View Full Version : US Politics Thread 2021-24
Skybird
02-04-25, 05:01 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c805jjk2klko
(UST: ) But it remains unclear whether Trump will follow through on his threats to Canada and Mexico once the 30-day deadline is up. That uncertainty stirs fears that could see businesses reducing their reliance on American markets, holding off on investing in building new factories or hiring workers until the trade stand-off becomes more clear.
(...)
(CANADA: ) The border security measures announced on Monday aren't all new.
In December, Canada announced C$1.3bn ($900m; £700m) in measures that included efforts to disrupt the fentanyl trade, new tools for law enforcement and enhanced co-ordination with US law enforcement.
Canadian surveillance drones and two Black Hawk helicopters recently began patrolling the boundary between the two countries.
Officials have cited those efforts for weeks to show they are taking Trump's border concerns seriously.
(...)
(MEXICO: ) Yes, she agreed to send National Guard troops to the border to focus on fentanyl-smuggling, but crucially she secured what she wanted from Trump, too.
As well as the obvious – a pause on tariffs – she also got Trump to "promise" the US would do more to tackle the traffic of high-powered weapons from the US into Mexico, to prevent them from ending up in the arms of cartel gunmen.
Skybird
02-04-25, 06:28 AM
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/04/politics/trump-blinks-trade-war-analysis/index.html
But what did Trump get? What did it cost? And will it last?
A more objective view of the bizarre showdown with America’s neighbors suggests a blunter truth: Trump blinked.
The president vowed as recently as last week that there was nothing that Canada or Mexico could do to avoid the tariffs he planned to impose.
But he pulled back on imposing them anyway.
As markets tanked on Monday morning, the potential consequences of a North American trade war were laid bare. The potential for tariffs to spike the grocery prices that Trump was partly elected to fix came into focus. There were fresh warnings that the auto industry — a cross-border concern — could seize up and that the price of a new vehicle could soon shoot up by $3,000.
And Canada and Mexico didn’t really give up that much.
For the Canadians, the cost of a new border strategy was far lower than the fallout of a trade war — and they’d offered the $1.3 billion border strengthening program back in December. Adding a new “fentanyl” czar was hardly a huge political loss.
Mexico has several times moved troops to the border. For example, it sent 10,000 in April 2021 at the request of President Joe Biden, who didn’t need to threaten to pitch America’s southern neighbor into a recession to get it to act.
Still, Trump has renewed his reputation as a brazen and belligerent force, who sees little distinction between allies and adversaries and leaves his interlocutors guessing at his next move.
This is a good political look back home among some of Trump’s supporters. But he’s also reinforced the impression, left over from his first term, that he’s merely transactional and cares more about the chance to claim big wins than the substance of his deals.
More seriously, the tariff showdown has confirmed that once again, the foreign policy of the world’s most powerful nation is an expression of Trump’s volatile character.
And by undermining the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal that he argued in his first term was one of the world’s greatest, Trump has undermined trust in America’s word and raised doubts over his capacity to close future deals. Constantly offending the country’s closest friends threatens to undermine Western solidarity against America’s real enemies like Russian and China.
And by backing down at the 11th hour, the president also sent a clear message to Beijing — which has been slapped with a new 10% tariff on exports to the US — that he might jump at a potential deal if it looks like a breakthrough, even if it lacks depth.
Minutes after those tariffs came in, China retaliated with its own new set of duties (https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/business/china-us-trade-retaliation-hnk-intl) which will come into effect on February 10.
(...)
Trump claims that Canada was failing to crack down on undocumented migration and fentanyl crossing the border. But federal statistics show that of the 21,889 pounds of fentanyl seized by US border authorities in the 2024 fiscal year, only 43 pounds were taken at the Canadian border (https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/politics/us-canada-trade-fentanyl-fact-check/index.html). And of the approximately 1.6 million US Border Patrol encounters with migrants at places other than legal ports of entry, just 23,721, or about 1.5%, were at the northern border.
Two offended befriended neighbours, a president who blinked twice at the last minute - to those who see through the stage tricks, Trump has just weakened himself for sure. The EU will take note of it, China as well.
It's all just insubstantial theatre thunder. The way you fool small children with an empty hand and a little dexterity.
Otto Harkaman
02-04-25, 08:01 AM
Big deal headlines China imposes 15% tariffs (on LNG which they are a major importer and US major exporter) fine we can sell the LNG to the Germans.
No mention of soybeans
Trump warned he might increase tariffs on China further unless Beijing stemmed the flow of fentanyl, a deadly opioid, into the US.
China has called fentanyl a US problem and said it would challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization and take other countermeasures, but also left the door open for talks.
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/2/4/china-retaliates-with-tariffs-on-us-goods-after-trumps-move
Skybird
02-04-25, 09:04 AM
Both China and Trump want to dismantle the current world order, like Putin also. It seems to me playing tit-for-tat with tariffs is a good way to make quick progress on this matter.
Wah wah wah. Trump has already got good results from his strategy. If a border nation is going to allow Fentanyl and illegals to stream over our borders then they will pay a price for doing so. It's too bad they had to be pushed into doing the right thing.
Catfish
02-04-25, 10:56 AM
Trump "has got" nothing, and US citizens will pay.
He is no politician and even less a successful businessman. After alienating close allies, who will want to "make deals" with an impostor.
It takes years to build trust, and trade relations.
In the end nothing will come out of this but irritation and high prices.
Buddahaid
02-04-25, 11:04 AM
Wah wah wah. Trump has already got good results from his strategy. If a border nation is going to allow Fentanyl and illegals to stream over our borders then they will pay a price for doing so. It's too bad they had to be pushed into doing the right thing.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7569/MNK7ya.jpg
And part of that agreement requires the US to stop illegal gun traffic to Mexico and who uses that fentanyl in the US?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nSevc-15QU&t=12s
Aktungbby
02-04-25, 11:36 AM
Trump "has got" nothing, and US citizens will pay.
He is no politician and even less a successful businessman. After alienating close allies, who will want to "make deals" with an impostor.
It takes years to build trust, and trade relations.
In the end nothing will come out of this but irritation and high prices....:hmmm: he'd actually look better with a little mustache on his upper lip...then the real boss, Elon von M., would really be saluting!??:ping::ping::ping:
Government of Canada announces its plan to strengthen border security and our immigration systemNews release
December 17, 2024 – Ottawa, Canada
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, along with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, released Canada’s Border Plan. Backed by an investment of $1.3 billion and built around five pillars, this plan will bolster border security, strengthen our immigration system and contribute to ensuring Canada's future prosperity.
Detecting and disrupting the fentanyl trade
The Government of Canada will increase support to law enforcement agencies in detecting, intercepting and addressing fentanyl and precursor chemicals by adding artificial intelligence and imaging tools that will further help detect illegal drugs before they enter Canada. As well, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will train and deploy new canine teams to intercept illegal drugs. The agency currently has over 80 detector dog teams located at various ports of entry across Canada. CBSA will also deploy new chemical detection tools at high-risk ports of entry. Health Canada will create a new Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to support 2,000 investigations a year, and expand capacity at regional labs.
By launching a new Chemical Precursor Risk Management Unit, Health Canada will be able to provide better insight into precursor chemicals and distribution channels, enhance monitoring and surveillance and enable timely law enforcement action. In addition, Health Canada will accelerate the regulatory process for banning precursors so that border and law enforcement can take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use. Yada Yada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2024/12/government-of-canada-announces-its-plan-to-strengthen-border-security-and-our-immigration-system.html Canada already been negotiated this deal with President Biden what Trump claims as victory same goes for Mexico. Ever getting the feeling you get cheated?
Aktungbby
02-04-25, 12:12 PM
...and now the toadying sycophants are lining up to kiss the Donald's ass: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/rubio-says-el-salvador-offers-to-accept-u-s-deportees-of-any-nationality-including-violent-american-criminals Rubio was visiting El Salvador to press a friendly government to do more to meet President Donald Trump’s demands for a major crackdown on immigration.
Bukele confirmed the offer in a post on X, saying El Salvador has “offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system.” He said his country would accept only “convicted criminals” and would charge a fee that “would be relatively low for the U.S. but significant for us, making our entire prison system sustainable.”
Elon Musk, the billionaire working with Trump to remake the federal government, responded on his X platform, “Great idea!!”
Ostfriese
02-04-25, 01:00 PM
Wah wah wah. Trump has already got good results from his strategy. If a border nation is going to allow Fentanyl and illegals to stream over our borders then they will pay a price for doing so. It's too bad they had to be pushed into doing the right thing.
Good results? Trump got EXACTLY the things the Mexican and Canadian governments had already agreed to in a deal with the Biden administration - and nothing else.
Trump pissed of the two direct neighbours for no gain at all. I'd call that "pathetic", and I'd even agree if someone called that an "overstatement".
Good results? Trump got EXACTLY the things the Mexican and Canadian governments had already agreed to in a deal with the Biden administration - and nothing else.
Yeah right, these so called deals with the Biden Administration were never implemented and they would never have been implemented had not Trump pushed them off their butts with the threat of tariffs.
Ostfriese
02-04-25, 03:10 PM
Yeah right, these so called deals with the Biden Administration were never implemented and they would never have been implemented had not Trump pushed them off their butts with the threat of tariffs.
Yeah, sure. Continue to lie to yourself as musch as you like.
Yeah, sure. Continue to lie to yourself as musch as you like.
Whatever.
Can you tell me which parts of these so called agreements have implemented by either Mexico or Canada?
Why wouldn't Europe buy American stuff like their agricultural machineries ?
Heard Trump in the news complaining about it.
Which made me wonder why ?
Markus
Jeff-Groves
02-04-25, 04:40 PM
Did you know one of the biggest (If not the biggest) Ground Engaging Wear Parts Company in the USA is NOT American owned?
So things like that may be part of his crazyness.
Skybird
02-04-25, 04:49 PM
The tightest of the tight...
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump.
The panel voted along party lines, 14-13.
It was a high-stakes vote for Kennedy, as with the committee’s makeup it would have taken just one Republican to oppose him for his nomination to be potentially sunk.
(...)
Kennedy's nomination will next head to the floor for consideration before the full Senate. A final vote could occur this week or early next week.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rfk-jr-faces-high-stakes-vote-bid-become/story?id=118413322
Did you know one of the biggest (If not the biggest) Ground Engaging Wear Parts Company in the USA is NOT American owned?
So things like that may be part of his crazyness.
I don't even know what a Ground Engaging Wear Parts Company does!
u crank
02-04-25, 05:30 PM
I don't even know what a Ground Engaging Wear Parts Company does!
:haha:
I just looked it up. It is the business end of a backhoe. :D
Jeff-Groves
02-04-25, 07:12 PM
Snow plows, teeth on buckets, blades for graders, and a bunch more stuff use replaceable parts as they wear down.
Ground Engageing Wear Parts is what they are called.
I worked at one of those Companies for about 8 years.
:up:
Snow plows, teeth on buckets, blades for graders, and a bunch more stuff use replaceable parts as they wear down.
Ground Engageing Wear Parts is what they are called.
I worked at one of those Companies for about 8 years.
:up:
:salute:
So what country owns the biggest company?
Jeff-Groves
02-04-25, 07:53 PM
I believe it's the Weir Group. Based in Glasglow.
Catfish
02-04-25, 09:00 PM
I believe it's the Weir Group. Based in Glasglow.
Scotland? Tarriffs and blackmail to the rescue!! :D
Meanwhile:
"Trump says he wants the U.S. to take ownership of the Gaza Strip", "resettle palestinians elsewhere"
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/04/nx-s1-5287012/trump-netanyahu-ceasefire-gaza
"During a press conference between the two leaders [with Netanjahu], Trump said they talked about relocating some 1.8 million Palestinians and leveling the Gaza Strip, which he suggested could become the "Riviera of the Middle East" under U.S. ownership."
Lmao.
He sure knows how to make enemies..
Buddahaid
02-04-25, 09:02 PM
...He sure knows how to make enemies..
It's his superpower. :salute:
Scotland? Tarriffs and blackmail to the rescue!! :D
Meanwhile:
"Trump says he wants the U.S. to take ownership of the Gaza Strip", "resettle palestinians elsewhere"
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/04/nx-s1-5287012/trump-netanyahu-ceasefire-gaza
"During a press conference between the two leaders [with Netanjahu], Trump said they talked about relocating some 1.8 million Palestinians and leveling the Gaza Strip, which he suggested could become the "Riviera of the Middle East" under U.S. ownership."
Lmao.
He sure knows how to make enemies..
I've said this since 2016. He pisses off all the right people. :yep:
Ostfriese
02-05-25, 12:30 AM
Why wouldn't Europe buy American stuff like their agricultural machineries ?
Heard Trump in the news complaining about it.
Which made me wonder why ?
Markus
Just more white noise from Trump. John Deere is one of the most common tractor brands uses in Germany (and in Western Europe), and they have at least two large factories in Germany.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nCpfqB-2m4k&pp=ygUPc3RlcGhlbiBjb2xiZXJ0
<O>
Skybird
02-05-25, 07:18 AM
Scotland? Tarriffs and blackmail to the rescue!! :D
Meanwhile:
"Trump says he wants the U.S. to take ownership of the Gaza Strip", "resettle palestinians elsewhere"
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/04/nx-s1-5287012/trump-netanyahu-ceasefire-gaza
"During a press conference between the two leaders [with Netanjahu], Trump said they talked about relocating some 1.8 million Palestinians and leveling the Gaza Strip, which he suggested could become the "Riviera of the Middle East" under U.S. ownership."
Lmao.
As if anyone still cares for Palestinian Arabs, no matter his national or ideological camp. If they want to sit on in that sand and rubble and watch their kids playing in the dirt like they did in the past years and decades, let them. My interest is that Europe - and especially Germany - does not end up footing any more bills for Gaza strip. Leave that to the other Arabs. Enough is enough.
Give a piece of desert to the Israelis, and they turn it into a agricultural habitat with innovative solutions to deal with the lack of water, and a high tech oasis with science and development and moderate wealth and a law-and-order state for all. Leave the same piece of desert to their neighbours, and 50 years later you will see the same piece of land, not being improved at all.
We must not care anymore. At the end of the Six-day-war 1967, around 350,000 people lived in the territory named Gaza strip. 2023 it were 2,2 million. Not bad for a people that all the time is complaining they cant make a living while at the same time doing all that they can to piss the Israelis and give them any reason they need to take security measures aganst them. Being good neighbours - takes two.
No, we must not care anymore. Let the Arabs handle and finance them. Alone.
Ostfriese
02-05-25, 08:10 AM
Elon Musk, a non-elected official, prevented USAID-employees from doing their work. Or, in other words: The richest man in the world decided that the poorest people in the world don't deserve to live.
Commander Wallace
02-05-25, 08:13 AM
Elon Musk, a non-elected official, prevented USAID-employees from doing their work. Or, in other words: The richest man in the world decided that the poorest people in the world don't deserve to live.
That's just BS on so many levels. What it really means is that the welfare system for the rest of the world on the backs of the American People is OVER.
Sorry folks, the free ride is over.
Exocet25fr
02-05-25, 08:19 AM
^
Give a piece of desert to the Israelis, and they turn it into a agricultural habitat with innovative solutions!
Ok !, i suggest you relocate israel in the mojave desert, and let the Palestine to the Palestinians, and the israelians handle and finance them. Alone.! :D
Very good for Usa and trump!
Commander Wallace
02-05-25, 08:27 AM
^
Ok !, relocate israel in the mojave desert without aid, and let the Palestine to the Palestinians, et the israelians handle and finance them. Alone.! :D
Not even close to the same thing. We decide, the American people, who we help. France, Germany or any other Country doesn't decide that for us.. We have given Billions to help support Ukraine. Other Countries in Europe like the U.K, Germany, Poland and I'm sure others have helped Ukraine with material assistance and money as well. I hope that aid continues as the Ukraine deserves to live free like other Countries in Europe.
Besides, Israel has various industries in Aerospace and others and does just fine on it's own. :yep:
Skybird
02-05-25, 08:30 AM
Elon Musk, a non-elected official, prevented USAID-employees from doing their work. Or, in other words: The richest man in the world decided that the poorest people in the world don't deserve to live.
Or in other words the elected president ordered to dismantle USAID and bring it's branch into the ministry of foreign affairs. What imo is just common sense.
When I see how Germany allows itself to be made a fool of by other countries, whose partly corrupt governments it pays ridiculously high amounts of development aid, while these countries refuse to take back rejected asylum seekers, who are after all their own citizens, then I wish that German development aid would also be wound up.
Commander Wallace
02-05-25, 08:41 AM
Or in other words the elected president ordered to dismantle USAID and bring it's branch into the ministry of foreign affairs. What imo is just common sense.
When I see how Germany allows itself to be made a fool of by other countries, whose partly corrupt governments it pays ridiculously high amounts of development aid, while these countries refuse to take back rejected asylum seekers, who are after all their own citizens, then I wish that German development aid would also be wound up.
The U.S feels much the same way. Germany has done much to build itself into the powerhouse that it is, in terms of Culture, Economic power and Technology. Germany, the U.K and others are being taken advantage of the same as we are. Fortunately, Europe and especially Poland and Hungary are waking up to those facts and taking action.
Exocet25fr
02-05-25, 08:44 AM
^
We decide, the American people, who we help. France, Germany or any other Country doesn't decide that for us..
But you can decide, you american people, to relocate Palestinians, any other country doesn't decide that for them where they are living !:yeah:
Commander Wallace
02-05-25, 08:47 AM
^
We decide, the American people, who we help. France, Germany or any other Country doesn't decide that for us..
But you can decide, you american people, to relocate Palestinians, any other country doesn't decide that for them where they are living !:yeah:
To be fair, I have no Idea what to make of what President Trump has said. I wish we ( U.S ) would just stay out of it. I think that was just rhetoric by President Trump or bombastic comments. I hope it's nothing more than that.
Skybird
02-05-25, 08:53 AM
Germany has done much to build itself into the powerhouse that it once was, in terms of Culture, Economic power and Technology. Corrected.
See my latest link/translation in the Germany thread.
Commander Wallace
02-05-25, 09:03 AM
Corrected.
See my latest link/translation in the Germany thread.
You may feel that way that Germany ONCE was a powerhouse. I think that the German people are a stubborn lot and will re-imagine themselves into what you feel they once were. I can say that as I am half German and have seen that determination in my own family. :yep:
If the German people can conceive of a new reality or reinvent themselves, I would bet by sheer force of will, the German's will make that happen. :yep:
u crank
02-05-25, 09:16 AM
But you can decide, you american people, to relocate Palestinians, any other country doesn't decide that for them where they are living !:yeah:
I don't think there is any chance it will happen. First of all you would have to convince other states in the region to accept Palestinians, something they have resisted for seventy odd years. And we all know why.
Otto Harkaman
02-05-25, 09:28 AM
Inclusion Politics and USAID
Inclusive Development Practices
USAID’s involvement in DEI is multifaceted, reflecting an evolution from traditional aid delivery toward an integrated approach that considers social, economic, and political inclusion as essential to sustainable development. USAID supports initiatives that promote inclusive political participation. This includes programs that encourage marginalized communities to engage in local governance and decision-making processes.
The agency has developed comprehensive Gender Equality Strategies and Gender Action Plans, such as the initiatives laid out in its multi-year planning documents, which detail objectives, benchmarks, and evaluation methods. The approach is to use disaggregated data in program planning so that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of these groups.
Implementing DEI principles in diverse cultural contexts can be challenging. requiring USAID to carefully tailor its approach to respect local dynamics while advancing human rights. By addressing structural inequalities, USAID aims to create long-term stability and resilience in the communities it supports.
Skybird
02-05-25, 03:52 PM
You may feel that way that Germany ONCE was a powerhouse. I think that the German people are a stubborn lot and will re-imagine themselves into what you feel they once were. I can say that as I am half German and have seen that determination in my own family. :yep:
If the German people can conceive of a new reality or reinvent themselves, I would bet by sheer force of will, the German's will make that happen. :yep:
Thats a rather romantic assessment that ignores the changes that have taken place since "then". This is no longer the Germany you have learned to see it as. I find it hard to connect the present to the Germany of my schooldays. My elderly parents are downright bitter about the destruction of everything they had come to value in terms of values, culture and German ideals and qulities. The last 20 years have been devastating, but the destruction has already been planned since the late 1960s. It is almost complete now. Demographic developments are doing the rest.
I fear that if you were to visit Germany and stay here long enough to see behind the facade, you would be disappointed. This is no longer the Germany of 2006 and the football summer fairytale that delighted all the international guests. I finished school in 1985, whcih were still good years. These ended some years after reunification. Since the mid or late 90s, I see Germany ever more and ever faster declining.
Skybird
02-05-25, 07:21 PM
I thought about some things.
Trump says he wants Ukrainian rare earths. 20,000 deposits in Ukraine, with over one hundred minerals. 70% of that in Russian occupied areas. Worth several trillion dollars. RESSOURCES. TRILLIONS.
Trump says he wants Greenland. Plenty of ressources in the ground. Oil, gas, and more. Worth trillions of dollars. RESSOURCES. TRILLIONS.
Trump says he wants Gaza. In the eastern Mediterranean around Cyprus, neighboring countries and Turkey are arguing over suspected gas deposits. Billions of qubic meters are assumed to be there, possibly worth trillions in dollar. RESSOURCES. TRILLIONS.
Food for thought.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gMwvGnsnkEU
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtnm1vrCptY
<O>
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 07:12 AM
Elon Musk, a non-elected official, prevented USAID-employees from doing their work. Or, in other words: The richest man in the world decided that the poorest people in the world don't deserve to live.
Musk is a consultant. The US government does use outside consulting. Second, USAID created by JFK has gone beyond what it was intended. Payouts for DEI activities. DEI plays. DEI is not aid to people. It has become a slush fund for liberals. USAID is going back to its original intentions. Aid around the world. No more pushing a liberal agenda. Not to mention, this is one agency of many that needs to be truly audited. Trump is doing what he was voted in to do. Stop government waste and frivolous spending. Here a a few examples that USAID and other agencies are funding:
Several egregious examples include:
$15 million for condoms to the Taliban through USAID.
$446,700 to promote the expansion of atheism in Nepal through the State Department.
$1 million to boost French-speaking LGBTQ groups in West and Central Africa through the State Department.
$14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the southern border through the State Department.
$20,600 for a drag show in Ecuador through the State Department.
$47,020 for a transgender opera in Colombia through the State Department.
$32,000 for an LGBTQ-centered comic book in Peru through the State Department.
$55,750 for a climate change presentation warning about the impact of climate change in Argentina to be led by female and LGBT journalists through the StateDepartment.
$3,315,446 for “being LGBTQ in the Caribbean” through USAID.
$7,071.58 for a BIPOC speaker series in Canada through the State Department.
$80,000 for an LGBTQ community center in Bratislava, Slovakia through the State Department.
$3.2 million to help Tunisian migrants readjust to life in Tunisia after deportation through the State Department.
$16,500 to foster a “united and equal queer-feminist discourse in Albanian society” through the State Department.
$10,000 to pressure Lithuanian corporations to promote “DEI values” through the State Department.
$8,000 to promote DEI among LGBTQ groups in Cyprus through the State Department.
$1.5 million to promote job opportunities for LGBTQ individuals in Serbia through USAID.
$70,884 to create a U.S.-Irish musical to promote DEI in Ireland through the State Department.
$39,652 to host seminars at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on gender identity and racial equality through the State Department.
$2.5 million to build electric vehicle charging stations in Vietnam’s largest cities through USAID.
$425,622 to help Indonesian coffee companies become more climate and gender friendly through USAID.
This my friend is not humanitarian aid.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 09:15 AM
Musk is a consultant. The US does use outside consulting. Second, USAID created by JFK has gone beyond what it was intended. Payouts for DEI activities. DEI plays. DEI is not aid to people. It has become a slush fund for liberals. USAID is going back to its original intentions. Aid around the world. No more pushing a liberal agenda. Not to mention, this is one agency of many that needs to be truly audited. Trump is doing what he was voted in to do. Stop government waste and frivolous spending. Here a a few examples that USAID and other agencies are funding:
Several egregious examples include:
$15 million for condoms to the Taliban through USAID.
$446,700 to promote the expansion of atheism in Nepal through the State Department.
$1 million to boost French-speaking LGBTQ groups in West and Central Africa through the State Department.
$14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the southern border through the State Department.
$20,600 for a drag show in Ecuador through the State Department.
$47,020 for a transgender opera in Colombia through the State Department.
$32,000 for an LGBTQ-centered comic book in Peru through the State Department.
$55,750 for a climate change presentation warning about the impact of climate change in Argentina to be led by female and LGBT journalists through the StateDepartment.
$3,315,446 for “being LGBTQ in the Caribbean” through USAID.
$7,071.58 for a BIPOC speaker series in Canada through the State Department.
$80,000 for an LGBTQ community center in Bratislava, Slovakia through the State Department.
$3.2 million to help Tunisian migrants readjust to life in Tunisia after deportation through the State Department.
$16,500 to foster a “united and equal queer-feminist discourse in Albanian society” through the State Department.
$10,000 to pressure Lithuanian corporations to promote “DEI values” through the State Department.
$8,000 to promote DEI among LGBTQ groups in Cyprus through the State Department.
$1.5 million to promote job opportunities for LGBTQ individuals in Serbia through USAID.
$70,884 to create a U.S.-Irish musical to promote DEI in Ireland through the State Department.
$39,652 to host seminars at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on gender identity and racial equality through the State Department.
$2.5 million to build electric vehicle charging stations in Vietnam’s largest cities through USAID.
$425,622 to help Indonesian coffee companies become more climate and gender friendly through USAID.
This my friend is not humanitarian aid.
:agree: I don't think anyone could have said that better than you did. No more exporting warped Ideology around the world. I think Musk will find considerably more waste and the Democrat's are terrified. I think the spending record of the Democrats should be opened so that U.S citizens can see how they have been fleeced. I do think these organizations are just fronts whereby the Democrats have just stolen money and laundered it through seeming legitimate organizations, however warped they may be..
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 09:24 AM
:agree: I don't think anyone could have said that better than you did. No more exporting warped Ideology around the world. I think Musk will find considerably more waste and the Democrat's are terrified. I think the spending record of the Democrats should be opened so that U.S citizens can see how they have been fleeced. I do think these organizations are just fronts whereby the Democrats have just stolen money and laundered it through seeming legitimate organizations, however warped they may be..
And you nailed it. The taxpayers are getting "fleeced" by the swamp in DC. This is all a result of pork in bills, no oversight and accountability. Pet projects of no use to anyone in the USA. The federal government has gone beyond what is was intended. It is fiscally out of control. All have been busy looking the other way. Now someone is effectively looking. What has been found in just two weeks is astonishing.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 09:32 AM
And you nailed it. The taxpayers are getting "fleeced" by the swamp in DC. This is all a result of pork in bills, no oversight and accountability. Pet projects of no use to anyone in the USA. The federal government has gone beyond what is was intended. It is fiscally out of control. All have been busy looking the other way. Now someone is effectively looking. What has been found in just two weeks is astonishing.
:sign_yeah: Stay tuned, Chris. I'm sure we AIN'T see nothing yet. Initially, President Trump had said he wanted to find a trillion dollars in waste. I think they will find considerably more. I think the procurement program at the Pentagon is also out of control. I think Musk and company will find more waste as well.
My biggest concern is for their safety ( this Administration ) and well being as more waste is uncovered. People ( Democrats ) want to shut them down and shut them up.
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 09:43 AM
:sign_yeah: Stay tuned, Chris. I'm sure we AIN'T see nothing yet. Initially, President Trump had said he wanted to find a trillion dollars in waste. I think they will find considerably more. I think the procurement program at the Pentagon is also out of control. I think Musk and company will find more waste as well.
My biggest concern is for their safety ( this Administration ) and well being as more waste is uncovered. People ( Democrats ) want to shut them down and shut them up.
It will be interesting to watch. It will be even more interesting what may or may not be felt in our wallets.
And, local governments are now checking their backyards for frivolous spending and waste. Just last week a whistle blower advised of a supervisor spending hours at a residence. Not only during working hours but using the county car. This person was looking after a family member who eventually died. I'm sorry to hear that but take the family medical leave. Personal days or vacation time. Don't pretend to be on the job when they are not.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 09:52 AM
It will be interesting to watch. It will be even more interesting what may or may not be felt in our wallets.
And, local governments are now checking their backyards for frivolous spending and waste. Just last week a whistle blower advised of a supervisor spending hours at a residence. Not only during working hours but using the county car. This person was looking after a family member who eventually died. I'm sorry to hear that but take the family medical leave. Personal days or vacation time. Don't pretend to be on the job when they are not.
With the termination of worthless " programs " we can make use of the cost savings. I'm not sure if we will see a reduction in taxes. However, I think if common sense prevails and I think it will, we can start paying down our debt which should have an impact on inflation. I don't believe things will get better overnight but I do believe we are on the right track.
Perhaps even better is that other leaders in Europe are watching the U.S and deciding they need to clean house as well. They have similar Issues as the U.S. Maybe, just maybe, the leaders there can get on track and deliver prosperity for their people. God knows they deserve it too.
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 10:01 AM
With the termination of worthless " programs " we can make use of the cost savings. I'm not sure if we will see a reduction in taxes. However, I think if common sense prevails and I think it will, we can start paying down our debt which should have an impact on inflation. I don't believe things will get better overnight but I do believe we are on the right track.
Perhaps even better is that other leaders in Europe are watching the U.S and deciding they need to clean house as well. They have similar Issues as the U.S. Maybe, just maybe, the leaders there can get on track and deliver prosperity for their people. God knows they deserve it too.
They created the debt. They need to figure out how to pay it. The entire group just finds it easier to increase spending and taxes to cover it but never took the real time to reduce spending. They got away with it for decades. It was the path of least resistance between them and the evening cocktails at Fiola Mare(DC). The general public just went along with it. Very disappointing it came to head like this. No one should be surprised. I hope the world is watching.
I presume that the steps taken against USAID spending are not quiet popular in certain groups of Politicians and authorities.
However from what I have read here-It was needed.
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 10:45 AM
I presume that the steps taken against USAID spending are not quiet popular in certain groups of Politicians and authorities.
However from what I have read here-It was needed.
Markus
Your presumption is correct, Markus. As Otto, AVGWarhawk and others have alluded to, These " programs " may well be just fronts. You may not understand the lingo. Fronts are nothing more than a way to legitimize spending which may just be a way to launder money through " legitimate " enterprises and disguise it's tracks.
AVGWarhawk has said that USAID is little more than a slush fund. I believe that is a very accurate characterization. The democrats are livid they have been found out and that their radical BS policies have come to a grinding halt. I think if more people, Republican, Democrats, Libertarians and independents know they are being taken, then we have a common cause. Democrats are afraid this will galvanize the general public against them. The Democrats know this will have a detrimental impact on them in the Midterm elections in two years.
Long term, this could effectively be the end of the Democrat party which has let themselves be taken over by radical leftists. The Democrats are still at it with their BS over getting kids sex change operations and lunacy like that. The Democrats will pay for their positions in two years with the Midterm Elections. Common sense is back in town. Many years ago, the Democrat party stood for the working man. The democrats have destroyed that premise and themselves as American politics have never been as polarized as they are now. That polarization is overwhelmingly against the Democratic agenda and is likely to increase as more information becomes available.
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 11:02 AM
I presume that the steps taken against USAID spending are not quiet popular in certain groups of Politicians and authorities.
However from what I have read here-It was needed.
Markus
These are not steps "against" USAID. These are steps to get it back to what it was meant to be. Instill fiscal responsibility. Stop the nonsense spending on "programs" that have nothing to do with providing aid.
Of course certain groups of politicians are unhappy with this. The checkbook for their pet projects of DEI plays, Trans studies abroad and other useless crap is now gone.
At the end of the day Trump is doing the job he said he would. The Democrats have spent 4 years focusing on the 1 percent(LGTBQ++ alphabet people) and it got them soundly beaten at the poles.
The is most definitely needed. When does draining middle class America stop and politician get fiscally responsible? This is long overdue.
Buddahaid
02-06-25, 11:15 AM
Your presumption is correct, Markus. As Otto, AVGWarhawk and others have alluded to, These " programs " may well be just fronts. You may not understand the lingo. Fronts are nothing more than a way to legitimize spending which may just be a way to launder money through " legitimate " enterprises and disguise it's tracks.
AVGWarhawk has said that USAID is little more than a slush fund. I believe that is a very accurate characterization. The democrats are livid they have been found out and that their radical BS policies have come to a grinding halt. I think if more people, Republican, Democrats, Libertarians and independents know they are being taken, then we have a common cause. Democrats are afraid this will galvanize the general public against them. The Democrats know this will have a detrimental impact on them in the Midterm elections in two years.
Long term, this could effectively be the end of the Democrat party which has let themselves be taken over by radical leftists. The Democrats are still at it with their BS over getting kids sex change operations and lunacy like that. The Democrats will pay for their positions in two years with the Midterm Elections. Common sense is back in town. Many years ago, the Democrat party stood for the working man. The democrats have destroyed that premise and themselves as American politics have never been as polarized as they are now. That polarization is overwhelmingly against the Democratic agenda and is likely to increase as more information becomes available.
We'll see how the special election for Matt Gaetz' House seat in April works out.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 11:24 AM
We'll see how the special election for Matt Gaetz' House seat in April works out.
Yes we will. To be honest, I was never a fan of Matt Gaetz, least of all, for U.S Attorney General. Neither was the Republican assembly. I think they exercised excellent judgment in moving on from Gaetz for AG. I think Pam Bondi will be an excellent Attorney General. However, My thoughts are that for every seat the Republicans lose, they will gain two more. I can't be certain of that, of course. We will just have to see how it all plays out.
My question to you is this. Are you defending the outlandishly stupid spending the Democrats have engaged in that was detailed by AVGWarhawk ?
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 12:13 PM
And the she-ite gets deeper. Kevin Steele:
YOU PAID FOR IT... BUT NOT ANYMORE! Breaking This Morning, the White House releases more projects that you paid for with USAID, the wasteful unaccountable government agency that has been dismantled by DOGE and Elon Musk! Here is a look at where your tax dollars went (including terror groups!): I hope you're proud! ⤵️
— $7.9 million to teach Sri Lankan journalists how to avoid “binary-gendered language”
— $20 million for a new Sesame Street show in Iraq
— $4.5+ million to “combat disinformation” in Kazakhstan
— $1.5 million for “art for inclusion of people with disabilities”
— $2 million for sex changes and “LGBT activism” in Guatemala
— $6 million to “transform digital spaces to reflect feminist democratic principles”
— $2.1 million to help the BBC “value the diversity of Libyan society”
— $10 million worth of USAID-funded meals, which went to an al Qaeda-linked terrorgroup
— $25 million for Deloitte to promote “green transportation” in the country of Georgia
— $2.5 million to promote “inclusion” in Vietnam
— $16.8 million for a SEPARATE “inclusion” group in Vietnam
— ~$5 million to EcoHealth Alliance, one of the key NGOs funding bat virus research at the Wuhan lab
— $20 million for a group related to a key player in the Russiagate impeachment hoax
— $1.1 million to an Armenian “LGBT group”
— $1.2 million to help the African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency in Washington, D.C., build “a state-of-the-art 440 seat auditorium”
— $1.5 million to promote “LGBT advocacy” in Jamaica
— $2 million to promote “LGBT equality through entrepreneurship” in Latin America
— $500K to solve sectarian violence in Israel (just ten days before the Hamas October 7 attack)
— $2.3 million for “artisanal and small scale gold mining” in the Amazon
— $3.9 million for “LGBT causes” in the western Balkans
— $5.5 million for LGBT activism in Uganda
— $6 million for advancing LGBT issues in “priority countries around the world”
— $6.3 million for men who have s*x with men in South Africa
— $8.3 million for “USAID Education: Equity and Inclusion”
For decades, USAID bureaucrats believed they were accountable to no one — but that era is over. President Trump is STOPPING the waste, fraud, and abuse.
Buddahaid
02-06-25, 12:55 PM
Yes we will. To be honest, I was never a fan of Matt Gaetz, least of all, for U.S Attorney General. Neither was the Republican assembly. I think they exercised excellent judgment in moving on from Gaetz for AG. I think Pam Bondi will be an excellent Attorney General. However, My thoughts are that for every seat the Republicans lose, they will gain two more. I can't be certain of that, of course. We will just have to see how it all plays out.
My question to you is this. Are you defending the outlandishly stupid spending the Democrats have engaged in that was detailed by AVGWarhawk ?
I’m defending money that was already appropriated by congress should be left alone and cuts addressed by the new congressional budget.
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 01:00 PM
I’m defending money that was already appropriated by congress should be left alone and cuts addressed by the new congressional budget.
I don't. The pork in the last funding....lets take a look. Do a handful hope we don't? The uncovering has only begun. The money already appropriated should have been the first audited IMO.
For those that are harping Elon was not elected, I don't recall a vote for Fauci.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 01:05 PM
I’m defending money that was already appropriated by congress should be left alone and cuts addressed by the new congressional budget.
This is a rather stupid and incomprehensible position. Am I to infer that our, I repeat, our money is to be spent on $5.5 million for LGBT activism in Uganda? $2.5 million to promote “inclusion” in Vietnam? $20 million for a new Sesame Street show in Iraq? $10 million worth of USAID-funded meals, which went to an al Qaeda-linked terror group? this is just the tip of the iceberg. By the way, the last Item I listed is treason. Giving aid and comfort to a hostile Government or entity is Treason. You advocate for that ?
Fortunately, the vast majority of us in the U.S aren't interested in your leftist and liberal positions and and decided with our votes that we aren't interested in your position. You are in the minority and I am so thankful for that. If you like those other Countries and hate ours so much, I have a suggestion. Pack up and move there. I will even help you pack. :yep:
Jeff-Groves
02-06-25, 01:13 PM
I don't even want the Tax Dollars I pay used for LGBT+ activism in this Country!
Don't give a rats arse if Congress approved it or not!
https://i.ibb.co/fdVZb6pH/elviszelensky.jpg (https://ibb.co/YB4J6nkh)
Elvis Presley was paid $100 million by USAID to pose with Zelenskyy. Unbelievable!
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 01:43 PM
https://i.ibb.co/fdVZb6pH/elviszelensky.jpg (https://ibb.co/YB4J6nkh)
Elvis Presley was paid $100 million by USAID to pose with Zelenskyy. Unbelievable!
I will pose with Zelenskyy that for 10% of that. That's a bargain. :03: We can even do a comedy skit if he likes although, that's extra. :03:
Buddahaid
02-06-25, 02:13 PM
What’s the problem? The GOP has control of all three branches of government and should be able to pass a budget in line with GOP values. What’s not okay is this illegal attempt to cut already allocated funds by decree. Yes the president can change that but there is a procedure for doing so.
The legislative branch of the government controls the purse, not the executive branch. That’s in the constitution for those law and order types to think about.
https://i.ibb.co/fdVZb6pH/elviszelensky.jpg (https://ibb.co/YB4J6nkh)
Elvis Presley was paid $100 million by USAID to pose with Zelenskyy. Unbelievable!
Hmm...
Tried looking up that bit of "news", but haven't been able to find a $1000 million Elvis/Zelensky (there's only one "y" in his name, btw), so have you got any verifiable source for this apparent bit of MAGA nonsense?...
<O>
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 02:27 PM
What’s the problem? The GOP has control of all three branches of government and should be able to pass a budget in line with GOP values. What’s not okay is this illegal attempt to cut already allocated funds by decree. Yes the president can change that but there is a procedure for doing so.
If the president can have it changed then it is not an illegal attempt.
Hmm...
Tried looking up that bit of "news", but haven't been able to find a $1000 million Elvis/Zelensky (there's only one "y" in his name, btw), so have you got any verifiable source for this apparent bit of MAGA nonsense?...
<O>Its Russian spelling Зеленский is romanized Zelenski, Zelenskii, Zelenskiy, or Zelensky, and originates from the toponym Zelyonoe (Зелёное), meaning 'green'. Its feminine counterpart is Зеленская (Zelenskaya or Zelenskaia). Its Ukrainian spelling Зеленський is romanized Zelenskyi, Zelensky, Zelenskiy, or Zelenskyy. Its feminine counterpart is Зеленська (Zelenska).
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 03:21 PM
Its Russian spelling Зеленский is romanized Zelenski, Zelenskii, Zelenskiy, or Zelensky, and originates from the toponym Zelyonoe (Зелёное), meaning 'green'. Its feminine counterpart is Зеленская (Zelenskaya or Zelenskaia). Its Ukrainian spelling Зеленський is romanized Zelenskyi, Zelensky, Zelenskiy, or Zelenskyy. Its feminine counterpart is Зеленська (Zelenska).
You're wasting your time. We on the other hand understand that in different parts of the world, things are spelled differently. For example, we spell Honor this way. In England, It's spelled Honour.
It's all good.
As far as MAGA nonsense, when a Political party, and it's followers, in this case, the Democrats, think that there are more than two genders, they are completely screwed up. One becomes stupid just by listening to their collective BS and nonsense.
u crank
02-06-25, 03:27 PM
Hmm...
Tried looking up that bit of "news", but haven't been able to find a $1000 million Elvis/Zelensky (there's only one "y" in his name, btw), so have you got any verifiable source for this apparent bit of MAGA nonsense?...
When Zelensky was born Elvis had been dead for a year. Does that help?
:D
Buddahaid
02-06-25, 03:27 PM
If the president can have it changed then it is not an illegal attempt.
It is by using executive order. The president has to address congress with what specifically he wants changed in the allotments, not vague ideological ideas but pointing to what funding exact funding, and congress has 45 days to respond. They can agree to adopt the changes or reject the changes. It's how your government works.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 03:31 PM
When Zelensky was born Elvis had been dead for a year. Does that help?
:D
I thought that too but was still hoping to get the 10 million if it was on the table. :03:
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 05:00 PM
It is by using executive order. The president has to address congress with what specifically he wants changed in the allotments, not vague ideological ideas but pointing to what funding exact funding, and congress has 45 days to respond. They can agree to adopt the changes or reject the changes. It's how your government works.
Then all executive orders are illegal. I'm laughing at the notion Elon is not an elected official and is swaying policy. Truth is a lot of billionaire are not elected officials and have swayed policy. Difference is Elon is not hiding it.
Soros. Billionaire. Sways policy. Not elected.
I thought that Trump got elected because eggs were expensive? :hmmm:
AVGWarhawk
02-06-25, 05:27 PM
I thought that Trump got elected because eggs were expensive? :hmmm:
Partially. Bird influenza is driving prices now.
When Zelensky was born Elvis had been dead for a year. Does that help?
:D
Which reflects my point exactly; there is so much nonsense being sprouted by MAGAts and the real hazard is the gullibility of the Trumpettes to go along with it blindly, nodding their vacant little heads like bobblehead dolls; it was obvious to me the post was bogus, but, unfortunately, there are those who would lap it up like mother's milk...
BTW, are you all set to be the 51st state, yet...?... :03:
<O>
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 06:19 PM
Which reflects my point exactly; there is so much nonsense being sprouted by MAGAts and the real hazard is the gullibility of the Trumpettes to go along with it blindly, nodding their vacant little heads like bobblehead dolls; it was obvious to me the post was bogus, but, unfortunately, there are those who would lap it up like mother's milk...
BTW, are you all set to be the 51st state, yet...?... :03:
<O>
Or maybe people just played along with it for the joke that it was. Satire and sarcasm can be lost on some. As far as Magna crazies, let me ask you something, since you follow the Liberal BS spouted by the Democrats.
How many gender's are there ? Simple enough question.
u crank
02-06-25, 06:19 PM
Which reflects my point exactly; there is so much nonsense being sprouted by MAGAts and the real hazard is the gullibility of the Trumpettes to go along with it blindly, nodding their vacant little heads like bobblehead dolls;
Nay I disagree. If you know who Elvis is and you know who Zelensky is, well then you get the joke. If you don't know who Zelensky is well who cares. If you don't know who Elvis is well you are just plain uneducated. I would suspect that there are just as many low brows on the left who would repost it immediately to show the other low brows just how much he is triggered.
Buddahaid
02-06-25, 09:19 PM
Then all executive orders are illegal. I'm laughing at the notion Elon is not an elected official and is swaying policy. Truth is a lot of billionaire are not elected officials and have swayed policy. Difference is Elon is not hiding it.
Soros. Billionaire. Sways policy. Not elected.
No, not all executive orders are illegal. Only the ones that violate the presidential powers set in the constitution.
Commander Wallace
02-06-25, 10:28 PM
Have to see this.
Kamala Harris humiliated as CBS releases raw 60 Minutes footage exposing her incompetence
Quote: Her ability to say nothing and smugly believe she actually said something prolific is astounding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KrkBBoNFcA
More on this USAID issue
(copied from a short notice in a Danish newspaper)
A US union representing federal employees and an association of US diplomats have sued President Donald Trump's administration.
Reuters reports.
The lawsuit is an attempt to stop the Trump administration's "dismantling" of the US Agency for International Development, USAID, it says.
It has been filed in Washington, D.C., and the complaint is filed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA).
The two unions are demanding that the court block what they call "unconstitutional and illegal actions" that have created "a global humanitarian crisis."
Judge blocks
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deadline for an offer that the Trump administration has made to more than two million US government employees.
CBS News reports.
With Judge George O'Toole blocking the deadline, which was Thursday night, the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has given employees until Monday to accept the offer.
The offer states that employees can resign with eight months of pay or risk being fired in future layoffs.
According to CBS News, it is the same offer that billionaire Elon Musk sent to employees of the former Twitter, now called X, in 2022 when he bought the social media company.
Markus
Ostfriese
02-07-25, 02:11 AM
I hope that none of those who are riding the high horses now will find themselves on the wrong end of the "politics" of Trump and his cronies.
But, quite frankly, none of you strikes me as being anywhere near rich enough to profit from Trump's "politics", so I fear that eventually you will be on the wrong end. Probably later than sooner, but eventually you will be, because you are Average Joes (and for the most part decent people!) and not among the top 1%. It's the latter who will profit from the direction the Trump presidency currently goes to, not the Average Joe.
AVGWarhawk
02-07-25, 06:38 AM
I hope that none of those who are riding the high horses now will find themselves on the wrong end of the "politics" of Trump and his cronies.
But, quite frankly, none of you strikes me as being anywhere near rich enough to profit from Trump's "politics", so I fear that eventually you will be on the wrong end. Probably later than sooner, but eventually you will be, because you are Average Joes (and for the most part decent people!) and not among the top 1%. It's the latter who will profit from the direction the Trump presidency currently goes to, not the Average Joe.
The average Joe will be fine and better.
Catfish
02-07-25, 06:45 AM
"It will trickle down." :D
AVGWarhawk
02-07-25, 06:52 AM
"It will trickle down." :D
No sir. It will not.
Catfish
02-07-25, 06:59 AM
^ This.
So then 'average Joe' will see nothing of it? I believe that is what will happen, but let' s wait and see.
Ostfriese
02-07-25, 07:08 AM
The average Joe will be fine and better.
No, he won't. None of the politics Trump has enacted or has planned to enact are to the benefit of the Average Joe. None. Not a single one.
And I'm pretty sure that you are aware of it, deep inside.
u crank
02-07-25, 07:27 AM
^ This.
So then 'average Joe' will see nothing of it? I believe that is what will happen, but let' s wait and see.
Yep. That is what we should all do. See what happens before people say they 'know' what will happen.
AVGWarhawk
02-07-25, 09:42 AM
No, he won't. None of the politics Trump has enacted or has planned to enact are to the benefit of the Average Joe. None. Not a single one.
And I'm pretty sure that you are aware of it, deep inside.
No sir. Deep inside I'm joyful watching my portfolio increase in leaps and bounds. It did his first 4 and will his second 4.
The government is a wasteful machine of crap. Hard decisions need to be made.
I hope that none of those who are riding the high horses now will find themselves on the wrong end of the "politics" of Trump and his cronies.
But, quite frankly, none of you strikes me as being anywhere near rich enough to profit from Trump's "politics", so I fear that eventually you will be on the wrong end. Probably later than sooner, but eventually you will be, because you are Average Joes (and for the most part decent people!) and not among the top 1%. It's the latter who will profit from the direction the Trump presidency currently goes to, not the Average Joe.
Can you explain exactly which of Trumps "politics" in particular puts the "Average Joe" at a disadvantage? Because politics like ending the taxing of tips or on social security would have the opposite effect.
AVGWarhawk
02-07-25, 09:57 AM
Can you explain exactly which of Trumps "politics" in particular puts the "Average Joe" at a disadvantage? Because politics like ending the taxing of tips or on social security would have the opposite effect.
:up:
Commander Wallace
02-07-25, 09:58 AM
@ Chris, August. You're wasting your time. Only someone that lives in the U.S would understand the damage the last Administration has done in all it's various forms. People that don't live in the U.S won't believe us anyhow. We are vilified while their own houses are on fire in their own respective countries. Those on the Democrat side of the Issue will of course deny everything found by DOGE or try to justify it....
However, the Democrats have been silent on what has been found so far and I haven't seen any denials by the Democrats. My only hope is that the full scale of the misuse and outright theft of Taxpayer Dollars is made available to the Tax paying Public. I think it's a safe bet the Trump Administration will do just that. That's why the Democrats are terrified. The Trump Administration has no intention of playing ball or playing nice.
Maybe then, people can directly question their Democratic representatives as to the validly and truthfulness of what is found by DOGE. That may well end up being the tipping point in the Midterm Elections against the Democrats.
How should I put it or more correct spell it.
You sound like this ineffective and bureaucratically, was something that only consist during the Dems time in the White House.
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-07-25, 10:11 AM
How should I put it or more correct spell it.
You sound like this ineffective and bureaucratically, was something that only consist during the Dems time in the White House.
Markus
Please clarify what you mean, Markus.
The Democratic party had been hijacked by extremists and radical elements better than ten years ago and they in turn began to pursue a warped agenda in defiance of what the average American wanted. What's worse, they stole from the American people to make that happen.
Buddahaid
02-07-25, 10:20 AM
….The Republican party had been hijacked by extremists and radical elements better than ten years ago and they in turn began to pursue a warped agenda in defiance of what the average American wanted. What's worse, they stole from the American people to make that happen.
Fixed. Funny as that is exactly how I perceive it.
Please clarify what you mean, Markus.
Trump have hired Mr Musk to clean out in various department to find ways to simplify their work and to make it less ineffective and less bureaucratic. Lately He, Mr Musk, have found out that USAID is very ineffective(This is how I interpreter it) and have plans on firing a huge group of USAID employees. Even shutting it down.
USAID was also there during Trumps earlier time in the White house and during other Rep. Presidency and must have been as ineffective then as now.
USAID was created by JFK in 1961
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-07-25, 10:25 AM
Fixed. Funny as that is exactly how I perceive it.
As I have said before, only a moron would want their country to fail. You don't want to admit that the vast majority of Americans voted to fix everything the Democratic party has done and what they stand for. You happen to be in the minority with your leftist and liberal friends. Your party learned nothing in this last election. The electorate rejected you and everything your party stands for.
Let me ask you something, how many genders are there ?
Btw, we can help you pack up anytime you want to leave this Country to go anywhere else.
Commander Wallace
02-07-25, 10:30 AM
Trump have hired Mr Musk to clean out in various department to find ways to simplify their work and to make it less ineffective and less bureaucratic. Lately He, Mr Musk, have found out that USAID is very ineffective(This is how I interpreter it) and have plans on firing a huge group of USAID employees. Even shutting it down.
USAID was also there during Trumps earlier time in the White house and during other Rep. Presidency and must have been as ineffective then as now.
USAID was created by JFK in 1961
Markus
I think that's the general consensus, Markus. Maybe Trump was unaware of things during his first Presidency. Maybe USAID is out of control. USAID has been used for things it was never intended for and has become a Democratic Slush fund.
In truth, the vast majority of the American people want the welfare setup for the rest of the world to end. USAID has been a burden on the backs of the American People for far too long. President Trump is correcting that by ending it.
^ Thank you for the explanation. I understand why Trump want to shrink it or shut it down
FYI
Physically, humans consist of two genders. Male and Female. Psychologically, humans consist of several types of genders, such as homo, lesbian a.s.o.
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-07-25, 10:47 AM
FYI
Physically, humans consist of two genders. Male and Female. Psychologically, humans consist of several types of genders, such as homo, lesbian a.s.o.
Markus
I'm well aware of that Markus and you have common sense. I agree with you, for the most part. Republicans would agree with you as would most in the U.S. There are two Genders and that's it.
The Democrats on the other hand believe there is more than two Genders and I notice the Democrats or their followers won't answer that very question.
However, being a lesbian or gay isn't a gender. That's an orientation Issue and a lifestyle question.
* You're welcome on the explanation. I hope I answered your question. I'm sure in time, we wouldn't be opposed to assisting friendly Countries in times of need. We always do during natural disasters. However, we want the waste to end - NOW.
Aktungbby
02-07-25, 11:22 AM
I would suspect that there are just as many low brows on the left who would repost it immediately to show the other low brows just how much he is triggered. lowbrows is one word ya illiterate bugger!:O:
I'm well aware of that Markus and you have common sense. I agree with you, for the most part. Republicans would agree with you as would most in the U.S. There are two Genders and that's it.
The Democrats on the other hand believe there is more than two Genders and I notice the Democrats or their followers won't answer that very question.
However, being a lesbian or gay isn't a gender. That's an orientation Issue and a lifestyle question.
* You're welcome on the explanation. I hope I answered your question. I'm sure in time, we wouldn't be opposed to assisting friendly Countries in times of need. We always do during natural disasters. However, we want the waste to end - NOW.There are 3 Genders man, woman and intersex persons (people born with both female and male biological characteristics).
AVGWarhawk
02-07-25, 12:58 PM
There are 3 Genders man, woman and intersex persons (people born with both female and male biological characteristics).
Hermaphrodites
Buddahaid
02-07-25, 01:11 PM
As I have said before, only a moron would want their country to fail. You don't want to admit that the vast majority of Americans voted to fix everything the Democratic party has done and what they stand for. You happen to be in the minority with your leftist and liberal friends. Your party learned nothing in this last election. The electorate rejected you and everything your party stands for.
Let me ask you something, how many genders are there ?
Btw, we can help you pack up anytime you want to leave this Country to go anywhere else.
And a much vaster number of Americans didn't vote. No mandate. Let me ask you something, how many transgender inmates are there?
Buddahaid
02-07-25, 01:38 PM
...However, being a lesbian or gay isn't a gender. That's an orientation Issue and a lifestyle question...
That's just semantics. Gender is an abstract concept different from birth sex. Case in point is defining connectors by gender since connectors are not biological. It's a silly argument by both sides.
lowbrows is one word ya illiterate bugger!:O:
The first word of a sentence is capitalized ya illiterate bugger! :)
Jeff-Groves
02-07-25, 02:51 PM
That's just semantics. Gender is an abstract concept different from birth sex. Case in point is defining connectors by gender since connectors are not biological. It's a silly argument by both sides.
Until you try plugging the wrong Gender into a wall outlet.
:haha:
Buddahaid
02-07-25, 04:42 PM
Until you try plugging the wrong Gender into a wall outlet.
:haha:
Then you see the light!:Kaleun_Cheers:
AVGWarhawk
02-07-25, 05:07 PM
Looking forward to a close look at the IRS. More so finding those still collecting SS from long dead relatives. 6.5 Million Social Security Numbers Linked To Those 112 Or Older (And Likely Dead)
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/03/10/392112708/6-5-million-social-security-numbers-linked-to-those-112-or-older
Skybird
02-07-25, 09:13 PM
https://youtu.be/n_tMFytfkkc?si=LXEKJyK3eDBNCrJV
Commander Wallace
02-08-25, 12:27 AM
And the beat goes on.....
Woman takes down US flag, replaces it with Mexican flag at California park: 'This is Mexican land'
https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-tak...231055311.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-takes-down-us-flag-231055311.html)
em2nought
02-08-25, 12:40 AM
I wonder if Achmed the Dead Terrorist stars on our US taxpayer funded Iraqi Sesame Street? :D
Buddahaid
02-08-25, 01:21 AM
And the beat goes on.....
Woman takes down US flag, replaces it with Mexican flag at California park: 'This is Mexican land'
https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-tak...231055311.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-takes-down-us-flag-231055311.html)
Well, it used to be and it's just poking Dump in the eye for his Gulf of America BS.
AVGWarhawk
02-08-25, 09:01 AM
Well, it used to be and it's just poking Dump in the eye for his Gulf of America BS.
Can't a guy have some fun?
Buddahaid
02-08-25, 09:49 AM
There’s nothing funny about Trump except he’s funny in the head.
https://youtube.com/shorts/PgGhC4-DUSo?si=lR1Ji32uR22REhBk
Commander Wallace
02-08-25, 11:19 AM
I wonder if Achmed the Dead Terrorist stars on our US taxpayer funded Iraqi Sesame Street? :D
:haha::haha:
Is it just me or did other people think that former President Biden looked an awful lot like Walter of Jeff Dunnings other miscreant Puppets ? Biden sounded like Walter too. :yep::yep:
Yeah, and Trump acts like Baby Huey, looks like a walking lemon, and talks like a disjointed thesaurus...
<O>
Jeff-Groves
02-08-25, 02:19 PM
This is my favorite Comedy thread.
:har:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDtSQVj0qzg
<O>
^ Hmm Wonder how USA would look like today if Trump was part of your founding fathers ?
Secondly give the man a chance judge him after he has been in office after 2 years and not before.
Markus
Actually, we gave him four years and he was so very "successful" that the US voters rewarded him by kicking his keister out of the Oval Office; remember, the one very constant thing about Trump is that he is stubbornly predictable; if you think he will change in any advantageous way in this newer term, you will be sorely disappointed; just two weeks in and he is already falling back on the very same traits and behaviors that got him ousted in 2020; it can be easily predicted what his actions will be and the outcome will be seen in the mid-term elections for the House and the Senate; the GOP stands a rather good chance of losing at least one of the Chambers and may even lose both, given how very, very small their 'majorities' really are...
So, yeah, we gave him a chance in 2016 and he failed dismally; and, it seems, he is very much headed in the same direction now...
<O>
Actually, we gave him four years and he was so very "successful" that the US voters rewarded him by kicking his keister out of the Oval Office; remember, the one very constant thing about Trump is that he is stubbornly predictable; if you think he will change in any advantageous way in this newer term, you will be sorely disappointed; just two weeks in and he is already falling back on the very same traits and behaviors that got him ousted in 2020; it can be easily predicted what his actions will be and the outcome will be seen in the mid-term elections for the House and the Senate; the GOP stands a rather good chance of losing at least one of the Chambers and may even lose both, given how very, very small their 'majorities' really are...
So, yeah, we gave him a chance in 2016 and he failed dismally; and, it seems, he is very much headed in the same direction now...
<O>
Did he fail !? Well it depends on who you ask. Some will say yes and others no.
Markus
u crank
02-08-25, 05:20 PM
Did he fail !? Well it depends on who you ask. Some will say yes and others no.
It is a good question Markus. And apparently more people didn't think he failed and they voted him back into office.
Commander Wallace
02-08-25, 05:42 PM
It is a good question Markus. And apparently more people didn't think he failed and they voted him back into office.
I think it's a multi tiered question. I think it was more that the Democrats wouldn't address the crime tied to unfettered people crossing the border. You know you have an Issue when you have Mexicans burning the American flag and carrying the Mexican flag in our streets. That is of course a crime here in the U.S. They hate our Country but are here Illegally for the handouts that are drying up. American voters have said enough is enough.
In my opinion, they should have been rounded up and if they had American citizenship, stripped of their citizenship and deported back to Mexico, post haste. Throw in uncontrolled spending, fueling sky rocketing inflation. Then you have the question of who was running this Country for the last four years since it is now obvious that Biden couldn't tie his shoe laces without help.
This is a disaster for the Democrats and I think it will continue to be because they are too stupid to listen to the fact that the vast majority of Americans aren't interested in what they stand for. Trump promised to address these Issues and so far, he is making good on those promises. That is basically it.
Did he fail !? Well it depends on who you ask. Some will say yes and others no.
Markus
It is a good question Markus. And apparently more people didn't think he failed and they voted him back into office.
Well, I would say that not being able to muster enough votes to win reelection is an excellent indicator of the voter's dissatisfaction with Trump's performance in his first term; remember, Trump didn't win the popular vote to get in the Oval Office in the first place; Hillary beat him in the popular vote by 2,868,686 votes, so Trump, by no means, had any sort of 'mandate' for his first term, and, under his 'leadership', the GOP lost badly in the midterms;...
Then you move on to 2020 and Trump lose his bid for a second term to Biden, who beat him by a margin of a whopping 7,059,526 votes; it is obvious that Trump couldn't persuade enough of his former voters to keep him in office, a sure indicator of the dissatisfaction of Trump's first term and the voters' rejection of his Presidency; Trump, as usual, failed in another of his endeavors, just like all those con artist businesses he hustled over the decades...
Now you've got 2024 and Trump was running against a party that was in complete disarray, had many problem issues, had lost its incumbent candidate, who, by the way, torpedoed the DEM Party by turning in an abysmal performance in the debate; Trump, by all metrics, should have had a field day in the elections, but he couldn't even crack the 50% mark, and more voters actually voted for other candidates than those who voted for him; and Trump's 'margin of victory' was fairly anemic: just 2,284,967 votes, less than the margin Hillary beat him with in 2016, and only 1/3 of Biden's margin over Trump in 2020; there really is no statistical basis for anyone making a claim of a mandate, or, even more ludicrous and ridiculous, any sort of "vast majority"; Trump initially won office by gaming a system that is arcane and outdated, not by winning the popular vote; and he lost, badly, when he asked the voters to keep him in office; now he's back, not because he's the best (it all too obvious he's not really the brightest), but because circumstance worked in the favor of whoever the GOP was running; if Trump really was such a "great choice", why isn't that "greatness' reflected in the election results? He barely got by and, again, couldn't even get a majority of the votes; Trump was running on vapors and is now using up whatever vapors he had left...
Did he fail? Obviously he did because the voters looked at four years of his "leadership" and said "NO" emphatically; no amount of lipstick is gonna make that pig any prettier...
But, hey, what I really want is one of you Trumpettes out there to prove me wrong, with numbers to back you up, that anything I have posted about the obvious lackings of Trump is false; and, remember, I am asking for verifiable facts, not opeds or YT MAGA rubbish...
I think it's a multi tiered question. I think it was more that the Democrats wouldn't address the crime tied to unfettered people crossing the border. You know you have an Issue when you have Mexicans burning the American flag and carrying the Mexican flag in our streets. That is of course a crime here in the U.S. They hate our Country but are here Illegally for the handouts that are drying up. American voters have said enough is enough.
...
As usual, CW, you have your "facts" wrong: burning the US Flag, in protest is not a US crime and the SCOTUS has ruled on the matter and affirms the 1st Amendment protections afforded to such protest; i an not a fan of falg burning, but it is not a crime...
...
Throw in uncontrolled spending, fueling sky rocketing inflation. Then you have the question of who was running this Country for the last four years since it is now obvious that Biden couldn't tie his shoe laces without help.
This is a disaster for the Democrats and I think it will continue to be because they are too stupid to listen to the fact that the vast majority of Americans aren't interested in what they stand for. Trump promised to address these Issues and so far, he is making good on those promises. That is basically it.
If you think the last four years under Biden were a mess with "uncontrolled spending, fueling sky rocketing inflation", just wait until Trump's whack-a-doodle economic policies take hold; this is one of the key reasons I really think the GOP is going to rue the day they bent over and grabbed their ankles before Trump come the mid-terms; already, the specter of food prices going further out of control, fuel prices rising, and the costs of common goods being affected by the shotgun approach to tariffs and inflation, is making for some grim times for the GOP in 2026...
,,,and, the voters, DEM or GOP are not to stupid too see whose had is on the wheel when the car careens off the road...
Please, also, inform us where you keep getting that "vast majority" you keep referring to...
<O>
Skybird
02-08-25, 08:18 PM
https://youtu.be/onHZhy75lpE?si=6nyfxgqfjf6yzED_
u crank
02-08-25, 08:35 PM
Well, I would say that not being able to muster enough votes to win reelection is an excellent indicator of the voter's dissatisfaction with Trump's performance in his first term;
So getting enough votes to win reelection against Harris/Biden says what about Harris/Biden? If someone as bad as Trump could could win reelection then just how bad were they? The Democrats' choice of candidates has been, since Obama departed the scene sad indeed. The result, Trump 2.0. Buckle up the fun has just begun.
Commander Wallace
02-08-25, 10:53 PM
As usual, CW, you have your "facts" wrong: burning the US Flag, in protest is not a US crime and the SCOTUS has ruled on the matter and affirms the 1st Amendment protections afforded to such protest; i an not a fan of falg burning, but it is not a crime...
<O>
This is the U.S code. Individual States have enforced it. The Supreme Court was sharply divided in it's decisions in flag burning being protected speech.
18 U.S. Code § 700 - Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties
(1) Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=18-USC-625545307-318243890&term_occur=999&term_src=title:18:part:I:chapter:33:section:700) shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(2) This subsection does not prohibit any conduct consisting of the disposal of a flag when it has become worn or soiled.
(b) As used in this section, the term “flag of the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=18-USC-625545307-318243890&term_occur=999&term_src=title:18:part:I:chapter:33:section:700)” means any flag of the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=18-USC-625545307-318243890&term_occur=999&term_src=title:18:part:I:chapter:33:section:700), or any part thereof, made of any substance, of any size, in a form that is commonly displayed.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/700
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section700&num=0&edition=prelim
If you think Flag burning is protected other than provided in numeral 2 , try burning our Flag in front of Law Enforcement and see what happens, Pal.
So getting enough votes to win reelection against Harris/Biden says what about Harris/Biden? If someone as bad as Trump could could win reelection then just how bad were they? The Democrats' choice of candidates has been, since Obama departed the scene sad indeed. The result, Trump 2.0. Buckle up the fun has just begun.
:agree: You have it right, Marcel.
Every country have laws on how their flag should be treated and what punishment there is if these law is broken.
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-08-25, 11:25 PM
Every country have laws on how their flag should be treated and what punishment there is if these law is broken.
Markus
Not according to Vienna. The Supreme Court has ruled on this but Individual States still protect the American flag.
Not according to Vienna.
Which surprised me, when he said not according to 1st Amendment.
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-08-25, 11:42 PM
Now you've got 2024 and Trump was running against a party that was in complete disarray, had many problem issues, had lost its incumbent candidate, who, by the way, torpedoed the DEM Party by turning in an abysmal performance in the debate; Trump, by all metrics, should have had a field day in the elections, but he couldn't even crack the 50% mark, and more voters actually voted for other candidates than those who voted for him; and Trump's 'margin of victory' was fairly anemic: just 2,284,967 votes, less than the margin Hillary beat him with in 2016, and only 1/3 of Biden's margin over Trump in 2020; there really is no statistical basis for anyone making a claim of a mandate, or, even more ludicrous and ridiculous, any sort of "vast majority"; Trump initially won office by gaming a system that is arcane and outdated, not by winning the popular vote; and he lost, badly, when he asked the voters to keep him in office; now he's back, not because he's the best (it all too obvious he's not really the brightest), but because circumstance worked in the favor of whoever the GOP was running; if Trump really was such a "great choice", why isn't that "greatness' reflected in the election results? He barely got by and, again, couldn't even get a majority of the votes; Trump was running on vapors and is now using up whatever vapors he had left...
But, hey, what I really want is one of you Trumpettes out there to prove me wrong, with numbers to back you up, that anything I have posted about the obvious lackings of Trump is false; and, remember, I am asking for verifiable facts, not opeds or YT MAGA rubbish...
<O>
Kamala Harris won Washington, Oregon, California, Illinois, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Hawaii and all the New England States. Donald Trump won all the rest including the 7 battleground States like Ohio and Pennsylvania where Harris Campaigned extensively.
Donald Trump won 312 Electoral College Votes To 226 for Kamala Harris. 270 Electoral Votes were needed to win. That sounds pretty decisive to me. In fact, it sounds like a rout. Harris won 74,749,891 votes (48.3%) of the Popular vote to 77,168,458 votes (49.9%) For Donald Trump.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-ELECTION/RESULTS/zjpqnemxwvx/
Stop crying about it and get over it, Vienna. Mama Kamala was soundly beaten and that's it. Numbers don't lie.
This map looks pretty convincing too, by precincts. The red areas are for Trump.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP. wThzuNaq0X5ZThzy8lqPAgHaEC%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=a15fb5de30c2163dc81a8bd38487de7d7da3cd0c23150c c5fe61bdfcff61b45a&ipo=images (https://i.redd.it/tk6gznxiqpi61.png)
Regarding the flag issue.
Vienna is correct.
From google
Question: Is it illegal to burn the American flag ?
Answer:
No. The Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects certain forms of symbolic speech. Flag burning is such a form of symbolic speech. When a flag is privately owned, the owner should be able to burn it if the owner chooses, especially if this action is meant in the form of protest.
https://www.freedomforum.org/flag-desecration-burning-first-amendment/
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-09-25, 12:03 AM
Regarding the flag issue.
Vienna is correct.
From google
Question: Is it illegal to burn the American flag ?
Answer:
https://www.freedomforum.org/flag-desecration-burning-first-amendment/
Markus
Wrong Markus. The U.S Supreme Court heard this case.
This activity ( Flag Burning ) is based on the landmark Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), which deals
with First Amendment protection of flag burning as symbolic speech.
In the wake of that decision.
United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990) The Johnson decision only affected a Texas state law. In the wake of the decision, the federal government enacted a law that also prohibited flag burning. In order to try to get around constitutional challenges, the law prohibited all types of flag desecration, with the exception of burning and burying a worn-out flag, regardless of whether the action upset others. The Supreme Court held that this did not cure the constitutional defect and the same 7-3 majority from Johnson held that the law still impermissibly discriminated upon viewpoint and struck it down
https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/free-speech-flag-burning_1.pdf
It can be viewed as protected speech but People are still prosecuted for it.
Further.
Quote: burning the flag to deliberately provoke a violent response from someone else or in order to incite others to Imminent lawlessness violence is not protected either.
https://www.freedomforum.org/flag-desecration-burning-first-amendment/
This is from the link you provided, Markus.
To be fair, It's a contentious Issue. Most Americans would never think of burning our Flag which explains why the subject rarely comes up. It happens more with foreign born nationals. So, Vienna may be partially correct. If this case went to the U.S Supreme Court now, there is no telling how it would be decided. The U.S Supreme Court was deeply divided then. Perhaps this Issue needs to be revisited by the Supreme Court.
Never knew Trump could have such an affect on ordinary people around the world.
According to a short story in a Danish newspaper-the number of people seeking help for nervousness increased since Trump became President by 19 percent. That's what I call the Trump effect.
Markus
Doesn't sound good in the ear of those who can't stand him
A fresh poll from CBS News prepared by YouGov shows that Americans' support for Donald Trump is higher than ever.
This is written by the American media Axios .
https://ekstrabladet-dk.translate.goog/nyheder/Udland/ny-maaling-trump-opbakning-hoejere-end-nogensinde/10525149?_x_tr_sl=da&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=da&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Markus
Skybird
02-09-25, 08:57 PM
https://youtu.be/7bjBhfHT75c?si=trA-3Hl5-10ZJE0f
He will divide it further.
I say since years Trump is not a cause, he is a symptom (for the general political and moral and civilizational decline and the corruption deep engraved into the system and even into the whole modern West: unscruplolous powerhungry political parties have taken the state as their prey).
The tragic in all this is - he has a couple of very valid points, and then there are a few which he does not seem to see through fully, and by "adressing" also the latter he makes things much worse (see the tariffs as one example). By doing so he so very easily can - and I think: will - ruin so much more than what he will "heal".
I also think he dreams of establishing his family dynasty as the new form of government of the US, and for that he mericlessly abuses inherent weaknesses of the American constitutional order that have existed since always and that were the result of the old times of foundation and and its - then very different - views and situational conditions of the worlds. These old textes and their content were written and thought out by the needs and ideas of that long since gone era, the world as it then was, the views of the world as they then were imagined. But times and the world have changed, and thus parts of these old texts and the contemporary present collide head on.
To allow big business and billionaires into government imo is utmost and extremely dangerous.
Trump will most likely prove to be of a certain value in that he will tear down a lot that wa snot good anymore. Problem is, not only the bad, but also a lot of what maybe was more good than bad.
Its a bit - complicated... :D
Ok , let's get family Dynasties out of the way. You do know all of the German families and their Dynasties after the war. Where decided by the Americans and the British ...The Russians would have killed at that time everyone of you, So if you want to talk ****e you can. Today, the German people and their country, Are like the UK ! Recipient countries for immigrants to fight.In the war for, Democracy. And Ukraine needs soldiers! their wealthy children are living in your countries. Let's stop that and send them back.
And when that happens. You will not need Donald Trump... Look Donald Trump is a human being, Something this planet needs. More than politician's and if the politicians want to gather around the Treasury. I would say hey let's let Democracy and transparency look into your financials. Any politician who has 30 years in government service for the people. They should be as transparent as their shower curtains. Sorry Sky my friend, for the late reply,
Aktungbby
02-10-25, 11:00 AM
I would say hey let's let Democracy and transparency look into your financials. Indeed! https://images.wsj.net/im-58953747/social :arrgh!:
Otto Harkaman
02-10-25, 12:21 PM
I think Trump is more like Doge Enrico Dandolo than Marx :hmmm:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Gustave_dore_crusades_dandolo_preaching_the_crusad e.jpg
Dandolo Preaching the Crusade by Gustave Doré
This is brilliant idea. It will make a lot of troops and veterans really happy that Fort Bragg is again Fort Bragg.
Defense Sec. Hegseth signs order to rename Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, but with a twist.
On Monday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum declaring the Army would rename the base from Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg.
Fort Liberty is changing its name again.
On Monday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum declaring the Army would rename the base from Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. Hegseth posted video of him signing the memo on X.
According to Hegseth, the fort will be named after Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, who served with the Army during World War II.
During the Battle of the Bulge, Bragg drove a stolen German ambulance 20 miles to get a wounded soldier to an Allied Forces hospital in Belgium. Bragg was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his actions. Bragg was stationed at the installation while he was enlisted.
“This directive honors the personal courage and selfless service of all those who have trained to fight and win our nation’s wars, including Pfc. Bragg, and is in keeping with the installation's esteemed and storied history,” Hegseth said in the memo.
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), who represents the congressional district where the installation resides, thanked Hegseth on X after the order was announced.
"FortBragg is BACK!" Hudson said.
https://www.wral.com/news/local/sec-defense-renames-fort-liberty-bragg-feb-2025/
If you wonder how a Danish political commentator see Trump. Then read this translated article. I do not concur in what he write.
https://ekstrabladet-dk.translate.goog/nyheder/politik/engell-om-trump-pak-manden-ind-i-vat/10526393?_x_tr_sl=da&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=da&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Markus
Buddahaid
02-11-25, 11:40 AM
This is brilliant idea. It will make a lot of troops and veterans really happy that Fort Bragg is again Fort Bragg.
https://www.wral.com/news/local/sec-defense-renames-fort-liberty-bragg-feb-2025/
You left out the part it’s named after a different person named Bragg, still it would have made more sense doing that in the first place but maybe breaking the connection with Braxton Bragg was a necessary step.
You left out the part it’s named after a different person named Bragg
Stop lying. No I didn't.
From the quoted part of the article:
On Monday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum declaring the Army would rename the base from Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. Hegseth posted video of him signing the memo on X.
According to Hegseth, the fort will be named after Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, who served with the Army during World War II.
During the Battle of the Bulge, Bragg drove a stolen German ambulance 20 miles to get a wounded soldier to an Allied Forces hospital in Belgium. Bragg was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his actions. Bragg was stationed at the installation while he was enlisted.
“This directive honors the personal courage and selfless service of all those who have trained to fight and win our nation’s wars, including Pfc. Bragg, and is in keeping with the installation's esteemed and storied history,” Hegseth said in the memo.
Jeff-Groves
02-11-25, 04:05 PM
Don't you love it when a person that never jumped outta an areoplane to protect thier Country whines about a freaking Names roots?
I'll NEVER call Fort Bragg, Fort Liberty! Those that don't like that?
Suck it up ButterCup and try on some Big Boy Boots!
Heck. I'm surprised there's not a Fort LGBTQ+ to be honest.
Buddahaid
02-11-25, 04:54 PM
Yes, you did say who it is now named after without pointing out it’s a different person for those might not know.
Don’t you love it when people think they are not created equal?
A new name for Greenland !?
Republican Buddy Carter has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would authorize President Trump to negotiate a deal with Denmark to purchase Greenland and rename it "Red, White, and Blueland."
Markus
Buddahaid
02-11-25, 05:50 PM
So it’s Dutch?
Otto Harkaman
02-12-25, 12:00 AM
https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/02/1920/1080/cartoon021125.jpg
https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/02/1920/1080/16568c92-2.8.25.png
Ostfriese
02-12-25, 12:15 AM
So it’s Dutch?
Or French? Or, if you want to be closer to Denmark: Schleswig-Holsteinian?
Don't you love it when a person that never jumped outta an areoplane to protect thier Country whines about a freaking Names roots?
I'll NEVER call Fort Bragg, Fort Liberty! Those that don't like that?
Suck it up ButterCup and try on some Big Boy Boots!
Heck. I'm surprised there's not a Fort LGBTQ+ to be honest.
I'm guessing that was the Demoncrats eventual plan for Fort Liberty because it had all the earmarks of a placeholder name.
Buddahaid
02-12-25, 06:04 AM
I'm guessing that was the Demoncrats eventual plan for Fort Liberty because it had all the earmarks of a placeholder name.
Hey, that’s what I said and got called buttercup by Mr. Big Boots.
AVGWarhawk
02-12-25, 08:26 AM
Don’t you love it when people think they are not created equal?
Describe equal. Equal physically? No, no we are not. Equal mentally? No, no we are not. Equal under the law? That is our hope.
Catfish
02-12-25, 08:32 AM
"Equal under the law. That is our hope."
Know what you mean, but it is not everyone's hope ;)
Red Devil
02-12-25, 11:12 AM
I see the infamous democrats are at it again, same as when DT was last elected, Shame is their fake news is the same as last time. I see they have rfeburied Bidens voters :har:
Buddahaid
02-12-25, 11:26 AM
Describe equal. Equal physically? No, no we are not. Equal mentally? No, no we are not. Equal under the law? That is our hope.
Guess where this statement is.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"
Otto Harkaman
02-12-25, 12:02 PM
^ And if we put that quote into historical context, I am sure people in the 1770s would have no way to comprehend the idea of transgender males playing in women sports :doh:
- because many of the things we do today would be considered satanic and deviant by their standards.
Guess where this statement is.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"
Not in the US Constitution that's for sure.
Buddahaid
02-12-25, 12:32 PM
Not in the US Constitution that's for sure.
Nope, and I never said it was.
Nope, and I never said it was.
Didn't say you did.
Elon Musk Says US Will Go 'Bankrupt' Without Cuts
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/elon-musk-says-us-will-go-bankrupt-without-cuts-7689492
Markus
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/elon-musk-says-us-will-go-bankrupt-without-cuts-7689492
MarkusA state is sovereign and thus, in principle, cannot be forced to go through a procedure, let alone be liquidated. Thus, under national legal systems, a state cannot be declared bankrupt, and under public international law, no such procedure exists. Elon is stupid, stop listen to him!
A state is sovereign and thus, in principle, cannot be forced to go through a procedure, let alone be liquidated. Thus, under national legal systems, a state cannot be declared bankrupt, and under public international law, no such procedure exists. Elon is stupid, stop listen to him!
What do I know I read it in a Danish article with a link to the English version, which I posted in this thread.
So I made a search-Can a country go bankrupt ?
A country cannot simply declare bankruptcy as a private business might do. Instead, the government needs to start a restructuring process, meaning renegotiating the contract terms of its debt with all its creditors, sometimes individual, sometimes with groups.
https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/explainers/what-happens-when-a-country-goes-broke
Markus
States always have collateral that is backed by the banks only if the banks say F you, you are in trouble but bankrupt that will never happen.
Interesting reading this:
Since taking the gavel in January, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability has accelerated its investigation of the Biden family’s domestic and international business practices to determine whether the Biden family has been targeted by foreign actors, President Biden is compromised, and our national security is threatened. Records obtained through the Committee’s subpoenas to date reveal that the Bidens and their associates have received over $20 million in payments from foreign entities.
Below is a timeline that details key dates in our investigation.
The main points of interest are:
1) Romania: On September 28, 2015, Vice President Biden welcomed Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to the White House. Within five weeks of this meeting, a Romanian businessman involved with a high-profile corruption prosecution in Romania, Gabriel Popoviciu, began depositing a Biden associate’s bank account, which ultimately made their way into Biden family accounts. Popoviciu made sixteen of the seventeen payments, totaling over $3 million, to the Biden associate account while Joe Biden was Vice President. Biden family accounts ultimately received approximately $1.038 million. The total amount from Romania to the Biden family and their associates is over $3 million.
2) China- CEFC: On March 1, 2017—less than two months after Vice President Joe Biden left public office—State Energy HK Limited, a Chinese company, wired $3 million to a Biden associate’s account. This is the same bank account used in the above “Romania” section. After the Chinese company wired the Biden associate account the $3 million, the Biden family received approximately $1,065,692 over a three-month period in different bank accounts. Additionally, the CEFC Chairman gives Hunter Biden a diamond worth $80,000. Lastly, CEFC creates a joint venture with the Bidens in the summer of 2017. The timeline lays out the “WhatsApp” messages and subsequent wires from the Chinese to the Bidens of $100,000 and $5 million. The total amount from China, specifically with CEFC and their related entities, to the Biden family and their associates is over $8 million.
3) Kazakhstan: On April 22, 2014, Kenes Rakishev, a Kazakhstani oligarch used his Singaporean entity, Novatus Holdings, to wire one of Hunter Biden’s Rosemont Seneca entities $142,300. The very next day—April 23, 2014—the Rosemont Seneca entity transferred the exact same amount of money to a car dealership for a car for Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden and Devon Archer would represent Burisma in Kazakhstan in May/June of 2014 as the company attempted to broker a three-way deal among Burisma, the Kazakhstan government, and a Chinese state-owned energy company.
4) Ukraine: Devon Archer joined the Burisma board of directors in spring of 2014 and was joined by Hunter Biden shortly thereafter. Hunter Biden joined the company as counsel, but after a meeting with Burisma owner Mykola Zlochevsky in Lake Como, Italy, was elevated to the board of directors in the spring of 2014. Both Biden and Archer were each paid $1 million per year for their positions on the board of directors. In December 2015, after a Burisma board of directors meeting, Zlochevsky and Hunter Biden “called D.C.” in the wake of mounting pressures the company was facing. Zlochevsky was later charged with bribing Ukrainian officials with $6 million in an attempt to delay or drop the investigation into his company. The total amount from Ukraine to the Biden family and their associates is $6.5 million.
5) Russia: On February 14, 2014, a Russian oligarch and Russia’s richest woman, Yelena Baturina, wired a Rosemont Seneca entity $3.5 million. On March 11, 2014, the wire was split up: $750,000 was transferred to Devon Archer, and the remainder was sent to Rosemont Seneca Bohai, a company Devon Archer and Hunter Biden split equally. In spring of 2014, Yelena Baturina joined Hunter Biden and Devon Archer to share a meal with then-Vice President Biden at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. The total amount from Russia to the Biden family and their associates is $3.5 million.
Beyond this timeline, here are links to our First (https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bank-Records-Memo-3.16.23.pdf), Second (https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bank-Memorandum-5.10.23.pdf), Third (https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Third-Bank-Records-Memorandum_Redacted.pdf), and Fourth (https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fourth-Bank-Records-Memo.pdf) Bank Memorandums that provide detailed descriptions and show actual bank records and wires.
https://oversight.house.gov/the-bidens-influence-peddling-timeline/
Onkel Neal
02-12-25, 05:28 PM
August and all Trumpers, I owe you an apology. Looks like Trump is going to truly empty the swamp.
Jeff-Groves
02-12-25, 05:51 PM
Someone should nominate that post!
:03:
Onkel Neal
02-12-25, 05:54 PM
It has begun
https://www.youtube.com/live/MmGQULWU3UE?si=oeWoBtl-FjNG44pS&t=2224
Commander Wallace
02-12-25, 08:41 PM
August and all Trumpers, I owe you an apology. Looks like Trump is going to truly empty the swamp.
If you really mean that, no apologies needed. If the swamp is emptied and the U.S is returned to Constitutional norms and common sense prevails, we will all be winners. :yep: I hope for that for everyone, regardless of who people voted for.
Buddahaid
02-12-25, 09:35 PM
It has begun
https://www.youtube.com/live/MmGQULWU3UE?si=oeWoBtl-FjNG44pS&t=2224
Battle of the century.
https://youtu.be/812qweG9Ofw?si=ig0yoleLHRmxPwzx
Commander Wallace
02-12-25, 09:51 PM
^ and you believe that ?
August and all Trumpers, I owe you an apology. Looks like Trump is going to truly empty the swamp.
If you really mean that, no apologies needed. If the swamp is emptied and the U.S is returned to Constitutional norms and common sense prevails, we will all be winners. :yep: I hope for that for everyone, regardless of who people voted for.
Agreed. I hope that he is successful and that it lasts beyond his presidency.
Red Devil
02-13-25, 02:05 AM
It has begun
https://www.youtube.com/live/MmGQULWU3UE?si=oeWoBtl-FjNG44pS&t=2224
About time, now lets get the UK to follow suit, weare being screwed by socialists in every theatre, we have sicko's ruining people lives, especially th elderly. The labour socialists got in because the predessors (Conservatives) lost it scared of offending someone. But voters now are turning to the Reform UK party on massive numbers. The labour, scared to death of this, are trying to ban illegally democratic local elections to try and stop Reform gaining even more. These socialists I have modelled on Americas democrats who are going to still try and thwart the Presidential elections walkover, exactly what they did the last time democracy ruled in the US of A. Stick to it if you want America to be a great nation again.
Buddahaid
02-13-25, 02:50 AM
^ and you believe that ?
Yes, I do.
Skybird
02-13-25, 06:30 AM
Four years is a long time. Don'T count your chickens before they are hatched.
Catfish
02-13-25, 07:42 AM
I guess Markus may be interested
"Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure"
https://denmarkification.com/
:D
Commander Wallace
02-13-25, 08:22 AM
I guess Markus may be interested
"Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure"
https://denmarkification.com/
:D
If you are heading up the negotiations for California, let's talk. If California is purchased, you have to take the liberal crazies too including Governor Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass. No refunds, no exchanges, no exceptions. :D
Look on the bright side, you get to keep Aktung too. :) Although, we would have to open negotiations for Aktung's return. :yep:
I guess Markus may be interested
"Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure"
https://denmarkification.com/
:D
:har:
Markus
u crank
02-13-25, 09:54 AM
If you are heading up the negotiations for California, let's talk. If California is purchased, you have to take the liberal crazies too including Governor Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass. No refunds, no exchanges, no exceptions. :D
It's the same thing with Trump's idea of making Canada the 51st state. With the exception of Alberta and Saskatchewan the rest of the country votes to the left. Not a good deal for the GOP.
Otto Harkaman
02-13-25, 10:51 AM
Eggs :o
H5N1 - After it is confirmed that avian flu has infected a farm, the USDA essentially takes over
Catfish
02-13-25, 12:02 PM
Let Musk shutdown the usda, problem solved. Ahem.
Otto Harkaman
02-13-25, 12:10 PM
It will be a big explosion with Democrats since it oversees SNAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has faced multiple accusations of corruption, waste, and mismanagement over the years. Here are some notable instances:
1. Discrimination & Civil Rights Violations
Pigford v. Glickman (1999): A landmark lawsuit where Black farmers accused the USDA of systematically denying them loans and assistance. The government settled for over $1.25 billion in compensation.
Similar lawsuits were later filed by Native American (Keepseagle v. Vilsack), Hispanic, and female farmers, resulting in additional settlements.
2. Farm Subsidy Abuse
Payments to Wealthy Landowners: Reports have shown that millions of dollars in farm subsidies go to people who don’t actively farm, including wealthy urban residents and large corporations. Some payments even went to deceased farmers.
A 2019 GAO (Government Accountability Office) report found that farm aid disproportionately benefited large agribusinesses over small farmers.
3. Food Stamp Fraud (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps, has had issues with fraud and mismanagement.
Retailer Fraud: Stores illegally exchanging SNAP benefits for cash.
Recipient Fraud: People misrepresenting income to qualify. A 2016 USDA report estimated SNAP fraud at around $1 billion per year.
4. Wasteful Spending & Mismanagement
In 2017, an internal USDA audit found that the agency wasted over $2.5 billion due to mismanagement in various programs.
$10 million was spent on a failed database system that was never used.
The USDA has been criticized for funding questionable research projects, including $500,000 for studying the effects of shrimp on treadmills.
5. Conflicts of Interest & Lobbying
The USDA has been accused of favoring large agribusinesses like Monsanto, Cargill, and Tyson Foods over small farmers.
Revolving Door Problem: Many USDA officials have had ties to corporate agribusiness, leading to concerns about regulatory capture.
Several USDA officials have been criticized for having ties to large agribusiness corporations, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Here are some notable names:
1. Tom Vilsack
Position: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (2009-2017 under Obama, 2021-present under Biden)
Corporate Ties:
Served as CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (2017-2021), a trade group representing corporate dairy interests.
Strong ties to Monsanto—supported biotech crops and was criticized for favoring large agribusinesses.
Worked to speed up the approval of genetically modified crops during his tenure.
2. Michael Taylor
Position: Deputy Commissioner for Foods at the FDA (not USDA, but closely related to food regulation)
Corporate Ties:
Former Vice President for Public Policy at Monsanto.
Played a key role in deregulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production.
3. Sonny Perdue
Position: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (2017-2021 under Trump)
Corporate Ties:
Prior to joining USDA, he ran Perdue Partners, an agribusiness trading company.
Accused of favoring large poultry producers over small farmers.
Under his leadership, USDA rolled back regulations meant to protect small farmers from corporate exploitation.
4. Chuck Conner
Position: Deputy Secretary of Agriculture (2005-2008)
Corporate Ties:
Former lobbyist for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, which represents agribusiness interests.
Strong advocate for corporate-friendly agricultural policies.
5. Richard Raymond
Position: Under Secretary for Food Safety (2005-2009)
Corporate Ties:
Close ties to meatpacking companies, which led to concerns about USDA’s oversight of food safety regulations.
6. Krysta Harden
Position: Deputy Secretary of Agriculture (2013-2016)
Corporate Ties:
Later became Chief Sustainability Officer at Corteva Agriscience, a major agribusiness company.
These officials are just a few examples of the “revolving door” between government and corporate agribusiness. Their policies and decisions have often been criticized for favoring big agriculture over small farmers and consumers.
Skybird
02-13-25, 02:36 PM
And so he took the last hurdle. :yeah:
Kennedy was confirmed as health and human services secretary on a mostly party-line vote of 52-48.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-votes-confirm-robert-f-kennedy-jr-health-secretary-rcna191856
I honestly hope he will live up to the hopes he has raised. It could become a signal then that reaches far beyond the borders of the US, since both food and health policies of the US are incredibly influential around most of the globe.
Usually I never trust politicians, no matter their name, no matter their party. JUST NEVER. On the very few occasions I did, I promptly got punished for this naivety. I really hope he is an exception from the rule.
Buddahaid
02-13-25, 06:18 PM
And so he took the last hurdle. :yeah:
Kennedy was confirmed as health and human services secretary on a mostly party-line vote of 52-48.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-votes-confirm-robert-f-kennedy-jr-health-secretary-rcna191856
I honestly hope he will live up to the hopes he has raised. It could become a signal then that reaches far beyond the borders of the US, since both food and health policies of the US are incredibly influential around most of the globe.
Usually I never trust politicians, no matter their name, no matter their party. JUST NEVER. On the very few occasions I did, I promptly got punished for this naivety. I really hope he is an exception from the rule.
It's like putting a flat earther in charge of NASA. :doh:
AVGWarhawk
02-13-25, 08:14 PM
Truth
https://youtu.be/ZQ3oJExvako?si=ogP-RHxaaxLb4txb
AVGWarhawk
02-13-25, 08:16 PM
It's like putting a flat earther in charge of NASA. :doh:
I'll leave this here.
This is a link to the Doge Live Tracker. It shows totals and individual items. At time of posting they've saved $45 Billion taxpayer dollars and counting.
https://www.doge-tracker.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIbpktleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRqi2DNsQ-eEcO1Po82nib-Rs5zsJo-UKEaBPxLnyYoXzGiEcsQv-xsaJg_aem_jPVQrUwEYhn1f8CKBnOGZQ
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 02:24 AM
It has begun
https://www.youtube.com/live/MmGQULWU3UE?si=oeWoBtl-FjNG44pS&t=2224
So as it turns out no charges were filed against the people named in the press conference. Charges are criminal in nature and what was filed was a civil lawsuit seeking an injunction against the NY Green law claiming it is obstructive and it has nothing to do with the individuals named in the complaint. That was political grandstanding.
AVGWarhawk
02-14-25, 07:50 AM
So as it turns out no charges were filed against the people named in the press conference. Charges are criminal in nature and what was filed was a civil lawsuit seeking an injunction against the NY Green law claiming it is obstructive and it has nothing to do with the individuals named in the complaint. That was political grandstanding.
Funny when it's on the other foot.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 11:43 AM
Funny when it's on the other foot.
I feel a change in the wind.
Quote: Bondi said the Justice Department filed a suit against the state, Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Mark Schroder, commissioner of New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/02/12/pam-bondi-and-doj-sue-new-york-kathy-hochul-over-green-light-law/
At the heart of this action is the fact that under the " Green light " law, drivers licenses are being Issued to Illegal Migrants. This is Insane. This has the effect of putting U.S Motorists at risk.
Worse, if these Drivers licenses are being used as Identification, It gives Illegals a degree of Validity. Further, these Illegals may then be able to rent vehicles in other States. It will also make the jobs of ICE officers more difficult to discern who is here legally and who isn't.
The totality of what NY is doing is to defy the Federal Government and what most people want. I hope the voting public remembers this at the Elections
AVGWarhawk
02-14-25, 11:50 AM
I feel a change in the wind.
Quote: Bondi said the Justice Department filed a suit against the state, Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Mark Schroder, commissioner of New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/02/12/pam-bondi-and-doj-sue-new-york-kathy-hochul-over-green-light-law/
At the heart of this action is the fact that under the " Green light " law, drivers licenses are being Issued to Illegal Migrants. This is Insane. This has the effect of putting U.S Motorists at risk.
Worse, if these Drivers licenses are being used as Identification, It gives Illegals a degree of Validity. Further, these Illegals may then be able to rent vehicles in other States. It will also make the jobs of ICE officers more difficult to discern who is here legally and who isn't.
The totality of what NY is doing is to defy the Federal Government and what most people want. I hope the voting public remembers this at the Elections
I'm with you on this. Illegals are getting a free ride. We taxpayers are suffering the economic, physical and mental impact. People are being raped or killed. Sometimes both. All in the name of humanity.
Trump is enacting a promise. Deport on a large scale. It is long past due. Anchor babies. No more.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 12:04 PM
I'm with you on this. Illegals are getting a free ride. We taxpayers are suffering the economic, physical and mental impact. People are being raped or killed. Sometimes both. All in the name of humanity.
Trump is enacting a promise. Deport on a large scale. It is long past due. Anchor babies. No more.
I agree with you 100 %. Under extreme circumstances, The general public might be able to do a better job of " removing " these " Invaders " if they knew they wouldn't face prosecution. People tend to know their neighborhoods better than anyone else. Lets call the migrants what they really are, Invaders. Better to deal with them and this Issue accordingly.
I understand people in the world are suffering hardships but we, the U.S aren't responsible for that or them. People coming here aren't escaping persecution, they are here because the U.S has shown they are soft on such Issues. It's time the U.S and Other Countries in Europe show them a harsh face. Logic suggests they will stay where they are better treated.
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 12:12 PM
And all that changes nothing of what I said. The civil suit is over the law, not charges against the individuals named in it.
Sanctuary States and cities cannot obstruct the Federal Government by Constitutional law, but they also are under no obligation to cooperate by handing over records or giving assistance.
That’s the point it will have to prove has occurred. If they win the law will be overridden and that's it, nobody named in the suit goes to jail or is fined.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 12:20 PM
And all that changes nothing of what I said. The civil suit is over the law, not charges against the individuals named in it.
Sanctuary States and cities cannot obstruct the Federal Government by Constitutional law, but they also are under no obligation to cooperate by handing over records or giving assistance.
That’s the point it will have to prove has occurred.
When you hide people from Immigration Officers, you're in violation of Federal Law. That is Obstruction. That's it. Federal law supersedes State law, in this case.
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 12:41 PM
When you hide people from Immigration Officers, you're in violation of Federal Law. That is Obstruction. That's it. Federal law supersedes State law, in this case.
That's what I said and what must be proven in court. The DOJ must prove what is occurring is more than just choosing not to render assistance.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 01:01 PM
That's what I said and what must be proven in court. The DOJ must prove what is occurring is more than just choosing not to render assistance.
There is nothing to prove. This is the Law. I will assume, at least for the moment, that you know how to read. If so, read on.
The laws I am citing are Federal U.S code.
8 U.S. Code § 1325 - Improper entry by alien
(a) Improper time or place; avoidance of examination or inspection; misrepresentation and concealment of facts Any alien (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-92903111-1485256781&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1325) who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-2032517217-1201680101&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1325) at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-717612480-1201680039&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1325), or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-717612480-1201680039&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1325), or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-2032517217-1201680101&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1325)by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
8 U.S. Code § 1324 - Bringing in and harboring certain aliens
(i) Anyone knowing that a person is an alien (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-92903111-1485256781&term_occur=999&term_src=), brings to or attempts to bring to the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-2032517217-1201680101&term_occur=999&term_src=) in any manner whatsoever such person at a place other than a designated port of entry or place other than as designated by the Commissioner, (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-535736584-1485256776&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1324) regardless of whether such alien (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-92903111-1485256781&term_occur=999&term_src=)has received prior official authorization to come to, enter, or reside in the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-2032517217-1201680101&term_occur=999&term_src=) and regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such alien; (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-92903111-1485256781&term_occur=999&term_src=title:8:chapter:12:subchapter:II:part:VII I:section:1324)
(ii) Knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-92903111-1485256781&term_occur=999&term_src=) has come to, entered, or remains in the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-2032517217-1201680101&term_occur=999&term_src=) in violation of law, transports, or moves or attempts to transport or move such alien (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-92903111-1485256781&term_occur=999&term_src=)within the United States (https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=8-USC-2032517217-1201680101&term_occur=999&term_src=) by means of transportation or otherwise, in furtherance of such violation of law;
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1325
There are a number of other laws that I could Cite but anyone can read up on that on their own. However, I don't want to clog up this thread. I merely cited two of them. Your arguments are baseless and have no merits whatsoever. The laws I cited are on the books. That's the end of it. The Federal Govt. Is essentially saying, obey the law or face the consequences. No one is interested in the whimsical perceptions of the Liberal Democrats or their pathetic party.
And all that changes nothing of what I said. The civil suit is over the law, not charges against the individuals named in it.
Sanctuary States and cities cannot obstruct the Federal Government by Constitutional law, but they also are under no obligation to cooperate by handing over records or giving assistance.
That’s the point it will have to prove has occurred. If they win the law will be overridden and that's it, nobody named in the suit goes to jail or is fined.
Is it possible Trump declare state of emergency to overrun different states law against these deportation ?
Markus
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 03:54 PM
There is nothing to prove. This is the Law. I will assume, at least for the moment, that you know how to read. If so, read on.
There is a lawsuit so there is something to prove, and the DOJ has to make their case in court whether you like it or not.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 06:09 PM
There is a lawsuit so there is something to prove, and the DOJ has to make their case in court whether you like it or not.
I'm fine with these cases going to Court. however, This is essentially the Legal version of a Filibuster. These Lawsuits filed against the Trump Administration are little more than an attempt to slow down or delay Trump until the Democrats can think of something else or file another frivolous Lawsuit.
The President of the United States has the power to protect and safeguard this Country. Those opposing it should tell you they are getting something out of opposing it. It's the same as those Opposing Doge. August posted a link to the waste that has been found. I differ from that as I think that money found it's way into different people's pockets and the examples of waste found are little more than fronts that laundered that money. However, the money lost is real, regardless of where it went.
In short, these Legislators work for us, not the other way around. The Democrats believe we are little more than indentured Servants to their Will. We essentially rule by consensus and a majority. The screwed up transgender crowd are not even close to being a majority. They aren't even a minority but rather reminiscent of the rejects from the land of misfit toys. And yet, the Democrats expect the general public to pander and cater to this group. I have no Issue with the transgender crowd unless they try to make their problems our problems.
The American people overwhelmingly voted to clean up this Democratic mess and drain the Swamp. The reality is, these Legislators don't have the luxury of indulging in their personal opinions or feelings, regardless of what they may be, with regards to DOGE, Migrants or anything else they don't like. Exercise some common sense and listen to your constituencies in what they want and expect.
If the Democrats don't get their act together soon, they will face another backlash at the polls during the midterm elections. The general consensus is, the Democrats are trying to thwart the will of the People. The Democrats have never been as hated as they are now. That is likely to continue and grow, possibly resulting in violence that no one wants. The Democrats would be wise to consider all of the ramifications of their actions.
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 06:14 PM
I’ll remind you I was talking about the DOJ’s suit against NY.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 07:50 PM
I’ll remind you I was talking about the DOJ’s suit against NY.
Right and since when It is within the confines of the law to Issue Drivers Licenses to those that became criminals when they Illegally crossed into the U.S ? Individuals that are not Citizens of the U.S. The Migrants that crossed into the United States are Criminals. Plain and Simple. Do you believe NY will be successful in defending against U.S Attorney General Pam Bondi ?
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 08:35 PM
Since NY decided to do that because DL's are issued by States, not the Federal government. It's for the courts to decide not the court of public opinion.
Commander Wallace
02-14-25, 08:39 PM
Since NY decided to do that because DL's are issued by States, not the Federal government. It's for the courts to decide not the court of public opinion.
That is true but The Feds have ultimate oversight with regards to States. Ergo, you you can't Issue a Drivers License to someone who is Illegally in the U.S and Criminally so. They are not legal residents of New York or the U.S. That is more an Issue since Drivers Licenses are used for Identification and so this is a way to validate Criminal Illegal Aliens by NY.
Buddahaid
02-14-25, 09:10 PM
I wish I could find the actual complaint filed to post but in lieu of that I can transpose what the suit is asking of the court.
"PRAYER FOR RELIEF
The United States respectfully requests the following relief:
A. That this Court enter a judgement declaring the New York's Green Light Law violates the Supremacy Clause, and is therefore both unlawful and unenforceable;
B. That this Court enter a permanent injunction barring Defendents---as well as any of their successors, agents, or employees---from enforcing New York's Green Light Law;
C. That this Court award the United States it's fees and costs in this action; and
D. That this Court award any other relief it deems just and proper.
Dated: February 12, 2025"
So getting enough votes to win reelection against Harris/Biden says what about Harris/Biden? If someone as bad as Trump could could win reelection then just how bad were they? The Democrats' choice of candidates has been, since Obama departed the scene sad indeed. The result, Trump 2.0. Buckle up the fun has just begun.
I didn't say or imply Biden/Harris was any better than Trump/Vance, nor am I saying or implying Trump/Vance is any better than Biden/Harris; you are actually making my point: given how the GOP/Trump/MSGA have chosen to drill into the voters' minds just how bad they see Biden/Harris, shouldn't their guy have very, easily beaten Harris last year, and by a very solid majority? Yet, not only did Trump not achieve a popular vote majority, he just barely squeezed by, which is hardly a ringing endorsement by the voters of Trump's capabilities in a second term; Trump is not the winner because the majority of the voters wanted him, he's only getting a second term because his opposition was so week; remember, trump lost Presidential elections twice before his win in 2024 and by margins that were greater than his margin over Harris...
...and I am just as you say, watching the fun; its always a bit amusing to watch a train wreck being staged...
<O>
Otto Harkaman
02-15-25, 05:52 PM
When bureaucrats dare with unchecked pen,
To write decrees beyond their ken,
A murky mire begins to grow—
A swamp where dark ambitions flow.
The enemy is the swamp, plain seen,
A bog of orders, sly and mean;
Where common sense is drowned in power,
And liberty wilts by the hour.
Yet let our voices rise and ring,
To challenge lawfare's cruel sting;
Before the ballots cast our blight,
We clear the swamp with truth and right.
Kamala Harris won Washington, Oregon, California, Illinois, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Hawaii and all the New England States. Donald Trump won all the rest including the 7 battleground States like Ohio and Pennsylvania where Harris Campaigned extensively.
Donald Trump won 312 Electoral College Votes To 226 for Kamala Harris. 270 Electoral Votes were needed to win. That sounds pretty decisive to me. In fact, it sounds like a rout. Harris won 74,749,891 votes (48.3%) of the Popular vote to 77,168,458 votes (49.9%) For Donald Trump.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-ELECTION/RESULTS/zjpqnemxwvx/
Stop crying about it and get over it, Vienna. Mama Kamala was soundly beaten and that's it. Numbers don't lie.
This map looks pretty convincing too, by precincts. The red areas are for Trump.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP. wThzuNaq0X5ZThzy8lqPAgHaEC%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=a15fb5de30c2163dc81a8bd38487de7d7da3cd0c23150c c5fe61bdfcff61b45a&ipo=images (https://i.redd.it/tk6gznxiqpi61.png)
So, I see you haven't really been able to prove your "vast majority" line of bull using the popular vote tallies, so you've switched to trying to justify your claims using the Electoral College vote, instead; let's look at that, then...
First of all, unlike the direct popular vote, which is basically objective (one voter, one vote), the Electoral College is highly subjective and prone to being gamed and manipulated; the popular vote is the purest of the two and is a far more accurate barometer of the public will than the Electoral College; remember, the Electoral College was initially set up to appease the Slave States (SS); the SS had a number of issues with the way they were being seen; when the Continental Congress (CC) first established the means of counting citizens for the purpose of allocating House seats, slaves were not included in the population counts seeing as the SS openly regarded the slaves as property and not people; however, when it became obvious that the SS were not going to have as many seats in the House as they wanted, they demanded the slaves be included in the head count for for seats; the CC balked at this and, after much debate, a compromise was made where a slave was to be considered 3/5 ths of person for the purposes of population counts towards House seats and Electoral College votes; the result was to give the SS more influence than they would have gotten if the population count was solely based on the count of citizens in those states who had full citizen's rights; the SS wanted their slaves to be seen as property but they also wanted to reap a benefit, politically, by wanting those 'non-citizens', with no rights under the law, to be counted as if they were, even fractionally, 'real citizens'; the Electoral College, since it is based on the same criteria that determined House seats, is just an offshoot of the 3/5 ths Compromise; the Electoral College and its reason for existence really should have been ended when slavery was abolished, but, yet, it remains as a sad, pathetic relic of past days and deals..
Secondly, the way EC votes are allocated can vary from state to state and are not, in any way, homogenous; each state determines the way they will cast their EC votes based on their own criteria, thus it is not really objective overall and is more subjective than the popular vote system...
Thirdly, the EC system can be gamed and manipulated far, far more than the popular vote; we saw just how badly the process can be corrupted in 2020 when slates of fake Electors were attempted to be entered and when machinations by the incumbent President to tamper with some states' Electoral process was revealed; it is far, far easier to "fudge" the EC than the popular vote; in fact, with the EC, it is very possible for a Presidential candidate to win the direct popular vote, often by a goodly margin, and yet, be denied office because of the vagaries of the EC, and there is historical fact to prove this...
Now, to your claim of Trump getting 312 EC votes as being proof of some sort of voter acclaim; in 2016, Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in the popular vote but her victory was overturned, not by the voters directly, but by the EC's structure; the GOP gamed the election, not really to get the approval of the voters for their candidate, but to ensure they'd get enough EC votes to 'win'; Trump got 304 EC votes and declared he had won by a landslide; four years later, Biden got 306 EC votes (and over 7 million more votes than Trump), so I guess Biden won by an even bigger landslide than Trump in 2016; in 2024, Trump got 312 EC votes: now, you're probably saying something like 'it proves Trump was a really big winner' but not so fast; the EC is such a twisted mess of subjective influences, it has no real connection to or correlation with the will of the voters as expressed in the "one voter, one vote' objectivity of the popular vote; my favorite instance of just how wildly the EC can be versus the popular vote is the Nixon V. McGovern election of 1972; Nixon won the popular vote garnering a solid 60.7% of the votes cast; however, when the EC votes were tallied, Nixon got 96.8% (520 votes) of the EC votes, a figure way out of step with the popular vote; in 1980, Reagan got 50.4% of the popular vote, but got 90.1% (489 votes) of the EC votes; in 1984, Reagan got 58.8% of the popular, but got 97.6% (525 votes) of the EC; the numbers in the EC just don't have the ability to accurately reflect the wishes and/or mood of the US voters; the EC is an archaic, arcane leftover from slave days' attempts to appease the slavers...
So, you think 312 is something to write home about? try Reagan's 525 and 520, or Nixon's 520, for that matter; there is no landslide for Trump in 2016, 2020, or 2024, and there certainly no "vast majority", at all...
...
Stop crying about it and get over it, Vienna. Mama Kamala was soundly beaten and that's it. Numbers don't lie.
...
Yes, numbers don't lie and I have the numbers to prove your claim of a "vast majority" are just so much BS and have no basis in objective facts; you tried to pretty up the Trump Pig, but no amount of lipstick is gonna make that oinker any more pleasing to the majority of the voters who didn't vote for him...
..and as far as crying is concerned, I shed no tears over this; I'm just enjoying watching Donald Dumb and his merry band of minions Keystone Kop their way through the last term of someone who will fulfill his destiny with yet another failure; unfortunately, they are going to do a lot of damage in the process, but the US is a strong country and I'm sure we'll get through the next four yeas of Oval Office idiocy and emerge with a better sense of how to avoid something like this happening again...
Remember, politics in the US is like a pendulum and however far you pull a pendulum in one direction, it will swing back just as far in the other direction; it would seem the MAGA minions are gonna be in for a rude awakening once The Giant Lemon has served his term...
Ahh, the tears of the MAGA will be delicious... :haha:
<O>
When bureaucrats dare with unchecked pen,
To write decrees beyond their ken,
A murky mire begins to grow—
A swamp where dark ambitions flow.
The enemy is the swamp, plain seen,
A bog of orders, sly and mean;
Where common sense is drowned in power,
And liberty wilts by the hour.
Yet let our voices rise and ring,
To challenge lawfare's cruel sting;
Before the ballots cast our blight,
We clear the swamp with truth and right.
...you forgot to add the "Burma Shave"...:03:
<O>
AVGWarhawk
02-15-25, 07:05 PM
It's beyond me why people like to see someone fail.
u crank
02-15-25, 07:14 PM
given how the GOP/Trump/MSGA have chosen to drill into the voters' minds just how bad they see Biden/Harris, shouldn't their guy have very, easily beaten Harris last year, and by a very solid majority?
Given how Trump was suppose to be Hitler, a Fascist, a racist and that he was suppose to destroy democracy, shouldn't Harris have won and by a landslide?
Yet, not only did Trump not achieve a popular vote majority, ..
Trump won the popular vote by 2,284,967 votes.
... he's only getting a second term because his opposition was so week;
And now you are making my point.
.. remember, trump lost Presidential elections twice before his win in 2024 and by margins that were greater than his margin over Harris...
Trump has run for office three times. He won twice. Where are you getting that he lost twice?
Indeed! https://images.wsj.net/im-58953747/social :arrgh!:
You're damn right and my favorite Rhino is Lindsey Graham,who was in Munich Germany telling Zelinski to sign mineral rights to American companies and Trump would have to defend Ukraine.Here is a 30 year politician Senator that is telling the President of another country, Look if you sign on the line now,before i leave Trump will have to defend those mineral sites.
I watched on live tv.US Senators have discussion with Zelinski. I looked into Lindsey Graham's Wikipedia history and came to the conclusion this 30 year Politician. He Is a cheap imitation of a U.S. Air Force officer, A Warhawk who has no wife or kids.And has no problem making decisions that will result in Death. As long as it brings Power and Wealth to Lindsey Graham.
Here is a Republican that should be exposed. Come on Elon :up:
u crank
02-15-25, 07:33 PM
It's beyond me why people like to see someone fail.
When that is all you've got you run with it.
Early on in the DOGE takeover of US government systems, Musk's teams of script kiddies royally screwed up the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) email system, leaving it wide open to attack from outside the government and, perhaps even more distressing, outside the US:
Trump Broke the Federal Email System and Government Employees Got Blasted With Astonishingly Vulgar Messages --
https://futurism.com/the-byte/trump-email-system
In my experience with administering and/or dealing with IT, I don't recall ever seeing as sloppy an effort to change a system as what Musk's Minions are committing; to leave a system so openly naked to attack is appalling; ignoring existing security protocols in favor of Musk's flavor-of-the-month approach would be enough to get anyone in the private sector fired, if not criminally charged or sued; yet, Trump persists in standing by the cyber klutze...
Cybersecurity, government experts are aghast at security failures in DOGE takeover --
https://cyberscoop.com/musk-doge-opm-treasury-breach/
It is important to note that DOGE's efforts are not just going to affect internal government data sets; their lax security "standards" and breaches also will affect data sets containing the personal, and private, information of citizens and the critical data involving their lives; the way its going now, its going to be a field day for the hackers, phishers, and other denizens of the web, both open and dark...
This is a link to the Doge Live Tracker. It shows totals and individual items. At time of posting they've saved $45 Billion taxpayer dollars and counting.
https://www.doge-tracker.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIbpktleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRqi2DNsQ-eEcO1Po82nib-Rs5zsJo-UKEaBPxLnyYoXzGiEcsQv-xsaJg_aem_jPVQrUwEYhn1f8CKBnOGZQ
...and, it appears, DOGE couldn't even secure their on webpage, something that really should been easy for Musk's "best and the brightest"...
Elon Musk's DOGE Website Being 'Hacked' Sparks Mockery --
https://www.newsweek.com/doge-website-hacked-elon-musk-trump-2031707
The Keystone Kops aspect of it all would be amusing if it weren't for the fact that our nation's security is being endangered; I received an email with one of IT expert Bruce Schneier's periodic IT security newsletters; one of the subjects was this:
DOGE as a National Cyberattack
[2025.02.13] In the span of just weeks, the US government has experienced what may be the most consequential security breach in its history -- not through a sophisticated cyberattack or an act of foreign espionage, but through official orders by a billionaire with a poorly defined government role. And the implications for national security are profound.
First, it was reported that people associated with the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had accessed the US Treasury computer system, giving them the ability to collect data on and potentially control the department’s roughly $5.45 trillion in annual federal payments.
Then, we learned that uncleared DOGE personnel had gained access to classified data from the US Agency for International Development, possibly copying it onto their own systems. Next, the Office of Personnel Management -- which holds detailed personal data on millions of federal employees, including those with security clearances -- was compromised. After that, Medicaid and Medicare records were compromised.
Meanwhile, only partially redacted names of CIA employees were sent over an unclassified email account. DOGE personnel are also reported to be feeding Education Department data into artificial intelligence software, and they have also started working at the Department of Energy.
This story is moving very fast. On Feb. 8, a federal judge blocked the DOGE team from accessing the Treasury Department systems any further. But given that DOGE workers have already copied data and possibly installed and modified software, it’s unclear how this fixes anything.
In any case, breaches of other critical government systems are likely to follow unless federal employees stand firm on the protocols protecting national security.
The systems that DOGE is accessing are not esoteric pieces of our nation’s infrastructure -- they are the sinews of government.
For example, the Treasury Department systems contain the technical blueprints for how the federal government moves money, while the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) network contains information on who and what organizations the government employs and contracts with.
What makes this situation unprecedented isn’t just the scope, but also the method of attack. Foreign adversaries typically spend years attempting to penetrate government systems such as these, using stealth to avoid being seen and carefully hiding any tells or tracks. The Chinese government’s 2015 breach of OPM was a significant US security failure, and it illustrated how personnel data could be used to identify intelligence officers and compromise national security.
In this case, external operators with limited experience and minimal oversight are doing their work in plain sight and under massive public scrutiny: gaining the highest levels of administrative access and making changes to the United States’ most sensitive networks, potentially introducing new security vulnerabilities in the process.
But the most alarming aspect isn’t just the access being granted. It’s the systematic dismantling of security measures that would detect and prevent misuse -- including standard incident response protocols, auditing, and change-tracking mechanisms -- by removing the career officials in charge of those security measures and replacing them with inexperienced operators.
The Treasury’s computer systems have such an impact on national security that they were designed with the same principle that guides nuclear launch protocols: No single person should have unlimited power. Just as launching a nuclear missile requires two separate officers turning their keys simultaneously, making changes to critical financial systems traditionally requires multiple authorized personnel working in concert.
This approach, known as “separation of duties,” isn’t just bureaucratic red tape; it’s a fundamental security principle as old as banking itself. When your local bank processes a large transfer, it requires two different employees to verify the transaction. When a company issues a major financial report, separate teams must review and approve it. These aren’t just formalities -- they’re essential safeguards against corruption and error. These measures have been bypassed or ignored. It’s as if someone found a way to rob Fort Knox by simply declaring that the new official policy is to fire all the guards and allow unescorted visits to the vault.
The implications for national security are staggering. Sen. Ron Wyden said his office had learned that the attackers gained privileges that allow them to modify core programs in Treasury Department computers that verify federal payments, access encrypted keys that secure financial transactions, and alter audit logs that record system changes. Over at OPM, reports indicate that individuals associated with DOGE connected an unauthorized server into the network. They are also reportedly training AI software on all of this sensitive data.
This is much more critical than the initial unauthorized access. These new servers have unknown capabilities and configurations, and there’s no evidence that this new code has gone through any rigorous security testing protocols. The AIs being trained are certainly not secure enough for this kind of data. All are ideal targets for any adversary, foreign or domestic, also seeking access to federal data.
There’s a reason why every modification -- hardware or software -- to these systems goes through a complex planning process and includes sophisticated access-control mechanisms. The national security crisis is that these systems are now much more vulnerable to dangerous attacks at the same time that the legitimate system administrators trained to protect them have been locked out.
By modifying core systems, the attackers have not only compromised current operations, but have also left behind vulnerabilities that could be exploited in future attacks -- giving adversaries such as Russia and China an unprecedented opportunity. These countries have long targeted these systems. And they don’t just want to gather intelligence -- they also want to understand how to disrupt these systems in a crisis.
Now, the technical details of how these systems operate, their security protocols, and their vulnerabilities are now potentially exposed to unknown parties without any of the usual safeguards. Instead of having to breach heavily fortified digital walls, these parties can simply walk through doors that are being propped open -- and then erase evidence of their actions.
The security implications span three critical areas.
First, system manipulation: External operators can now modify operations while also altering audit trails that would track their changes. Second, data exposure: Beyond accessing personal information and transaction records, these operators can copy entire system architectures and security configurations -- in one case, the technical blueprint of the country’s federal payment infrastructure. Third, and most critically, is the issue of system control: These operators can alter core systems and authentication mechanisms while disabling the very tools designed to detect such changes. This is more than modifying operations; it is modifying the infrastructure that those operations use.
To address these vulnerabilities, three immediate steps are essential. First, unauthorized access must be revoked and proper authentication protocols restored. Next, comprehensive system monitoring and change management must be reinstated -- which, given the difficulty of cleaning a compromised system, will likely require a complete system reset. Finally, thorough audits must be conducted of all system changes made during this period.
This is beyond politics -- this is a matter of national security. Foreign national intelligence organizations will be quick to take advantage of both the chaos and the new insecurities to steal US data and install backdoors to allow for future access.
Each day of continued unrestricted access makes the eventual recovery more difficult and increases the risk of irreversible damage to these critical systems. While the full impact may take time to assess, these steps represent the minimum necessary actions to begin restoring system integrity and security protocols.
Assuming that anyone in the government still cares.
This essay was written with Davi Ottenheimer, and originally appeared in Foreign Policy.
I posted the entire article because the Foreign Policy site require registration and it wouldn't be available to those of you who might be interested...
<O>
Given how Trump was suppose to be Hitler, a Fascist, a racist and that he was suppose to destroy democracy, shouldn't Harris have won and by a landslide?
...
...and, conversely, if Harris was as flawed and a threat to democracy as Trump/GOP/MAGA made her out to be, shouldn't Trump have won in a decisive landslide? Same, difference...
...
Trump won the popular vote by 2,284,967 votes.
...and, yet again, he was incapable of garnering a real majority (over 50%) and his 2,284,967 was less the an Clinton's margin over him in 2016, and less than a third of the margin Biden had in 2020; by those metrics, Trump has never enjoyed a solid backing of the voters...
...
And now you are making my point.
...
Actually that is my point: Trump wouldn't have a second term if he ran against a solid candidate and his scant margin is proof of that; as I said, Trump is/was not a strong candidate by any means...
...
Trump has run for office three times. He won twice. Where are you getting that he lost twice?
I'm speaking in terms of the popular vote, the only objective measure available; there, he indeed lost twice; gaming a flawed system is hardly a "victory", nor is his 2024 election a "vast" or "overwhelming" mandate...
<O>
u crank
02-15-25, 08:35 PM
...and, conversely, if Harris was as flawed and a threat to democracy as Trump/GOP/MAGA made her out to be, shouldn't Trump have won in a decisive landslide? Same, difference...
What difference and who cares. Trump is the 47th President of the USA. Crying about it won't change that fact.
...and, yet again, he was incapable of garnering a real majority (over 50%) and his 2,284,967 was less the an Clinton's margin over him in 2016, and less than a third of the margin Biden had in 2020; by those metrics, Trump has never enjoyed a solid backing of the voters...
You do understand the meaning of the word majority don't you?
Actually that is my point: Trump wouldn't have a second term if he ran against a solid candidate and his scant margin is proof of that; as I said, Trump is/was not a strong candidate by any means...
I've never said he was a strong candidate.
I'm speaking in terms of the popular vote, the only objective measure available; there, he indeed lost twice; gaming a flawed system is hardly a "victory", nor is his 2024 election a "vast" or "overwhelming" mandate...
Yea. Cry me a river. It's gonna be a long four years for the TDS crowd. I am sure there are therapy groups out there. Get help.
Buddahaid
02-15-25, 11:33 PM
It's beyond me why people like to see someone fail.
And isn't that also what MAGA has been pulling for since 2016? Of course, people want to see others fail. I want to see Putin fail, I want to see all despots and dictators fail, I want to see all criminals fail, etc.
Do I want to see Trump fail? Given how much of what he's doing I'm against I'd say yes, but this would be king knows how to play his crowd and get people to cheer him on and vote against their best interests so the circus entertainment goes on.
"Little under a century ago, an ill-fated law helped spiral the Wall Street crash of 1929 into a worldwide depression. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff encompassed roughly one-quarter of all imports, flaring tensions with U.S. trading partners and halving American imports and exports as a result. Caught in the crosshairs, Americans learned the hard way that trade wars are expensive, and today, we ought to be careful deciding with whom to pick them."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/mitch-mcconnell-kentuckians-can-t-afford-the-high-cost-of-trump-s-tariffs/ar-AA1yT6k3?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Commander Wallace
02-15-25, 11:56 PM
So, I see you haven't really been able to prove your "vast majority" line of bull using the popular vote tallies, so you've switched to trying to justify your claims using the Electoral College vote, instead; let's look at that, then...
First of all, unlike the direct popular vote, which is basically objective (one voter, one vote), the Electoral College is highly subjective and prone to being gamed and manipulated; the popular vote is the purest of the two and is a far more accurate barometer of the public will than the Electoral College; remember, the Electoral College was initially set up to appease the Slave States (SS); the SS had a number of issues with the way they were being seen; when the Continental Congress (CC) first established the means of counting citizens for the purpose of allocating House seats, slaves were not included in the population counts seeing as the SS openly regarded the slaves as property and not people; however, when it became obvious that the SS were not going to have as many seats in the House as they wanted, they demanded the slaves be included in the head count for for seats; the CC balked at this and, after much debate, a compromise was made where a slave was to be considered 3/5 ths of person for the purposes of population counts towards House seats and Electoral College votes; the result was to give the SS more influence than they would have gotten if the population count was solely based on the count of citizens in those states who had full citizen's rights; the SS wanted their slaves to be seen as property but they also wanted to reap a benefit, politically, by wanting those 'non-citizens', with no rights under the law, to be counted as if they were, even fractionally, 'real citizens'; the Electoral College, since it is based on the same criteria that determined House seats, is just an offshoot of the 3/5 ths Compromise; the Electoral College and its reason for existence really should have been ended when slavery was abolished, but, yet, it remains as a sad, pathetic relic of past days and deals..
Secondly, the way EC votes are allocated can vary from state to state and are not, in any way, homogenous; each state determines the way they will cast their EC votes based on their own criteria, thus it is not really objective overall and is more subjective than the popular vote system...
Thirdly, the EC system can be gamed and manipulated far, far more than the popular vote; we saw just how badly the process can be corrupted in 2020 when slates of fake Electors were attempted to be entered and when machinations by the incumbent President to tamper with some states' Electoral process was revealed; it is far, far easier to "fudge" the EC than the popular vote; in fact, with the EC, it is very possible for a Presidential candidate to win the direct popular vote, often by a goodly margin, and yet, be denied office because of the vagaries of the EC, and there is historical fact to prove this...
Now, to your claim of Trump getting 312 EC votes as being proof of some sort of voter acclaim; in 2016, Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in the popular vote but her victory was overturned, not by the voters directly, but by the EC's structure; the GOP gamed the election, not really to get the approval of the voters for their candidate, but to ensure they'd get enough EC votes to 'win'; Trump got 304 EC votes and declared he had won by a landslide; four years later, Biden got 306 EC votes (and over 7 million more votes than Trump), so I guess Biden won by an even bigger landslide than Trump in 2016; in 2024, Trump got 312 EC votes: now, you're probably saying something like 'it proves Trump was a really big winner' but not so fast; the EC is such a twisted mess of subjective influences, it has no real connection to or correlation with the will of the voters as expressed in the "one voter, one vote' objectivity of the popular vote; my favorite instance of just how wildly the EC can be versus the popular vote is the Nixon V. McGovern election of 1972; Nixon won the popular vote garnering a solid 60.7% of the votes cast; however, when the EC votes were tallied, Nixon got 96.8% (520 votes) of the EC votes, a figure way out of step with the popular vote; in 1980, Reagan got 50.4% of the popular vote, but got 90.1% (489 votes) of the EC votes; in 1984, Reagan got 58.8% of the popular, but got 97.6% (525 votes) of the EC; the numbers in the EC just don't have the ability to accurately reflect the wishes and/or mood of the US voters; the EC is an archaic, arcane leftover from slave days' attempts to appease the slavers...
So, you think 312 is something to write home about? try Reagan's 525 and 520, or Nixon's 520, for that matter; there is no landslide for Trump in 2016, 2020, or 2024, and there certainly no "vast majority", at all...
Yes, numbers don't lie and I have the numbers to prove your claim of a "vast majority" are just so much BS and have no basis in objective facts; you tried to pretty up the Trump Pig, but no amount of lipstick is gonna make that oinker any more pleasing to the majority of the voters who didn't vote for him...
..and as far as crying is concerned, I shed no tears over this; I'm just enjoying watching Donald Dumb and his merry band of minions Keystone Kop their way through the last term of someone who will fulfill his destiny with yet another failure; unfortunately, they are going to do a lot of damage in the process, but the US is a strong country and I'm sure we'll get through the next four yeas of Oval Office idiocy and emerge with a better sense of how to avoid something like this happening again...
Remember, politics in the US is like a pendulum and however far you pull a pendulum in one direction, it will swing back just as far in the other direction; it would seem the MAGA minions are gonna be in for a rude awakening once The Giant Lemon has served his term...
Ahh, the tears of the MAGA will be delicious... :haha:
<O>
First off, Vienna, The Electoral map and numbers doesn't lie. Neither does the fact that President Trump won 312 Electoral College Votes to Kamala Harris's 226. that's 86 more in case you can't count. Further, President Trump won all 7 Battleground States. Not one of them voted for Kamala. This was after Mama Kamala Campaigned heavy in all those states.. The voters saw enough of Kamala to know she was a blithering Idiot. In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump received approximately 77.3 million popular votes, while Kamala Harris garnered about 75.0 million votes. Apparently, You don't understand numbers and keep asking for more. People aren't elected by the popular vote. In this case, Trump won both the popular vote and the Electoral College Vote. That's it.
Second off, What does the numbers for Reagan have to do with the 2024 Election. No one gives a Rat's behind about an election that was 44 years ago, Vienna. No one. What does that have to do with anything ????
Third off, you complain about the poor candidate running for the Democrats. Who's fault is that ?? The Democrats could have had a primary to determine the best Candidate. As everyone knows, they didn't. In this case, Mama Kamala was the best the Democrats could do. That's because the Democratic party is stupid and incompetent.
As far as Elon Musk knowing about the treasury, I hate to tell you this Einstein but there will always be someone in Government who knows everything about you. Why is it this an Issue for you now ? You had no Idea who these people were in the Treasury Dept. during the Biden Administration and you were ok with it. Now that Elon is rooting out waste, now you are upset ?? Really ?? With regards to the people in the Administration of Biden, Chances are, they weren't elected either but simply hired or appointed, like Elon Musk. George Soros was a consultant for the Democrats. No one elected him either. George Soros lurked in the shadows. Where were your complaints then ??
You mention the kids working with Musk. A lot of these kids had built Companies as teenagers. What were you doing at a teenager. On second thought, we don't want to know. The end result, DOGE turned over their findings for verification to determine waste of which there are Billions of Dollars. And, you are upset about that ?? You are so much in denial like the other democrat gang, It's unreal. By the way, if your Democrat buddies keep leaning to the left, I don't see anyone electing them to anything.
If you saw Jesus himself walking on water, you would look and say, he isn't so great. He can't even swim.
No one cares Vienna if you can't handle the Election loss. I really think you need professional help and therapy like U crank said.
^ And if we put that quote into historical context, I am sure people in the 1770s would have no way to comprehend the idea of transgender males playing in women sports :doh:
- because many of the things we do today would be considered satanic and deviant by their standards.
Well there is, This is a fact the people of the 1770s are dead, along with the 1800,s Along with the 1900,s But we do know from records that men and women and their children were what made up this country's population.
And i can guarantee you, A man was a man, A women was a woman, And a family was a family. And life was a matter of life and death back then. As a society.
What you want to explore are the relationships of the Cattle drovers the Cowboys on those months of herding.Im sure there were transgender males along the way.They were not considered satanic and deviant.
It just came down to daylight and dark..... Fast forward to today transgender, well hell, they have their own Alphabet and its in the face of of the everyday citizen, Look at me! Ok i see you! So tomorrow will you show up for work .? And all trans can reply, and tell me why you are so special ? Why do you think that you need any recognition ?
In my travels thru the southwest over to the pacific ocean we found the deeper we went into California holy ****, This state is a socialist country within the USA. Ya don't believe me ? If take your ass over and see.
No mocking and no name calling or Jim may close this thread for a while.
Agree on the fact that you disagree and then move on.
Just my 10c of opinion
Edit
CW have changed part of his text, so I removed the quoted part.
Markus
Commander Wallace
02-16-25, 12:35 AM
No mocking and no name calling or Jim may close this thread for a while.
Agree on the fact that you disagree and then move on.
Just my 10c of opinion
Markus
You're very right, Markus. Completely.
* Corrected *
Otto Harkaman
02-16-25, 12:54 AM
Well there is, This is a fact the people of the 1770s are dead, along with the 1800,s Along with the 1900,s But we do know from records that men and women and their children were what made up this country's population.
And i can guarantee you, A man was a man, A women was a woman, And a family was a family. And life was a matter of life and death back then. As a society.
What you want to explore are the relationships of the Cattle drovers the Cowboys on those months of herding.Im sure there were transgender males along the way.They were not considered satanic and deviant.
It just came down to daylight and dark..... Fast forward to today transgender, well hell, they have their own Alphabet and its in the face of of the everyday citizen, Look at me! Ok i see you! So tomorrow will you show up for work .?
Brethren, in reflecting upon the records and recollections of our forefathers, we do indeed behold a time when the order of creation was held inviolate—a time when man was fashioned as man, and woman as woman, and the family unit stood as the very bedrock of our society. In those days, life and death did pass by the measure of God’s appointed course, and all were called to labour in the fields of duty and piety.
Yet, as we survey the present age, there appear diversities and new customs which perplex the common mind. Though it is writ in the good book that all men are made in the image of the Almighty, we must also remember the order set forth at the very dawn of creation. The changes which have come to pass—whether in the tongue of the people or the relations among them—should not be met with hasteful condemnation, but with a sober and prayerful deliberation.
Let us then be mindful to labour each day with diligence and charity, that our commonwealth may remain steadfast in its covenant with God. For as the light doth break the darkness, so too may the eternal truth of divine order guide our lives, even as the customs of the day shift like the sands. May we each, in our appointed station, strive to build a community that is both just and holy, ever mindful of the sacred truths handed down from our ancestors and ordained by our Creator.
Meet the American who reported the first sensational UFO encounters, Puritan leader John Winthrop
Brethren, in reflecting upon the records and recollections of our forefathers, we do indeed behold a time when the order of creation was held inviolate—a time when man was fashioned as man, and woman as woman, and the family unit stood as the very bedrock of our society. In those days, life and death did pass by the measure of God’s appointed course, and all were called to labour in the fields of duty and piety.
Yet, as we survey the present age, there appear diversities and new customs which perplex the common mind. Though it is writ in the good book that all men are made in the image of the Almighty, we must also remember the order set forth at the very dawn of creation. The changes which have come to pass—whether in the tongue of the people or the relations among them—should not be met with hasteful condemnation, but with a sober and prayerful deliberation.
Let us then be mindful to labour each day with diligence and charity, that our commonwealth may remain steadfast in its covenant with God. For as the light doth break the darkness, so too may the eternal truth of divine order guide our lives, even as the customs of the day shift like the sands. May we each, in our appointed station, strive to build a community that is both just and holy, ever mindful of the sacred truths handed down from our ancestors and ordained by our Creator.
Meet the American who reported the first sensational UFO encounters, Puritan leader John Winthrop
"Allahu Akbar" to you, we believe in the shifting of sands of life.That will bring us closer.So that we can embrace together and you can find 21 transgenders and i will find 21 virgins. Oh buy the way do you like my avatar picture ?
AVGWarhawk
02-17-25, 09:43 AM
And isn't that also what MAGA has been pulling for since 2016? Of course, people want to see others fail. I want to see Putin fail, I want to see all despots and dictators fail, I want to see all criminals fail, etc.
Do I want to see Trump fail? Given how much of what he's doing I'm against I'd say yes, but this would be king knows how to play his crowd and get people to cheer him on and vote against their best interests so the circus entertainment goes on.
"Little under a century ago, an ill-fated law helped spiral the Wall Street crash of 1929 into a worldwide depression. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff encompassed roughly one-quarter of all imports, flaring tensions with U.S. trading partners and halving American imports and exports as a result. Caught in the crosshairs, Americans learned the hard way that trade wars are expensive, and today, we ought to be careful deciding with whom to pick them."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/mitch-mcconnell-kentuckians-can-t-afford-the-high-cost-of-trump-s-tariffs/ar-AA1yT6k3?ocid=BingNewsSerp
You are likening Trump to a dictator, despot, and criminal. You want to see government efficiency fail? You enjoy having tax dollars pay for programs already listed by DOGE as frivolous and not in the best interest of the tax payer? Why is that?
A little over 4 years ago Trump did the same with tariffs. Did America sink as a result?
Commander Wallace
02-17-25, 10:31 AM
You are likening Trump to a dictator, despot, and criminal. You want to see government efficiency fail? You enjoy having tax dollars pay for programs already listed by DOGE as frivolous and not in the best interest of the tax payer? Why is that?
A little over 4 years ago Trump did the same with tariffs. Did America sink as a result?
It seems to me that a Dictator and someone with Autocratic visions would want to see the size of the Government increased as a means of control. Trump apparently wants to reduce the size of Government and eliminate waste and redundancies. :hmmm:
If Trump want's to be a Dictator, he is going about it all wrong.
AVGWarhawk
02-17-25, 10:39 AM
It seems to me that a Dictator and someone with Autocratic visions would want to see the size of the Government increased as a means of control. Trump apparently wants to reduce the size of Government and eliminate waste and redundancies. :hmmm:
If Trump want's to be a Dictator, he is going about it all wrong.
The government was not supposed to be as big as it has gotten. The dollars wasted is out of control. I'm glad Trump is putting a stop to it.
I have one government employee I work with that has in all of his emails the following verbiage: I'M TELE-WORKING AT HOME. IT IS BEST TO REACH ME BY EMAIL. WTH? It is in the word TELE-working. Telephone. Reach by email only means he is not working or will get back to you when he feels like it. He should be available by phone during working hours. This is the reason for return to work. This is the reason for firings. This is the reason for early retirement offered.
Buddahaid
02-17-25, 10:41 AM
You are likening Trump to a dictator, despot, and criminal. You want to see government efficiency fail? You enjoy having tax dollars pay for programs already listed by DOGE as frivolous and not in the best interest of the tax payer? Why is that?
A little over 4 years ago Trump did the same with tariffs. Did America sink as a result?
DOGE is run by an idiot who doesn’t know diddly squat about government. He’s Bozo the Clown throwing darts at a target in the dark with a blindfold on.
Trump added seven trillion to the deficit in his last term.
AVGWarhawk
02-17-25, 10:47 AM
DOGE is run by an idiot who doesn’t know diddly squat about government. He’s Bozo the Clown throwing darts at a target in the dark with a blindfold on.
Trump added seven trillion to the deficit in his last term.
Elon does not need to know anything about government. He only needs to identify waste. Thus far, he is doing a bang up job. Sorry to disrupt the funds going to DEI and other nonsense.
And to add, I have transported items for USAID in the past. Pallets of toothpaste to Africa and the like. Last week there was a bid for pallets of tarps to go to of all places....Dubai. Dubai, the richest city in the world. Why are taxpayers not only paying for tarps but also the transportation of said tarps to Dubai? I think Dubai can get their own tarps and pay for transportation of the tarps.
Commander Wallace
02-17-25, 10:48 AM
The government was not supposed to be as big as it has gotten. The dollars wasted is out of control. I'm glad Trump is putting a stop to it.
I have one government employee I work with that has in all of his emails the following verbiage: I'M TELE-WORKING AT HOME. IT IS BEST TO REACH ME BY EMAIL. WTH? It is in the word TELE-working. Telephone. Reach by email only means he is not working or will get back to you when he feels like it. He should be available by phone during working hours. This is the reason for return to work. This is the reason for firings. This is the reason for early retirement offered.
I completely agree with you. The bureaucracy has gotten so big, it can't get out of it's own way. The working from home thing was only meant as a way of dealing with Covid. A number of the agencies are redundant. various agencies believe themselves to be in charge of a particular issue. This invites in fighting with the end result is, nothing gets done.
With all the lies we have heard and perpetuated by the Mainstream Media, I take what is said with a grain of Salt. The Democrats and their followers are all running scared.
Love him or hate him, you have to admit Trump is doing something rather than just maintaining the "status quo". The Flood of illegal immigrants has slowed from a flood to a trickle, the EU is having kittens over being left out of preliminary talks regarding Ukraine and Russia, and the and the Mideast is now trying to find a viable solution to the Palestinian problem that doesn't include a built in "mini war" every 10 years.
And for those of you having a case of the vapors over DOGE & Musk, He is nothing more than an outside auditor that Trump has brought in to look over the "books". Any actions taken on information he finds will be determined by Trump & or Congress.
You all seem to have forgotten the purpose of all those Depts. They were put in place to "administer" the Laws and regulations of the Gov. They are part of the administrative branch of the Government, and in case you forgot, the President of the United States is in charge of that branch of the Government.
So suck it up Buttercups it's going to be a wild ride for the next couple of years. :03::salute:
PS: We now get to find out who was on the grassy knoll when JFK was shot. :03:
Commander Wallace
02-17-25, 10:56 AM
DOGE is run by an idiot who doesn’t know diddly squat about government. He’s Bozo the Clown throwing darts at a target in the dark with a blindfold on.
Trump added seven trillion to the deficit in his last term.
Right, Elon is an Idiot. That's why he is rich and you're not. :haha: As far as Elon not knowing about Government, he doesn't have to. Elon isn't running the Government much as the Democrats want you to believe. Elon is working as an efficiency expert. I don't doubt he will make mistakes. However, show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I will show you someone who isn't doing anything.:yep:
Agreed MaDef. I do however think it's stupid to have talks with Russia regarding the Ukraine and they can't be involved.
AVGWarhawk
02-17-25, 10:58 AM
Love him or hate him, you have to admit Trump is doing something rather than just maintaining the "status quo". The Flood of illegal immigrants has slowed from a flood to a trickle, the EU is having kittens over being left out of preliminary talks regarding Ukraine and Russia, and the and the Mideast is now trying to find a viable solution to the Palestinian problem that doesn't include a built in "mini war" every 10 years.
And for those of you having a case of the vapors over DOGE & Musk, He is nothing more than an outside auditor that Trump has brought in to look over the "books". Any actions taken on information he finds will be determined by Trump & or Congress.
You all seem to have forgotten the purpose of all those Depts. They were put in place to "administer" the Laws and regulations of the Gov. They are part of the administrative branch of the Government, and in case you forgot, the President of the United States is in charge of that branch of the Government.
So suck it up Buttercups it's going to be a wild ride for the next couple of years. :03::salute:
PS: We now get to find out who was on the grassy knoll when JFK was shot. :03:
You nailed it on the head. He is doing SOMETHING. Not just business as usual. Business as usual is NOT WORKING any longer. The government needs to toe the line. Every government employee needs to toe the line. The utter nonsense of tax and spend, raise taxes and spend more is no longer a viable solution. It never was but government did not have to answer to anyone.
Buddahaid
02-17-25, 11:22 AM
Right, Elon is an Idiot. That's why he is rich and you're not. :haha: As far as Elon not knowing about Government, he doesn't have to. Elon isn't running the Government much as the Democrats want you to believe. Elon is working as an efficiency expert. I don't doubt he will make mistakes. However, show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I will show you someone who isn't doing anything.:yep:
Agreed MaDef. I do however think it's stupid to have talks with Russia regarding the Ukraine and they can't be involved.
Yes, Elon is an idiot. Rich people are idiots too. If this idiot is choosing where to apply the knife and hasn't a clue as to who or what gets effected down, or upstream of the shiny thing on the surface, he hurts the very people who voted MAGA.
Do you like that this rich idiot is messing around in the Treasury and DOE without security clearance? Do you know the DOE is involved with the nuclear weapons program?
And I see you choose to ignore how Trump added seven trillion to the deficit during his last term by cutting taxes for the richest.
AVGWarhawk
02-17-25, 11:25 AM
Yes, Elon is an idiot. Rich people are idiots too. If this idiot is choosing where to apply the knife and hasn't a clue as to who or what gets effected down, or upstream of the shiny thing on the surface, he hurts the very people who voted MAGA.
Do you like that this rich idiot is messing around in the Treasury and DOE without security clearance? Do you know the DOE is involved with the nuclear weapons program?
And I see you choose to ignore how Trump added seven trillion to the deficit during his last term by cutting taxes for the richest.
Elon has been cleared to top secret. You realize he does things for NASA as well.
Please with the idiocy of Elon doing as he wishes with government employee information, nuke codes and other nonsense. The US government protects their employees info. Even mine since my SS number was compromised at a government agency. They have been watching my credit for free for over 10 years.
Commander Wallace
02-17-25, 11:38 AM
Yes, Elon is an idiot. Rich people are idiots too. If this idiot is choosing where to apply the knife and hasn't a clue as to who or what gets effected down, or upstream of the shiny thing on the surface, he hurts the very people who voted MAGA.
Do you like that this rich idiot is messing around in the Treasury and DOE without security clearance? Do you know the DOE is involved with the nuclear weapons program?
And I see you choose to ignore how Trump added seven trillion to the deficit during his last term by cutting taxes for the richest.
To be fair, I have some reservations. Having people root out Government waste is a new concept to me. It will take some time to get used to that. However, with the degree of waste and outright theft that has been found, I'm good with Elon identifying waste. Keep in mind, Elon doesn't ax these programs. Elon simply finds the waste. You should be onboard because your money and those of everyone else was stolen the same as mine. I would suggest a little bit of patience. You may well end up liking that the Govt. is running a lot more efficiently. :yep:
Buddahaid
02-17-25, 11:42 AM
Elon has been cleared to top secret. You realize he does things for NASA as well.
Please with the idiocy of Elon doing as he wishes with government employee information, nuke codes and other nonsense. The US government protects their employees info. Even mine since my SS number was compromised at a government agency. They have been watching my credit for free for over 10 years.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/why-elon-musk-doesnt-have-access-all-spacexs-top-secret-work-report
https://news.clearancejobs.com/2024/01/16/elon-musks-security-clearance-and-yours/
As an outsider I can't tell if Elon Musk is a moron or not. What I can see, is by reading your comment and articles, that he is doing a good job and have saved the State billions of dollars. Which must mean he is doing his job.
I wish we had a similar person here in Denmark-Ineffective and bureaucracy cost the Danish state billion of Danish kroner each year.
Markus
Ostfriese
02-17-25, 12:20 PM
As an outsider I can't tell if Elon Musk is a moron or not.
Let me help you: he is.
Let me help you: he is.
An successful inventor and self made billionaire is a moron? :roll:
Excuse us if your opinion is not taken seriously.
Ostfriese
02-17-25, 01:12 PM
An successful inventor and self made billionaire is a moron? :roll:
He hasn't invented anything, and he's from an ultra-rich family, so he's not self-made either.
He knows how to make a sales pitch, though, and he knows how to make gullible people believe the nonsense he says.
He hasn't invented anything, and he's from an ultra-rich family, so he's not self-made either.
He knows how to make a sales pitch, though, and he knows how to make gullible people believe the nonsense he says.
So you're claiming he's a moron who knows how to make sales pitches and influence people. Well his rockets are flying astronauts into space and are reusable. His electric cars make up a majority of the EV's on the planet. No moron could pull that off or make it continually successful.
Ostfriese
02-18-25, 12:24 AM
So you're claiming he's a moron who knows how to make sales pitches and influence people. Well his rockets are flying astronauts into space and are reusable. His electric cars make up a majority of the EV's on the planet. No moron could pull that off or make it continually successful.
Not a single part of the rockets and the cars was invented by him. It's other people's work. In case of the rockets it's even laughable to use "his" - the taxpayer has paid for them, without massive amounts of taxpayers SapceX would long have been defunct.
Tesla 's market share in the EV market currently is at slightly over 11% - far away from anything that can be called "majority", and it is declining left and right. Overall Teslas are technically mediocre at best. None of the accumulator cells Tesla uses are produced by themselves - they are made by Panasonic. And of course Tesla was not founded by Musk (neither was PayPal, by the way).
And of course a moron can pull things of successfully - he only needs to convince enough others and enough money.
Tesla 's market share in the EV market currently is at slightly over 11% - far away from anything that can be called "majority", and it is declining left and right. I see you've conveniently forgot to mention that tesla was the dominate name in EV's until just prior to the covid-19 pandemic, and that they currently hold twice the market share of any of the top 10 EV manufacturer's except the Chinese. :03:
Otto Harkaman
02-18-25, 01:22 AM
Don't fret Ostfriese we got old Shatterhand back we'll find were the opposition has hidden the Brandenburgers
em2nought
02-18-25, 01:35 AM
This thread makes me think of the recent USA vs Canuck hockey game. :har:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3om9fYME4Y
Go USA!
AVGWarhawk
02-18-25, 10:33 AM
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/why-elon-musk-doesnt-have-access-all-spacexs-top-secret-work-report
https://news.clearancejobs.com/2024/01/16/elon-musks-security-clearance-and-yours/
Buddahaid,
I run bases where even top secret clearances will not get you in some of the buildings. I have no doubt Elon does not have access to some top secret material. Even your article states he does not have ALL access to top secret. Need to know basis info. He does not need to know. He has clearances to go into many federal agencies and audit.
And of course a moron can pull things of successfully - he only needs to convince enough others and enough money.
Then how come you can't do it? Maybe you're not enough of a moron like Musk?
Is it because he came from a rich family or was it because he has become filthy rich as owner of Space X, Tesla and X ?
'cause there must a reason to why he, as many say he is, a moron.
How did he get rich ? By stepping on bodies to reach this wealth or by hard and initiativ work ?
As I see it, he must be doing a great job as the leader of DOGE, as he has saved the State billions of dollars.
Markus
Catfish
02-18-25, 05:00 PM
Then how come you can't do it? Maybe you're not enough of a moron like Musk?
Why didn't you? Not a born millionaire?
Is it because he came from a rich family or was it because he has become filthy rich as owner of Space X, Tesla and X ?
'cause there must a reason to why he, as many say he is, a moron.
How did he get rich ? By stepping on bodies to reach this wealth or by hard and initiativ work ?
As I see it, he must be doing a great job as the leader of DOGE, as he has saved the State billions of dollars.
Markus
Bottom line Markus, morons don't repeatedly create and successfully operate major companies like X, SpaceX and Tesla. Musk runs all those outfits and has for years now with enormous success. How does a moron do that, regardless of how much money he started with?
u crank
02-18-25, 05:20 PM
Bottom line Markus, morons don't repeatedly create and successfully operate major companies like X, SpaceX and Tesla. Musk runs all those outfits and has for years now with enormous success. How does a moron do that, regardless of how much money he started with?
My guess is that if Musk was a lefty who supported the Democrats there are lots of his haters who would kiss his a$$.
Shearwater
02-18-25, 05:38 PM
Bottom line Markus, morons don't repeatedly create and successfully operate major companies like X, SpaceX and Tesla. Musk runs all those outfits and has for years now with enormous success. How does a moron do that, regardless of how much money he started with?
Someone once told me that there is a fallacy common to a lot of highly intelligent people: "I am good at one thing, therefore I must be good at everything."
Musk is admittedly very good at making money, running big companies, keeping himself in public discourse etc.
He seems to be a successful businessman, and he likes to see his country run like a business. (With Trump, it's even more obvious).
The idea that a country should be run like a successful business seems attractive to a whole lot of people - only, running a country and running a business aren't the same thing.
AVGWarhawk
02-18-25, 07:41 PM
Someone once told me that there is a fallacy common to a lot of highly intelligent people: "I am good at one thing, therefore I must be good at everything."
Musk is admittedly very good at making money, running big companies, keeping himself in public discourse etc.
He seems to be a successful businessman, and he likes to see his country run like a business. (With Trump, it's even more obvious).
The idea that a country should be run like a successful business seems attractive to a whole lot of people - only, running a country and running a business aren't the same thing.
When it involves money, it needs to be run like a business.
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