages you.

By planning ahead, limiting your use of electronic devices, practicing mindfulness, embracing the moment, and staying connected with others, you can reduce the negative emotions associated with low-battery anxiety and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Remember, while electronic devices can be valuable tools, they do not substitute for real-world experiences and personal connections.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

P.S. Few people realize that I authored a book titled “STOP PANIC ATTACKS: How to manage job-related panic, anxiety and stress” for my colleagues in a pressure-filled technology environment.

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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DEMOCRATS WANT TO DESTROY PARENTS, EDUCATION, AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE

HR-5-HDR

There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Democrat Party is a human construct and not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, it should be possible for “We the People” to file a class action lawsuit against the Democrat Party alleging that the policies of Democrats are harming the health, well-being, and education of children in favor of advantaging education-related public employee unions.

I can not, for the life of me, understand why any politician, be they Democrat, Republican, or Independent, would vote in lock-step against preserving and protecting the God-given rights of parents to protect their children from unnecessary harmful activities that advance a non-traditional political agenda.

The basics…

FACT SHEET
Parents Bill of Rights Act

Parents have a God-given right to make decisions for their children. Unfortunately, many school districts have been ignoring the wishes of parents while special interest groups try to criminalize free speech. This list of rights will make clear to parents what their rights are and clear to schools what their duties to parents are.

1) Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught:

  • School districts must post curriculum information publicly.
  • States must provide the public with a copy of any revisions to the state’s academic standards or learning benchmarks.
  • Parents must be given timely notice of any school’s plan to eliminate gifted and talented programs.
  • Schools must provide parents with a list of books and reading materials available in the school library.

2) Parents have the right to be heard:

  • Teachers must offer two in-person meetings with parents each year.
  • Parents must be allowed to address the school board on issues impacting the education of children in the school district.
  • Educators and policymakers must respect the First Amendment right of parents as well as their right to assemble and have a say in their child’s education.
  • School districts should consider community feedback when making decisions.

3) Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending:

  • There must be public disclosure of school district budgets and each school’s budget, including revenues and expenditures.

4) Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy:

  • Schools must not share student data with tech companies without parental permission.
  • Schools must not sell student data for commercial purposes.
  • Parents have a say when schools develop or update their student privacy policies and procedures.
  • Parents must consent before any medical exam takes place at school, including mental health or substance use disorder screenings, and before students are surveyed.

5) Parents have the right to keep their children safe:

  • Schools must notify parents of violent activity occurring on school grounds or at school-sponsored events while still protecting the privacy of the students involved in the incident.

<Source>

I would add…

6) Parents have the right to demand competent teachers who are periodically reviewed and tested for teaching competency and subject-matter knowledge.

7) Parents have the right to demand the replacement of teachers in any class that significantly underperforms state averages.

8) Parents have the right to visit classrooms in session in a non-disruptive manner or electronically access the classroom at will during class sessions.

9) Parents have the right to volunteer for non-teaching activities without union interference.

10) Parents have the right to shift any local, state, or federal funds to a school of their choice using a voucher program.

11) Parents have the right to demand education-level appropriate position requirements that eliminates the expense of using master’s-level teachers for elementary school instruction.

Unconscionable…

I find it unconscionable that the Democrat Party, as a kickback favor to the teachers’ unions would vote unanimously to defeat the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

Vote-5

On March 24, 2023, House Resolution H.R. 5 (Parents Bill of Rights Actas passed by a recorded vote: 213 - 208 (Roll no. 161) with 14 not voting.

Even though the House passed the Parents Bill of Rights Act, it has little chance in the Democratic-held Senate, where it would need 60 votes to pass. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer promised it faced a “dead end” in the Senate.  

Bottom line…

There is no doubt that parents want schools focused on reading, writing, math, history, and life skills -- not woke politics that create student activists for the Democrat Party.

It is time that voters end the “politics over parents” nonsense that posits that educational “experts” should have absolute control over children during school hours, and beyond if possible.

We are so screwed when we continue to turn out another year of functional illiterates while unions whine about teacher pay and benefits packages. It is time to link pay and performance and remove the unions from the educational process. One would think that the civil rights leaders would be screaming and marching over the disparate education provided to minorities – but they are Democrats first.

Something to think about when you vote.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY

Enough! Enough talk, time to take a walk.

Dugiedog-3

-1897 045 A012


-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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IS BIDEN'S FOREIGN POLICY DRIVEN BY COWARDICE, INCOMPETENCE, OR HATRED FOR AMERICA?

WBN

Since former President Jimmy Carter helped to create the 1979 Iranian Islamo-fascist regime when he refused to support Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi over Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Democrat's posture regarding Iran has been one of ambivalent appeasement. 

Made infinitely worse by former President Barack Hussein Obama and his favoritism for Iran over the United States, as evidenced by his policy of providing a legitimate path for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons with an outrageously fatal flaw of ignoring real inspections and allowing the simultaneous development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other advanced weaponry.

Re-capitalizing Iran's faltering economy allowed the continuance of the regime and state-sponsored terrorism in the face of widespread dissatisfaction among the population. Again, the United States provided tacit support for the regime by refusing to acknowledge the popular uprising with covert assistance and official words of encouragement.

It does not seem to matter to the progressive communist democrats that Iran is a brutal authoritarian regime with little or no regard for human rights. Even worse, they are the proximate cause of the death and dismemberment of U.S. servicemembers with Iranian-designed and manufactured IEDs.

The Democrats are at it again…

It appears that the Obama/Biden Administration continues to "lead from behind," with much of the top leadership held over from the Obama Administration.

Tensions with Iran by Killing Soleimani

Former Vice President Joe Biden expressed concern Thursday night that President Trump’s decision to kill Iranian general Qassim Soleimani was made recklessly and without regard to the possible forms of Iranian retaliation.

“The Administration’s statement says that its goal is to deter future attack by Iran, but this action almost certainly will have the opposite effect,” Biden said in a lengthy statement on Twitter. “President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox.” Biden conceded that Soleimani deserved to die for the death and destruction he’s wrought as commander of the elite Quds Force, but voiced fears that the “administration has not demonstrated at any turn the discipline or long-term vision necessary — and the stakes could not be higher.”<Source>

Biden Admin Greenlights Sanctions Waiver That Allows Iraq To Pay Iran Millions for Electricity

Waiver signed day after administration officials denied Iran's claim that Tehran was set to receive $500 million thanks to waiver

The Biden administration last week greenlit a sanctions waiver that will allow Iraq to make cash payments for electricity to Iran, whose cash-strapped regime says it is set to receive a $500 million payment from Iraq thanks to the waiver.

A non-public sanctions waiver issued by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and transmitted to Congress earlier this week authorizes Iraq to pay Iran for multimillion-dollar electricity debts, according to a copy of the notice obtained on Wednesday by the Washington Free Beacon. The waiver was issued a day after Biden administration officials denied Iran's claims that the United States had paved the way for Tehran to receive the $500 million, which was first reported by the Free Beacon.

The latest sanctions waiver, however, permits "the Trade Bank of Iraq to engage in financial transactions … with the Central Bank of Iran in connection with the purchase of electricity." <Source>

Tepid non-response to Iranian interference in Syria…

U.S. Carries Out Airstrikes in Syria after Iranian Drone Kills U.S. Contractor, Wounds Five Service Members

The U.S. military conducted several airstrikes in Syria on Thursday against Iran-aligned groups hours after an Iranian drone attack killed a U.S. contractor and injured five service members, the Pentagon said.

President Biden directed the U.S. military to carry out retaliatory strikes against facilities affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard after the Iranian attack on a coalition base housing American personnel near Hasakah on Thursday night, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said.

“The airstrikes were conducted in response to today’s attack as well as a series of recent attacks against Coalition forces in Syria by groups affiliated with the IRGC [Iran’s Revolutionary Guard ],” he added.

The Pentagon said the U.S. “took proportionate and deliberate action intended to limit the risk of escalation and minimize casualties.” <Source>

Ceding leadership in the Middle East to Russia and China…

Saudi Arabia, Iran Restore Relations in Deal Brokered by China

Accord marks diplomatic victory for Beijing in a region where U.S. has long dominated geopolitics

Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations Friday in a deal mediated by China, ending seven years of estrangement and jolting the geopolitics of the Middle East.

The deal signals a sharp increase in Beijing’s influence in a region where the U.S. has long been the dominant power broker, and could complicate efforts by the U.S. and Israel to strengthen a regional alliance to confront Tehran as it expands its nuclear program. It comes as the U.S. has been trying to broker a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, an effort now clouded with uncertainty. <Source>

Saudi Arabia, Syria Close to Resuming Ties in Russia-Brokered Talks

The emerging deal could leave the U.S. again on the sidelines during a dramatic shift in the Middle East’s geopolitics

Saudi Arabia and Syria are nearing an agreement to restore diplomatic ties after negotiations mediated by Russia, according to Saudi and Syrian officials familiar with the discussions, as the geopolitics of the Middle East shift.

Talks were continuing after rounds of discussions in Moscow and Riyadh in recent weeks, the officials said. If a deal is reached, it would mark an important step to reintegrating Syria and its leader Bashar al-Assad into the broader region after a brutal civil war.

Following the Chinese-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran on resuming ties this month, the emerging Damascus-Riyadh rapprochement, if it sticks, would leave the U.S. on the sidelines again on another major Middle East development.

Saudi and Syrian officials said negotiators are aiming to conclude a deal before a potential visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to Damascus after the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in late April. But they cautioned that the discussions could still break down. <Source>

Bottom line…

There is no doubt in my mind that the Biden Administration is being run by a cadre of Obamacons who, like their boss Obama, hate the United States, are anti-Israel and anti-Semitic, and represent a clear and present danger to the security and safety of the United States and its allies.

Whether from incompetence, favoritism towards our enemies in Communist China and Iran, desire to erase former President Trump's accomplishments or pure cowardice in the face of our enemies that drives the progressive communist democrats' foreign policy, we are truly and thoroughly screwed by the Obama/Biden regime.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ALL OF YOUR BANK DEPOSITS AND RETIREMENTS FUNDS ARE NOW AT UNNECESSARY RISK

WOKE-INVESTMENT

Destroying Fiduciary Protections: Why We Need to Preserve Trust and Responsibility… 

What “fiduciary duty” means…

Fiduciary duty is a legal obligation that requires an individual or organization to act in the best interest of another party, known as the beneficiary or principal. This duty arises when the two parties have a special relationship of trust, confidence, or responsibility.

The fiduciary must prioritize the interests of the beneficiary above their own and avoid any conflicts of interest. This means they must act with loyalty, honesty, and good faith in all their dealings with the beneficiary and not use their position for personal gain.

Examples of fiduciaries include trustees who manage trust assets for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries, financial advisors who manage collective or individual investment portfolios for their clients, and corporate directors who must act in the best interest of the company’s shareholders.

Breaching fiduciary duty can result in legal action, damages, and even criminal charges in some cases.

Without the legal protections afforded by fiduciary accounts, financial advisors are absolved of the legal responsibility to protect their beneficiaries…

Eliminating fiduciary protections can have several risks, including:

  1. Conflicts of interest: Without fiduciary duty, individuals and organizations may act in their own interests instead of prioritizing the interests of their beneficiaries or clients.

  2. Decreased trust: Fiduciary duty creates a special relationship of trust and confidence between parties. Eliminating it can erode trust in institutions and damage relationships.

  3. Financial harm: Fiduciary duty is essential in financial transactions, such as investment management and retirement planning. Without fiduciary protections, individuals may suffer economic injury due to poor investment choices or fraudulent activities.

  4. Legal consequences: Eliminating fiduciary duty could expose individuals and organizations to legal action and damages for breaching their duty to act in the best interest of their beneficiaries or clients.

  5. Ethical considerations: Fiduciary duty reflects ethical considerations and principles of fairness, loyalty, and honesty. Eliminating it could undermine these principles and lead to unethical behavior.

What does market manipulation look like…

One of the 2008 financial crisis's underlying factors was creating a false sense of security, pun intended, surrounding dodgy investments. Whereas financial institutions, pension funds, and the like were prohibited from investing in low-grade, high-risk securities, the Wall Street Wizards concocted phony schemes that were sold to the public as “insurance” against issues arising from investment defaults and interest rate mismatches. Unlike proper insurance based on actuarial science, these products were uncontrolled and unmonitored as they turned dodgy “BB” rated securities into “AA” investment grade securities where financial institutions snapped them up for their superior yields.

As we have seen with the Silicon Valley Bank failure, the bank was crippled by a maturity mismatch in a rising interest rate environment. It was the fiduciary duty of the bank’s executives to monitor and mitigate market risks using non-actuarial insurance products, such as swaps, which are financial contracts that allow parties to transfer financial risk between them. Unlike traditional insurance policies, which protect against specific events, swaps are designed to hedge against financial risks associated with market fluctuations, interest rate changes, or other economic variables.

A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange cash flows based on different financial instruments, such as interest rates, currencies, or commodity prices. The parties agree to exchange cash flows periodically over a specified time period based on a predetermined formula. Swaps can be used for various purposes, such as managing interest rate risk, hedging against currency fluctuations, or speculating on market movements. They are typically used by financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, as well as by corporations and other organizations.

While swaps can offer benefits, such as reducing financial risk and improving liquidity, they also come with potential hazards, such as counterparty risk, liquidity risk, and market risk. Counterparty risk refers to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on their obligations. In contrast, liquidity risk refers to the risk that a party may be unable to exit the swap contract when needed. Market risk refers to the risk that the value of the underlying financial instrument may change unfavorably.

The Obama-Biden regime’s bailout provides cover to the banker’s Democrat asses…

By manipulating the customary FDIC insurance coverage from $250,000 to millions and promising to make depositors whole, the regime eliminated a round of crippling lawsuits that would have seen the bank’s executive team liable for a breach of their fiduciary duties and possible fines and prison terms.

What wasn’t mentioned was that many of the bank’s loans went to projects will fell in line with the progressive communist democrat green power agenda and other social engineering ventures.

Go woke go broke! SVB hired board obsessed with diversity, invested $5BN for 'healthier planet' and held month-long Pride celebration - but had NO chief risk officer for eight months last year

  • Silicon Valley Bank had an A rating for its Environmental, Social and Governance policies as it increased diversity and invested in sustainability startups
  • But for eight months last year, the bank did not have a chief risk operator
  • At the time, it was investing clients' money in low-interest government bonds and securities that saw their value fall when interest rates rose

Now, many are slamming the financial institution for focusing too much on woke policies and not enough on its investments.

It said in its 2022 ESG Report that the bank strives to 'create a more just, equitable and sustainable world.'

Among the initiatives included in that report are a 'commitment to provide at least $5billion by 2027 in loans, investments and other financing to support clients' sustainability business.

'SVB's Sustainable Finance Commitment aims to support companies that are working to decarbonize the energy and infrastructure industries and hasten the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, net zero emissions economy,' the report states. <Source>

And it is about to get worse as the regime dissolves or dilutes fiduciary responsibilities in favor of those pursuing a progressive communist democrat “woke” agenda…

House fails to override Biden veto of bill targeting ESG investing in pensions

The House failed Thursday to override President Biden’s first veto, delivering a blow to critics of so-called ESG investing who tried to scuttle a Labor Department rule that allows retirement plan managers to consider factors like climate change and social justice politics in their investment decisions.

Republicans failed to muster the two-thirds majority needed to override Mr. Biden’s veto of that bill that would have prevented 401(k) fiduciaries from engaging in environmental, social and corporate governance investing — or ESG — that critics have denounced as “woke” capitalism.

The House voted 219-200, with Rep. Jared Golden of Maine being the lone Democrat to break ranks and side with every Republican — a similar result to when the chamber last month first passed the measure.

Due to the failed vote, the Senate will not vote to override Mr. Biden’s veto, sparing vulnerable Democrats in the upper chamber from having to buck the president again.

The Senate passed the anti-ESG measure 50-46 earlier this month with bipartisan support, thanks to Democratic senators facing difficult reelection paths next year: Jon Tester of Montana and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia. <Source>

 This is a clear demonstration that this is about elections and electability and not protecting senior citizens and other investors from the regime’s tyrannical predations.

Bottom line…

Without the protection of fiduciary responsibilities and the ability to pursue legal remedies, our money can be pissed away by progressive communist democrats with zero concern for the depositors and investors.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CALIFORNICATION

Marx-gas

The state of California is controlled by Democrats. Democrats held the governorship, both houses of the state legislature, and all statewide elected offices. The state’s two U.S. senators and 40 of its 52 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are also Democrats -- presenting the clear and present danger of a tyrannical single-party system in California.

  1. Lack of accountability: In a single-party system, the ruling party can become complacent and feel that it doesn’t need to answer to the public or other political parties. This lack of accountability can lead to corruption, abuse of power, and a general disregard for the needs and concerns of citizens.

  2. Limited choice: A single-party system can limit the options available to voters. If only one party is in power, citizens may feel that their vote doesn’t matter and that there is no real alternative to the current government.

  3. Lack of representation: A single-party system can also lead to a lack of representation for certain groups in society. Other groups may feel left out or marginalized if the ruling party only represents a particular demographic or ideology.

  4. Stagnation: Without competition from other political parties, a single-party system can become stagnant and resistant to change. This can lead to a lack of innovation and progress and a failure to address the state's critical issues.

  5. Ideological concentration: Group-think and lock-step responses can severely impact the freedoms of California residents.

Unelected progressive communist democrat apparatchiks are abusing their power…

Sneaking legislation through using the slice-by-slice “salami” technique…

California Ban on Gas Appliances Starts With Jan. 1 ‘All Electric’ Rule

New homes and buildings that are constructed in 2023 will have to have electric supply panels and circuitry to support all-electric appliances and heating under a building code update approved two years ago by the California Energy Commission.

The new building code doesn’t ban the sale of natural gas appliances outright — that will come in 2030, in a mandate from the California Air Resources Board that is designed to lower the “carbonization” of structures and improve indoor air quality.

The new energy code was approved by the California Energy Commission in August 2021 and the California Building Standards Commission in December 2021.

It’s common to have a multi-year lag between approval and when the new codes take effect to give builders and their suppliers time to prepare.

[OCS: It also shields elected politicians from immediate public outrage and protest.]

In addition to the electric power hookup requirement, Prandini said, the new code requires solar panels and EV charging ports in new homes.

[OCS: It is almost seems like California’s progressive communist democrats are trying to cripple private housing and the individual ownership of vehicles.]

As California moves to all-electric for homes and businesses, many are questioning whether enough power can be generated and stored to serve the state’s 39 million residents. During heat waves last summer, residents were asked to refrain from using appliances such as washers and dryers and from charging electrical vehicles in the late afternoon and early evening, when demand for air conditioning peaked and power supplies were stretched thin. <Source>

Breaking: CA Enacts First Retrofit Mandates to Ban All Gas Appliances

California state government approves its first phase of "home retrofit" mandates to force homeowners to make costly switch from their existing gas appliances - estimated cost is $30,000!

On Wednesday, March 15 the state Air Quality Management District for the Bay Area adopted the first “home retrofit” mandates to force homeowners to replace all existing natural gas appliances by 2027. The District’s mandates cover Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern Sonoma counties.

We expect the other regional Air Quality Management Districts to take up the home retrofit mandates in the coming months. 

Here's what's being proposed:

  • IMMEDIATELY: All new homes and buildings will be prohibited from putting in any new natural gas appliances – not just stoves, but all appliances such as furnaces, ovens, water heaters, etc.
  • 2027-2035: Existing homeowners will be given a deadline to pay for expensive home retrofits to remove ALL of their existing gas appliances – all stoves, ovens, water heaters, furnaces! The Bay Area got hit with a 2027 deadline; San Diego already announced 2033 is their target. Every week a new region proposes a new deadline for costly retrofits!

Here's how much it will cost you:

  • What will the mandatory home retrofits cost you? An average cost of $30,000 or more per home! (READ FULL COST ESTIMATE HERE)
  • Home owners will pass the costs to their renters thus reducing the stock of currently affordable housing or, alternatively, sell their properties and evict current renters.             

Bottom line…

I don’t recall voting to give unelected ideological-driven bureaucrats the power to change life in California without the consent of the governed.

These people hate carbon-free nuclear energy. These people would impose hardships on the state’s businesses and residents rather than using cost-effective clean-burning natural gas. These people want to reward their billionaire friends with mandatory use regulations to secure their special interest friend’s investments in unsustainable, unreliable “green power.”

There is no doubt in my mind that the California legislature, run by ideologically-driven progressive communist democrats and sexual perverts needs, needs to be decommissioned like a faulty nuclear reactor — with great care and precision, mindful of the deadly radioactivity and the potential to cause a catastrophic nuclear meltdown and explosion that would spread a fatal cloud of radioactivity over the land.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS: BETRAYAL OF THE AMERICAN ETHIC

Many a truth is spoken in jest, and no one distills the situation more than editorial cartoonist Michael Ramirez…

Ramirez-pc

In any discussion about restoring our constitutional republic and restoring fundamental American values, we must consider the malignant influence of public employee unions on our local, state, and federal institutions.

Before examining the problem and proposed solutions, let me say that it is essential to separate the rank-and-file members from their corrupt self-dealing partisan leadership. I think highly of my postal carrier, my past teachers, and other individual members of public employee unions who are politically coerced into union membership using physical (thuggery), psychological (peer pressure), and financial (raises and promotions) means.

Public employee unions, a corrupt progressive communist democrat fundraising, and vote-gathering machine…

There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that public employee unions overwhelmingly support Democratic politicians and candidates – driven mainly by the false perception that Democrats are more likely to be supportive of workers' rights, social safety net programs, and other issues beneficial to union members. Unlike private sector unions, which tend to be more politically diverse in their support, a 2018 report by the Center for Responsive Politics described how over 90% of political contributions from public sector unions went to Democrats during the 2016 election cycle. This pattern continued for the next seven years, partly because most public workers tend to be more politically liberal.

It's important to note that not all public sector union members necessarily support the political positions of their union leadership; they are rarely surveyed to determine how many employees may hold more conservative or moderate political views. Thus, they become accomplices to a cycle of the political corruption of the collective bargaining system and captives to their leadership's partisan position.

Corruption and Communism… 

The union’s march to communism…

While most people think of unions as patriotic institutions, the politics of their leadership points leftward towards communism where Marxist theories resonate and reinforce the importance of collective action and the struggle between workers and capitalists.

  1. Solidarity and Collective Action: Marxist ideas emphasize the importance of workers coming together in solidarity to achieve their goals. Public employee unions, which represent workers in government jobs, have historically used collective bargaining and strikes to negotiate better working conditions, wages, and benefits.

  2. Opposition to Capitalism: Marxist ideas emphasize the struggle between workers and capitalists. Some public employee unions have used this framework to argue that their members are exploited by government and corporate elites, and that their struggle for better wages and benefits is part of a broader movement for social and economic justice.

  3. Critique of Neoliberalism: Marxist ideas are critical of neoliberalism, which emphasizes free-market policies and privatization. Public employee unions have been critical of neoliberal policies that they argue have led to job cuts, wage stagnation, and the erosion of workers' rights.

  4. Political Activism: Marxist ideas emphasize the importance of political activism and social change. Some public employee unions have been involved in political campaigns and social movements, advocating for policies that purportedly benefit their members and working-class people more broadly.

By definition, the politics of public employee unions are the inverse of the capitalist system that subsidizes the union’s very existence. Union leaders promote equity, the equality of outcomes, which destroys the workers’ incentive for superior performance and achievement relative to the lowest performing and achieving employees. Leading to both moral and financial bankruptcy as the elite leadership relies on the wealth redistribution of a shrinking pool of assets to maintain their power, until power must be enforced at the point of a gun wielded by a regime thug who is compensated above the wages of the truly oppressed. 

The matter of internal union corruption…

  1. Embezzlement: This occurs when union officials use union funds for personal gain. For example, in 2018, the former president of the Boston Carmen's Union Local 589, a public transit union, was sentenced to prison for embezzling more than $180,000 from the union.

  2. Bribery: This occurs when union officials accept bribes in exchange for favors or to influence union decision-making. For example, in 2016, a former president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, a union representing New York City correction officers, was sentenced to prison for accepting bribes in exchange for union endorsements of political candidates.

  3. Vote Rigging: This occurs when union officials manipulate union elections to ensure that their preferred candidates win. For example, in 2014, the former president of the Longshoremen's Union in Los Angeles was sentenced to prison for rigging union elections.

  4. Intimidation: This occurs when union officials use threats or other forms of intimidation to prevent members from speaking out or challenging union leadership. For example, in 2017, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, a public transit union in Toronto, was removed from his position for allegedly engaging in intimidation tactics against union members who disagreed with him.

  5. Nepotism: This occurs when union officials give preferential treatment to family members or friends in union hiring or other decisions. For example, in 2019, the former head of a union representing Illinois tollway workers was sentenced to prison for taking bribes and engaging in nepotism by hiring family members and friends for union jobs.

The matter of external political corruption…

  1. Bribery: Public employee union officials may accept bribes or kickbacks from contractors or other parties in exchange for influencing municipal support and preferential treatment of vendors and contractors.

  2. Racketeering: Public employee union officials may engage in racketeering activities, such as using their municipal connections to force kickbacks from contractors or other parties doing public business.

  3. Conflict of interest: Public employee union officials may force public workers to support activities that conflict with their duties to the public in favor of the union agenda.

  4. Election fraud: Public employee union officials officials may engage in election fraud, such as using union resources to support or oppose candidates, or by manipulating election results using union employees who agree to become election workers. Public employee union officials officials may provide off-the-books funds to cover a candidate's personal expenses and support their political campaigns.

  5. False representation: Public employee union officials may misrepresent union policies or actions to members of the public, or may make false claims about public activities involving the union agenda.

  6. Intimidation: This occurs  when public employee union officials use threats or other forms of intimidation to prevent politicians from speaking out or challenging union positions, or voting for union contract provisions which disadvantage the public or artificially increase the cost of doing the public’s business. This includes the demand for the use of union-backed DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)factors in decisionmaking or mandated instructional programs.

The benefits of eliminating public employee unions.

Consider the impact of eliminating public employee unions:

  1. Cost Savings: Eliminating public employee unions could potentially reduce costs for governments and taxpayers. This could be achieved by reducing wages and benefits for public employees or outsourcing services to the private sector.

  2. Increased Flexibility: Without unions, governments may have more flexibility to change staffing levels, work hours, and other working conditions. This could allow governments to respond more quickly to changes in demand for public services or to budgetary constraints.

  3. Improved Accountability: Eliminating public employee unions could improve public employee accountability by making it easier to discipline or terminate employees who are not performing adequately. This could enhance the quality of public services and increase public trust in government.

  4. Reduction of Political Influence: Public employee unions have too much political influence, and eliminating them could reduce the power of special interests in government decision-making.

Corrupted Pension plans are bankrupting government entities…

The most significant drag on a municipalities expenses is the artificially inflated pension funds resulting from "sweetheart" labor contracts or outright pension fraud that has been contractually or tacitly approved by politicians beholden to their union masters.

Unlike the private sector with its defined contribution pension plans (where both the employer and the employee contribute to an individual account for the employee, and the employee assumes the investment risk and has control over how the funds are invested), the public sector uses a defined benefit pension plan (where the municipality guarantees a specific retirement benefit to employees based on a formula that typically takes into account the employee's salary and years of service).

The critical difference between the two is how retirement benefits are determined and who assumes the investment risk. In defined benefit programs, the employer assumes the investment risk, which is guaranteed by the taxpayers no matter how much the benefits may actually cost. In contrast, in defined contribution plans, the employee assumes the investment risk.

There is no doubt that the defined benefit program is far superior to that offered in the private sector and has the potential to bankrupt a municipality over time. It is also rife with fraud, such as allowing officials to take early retirement, bump pension benefits upward by issuing an undeserved promotion before retirement, or allow municipal employees to "purchase" additional years of service using unused vacation pay or actual cash. Not to forget the lax investigation of disability claims or allowing multiple pensions for different public employee job functions. And for politicians, pensions and other benefits for minimal political service.

The dangers of defined benefit pensions are well known…

  1. Funding Risk: Defined benefit pensions are usually funded by employers, who are responsible for ensuring that there is enough money to pay the promised benefits. If the investments of the pension fund perform poorly, or if retirees live longer than expected, the employer may be left with a funding shortfall.

  2. Employer Liability: With defined benefit pensions, the employer is on the hook for ensuring that the promised benefits are paid, regardless of how well the investments perform. This can create significant liability for employers, especially if they are unable to meet their pension obligations.

Solutions…

One, eliminate public employee unions and rely on well-developed and established legal mechanisms to provide employee protections in matters of safety, security, and employee exploitation and abuse. To implement these legal protections, I suggest that we turn to the judiciary and use the lessons of small claims court, with no attorneys or advocates, to deal with minor grievances. The higher courts would handle more serious matters.

Two, eliminate defined benefit pension plans in favor of defined contribution pension plans with no special considerations for extraordinary plan contributions or benefits.

Three, eliminate double dipping and early retirement for employees working in an environment that would not be generally considered life-threatening, such as police, fire, and medical first responders: no early retirements and the opportunity to return as a consultant or per diem employee at higher wages.

Four, strengthen safeguards on medical benefits regarding disabilities, stress, and other common disabilities used to obtain early retirement or bump benefits upward. 

Bottom line…

I find it abhorrent that we are allowing the use of the voters' own tax money to push pro-union candidates and positions in such a manner as to encourage political corruption and the violation of our democratic principles.

Eliminating public employee unions is both a controversial and complicated issue requiring a significant change to public perception and existing labor laws -- and likely face strong opposition from politicians who benefit from union endorsements, the union leadership, and their Marxist supporters.

Some potential steps to eliminate employee unions:

  1. Legal Action: It is possible, but unlikely, for government entities to file legal action against unions if they are found to be engaging in illegal political activities or violating labor laws. However, this would require overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing and would likely face significant legal challenges, especially from those benefitting from the current system.

  2. Union Decertification: Public employees may seek to decertify a union by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a decertification election. This would require a majority vote of public employees in favor of decertification and protections against union thuggery and coercion.

  3. Anti-Union Legislation: A state legislatures could pass laws “right to work” laws that restrict the activities of unions or make it more difficult for unions to operate, again these measures would would most likely face significant opposition and legal challenges.

  4. Employee Choice: Perhaps the best way to eliminate employee unions is to give employees the choice to opt out of union membership. This would require changes to labor laws to make union membership optional, rather than mandatory and would force public employee unions to prove a net tangible benefit to their membership. Off the table would be union-negotiated labor contracts and the promise of continually rising wages and benefits without a corresponding increase in productivity or a reduction of superfluous employees in a practice known as “featherbedding.”

Until the system is reformed, we are totally and thoroughly screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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WE ARE SO SCREWED!

Justice must be blind or else it is tyranny...

Justice

The rule of law is a fundamental principle essential for ensuring a fair and just society. It is the idea that everyone, regardless of their social status, wealth, or political power, is subject to the same laws, and is applied equally and fairly.

When the rule of law breaks down, it can lead to chaos, instability, and a loss of faith in the justice system.

Here are some signs that the rule of law may be breaking down in America:

  1. Political interference in the judiciary: If the government or powerful individuals begin to interfere with the judiciary, this can be a sign that the rule of law is in danger. This includes the nomination and confirmation of judges based on political considerations rather than their legal knowledge and reasoning ability. When judges are pressured to make decisions based on political considerations rather than the law, it undermines the integrity of the justice system. Additionally, activist judges who bring their partisan viewpoint to the bench, where it colors their interpretation of the law and the handling of procedural objections, are a clear and present danger to our democracy.

  2. Arbitrary arrests and detentions: When people are arrested or detained without just cause or due process, it is a violation of the rule of law. This can happen when governments use emergency powers to curtail civil liberties or law enforcement officials abuse their authority. Witness the corrupt January 6 detentions and proceedings.

  3. Lack of transparency: The rule of law depends on transparency and accountability. When there is a lack of transparency in the justice system, it can create opportunities for corruption and abuse of power. For example, if court proceedings are not open to the public or crucial documents remain under seal, it can be challenging to determine if justice is being served.

  4. Hiding or manipulating exculpatory evidence: It is incumbent on the government to turn over exculpatory evidence to the defense as derived from the United States Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland in 1963. It established a rule that the prosecution has a constitutional duty of due process to disclose material evidence favorable to a defendant. <Source>

  5. Unequal treatment under the law: The rule of law requires that everyone be treated equally under the law. When some groups are systematically targeted or treated differently from others, it is a sign that the rule of law may be breaking down. This can happen, for example, when racial or ethnic minorities and conservatives are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement.

  6. Failure to sanction wrongdoing: It appears that government attorneys have engaged in illegal acts, as proven by documentary evidence and sworn testimony, but remain unpunished or lightly admonished by the judicial system.

  7. Attacks by the press: While a free press is essential for a functioning democracy and for upholding the rule of law, it is something all together different when the press advocates for one political philosophy over another. When independent non-regime journalists are attacked or threatened for reporting on government activities or the justice system, it can be a sign that those in power are trying to suppress or censor information and control the narrative.

  8. Juries susceptible to pressure: Juries are an essential part of the justice system because they allow ordinary citizens to participate in the legal process and ensure that justice is served fairly. However, if juries are coerced or intimidated, it can undermine the justice system's integrity and lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals. Here are some ways in which juries can be coerced:

    1. Intimidation: Jurors can be intimidated by outside parties, such as witnesses, defendants, or their associates. This can be done through threats, harassment, or other forms of intimidation. Jurors may feel afraid to make an unpopular decision or speak out against the group.

    2. Jury tampering: This occurs when someone tries to influence a juror's decision by offering a bribe, threatening them, or communicating with them outside of court. This can include trying to contact jurors on social media or through other means, which is illegal.

    3. Media pressure: The media can also exert pressure on jurors by sensationalizing a case or presenting a biased view of the evidence. This can make it difficult for jurors to make an objective decision based solely on the evidence presented in court.

    4. Coercive instructions: Judges can sometimes give coercive instructions to the jury, such as telling them that they must reach a verdict or that they should continue deliberating until they reach a consensus. This can put pressure on jurors to make a decision, even if they are not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt.

    5. Inappropriate comments from lawyers: Lawyers can sometimes make inappropriate comments during a trial designed to influence the jury. This can include personal attacks on witnesses or trying to appeal to the jurors' emotions rather than presenting a clear and objective case.

    If jurors are coerced in any way, it can lead to an unfair trial and undermine the rule of law. It is essential to ensure that jurors are protected from outside influences and that they can make an objective decision based solely on the evidence presented in court. Judges must take steps to prevent any form of jury coercion and ensure that the justice system remains fair and just. Whether pressure from their fellow jurors, their peers, or the threat of potential violence in the community compels jurors to act in a particular manner rather than on the evidence and instruction on the law, we have replaced the rule of law with mob justice.

  9. Juries are overwhelmingly partisan: It is difficult to obtain justice if the majority of the jury pool consists of like-minded individuals with similar values opposite to those of the defendant. Obviously, the remedy is a change of venue, sometimes inappropriately denied by the judge for reasons other than seeking justice such as wanting to retain a high-profile case, virtue signal to a community of the judge's peers, or garnering favorable media attention prior to a judicial election.

These are just a few signs that the rule of law may be breaking down in America. If you observe these signs or others like them, it is crucial to speak out and advocate for a fair and just constitutional system where the rule of law is upheld.

Bottom line…

I will leave it to you to decide if the rule of law has been compromised by the progressive communist democrats and their media propagandists. 

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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BEHIND THE SCENES: DEMOCRATS, MEDIA NEED TRUMP

Trump-2024-ichty

Without former President Trump, almost all of the media coverage is MEH! Likewise, without a bold target that can engage and enrage their base, the Democrats have close to zero, or less than zero in the case of a Biden re-run, to continue their toxic agenda.

The sad truth is DeSantis won’t do. First, he has self-control and the ability to strategically and tactically engage the press. Second, compared to Trump, the media cannot turn him into a compelling caricature of an ego-driven cartoon character. And third, DeSantis talks about accomplishments and policies, rarely straying from his intended message. Even his humor is low-key and often self-deprecating. Whereas Trump drives ratings, engagement, and fundraising, DeSantis gets an appreciative nod as people go about their daily business with little or no outrage except that customarily directed at a corrupt, incompetent, and out-of-control government.

Three obvious progressive communist democrat lies courtesy of a George Soros sock puppet…

bragg

“This office is full of the finest public servants in the country. I am committed to maintaining a safe work environment where everyone is able to continue to serve the public with the same diligence and professionalism that make this institution so renowned. In the meantime, as with all of our investigations, We will continue to apply the law evenly and fairly, and speak publicly only when appropriate.” --- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg,<Source>

Welcome to a third-world banana republic and a uni-party dictatorship…

While the exact charging details are not known, the basic charge may be something like “falsifying business records in the first degree,” a felony, along with secondary charges relating to campaign contributions. The charge relates to a payment, first characterized as “hush money,” to “porn star”  Stormy Daniels -- now portrayed as an illegal campaign contribution. A bogus and unsupportable charge with little or no traction in an honest (non-democrat-dominated) court.

Reality...

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has elevated a charge that would normally be a misdemeanor offense to a felony charge and is prosecuting the case past the five-year statute of limitations.

Are they distracting from the emerging bank records that appear to indicate that Joe Biden and his family were engaged in selling out America to her enemies for personal gain?

Just asking…

From what we have seen about government agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, isn’t it reasonable to ask if the government was involved in suppressing any evidence linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s activities in various locations to protect powerful progressive communist democrats, including politicians?

What about those confidential settlements made on behalf of Members of Congress by the United States Congress Office of Compliance?

Bottom line…

Trump, a known germaphobe who sanitizes after handshakes, continues to deny that he had any liaison with the porn star and that it is routine and customary to pay off what amounts to nuisance claims to avoid reputational damage. I cannot help but recall the Democrat’s credible assertion that Trump participated in a scene where hookers peed on a bed.

Imagine the chaos and outrage if the progressive communist democrats attempt to arrest, perp-walk, and book former President Donald Trump on a bullshit politically motivated misdemeanor charge?

Will this be enough to stop him from running, severely cripple his fundraising, and provide plausible excuses for limiting his media reach, or will it propel his campaign to the stratosphere and likely nomination?

Or is this a malicious attempt to re-create the January 6 scenario over his arrest -- with the selective spotlight on a relatively few out-of-control Trump supporters or Antifa-types pretending to be Trump supporters?

In any event, it is a distraction from the ongoing disaster of the Obama-Biden Administration.

Any action against Trump may likely be delayed to make his prediction wrong.

Let the games begin!

This reminds me of the opening lines of Shakespeare's Macbeth, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air."

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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PERSPECTIVE ON U.S. JUSTICE 2023

2023-DEMOCRATI PLATFORM

As we await the potential indictment and arrest of former President Donald J. Trump for an alleged artificial crime concocted by the progressive communist democrats, we should put the matter in perspective…

Bill_ClintonDEMOCRAT PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

SOLD HIS OFFICE

TRANSFERRED MILITARY TECHNOLOGY TO THE COMMUNIST CHINESE

SUBVERTED ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

MISHANDLED CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS

$850,000 IN "HUSH MONEY" TO PAULA JONES
obama

DEMOCRAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

WEAPONIZED THE ADMINISTRATION TO BENEFIT COMMUNISM

ALLOWED TERROR STATE IRAN TO OBTAIN NUCLEAR CAPABILITY

SAVED IRAN'S ECONOMY WITH BILLIONS OF UNBLOCKED DOLLARS

SUBVERTED ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

NUMEROUS SCANDALS AND COVER-UPS

MISHANDLED CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
Joe_Biden_presidential_portrait.jpg

DEMOCRAT PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

SOLD HIS OFFICE TO THE COMMUNIST CHINESE & OTHERS

ALLOWED OBAMACONS TO CONTROL THE ADMINISTRATION

SUBVERTED ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

MISHANDLED CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
Hillary_Clinton_official_Secretary_of_State_portrait_crop

DEMOCRAT SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON

SOLD HER OFFICE TO THE COMMUNIST RUSSIANS & OTHERS

TRANSFERRED URANIUM TO THE RUSSIANS

SUBVERTED ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

MISHANDLED CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
John_Kerry_official_Secretary_of_State_portrait

DEMOCRAT SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY

ILLEGALLY COLLUDED WITH THE IRANIANS ON NUCLEAR ISSUES

ADVANCED GLOBAL CLIMATE HOAX
Donald_Trump_official_portrait

REPUBLICAN  PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

MISHANDLED CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS

PRIVATELY EXECUTED NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AS A PRIVATE BUSINESS MATTER WITH $130,000 "HUSH MONEY" SETTLEMENT TO STORMY DANIELS

Bottom line…

If the progressive communist democrats arrest President Trump on a “trumped-up” charge, we may have crossed the tipping point in government tyranny.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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WILL HUNTER BIDEN'S LAPTOP GET JOE OFF THE HOOK?

HunterBelieve it or not, there might be something good for Joe Biden that comes from Hunter Biden’s infamous laptop that was left at a Delaware computer shop for repair and never claimed.

Hunter Biden, who appears to plead ignorance in response to allegations contained in previous documents and neither admits nor denies ownership of the subject laptop, has filed a countersuit in US District Court in Delaware alleging that computer shop owner, John Paul Mac Isaac, had no legal right to copy and disseminate the contents of the laptop that was abandoned at his Delaware store in 2019.

“Mr. Biden is without knowledge sufficient to admit or deny the allegations in paragraph xx.”

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

Possession of Electronic Data that Mac Isaac Claims to Be Hunter Biden’s

In or before April 2019, Counterclaim Defendant Mac Isaac, by whatever means, came into possession of certain electronically stored data, at least some of which belonged to Counterclaim Plaintiff Biden.

Mac Isaac claims that he obtained lawful possession of the data because it was contained on a laptop that Mr. Biden left behind at Mac Isaac’s repair shop (the Mac Shop) and that a Repair Authorization form, allegedly signed by Mr. Biden, provided that “equipment left with the Mac Shop after 90 days of notification of completed service will be treated as abandoned and you agree to hold the Mac Shop harmless for any damage or loss of property.” Mac Isaac further claims that because Mr. Biden never returned to the repair shop to retrieve his recovered data, Mac Isaac is thereby the rightful owner to the equipment under the terms of the Repair Authorization form.

Footnote: This is not an admission by Mr. Biden that Mac Isaac (or others) in fact possessed any particular laptop containing electronically stored data belonging to Mr. Biden. Rather, Mr. Biden simply acknowledges that at some point, Mac Isaac obtained electronically stored data, some of which belonged to Mr. Biden.

[OCS: What follows is a discussion of Delaware law setting forth the procedures required to exert a claim on abandoned property and that Mac Issac allegedly did not follow those procedures and lacked a valid claim to the laptop.]

Moreover, even if the Repair Authorization form were enforceable under Delaware law, by its own terms, it provides abandonment of only any “equipment” that is left behind at the Mac Shop, and not the data on or embedded within any such equipment. In fact, the Repair Authorization form states that the Mac Shop will make every effort to “secure your data.” Customers who sign Mac Isaac’s Repair Authorization form do not waive any rights under Delaware law for the data that any equipment might contain. Reputable computer companies and repair people routinely delete personal data contained on devices that are exchanged, left behind, or abandoned. They do not open, copy, and then provide that data to others, as Mac Isaac did here.

<Source: Case 1:23-cv-00247-MN Document 11 Filed 03/17/23 in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.>

Remember Best Buy’s Geek Squad matter?

FBI Used Paid Informants On Best Buy's Geek Squad To Flag Child Pornography

The FBI paid Best Buy Geek Squad employees as informants, rewarding them for flagging indecent material when people brought their computers in for repair.

That's according to documents released to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital civil liberties organization, which filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit seeking records that might show warrantless searches of people's devices.

EFF filed its complaint last year after revelations about the FBI's interactions with Geek Squad technicians emerged in the case of Mark Rettenmaier, an Orange County, Calif., physician and surgeon who took his computer in for repair when it wouldn't boot up. Rettenmaier faced child pornography charges after a Geek Squad employee flagged his computer to the FBI.

In May, a federal judge threw out almost all the evidence (which prosecutors said included hundreds of images of child pornography) because of "false and misleading statements" an FBI agent made in an affidavit to get a search warrant for Rettenmaier's house. The government ended up dropping the charges against him. <Source>

[OCS: Once again the FBI appears to have crossed the line with impunity and judicial immunity.]

Bottom line…

In general, the data on an abandoned electronic device is still owned by the person who originally created or stored the data. However, ownership of the device itself may have been transferred or lost through various means, such as theft, abandonment, or sale.

This lawsuit may hold significant implications for the privacy of your data that may be contained on electronic devices, including computers and other equipment for storing data, when they are abandoned, sold, trashed, or returned to an equipment provider.

It may also be the key to getting Joe and his family off the hook, especially if a partisan federal judge ruled that any evidence presented by the prosecution is tainted by the fruit of the poison tree doctrine, which extends the exclusionary rule to make evidence inadmissible in court if it was derived from evidence that was illegally obtained.

We live in perilous times when law enforcement and judicial authorities continue to overstep their constitutional bounds based on their individual beliefs or a partisan political agenda, often without repercussions or sanctions.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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BIDENOMICS: CAUGHT IN A VICIOUS CIRCLE

More and more spending…

VICIOUS CYCLE

And even more...

Progressive Communist Democrat crazies are asking the private bank-owned Federal Reserve to print up to an additional 2 TRILLION dollars to combat bank liquidity problems caused by the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to fight inflation caused by printing too much money and not increasing national productivity at the same time.

At the same time, destroy the $250,000 FDIC insurance cap on deposits to protect "small" depositors in favor of bailing out the millionaires and companies whose deposits exceed $250,000.

Lie to the average American consumer and taxpayers that this is not a "bailout" and will not raise their taxes. And these consumers and taxpayers will not pay the increased FDIC insurance fees and bailout funds with lower interest yields on deposits, higher bank fees, and grossly inflated dollars worth less in purchasing power.

Calling the bailout a "Bank Term Funding Program" does not change the fact that this is a billionaire/millionaire bailout that disadvantages the little guy that the progressive communist democrats claim to protect.

Lie to the average American consumer that the Federal Reserve will "stress test" depository institutions that ignore stress tests only work for "leveraged investments" and not the actual problem of mismatched maturities and unhedged interest rate fluctuations in fixed-income securities (aka bonds).

Fed-hdr

Federal Reserve Board announces it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors

The additional funding will be made available through the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP), offering loans of up to one year in length to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other eligible depository institutions pledging U.S. Treasuries, agency debt and mortgage-backed securities, and other qualifying assets as collateral. These assets will be valued at par. The BTFP will be an additional source of liquidity against high-quality securities, eliminating an institution's need to quickly sell those securities in times of stress. <Source>

Déjà Vu all over again…

Like the 2008 TARP (Troubled Assets Relief Program), the new Bank Term Funding Program uses dodgy assets (under-water securities if sold for a loss in the open market)as collateral for loans that provide the financial institution good funds at the face(par)value of the securities.

This is fundamental unsound banking practice as the collateral is de facto insufficient to justify the loan -- or the institution would not need a bailout.

This also violates the "bail-in" provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 (Orderly Liquidation Authority), which was designed to provide immediate relief to financial institutions by allowing them to use money from their unsecured creditors, including depositors and bondholders, to restructure their capital to stay afloat. Essentially, they are converting debt into equity to increase their capital requirements.

The taxpayer no longer bears the risk as risk is shifted to unsecured creditors, including depositors whose account balances exceed the FDIC limit of $250,000.

Financing our enemies...

During a Congressional hearing, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen admitted that Chinese Communist Party-linked businesses that had deposits in Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) will be made whole by the American banking system. Considering how much U.S. debt our enemies have purchased, Yellen cannot sanction these entities without provoking a confrontation with severe consequences for our economy. Considering so many of our U.S.-based multinational companies have outsourced vital strategic functions to China, we are doubly screwed as we prop up the Communist Chinese economy.

Incompetence or malevolence?

It appears that a number of large financial institutions were prevented from intervening in the purchase of Silicon Valley Bank by the FDIC and government regulatory bodies that would need to provide waivers for the larger systemically important banks to participate in the rescue.

Of course, this would cut the need for a Fed "intervention" and a narrative pushing the Central Bank Digital Dollar ("Project Hamilton")  -- an absolute tyrannical move to control your funds and purchasing. Digital services through the Fed are here!!! CONVENIENT TIMING!

Fed-hdr

Federal Reserve announces July launch for the FedNow Service

About the FedNow Service...

The Federal Reserve Banks are developing the FedNow Service to facilitate nationwide reach of instant payment services by financial institutions — regardless of size or geographic location — around the clock, every day of the year. Through financial institutions participating in the FedNow Service, businesses and individuals will be able to send and receive instant payments at any time of day, and recipients will have full access to funds immediately, giving them greater flexibility to manage their money and make time-sensitive payments. Access will be provided through the Federal Reserve's FedLine® network, which serves more than 10,000 financial institutions directly or through their agents. For more information, visit FedNowExplorer.org

Bottom line…

Once again, Congress is holding government operations hostage as they attempt to raise the federal debt limit, the amount is set by law and has been increased or suspended over the years to allow for the additional borrowing needed to finance the government's operations. On December 16, 2021, lawmakers raised the debt limit by $2.5 trillion to a total of $31.4 trillion. Biden is requesting at least $1.8 trillion more than the government would take in. But in fiscal 2024. 

We are closer to the forced implementation of the digital dollar and absolute tyranny.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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LINDSEY GRAHAM: THE DEMOCRAT'S PUSSY BITCH

Lindsey-graham

Toughen up: Senator Lindsey Graham calls for Biden to shoot down Putin's warplanes if they ever 'get close to American assets in international waters' again

Senator Lindsey Graham called for Biden to 'hold Russia accountable' for downing a US drone and threatened to shoot Putin's warplanes if they approach American assets even over international waters.

South Carolina GOP Senator Graham said the US should gun down Russian warplanes that approach an American asset in the airways over international waters after two Russian fighter jet pilots had forced down an unnamed US aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Black Sea yesterday, March 14. <Source>

Once again, we find the tough-talking war-hawk Lindsey Graham (R-SC) ready to start World War III over Ukrainian borders but a total pussy bitch when defending democracy.

It is no surprise that Graham joined six other traitorous RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) to confirm former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as the first U.S. Ambassador to India for the Biden Administration.

  • Collins-ME
  • Cassidy-LA
  • Daines-MT
  • Graham-SC
  • Hagerty-TN
  • Marshall-KS
  • Young-IN

Why is it that every time the GOP is presented with an opportunity to push back against the progressive communist democrats, we find Lindsey Graham jumping the aisle and advancing their progressive agenda?

India is strategically important to the United States for several reasons:

  1. Geostrategic location: India is located in a region of strategic importance to the United States, particularly in terms of its proximity to China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The United States has been interested in maintaining a presence in this region to help promote regional stability and counter China's rising influence.

  2. Economic potential: India has the world's sixth-largest economy and is expected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030. The United States sees India as a significant market for its goods and services and a key partner in trade and investment.

  3. Security cooperation: The United States and India share common interests in regional security, particularly in counterterrorism and maritime security. The two countries have signed numerous agreements in recent years to enhance their security cooperation.

  4. Democratic values: India is the world's largest democracy and shares many values with the United States, including a commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and a free and open society. The United States sees India as a natural partner in promoting these values in the region and beyond.

  5. Strategic partnership: The United States and India have developed a strategic partnership in recent years, with regular high-level exchanges and cooperation across a range of issues, including defense, trade, energy, and technology. The two countries also share a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which is seen as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region.

  6. Dealing with Russia: India continues to bypass American arms vendors and is one of the largest purchasers of Russian arms, and makes heavy purchases of oil, coal, and fertilizers.

So why would the Biden Administration appoint an elite, effete progressive communist democrat former mayor to such a position? Could it be that Garcetti will be a figurehead for the Obama foreign policy machine in the Biden White House?

Bottom line…

It is almost as if the progressive communist democrats were blackmailing Graham to go along with their nefarious plan to destroy America from within. I wonder when the façade will crumble and the truth revealed.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

.

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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STOP BLAMING JOE BIDEN WHEN IT IS OBAMA'S FAULT

Obama-biden-plot

For those who continue to blame President Joe Biden for the ongoing catastrophe that has befallen America, it appears that you may be grossly mistaken.

It appears, at least from my perspective, that Biden is little more than an empty vessel being manipulated by the Obamacons with protection from the communist-infiltrated Democrat Party and a corrupted coalition of legacy and social media. This is, indeed, Obama’s third term in office via proxy. And he is going with an attempt at a fourth term if Biden captures the nomination, even with his impaired cognitive state and refusal to honor legitimate questions outside his cade of chosen journalists with their pre-asked and pre-answered questions.

Marxist-trained and influenced Barack Obama’s most significant achievement has been to morph Marxism’s class warfare into open racial and sexual warfare. Where the labels of racist, bigot, white supremacist, homophobe, and misogynist are used to silence opponents. Where alleged discrimination is used to justify tyranny by the minority to force the acceptance of outrageously egregious actions that would shock the conscience of average Americans --  if the details were reported openly and honestly without the progressive communist democrat narrative.

An analysis of the Biden Administration’s key staff positions in the Executive Office of the President includes some individuals who held some of the most influential positions in the Obama Administration. Particularly notable are the following:

  • Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor -- Director of Policy Planning under Obama
  • Susan Rice, Domestic Policy Advisor -- the 23rd United States National Security Advisor and the 27th United States Ambassador to the United Nations under Obama
  • Anita Dunn, Senior Advisor to the President -- White House Communications Director under Obama; married to Robert Bauer, White House Counsel under Obama

Let us not forget former Secretary of State John Kerry, who now serves as the special envoy for climate, and former Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken, now Secretary of State. Biden’s selection of these individuals and others demonstrates a clear continuation of the Obama administration’s policies and values.

In addition to Obama’s policy advocates, there seems to be a small group of Obama’s minders tasked with keeping Biden hidden from the public or stage-managing his appearances. Carefully preparing lists of media individuals to call upon and the exact answers to the questions that they have been requested to ask. When Biden goes off-script, we see the real Biden, an individual who cannot separate fact from fiction and who has trouble navigating his immediate environment.

Corruption comes in all colors…

Here in California, we have another Democrat Party presidential hopeful, multi-millionaire elitist Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom lobbied the Biden Administration to extend FDIC’s customary insurance limits beyond $250,000 to cover multi-million uninsured deposits held in the recently failed Silicon Valley Bank. Somehow, he forgot to mention the bank’s $100,000 donation to his wife’s alleged charity, personal accounts that he may have had at the bank, and the bank’s business relationship with three of his hospitality companies, CADE, Odette, and Plumpjack. <Source>

Bottom line…

There is no doubt that former President Barack Obama has a significant influence on the Biden administration, particularly in terms of policy, personnel, and political strategy, and which is likely to continue throughout the remainder of Biden’s presidency.

While we concentrate on the latest distraction, many of them are artificially manufactured to divert our attention away from the fact that our nation and quality of life are slowly slipping away as our treasury is plundered and our capitalist system is turned toward communism, the progressive communist democrats are thoroughly screwing us.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CAN THIS POSSIBLY BE TRUE?

C18CC816-D5B5-4E64-8E01-A5CCFB5A653A
Can this even be remotely true?

BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT RECEIVED NEARLY $83 BILLION FROM CORPORATIONS


The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and related causes received an astonishing $82.9 billion from corporations, a new funding database from the Claremont Institute has found. 

The Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life explained the necessity of their report in an article published in Newsweek, where the Center asserted that the 2020 BLM movement was about more than just “rioting and destruction.” 

The Center explained that “The BLM pressure campaigns, harassment, and moral blackmail also amounted to possibly the most lucrative shakedown of corporate America in its history.”

“As a point of reference, $82.9 billion is more than the GDP of 46 African countries. In 2022, the Ford Motor Company’s profits were $23 billion,” they also noted. The sum of $82.9 million includes “more than $123 million to the BLM parent organizations directly,” as well as much more to other organizations supporting BLM’s agenda. 

The list reveals that several popular corporations from a wide range of different industries supplied the movement with large sums of cash. Walmart, for example, which is based in Arkansas, gave a whopping $100 million in support of BLM and related causes focusing on “racial equity.” Amazon gave even more, supplying the movement with an astonishing $169.5 million. Silicon Valley Bank gave the movement $73.45 million.

Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical company Abbvie gave the movement over $62 million in funding. Allstate gave $7.7 million to the cause and American Express gave $50 million. Apple gave $100 million while AT&T gave $21.5 million. The movement and its causes received another $90 million from Nike.

United Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines all gave money to BLM and related causes as well.

Bank of America, meanwhile, provided $18.25 million to BLM and related causes while Wells Fargo diverted $210 million towards BLM and related causes. Deloitte gave $85 million to BLM and related causes.

Asset management giant BlackRock put a shocking $810 million towards BLM and related causes, while other powerful financial institutions also bankrolled the movement, with Capital One Financial giving $10 million, Morgan Stanley giving $30 million, US Bank giving $160 million, and Goldman Sachs giving $10.1 million.

Meanwhile, Prudential Financial supplied the movement and its related causes with a sum of $450 million but was outdone by Mastercard, which gave $500 million.

The database found that Boeing gave $15.6 million, while Northrop Grumman gave $2 million and Raytheon gave $25 million.

The Walt Disney Company gave $8.8 million to BLM and related causes while the Pokémon Company gave $200,000. <Source>

If this is true, and most of the money remains unaccounted for…

Where is the Department of Justice investigation on what looks like an unprecedented grift and possibly a funding vehicle for communist fifth-column activities in the United States?

Should shareholders bring a class action lawsuit against the corporate officers and Directors who allowed this flagrant misuse of corporate funds while pocketing tens of millions in salaries, perks, bonuses, and options?

Bottom line…

It is increasingly obvious that corporate offices and board members have lost their minds, are afraid to lose their jobs, willfully ignorant, a party to the grift, or simply don’t care because it is not their money. All violations of their fiduciary duties to the shareholders. No wonder many of these same individuals are opting for stakeholder capitalism to dilute their fiduciary duties.

We are so screwed if this story is accurate and without a mitigating explanation for the large sums given to an organization headed by communist queers and featuring sketchy governance.

— Steve 

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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SILICON VALLEY BANK: WOKE UGLY IN CALIFORNIA

The short version of the SVB failure: a bad bet on interest rates and maturity mismatches ( borrowing short-term from depositors and lending long-term to corporations, without any interest-rate hedging) ...

Money from venture-capital-fueled companies poured into the bank at a staggering rate. The bank's lending activity could not keep pace with the gusher of money, so surplus funds were invested in safe instruments like government securities and triple-A-rated mortgage-backed securities.

Unfortunately, the Biden regime with its outrageous spending spurred on inflation which provoked the Fed to raise interest rates.  The days of near-zero Fed interest rates and an acceptable securities yield of 2% were over as interest rate yields approached 5%.  Smart people saw the interest rate overhang on the bank's balance sheet and were watching the situation. When the bank attempted to raise $2.25 billion and noted a $1.8 billion loss on securities sales -- the smart people wired their money out of the bank resulting in an unprecedented $42 billion hit on a single day -- and the bank's failure.

Maxine Waters to the rescue...MAXINEMad Max…

Since the 2008 financial crisis, California Representative Maxine “Mad Max” Waters (D-CA) has served on the House Financial Services Committee, chairing the House Financial Services Committee from 2019 to 2023 and as the ranking member since 2023. A progressive communist democrat, she has had ample time to lead in strengthening banking practices and ensuring well-capitalized resilient banks. In this task, she is an abject failure as she advocates for setting aside sound banking practice in favor of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which demands similar outcomes regardless of the circumstances, and loans conditioned on ESG (Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance) scoring that advances the progressive agenda and empowers third-parties with no equity state in the enterprise.

"I am alarmed by the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, which marks the second largest bank failure in U.S. history," she said in a statement. "I am closely monitoring and convening Committee members with regulators so myself and members can understand the latest around the closure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) appointed as receiver. I appreciate the DFPI and the FDIC for taking decisive action today, and I remain confident in America’s financial markets and the ability of our regulators to protect consumers and investors."

Yada, Yada, Yada. 

No matter how much Waters yammers on about risk and stress tests, it's all bullshit. This was not a regulatory failure, it was the gross incompetence of risk management. Stress tests apply to leveraged balance sheets, not to Triple-A investments that are not leveraged. All the regulations proposed cannot fix a problem that demands an astute risk manager with the singular task of protecting the bank, its depositors, and shareholders -- not "woke stakeholders," the corrupt regime in power, or a progressive communist democrat agenda.

The revelations are getting ugly…

Becker…

Silicon Valley Bank CEO Greg Becker, who was a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco from 2019 until the day of his bank’s collapse, was quickly and quietly removed as a Class A director of the San Francisco Fed, representing member banks. In the best Stalinist tradition, he was “disappeared” from the Fed’s website, which now advertises that there is a “vacant seat Group 1.”

Becker sold $3.6 million worth of SVB shares on February 27, eleven days before regulators shut down his failed bank. It is almost certain that Becker knew of the need to raise $2.25 billion by issuing new common and convertible preferred shares to shore up its operations, the $1.8 billion loss on the sale of the bank’s AFS (Available For Sale) securities after it sold bonds in its portfolio of investments at a $1.8 billion loss, and the inherent dangers of its HTM (Hold To Maturity) portfolio in a fluctuating interest rate environment. There are only three answers: inattention, incompetence, and corruption.

As the CEO, he definitely knew that the position of Chief Risk Officer remained empty for eight months and that the staff was concentrating on progressive woke nonsense. Surely someone knew how to hedge the bank's interest rate exposure using interest rate swaps since they had done so previously. 

SVB had NO head of 'risk assessment' for nine months before it collapsed... as woke boss for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa was busy organizing a month-long Pride campaign and a 'Lesbian Visibility Day'

Collapsed lender Silicon Valley Bank operated without a chief risk officer between April 2022 and January 2023 while the operation's United Kingdom-based  Head of Risk stands accused of prioritizing pro-diversity initiatives over her actual role.

Meanwhile, Jay Ersapah, who acts as Head of Risk for the bank in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and who describes herself as a 'queer person of color from a working-class background' - organized a host of LGBTQ initiatives including a month-long Pride campaign and implemented 'safe space' catch-ups for staff. 

In a corporate video published just nine months ago, she said she 'could not be prouder' to work for SVB serving 'underrepresented entrepreneurs.'

Professional network Outstanding listed Ersapah as a top 100 LGTBQ Future Leader.

'Jay is a leading figure for the bank’s awareness activities including being a panelist at the SVB’s Global Pride townhall to share her experiences as a lesbian of color, moderating SVB’s EMEA Pride townhall and was instrumental in initiating the organization's first-ever global "safe space catch-up", supporting employees in sharing their experiences of coming out,' her bio on the Outstanding website states. <Source>

The Fed…

Ps-1

Vivek, a 2024 presidential candidate hoping to head the Treasury Department in the next Administration... 

Vivek

Bottom line...

More government and more regulations are not the answer. We must hold incompetent and corrupt individuals responsible for their actions.

To the extent the progressive communist democrats are trying to blame deregulation, let us remember that they were the results of attempting to address the regulatory excesses and serious flaws in the Democrat-designed Dodd-Frank bill – the massive new regulatory plan named for two of the most corrupt financial regulators in Congress that saw institutions such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as instruments of government policy, parking spots for out of work favored Democrats, and massive piggy banks to provide housing benefits to Democrat districts come election time. The heavy-handed regulators were burying small and community banks in unproductive red tape that eventually led to their acquisition by bigger banks with teams of compliance officers.

What happened to the idea of creative destruction where the investors and bondholders in a failing institution lose their investments and do not get a pass with government-subsidized funding and spreading the risk to the greater financial community? Yes, I feel sorry for the collateral damage in the community, but those companies should have been more aware of the risk in using a single bank.

WARNING: The progressive communist democrats will attempt to capitalize (pun intended) on this crisis. Demand that they lower government spending now!

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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IT'S NOT A TAXPAYER BAILOUT: IT'S A GOVERNMENT-INSURED "LOAN"

Will the Obama/Biden Administration allow a “woke” bank that financed a number of the government’s climate change initiatives to fail, possibly dooming those climate change efforts?

Bailout

Tough talk from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ...

Yellen rules out bailout of Silicon Valley Bank owners, investors

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Sunday that the U.S. would not consider a bailout of Silicon Valley Bank owners and investors after its historic failure last week, saying in the aftermath of the 2008 banking crisis that “we’re not going to do that again.”

“Well, let me be clear that during the financial crisis, there were investors and owners of systemic large banks that were bailed out,” Yellen said in an interview with CBS’s “Face The Nation.” “The reforms that have been put in place means that we’re not going to do that again. But we are concerned about depositors and are focused on trying to meet their needs.”

The collapse of the bank sent shockwaves throughout the tech industry last week, which relied heavily on the bank for financing. Federal regulators took over the bank as depositors rushed to pull cash from the company, raising fears that there could be widespread damage to the banking system. <Source> <Full interview transcript/video>

The reality…

Silicon Valley Bank collapse: Treasury, Fed and FDIC announce steps to ensure deposits will be paid in full

The Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced Sunday that they will make additional funding available to ensure all Silicon Valley Bank deposits, both insured and uninsured, will be paid in full.

"After receiving a recommendation from the boards of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, and consulting with the President, Secretary [Janet] Yellen approved actions enabling the FDIC to complete its resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California, in a manner that fully protects all depositors," the said in a joint statement. "Depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13. No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer."

The Fed also announced it will make additional funding available to "to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors." <Source>

The Narrative…

A senior Treasury official and Federal Reserve officials on calls with reporters Sunday night insisted these moves to pay the deposits of Silicon Valley Bank are not a bailout.

The officials stressed that the funds used to pay depositors of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank will come from the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). The DIF is funded by fees on banks, and then from earnings on their investments such as Treasury securities, and currently has more than $100 billion in it, according to officials.

"The Deposit Insurance Fund is bearing the risk. This is not funds from the taxpayer," a senior Treasury official said.

The senior Treasury official also stressed that taxpayers are not paying for these moves -- the banks' shareholders are. "The bank's equity and bondholders are being wiped out. They took a risk as owners of the securities, they will take the losses," the senior Treasury official said.

Officials were repeatedly pressed by reporters on if these moves on Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank would establish a precedent to cover uninsured funds and leave taxpayers vulnerable in the future if FDIC funds were not sufficient.

"Right now, we are very focused on addressing the current issue and taking care of the current system and stabilizing the banking systems -- or the uninsured, and assuring uninsured depositors that they will be made whole. But I do think we will be looking back with time and reassess and assess whether any changes should be made," the senior Treasury official said. <Source>

What the Federal Reserve says…

Federal Reserve Board announces it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors

To support American businesses and households, the Federal Reserve Board on Sunday announced it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors. This action will bolster the capacity of the banking system to safeguard deposits and ensure the ongoing provision of money and credit to the economy.

The Federal Reserve is prepared to address any liquidity pressures that may arise.

The additional funding will be made available through the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP), offering loans of up to one year in length to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other eligible depository institutions pledging U.S. Treasuries, agency debt and mortgage-backed securities, and other qualifying assets as collateral. These assets will be valued at par. The BTFP will be an additional source of liquidity against high-quality securities, eliminating an institution's need to quickly sell those securities in times of stress.

With approval of the Treasury Secretary, the Department of the Treasury will make available up to $25 billion from the Exchange Stabilization Fund as a backstop for the BTFP. The Federal Reserve does not anticipate that it will be necessary to draw on these backstop funds.

After receiving a recommendation from the boards of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve, Treasury Secretary Yellen, after consultation with the President, approved actions to enable the FDIC to complete its resolutions of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in a manner that fully protects all depositors, both insured and uninsured. These actions will reduce stress across the financial system, support financial stability and minimize any impact on businesses, households, taxpayers, and the broader economy. <Source>

Bottom line…

Make no mistake about it, all of the funds used to bailout, or in FedSpeak, stabilize, the failed bank comes from the taxpayers, be they the bank’s investors and depositors or other taxpayers receiving a lower yield and higher fees to pay their bank’s FDIC contribution. All of the costs being ultimately factored into the prices paid by all consumers.

Notice that the Treasury Department, the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), and the Federal Reserve are studiously ignoring the issue of having large depositors directly pay for insurance to cover their large deposits or building a similar facility to insure long-term holdings against interest rate fluctuations.

Why did the bank’s chief risk officer not adequately hedge their investment in interest-rate-sensitive long-term securities which has been historically problematic in the banking community? Whoops – SVB did not have a CRO for eight months while the bank’s core lending segment, venture capital, was in turmoil. And the risk personnel appeared to concentrate on “woke” initiatives.

Again, we are screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CRIMINAL UN-AMERICAN FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY

Undocumented-democrats

It is time to prosecute elected officials and bureaucrats who knowingly violate federal laws in the name of social justice. I am unaware of any provision in the U.S. Constitution or the federal law that authorizes an individual or elected official to choose which laws they will violate without imposing consequences for their mistaken or unwarranted actions.

So it is time to send those crippling our nation and illegally stealing taxpayer funds to jail.

An example…

Mayor Adams Releases "The Road Forward," New Blueprint to Handle Asylum Seeker Crisis Moving Forward

New City Mayor Eric Adams today released "The Road Forward: Blueprint to Address New York City's Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis," a comprehensive approach outlining the next phase of the city's response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis resulting from the surge of asylum seekers arriving in the five boroughs since last spring.

[OCS: Let us not forget that the labels "migrant" and "asylum seekers" are euphemisms for illegal aliens who have unlawfully crossed into our country without our permission, bringing with them illiteracy, poverty, disease, and crime. Unprecedented, because we have never seen this type of unchecked invasion of our nation. All attributable to the Obama/Biden Administration's "open border policy" and the blatant disregard for federal immigration laws.]

As the number of asylum seekers arriving in New York City since last April tops 50,000 — with more than 30,000 currently in the city's care — Mayor Adams announced he will create the Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) to focus solely on coordinating the city's continued response with a focus on resettlement and legal services, as well as a new 24/7 arrival center for asylum seekers. The blueprint also outlines new strategies the city will pilot to train asylum seekers for employment, including a program with houses of worship to provide asylum seekers with a place to stay and connection to services, in addition to a partnership with SUNY Sullivan to provide job training and housing for asylum seekers as they await work authorization. Finally, the city will continue to advocate for the state and federal governments to provide additional financial and operational support to better manage the asylum seeker crisis moving forward.

[OCS: This is the creation of more bureaucracy to be funded and staffed with unionized workers who will continue to perpetuate their existence, demanding ever-increasing salaries and benefits for themselves and more and more money to funnel to those undeserving individuals whose first act in the United States was to commit a federal crime.]

"Over the past year, New York City has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by global forces beyond our control," said Mayor Adams. "We have moved mountains to help the tens of thousands who arrived as our shelter population has increased at a dramatic rate.

[OCS: This is a bald-faced lie. The crisis is manufactured and directly attributable to the progressive communist democrats in the Obama/Biden Administration, the Congress, and a partisan Judiciary that cannot even begin to adjudicate immigration status within a reasonable time. Telling illegal aliens to show up for a court date sometime in the future continues to bestow the safety-net benefits meant for American citizens, who paid into the system with their labor, to the underserving. As for the label "unsheltered," it is another euphemism for "homeless."]

As we continue to respond, I'm proud to announce, "The Road Forward," our blueprint to address the asylum seeker crisis and outline the work that lies ahead. New Yorkers know that the asylum seeker of today is the citizen, the leader, and the innovator of tomorrow, and I'm proud that New York City is leading the way, turning a crisis into an opportunity for progress for the entire country."

[OCS: These lawbreakers should never be granted citizenship unless they return to their country of origin and join the end of the line to wait their turn – as do legal applicants to enter the United States.]

"The Asylum Seeker crisis has challenged so many of us in various ways – and the city's response has been and continues to be laden with care and compassion," said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. "Our blueprint is a plan for how we will move forward together, and I implore everyone at all levels to help however you can. This affects us all, and together is how we can best navigate this crisis."

"Throughout this crisis, the city has worked to center our services with dignity, respect, and care for every individual, family, and child," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. "Whether helping children receive needed vaccinations, assisting with school enrollment, or providing vital legal information, the city and our partners in the non-profit, faith-based, and private sector continue to step up and meet the needs of asylum seekers every day. This blueprint lays out the work to date and, more importantly, charts a path forward. The work ahead remains an ongoing, complex, interconnected set of issues that will take support from our state and federal partners, and all sectors of society. Thank you to our teams and partners that continue doing the work 24/7 to support our newest New Yorkers."

New York City has stepped up throughout this crisis, handling an unprecedented arrival of asylum seekers, largely on its own. While more than 50,000 asylum seekers have moved through the city's intake system since last spring, currently, New York City is providing a place to stay for more than 30,000 asylum seekers — more than any other city in the nation. Last year, the city launched a swift, coordinated multi-agency effort to provide basic needs and services to the tens of thousands of asylum seekers arriving, providing shelter, food, clothing, access to health care, legal information, education, and more. The city launched the Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center and satellite sites, which have now served more than 14,000 asylum seekers, providing casework, legal, medical, and school enrollment, as well as a range of other services. The city has also already opened 92 emergency shelter sites and currently has open seven Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers that provide asylum seekers with a place to stay, and, through Project Open Arms, the city has enrolled more than 13,000 students in temporary housing since last summer.

[OCS: There is no doubt that illegal aliens are being treated far better than some of our nation's senior citizens, working poor, and homeless. Not to mention members of the United States Armed Forces.]

Led by the newly created OASO, New York City will transition from an emergency response-approach to a steady state-approach in an effort to continue managing the response to the unprecedented asylum seeker crisis. OASO will manage a new, centralized 24/7 arrival center that will replace the Port Authority as a primary destination for asylum seekers when they arrive. This will enable experienced community-based providers that have been working around the clock on the ground to work in coordination more closely. OASO will also oversee inter-agency coordination, manage advocacy to state and federal governments, and lead the following initiatives to help newly arrived asylum seekers chart a course towards self-sufficiency and long-term resettlement.

[OCS: Advocacy for more funding for illegal aliens, not New York residents who happen to be American citizens, is disgusting.]

<Source: New York City>

Let's not forget free college…

Eric Adams wants to send NYC migrants to college for free — and will cost taxpayers $1.2M

The New York Post reported Friday that the OASA would oversee a pilot program, providing educational services and room and board, to up to 100 migrants for a year. They will attend SUNY Sullivan Community College and The Center for Discovery, a special education entity in Sullivan County.

“By spending New Yorkers’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars on college classes for migrants, he is incentivizing and rewarding illegal immigration simply to export the crisis of Democrats’ own making out of New York City,” Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) told the Post.

The program could run taxpayers $1.2 million, the Post estimates, based on SUNY Sullivan Community College tuition rates for two semesters. However, the city has not disclosed the actual cost. <Source>

Bottom line…

Next time the progressive communist democrats tell you there are approximately 12-15 million "migrants" in America, consider that the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimated 5.5 million migrants illegally crossed the United States' southern border under Biden's watch in Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022.

As for the malfeasance of the Obama/Biden Administration, consider that an overwhelming number of illegal aliens cross the border legally and overstay their visas. And the government does not track or deport these individuals because they refuse to implement an inbound/outbound matching system and enforce the law.

Why are we favoring Marxist/Communist Mexicans, Chinese, and Russians over Cubans who desperately seek freedom – could it be because they are conservative and tend to vote Republican?

To say we are screwed is an understatement. Remember this when choosing a candidate for local, state, and federal elections.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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SVB TANKS!

SVB

Yesterday, all my friends could talk about was the rapid, unforeseen, and dramatic collapse of Santa Clara, California-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a 40-year-old state-chartered commercial bank serving Silicon Valley's mostly tech firms and high net-worth individuals.

With $209 billion of assets under management at the time of its failure, it’s the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history after Seattle, Washington-based Washington Mutual in 2008, with $307 billion in assets at time of failure.

A new bank emerges for the protection of “insured depositors”…

FDIC Creates a Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara to Protect Insured Depositors of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California

Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California, was closed today by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect insured depositors, the FDIC created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara (DINB). At the time of closing, the FDIC as receiver immediately transferred to the DINB all insured deposits of Silicon Valley Bank.

All insured depositors will have full access to their insured deposits no later than Monday morning, March 13, 2023. The FDIC will pay uninsured depositors an advance dividend within the next week. Uninsured depositors will receive a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds. As the FDIC sells the assets of Silicon Valley Bank, future dividend payments may be made to uninsured depositors.

Silicon Valley Bank had 17 branches in California and Massachusetts. The main office and all branches of Silicon Valley Bank will reopen on Monday, March 13, 2023. The DINB will maintain Silicon Valley Bank’s normal business hours. Banking activities will resume no later than Monday, March 13, including online banking and other services. Silicon Valley Bank’s official checks will continue to clear. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the FDIC may create a DINB to ensure that customers have continued access to their insured funds.

As of December 31, 2022, Silicon Valley Bank had approximately $209.0 billion in total assets and about $175.4 billion in total deposits. At the time of closing, the amount of deposits in excess of the insurance limits was undetermined. The amount of uninsured deposits will be determined once the FDIC obtains additional information from the bank and customers.

Customers with accounts in excess of $250,000 should contact the FDIC toll–free at 1-866-799-0959.

The FDIC as receiver will retain all the assets from Silicon Valley Bank for later disposition. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.

Silicon Valley Bank is the first FDIC–insured institution to fail this year. The last FDIC–insured institution to close was Almena State Bank, Almena, Kansas, on October 23, 2020.

<Source: FDIC: PR-16-2023>

Death by publicity release…

What typically precipitates a “bank run” is a loss of confidence by the investors and the depositors. Like the bank run on Pasadena, California-based IndyMac Bank in 2008 with $32 Billion in assets,, it started with a news release of adverse circumstances.

In the case of SVB…

SVB Financial Group Announces Proposed Offerings of Common Stock and Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SVB Financial Group (“SVB”) (NASDAQ: SIVB), announced today that it intends to offer $1.25 billion of its common stock and $500 million of depositary shares, consisting of 10 million depositary shares each representing a 1/20th interest in a share of its Series F Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), liquidation preference $1,000 per share (equivalent to a liquidation preference of $50 per depositary share), in separate underwritten registered public offerings. In addition, prior to commencing the offerings, SVB entered into a subscription agreement with General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity investor, to purchase $500 million of common stock at the public offering price in the offering of common stock in a separate private transaction. The subscription agreement with General Atlantic is contingent on the closing of the offering of common stock and is expected to close shortly thereafter. SVB also intends to grant (i) the underwriters in the common stock offering an option to purchase up to an additional $187.5 million of common stock and (ii) the underwriters in the Preferred Stock offering an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional $75 million, or 1.5 million depositary shares in the Preferred Stock offering. SVB intends to use the net proceeds from the offerings for general corporate purposes. The consummation of each offering is not contingent upon the consummation of the other offering.

Additionally, earlier today, SVB completed the sale of substantially of its available for sale securities portfolio. SVB sold approximately $21 billion of securities, which will result in an after tax loss of approximately $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2023. <Source>

[OCS: Some announcement. We sold of $21 billion in securities and lost $1.8 billion in the process. We need more money, please. 

Following this bid for more capital, several influential venture capital firms quietly advised their portfolio companies to pull their money from the bank. In this age of near-instant communications, wire transfers represented a sudden loss of liquidity – which compounded the developing situation. Of course, the bank continued to explain that it was well-capitalized, in compliance with customary regulatory ratios, and to remain calm.] 

The impact…

For those who note that smaller depositors are unlikely to be hurt as they are made whole by the FDIC insurance account, consider the thousands of employees who work for firms whose working capital and contingency reserves were well over $250,000 and remained in the bank at the time of failure.

Consider also that FDIC insurance rates affecting all FDIC insured banks are likely to rise, with the costs being passed along to all depositors in the form of lower yields and higher fees.

The red flag was flying…

For those who could read the bank’s parent company, SVB Financial Group, November 7, 2022 SEC 10Q (Quarterly) filing, it appeared that the company had already sustained unrealized losses among its Held-to-Maturity portfolio large enough to wipe out its entire $15.8 billion in shareholder equity. Should these losses have been realized, the company would be technically insolvent. That did not stop management from claiming they were well-governed, adequately capitalized, and just experiencing a temporary condition.

Bottom line…

What can we learn?

(1)  Even though it might impair your relationship with a particular bank, it pays to diversify your liquid funds among several financial institutions and regional banks without a concentrated loan portfolio in risky sectors dependent on interest rates or large interest rate-sensitive bond portfolios..

(2)  Contingency funds should be kept in separate accounts slightly under the $250,000 FDIC limit in an FDIC-insured bank. Check with the FDIC to see if the FDIC demands separate accounts or will consider all accounts in the aggregate.

(3)  Money is fungible – bank where you get the best deal. Bankers come and go – and that friendly, smiling face turns into an unrelenting ogre if things go wrong. Banks promote customer loyalty, but it is a one-sided relationship.

(4)  Be vigilant, read the financial news, and watch the interest rates.

(5)  Observe how the FDIC handles SVB's affairs.

We are so screwed when the Administration, the Treasury, and the Federal Reserve screw up.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THE SUPREME COURT CASE THE DEMOCRATS ARE DESPERATE TO QUASH...

Supreme-court

Once again, we find that the United States Supreme Court may play a pivotal role in the upcoming 2024 election by refusing to act and affirming the U.S. Constitution.

There is no doubt in my mind that partisan jurists plaid a significant role in allowing unconstitutional perversions of established electoral law to sway the last two presidential elections, specifically by allowing elected officials, bureaucrats, and judges to allow policies and procedures to weaken election procedures to the extent that massive election irregularities were condoned.

The plain, unambiguous language of the U.S. Constitution…

Article I, Section 4, Clause 1: The Elections Clause

“The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.”

Known as the Elections Clause, Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 provides for Congress and state legislatures to regulate the Times, Places and Manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives.

[OCS: Clearly, under the United States Constitution, the power to change election laws and administrative rules and regulations lies with the state legislature. Elected officials, bureaucrats, and judges do not have the constitutional authority to alter “The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections” as we saw with several of states during the past few election cycles.]

Under the Elections Clause, each state establishes how it will hold congressional elections, subject to Congress adopting or altering the state requirements (except as to the place of choosing Senators).

The Elections Clause’s Times, Places, and Manner encompasses a complete code for congressional elections, not only as to times and places, but in relation to notices, registration, supervision of voting, protection of voters, prevention of fraud and corrupt practices, counting of votes, duties of inspectors and canvassers, and making and publication of election returns.

States and Congress may also establish sanctions for violating election laws and procedures for recounts and primaries.

The Elections Clause, however, does not permit states or Congress to set voter qualifications for congressional elections, which, under the Constitution, must be the same qualifications necessary to vote for the most numerous branch of the state legislature.

Likewise, the Elections Clause does not allow states or Congress to change the qualifications to be a Member of the House of Representatives or the Senate, which are stipulated in Article I, Section 2, Clause 2 for the House and Article I, Section 3, Clause 3 for the Senate.

<Source>

The Supreme Court then…

It appears that a cowardly U.S. Supreme Court is responsible for much of the electoral debacle facing the nation when they refused to hear a crucial electoral case and to issue a simple ruling that demands a state must follow the U.S. Constitution and its own state constitution mandating that electoral laws must originate with the state legislature and not state officials or judges. [No. 20-810; Mike Kelly, United States Congressman, et al., Petitioners v. Pennsylvania, et al.; December 15, 2020]

The Supreme Court Now…

The North Carolina case before the Supreme Court asserts that the Elections Clause Vests State Legislatures with Authority To Set the Rules Governing Elections, not State Courts. [No. 21-1271; Timothy K. Moore, in His Official Capacity as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, et al., Petitioners v. Rebecca Harper, et al.; March 21, 2022]

Will the Democrats manipulate a lower court to allow the Supreme Court to punt?

Major elections case could ‘fall off’ Supreme Court docket, court watchers warn

Legal analysts say they see signs that the Supreme Court will try to back away from a hot potato case that poses big questions about who gets the final say over state elections laws.

[OCS: Are the progressive media propagandists masquerading as legal analysts attempting to condition the battlefield and signal the Supreme Court that it is OK to drop this case which may severely impact the 2024 election cycle?]

The case came out of North Carolina, where the Republican-led General Assembly argued that the U.S. Constitution makes the legislature — not state judges or bureaucrats — the deciders of elections procedure.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case last year and is expected to issue a ruling by the end of June.

The high court asked for a new round of briefing last week after the North Carolina Supreme Court said it would revisit the case.

“It’s very likely the [state] court nullifies the prior decision, which would remove the Supreme Court case from the docket, so the Supreme Court may not even decide the huge, big, controversial independent state legislature case. It may just fall off the docket altogether,” said Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law.

The case was considered to be one of the most consequential of this Supreme Court term. Liberal activists said a ruling for North Carolina’s legislature could upend voting rights protections in states across the country.

Ilya Shapiro, senior fellow and director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute, said it’s not clear whether the North Carolina Supreme Court’s rehearing will make the federal court case moot. He said the justices probably would rather have the case disappear from the docket.

“A dismissal is certainly possible now, and I’m sure many of the justices would prefer not having to rule either way, at least not yet,” Mr. Shapiro said.

They may have to rule on the issue at a later date, perhaps during an election year.

The case stemmed from a dispute between North Carolina’s legislature and state courts over who has the final say on congressional district maps. The state’s high court tossed the legislature’s map and imposed its own. <Source>

Federal Courts cannot overturn an election.

It is established law that a court cannot overturn a nationwide federal election in the United States. The power to conduct national elections is granted to the states by the Constitution, and the federal government has limited authority to intervene in the conduct of elections.

It is strictly a state matter. While there are mechanisms in place to challenge the outcome of an election, such as through recounts or legal challenges, ultimately it is the responsibility of the states to certify the results of federal elections.

In cases where there are allegations of voter fraud or other irregularities, the appropriate legal recourse is to file a lawsuit in state or federal court seeking to challenge the election results. However, the burden of proof in such cases is high. Courts generally require concrete evidence of significant fraud or irregularities in order to prevent certification of a state’s election results.

This leads directly to the Democrats and the Deep State for perpetrating the January 6 false flag operation which interrupted legal congressional challenges to individual state vote certifications and the possible seating of a slate of alternative electors. Viewed in this context, the agitator-led mini-riot characterized as an “insurrection” makes perfect sense as to why the Democrats and their deep state apparatchiks are so disturbed by the release of the actual video footage showing what took place within the Capitol complex. And why the Congressional Democrat Leadership, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser were so adamant that there be no National Guard protection that day until after the certification hearing was delayed.

Bottom line…

There was an insurrection … but it was actually a soft coup d'état by the progressive communist democrats and their cadre of deep state operatives.

It remains to be seen if the Supreme Court will act – regardless of what the biased North Carolina Supreme Court decides.

We are so screwed.

-- State

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ANOTHER DAY, MORE ADMINISTRATION BULLSHIT

Biden-poison-emojiEvery day, another example of government incompetence and criminality…

Almost every day, “THE NARRATIVE” told to us by the legacy media propagandists for the progressive communist democrats and reinforced by the regime-approved “blue-check” social media influencers, appears to be less a conspiracy theory and more t a story of a massive cover-up of criminality and self-serving plunder of taxpayer funds.

Those in the establishment wing of government, science, and academia are telling us that, even if they were wrong (i.e., caught red-handed), they acted with good intentions and only had our well-being in mind.

Even though the whole truth is waiting to be discovered, we know one thing – the narrative was false and driven by self-interest.

Unfortunately, the shrieking is getting louder as documentary evidence and sworn testimony is being released to the public.

“Sorry, “we messed up,” is not going to be an adequate response in the face of preventable deaths of loved ones and the destruction of our economy and lifestyle.

I, for one, am sick of pandering to blacks and other minorities to the extent that incompetent individuals are being placed in power. Witness Biden’s nomination for the head of the FAA who knows nothing, not even the jargon, of aircraft operation and safety. Even the newest private pilot is more knowledgeable than this fool who the administration knowingly nominated while he was being investigated for corruption in California.

The next step…

When are we likely to see the tide turn from “Trump’s insurrection” to “old news, move along?”

Bottom line…

I am not shocked by the political partisanship in the government, the media, or the academy. However, I am shocked that so many judges are blatantly biased and willing to render one-sided opinions as if someone ceded the constitutional authority to override the will of the people and single-handedly run the nation.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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WHILE YOU ARE BEING DISTRACTED BY THE JANUARY 6 TUCKER CARLSON NONSENSE...

The increasingly communistic Obama/Biden Administration has put forth a 39-page document titled “National Cybersecurity Strategy” that contains evidence that the regime is headed toward tyranny. 

Cs-cover

Cybersecurity is essential to the basic functioning of our economy, the operation of our critical infrastructure, the strength of our democracy and democratic institutions, the privacy of our data and communications, and our national defense.

[OCS: Our country is becoming more fragile by the second as we rely on a fundamentally insecure internet that the poohbahs refuse to upgrade from the relatively insecure Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to the more secure Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). Moreover, we find that our analog laws do not always protect us in the digital age and that the government and private corporations do not always notify the public about confidence-shattering breaches lest they suffer reputational damage. Likewise, where are the severe sentences for those with the "keys to the kingdom" that betray their trust?]

From the very beginning of my Administration, we have moved decisively to strengthen cybersecurity. I appointed senior cybersecurity officials at the White House and issued an Executive Order on improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.

Working in close cooperation with the private sector, my Administration has taken steps to protect the American people from hackers, hold bad actors and cybercriminals accountable, and defend against the increasingly malicious cyber campaigns targeting our security and privacy.

[OCS: The government continues to sidestep the Constitution by coercing private organizations dependent on government regulation, grants, and contracts into doing their dirty work.]

And we’ve worked with our allies and partners around the world to improve our capacity to collectively defend against and respond to cyber threats fron1 authoritarian states that go against our national interests.

This strategy recognizes that robust collaboration, particularly between the public and private sectors, is essential to securing cyberspace.

-- Joe Biden

Strategic Objective 4.5: Support Development of a Digital Identity Ecosystem.

45-hdr

Enhanced digital identity solutions and infrastructure can enable a more innovative, equitable, safe and efficient digital economy. These solutions can support easier and more secure access to government benefits and services, trusted communications and social networks, and new possibilities for digital contracts and payment systems.

[OCS: Bear in mind that no payment system is beyond the monitoring of the government regulatory agencies, Congress (e.g., Trump’s tax returns and transactions), and the privately-owned Federal Reserve.]

The Federal Government will encourage and enable investments in strong, verifiable digital identity solutions that promote security, accessibility and interoperability, financial and social inclusion, consumer privacy, and economic growth. Building on the NIST-led digital identity research program authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act, these efforts will include strengthening the security of digital credentials; providing attribute and credential validation services; conducting
foundational research; updating standards, guidelines, and governance processes to support consistent use and interoperability; and develop digital identity platforms that promote transparency and measurement. Acknowledging that States are piloting mobile drivers’ licenses, we note and encourage a focus on privacy, security, civil liberties, equity, accessibility, and interoperability.

[OCS: Notice the socialist/communist language as they speak of social inclusion, civil liberties, and equity when the true objectives should be limited to privacy, security, interoperability, resilience, auditability, and reliability. How many people remember the free Obama phones and internet services provided with taxpayer money to those who immediately sold or traded them for other goods and services? As for “foundational research,” how many people remember Elizabeth Warren’s attempt to have the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau gain access to bank accounts and individual transactions to research systemic inequities?]

In developing these capabilities, our digital identity policies and technologies will protect and enhance individual privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties; guard against unintended consequences, bias, and potential abuse; enable vendor choice and voluntary use by individuals; increase security and interoperability; promote inclusivity and accessibility; and improve transparency and accountability in the use of technology and individuals’ data.

[OCS: By definition, there is no way to guard against unintended consequences or black swan events. Vendor choice and voluntary use are falsehoods, as the device matters little when the genuine concern is the data’s endpoint and access. The government will rely on its corporate partners to skirt the Constitution and federal laws – it will be the “private sector” demanding compliance. Inclusivity and accessibility is another government rationale for wealth redistribution in the name of equity, defined as the equality of outcomes.]

The consequences…

FED-DOLLAR-1

Atm-dc-1

Imagine a regime that could surveil and control your location and every facet of your lifestyle by tracking your expenditures, denying access to crucial funds, and imposing taxes directly. Or, in the best tradition of George Orwell, punishing aberrant behavior. And don’t, for even a minute, think that private corporations and organizations, most dependent on government benefits and regulation, would not comply with the regime’s demands.

Bank of America Worked With Feds To Target Gun Owners, Whistleblower Confirms

Bank of America (BOA) worked with the FBI to investigate customers who made purchases with BOA credit and debit cards on and around Jan. 6, and pushed those who had made gun purchases to the top of the list, according to whistleblower testimony obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The whistleblower, George Hill, a retired FBI supervisory intelligence analyst, testified to the House Judiciary Committee In February that BOA gave the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) a list of individuals who made transactions in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area between Jan. 5 and Jan. 7, saying the company did so of its own volition and without any known legal process, according to testimony made to the House Judiciary Committee in February. The list of individuals, later distributed to FBI field offices across the country, included BOA customers that purchased any product between those dates, while customers who had bought firearms were prioritized.

[OCS: Remember, these are law-abiding citizens who have not been charged with any crime. Who is protecting their constitutional civil rights? Gone are the days when you were innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction. Gone are the days when law enforcement investigated a crime and then sought the responsible individuals, not seeking individuals and then searching for a crime like in the old Soviet Union.

Bottom line…

The digital dollar is the end of freedom as we know it, and the advent of Chinese Communist-style government overt tyranny. The regime no longer needs guns to control your behavior – they can physically cancel your life, not just your free speech.

To say we are screwed is an understatement, as the Obama/Biden Administration imposes communism on our nation, usurping the role of congress and dictating your present and future behavior.

Are you stupid enough to sacrifice your freedom and rights in return for convenience and a small handout like a free phone (aka government surveillance device)? I hope not.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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QANON SHAMAN PEACEFULLY ESCORTED THROUGH THE CAPITOL BY CAPITOL POLICE

As we watch surveillance video of Jacob Anthony Angeli Chansley, vilified as the  QAnon Shaman and now serving a 3+ year sentence in federal prison for “obstructing an official proceeding,” being escorted through the Capitol Building by several Capitol Police on January 6, one cannot help conclude that the prosecution was politically motivated and fundamentally unjust.

Qashaman

The real culprits…

I do not doubt that the January 6th riot in the Capitol complex was encouraged by Congressional Democrats and led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with assistance from the deep state agencies of the Obama/Biden Administration. And that the sole purpose of this false flag operation was to prevent open debate over the improper certification of individual state elections and the consideration of alternate electors.

If anyone should be imprisoned, it should be those who participated in a conspiracy to disrupt a presidential election (18 U.S. Code Chapter 29 § 595)

Whoever, being a person employed in any administrative position by the United States, or by any department or agency thereof, or by the District of Columbia or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or by any State, Territory, or Possession of the United States, or any political subdivision, municipality, or agency thereof, or agency of such political subdivision or municipality (including any corporation owned or controlled by any State, Territory, or Possession of the United States or by any such political subdivision, municipality, or agency), in connection with any activity which is financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States, or any department or agency thereof, uses his official authority for the purpose of interfering with, or affecting, the nomination or the election of any candidate for the office of President, Vice President, Presidential elector, Member of the Senate, Member of the House of Representatives, Delegate from the District of Columbia, or Resident Commissioner, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

The cover-up…

Likewise, those who participated in a conspiracy to cover up the disruption of a presidential election using an illegitimate entity, such as the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol, should also be prosecuted. Namely, Bennie Thompson 9-MS), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Pete Aguilar 9D-CA), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Liz Cheney (D-WY), and Adam Kinzinger (D-IL).

In addition, all staff members who played a material role in the process should be held accountable. And all individuals holding a law license should be disbarred on ethical and moral turpitude grounds, including dishonesty or base, vile, or depraved conduct that is shocking to a reasonable person.

Bottom line…

As the Democrats gear up to foist another unsuitable candidate into the presidency and manipulate the electoral process, the GOP must use every means at its disposal to highlight past fraud and the clear and present danger of election tampering in 2024. They must act against the media to combat their one-sided progressive communist democrat propaganda campaign favoring the progressive communist democrats.

The GOP cannot sit idly by and let Donald Trump shoulder the burden alone.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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IT'S LOOKING LIKE TRUMP IS THE GUY TO GET IT DONE...

Clarity…

More and more, it appears that the January 6 riots were a false flag operation by the Democrat Party and deep state operatives with the dual purpose of keeping the election from being constitutionally challenged and decided by the House of Representatives – all contingent upon seating alternate slates of state electors and debating key state certifications. The ultimate goal was to deny Donald Trump and his appointees from revealing the unconstitutional and criminal activities of the Democrats starting with the Obama Administration.

Following Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals, this extremely grave matter was treated as a joke by those who cried Russia, Russia, Russia, and their media propagandists.

Had the truth been told, even by editorial cartoonists, it required one additional explanation panel…

Russia-trump

Bottom line…

It is unlikely that Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton, and their cadre of deep state reprobates will ever be held fully accountable except in the pages of a future history book published after we are long gone.

Therefore, the 2024 election is less about accountability than ensuring electoral integrity and electing someone unafraid to tackle the progressive communist democrats, a corrupt media, and an entrenched deep state that Obamacon communists have infiltrated.

The more I see of Ron DeSantis, the more I am convinced that he is an able administrator with some of the characteristics needed to push back against the regime. However, I do not believe he has the ego-driven ruthlessness to bring the fight to the enemy or sufficient foreign policy skills. I see him more as a Vice President that can exert a calming influence on a President Trump – and ready to step into the top spot in 2028.

We are so screwed that we have little to lose by ignoring the boorish Trump in favor of “get ‘er done” Trump.

-- Steve

l

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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META PLATFORMS/FACEBOOK: EQUITY BABY!

Fb-screwed

I couldn’t stop laughing as the executives at Meta got a dose of their own liberal bullshit on “equity.” They are learning that the progressive communist democrats and their unions always eat their supporters.

Laid-off Meta cafeteria workers ask for the same severance as the company's employees     

The more than 100 cafeteria workers who were recently laid off at Meta Platforms Inc. are asking the giant tech company to treat them like it did its laid-off engineers and other employees.

The workers and their union supporters plan to rally at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., on Wednesday afternoon to urge Facebook parent Meta (META) to give laid-off subcontracted service workers the same severance and benefits as the office workers it directly employed and laid off.

Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg announced late last year that he would lay off 11,000 employees, or 13% of the company's workforce. Since then, almost all the other large tech companies in Silicon Valley and elsewhere have announced mass layoffs, including Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)(GOOGL), Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) They have cited a changing economic landscape, and, in some cases, too much hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an email to his staff, Zuckerberg detailed the severance package the company made available to the employees who lost their jobs. It includes 16 weeks of base pay plus two weeks for each year of service; six months of healthcare coverage; and more.

In a petition signed by about 800 people, the laid-off cafeteria workers, who were directly employed by Meta vendor Flagship Facility Services Inc., asks for similar benefits and more, including: four months of pay plus two weeks for every year of service; healthcare for six months; recall right for five years; and two weeks to accept a transfer.         

According to filings with the state of California, Flagship laid off 126 food-service workers from a dozen different addresses for Meta in Menlo Park, effective March 6. The workers were notified that their jobs would be cut in early January. Other service workers at Meta have been laid off in the past year, including janitors.           

A Meta spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday. Neither did Flagship, which provided the cafeteria workers with their severance packages. <Source>

You reap what you sow…

Building the Metaverse With Diversity and Inclusion from the Start

“Because companies like Meta are starting to think about this future now, we have the opportunity to help build the metaverse with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its inception. It definitely isn’t easy to resolve the complicated issues of DEI in technology, especially at a global scale. But working on these issues is one of the things that excites me most about Meta, and our role in using technology to have a positive impact on society.” -- Maxine Williams, Chief Diversity Officer <Source:Meta>

Bottom line…

The entire business case for employing contracted labor is to isolate the company from human resources complaints and to allow the expeditious removal of unruly or underperforming employees without legal entanglements. If there is any valid legal or moral claim, it is with Flagship Facility Services Inc., their employer, not Meta.

But it is great to see Meta suffer a little reputational damage after their woke bullshit.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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TYRANNY OF THE MINORITY

BullshitI am tired of listening to grifters, charlatans, fakes, and frauds tell me how the world should function, how I should live my life, and most disturbing, how I should accept their pure, undiluted bullshit as justification for un-American acts of evil...

It’s like the bullshit being peddled by Ibram Henry Rogers, better known as Ibram X. Kendi, who cannot define racism without using the term “racism” and whose assertions in his book, How to Be an Antiracist, attempt to justify actual racism.

“The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination. But if racial discrimination is defined as treating, considering, or making a distinction in favor or against an individual based on that person’s race, then racial discrimination is not inherently racist. The defining question is whether discrimination is creating equity or inequity. If discrimination is creating equity, then it is antiracist. If discrimination is creating inequity, then it is racist. And in order to treat some persons equally, we must treat them differently.”

Welcome to the topsy-turvy world of Alice in Wonderland, as seen through the language manipulation of George Orwell. As far as I can tell, if you are white, racism is terrible and part of systemic white supremacy, but if “we” are racist, it is perfectly natural and just.

What we have is the tyranny of the minority…

In today’s uber-liberal democratic society, tyranny by the minority is occurring daily. A small group of individuals or interest groups controls and manipulates our political process, while the media supports their false narrative or suppresses those who legitimately dissent.

Whether through information leaks, lobbying, or campaign financing to advance their interests at the expense of the broader public interest, they lie with impunity about the evil they impose on America.

This results in disproportionate power and influence over the majority, often leading to policies that favor a small minority while the majority is left marginalized and disadvantaged.

With each media encounter, I am reminded that an extremely small number of racial and sexual activists are materially damaging democracy and the economic, cultural, and social fabric of this great nation.

Especially troubling is the impact of their illegitimate and unfounded assertions on today’s children, producing a generation of neurotic, undereducated, and hateful individuals who may develop severe mental health issues.

At the same time, the media stands by giving aid and comfort to un-American, unconstitutional practices based on evil – evil intent, actions, and outcomes.

Bottom line...

While it is essential to hear and consider diverse perspectives and voices during decision-making, it is crucial that the vocal minority not impose their will on the majority when it comes to a demonstrably false narrative or the lack of facts not in evidence.

Allowing a handful of highly vocal militant activists to drive legislative activities, especially using un-debated Executive Orders and Executive Branch agency rules and regulations, materially damages democracy and the economic, cultural, and social fabric of this great nation.

These activists are weaponizing unfounded allegations of subjective or emotional harm and producing individuals who lack the courage to stand up, call bullshit, and support their convictions.

It is next to impossible to continue our democracy when you have progressive communist democrat activists dividing our nation into oppressors and victims, teaching children to hate their neighbors and fellow students based on skin color, when children are sexualized at an early age and then sexually experiment on or attack others, when you have girls competing against boys in sports, or trying to live up to the false images on social media where good-looking “influencers” present a false façade of a wealthy and famous lifestyle.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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APPARENTLY, NOT ALL FLORIDA REPUBLICANS ARE PATRIOTS

Broder
What can be said about Republican State Senator Jason Brodeur, who introduced a bill, SB 1316: Information Dissemination, requiring bloggers who write about Florida government officials for pay to register with the Florida Office of Legislative Services or the Commission on Ethics. or face fines?

This looks like a prank gone wrong as the bill is clearly and indisputably unconstitutional as it interferes with free speech and appears to be absolutely insane. But it is real, as Brodeur said of his bill, “Paid bloggers are lobbyists who write instead of talk. They both are professional electioneers. If lobbyists have to register and report, why shouldn’t paid bloggers?” 

Brodeur should know better as he touts his experience with the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, “I’m proud of my record of defending Central Florida’s small businesses." 

Bottom line...

There appears to be a Republican turd in the Florida State Legislature. Or the recipient of some vicious attacks by bloggers. 

What the hell could he be thinking?

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

Brodeur's bullshit...

SB 1316: Information Dissemination

GENERAL BILL by Brodeur

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 3. 

Section 286.31, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
286.31 Blogger registration and reporting.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Blog” means a website or webpage that hosts any blogger and is frequently updated with opinion, commentary, or business content. The term does not include the website of a newspaper or other similar publication.
(b) “Blogger” means any person as defined in s. 1.01(3) that submits a blog post to a blog which is subsequently published.
(c) “Blog post” is an individual webpage on a blog which contains an article, a story, or a series of stories.
(d) “Compensation” includes anything of value provided to a blogger in exchange for a blog post or series of blog posts. If not provided in currency, it must be the fair-market value of the item or service exchanged.
(e)  “Elected state officer” means the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, a Cabinet officer, or any member of the Legislature.
(f)  “Office” means, in the context of a blog post about a member of the Legislature, the Office of Legislative Services or, in the context of a blog post about a member of the executive branch, the Commission on Ethics, as applicable.
(2) If a blogger posts to a blog about an elected state officer and receives, or will receive, compensation for that post, the blogger must register with the appropriate office, as identified in paragraph (1)(f), within 5 days after the first post by the blogger which mentions an elected state officer.
(3)     (a) Upon registering with the appropriate office, a blogger must file monthly reports on the 10th day following the end of each calendar month from the time a blog post is added to the blog, except that, if the 10th day following the end of a calendar month occurs on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the report must be filed on the next day that is not a Saturday,
Sunday, or legal holiday.
(b) If the blogger does not have a blog post on a blog during a given month, the monthly report for that month does not need to be filed.
(c) The blogger must file reports with the appropriate office using the electronic filing system:
1. As provided in s. 11.0455 if the blog post concerns an elected member of the Legislature; or 
2. As provided in s. 112.32155 if the blog post concerns an officer of the executive branch.
(d) The reports must include all of the following:
1. The individual or entity that compensated the blogger for the blog post.
2. The amount of compensation received from the individual or entity, regardless of how the compensation was structured.
a. The amount must be rounded to the nearest $10 increment.
b. If the compensation is for a series of blog posts or for a defined period of time, the blogger must disclose the total amount to be received upon the first blog post being published. Thereafter, the blogger must disclose the date or dates additional compensation is received, if any, for the series of blog posts.
3. The date the blog post was published. If the blog post is part of a series, the date each blog post is published must be included in the applicable report.
4. The website and website address where the blog post can be found.
(4) Notwithstanding any other law, a magistrate is authorized to enter a final order in determination of the reasonableness of circumstances for an untimely filing of a required report and the amount of a fine, if any.
(5) Each house of the Legislature and the Commission on Ethics shall adopt by rule, for application to bloggers, the same procedure by which lobbyists are notified of the failure to timely file a report and the amount of the assessed fines. The rule must also provide for, but need not be limited to, the following provisions:
(a) A fine of $25 per day per report for each day late, not to exceed $2,500 per report.
(b) Upon receipt of an untimely filed report, the amount of the fine must be based upon the earlier of the following:
1. The date and time that the untimely report is actually received by the office.
2. The date and time on the electronic receipt issued pursuant to s. 11.0455 or s. 112.32155.
(c) The fine must be paid within 30 days after the notice of payment due is transmitted, unless an appeal is filed with the office. The fine amount must be deposited into:
1. If the report in question relates to a post about a member of the Legislature, the Legislative Lobbyist Registration Trust Fund;
2. If the report in question relates to a post about a member of the executive branch, the Executive Branch Lobby Registration Trust Fund; or
3. If the report in question relates to a post about members of both the Legislature and the executive branch, the lobbyist registration trust funds identified in subparagraphs 1. and 2., in equal amounts.
(d) A fine may not be assessed against a blogger the first time a report for which the blogger is responsible is not timely filed. However, to receive this one-time fine waiver, all untimely filed reports for which the blogger remains responsible for filing must be filed with the office within 30 days after the notice of untimely filing was transmitted to the blogger. A fine must be assessed for any subsequent late-filed reports.
(e) The blogger is entitled to appeal a fine, based upon reasonable circumstances surrounding the failure to file by the designated date, by making a written request to the office for a hearing before the magistrate from the Second Judicial Circuit. Any such request must be made within 30 days after the notice of  payment due is transmitted to the blogger. The office shall transmit all such timely, written requests to the chief judge of 
the Second Judicial Circuit along with the evidence the office relied on in assessing the fine. The magistrate, after holding a hearing, shall render a final order, upholding the fine or waiving it in full or in part.
(f) A blogger may request that the filing of a report be waived upon good cause shown based on reasonable circumstances. The request must be filed with the office, which may grant or  deny the request.
(g) Fines that remain unpaid for a period in excess of 100 days after final determination are eligible for recovery through the courts of this state.

Effective Date: Upon becoming a law
Last Action: 2/28/2023 Senate - Filed
Bill Text: Web Page | PDF

 

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THIS IS OBSCENE: IT'S NOT THEIR MONEY, SO WHY SHOULD THEY CARE?

TODAYS-RANT

How can any Court or County agree to award tens of millions of taxpayer money for the extremely limited sharing of graphic crash scene photos of Kobe Bryant taken by a county employee?

This is the height of fiscal irresponsibility and one of the reasons trial lawyers continue plundering our local, state, and federal treasuries.

Suppose any other citizen suffered a similar outrage and could afford high-priced attorneys. In that case, I do not think any jury, court, or government official would agree to pay this amount of money.

To believe that family members and other individuals who were awarded multiple millions suffered sufficiently to justify these awards is a testament to the government's fiscal irresponsibility. This is more money than inmates who were wrongfully convicted, and sentenced to death, received after 30 years of incarceration based on the manipulation of evidence and false testimony by government employees.

$51.3 million – without the costs of outside counsel to defend the matter…

LA County reaches $28.85 million settlement with Kobe Bryant's family

Los Angeles County has agreed to pay Vanessa Bryant and three of her daughters nearly $30 million to settle a lawsuit and potential future claims over the sharing of graphic photos taken by first responders at the helicopter crash that killed Bryant's husband, basketball star Kobe Bryant, and one of their daughters, according to a court filing on Tuesday.

The settlement includes the $15 million a jury awarded Vanessa Bryant in August, with additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters. The Lakers legend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among the nine people who perished in the Jan. 26, 2020, crash on a Calabasas hillside.

[OCS: The crash was attributed to a pilot error involving an unqualified pilot who encountered adverse weather conditions. The County has nothing to do with the crash. To believe that the limited release of the crash photos demanded tens of millions of taxpayer funds is a testament to government malfeasance and corruption.]

"We believe the settlement approved by the Board in the Bryant case is fair and reasonable," Mira Hashmall, lead trial counsel for the County in the case, said in a statement.

"The $28,850,000 settlement includes the verdict awarded by the federal jury in August 2022 and further resolves all outstanding issues related to pending legal claims in state court, future claims by the Bryant children, and other costs, with each party responsible for its respective attorneys' fees," she said.

"This settlement now concludes all County-related litigation related to the tragic January 2020 helicopter crash. We hope Ms. Bryant and her children continue to heal from their loss."

[OCS: What else could Mira Hashmall, lead trial counsel for the County, say since she apparently could not successfully defend against this outrageous award? And why did the County outsource the defense to Mira Hashmall's law firm?] 

Vanessa Bryant and her co-plaintiff, Chris Chester — who lost his wife and daughter in the tragedy — sued for negligence and invasion of privacy in September 2020 and won at trial in Los Angeles federal court in August.

"Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant's courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct," Luis Li, Bryant's attorney, said in a statement.

"She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect," Li said. "We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice."

The Board of Supervisors agreed to pay Bryant's family $28.85 million to settle the widow's lawsuit and possible future claims by Bryant and daughters: Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. The jury in downtown Los Angeles awarded Bryant and Chester $15 million each.

Late last year, the board approved an additional $4.95 million to Chester for the loss of his wife, Sarah, and their 13-year-old daughter Payton.

[OCS: At the trial, the jury also awarded $15 million to Chris Chester, who joined the suit because his wife Sarah, 45, and daughter, Payton, 13, were killed in the crash. Los Angeles County agreed to pay the Chester family an additional $4.95 million to resolve any future claims. <Source>]

Attorneys for Chester and Vanessa Bryant argued during the trial that the plaintiffs suffered emotional pain and suffering after learning that personal photos of human remains at the crash scene were snapped and displayed for no good reason to a bartender, attendees of an awards ceremony, and sent by a sheriff's deputy to a colleague while they were playing a video game.

The County did not dispute that some photos were shared with a small number of deputies and firefighters. But defense attorneys maintained that all images taken by first responders were destroyed on orders of the sheriff and fire chief, and no longer exist in any form. The photos never entered the public domain or appeared on the internet, the County insisted.

Along with Chester's and Bryant's loved ones, the crash killed Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; John Altobelli, 56; Christina Mauser, 38; and pilot Ara Zobayan, 50.

Two other families settled with the County over the photos separately for $1.25 million each. All of the victims' families reached a settlement with the helicopter company over the crash, but those terms remain confidential. <Source>

Rewarding ineffective or incompetent government leadership...

In unrelated news, President Joe Biden has nominated former California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Julie Su to become his Secretary of Labor. Despite the issue of presiding over the 40 billion dollar fraud loss by the Employment Development Department (EDD) during the pandemic. EDD apparently ignored a $5 million add-on security program that would have mitigated most of the fraudulent claims. 

Bottom line…

By my count, that is 51.3 million dollars for a government employee releasing graphic photos of a crash scene to an extremely small audience.

This is the height of fiscal irresponsibility.

If local governments can't defend against outrageous cases, perhaps everyone in the prosecutor's office should be terminated and replaced by competent personnel. I believe this became a racialized political issue and that county leadership did not want to look bad by denying the uber-wealthy family of a sports icon additional millions to soothe their suffering over just knowing such pictures exist.

Someone should sue to release the pictures into the public domain since the public has paid mightily for that right – and terminate anyone who destroyed official records to prevent their disclosure. After all, a few million would have paid for lifetime mental health counseling for all concerned.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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GLOBAL WARMING: THE ULTIMATE NON-SCIENTIFIC TEST

Climate-reality

I was arguing with a reader about how the progressive communist democrats have weaponized the topic of global climate change.

My first points were simple, easy to understand, and unanswerable by today’s existing science. I did not say that the climate is not changing. I did not say that our climate is not warming after it emerged from an ice age. And I did not say that we should not be good stewards of our habitat and control actual pollution.

  1. The global climate has constantly changed, so what is a legitimate time frame over which climate change should be measured?
  2. What is the critical temperature required for our complex ecosystem to maintain itself and the optimum temperature to optimize growth?
  3. How does this optimum temperature affect natural gradients from equatorial to polar regions?
  4. How does man directly identify and measure man’s climate signal amid the natural variability of nature and the likely existence of long climate cycles extending beyond man’s existence on Earth?
  5. What elements of climate change can man demonstrably affect and measure given that the acknowledged drivers of climate are: the Sun’s energy output in all spectral bands, cosmic rays, the Earth’s position relative to the Sun, the Earth’s precessional and rotational dynamics, the Earth’s magnetosphere, plate tectonics and vulcanology, the deep ocean currents, the internal dynamics of the Earth, and the most significant greenhouse gas of all, water vapor --, all macro phenomena that cannot be mitigated by man’s efforts, no matter how heroic.
  6. How can you legitimately classify carbon dioxide, a crucial component necessary for life on this planet, as a pollutant?

And it is in the last question that we find the fickle hand of politics in play.

Carbon dioxide and carbonized derivatives are the basis of our fossil-fuel economy, and whoever controls our economy controls our nation and its people.

There is no doubt in my mind, or that of any economist that political power arises from the ability to make laws others must follow. That control over the real or manufactured scarcity of assets and their allocation is at the root of all political power.

So, it does not take a leap of faith nor a suspension of logic to note that the objectives of the world ruling class, the establishment regime, and the elite poohbahs want to control our resources by inserting themselves into the control structure of who receives allocations of energy and at what cost.

Bottom line…

If one were to look closely, most of those self-serving, self-enriching proponents of global climate change and the need for legislative prescriptions that can’t possibly affect global climate in one hundred lifetimes appear to have a singular goal in mind. That of achieving a position of perpetual political power, and if you look even more closely, you will find a crusade against mostly free Western economies that resist authoritarian governments and domination by a cadre of oligarchs and their political puppets.

For those needing independent confirmation, consider those organizations and individuals demanding that the industrialized nations supply underdeveloped countries with an “equitable” portion of resources based on their needs, either in the service of fairness or reparations for some historical wrong. If this sounds like Marx and communism, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs,” and wealth redistribution in the name of allocating resources to secure political power – congratulations for opening your eyes to the truth.

With the progressive communist democrats, it's always about taking something from you -- and perhaps returning a pittance as they tell you how well they are governing the nation. Bullshit! 

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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OBAMACONS: A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO AMERICA

Few believe that President Biden is mentally capable of discharging the duties of the Presidency or Commander-in-Chief,  with many informed individuals believing that government employees loyal to former President Obama and/or Hillary Clinton are actually running the Executive Branch of our government. It also appears that President Joe Biden and others have been compromised by the Chinese Communist Party and following their lead regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China.

DEADLY-TO-DEMOCRACY

Beyond research, facilitating our enemy’s production of bioweapons…

Biden Still Supports Gain-of-Function Research Despite Potential Covid Links

The Biden administration remains supportive of gain-of-function research despite the potential risks as long as that research is pursued in a safe and transparent manner, national security council communications coordinator John Kirby explained on Monday.

The controversial practice involves making pathogens more deadly or transmissible in order to better understand current or future pandemics, and thus be able to respond faster. Funding for the research was halted in 2014 during the Obama administration due to concerns about the risks: if modified pathogens escape the laboratory setting, they can cause pandemics.

[OCS: As we have seen, funding continued, hidden from watchdogs by redefining “gain of function” and using unsupervised third-party cut-outs to convey funds and research materials to the Communist Chinese-controlled Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China.] 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lifted that funding pause three years later after the creation of an oversight framework. In 2021, it emerged that U.S. taxpayers had funded research into bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology through an intermediary — that is, EcoHealth Alliance.  The news gained new relevance last week after the Energy Department’s conclusion that the lab-leak theory of Covid’s origins is probable.

[OCS: The Chinese Communists have refused all cooperation with the international scientific community and destroyed research materials so that the “lab-leak” origin will always be classified as a theory, no matter what findings indicate. Where are the investigations into the EcoHealth Alliance and the Anthony Fauci-Peter Daszak relationship?]

Asked by White House reporter Philip Wegmann if the rewards of gain-of-function research outweigh the risks, Kirby expressed continued support for the practice.

“[The president] believes that [the research is] important to help prevent future pandemics, which means he understands that there has to be legitimate scientific research into…the potential sources of pandemics so that we understand [them] and so we can prevent them from happening,” Kirby said.

“But he also believes…that that research has to be done, must be done in a safe and secure manner,” Kirby explained, adding that transparency is key.

Last month, a report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that “NIH did not effectively monitor or take timely action to address” EcoHealth Alliance’s compliance with reporting requirements. The OIG also concluded that the grantee had misreported $90,000 in expenses.

At first, NIH had concluded the studies in question didn’t qualify as gain-of-function research because the hybrid viruses weren’t expected to be more dangerous to mammals than the starting viruses. The agency has faulted EcoHealth Alliance for not reporting unexpected growth in some experiments.

[OCS: The NIH and other government agencies lied to Congress and the American people—continuing to cover up their criminal malfeasance which resulted in the deaths of millions and the untold suffering of millions more. Pointing the finger is not exculpatory and Fauci, Daszak, and others should be held criminally and civilly liable for their actions.] 

The Wuhan Institute of Virology sub-award through EcoHealth Alliance was permanently suspended in August of 2022 for compliance issues, including failure to provide NIH with laboratory notebooks related to the funded experiments. <Source>

[OCS: It appears that EcoHealth Alliance may still be involved with gain of function activities, under a different nomenclature, different funding sources, different programs, and different locations – possibly with some in Ukraine as noted by State Department Official and coup-master Victoria Nuland.]

Ceding American sovereignty to the Communist China-compromised World Health Organization…

The Biden Administration appears to be poised to bypass the Senate Treaty review process to implement former President Obama’s trick of labeling a treaty as a binding “Agreement” or “Accord.”

WHO Member States agree to develop zero draft of legally binding pandemic accord in early 2023

Member States of the World Health Organization today agreed to develop the first draft of a legally binding agreement designed to protect the world from future pandemics. This “zero draft” of the pandemic accord, rooted in the WHO Constitution, will be discussed by Member States in February 2023.

“Countries have delivered a clear message that the world must be better prepared, coordinated, and supported to protect all people, everywhere, from a repeat of COVID-19,” said Mr. Driece, Co-Chair of the INB [Intergovernmental Negotiating Body] Bureau. “The decision to task us with the duty to develop a zero draft of a pandemic accord represents a major milestone in the path towards making the world safer.”

Fellow INB Bureau Co-Chair, Ms. Matsoso, said government representatives stressed that any future pandemic accord would need to take into account equity, strengthen preparedness, ensure solidarity, promote a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, and respect the sovereignty of countries. <Source>

[OCS: While claiming to respect the sovereignty of countries, the accord would be legally binding and enforceable in those countries, with provisions with massive fines and penalties for non-compliant entities. 

While the “voluntary” accord does limit any nation’s ability to pass individual pandemic-related policies, it is relying on the fact that member nations will codify WHO guidelines into their own laws on a federal, state, and local level, much like the CDC guidelines on childhood vaccinations are incorporated into law as a requirement to attend school. As for the rest of it, it is the typical U.N. institutional wealth redistribution plan to plunder productive countries to allow the U.N. to purchase political power throughout the world as the arbiter of distributed funds.]

The danger to American sovereignty lies in the ability to unliaterally declare an emergency and plunder U.S. resources to benefit China... 

Why the U.S. Should Oppose the New Draft WHO Pandemic Treaty

The WHO CA+ draft would dramatically expand WHO authority to declare a pandemic and, thereby, trigger provisions in the treaty that would reallocate resources and encourage governments to waive intellectual property rights.

It also proposes giving real-time access by WHO to 20% of the production of safe, efficacious and effective pandemic-related products, including diagnostics, vaccines, personal protective equipment and therapeutics, to enable equitable distribution, in particular to developing countries, according to public health risk and need and national plans that identify priority populations. Half of the 20 percent is to be provided as a donation and the other half at “affordable prices.”

Although the draft WHO CA+ treaty makes transparency and cooperation mandatory (using the term “shall” when referencing facilitating access and sharing of research and genomic data), there are no repercussions for non-compliance.

Thus, there is little reason to believe that China would comply with these obligations any differently than it did under the voluntary IHRs. Worse, emulating the WHO’s quiet abandonment of its COVID-19 investigation, the draft does not insist on completing an independent investigation of the origins of COVID-19, sending the wrong signal to China about its past intransigence.

In fact, the bulk of WHO CA+ focuses not on addressing the weaknesses in pandemic prevention and detection revealed in the COVID-19 pandemic, but on establishing a system to direct expenditures by the treaty parties, require regulatory and policy changes relating to pandemic-related products and intellectual property, and “equitably” redistribute knowledge, technology, and other resources.

Despite acknowledging that intellectual property plays a critical role in developing medicines, treatments, vaccines, and lifesaving technology, the draft WHO CA+ specifically calls on the parties to support waiving patent rights and sharing of proprietary technology and knowledge on pandemic-related products.

Of further concern is that this would establish precedent for waiving intellectual property rights on other medicines, treatments, or technology. Denying companies the opportunity to profit from investments by abrogating property rights will curtail future investment and force some companies out of business. Chilling investment in health research is exactly the opposite incentive needed to deal with future pandemics.

Despite China having the second-largest economy in the world, the U.N. considers China a developing country. This means that China will likely be a beneficiary of WHO CA+ obligations for parties to, among other provisions, incentivize transfer of technology and know-how to developing countries, support waiving intellectual property rights to grant the use of intellectual property and other “protected substances, products, technology, know-how, information and knowledge” to developing countries, encourage patent holders to waive or manage “payment of royalties by developing country manufacturers,” and ensure “equitable distribution” of pandemic-related products, including “diagnostics, vaccines, personal protective equipment and therapeutics."

Beijing already engages in theft of intellectual property on health technology. This agreement will provide legal cover, especially if it can be linked to pandemic preparedness.

Assault on Free Speech. The treaty calls on the parties to “tackle false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation.” This ignores the fact that governments and the WHO have themselves been sources of disinformation—notoriously, for instance, the WHO tweeted that “preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission [of COVID-19].” 

During the upcoming fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to consider the draft WHO CA+ treaty, it is incumbent upon the Biden Administration to demand substantial changes to narrow the agreement and excise or modify its objectionable provisions. Only a treaty that would preserve American sovereignty, address the mistakes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and protect the intellectual property of U.S. companies should be considered for approval by the United States.  <Source> 

[OCS: There is no benefit to America and American citizens in this accord -- it is a clear and present danger to our sovereignty and our economy.]

No definitive answer – always characterized as a “theory” …

National security adviser Jake Sullivan: 'No definitive answer’ from intelligence community on lab leak theory

Sullivan said he couldn't confirm or deny WSJ report that the Department of Energy concluded COVID-19 leaked from China lab

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday that he couldn't "confirm or deny" the Wall Street Journal's reporting on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) recent conclusion that the COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from an accidental lab leak in China and added there was "no definitive answer."

[OCS: Without the cooperation of the Communist Chinese authorities, there will never be a definitive answer—so those responsible for this crime against humanity will escape accountability.]

CNN's Dana Bash asked Sullivan about the Journal's report on Sunday and if he also believed coronavirus started in a lab.

"There is a variety of views in the intelligence community. Some elements of the intelligence community have reached conclusions on one side, some on the other. A number of them have said they just don’t have enough information to be sure," he said. <Source>

Bottom line…

It now appears that Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) while serving as the Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which oversees the nation's intelligence agencies, was shouting “Russia, Russia, Russia” to distract President Trump from his sworn presidential duties, he should have been screaming “China,  China, China.” Making me wonder if this Obama/Clinton-inspired Ukraine war is just another diversionary tactic to keep the American people in the dark when it comes to the traitorous activities of the Obama/Biden Administration.

In retrospect, it appears that the media and social media platforms inflicted grave harm on the American public by curtailing free speech and promoting regime propaganda. as the labeled non-regime approved speech as "disinformation" or "conspiracy theories." So don't look to them to tell the truth anytime soon.

It’s a bitch when you cannot trust your government and they continue to knowingly lie with impunity, even though you know they are lying and their lies are recorded for posterity.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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COVID-19: CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

Fauci-weathervane

There is no doubt in my mind that the U.S. Government should receive some return on its taxpayer-funded research and development activities, especially when its discoveries, inventions, and other intellectual property enables multi-million or billion-dollar commercialization activities.

However, when such commercialization involves regulatory approvals from the organization funding and supervising the research, there is a clear and present danger of corruption that may affect the very people the product purports to help.

Therefore, I would like an impartial congressional investigation of the $400 million in royalties that Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer Moderna paid to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), formerly headed by Dr. Anthony Fauci. As well as all similar deals involving the FDA, CDC, NIAID, and other public health entities.

MODERNA REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2022 FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PROVIDES BUSINESS UPDATES

Cost of Sales: Cost of sales was $1.9 billion, or 39% of product sales, for the fourth quarter of 2022, including third-party royalties of $604 million, of which $400 million related to a catch-up payment to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for a new royalty-bearing license agreement executed in December. The agreement provides for low single-digit royalties on future COVID-19 vaccine sales. Cost of sales, as a percentage of product sales, increased by 25 percentage points, from 14% in the same period in 2021. The increase was driven by increased royalties, a charge of $297 million for inventory write-downs related to COVID-19 products that have exceeded or are expected to exceed their approved shelf-lives prior to being used, a loss on firm purchase commitments and related cancellation charges of $281 million, and an expense for unutilized manufacturing capacity and related contract manufacturing organization charges of $376 million. These charges, other than royalties, are driven by costs associated with surplus production capacity, overall lower demand and a shift to our most recent Omicron-targeting COVID-19 bivalent booster, mRNA-1273.222 <Source>

[OCS: It should be noted that Moderna is facing a number of patent suits from rivals such as Pfizer, BioNTech, and Genevant Sciences. Big money is involved as Moderna is reported to have sold $36 BILLION worth of coronavirus vaccines worldwide and received at least $10 BILLION in taxpayer funding to develop and test the vaccine, and to provide doses to the federal government.] 

Moderna Shot May Cause Double To Triple As Many Heart Problems As Pfizer, New Study Finds

Moderna’s COVID-19 shot may cause two to three times as many heart-related side effects as Pfizer’s, according to a new Canadian study.

The rates of myocarditis and pericarditis in individuals within 21 days of getting their second shot were 35.6 and 22.9 per million doses, respectively, for Moderna compared to 12.6 and 9.4 per million for Pfizer, the research found. The connection between the mRNA vaccines and heart complications was most pronounced in men and younger vaccine recipients. <Source>

A question of trust…

We have a reasonable belief, including sworn testimony and documentary evidence, that the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), Dr. Anthony Fauci, and other high-ranking public health officials, lied to the Administration, the media, and the American public.

Did Fauci and Collins Receive Royalty Payments from Drug Companies?

According to information garnered from Freedom of Information Act Requests, between 2009-2014, both Anthony Fauci and former NIH director Francis Collins received royalty payments from pharmaceutical companies. This may present a conflict of interest since they had a great deal of influence in deciding what research the government funds. From the report:

Last year, the National Institutes of Health – Anthony Fauci’s employer – doled out $30 billion in government grants to roughly 56,000 recipients. That largess of taxpayer money buys a lot of favor and clout within the scientific, research, and healthcare industries.

However, in our breaking investigation, we found hundreds of millions of dollars in payments also flow the other way. These are royalty payments from third-party payers (think pharmaceutical companies) back to the NIH and individual NIH scientists.

We estimate that between fiscal years 2010 and 2020, more than $350 million in royalties were paid by third-parties to the agency and NIH scientists – who are credited as co-inventors.  Because those payments enrich the agency and its scientists, each and every royalty payment could be a potential conflict of interest and needs disclosure.

When bench scientists’ research leads to monetized benefit in the private sector, I suppose royalties are in order. And certainly, government funding should reap benefits for the government when that investments leads to the development of profitable products. But Collins and Fauci, as far as I know, were administrators, not researchers. Yet OTB found that they received royalties from drug companies. Since the NIH documents are heavily redacted, we can only see how many payments each scientist received, and, separately, the aggregate dollars per NIH agency. This is a gatekeeping at odds with the spirit and perhaps the letter of open-records laws. <Source>

Even worse, what was the extent of the collaboration, or collusion, between Dr. Fauci and Dr. Peter Daszak, the president of EcoHealth Alliance, who helped to fund “gain of function” research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the highly suspect source of the virus resulting in a worldwide pandemic? It is no secret that they were also concurrently working on a vaccine.

Bottom line…

With billions of dollars in play and a government ripe with corruption and collusion, it is time to hold our nation’s public health administrators and those that provided political cover accountable for their actions.

A case could also be made for crimes against humanity considering the amount of death and destruction resulting from purposely hidden information and the lack of timely warnings.

And considering the billions of dollars in play, perhaps the unprecedented waiver of product liability should be modified or revoked.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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DOES SCOTT ADAMS DESERVE TO BE CANCELED FOR SPEAKING HIS MIND?

The only non-editorial cartoonist I follow is Scott Adams, whose Dilbert cartoon documents and mocks corporate life.

I have always regarded Adams to be a socially liberal commentator with an abundance of common sense. By no means a conservative nor a racist. More of an easy-going, don’t screw with me, and I will go about my life as I see fit, type of guy. However, if pushed beyond his self-imposed limits, he can react violently. He is a multi-millionaire and set for life -- beyond caring what others may think—the perfect attitude for a cartoonist and social commentator. 

So I was greatly surprised to find Adams labeled a racist and canceled from several prominent media outlets.

‘Dilbert’ Comic Strip Dropped by Newspapers Over Scott Adams’ Racist Comments

Scott Adams’ long-running “Dilbert” comic strip has been pulled by multiple newspapers after the cartoonist called Black Americans a “hate group” and urged white people to “get the fuck away” from Black people in a YouTube video.

Gannett Co. — the largest newspaper publisher in the U.S. — said the USA Today Network will cease publishing “Dilbert” immediately. The USA Today Network includes USA Today and local media outlets in 43 states. “Recent discriminatory comments by the creator, Scott Adams, have influenced our decision to discontinue publishing his comic,” Gannett said in a statement. “While we respect and encourage free speech, his views do not align with our editorial or business values as an organization.”

On Friday, Cleveland’s The Plain Dealer announced that “Dilbert” will no longer be published in the newspaper because of Adams’ “racist rant.” Chris Quinn, VP of content for the Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com, wrote that other papers owned by parent company Advance Local, also independently made the same decision to stop running the strip. That includes Advance Local newspapers in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Alabama, Massachusetts, and Oregon.

“This is not a difficult decision,” Quinn wrote. “We are not a home for those who espouse racism. We certainly do not want to provide them with financial support.” He added, “Until we decide what to replace ‘Dilbert’ with, you’ll likely see a gray box where it has been appearing.” <Source>

What did he basically say?

A recent Rasmussen poll asked whether people agreed or disagreed with the statement, “It’s okay to be white.” The poll included white and black voters, with 26% of black respondents saying it is not okay to be white, while 21% were unsure. Together, these two groups accounted for 47% of the black respondents who were unwilling to say that it was okay to be white.

This poll surprised Adams, who had been identifying as black for years to help the black community.

However, since nearly half of the black respondents did not believe it was okay to be white, Adams no longer wanted to be associated with what he saw as a hate group.

The debate centers around whether or not Adams suggested that all white people should avoid black people altogether, as there seems to be no fixing the current situation. He also suggested that focusing on education is the key to success and that if people in the black community prioritize education, they will do well. 

In his own words…

Episode 2027 Scott Adams: AI Goes Woke, I Accidentally Joined A Hate Group, Trump, Policing Schools

If the video is canceled from YouTube, it can be found on the free speech platform Rumble. The segment starts at 13:21. 

For those wanting to see his follow-up comments, check out: Episode 2029, Scott Adams: I’m Trending On Twitter. Was It Something I Said?   It starts at: 17:16 and is well worth watching. You can hear the liberalism pouring forth. 

So, who is responsible for driving racial hatred in America?

Blacks profiting from racism.

image from onecitizenspeaking.typepad.com

image from onecitizenspeaking.typepad.comDemocrats profiting from racism.

Not only do Democrats gain a significant voting bloc to perpetuate their political power, but they also siphon a significant portion of funds devoted to projects to assist blacks in their victimhood. Perpetrating the big lie that blacks are oppressed victims, incapable of managing their own affairs, and most things are racist.

That the employment, achievements, and awards of a minority group shall be in proportion to their representation in the general population; and if not, it is de facto racism.

Marxists, socialists, and communists profiting from racism.

Unlike most of the world, America is a relatively classless society with fewer restrictions on upward mobility. Thus, the old arguments about class warfare fall mainly on deaf ears. However, substitute race for class, and the Marxists, socialists, and communists are back in the game with an exploitable cohort of real or imagined victims to be manipulated.

Bottom line...

Scott Adams may be a liberal, but he is not an idiot, and knows exactly what he is saying and how his words impact others. This could be one of his sociological experiments, a point of departure for an even bigger conversation about race. 

Whether he should be canceled for his opinions highlights so much about today’s society, groupthink, and progressive communist democrats. Of course, the answer is no -- argue with him, challenge him, but do not cancel him.

Remember the words of that philosophical sage, and economist, Thomas Sowell...  Sowell

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THE UNITED STATES IS INCHING TOWARD A WORLD WAR AND THE DEMOCRATS DITHER

AXIS-OF-EVIL

With today’s suggestion that Russia might be considering pushing through Ukraine and into Polish sovereign territory, thus provoking a NATO joint defense response, I am reminded what a clear and present danger the Democrat Party represents to America’s sovereignty, security, and safety.

Russia’s Medvedev suggests ‘pushing Poland’s borders’ as next phase of Ukraine war

Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, and former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev has suggested pushing against Polish borders.

In a Telegram post, Medvedev said that Russia’s military attack on Ukraine must succeed even if it meant violating Poland. In 2022, Medvedev predicted that Poland would be repartitioned. It is unclear if this is a part of a premeditated military strategy. Poland has recently accepted the European Union’s 10th sanction package against Russia. <Source>

For those who do not remember, it was former Democrat President Obama who was accidentally overheard telling then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that he would have “more flexibility” to deal with contentious issues like missile defense after the U.S. presidential election. And then, after the election, proceeded to sell America out, including gutting the military of some of its most capable officers and NCOs.

While the cadre of Obamacons continues to hold the incompetent Biden Administration hostage, we see our nation being flooded with illegal aliens, our energy sector decimated, and our agricultural sector under attack by the progressive communist democrats and their communist environmentalists.

We lost an enormous cache of weapons to the terrorist Taliban when the Biden Administration precipitously surrendered Afghanistan to 12th-century barbarians. Our weapon caches have been depleted as we ship critical materiel to Ukraine.

We are decimating our aging stock of nuclear weapons, many produced at facilities potentially riddled with Chinese spies and saboteurs.

We are allowing Communist China, now an ally with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to infiltrate our nation, purchasing access to the nation’s leadership, corporations, technology, and farmland while the nation’s premier intelligence and enforcement agencies illegally interfere in domestic politics – spying on Americans and deliberately overlooking Communist Chinese spies.

DOJ shuts down China-focused anti-espionage program

The Biden administration is shutting down a Justice Department program that focused on countering Chinese espionage, following stumbles in a series of criminal cases and accusations that it amounted to racial profiling.

Officials said Wednesday that the three-year-old effort, known as the China Initiative, was being cast aside largely because of perceptions that it unfairly painted Chinese Americans and U.S. residents of Chinese origin as disloyal.<Source>

Our allies no longer trust America under Democrat governance.

Israel, Taiwan, and other allies are wondering if the United States will abandon them in a crisis, as we did to others in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and elsewhere.

A solution…

It is time to elect a leader who will remove Obama’s embedded bureaucrats and revoke the courtesy security clearances of former government employees.

Bottom line…

Democrat appeasement in Iran, China, Russia, and Afghanistan has led to the impression that America is weak and under the governance of Democrats will not respond to blatant provocations. 

The State Department continues to compromise our national security, especially when it comes to leaking Israel's secrets that affect Iran's nuclear facilities.

The progressive communist democrats are selling out America. The communist-trained America-hating anti-Semite Obama is still calling the shots and leading the effort to destroy America from within.

We are more than screwed; we are in immediate peril.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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DEMOCRATS AND INSTITUTIONAL RACISM

Undoubtedly, the Democrat Party is the party of Racism, Slavery, Secession, and anti-civil-rights legislation.

The Democrat Party has traditionally exploited Blacks, and yet they portray themselves as the benefactor of blacks with their progressive communist democrat-promoted programs – from which they siphon off a significant amount of any allocated funding. One walk around the Democrat-governed inner cities proves the obvious – billions have been diverted while illiteracy, poverty, disease, and crime flourish.

The Democrat Party goes on and on about institutional racism, hoping people will ignore that the Democrats control the institutions in the most afflicted areas.

The face of institutional racism…

Systemic racism, or institutional racism, refers to how policies, practices, and norms of social institutions such as governments, corporations, and schools, among others, create and perpetuate inequalities and injustices based on race. 

The not-so-subtle influence of Democrats on systemic racism in the Navy…

Navy lowers entrance exam requirements in bid to get more recruits

As the military struggles to attract new recruits, the Navy on Monday began a pilot program that will let in those with lower scores on part of the entrance exam to gauge a recruit's ability to serve.

Potential sailors are required to take the Armed Forces Qualification Test, or AFQT, to determine whether they are qualified to serve, as part of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, better known as the ASVAB.

Under the Navy's pilot program, the service will accept lower scores on the AFQT, between the 10th and 30th percentile, as long as the prospective sailor's ASVAB individual line scores are still high enough to qualify for a Navy rating.

"The change means that prospective Sailors who have high enough ASVAB line scores to qualify for a Navy rating will not be held back by a low AFQT score, which can vary relative to how their peers did on the test," Navy Recruiting Command spokesman Cmdr. David Benham said in an email.

An individual's qualifications for various Navy ratings are based on 10 different ASVAB scores that help the service identify where a sailor would best fit within the fleet. Benham said that such job determinations are not based on their overall AFQT score.

"To qualify for enlistment, the individual must still meet the minimum line score requirement for a given Navy rating," Benham said. "These ASVAB line score requirements are unchanged by this policy and not waiverable." <Source>

It does not go unnoticed…

Mb-1

For those of you who are not familiar with the Vietnam Era, this was tried by LBJ in 1966 with Project 100,000, which lowered the minimum required score for the Armed Forces Qualification Test. It was a disaster. The newly qualified soldiers were slow learners, routinely incompetent and undisciplined, and in combat were dangerous to themselves and their comrades. Their fatality rate was three times that of soldiers who met the previous qualification standard.

You can get the details in a book titled "McNamara's Folly."

That the Navy is doing it again after that experience, in an era when cognitive demands of military service are higher than they were 50 years ago, is gross negligence towards those who are already serving and damaging to national security. <Source>

Bottom line…

USS-Bonhomme-Richard
Lowering entrance or promotion standards is a classic example of institutional racism – an action based on equity -- which is detrimental to our national security and deadly to those in combat. Even worse is a promotion based on equity and unofficial racial quotas, which cripple our leadership and create dangerous situations. It is also institutionally unfair to an individual, much like admitting an underprepared person to a prestige college where they are doomed to failure, frustration, and possibly worse.

The military should be exempt from social engineering and allowed to train to break things and kill our enemies without restrictions. Preparing to fight tomorrow's wars instead of yesterday's wars. Everything should be done to retain qualified experienced personnel, not replace them with challenged newbies who damage effectiveness and dilute institutional knowledge.

God protect the Chief Petty Officers, the bearers of knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

Reference…

The Armed Forces Qualification Tests (ASVAB, PiCAT, and AFCT) are made up of nine sections. Each section's score achieved will produce its own line score used when determining eligibility for specific jobs and programs. The ASVAB section topics are:

  • General Science (GS)
  • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
  • Word Knowledge (WK)
  • Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
  • Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
  • Electronics Information (EI)
  • Auto Shop (AS)
  • Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
  • Assembling Objects (AO)

Verbal (VE) is not a separate section of the ASVAB. VE is your raw WK+PC scores compared to a table associated with your test version.

The minimum line scores for each rating and program eligibility are determined by the Bureau of Naval Personnel using many factors including the specific "A" school academic drop-out rates.

The line scores defined on this page are for ASVAB tests taken after 2004. The ASVAB was normalized in 2004 based on the results of the Profile of American Youth study conducted in 1997 (PAY97) by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor.

For those wishing to see the scores necessary for each of the Navy's ratings, it can be found at PAY97 ASVAB line score requirement for each Navy rating and program.

Examples…

Retail Services Specialist - VE+AR= 83

Logistics Specialist - VE+AR=92 (The Logistics Specialist rating was established as a result of the merger of the Storekeeper (SK), and Postal Clerk (PC) ratings in October 2009. )

Missile Technician Submarine - AR+MK+VE+AO=218 or VE+AR+MK+MC=218

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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PROPAGANDA-INFUSED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PRODUCTS

Disturbing news from the artificial intelligence arena…

Bb-ai

It appears that you can no longer trust any artificial intelligence-based product produced by any company doing substantial business with the federal government.

Deeply embedded in President Biden’s Executive order is a disturbing requirement that AI products be artificially trained to recognize a progressive communist democrat agenda and its racialization of product output.

wh-logo

Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government

Sec. 4.  Embedding Equity into Government-wide Processes.     

(a)  The Director of OMB shall consider opportunities to review and update internal processes, directives, and Government-wide guidance (such as OMB Circulars and Memoranda) to support equitable decision-making, promote equitable deployment of financial and technical assistance, and assist agencies in advancing equity, as appropriate and wherever possible.

(b)  When designing, developing, acquiring, and using artificial intelligence and automated systems in the Federal Government, agencies shall do so, consistent with applicable law, in a manner that advances equity.

<Source>

How to create a “woke” AI-powered product by limiting training input materials to approved sources and excluding dissenting or controversial material.

PROGRESSIVE-CHATBOT

An example...

definition of racism

Racism is a belief system or attitude that some races are inherently superior or inferior to others, and that these differences in inherent qualities and abilities can justify unequal treatment, discrimination, or prejudice towards people based on their race or ethnicity. Racism can be expressed through individual actions, systemic or institutional policies and practices, and cultural attitudes and stereotypes. Racism can manifest in different forms, including verbal, physical, or structural discrimination, and it can be directed towards individuals or groups. Racism is a significant social issue with deep roots in history and has negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

[OCS: Notice how the chatbot extends and presents the actual definition of racism.]

what is the definition of systemic racism

Systemic racism, also known as institutional racism, refers to the ways in which policies, practices, and norms of social institutions such as governments, corporations, and schools, among others, create and perpetuate inequalities and injustices based on race.

Unlike individual racism, which refers to individual beliefs and actions that discriminate against people based on their race, systemic racism is embedded in the very fabric of society and is often invisible to those who benefit from it. It is a result of historical and ongoing structural inequities that continue to shape social and economic opportunities, access to resources, and life outcomes for different racial groups.

Examples of systemic racism include discriminatory laws and policies, such as racial profiling, redlining, and voter suppression, as well as institutional practices that perpetuate racial disparities in areas such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

Addressing systemic racism requires acknowledging and challenging these structural barriers and working towards creating more equitable systems and institutions that provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

[OCS: Again, notice how the chatbot extends and presents the definition of systemic racism.]

what is the definition of voter suppression

Voter suppression refers to any effort or tactic used to discourage or prevent people from voting in an election. It can take various forms, including:

  1. Restrictive voting laws: These are laws that make it harder for people to vote, such as voter ID laws, which require voters to present government-issued identification before they can cast their vote. These laws disproportionately impact certain groups, such as low-income individuals, people of color, and elderly people who may not have access to or be able to afford the required identification.

    [OCS: There is no proof that voter ID laws significantly impact any particular group and substantially improve electoral integrity. For those without ID but who are registered, eligibility to vote affidavits are made available.]

  2. Voter purges: Voter purges involve removing voters from the voter rolls, often under the pretext of removing duplicates or inactive voters. However, these purges can result in eligible voters being wrongly removed from the rolls and being unable to vote on election day.

    [OCS: Electoral laws demand clean voter roles that are free from errors, including duplicates, voters who have moved, and inactive voters after a sufficient period of time. Voter rolls demand a dynamic response to prevent inaccurate information from being accumulated over a period of time.]

  3. Redistricting: Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, which can be used to manipulate the political power of different communities. This can result in a disproportionate distribution of political power and can weaken the voting power of certain communities.

    [OCS: Gerrymandering districts to achieve a political result based on party, race, or ethnicity, is a common practice, mostly practiced by Democrats who cry foul when such techniques are used by the opposition. An honest approach would be to base districts purely on numbers without regard to traditional political incumbancy, racial, or other voter characteristics. Both parties are guilty of drawing district boundaries to preserve incumbencies or pander to a particular voting bloc.]

  4. Intimidation and misinformation: This involves spreading false information or using scare tactics to discourage people from voting or to influence their vote.

    [OCS: You mean like the Democrats spreading false information about Hunter Biden’s laptop, Joe Biden’s corruption and mental disabilities prior to an election? Both parties engage in deceptive practices, historically the Democrats more so than Republicans.]

Voter suppression is a significant issue as it undermines the principles of democracy and can result in certain groups being unfairly disenfranchised. It is important to address and challenge voter suppression to ensure that everyone has equal access to vote and that their vote is counted.

[OCS: And, again, notice how the chatbot extends and presents the definition of voter suppression.]

<Source: ChatGPT Feb 13 Version>

Bottom line…

There is no way for ordinary individuals to inspect or challenge the results of a politically-biased AI product, thus it is the ultimate tool to create manipulative propaganda, with severe impacts on a functioning democracy.

It should be noted that the President of the United States does not possess the constitutional authority to usurp congressional rulemaking to implement national policies that impose a racial class society on America by executive order. 

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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MARY'S RACIST LITTLE WHITE LAMB

As the Christian world embarks on the journey to Easter, the most important holy day throughout Christianity, think about the lamb as the symbol of purity and innocence…

  • The progressive communist democrats must destroy our ability to communicate by changing word definitions and even the rules of grammar.

  • The progressive communist democrats must destroy our ability to think clearly by changing and replacing objective criteria based on logic and commonsense with subjective criteria such as feelings.

  • The progressive communist democrats must destroy our ability to learn the lessons of the past by destroying historical references, traditions, and cultural and procedural norms.

  • The progressive communist democrats must indoctrinate instead of educate, starting at a young age in school and continuing through the workplace environment.

Subverting our children at an early age…

Lamb

Generational Differences

My generation…

Mary had a little lamb,
  Its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went,
   The lamb was sure to go.

Today’s generation…

Hey, hey! Ho, ho!
Mary's racist lamb has got to go!
We'll shout it loud, we'll shout it clear,
  For social justice, we hold dear.

The racist lamb may bleat and moan,
  But we'll never leave it alone.
Help us break the chains of white hate,
  And build a future, socialist great.

Hey, hey! Ho, ho!
  The racist lamb has got to go!
We won't back down, we won't give in,
  Until social justice and communism forever win.

Mary saw the harm a lamb can do,
  The pain, the hurt, the anguish too,
And knew that he/she could not be still,
  Until this evil lamb, we did kill.

How dangerous is this attack on traditional values -- judge for yourself...

HEALY-1

Representative Healy is the Democrat Assistant Minority Leader in the South Dakota House of Representatives. And she apparently believes that a home with a married mother and father is a dangerous and un-American belief. 

 

Bottom line…

Open your eyes before it’s too late and you find yourself enslaved in a progressive communist democrat world where skin color and sexual orientation trump commonsense, merit, and accomplishment.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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TRUST THE SYSTEM? BULLSHIT!

LG-1
There is no doubt in my mind that all elected officials are prioritizing fundraising and reelection over making a fundamental systemic change, leading to a lack of action on the most critical issues facing our nation, including national defense, civil law enforcement, immigration, and economic stability.

Is it even theoretically possible for a corrupt system filled with elected officials acting in their own self-interests to reform the system? For these individuals to be willing to buck their colleagues, constituency, and the media, both legacy and social, to effect change?

How can one bring a bill of indictment to a system and then proclaim that system can reform itself when the system refuses to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their corrupt activities?

It's like asking the demonstrably corrupt Department of Justice to reform an equally corrupt FBI.   

I have observed that individuals like Trey Gowdy, Darrell Issa, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and others can make a convincing case, rhetorically debate and demolish the opposition, and still produce little or no results.

Anyone can define the problem and make a case for urgent and drastic action. But will the message resonate with those in charge of the system? Or even with that portion of America to achieve the critical mass necessary to provoke reform?

Bottom line…

It's almost a fact of life now that those who we trust with our lives, finances, and well-being are committing some of the greatest crimes in history.

Will justice be served over time? Unlikely because the evildoers also created the statute of limitations to allow those with significant resources to delay the consequences beyond the point of any prosecution.

Trust in the system is difficult to maintain when there is evidence of corruption, self-interest, and a lack of accountability. The idea that a corrupt system can reform itself may seem unlikely or even impossible to some, especially when individuals within the system may be highly resistant to change due to the benefits they receive from the status quo.

We are so screwed as we experience the real-time erosion of trust in our government, our elected officials, and the organizations who pretend they are the repository of critical institutional knowledge.

In the final analysis, at least as I see it, it's all about media attention, fundraising, and reelection – screw the Republic.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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PRESIDENTS' DAY 2023

P-DAY

Today is Presidents Day, a day to remember and honor the contributions and leadership of the presidents who have best served the United States.  Unfortunately, it is also a time to reflect on those who have brought chaos, corruption, and unnecessary challenges to American citizens.

While it is difficult for a non-historian to create a definitive list of America’s greatest presidents, subject to individual opinions, beliefs, and political affiliation, here is my list of some U.S. presidents who deserve a place on a top ten list.

  1. George Washington (1789-1797) - The first president of the United States and the crucial leader in the American Revolution. He established many of the precedents of the presidency and helped shape the federal government’s role in governing the nation. He also presided over the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution and was responsible for our national identity and defining the first U.S. foreign policy.

  2. Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) – Lincoln’s most significant accomplishment was preserving the Union during the American Civil War and abolishing slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. He also delivered some of the most famous speeches in American history, including the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. Lesser known accomplishments include the Homestead Act, which provided free land to settlers in the West, and his support of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the East and West coasts of the United States. Lincoln supported measures to modernize the U.S. economy, including developing national banking and establishing a national currency.

  3. Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809) - Author of the Declaration of Independence and a strong advocate for individual rights and limited government. He also negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. A strong advocate of the freedom of religion, Jefferson founded the University of Virginia, designed to promote religious freedom and secular education. Jefferson was instrumental in reducing the national debt by cutting government spending and lowering taxes. He was a strong advocate of agriculture and developing new techniques and practices to improve crop yields.

  4. Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) - A conservative icon who is credited with ending the Cold War by strengthening the U.S. military, negotiating with the Soviet Union, and encouraging democratic movements around the world. His economic policies, including tax cuts (simplifying the tax code and reducing tax rates for most Americans), deregulation, and focusing on free market principles, brought about a period of sustained economic growth and prosperity. Reagan was responsible for several environmental protection bills, including the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. He also strengthened America’s defense posture with the Strategic Defense Initiative, or “Star Wars,” as it was derisively known at the time. Reagan attempted Immigration reform with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants and strengthened border security. Unfortunately, Congress failed to strengthen our border and deal with illegal aliens arriving after the amnesty date.

  5. Donald Trump (2017-2021) – A president from outside the world of party politics whose notable achievements include successes in foreign policy (the historic peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, America’s withdrawal from the disastrous and nonsensical Iran nuclear deal, and new more beneficial trade agreements with Canada, Mexico, and China) and domestic policy), tax reform which reduced tax rates for individuals and corporations, deregulation which implemented numerous regulatory rollbacks across various industries, and which were intended to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and spur economic growth) as well as other initiatives in criminal justice reform and space exploration with the establishment of the Space Force. 

  6. Richard Nixon (1969 to 1974) – A much-maligned president whose accomplishments include ending the Vietnam War, achieving détente with the Soviet Union, improving relations with China, establishing the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the environment and regulate pollution, and, of course, space exploration resulting in the Apollo 11 mission which landed the first humans on the moon and expanded the frontiers of space exploration.

  7. Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) – Truman oversaw the end of World War II, hastened by his decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, thus shortening the war and saving millions of lives. He also led the U.S. through the Korean war and the beginning of the cold war. He also oversaw the rebuilding of Western Europe after WWII (Marshall Plan) and the Truman Doctrine, which committed the U.S. to provide military and economic aid to countries threatened by communist aggression. Truman ordered the Berlin Airlift in response to the Soviet blockade of Berlin. And notably, Truman advocated for civil rights and desegregation, and his administration took steps to promote equality and justice, including desegregation of the military.

It is also time to remember those presidents who damaged the United States significantly.

  1. Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) – Wilson was an out-and-out racist who re-segregated the federal government after significant progress towards integration and allowed open discrimination to occur in the government, including actions to segregate previously integrated restrooms and lunchrooms in federal buildings and firing African American civil service employees. Wilson curtailed civil liberties and free speech during World War I, including the abominable Espionage Act and Sedition Act. Wilson assumed direct personal control of American foreign policy, believing it was constitutionally mandated.

  2. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) – In response to the national calamity of the Great Depression, Roosevelt presided over an era of massive government intervention in the economy and social welfare programs, as well as a solid commitment to internationalism and liberal (progressive) democracy. He was an advocate of centralized government power. The hero of U.S. socialists.

  3. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) – Widely regarded by many as the worst president in modern times due to his fecklessness and impotent economic policies that led to record-high inflation, Carter’s failures far surpassed those of other presidents. Among his accomplishments was the Camp David Accords, which brought peace between Egypt and Israel after years of conflict. Among his failures was the Panama Canal Treaty, which transferred control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama for zero political, financial, or military gain. And, of course, his promotion of the Iranian Ayatollah and his failure to resolve the hostage crisis.

  4. Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) – Johnson was the personification of corruption and crudeness, with many of his acts concealed or downplayed in the media.  His most notable failure was managing the Vietnam War and the national protests led by communist agitators, many of whom are in positions of authority today. A racist, many of Johnson’s civil rights programs included the surveillance of civil rights leaders, spying on Americans, and the policies which ejected black males from established homes as a condition for receiving federal assistance.

  5. Bill Clinton (1993-2001) – Clinton’s scandal-ridden administration was unsurpassed at the time. Clinton was as dirty as they come, from selling access to his office to delivering enhanced weaponry to our enemies. Clinton’s sex scandal overshadowed his presidency and led to numerous “dirty tricks” to defame his opposition. Neck-deep in various scandals was his wife, Hillary Clinton, who went on with many of the same operatives and dirty tricks to become Secretary of State – also selling favors to our enemies.

  6. Barack Obama (2009-2017) – I believe that communist-trained Barack Obama was the most dangerous president in the history of the United States. A Manchurian candidate whose continuing scandals and efforts to secrete his operatives deep in our government will result in lasting damage to the nation and render us more vulnerable to our enemies.

  7. Joe Biden (2009-2017) – There is little doubt in my mind that President Biden is the most corrupt, ineffective, and politically destructive President in history.  He is cognitively impaired, and Obama acolytes are running his administration.

Bottom line…

What does it all mean? At least to me, the Democrat Party, the party of slavery, secession, segregation, and anti-civil rights legislation, is corrupt and cannot be trusted with setting beneficial domestic policies or engaging in foreign policies to protect the United States of America. Along with a cohort of democrats posing as Republicans (RINOs – Republican In Name Only), our political parties and our “watchdog” media have betrayed the American people.

We are screwed beyond belief, and as much as I hate to say it, there may be only one presidential candidate with the anger and balls to stand up to the existing power structure. Unfortunately, it appears that many in the government, especially its bureaucracy and peripheral power players, will do anything to keep their dunghill intact and functioning as usual.

I repeat we are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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DOES YOUR IDENTITY AND AUTHORITY COME FROM A CHECKBOX?

SELECTING A DEMOCRAT-1

Identity boxes are a tool used by progressive communist democrats to define, categorize, and isolate individuals based on various factors such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, and nationality. These boxes are often used in day-to-day interactions and can profoundly impact how individuals are perceived, treated, and given political appointments.

  • I see the abysmal performance of the incompetent Transportation Secretary Pete "Pothole Pete" Buttigieg, whose sole qualification for his position in the Biden Cabinet is that he is an openly gay man.
  • I see the abysmal performance of the incompetent White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre whose sole qualification for her position in the White House Communications Office is that she is a black lesbian immigrant woman.
  • I see the abysmal performance of the incompetent Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, whose qualifications include being a black man and an affirmative action general.
  • I see the abysmal performance of the incompetent Vice President Kamala Harris, whose qualifications include being a black woman and an insurance policy against a Biden impeachment.

And so it goes with the progressive communist democrats, who use checkbox intersectionality to pander to a coalition of minorities they require to achieve political success.

Official government job qualifications…
Identity boxes can be based on various factors, and the specific categories can vary depending on the context and cultural norms. Here are some common categories that are often used in identity box politics.  

  • Race: The physical characteristics and ancestry used to categorize individuals into different racial groups. Examples include White, Black, Asian, and Latinx.
  • Gender: The social and cultural norms and expectations of being male or female, including gender identity, which is an individual's self-perception of their gender.
  • Sexual Orientation: An individual's sexual attraction to others, including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, and other orientations.
  • Religion: An individual's beliefs and practices associated with a particular religious faith, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, atheism, and devil worship.
  • Nationality: An individual's country of birth, citizenship, or heritage.
  • Age: An individual's chronological age, which can be used to affect their opportunities and experiences.
  • Ability: An individual's physical, mental, or developmental abilities, including disabilities, chronic conditions, and other health-related factors.
  • Socioeconomic Status: An individual's financial and social position, including income, education, and occupation.
  • Political Beliefs: An individual's political views and affiliations, including liberal, conservative, socialist, communist, and others.
  • Group Affiliation: Union/non-Union or other group association.
  • Appearance: This category is self-explanatory, where telegenic, slim, and tall individuals are preferred over non-telegenic individuals.

Intersectionality is nothing more than a combination of the above factors with certain characteristics and preferences given more weight than others. 

An example… 

New Communications Director at White House checks an important identity box

  Out: Kate Bedingfield as White House Communications Director. In: Ben LaBolt, a veteran press adviser to former President Barack Obama. When White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that Bedingfield would leave the White House at the end of February and be replaced by Ben LaBolt, she made a point of saying this is a history-making move. According to KJP, it is important for everyone to know that Ben LaBolt is an openly gay man. The Biden administration is all about “representation”, you see, and LaBolt is further proof of that.

[How radical is Obamacon LaBolt?]

LaBolt, by the way, has the experience needed to be an effective communicator for the president. He has experience working for key Democrats. He served as Obama’s press secretary when Obama was in the Senate. He was an assistant press secretary in Obama’s White House. Later, he worked for Rahm Emanuel, an Obama alum and former mayor of Chicago. LaBolt worked on the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Nonetheless, Biden was sure to mention “making history” with his cabinet appointments. <Source>

Bottom line…

The progressive communist democrats are partitioning America into classes, attempting to convince everyone, except white heterosexual males,  that they are oppressed victims and need to surrender their freedom and votes to the Democrats so their grievances, real or perceived, can be redressed.

Truth be told, the Democrat Party, traditionally the party of slavery, secession, segregation, and anti-civil-rights legislation, has turned hard-core racist as they demand you recognize skin color or other intersectional checkboxes over character or abilities. This is the party teaching racial hate with their K-12 critical race theory curricula. 

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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BIDEN DIRECTIVE: REPLACE OLD SYSTEMIC RACISM WITH NEW SYSTEMIC RACISM

The man will say anything to get a vote...

B-r

It is ironic that President Biden, with a personal history of racial remarks and associations with racists, once again attempts to inject progressive communist democrat race warfare into the functioning of the U.S. Government.

Anti-racism, acknowledging and confronting the systemic and institutionalized aspects of racism that allegedly permeate society, overlooks the fact that those in charge of the system, primarily progressive communist democrats, are responsible for institutional racism and willing to allow the dark side of equity politics to destroy America from within.

Unconstitutionally racializing the government…

wh-logo

Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government

Sec. 5. Delivering Equitable Outcomes in Partnership with Underserved Communities. Underserved communities often face significant barriers and legacy exclusions in engaging with agencies and providing input on Federal policies and programs that affect them. Agencies must increase engagement with underserved communities by identifying and applying innovative approaches to improve the quality, frequency, and accessibility of engagement. Agencies shall, consistent with applicable law:

    (a)  conduct proactive engagement, as appropriate, with members of underserved communities — for example, through culturally and linguistically appropriate listening sessions, outreach events, or requests for information — during development and implementation of agencies’ respective annual Equity Action Plans, annual budget submissions, grants and funding opportunities, and other actions, including those outlined in section 3(d) of this order;

    (b)  collaborate with OMB, as appropriate, to identify and develop tools and methods for engagement with underserved communities, including those related to agency budget development and rulemaking;

    (c)  create more flexibilities, incentives, and guidelines for recipients of Federal funding and permits to proactively engage with underserved communities as projects are designed and implemented;

    (d)  identify funding opportunities for community- and faith-based organizations working in and with underserved communities to improve access to benefits and services for members of underserved communities; and 

    (e)  identify and address barriers for individuals with disabilities and older adults to participate in the engagement process, including barriers to the accessibility of physical spaces, virtual platforms, presentations, systems, training, and documents. <Source>

Common examples of government equity programs include:

  1. Affirmative Action: This policy aims to increase the representation of historically marginalized groups in areas such as employment, education, and government contracting. It involves setting goals and quotas for hiring or admitting underrepresented groups and implementing programs to increase diversity and inclusivity.

  2. Minority Business Development: Government agencies may offer assistance and resources to small businesses owned by members of underrepresented groups to help them start, grow, and succeed in their ventures.

  3. Housing and Urban Development Programs: These programs aim to provide affordable housing and support to families and individuals in low-income or underserved areas, as well as to promote fair housing practices and eliminate housing discrimination.

  4. Educational Equity Programs: Government entities may implement policies to address educational disparities among different groups by providing access to quality education and supporting academic success for marginalized and underrepresented students.

  5. Healthcare Equity Programs: These programs aim to reduce health disparities among different groups by increasing access to healthcare services and promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Overall, government equity programs aim to promote equality of outcomes rather than equality of opportunities given your physical, mental, educational, and financial abilities.

Negative consequences when promoting equity over merit…

Promoting equity over merit can sometimes have negative consequences, particularly if the pursuit of equity comes at the expense of other essential factors such as individual qualifications, skills, and experience. Here are some potential negative consequences of prioritizing equity over merit:

  1. Reduced Quality: When organizations prioritize equity over merit, it can result in hiring or promoting individuals who may not have the same level of qualifications, skills, or experience as others who are passed over. This can lead to a reduction in the overall quality of work or output.

  2. Lowered Morale: If employees feel that equity considerations are prioritized over merit, it can create a sense of unfairness and undermine morale among those who think that their hard work and accomplishments are not being recognized.

  3. Divisiveness: Prioritizing equity over merit can sometimes create divisions and tensions between individuals or groups, particularly if some feel they are being mistreated.

  4. Reverse Discrimination: If equity considerations become the sole focus of hiring or promotion decisions, it can result in reverse discrimination against individuals who are not members of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

  5. Lack of Diversity: Prioritizing equity over merit can sometimes result in a lack of diversity, particularly if individuals selected based on equity considerations do not bring a range of perspectives or skills to the organization.

  6. Inefficiency: Prioritizing equity over merit can sometimes result in organizations hiring or promoting individuals who may not be the best fit for a particular position or project. This can result in inefficiency and wasted resources.

More specifically…

  1. Backlash: Equity initiatives can sometimes generate opposition from individuals or groups who perceive them as reverse discrimination or preferential treatment.

  2. Stigmatization: Some individuals who benefit from equity initiatives may feel stigmatized or singled out as being different from their peers.

  3. Resentment: Equity initiatives can sometimes create resentment among individuals who do not receive the same level of support or attention.

  4. Tokenism: Sometimes, equity initiatives can be seen as superficial or tokenistic, where the goal is to appear inclusive without addressing deeper systemic discrimination issues.

  5. Reduced standards: In some cases, equity initiatives may result in lower standards or expectations for specific individuals or groups, which can be detrimental to their long-term success.

  6. Unintended consequences: Equity initiatives can sometimes have unintended consequences, such as perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing existing power imbalances.

  7. Resource allocation: Providing resources for equity initiatives can strain limited resources and may divert attention and funding away from other important initiatives.

  8. Perceived unfairness: Some individuals may perceive equity initiatives as unfair or unjust, especially if they believe their opportunities are limited or curtailed.

  9. Disruption: Equity initiatives can sometimes create disruptions or conflicts within organizations or communities, especially if they challenge existing power structures or norms.

  10. Overreliance on identity: Sometimes, equity initiatives can overemphasize identity-based characteristics such as race, gender, or ethnicity, which can limit the focus on other essential factors such as individual merit or qualifications.

Bottom line…

It should be no surprise that Biden issued this executive order during the middle of Black History month as he panders to a shrinking black voting bloc. No amount of revisionist history can disguise the fact that it is the Democrat Party that is the Party of racism, slavery, secession, segregation, and anti-civil rights laws.

Affirmative action, with all its racist consequences, is alive and well in local, state, and federal governments.

Regardless of the Orwellian Newspeak about “equity,” the truth is that racism in the name of anti-racism is still racism.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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MISSING RUSH

Today marks the second anniversary of the passing of talk radio legend, the iconic Rush Limbaugh… 

Rush-1

Rush’s wit and wisdom enlightened and entertained us for more than thirty years– and on the way, delayed the death of terrestrial A.M. radio.  Those who appear in his old time slots are informative and entertaining, but not on a consistent basis nor possess the analytical insight of Rush.

What I miss most is Rush’s irreverent humor that highlighted the absurdity and hypocrisy of liberals in a way that provoked outrageously over-the-top amusing responses by the opposition – only to provoke Rush anew.

Rush was a good man, something you do not find often in the media.  illing to listen to everybody no matter how tedious or hackneyed the message; creating yet another teachable moment. 

Even profound and life-altering deafness did not deter Rush from delivering on his promise to his audience. 

Rush may have been a constitutional conservative, but he was always an American first. 

I miss Rush.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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"THE CLINTON PRIVILEGE"

CLINTON-JAIL

It appears the nation's elected leadership, their appointees, and agency bureaucrats no longer fear the consequences of publicly lying to the Congress of the United States, compromised government agencies, and the American people.

It appears that they have grown comfortable with refusing to answer congressional oversight committees' questions or simply ignoring voluntary and compelled requests for document production and truthful in-person testimony.

Even the long-time practice of hiding behind classified documents, testimony, and national security claims has given way to the more popular "it's under investigation." As if the investigators are immune from congressional inquiry or internal probes by inspectors general.

The "Clinton privilege" of delay, distraction, obfuscation, dissembling, and overt lying seems to be the basis of today's pattern and practice of politics.

The goal of the exercise is to wait out the statute of limitations or involve so many individuals and organizations that it becomes impossible to prosecute "the system."

Unfortunately, politics have long corrupted our Department of Justice, and our nation's premier law enforcement agency has been infiltrated by political operatives willing to commit felonious acts to interfere with this nation's electoral politics.

Consider why the so-called deep state fears Donald Trump, the most investigated, harassed, prosecuted, and persecuted President in history. He is an outsider with no incriminating connections to the racketeering of our political class. Likewise, the persecution and prosecution of Lt. General Michael Flynn, the former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, who knew of the excesses of the intelligence community and openly expressed a desire to reform the corrupted system.

A little background...

The term "Clinton privilege" refers to the perceived double standard and favorable treatment that former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have received from the media and political establishment, particularly concerning their respective controversies and scandals. The idea behind the term is that the Clintons have a level of immunity or protected status due to their political power, influence, and connections, allowing them to escape consequences that would have befallen others in similar circumstances.

The roots of Clinton privilege can be traced back to the 1990s, when Bill Clinton faced allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity, including a lawsuit from former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones, which ultimately led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives. Despite the serious nature of the allegations against him, Clinton was able to weather the storm and maintain a high level of popularity and support from the Democratic Party and the media. This was primarily due to the perception that the Republicans were pursuing a partisan witch hunt against him and that the allegations were part of a broader right-wing conspiracy to undermine his presidency.

Clinton's survival of the impeachment proceedings reinforced the idea of Clinton's privilege, as it appeared that he was able to escape accountability for his actions through his political connections and influence. This idea was further reinforced by the 2008 presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton, in which she was widely considered to be the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. Despite her husband's history of scandal and controversy, Hillary was still able to run a successful campaign, with many in the media and political establishment treating her as a victim of partisan attacks rather than a co-conspirator in her husband's misdeeds.

The 2016 presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton brought the concept of Clinton privilege to the forefront, as she faced a series of scandals and controversies, including her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State and allegations of corruption and unethical behavior related to the Clinton Foundation. Despite these scandals, Clinton secured the Democratic nomination and was widely considered the favorite to win the general election.

Enter Trump…

However, the election of Donald Trump, and the subsequent events of his presidency, brought Clinton's privilege into sharp relief. Trump was widely criticized by the media and political establishment for his behavior, including his controversial statements and actions, and was subject to numerous investigations and impeachments. In contrast, the Clintons were mainly able to avoid similar scrutiny and continued to be treated as respected members of the political and cultural elite.

This double standard has led many to conclude that there is a culture of Clinton privilege within the media and political establishment, in which the Clintons are given favorable treatment and protected from accountability for their actions. This has led to a growing sense of frustration and anger among many Americans, who feel that the system is rigged in favor of the powerful and well-connected.

The concept of Clinton privilege has also been linked to broader issues of elitism and class privilege, as it is seen as a manifestation of the systemic inequalities that exist within American society. The perception that the Clintons can escape consequences for their actions due to their wealth, power, and influence reinforces the idea that the political and legal systems are rigged in favor of the wealthy and well-connected and that ordinary Americans are powerless to hold the powerful accountable.

Ironic because the subject of elitism and class privilege has always been used by the progressive communist democrats when pandering to minorities with their diversity, equity, and inclusion bullshit. With the shameless Democrats, it's not so much a matter of hypocrisy as it is hierarchy -- they know they belong on the top of any structure, secure in their power, wealth, and positions.

Bottom line...

It is important to note that the concept of Clinton privilege is not limited to the Clintons themselves. Similar privileges and double standards can be seen in how other progressive communist democrats and their cohort of RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) are treated by government agencies, the judiciary, and the media.

There should be no doubt that the concept of Clinton privilege highlights the importance of holding political figures accountable for their actions, regardless of their political views or affiliations. It is also a reminder that the corporatized media has abandoned any semblance of journalistic ethics and has failed the Constitutionally granted privilege and all Americans.

The idea that the Republicans are likely to fulfill their responsibility to hold those in power accountable without being influenced by political bias or personal connections is doubtful.

The greatest threat facing America is political corruption and the desire of some progressive communist democrats to ensure their perpetual influence regardless of the majority party in Congress or the occupancy of the White House.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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IN THE NAME OF EQUITY: THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO TURN YOUR TOWN INTO A DEMOCRAT HELL HOLE

Equal-democrat

I do not remember anything in the U.S. Constitution that grants the federal government the authority to dictate housing policy to Americans.

Unfortunately, as we find in education and other areas of life, the federal government is not beyond coercion—extorting compliance with their unconstitutional activities by threatening to withhold the federal funding that feeds state and local politicians, unions, and special interests.

In this case, the malevolent progressive communist democrats, like those that govern the dangerous, drug-ridden inner cities, want to extend their influence to the suburbs, especially those minimally molested by government dictates and have a healthier and wealthier population. Worst of all, suburbanites do not act in lock-step to support the progressive communist democrat agenda.

Obama’s dream…

The War on the Suburbs began under President Barack Obama. Obama himself was an opponent of suburban sprawl and declared in February 2009 that the days of suburban sprawl were “over.” Obama’s rhetoric – urban-centric – can often be contrasted with that of the previous Democratic President, Bill Clinton, who self-consciously and ostentatiously sought ways to connect with suburban and rural voters. In comparison, Obama appointees at HUD and EPA tended to come from big cities in blue states.

The term they use is “smart growth.” This effectively means forcing more and more Americans to live in higher density areas. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Undersecretary Ron Sims, Transportation undersecretary for policy Roy Kienitz, and the EPA’s John Frece all favored this agenda. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was quite straightforward in his language: the administration sought to “coerce” Americans out of cars and onto light rail. The stimulus package passed by the president to the tune of $8 billion focused largely on light rail, which only benefits Americans living around a handful of larger cities.

Such policies have little chance of passing through legislation. However, there are administrative and bureaucratic means to foist these programs on American citizens. Bureaucratic czars can simply deny funding to cities and states that are not in compliance with the diktats of the president’s agenda.

Pursued by Obama’s acolytes that inhabit and run the Biden Administration…

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act, requires HUD and recipients of federal funds from HUD to affirmatively further the policies and purposes of the Fair Housing Act, also known as “affirmatively further fair housing” or “AFFH.” The obligation to affirmatively further fair housing requires recipients of HUD funds to take meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics, which are: Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), Familial Status , and Disability.

Generally, in administering programs and activities relating to housing and community development, the federal government, HUD, and its recipients must: determine who lacks access to opportunity and address any inequity among protected class groups; promote integration and reduce segregation, and transform racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity.

AFFH NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

On February 9, 2023, HUD published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing”. The proposed rule would faithfully implement the Fair Housing Act’s statutory mandate to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH), which directs HUD to ensure that the agency and its program participants proactively take meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in opportunities, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination.

The plan…

In the name of “equity,” the Biden administration and state Democrats have declared war on the suburbs:

The Biden administration and Democrats in New York, Connecticut and other states are fighting local zoning laws in order to build high-rise apartment buildings with “affordable” units in tree-lined, single-family neighborhoods. All in the name of equity, meaning everyone can live in a tranquil suburb, whether they’ve earned the money to pay for it or not.

The Biden administration announced Jan. 19 that it will require all towns across the U.S. to submit “Equity Plans” showing how they will make it possible for low-income people to live there by providing affordable housing, transportation and other resources.

Towns that don’t meet the cookie-cutter requirement for economic diversity will lose federal funding.

Why does the left hate the suburbs? For starters, we tend to vote Republican. Worse still, we’re truly happy out here. The suburban way of life proves people live fuller lives if they are unbothered by central authority and control. We prove government causes way more problems than it solves, and nothing makes the left angrier than happy, contented people they cannot control.

I would add that nothing proves that everything the left believes in is a lie more than the suburbs do. It’s in the blue cities where all the violence, hate crimes, lousy schools, traffic jams, gun violence, and environmental issues like smog occur. It’s out in the mostly ungoverned suburbs where people of all races get along; where our water, air, and streets are safe and clean; where the schools are functional; where we all own guns, but there’s hardly any gun violence.

So what better way to destroy the suburbs than to turn the suburbs into just another lousy Democrat-run city?

Once Democrats strip the suburbs of what makes them special — zoning laws that protect property values and avoid density — that’s the end of the suburbs. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) knows exactly what she’s doing with a new law that will force “each town and village in the New York metro area to increase its housing stock to meet a uniform, state-imposed target and rezone for high-density housing – apartment buildings – within a half-mile of every MTA train stop.”

What happens, then?

The plague of failed cities spreads into these idyllic areas, and Democrats move in, those whose voting patterns ensure even more destruction, especially in the schools.

“Say goodbye to quaint downtowns lined with two-story buildings and older houses.” Yep. That’s the master plan. <Source>

The results…

The Great Exodus From Democrat Run Shithole Cities
Do the crazy democrat mayors and governors actually think people (even democrats) are going to stick around when you shut down their businesses and allow unfettered crime?

In record numbers. An estimated quarter million of New York residents are predicted to leave for good. 16,000 have already headed to Connecticut. Others are going to New England and Florida.

People need their freedom. They need to live their lives and have the opportunity to support their families and keep them safe.

Democrat run cities are dying and people are leaving. <Source>

America's worst nightmare, California values go nationwide...

NewsomBottom line…

The progressive communist democrats want power, money, and obedience. 

It is time to keep the progressive communist democrats out of your healthcare, education, housing, employment, and pocket. They have proven themselves to be a malignant, metastasizing cancer of incompetence and corruption that threatens to consume everyone and everything it touches. With the exception of specific non-discrimination laws which ensure equality under the law, it’s time to stop the Democrats from destroying our suburban neighborhoods.

The progressive communist democrats are not governing by legislation which would demand a congressional vote for all to see, but using the administrative rulemaking apparatus to sneak laws by “We the People” like thieves dead in the night.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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BILL GATES: AMERICA'S HOME-GROWN GEORGE SOROS?

GATES

Enabled by billions of discretionary dollars, a cadre of willing acolytes, and a primarily uncritical media, there is no stopping Bill Gates from promoting his global vision.

Like many billionaires who achieved their fame through a combination of ability and lucky timing, it appears Bill Gates now believes that he has the knowledge and wisdom to affect, if not direct, the destiny of humankind. The problem, as it seems to me, is that Gates is a raging liberal – not with the manifest corruption and craziness of self-proclaimed climate guru Al Gore, but more with a strategic malevolence like that found in billionaire mastermind George Soros. Both profiting handsomely from investments linked to their alleged viewpoint.

Bill Gates is not the likable, trustworthy benefactor created by his self-promoting public relations team…

While I respect Bill Gates’ mental prowess, cleverness, and achievements, I have never regarded Bill Gates as a paragon of virtue, or for that matter, anything other than a businessman who had dipped his toe into corruption and darkness when it benefitted him and his growing enterprises. I looked at Gates’ Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for technical brilliance and later Steve Ballmer for operational common sense. The truth is that Microsoft was not an innovator; almost all of its achievements came from technology purchases and sometimes outright theft and coercion.

But what bothers me the most is that Bill Gates, the spearhead who enabled the worldwide personal computer revolution by promoting a universal and relatively open operating system, is now trying to curtail free speech.

Bill Gates Pushes Disturbing Plan to Fight ‘Digital Misinformation’

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is pushing a disturbing dystopian plan to fight so-called “digital misinformation” and “political polarization” online.

Speaking during a new podcast interview with German news media outlet Handelsblatt, Gates argues that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to police the speech of humans on the Internet.

When asked about “political polarization” and “misinformation,” Gates gave the Jan. 6 as an example, which he referred to as an “attack” against the Capitol.

He continued by declaring that he’s still “in a state of shock” over people questioning the 2020 election results.

“I’m certainly concerned about political polarization, and I know the U.S. situation best of all,” Gates said. “I wouldn’t have expected people to attack the Capitol or deny the validity of election results. “I’m in a state of shock about that.

“We can’t blame AI for that,” he continued. “That happened.

“It may have been magnified by digital channels that allow various conspiracy theories like QAnon or whatever to be blasted out by people who wanted to believe those things.

[OCS: There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the most significant source of disinformation is the United States government under the progressive communist democrats, where individuals like presidents Obama and Biden and bottom-dwellers like Hillary Clinton define the depths of misinformation. There is more and more evidence that so-called “conspiracy theories” are demonstrably true and that the progressive communist democrats have weaponized the government against the people they swore an oath to represent.]

He continued by describing “political polarization” as another social problem that could be partially remedied via the use of AI to reduce “confirmation bias.”

[OCS: The basis of all search engines is “confirmation bias,” the tendency of people to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or hypotheses. Hence, search engine algorithms are tuned to favor results most closely aligned with your interests, be they products, pornography, or opinions. The goal is to maximize acceptance, not produce off-putting results questioning your beliefs.]

Gates touted the use of applications of generative AI like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which he says could improve office efficiency, drafting invoices, and letters

“This will change our world,” he declared.

Soon, “you’ll have announcements from Microsoft and Google, where they’re competing to lead in this space,” Gates added.

Microsoft announced last week that its Bing search engine will be powered in part by ChatGPT AI technology.

During a recent study, the AI chatbot was labeled “woke” after its biases were exposed. <Source>

The danger point…

There is no doubt in my mind that Bill Gates is a progressive democrat whose worldview is antithetical to American core values of free speech and vigorous debate on the battlefield of ideas.

The idea that Bill Gates, or for that matter, any other oligarch, can play a role in defining truth and the arbiter of what is presented to the public is outright dangerous. Even worse, Microsoft is now modifying their flagship Edge Brower and Bing Search engine to use a version of artificial intelligence where “they” select the input training used to “inform” the AI model.

An example…

There is no doubt that the subject of vaccines is shrouded in mystery and misinformation, much of the misinformation coming from the government and vaccine manufacturers who are now being forced to reckon with questions about the vaccine’s efficacy, longevity, and horrendous side effects, with powerful forces acting to shield themselves from embarrassment and liability. Allowing any person, organization, or political party to control or replace news with a narrative is unethical, unconscionable, and immoral.

It appears that Gates has a somewhat Malthusian viewpoint, believing an exponentially growing population represents a clear and present danger to the earth’s resources. He is an outspoken proponent of population control, which he believes is a root cause of poverty and civil unrest. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the world’s most prominent proponents of birth control and vaccinations, including those used for measles, hepatitis B, rotavirus, and AIDS, among others.

Even with his IQ and ability as a quick study, hobnobbing with political, corporate, and science establishment elites with obvious self-interests does not qualify him to arbitrate the truth. That can only come from a free and open discussion between parties with differing viewpoints where the truth is teased from the battlefield of ideas – not a negotiated consensus of cherry-picked credentialed academics and other experts.

Another example can be found in global climate change, which Gates believes is an existential threat to humanity and calls for government measures to force reductions and the eventual elimination of fossil fuel consumption and associated carbon dioxide emissions. According to Gates, “It’s not optional to have a solution for climate.” Anyone with common sense can refute the fashionable science of the day with a few questions and scientific facts. Yet, climate change is producing more extensive and more authoritarian governments and billions of dollars for those pushing an unprovable proposition that will not be measurable for thousands of years. Global climate change is the perfect scam.

The fundamental danger of chatbots arises from the old computer adage: garbage in, garbage out.

PROGRESSIVE-CHATBOT

Who will determine how a chatbot controlled by tech oligarchs and influenced by the government is telling you the truth? Has anybody developed a “truth tester” for a multiple-path chatbot?

Bottom line…

I do not trust Bill Gates. I do not trust AI-powered chatbots. And I certainly don’t trust our present regime.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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BRING BACK THE STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND

I am embarrassed that the United States Military is run by incompetents chosen for their intersectionality and public relations value to the regime – selected by their color, nationality, sex, or who they decide to screw, over military competence.

The idea that America’s Northern ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone) was penetrated by a giant Chinese balloon whose size should have ensured a skin-paint radar return or whose electronic emanations should have been alarming to what we are told is the most sophisticated military in the world, is extremely troubling.

It is time for cashiering incompetents like Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the traitorous Mark Milley, the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who thought it appropriate to tell our nuclear-capable enemies that he would provide advance warning of an American kinetic military action.

I recommend returning the Strategic Air Command, whose motto was “Peace is our Profession.”

1024px-SAC_Shield.svg

Strategic Air Command was both a United States Department of Defense Specified Command and a United States Air Force Major Command responsible for command and control of the strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile components of the United States military's strategic nuclear forces from 1946 to 1992.

For those who do not remember SAC, it was an elite force where failure was not an option, and excuses were not tolerated. Expressed jokingly as, “To Err is Human, To Forgive is Devine, Neither of which is Strategic Air Command Operational Policy." The commander of a group that failed the ORI (Operational Readiness Inspection) was relieved of command and sent elsewhere, as were individuals who failed to meet SAC performance requirements.

Their unofficial dictum “To Err is Human, To Forgive is Devine, Neither of which is Strategic Air Command Corps Policy,” was later attributed to the Marine Corps.

 

One command, one mission – protect the United States

Bottom line…

Enough with this “woke” nonsense and social engineering. Enough with spending billions of dollars avoiding civilian casualties in a war zone with expensive precision-guided munitions. That our enemy chooses to bring their family into the battle space or hide behind civilians is on them, not us.

I still want to know where President Obama was during the attack on Americans in Benghazi, Libya. Who actually gave orders for rescue forces to stand down? Likewise, who is acting in stead for a cognitively-impaired president who has been on the wrong side of history his whole career when it comes to foreign affairs?

Like him or not, former President Trump was and is a far superior Commander-in-Chief than Carter, Clinton, Obama, and Biden – all of whom are incompetent or willing to sell out America to her enemies.

Personally, I think we were tracking the damn thing and Biden refused to shoot it down lest he anger the Chi-coms and screw up Blinken's China photo-op.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE PERFECT COMMUNIST OFFENSIVE WEAPON

AI-ATTACK

For years, I have bemoaned the fact that progressive communist democrats have infiltrated the educational establishment from pre-K through college with the specific goal to indoctrinate, not specifically to educate. The result is that we have turned out a generation of functional illiterates who lack critical thinking skills, a knowledge of history, and core survival skills in an increasingly troubled world. Individuals who are more inclined to accept groupthink and collectivism than individualism and opportunism. These are the individuals taught to rely on electronic devices to research, write, or should I say copy and paste, or do math – many of these devices requiring batteries.

Each decade we lose more and more personal resilience and accept big government dictates, entitlements, and handouts.

The upcoming educational and employment apocalypse.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is being sold to the public as a tool that can augment and enhance human abilities as it assists us to doing research, making decisions, solving problems, and communicating more efficiently.

However, there is a valid concern that relying too heavily on AI could reduce personal resiliency and problem-solving skills – leaving us more vulnerable when AI is not available, subverted by regimes and hackers, or is not functioning correctly.. In the extreme, we see our own abilities diminish, becoming less proficient in performing crucial everyday tasks. Witness children who no longer can read or write cursively, require calculators to make change or do the simplest arithmetic such as adding up a column of numbers.

And our enemies are all about increasing America’s vulnerabilities to diminish and eventually destroy our beloved America, the land of freedom and opportunity.

The dangers of AI in education…

  1. Job loss: The use of AI in education may lead to job loss for teachers, as well as other educational professionals, as tasks are automated.

  2. Bias: AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and there is a risk of perpetuating existing biases in education and society.

  3. Lack of critical thinking: Over-reliance on AI for problem-solving and decision-making could lead to a reduction in critical thinking skills among students.

  4. Widening the education gap: If AI-powered education resources are not widely available or accessible to all students, it could widen existing disparities in education outcomes.

  5. Diminished human interaction: AI-powered education could lead to a reduction in face-to-face interaction between teachers and students, which is important for building relationships, developing social skills, and fostering creativity.

The dangers of AI in employment…

  1. Job loss: AI has the potential to automate many jobs that were previously performed by humans, leading to job loss and unemployment.

  2. Wages: AI may also lead to wage stagnation or a decrease in wages for workers, as companies seek to take advantage of the lower labor costs associated with automation.

  3. Skill obsolescence: With AI automation taking over certain tasks, workers may need to retrain or acquire new skills to remain competitive in the job market.

  4. Bias: AI algorithms may perpetuate existing biases and discrimination, leading to unequal treatment of certain groups in the workplace.

  5. Decreased human interaction: The increased use of AI in the workplace could lead to a reduction in face-to-face interaction and collaboration among workers, potentially reducing creativity, innovation, and teamwork.

Beyond education and employment, the use of AI as an offensive weapon…

The use of AI for harmful purposes, such as the development of autonomous weapons or cyberattacks, could have serious consequences for global security and stability. It could also lead to the loss of human life and the violation of human rights.

  1. Loss of human life: The use of AI as a weapon could result in the loss of human life and the injury of innocent civilians.

  2. Violation of human rights: The deployment of AI in military or security contexts could lead to the violation of human rights and the targeting of non-combatants.

  3. Unpredictable outcomes: AI systems may behave in unexpected ways, potentially leading to unintended consequences and harm.

  4. Lack of accountability: It may be difficult to determine who is responsible for harm caused by autonomous weapons, leading to a lack of accountability for their actions.

  5. Escalation of conflict: The use of AI as a weapon could lead to an escalation of conflict and violence, potentially resulting in wider-scale violence and harm.

  6. Destabilization of global security: The development and deployment of AI weapons could destabilize global security and increase the risk of conflict between nations.

  7. Undermining of international law: The use of AI as a weapon may undermine international law and the norms and principles that regulate the conduct of war.

  8. Negative impact on non-combatants: The deployment of AI weapons could have a disproportionate and negative impact on non-combatants, such as civilians and aid workers.

  9. Ethical concerns: The development and deployment of AI as a weapon raises serious ethical concerns, including questions about the responsible and humane use of technology in war.

  10. Threat to global peace and stability: The use of AI as a weapon could pose a threat to global peace and stability, and could have lasting negative effects on communities and nations for generations to come.

Bottom line…

For those who believe that the development and use of AI should be guided by ethical principles, so as to ensure that it benefits society as a whole and does not have negative consequences for individuals or groups, you are dreaming. We live in a competitive environment where even communists compete against other communists for power, prestige, and profits.

To believe that AI is neutral or benign is to ignore human nature. There will always be a regime dedicated to gaining and maintaining power. There will always be gatekeepers seeking to control access to generate toll income. And there will always be opposing forces seeking to render the system vulnerable, tear the system down, and implement their own system.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THE LOOK OF SUBTLE MEDIA PROPAGANDA

I just watched a documentary recounting the recollections of the survivors of the ill-fated Deepwater Horizon, an ultra-deep-water, dynamically positioned, semi-submersible offshore drilling rig that suffered a catastrophic blowout that caused an explosion that killed 11 crew members and led to the worst marine environmental disaster in the history of petroleum production.

Thirteen years earlier, I sat transfixed by the real-time underwater operations and technical explainers as highly-skilled petroleum engineers attempted to shut in and cap the well which had been gushing oil into the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana. An estimated 5 million gallons of oil spewed into the Gulf region for the 87 days before the well was brought under control.

The stories of the heroic crew members battling an unwinnable war that saw the rig sink was heart-wrenching as you saw ordinary men and women do extraordinary things in the face of an almost certain death.

But what pissed me off was a post-story explainer that turned political.

Propaganda-1

This unnecessary political message was inserted into the documentary, produced by 1895 Films, written and directed by Tom Jennings, and aired by National Geographic on Feb 17, 2019.

The facts…

Yes, the Trump Administration did roll back Obama-era offshore drilling safety measures following the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. What is missing is the context, as progressive communist democrats are wont to say. It is no secret that the Trump administration had prioritized reducing the regulatory burden on oil and gas companies to drive U.S. energy production and exports.

The Obama administration’s 2016 well-control and blowout preventer rule treated all offshore drilling rigs in the same manner regardless of rig type, location, water depth, engineering, and drilling environment, requiring frequent testing, real-time monitoring of operations, and certification by third parties of emergency devices.

The Trump Administration relaxed the 14-day testing cycle so that rig operators could, on the approval of the appropriate regulatory agency, use a 21-day testing cycle that was said to avoid more frequent testing that might risk equipment failure under extreme conditions as the systems were cycled. As for real-time monitoring, most deep-water rigs have a telemetry system that monitors rig activities from shore – to avoid placing additional people on the rig under hazardous conditions.

It is a fact that deep-water oil exploration, production, and shipping are carried out under rigorous supervision by highly trained personnel. Nobody, especially the crew, will knowingly tolerate unsafe conditions that risk life and limb.

Unfortunately, the conditions at the underwater wellhead make on-site inspections difficult except by remote-operated vehicles and, when necessary, specialized compression divers who remain under extreme pressure and breathe a helium-oxygen mixture for days on end. The Deepwater Horizon tragedy cost BP more than $69 billion in cleanup expenses, fines, fees, and legal settlements, not to mention other large sums from affiliated parties. No company is willing to risk their financial future by tolerating slipshod operations.

Bottom line…

We are screwed when content producers insert misleading political messaging into their products and platforms. Isn’t that what the progressive communist democrats are accusing conservatives of doing – and demanding a right to censor information using their own interpretations of the truth?

-- Steve

Sorry folks, I love technology…

Resources for those wishing to review the BSEE Well Control Rule 2019, read the  Blowout Preventer Maintenance and Inspection in Deepwater Operations documents, or poke around the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement site.

“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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