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WHY DIDN'T THE U.S. PURSUE CHINA FOR CORONAVIRUS DAMAGES?

Covid-acc-change

Both the United States and Communist China insisted that there was no definitive scientific conclusion regarding the origins of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the culpability of any particular country.

Much time, effort, and money was spent crafting a narrative that suggested the SARS-CoV-2 virus was zoonotic in origin and that the infectious disease had jumped from a non-human animal to humans.

It was a load of manufactured propaganda…

However, with the release of an unredacted February 1, 2020, Anthony Fauci email by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, it appears that high-ranking officials in the United States medical infrastructure may have known the truth about “gain of function” research in Wuhan and failed to warn the appropriate authorities and the general public.

Fauci-email

Fauci noted the scientists were "concerned about the fact that upon viewing the sequences of several isolates of the nCoV, there were mutations in the virus that would be most unusual to have evolved naturally in the bats and that there was a suspicion that this mutation was intentionally inserted."

Fauci also noted, "The suspicion was heightened by the fact that scientists in Wuhan University are known to have been working on gain-of-function experiments to determine the molecular mechanisms associated with bat viruses adapting to human infection, and the outbreak originated in Wuhan." 

The answer is clear...

High-ranking officials in the medical establishment, CIA, and DOD were involved in funding gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab, and an overt cover-up of crucial details that strongly suggested that the COVID-19 virus was artificial was withheld from the public.

As for pursuing legal damages against another foreign country, the United States would also be culpable for damage claims presented by almost every country on the planet.

Bottom line...

One of the most historic losses of life has been covered up, and there is little or no chance that any government official will be held accountable for this preventable tragedy. Even now, gain of function research is ongoing, and the U.S. is continuing to fund the Wuhan Institute of Virology. 

It is time to put aside the faux racist and sexist bullshit to concentrate on deadly serious matters with real and profound lethal effects. 

It is time for a regime change -- the progressive communist democrats cannot be trusted with national defense, and our nation's premier intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been deeply compromised.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

 

 

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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 HIDDEN DANGER OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ROBOT-SCREWED

More and more, I see and hear the chattering class and talking heads discussing the perils of job loss related to the adoption of artificial intelligence. Giving short shrift to other potential dangers associated with artificial intelligence

  • Job Displacement, Unemployment, and Economic Inequality

  • Security Risks and Privacy Concerns

  • Bias and Discrimination

  • Manipulation and Disinformation

  • Lack of Transparency and Accountability

  • Compromise of Ethical and Moral Decision-Making

  • Social Isolation and Loss of Interpersonal Skills

  • Deference and the Loss of Individual Agency

  • Autonomous Medical Devices and Weaponry

  • Incomplete Training and Synthetic “Hallucinations”

  • Loss of Commonsense Reasoning and a Need for Counterintuitive Thinking

  • Superintelligence and Control over Humanity

  • Other Black Swan Unintended Consequences

Yada. Yada. Yada.

There is little doubt that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, and while these dangers exist, they are not inevitable outcomes of AI development. And if you want to explore the issue, perhaps some of the greatest study tools lie within the bounds of “speculative fiction.” The term “science fiction” appears to have fallen by the cultural wayside sometime in the latter half of the 20th century.

The real danger: the day someone pulls the plug…

What is rarely discussed is the inevitable outcome of the persistent and prolonged use of embedded AI systems. An overreliance on AI systems that leads to a national security disaster, the loss of national and personal resilience, including the loss of human skills and critical thinking abilities. In other words, the dumbing down of America and its citizens that comes from the heavy reliance on AI for decision-making that ultimately degrades our capacity to understand complex problems and make independent judgments.

For those who believe this is an unlikely scenario, might I point to the ongoing disaster before your eyes? 

Exposure to digital devices, calculators, and watches has demonstrable adverse effects on the development of our children, the next generation of leaders.

  1. Loss of Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills: Increased use of digital devices can lead to reduced practice and proficiency in handwriting, which develops precise motor control and hand-eye coordination, which may not be exercised as much when typing on a keyboard or touchscreen.

  2. Loss of Mental Calculation and Math Skills: Relying heavily on calculators for mathematical calculations can hinder a child's ability to perform calculations mentally, degrading a child’s number sense and understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.

  3. Time Management and Analog Clock Reading: There is no doubt that digital clocks and watches with digital displays provide the time in a convenient digital format. However, it makes it less necessary for children to learn to read analog clocks with hour and minute hands still prevalent in many settings. The lack of proficiency in reading analog devices, including clocks, watches, and gauges, often lead to difficulties in time management and understanding critical measurement concepts.

  4. Reduced Attention Span and Focus: Excessive screen time and exposure to digital devices have been associated with shorter attention spans and reduced abilities to focus for extended periods, compromising one’s ability to sustain attention and concentrate on tasks that require deep thinking or prolonged effort.

  5. Reduced Spatial Awareness and Sense of Direction: GPS navigation and digital mapping tools have made it easier to navigate one’s surroundings without relying on their spatial awareness and sense of direction.

  6. Dependency and addiction to digital devices: It should come as no surprise that digital developers of games, websites, and electronic devices use psychological ploys to make sites and devices engaging, “sticky,” and addictive.

  7. Social Isolation and Disconnection: Reduced face-to-face interaction with family members, peers, and broader societal contacts, often results in a loss of personal confidence, increased shyness, a sense of social isolation, and feelings of loneliness. Artificial friends based on reciprocal behavior and "likes" can become cyberbullying and extremely damaging online experiences. A limited emotional connection which can lead to psychopathic behavior, including a lack of empathy and the understanding of causing pain, injury, and death in others.

  8. Impaired non-verbal communication ability and the inability to discern critical non-verbal cues which can signify imminent harm or other threats.

Bottom line…

There should be absolutely no doubt that you must maintain parental control over your children for their safety, well-being, and healthy development. Ceding control to the experts at school or in the community simply produces another generation of disaffected and increasingly dysfunctional young adults who lack resiliency, coping skills, and the ability to shift for themselves in today's complex and dangerous environment.

We are screwed, but even worse, our children and grandchildren are being screwed as we do nothing and watch the progressive communist democrats destroy our nation, our culture, and our quality of life.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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 YOU TRUST BIDEN'S NUMBERS?

Can you trust the government’s numbers?

Given that the Biden Administration is desperate to take their domestic economic policy failures off the table before a substantial GOP debate, can we trust a government to tell the truth when they have corrupted our nation’s premier intelligence, law enforcement, and financial agencies while openly lying to Congress?

Or, trust the corrupt corporatized media that serves as the Administration’s propagandists and remain incurious about blatant scandals in front of their very eyes?

Fed-1

BLS-1Consumer Price Index Summary         

Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until 8:30 a.m. (ET) Wednesday, July 12, 2023, USDL-23-1523

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - JUNE 2023

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.2 percent in June on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.1 percent in May, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.0 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter was the largest contributor to the monthly all items increase, accounting for over 70 percent of the increase, with the index for motor vehicle insurance also contributing. The food index increased 0.1 percent in June after increasing 0.2 percent the previous month.

The index for food at home was unchanged over the month while the index for food away from home rose 0.4 percent in June. The energy index rose 0.6 percent in June as the major energy component indexes were mixed. The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2 percent in June, the smallest 1-month increase in that index since August 2021. Indexes which increased in June include shelter, motor vehicle insurance, apparel, recreation, and personal care. The indexes for airline fares, communication, used cars and trucks, and household furnishings and operations were among those that decreased over the month.

The all items index increased 3.0 percent for the 12 months ending June; this was the smallest 12-month increase since the period ending March 2021. The all items less food and energy index rose 4.8 percent over the last 12 months. The energy index decreased 16.7 percent for the 12 months ending June, and the food index increased 5.7 percent over the last year.

The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 3.4 percent over the last 12 months. For the month, the index increased 0.3 percent on a not seasonally adjusted basis. Please note that the indexes for the past 10 to 12 months are subject to revision.

[OCS: Here are some essential footnotes that use weasel words to provide wiggle room to lie in a “preliminary data release” to generate favorable government headlines.]

In calculating the index, price changes for the various items in each location are aggregated using weights, which represent their importance in the spending of the appropriate population group.

The index measures price change from a designed reference date.

The CPI is a statistical estimate that is subject to sampling error because it is based upon a sample of retail prices and not the complete universe of all prices.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) produces both unadjusted and seasonally adjusted data. Seasonally adjusted data are computed using seasonal factors derived by the X-13ARIMA-SEATS seasonal adjustment method. These factors are updated each February, and the new factors are used to revise the previous 5 years of seasonally adjusted data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses intervention analysis seasonal adjustment (IASA) for some CPI series. Sometimes extreme values or sharp movements can distort the underlying seasonal pattern of price change. Intervention analysis seasonal adjustment is a process by which the distortions caused by such unusual events are estimated and removed from the data prior to calculation of seasonal factors.

The CPI-U and CPI-W are considered final when released, but the C-CPI-U is issued in preliminary form and subject to three subsequent quarterly revisions.

For the C-CPI-U, data are issued only at the national level.

<Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics>

Bottom line…

Believe your wallet. Your prices are an accurate indicator of inflation and other economic woes.

And, let us not forget the hidden taxes buried in those utility bills and other charges so you don’t see them totaled on your tax return. If you want to scare yourself, total all the taxes and fees on your utility bills for the year and consider it part of your overall tax burden.

We must do everything in our power to reject progressive communist democrats and Republicans in name only so that the 2024 election will be the first step in restoring the loss of trust between the government and its citizens – and is never allowed to happen again.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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 THE IRAN SITUATION ABOUT TO EXPLODE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION?

OBAMA-ISRAEL

There appears to be a pattern and practice in the Biden Administration of creating media events to consume media cycles and distract the American public from the significant foreign policy failures of President Biden and the Biden Administration, which is being stage-managed by acolytes of Barack Obama.

So, what can we make of a little-circulated story concerning Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, and media stories suggesting Iran might be precipitously close to a nuclear test?

U.S. special envoy for Iran Rob Malley on leave, says security clearance "under review"

Media reports indicate that Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, was placed on unpaid leave after his security clearance was suspended earlier this year amidst an investigation into potential mishandling of classified documents. These reports raise serious concerns both regarding Malley’s conduct and whether the State Department misled Congress and the American public.

In a statement to the media, Special Envoy Malley confirmed, “I have been informed that my security clearance is under review. I have not been provided any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon. In the meantime, I am on leave.” According to CNN, a U.S. official indicated that “Malley’s clearance was suspended amid a State Department diplomatic security investigation into the possible mishandling of classified information.”

This news follows the troubling recent revelation that the Biden Administration held indirect “proximity talks” with the Iranian regime in May 2023, underscoring the importance of congressional oversight on Iran negotiations and policy, and for transparency and accountability on the part of the Department and the rest of the Biden Administration.

While the suspension of Special Envoy Malley’s clearance is independently troubling, our concern is compounded by the State Department’s failure to respond to the Committee’s efforts to conduct oversight of its negotiations with and policy toward Iran. Since April 11, 2023, the Committee has repeatedly requested Special Envoy Malley’s testimony, which the Department has not fulfilled, despite Special Envoy Malley’s numerous press engagements dating back to May 30, 2023.

Senior State Department officials informed the Committee that Special Envoy Malley was unable to testify or brief because he was on personal leave due to the illness of a close family member.  At no point did the Department indicate that Special Envoy Malley’s security clearance was suspended or under review, or that he was being investigated for potential misconduct. <Source>

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul ‘Deeply Disturbed’ by Admin Re-Engaging in Talks with Iran

I am disturbed by recent revelations that the Administration has re-engaged in “proximity talks” with the Iranian regime, and that the results of these discussions have included the apparent greenlighting of sizable payments to Iran. This calls into question your Administration’s intent to follow the law and submit any agreement with Iran to Congress, as required by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (“INARA”; 42 U.S.C. 2160e).

Reports indicate that indirect talks between the United States and Iran have been ongoing since December, amid Iran’s cruel and brutal crackdown on popular protests that were triggered by the vicious murder of Mahsa Amini. Meanwhile, Iran is provocatively enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, stonewalling International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigators, and even reconfiguring centrifuges to preserve the option of quickly scaling up enrichment to 84 percent, just shy of weapons-grade. Uranium enrichment at this scale has no credible peaceful purpose. Iran has accumulated irreversible nuclear knowledge. Any deal that merely caps, rather than completely ends, Iran’s nuclear program represents a dangerous undermining of global non- proliferation norms.

Beyond Iran’s nuclear provocations, its malign activity continues to threaten vital U.S. national security interests. Iranian proxies continue to attack U.S. troops in the Middle East. In recent months, Iran has seized several oil tankers operating in international waterways, violating freedom of navigation and attacking the global economy. Iran is attempting to assassinate Americans on U.S. soil and continues to arm its proxies throughout the Middle East. Additionally, Iran is fueling Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine by providing drones and other weapons in violation of restrictions set out under Annex B to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231.

Rather than using United States diplomatic leverage and military deterrence to dissuade Iran from engaging in these malign activities, this Administration is rewarding Iran’s bad behavior in exchange for a false promise of de-escalation.<Source>

Iran moves toward possible atom bomb test in defiance of Western sanctions: intel report

A fresh batch of damning European intelligence reports reveal that the Islamic Republic of Iran sought to bypass U.S. and EU sanctions to secure technology for its nuclear weapons program with a view toward testing an atomic bomb.

According to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), which first published translations of the intelligence documents on its website, the security agencies of Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany revealed sensitive data during the first six months of 2023 on the Iranian regime's illicit nuclear weapons proliferation activities. The reports mainly cover Iran’s alleged illegal conduct in 2022.

The most shocking revelation in the trove of intelligence data was from the Netherlands General and Intelligence Security Service (AVID) that determined Iran’s astonishingly fast development of weapons-grade uranium "brings the option of a possible [Iranian] first nuclear test closer." 

The Biden administration is reportedly seeking to replicate a mini-version of the JCPOA.

"The reality is that Iran has not in any way backed off from its efforts to build nuclear weapons, has taken every opportunity to advance its technological capabilities to this end and has for years misled the international community and lied about its intentions while at the same time widely publicizing its goal to legitimately attain nuclear-threshold status and continues doing so to this day," Ayelet Savyon, director of MEMRI’s Iran Media Project, wrote. <Source>

An Iranian nuclear facility is so deep underground that US airstrikes likely couldn’t reach it

Near a peak of the Zagros Mountains in central Iran, workers are building a nuclear facility so deep in the earth that it is likely beyond the range of a last-ditch U.S. weapon designed to destroy such sites, according to experts and satellite imagery analyzed by The Associated Press.

The photos and videos from Planet Labs PBC show Iran has been digging tunnels in the mountain near the Natanz nuclear site, which has come under repeated sabotage attacks amid Tehran’s standoff with the West over its atomic program.

With Iran now producing uranium close to weapons-grade levels after the collapse of its nuclear deal with world powers, the installation complicates the West’s efforts to halt Tehran from potentially developing an atomic bomb as diplomacy over its nuclear program remains stalled.

Since the demise of the nuclear accord, Iran has said it is enriching uranium up to 60%, though inspectors recently discovered the country had produced uranium particles that were 83.7% pure. That is just a short step from reaching the 90% threshold of weapons-grade uranium.

As of February, international inspectors estimated Iran’s stockpile was over 10 times what it was under the Obama-era deal, with enough enriched uranium to allow Tehran to make “several” nuclear bombs, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. <Source>

Remember…

The Iran Nuclear Agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was allegedly a landmark international agreement reached in 2015 to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

It was a blatant attempt to justify Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize, awarded without any accomplishment affecting world peace. The agreement was born from political corruption and trickery that bypassed the U.S. Senate treaty ratification process and lacked enforceable inspection protocols. Almost a repeat of the Democrat’s failure to contain North Korea’s nuclear program, as they repeatedly lied to gain time to finish their program.

Unlike North Korea, Iran is known for its unique political system, often described as a messianic theocracy based on the belief in a messiah who will bring about a transformational and utopian era following a significant global calamity or natural disaster that is necessary to facilitate the return of the Mahdi, the 9th Imam. Given their hatred of Israel and desire to dominate the region, Iran represents a clear and present danger to U.S. interests and global peace as the old Mullahs may decide to attack Israel with nuclear weapons. 

Bottom line…

I hope the Robert Malley affair is something simple-minded, like a demonstration of the Democrat's willingness to go after one of their own classified document abusers as they are former President Trump. Unfortunately, Malley never held the declassification powers of a president, nor was he subject to the Presidential Records Act.

However, it is well within the realm of possibility that Iran could pay North Korea to test an Iranian device and thus have plausible deniability on the world stage while demonstrating they are a nuclear power like Israel. 

Meanwhile, the Obama acolytes running the Biden Administration continue disparaging Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Something big is coming. Possibly big enough to allow the Democrats to replace a failing President Biden without a national outcry in the 2024 election.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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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PROGRESSIVE COMMUNIST DEMOCRATS, TYRANNY, AND GUN CONTROL

FlaggunA reminder: The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, states: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Our Second Amendment is under attack by the progressive communist democrats and their RINO (Republican In Name Only) co-conspirators.

Be Vigilant!

Here are the common gun control reasons used to drive government gun control policy…

    1. Public Safety: The government has a primary responsibility to ensure public safety and protect their citizens, fearing that widespread gun ownership leads to an increase in gun-related suicides, accidents, homicides, or other violent crimes and that gun possession increases the potential for misuse, accidental discharge, or theft of firearms which poses an unacceptable risk to public safety. Given the number of weapons in the United States, this a statistically questionable.

    2. Crime Prevention: The government believes restricting access to firearms can help deter or reduce crime rates, arguing that fewer guns in private hands would make it more difficult for criminals to acquire firearms, leading to a safer society overall. This is an outright lie, as assailants will use any means accessible to attack their victims.

    3. Law Enforcement: The presence of guns in private hands complicates law enforcement efforts where officers may face increased risks during routine interactions, and the presence of weapons often escalates situations and result in more violence. The media have brainwashed today’s officers to be overly fearful and thus likely to react with deadly force. In many cases, police are loud, obscene, and obnoxious, provoking responses from suspects who may believe, rightfully or wrongfully, that their life is at risk.

    4. Social Instability: The government worries that widespread gun ownership could contribute to social unrest or political instability. They fear that armed individuals or groups could challenge their authority or engage in armed rebellion, potentially disrupting the functioning of society. Yet, the progressive communist democrats who control government did little or nothing to respond to armed “progressive” hooligans who rioted, looted, burned public and private property, and committed murder and mayhem while arresting and jailing unarmed citizens protesting a corrupted election. The government did virtually nothing as $2 billion in assets disappeared.

    5. Accidental Injuries and Deaths: The government is concerned about the risk of unintentional injuries or deaths resulting from the mishandling or improper storage of firearms. This concern is particularly relevant for children or individuals who may not have the necessary training or experience to handle firearms safely. It is the height of craziness to hold millions of people accountable for the accidental consequences of a statistically irrelevant few. Considering deaths from vehicle accidents caused by stringent fuel restrictions which mandate lighter vehicles, unintentional gun deaths are negligible. Yes, gun accidents are a tragedy, especially when children are involved, but that’s life.

    6. Suicide Prevention: The government claims that more accessible access to guns leads to increased suicides, especially during moments of crisis or emotional distress. The government is not responsible for the mental health of citizens. It cannot prevent suicides, be they gun-related, building or bridge-related, vehicle-related, drug-related, or even cop-related.

    7. Public Health: The government views gun violence as a public health issue and a means to enforce restrictions on private gun ownership, ostensibly as a preventive measure to reduce firearms-related injuries and deaths. This is a bogus argument, as every facet of living could be controlled under the guise of “public health.”

What the government does not say about gun control is more telling…

    1. A weapon is a tool, a force multiplier that can be used for good or evil depending on the user's intent. Empowering the weak and physically challenged to stand up to stronger single or multiple assailants.

    2. The number of law-abiding gun owners greatly outweighs those miscreants, criminals, crazies, and terrorists who neither respect the law nor follow its prohibitions.

    3. Most gun issues are related to suicides, drug-related crimes, and crimes perpetrated disproportionately by minorities in specific geographical areas.

    4. The real issue the government refuses to address is crime control, not gun control.

    5. The government's primary responsibility for public safety does not translate into a specific legal duty to protect any particular individual from harm or to provide personal security to each citizen unless you are in government custody at the time of the assault.

    6. Law enforcement agencies have limited resources and cannot be everywhere at all times when they are needed to prevent every attack on your person and property.

    7. Law enforcement is reactive, not proactive, responding to the scene after the fact, which is of little comfort to the victims of an attack. 

    8. Individual Self-Defense: The Second Amendment guarantees an individual's inalienable right to self-defense and a fundamental right to possess firearms for protection against threats to their personal safety and property.

    9. And the greatest fear of any regime is that an armed citizenry acts as a natural law safeguard against government tyranny involving the abuse of authority by government and its officials, resulting in the suppression of freedom, individual liberties, the violation of human rights, and the undermining of democratic principles.

And here are the latest attempts to backdoor gun control…

Throughout history, fascist governments have sought to consolidate power and control various aspects of society by using private industry to advance their agendas, leveraging their resources, influence, and capabilities to further fascist political, economic, and social objectives.

Today, we see the progressive communist democrats using financial pressure and partnerships to influence private industry to advance their gun control agenda by leveraging public funds, grants, or contracts, and tax and regulatory relief to incentivize companies to adopt specific anti-gun policies aligned with government objectives. This includes measures such as restricting sales to specific venues, implementing enhanced background checks, and increasing the cost of firearms through taxation or fees.

  1. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are used to exert control over private corporations, namely denying the availability of public sector financing controlled by large asset managers like BlackRock, Vanguard Group, State Street Global Advisors, Fidelity Investments, and others who control billions or even trillions of dollars who can base their investment decisions on how a corporation adheres to so-called artificial ESG scores which may prioritize elements of the government’s agenda.

  2. Restrictive Lending and Financial Services where financial institutions, including banks and credit card companies, are shaping their lending and financial service policies to indirectly influence gun control efforts by selectively refusing loans or credit to businesses in the firearms industry. By limiting access to capital, these institutions can create financial hardships and drive firearms and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, and retailers out of business.

  3. Insurance Premium Increases and Coverage Restrictions where insurance companies indirectly influence gun control by imposing higher premiums or limiting coverage for policyholders who own firearms. This approach can increase gun owners' costs, making exercising their Second Amendment rights financially burdensome. Insurance providers may argue that the increased risks associated with firearm ownership justify the higher premiums, but this approach can disproportionately impact law-abiding gun owners. Additionally, insurance companies may restrict coverage for liability claims related to firearm accidents or self-defense incidents, creating an additional barrier for gun owners seeking protection against potential legal or financial consequences.

  4. Digital Dollars allow the government or its agents to directly prohibit goods and services that do not support their agenda.

Bottom line…

Our nation and way of life are under attack by the progressive communist democrats.

Unless we protect our liberty, freedom, constitution, and way of life, we are screwed.

-- Steve

NRA-BENEFACTOR-1

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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 THAT COMPLAINT WORTH YOUR TIME?

PO-PEOPLE

Because I can string more than three words together and form coherent sentences, some of my less-abled friends, and you know who you are, ask me to write complaint letters.

I have noticed that most of them cannot describe the situation without anger and tend to overestimate the effect on their lives. We are not speaking of injuries requiring medical attention or big-ticket items that require legal intervention, but minor annoyances and inconveniences.

The process is generally the same for all minor complaints.

  • Clearly Explain the Issue: Can you provide a clear and concise explanation of the problem you encountered, including relevant details such as dates, times, names of individuals involved, and any supporting evidence, including order numbers, receipts, photographs, or any other documentation you may have? Be as specific as you can in describing the issue, focusing on facts rather than your emotional reactions -- which seem to grow angrier with each telling.

  • Know the resolution you want: What action do you expect the individual or organization to take in response to your complaint? Are you seeking an apology, replacement, repair, refund, or compensation? You need to have an “ask” before you demand redress. Unless faced with a matter involving medical or legal intervention, forget pain, suffering, lost time, and spoiled opportunities when thinking about a satisfactory resolution. Unless you can provide a specific request that can be satisfied at an acceptable cost to the individual or organization, nothing much is likely to happen as “they” know the cost of legal action is usually time-consuming and cost prohibitive. That is, except for small claims court, which is available for matters that do not exceed a specific dollar amount.

  • Know who to contact: If you want to maximize the impact of your complaint, consider sending it directly to the individual at their legal address or an organization’s chief executive officer. The likelihood is that anything addressed to a CEO, even if marked “personal and confidential,” will be opened by an administrative assistant and routed to another individual for resolution.

  • Know how to contact: Forget e-mail, website response mechanisms, and telephone calls. Send your complaint with “copies” of your supporting documentation via FedEx or another high-impact, trackable service. Retain the receipt in your documentation pile. If you don't want to spend the money on a courier, that is an indication of the complaint's true worth.

  • Follow-Up: If you haven't received a response within a reasonable timeframe, say two weeks or ten business days, it's appropriate to follow up on your complaint. Send a polite and concise follow-up letter or make a phone call to inquire about the progress of your complaint. This shows your commitment to resolving the issue and may expedite the resolution process. Stay persistent but courteous.

As for the actual letter…

Keep it short, concise, and above all, polite and non-threatening.

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Recipient's Name]

[Company Name if Applicable]

[Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: [Request Outcome]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to express my disappointment and request a [outcome] for a recent purchase I made from your company. I purchased [product name] from your online store on [purchase date], order number [order number].

Upon receiving the product, I discovered [significant defects that rendered it unusable.] The flaws include [describe the specific weaknesses in detail]. I was highly disappointed as I had high expectations for the product based on your reputation and [website's description and positive reviews.]

I have attached photographs of the defects for your reference [if applicable]. Additionally, I have enclosed a copy of the purchase receipt as proof of my transaction.

As a customer, I believe requesting [a full refund for the faulty product] is fair. I kindly ask that you initiate the return process and issue a refund in the original form of payment used for the purchase. I expect the total refund amount to be [mention the exact amount].

I understand that mistakes and product issues can happen, but I trust that your company values customer satisfaction and will take the necessary steps to rectify such situations promptly. I am confident that resolving this matter efficiently will contribute to maintaining your reputation as a reputable and customer-focused business.

Please provide me with clear instructions regarding the return process, including any necessary documentation or shipping labels. I kindly request that you initiate the refund promptly upon receiving the returned product.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a swift resolution. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the provided contact information. I expect a response within [a reasonable time frame, e.g., ten business days] to avoid further inconvenience.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Bottom line…

I have reached the stage of my life where minor annoyances are not worth my time and trouble. My personal rule is simple, if the item costs less than $100 and resolving the issue would be a hassle, forget it and move on.

However, my life has been made immeasurably easier with Amazon and its liberal return policy. If I want a return, replacement, or refund, I simply click a link, print a QR code, and drop the item off, unpackaged, at my local UPS store or nearby store. The credit usually appears within 24 hours. Ezy-Peezy.

For my friends: Don’t be surprised when you get this blog post rather than a completed letter.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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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ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS: DRIVING THE PROGRESSIVE COMMUNIST DEMOCRAT AGENDA

Efp

Napoleon Bonaparte, who was thought to have said, "Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence," never dealt with the progressive communist democrats who are more than willing to destroy our nation to rebuild it and its people in an image that can never exit.

Undoubtedly, America is an industrialized nation, with most people driving pickups in furtherance of their trade rather than social status signaling. So, it should come as no surprise that the progressive communist democrats, in an attempt to reduce America’s industrial capacity, would deliberately turn to electric vehicles to mitigate the effects of climate change, an overblown hysteria regarding the natural variability of climate.

Unfortunately, electric pickup trucks are little more than playthings for dilettantes or virtue-signaling fools who do not rely on the capacity of their vehicles to haul heavy loads over long distances.

Aar

AAA Study: EVs Lose Significant Range When Hauling Heavy Cargo

A new study from the AAA Automotive Engineering research team finds that electric vehicles (EVs) lose a significant amount of range when loaded with heavy cargo.

The study tested the Ford F-150 Lightning, a popular electric pickup truck, and found that its range dropped by 24.5% (from 278 miles to 210) when loaded with 1,400 pounds of sandbags - 110 pounds shy of its maximum capacity.  For context, 1,400 pounds is the same as hauling around 70 bags of mulch or 20 bags of concrete mix.

"This study is important for broadening our understanding of the limitations of electric vehicles,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Range anxiety remains a top reason consumers are hesitant to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs. While this study may heighten concerns, it’s worth remembering that excess weight reduces fuel economy in gas-powered vehicles too.”

"Our testing revealed a significant range reduction, but it’s important to note that the Lightning was loaded to near its maximum capacity," said Greg Brannon, director of AAA Automotive Engineering. "Most buyers will likely use their Lightning with a lighter load, resulting in a much smaller range reduction."

Refer to the full report for methodology details, including specific testing equipment and test track characteristics. <Source>

What’s wrong with electric pickups? Let me count the ways…

  1. Limited range: One of the primary concerns with electric pickup trucks is their limited driving range compared to traditional vehicles. While the range may improve over time, electric pickups still have a lower range than their gasoline or diesel counterparts, limiting their utility for long-distance travel or off-road job sites without access to charging infrastructure.

  2. Charging infrastructure: The availability and accessibility of charging stations are crucial for electric pickup trucks, which like any other tool, must be utilitarian and cost-effective. Although the charging network is expanding, it is still not as extensive as gasoline stations. And they are growing more crowded each day, considering the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle. Since you cannot transport electricity as easily as a five-gallon jerry can of gas or diesel fuel, you may be stranded for long periods of time or face exorbitant towing costs. Let us not forget the “California Warning” about charging your vehicles on high grid usage days. Not everyone can charge their vehicles in the middle of the night.

  3. Charging time: Charging an electric pickup truck takes significantly longer than refueling a traditional truck. Even with fast-charging options, charging a large battery pack can take several hours. This can be inconvenient for drivers who need quick refueling stops during long journeys or commercial truck operators who need to maximize uptime.

  4. Towing and payload capacity: Electric pickup trucks face limitations in towing and payload capacity due to the added weight of batteries. Electric pickups are no match for the higher capacities of their gasoline or diesel counterparts. Additionally, as noted above, hauling heavy loads over long distances can significantly reduce the driving range of electric vehicles.

  5. Price: Electric pickup trucks tend to have a higher upfront cost than traditional trucks, especially considering that government programs subsidize most electric vehicles.

  6. Battery degradation and replacement: Over time, lithium-ion batteries used in electric pickup trucks experience degradation, resulting in reduced range and performance, not to mention multi-thousand-dollar large battery pack replacements. Back-loaded costs mean that the secondary market for used vehicles will be minimal and long-life spans almost non-existent. Lithium-ion batteries do not do well in extremely hot or cold climates, severely limiting battery performance.

  7. Limited model availability: Electric pickup trucks are relatively limited compared to traditional trucks. Considering the market entry of manufacturers without extensive vehicle engineering and maintenance experience, buying a vehicle from an unknown vendor may be a crap shoot.

  8. Catastrophic accidents: Industrial or commercial electric pickup trucks may face additional risks and insurance costs due to the weight distribution, handling characteristics, and the possibility of a “thermal runaway,” a nearly unquenchable fire.

  9. The myth: When considered carefully, the materials used to create electric vehicles are more damaging to the environment than “smog-mitigated” vehicles.

Bottom line…

Regarding electric pickup trucks, the political insanity of progressive communist democrats knows no bounds as it is characterized by irrationality, extreme behavior, and faulty decision-making.

  • The ideological extremism of progressives creates electric pickup scenarios detached from reality or fails to consider the complexities of the real world.

  • Persistent repetition of failed policies -- progressive communist democrats continue to implement and support policies that have proven ineffective and harmful, despite evidence to the contrary.

  • Denial of factual information -- progressives reject, disregard, and censor well-established facts, scientific evidence, or expert consensus except those favoring progressive communist democrat political agendas.

  • Lack of accountability -- after repeatedly failing, progressives refuse to take responsibility for their decisions and actions and avoid transparency and oversight mechanisms that apply checks and balances to a corrupt system.

  • Manipulation and propaganda -- when selling the concept of electric pickup trucks, progressives engage in deceptive practices, misinformation, or propaganda to manipulate public opinion at the expense of truth and integrity.

We are so screwed if we continue to listen to these progressive communist democrat schmucks.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“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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