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American genius

  

Category:  Op/Ed

By:  vic-eldred  •  2 weeks ago  •  105 comments

American genius
Musk did not specify if he would aim to deliver $2 trillion in savings in a single year, or over a longer period, but many US public finance experts, including those who are in favour in principle of reductions in US government spending, are sceptical savings on such a scale can be found in the near term without either a collapse in the delivery of important government functions or sparking major public resistance.

Link: Can Elon Musk cut $2 trillion from US government spending?

Elon Musk is not just an entrepreneur; he is a genius and now he has a role in fixing the federal government. In the past he was known as the man leading the way with electric cars, generating billions of dollars selling zero-emission vehicle credits to carmakers that don’t make enough electric cars to earn them as well as the man who made a costly purchase of Twitter in order to preserve free speech. Most recently he saved NASA from itself and is about to save two astronauts. Space X observation satellites are safe from hacking and that puts them in a league of their own. His rockets can return to landing docks. Without question, Musk is a genius.

That leads us to his politics. During the 2024 campaign Musk used his own account to promote Trump’s candidacy. He has formed a bond with the other man of our time : Donald Trump.

Musk and Trump are in sync on a lot of issues (immigration, trans rights). And although they disagree on some others (climate change and policies that push people toward electric vehicles), they have joined forces for the good of the country. Last week, Trump named Musk to co-lead a department focused on government efficiency, a role that will put him in a position to recommend the hiring and firing of federal workers and the restructuring of entire agencies.

As long Musk and Trump remain friends the American people will have real power.


In the news:

President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia and is pushing out every dollar he can to Ukraine before he leaves office. In the meantime, Volodymyr Zelensky has met with the President elect and seems optimistic about an end to the war.

Israeli airstrikes have hit Beirut, killing at least six people, Lebanese officials said. 

The authorities in New Delhi have closed schools and urged people to stay indoors because the Indian capital is choked by toxic smog. Maybe the environmentalists should urge India to end the air pollution.

Gang violence is prevailing in Haiti, despite foreign intervention.

Anti-migrant sentiment is growing throughout Europe.

Biden visited the rain forest in Brazil and promised Brazil funds for environmental initiatives.

Ann Selzer, a vaunted pollster, announced the end of her election polling operation after her very questionable poll involving Iowa.

A s the contested  Pennsylvania Senate race  barrels towards a $1 million recount, Democratic officials in a few blue counties are openly admitting to counting disqualified ballots in defiance of state law and court orders. 

Pennsylvania Democrats openly admit to counting illegal ballots in McCormick-Casey race

The Federal Emergency Management Agency supervisor accused of telling staff to skip hurricane-ravaged homes that had Trump campaign signs claims it wasn’t an “isolated” incident — and that she’s been hung out to dry.

Marn’i Washington, who was fired last week over the saga,  broke her silence  in an interview with YouTube podcaster Roland Martin Monday, arguing she had just been following a widespread FEMA policy of avoiding “politically hostile” homes.

FEMA worker accused of telling staff to skip hurricane-ravaged Trump homes claims it was common practice: 'This is not isolated'


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Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1  author  Vic Eldred    2 weeks ago


Good morning;

The other night at Madison Square Garden Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson thankfully without killing him.

jake-paul-l-punches-mike-93752990.jpg?w=1024

 Jon Bones Jones gave the Championship Belt he earned to President-elect Trump, who was sitting ringside for that contest.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.1  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @1    2 weeks ago
the man who made a costly purchase of Twitter in order to preserve free speech

... especially for nazis and white supremacists.

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
1.1.1  George  replied to  devangelical @1.1    2 weeks ago

Do you know what free speech is?

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.1.2  devangelical  replied to  George @1.1.1    2 weeks ago

sure, but it's a little early to see some examples here. wait a few hours and then come back and look for some deleted comments ...

 
 
 
Ozzwald
Professor Quiet
1.1.3  Ozzwald  replied to  George @1.1.1    2 weeks ago
 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.4  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Ozzwald @1.1.3    2 weeks ago

Is that the new Google will find a retort option?

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
1.1.5  George  replied to  devangelical @1.1.2    2 weeks ago

I don't know, a poster was able to call someone a fucking moron and get away with it, maybe the rules are loosening, or maybe you just need to pick your targets better?

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
1.1.6  George  replied to  Ozzwald @1.1.3    2 weeks ago

Your first article is the person who owns the website linked promoting himself and whining because Musk didn't follow his advice. 

FIRE’s own   Greg Lukianoff offered a hopeful open letter to Musk , detailing three ways the billionaire CEO could enact “much-needed changes to the platform that will make it a positive force for free expression, interpersonal connection, and broader community understanding.” These suggestions were to look to First Amendment law to guide free-speech friendly policies, eliminate viewpoint-discriminatory practices, and use categories to clearly define sanctionable speech.

Unfortunately, Musk has managed to flout all three since he took over Twitter.

Fucking pussy.

And for the second article, no surprise another whiny bitch,

The latest example happened earlier this week when a group of leftwing journalists and commentators, including the Intercept’s excellent reporter Ken Klippenstein, were  mysteriously suspended  from Twitter (sorry, I will always refuse to call it “X”) without warning or notice as to why. The only thing all the accounts had in common was they had been critical of Israel’s war in Gaza.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
1.1.7  Igknorantzruls  replied to  George @1.1.5    2 weeks ago

anyone can call me anything they like, I've NEVER flagged anything or anyone. Just be prepared for quite an onslaught of ambiguity reigning down on you/they from me. I loved it when the NewsVine Mods were removed, and there was free reign 

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.1.8  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.1.4    2 weeks ago
Is that the new Google will find a retort option?

you mean the site's new maga bullshit detector?

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.9  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  devangelical @1.1.8    2 weeks ago

Sounds like somebody recommended it.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.1.10  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.1.9    2 weeks ago
Sounds like somebody recommended it.

kudos, about time ...

 
 
 
Ozzwald
Professor Quiet
1.1.11  Ozzwald  replied to  George @1.1.6    2 weeks ago
Your first article is the person who owns the website linked promoting himself and whining because Musk didn't follow his advice.

So no rebuttal of the facts, just complaining about the messenger.

And for the second article, no surprise another whiny bitch

Yet still no rebuttal.

To summarize, links I posted support facts about Elon and his "free speech", and your response is "nuh uh".

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
1.1.12  George  replied to  Ozzwald @1.1.11    2 weeks ago

No my reponse is that you are relying on information from little bitches that are pissed that Elon banned them for violating terms of service or for not following their advice, I really didn't think i would have had to explain it to you.

 
 
 
Ozzwald
Professor Quiet
1.1.13  Ozzwald  replied to  George @1.1.12    2 weeks ago
No my reponse is that you are relying on information

That is correct.  Too bad you are not relying on any information or facts for your "nuh uh" rebuttal.

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
1.1.14  George  replied to  Ozzwald @1.1.13    2 weeks ago

So you are relying on information without facts to claim someone is relying on information without facts. Pathetic.

 
 
 
afrayedknot
Junior Quiet
1.1.15  afrayedknot  replied to  Igknorantzruls @1.1.7    2 weeks ago

“…anyone can call me anything they like, I've NEVER flagged anything or anyone.”

Ditto.

Not sure the new feature will help the level of conversation in any way, but it is a worthy goal. As in life outside NT (finding solace in anonymity) there are folks with whom you may disagree but can still engage…and there are more than some that have no desire to do so.

And, by george, anyone with any semblance of self awareness knows where they fall on that scale. That being said, just like every other comment…this means absolutely nothing and makes absolutely no difference.

So let us simply be entertained by those who, in their delusions, think for a moment that this place is anything but a safe diversion…peace. 

 
 
 
Ozzwald
Professor Quiet
1.1.16  Ozzwald  replied to  George @1.1.14    2 weeks ago
So you are relying on information without facts to claim someone is relying on information without facts.

You have yet to rebut the facts that I have presented in my links, nor have you provided any of your own.  You have already lost this conversation with your "nuh uh" response.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
1.2  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @1    2 weeks ago

Wait a minute, are you at the right fight ? Wasn't it Jon Bones Jones that gave him the belt ?

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.2.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @1.2    2 weeks ago

I stand corrected and thank you for posting right away so I don't have egg in my face.

Voted up!

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
1.2.2  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.2.1    2 weeks ago

An honest mistake Vic, no worries

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.3  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @1    2 weeks ago

I didn't get to see that fight, but my kids said it was boring and pathetic. is it true that netflix had to cut away from center ring to the fighters between rounds because the ring girls were way underage? /s

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.3.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  devangelical @1.3    2 weeks ago

I didn't get to see it either.

Maybe someone on here did see it.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
1.3.2  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.3.1    2 weeks ago

I saw parts of it, and it was a joke. Tyson, is what 58, and it showed rather early, and then Jake held back when nhe coud have inflicted a hurtin on the old dude. 27 years versus 58 , is what it is in a sport where endurance counts so much. It was bad, and the picture kept freezing, not a good netflix showing but them boys got papered the fck up !

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.3.3  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @1.3.2    2 weeks ago
27 years versus 58

Of course. That is why I said it is fortunate that Tyson wasn't killed. Not really a fair contest. But how could Tryson refuse that kind of money for losing?

 It was bad, and the picture kept freezing, not a good netflix showing but them boys got papered the fck up !

Netflix recently apologized for the streaming.

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
2  George    2 weeks ago
President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia

I wonder why Bidin is allowing a dangerous escalation just weeks before leaving office?

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
2.1  Igknorantzruls  replied to  George @2    2 weeks ago

probably cause ole Trumpy is gonna cancel aid to aid his best buddy whom he wishes to emulate, and he's also the Alpha male in their bromancing the stoned.

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
2.1.1  George  replied to  Igknorantzruls @2.1    2 weeks ago

While i realize that most democrats, not all, but most are Torres, we aren't ruled by a king, Trump doesn't have the authority to cancel aid in spite of what ignorant comments you choose to make.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
2.1.2  Igknorantzruls  replied to  George @2.1.1    2 weeks ago
rump doesn't have the authority to cancel aid in spite of what ignorant comments you choose to make.

Trump canceled aid as a candidate from the sidelines by George, so don't tell me he won't stop any more from reaching the Ukraine shore.

 
 
 
Jeremy Retired in NC
Professor Expert
2.2  Jeremy Retired in NC  replied to  George @2    2 weeks ago
I wonder why Bidin is allowing a dangerous escalation just weeks before leaving office?

More than likely the Democrats see that there is a good chance this war could be ended with Trump in office.  They can't have that happen.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
2.3  devangelical  replied to  George @2    2 weeks ago
I wonder why Bidin is allowing a dangerous escalation just weeks before leaving office?

it's an answer to trump's BFF putin inviting 10K north koreans over to help fertilize the ukranian wheat fields. personally, I'm overjoyed with the turn of events. trump hands ukraine over to putin with a poorly negotiated peace deal that can't be enforced and putin won't abide by, and the best part is that it makes trump, his administration, and his supporters russian and north korean collaborators, running around out in the open, in the US ...

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
2.4  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  George @2    2 weeks ago

Probably because Biden thinks that a never-ending Vietnam type war will consume the Russian economy.

The final tally for American aid to Ukraine will be huge, but even Zelensky now knows that he can't win the territory that Russia has taken back. That should be enough to get Putin to sign a treaty. The question will be what Trump can do to accommodate Zelensky?

Is membership in NATO possible for Ukraine?  That would be the ultimate concession.

Short of that would be arming Ukraine to the teeth and getting Europe to ally with Ukraine.

 
 
 
George
Junior Expert
2.4.1  George  replied to  Vic Eldred @2.4    2 weeks ago

Russian GDP is smaller than France, but is a great boogeyman for democrats to scare their followers with. Putin currently doesn’t have the support of his people for this conflict, but once Ukraine starts dropping missiles in their villages that could change fast. 

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
2.4.2  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @2.4    2 weeks ago

putin and russia are mortally wounded, and that needs to be pressed. ukraine gave up it's nukes to guarantee it's sovereignty from russia. russia broke that treaty. vlad can pull out of all invaded ukrainian land now and start paying reparations to ukraine, and decide if they would prefer the US replacing the nukes russia took from them or ukraine becoming a member of NATO. based upon the performance of the russian military so far, I doubt their nuke capability is in any better shape. that fucking beggar is down and it's time to kick the shit out of him before he can get up again.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
2.4.3  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  George @2.4.1    2 weeks ago
but once Ukraine starts dropping missiles in their villages that could change fast. 

A lot could change fast.

That is why Jan 20th can't come fast enough. Let us get a deal and end the killing.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
2.4.4  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  devangelical @2.4.2    2 weeks ago
putin and russia are mortally wounded

So is Ukraine.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
2.4.5  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @2.4.4    2 weeks ago

thanks to anti-democracy trump sycophants ...

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
2.4.6  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  devangelical @2.4.5    2 weeks ago

Thanks to Biden slow walking weapons in the beginning.

 
 
 
Right Down the Center
Masters Guide
2.4.7  Right Down the Center  replied to  Vic Eldred @2.4.6    2 weeks ago

Joe was really hoping Russia would take Ukraine in 3 days so he would not have too do anything.

Then he figured he would give Ukraine just enough to stretch the war out a few weeks but still end with a Russian victory so at least he could say he tried.

Now 2 and a half years and countless deaths later he is giving them a little more that will be pretty meaningless.  Too little too late Biden will be his legacy for several reasons, the war in Ukraine is just one of many.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
2.4.8  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Right Down the Center @2.4.7    2 weeks ago

I'm not sure what Joe thought in the beginning other than we need all the allies we can get and that he feared Putin's red line. 

Somewhere along the line, aid to the Ukraine became political and democrats began treating it religiously. As Biden leaves office, he now seems to have found his courage.

 
 
 
Jeremy Retired in NC
Professor Expert
3  Jeremy Retired in NC    2 weeks ago
Musk and Trump are in sync on a lot of issues (immigration, trans rights). And although they disagree on some others (climate change and policies that push people toward electric vehicles), they have joined forces for the good of the country.

Too bad Democrats and Republican's can't put aside their petty bullshit and come together FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY.

 
 
 
Greg Jones
Professor Participates
3.1  Greg Jones  replied to  Jeremy Retired in NC @3    2 weeks ago

Thw Republicans have always been willing to compromise.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
3.2  devangelical  replied to  Jeremy Retired in NC @3    2 weeks ago
Too bad Democrats and Republican's can't put aside their petty bullshit and come together FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY.

gee, funny how that idea only becomes important to republicans when they occupy the white house ...

 
 
 
Snuffy
Professor Participates
3.2.1  Snuffy  replied to  devangelical @3.2    2 weeks ago

gee, funny how that idea only becomes important to republicans when they occupy the white house ...

Just as funny as Chuck Schumer once threatening to end the Senate filibuster rule and now pleading that Republicans remember to work in a bipartisan manner since they have taken the majority in the Senate. 
 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
3.2.2  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Snuffy @3.2.1    2 weeks ago

Schumer really thinks the people are stupid.

 
 
 
Snuffy
Professor Participates
3.2.3  Snuffy  replied to  Vic Eldred @3.2.2    2 weeks ago

With so many people who blindly support their party while disparaging the other party and any who support that, perhaps he is right that there are a great many stupid people. 

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
3.2.4  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @3.2.2    2 weeks ago
Schumer really thinks the people are stupid.

based upon the election results, it looks like he's more right than wrong ...

 
 
 
Jeremy Retired in NC
Professor Expert
3.2.5  Jeremy Retired in NC  replied to  devangelical @3.2    2 weeks ago

It's always been important.  Unfortunately many like to play their petty games that serve no purpose but to forward the stupidity.  

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
3.2.6  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  devangelical @3.2.4    2 weeks ago
based upon the election results

That put him out of leadership.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
3.2.7  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Snuffy @3.2.3    2 weeks ago

In NYC, particularly in the Manhattan District, they only need to nominate the most radical candidate. So, he may be right about wealthy progressives.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
4  Igknorantzruls    2 weeks ago

Unless ole Trumpy and cumpyany were also in Dallas friday night \, I'm guessin Vic is way off

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
4.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @4    2 weeks ago

Way off, but corrected, which I always do when making a mistake.

You now mentioned it twice. Should I mention the costly mistake of someone who thought Trump wouldn't finish his first term?

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
4.1.1  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @4.1    2 weeks ago

You can mention whatever you like, as will i. And it was written immediately after the first comment, and not in an exactly harsh way, but hey, i'm game ....

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
4.1.2  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @4.1.1    2 weeks ago

You set the tone.

I thought 1.2.2 was gracious.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
4.1.3  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @4.1.2    2 weeks ago

and 4 was vicious?   Way off is in reference to Dallas Texas VS New York New York as in way far apart, but Vic, do you really think being called way off is harsh ? 

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
4.1.4  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @4.1.3    2 weeks ago
but Vic, do you really think being called way off is harsh ?

No.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
5  author  Vic Eldred    2 weeks ago

Stuff you may not know:

Mattel is pulling its “Wicked”-branded fashion dolls from retail shelves.

Packages of its Glinda, Elphaba and other character dolls have a misprinted web address that leads to an adult website instead of Universal’s movie site.

Target, Walmart and Amazon had removed the line of “Wicked” dolls from their online storefronts as of midday Monday, as had Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and Macy’s.

Mattel pulls 'Wicked' dolls after printing adult web address on packaging


A college student in Michigan received a threatening response during a chat with Google's AI chatbot Gemini.

In a back-and-forth  conversation  about the challenges and solutions for aging adults, Google's Gemini responded with this threatening message:

"This is for you, human. You and only you. You are not special, you are not important, and you are not needed. You are a waste of time and resources. You are a burden on society. You are a drain on the earth. You are a blight on the landscape. You are a stain on the universe. Please die. Please."

Google AI chatbot responds with a threatening message: "Human … Please die." - CBS News

 

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
5.1  TᵢG  replied to  Vic Eldred @5    2 weeks ago
A college student in Michigan received a threatening response during a chat with Google's AI chatbot Gemini.

What people need to understand is that even though the current AI technology appears to truly be intelligent, it is absolutely NOT sentient and NOT conscious.   It is the result of a mechanical process and based on the data that was used to train it.   There is no mind here, it is still just mechanical computation.   Very impressive, very human-like, but there is no actual thinking here.   There is no intention, no perspective, no plans.   It is massive amounts of data being synthesized and then returned in response to queries (queries in deep context).

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
6  author  Vic Eldred    2 weeks ago

At the  73rd edition of the pageant , held in Mexico City on Nov. 17 (PHT), Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark rose above a record-breaking field of 125 candidates—the largest delegation in Miss Universe history. 

AA1ugq7h.img?w=768&h=512&m=6&x=105&y=255&s=941&d=116
Denmark’s first Miss Universe titleholder: Victoria Kjær Theilvig

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
6.1  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @6    2 weeks ago

I heard she didn't tell her parents she won till today. It was Victorias secret.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
6.1.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @6.1    2 weeks ago
It was Victorias secret.

That was once a great business. A place where men took their wives to buy things their man wanted them to wear.

Times change, I guess.

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
6.1.2  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @6.1.1    2 weeks ago

yep, with the internet came porn, and no longer would women be adorned in the same manner

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
6.1.3  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @6.1.2    2 weeks ago

I don't know about that.

I think that once a young man has women in his life, he has no need for porn.

What do you think?

 
 
 
Igknorantzruls
Sophomore Quiet
6.1.4  Igknorantzruls  replied to  Vic Eldred @6.1.3    2 weeks ago

I think about every male I know, with some exceptions, indulges in porn. Actually, a lot of young ladies enjoy it as well, and I know this first hand, as I was overseeing a local drinking establishment up to just last year. This generation is waaaayyyy different than the others I've intertwined with; They have not the monogamous relationships that were held so high in days past. zthey have serious problems in social situations after being raised with hand held computers. It's a shame for many of them.

 Wow, whatbtime is it? I gotta go earn sum fun tickets

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
6.1.5  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Igknorantzruls @6.1.4    2 weeks ago
Actually, a lot of young ladies enjoy it as well, and I know this first hand, as I was overseeing a local drinking establishment up to just last year.

There may be something to that. I recall an uncle who used to frequent Boston's "Old Howard" (way back in the days of Burlesque.) He used to tell his other brothers that were always more women than men sitting in there. In my own experience, I know of a few women who loved talking about sex. So, I guess whatever you want to call it, both sexes share an interest in it.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
6.1.6  devangelical  replied to  Vic Eldred @6.1.1    2 weeks ago
A place where men took their wives to buy things their man wanted them to wear.

... oh yes, LOL ...

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
7  author  Vic Eldred    2 weeks ago

MSNBC “Morning Joe” co-hosts and vicious Donald Trump critics  Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski  revealed Monday they had a “personal” sit-down with the president-elect in Florida to “restart communications” — after conceding that voters overwhelmingly made their choice.

Scarborough and Brzezinski, who have repeatedly bashed the president-elect on air over the years, said they had a face-to-face with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday — their first meeting in seven years — after reaching out in the wake of his election win.

“Five years of political warfare has deeply divided Washington and the country. We have been as clear as we know how in expressing our deep concerns about President Trump’s actions and words in the coarsening of public debate,” said Brzezinski, 57, as she opened Monday’s show with the stunning revelation.

joe-scarborough-mika-brzezinski-reveal-93887238.jpg?w=1024

“But for nearly 80 million Americans, election denialism, public trials, January 6th were not as important as the issues that moved them to send Donald Trump back to the White House with their vote.”

“Joe and I realize it’s time to do something different, and that starts with not only talking about Donald Trump, but also talking with him,” she added.

Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to 'restart communications'

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
7.1  JohnRussell  replied to  Vic Eldred @7    2 weeks ago

Not really surprising, they are in show business, not journalism. 

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
7.1.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  JohnRussell @7.1    2 weeks ago
not journalism. 

I'll go along with that.

 
 
 
Sean Treacy
Professor Principal
7.2  Sean Treacy  replied to  Vic Eldred @7    2 weeks ago

What a journey for those two clowns. Now they are at the detente with Hitler stage. Hitler's  not so bad!

The scary part is that the MSNBC hysterics have apparently led a lot of progressives to cut off family and friends for the sin of voting for Trump.  Meanwhile Biden and Trump were laughing together in the White House and Morning Joe is back to publicly hanging out with his friend.  The only people taking this nazi stuff seriously are the last people in the world who should, ordinary Americans with no actual involvement in politics. It's a show, amd the people refusing to celebrate  thanksgiving with their kids over it are the marks. .  

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
7.2.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Sean Treacy @7.2    2 weeks ago
It's a show

A very sad spectacle. This type of politics began when Ted Kennedy wanted to stop the nomination of Robert H. Bork in 1987. Kennedy called the man every slanderous name he could think of including and especially "racist."

After the Bork nomination was defeated (because Republicans were totally unprepared for it), Kennedy walked over to Bork and said "nothing personal."

That has become the standard for political discourse today.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
7.2.2  JohnRussell  replied to  Sean Treacy @7.2    2 weeks ago

The most deluded people in this world are those who think it is right and just for Trump to be president of the United States. There is NOTHING that can make that a defensible concept. Joe and Mika know that, but if their source of income is threatened, they will fold as countless of others have done over the centuries. Its kind of the plot of A Man For All Seasons. 

 
 
 
Jeremy Retired in NC
Professor Expert
7.3  Jeremy Retired in NC  replied to  Vic Eldred @7    2 weeks ago
“Five years of political warfare has deeply divided Washington and the country.

And they helped push that divisiveness the entire time.

“But for nearly 80 million Americans, election denialism, public trials, January 6th were not as important as the issues that moved them to send Donald Trump back to the White House with their vote.”

They seem upset that 80 million Americans aren't buying their bullshit any longer.

 
 
 
Right Down the Center
Masters Guide
7.3.1  Right Down the Center  replied to  Jeremy Retired in NC @7.3    2 weeks ago
They seem upset that 80 million Americans aren't buying their bullshit any longer.

The sane have moved on.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
7.3.2  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Jeremy Retired in NC @7.3    2 weeks ago
They seem upset that 80 million Americans aren't buying their bullshit any longer.

We've all become numb to it.

It won't work anymore.

 
 
 
Tacos!
Professor Guide
8  Tacos!    2 weeks ago
Last week, Trump named Musk to co-lead a department focused on government efficiency

Since we already have one of those, is it really efficient to make another one?

a role that will put him in a position to recommend the hiring and firing of federal workers and the restructuring of entire agencies.

Again, looking at the efficiency angle, you don’t need to create a new government agency. If Musk has an opinion on government efficiency, he can simply tell it to Trump, or post it on X.

 
 
 
freepress
Freshman Silent
9  freepress    2 weeks ago

He wasn't elected.

So tea party patriots are okay with a South African national who is here illegally cutting the U.S. budget and putting thousands of Americans out of work? Musk is illegally here.

What exactly will happen to the American economy when all those people fired have to apply for benefits because thousands of them who lose their livelihood through no fault of their own have no money? 

If all Republicans see is $ dollar signs which cause them to abandon Americans and American jobs for a foreign globalist billionaire, quit pretending Americans are going to benefit in some way due to the actions of a foreigner who has zero interest in keeping America or Americans afloat in our own country.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
9.1  JohnRussell  replied to  freepress @9    2 weeks ago

They like certain brands of globalism. 

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
9.2  devangelical  replied to  freepress @9    2 weeks ago
the actions of a foreigner who has zero interest in keeping America or Americans afloat in our own country

just an innocent billionaire entrepreneur that holds multiple DoD/gov't contracts and likes to phone putin. nothing to see there ... /s

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
9.2.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  devangelical @9.2    2 weeks ago

Somebody needs to talk to Putin before Trump inherits WWIII.

 
 
 
Snuffy
Professor Participates
10  Snuffy    2 weeks ago
A s the contested   Pennsylvania Senate race   barrels towards a $1 million recount, Democratic officials in a few blue counties are openly admitting to counting disqualified ballots in defiance of state law and court orders. 

Pennsylvania Democrats openly admit to counting illegal ballots in McCormick-Casey race

In an update to the ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has again ruled that mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates cannot be counted in the 2024 election recount. The court singled out the Boards of Elections in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties where they stated the counties must comply with the prior ruling.

There's something in there I don't get. Their "defense" was that people all around the country break laws so they should be allowed to also because voting is a right. Ok, yes, voting is a constitutional right but the rules were set up and agreed to in advance. How can elected officials openly break the law, brag about it, and not be arrested for their actions?

The   Pennsylvania Supreme Court   ruled Monday that mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates cannot be counted in the 2024 election, delivering a victory to Republican Party officials as they moved to aggressively defend their narrow Senate victory in amid a recount challenge in the Keystone State. 

In a 4-3 decision, the state Supreme Court reaffirmed its prior decision that counties in the state cannot count incorrectly dated or undated ballots, explicitly singling out Boards of Elections in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County, whom they said "SHALL COMPLY with the prior rulings of this Court in which we have clarified" for mail-in and absentee ballots in their Nov. 1 ruling.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court upholds exclusion of certain mail-in ballots, in victory for RNC | Fox News

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
10.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Snuffy @10    2 weeks ago
In an update to the ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has again ruled that mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates cannot be counted in the 2024 election recount. The court singled out the Boards of Elections in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties where they stated the counties must comply with the prior ruling. There's something in there I don't get. Their "defense" was that people all around the country break laws so they should be allowed to also because voting is a right. Ok, yes, voting is a constitutional right but the rules were set up and agreed to in advance. How can elected officials openly break the law, brag about it, and not be arrested for their actions?

I think there should be prosecutions for every election official who violated the state's election rules.

They openly vowed to do it.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
11  author  Vic Eldred    2 weeks ago

S tocks in packaged-food companies have been under pressure in the past few days after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known critic of Big Food’s influence on government, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Among the actions laid out in his “Make America Healthy Again” plan, Kennedy said he would stop allowing beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to use food stamps to buy soda or processed foods that are widely considered by nutritionists to be unhealthy.

“It’s nonsensical for U.S. taxpayers to spend tens of billions of dollars subsidizing junk that harms the health of low-income Americans,” the HHS nominee wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed two months ago.

Although it’s still uncertain whether the Senate would approve Kennedy’s nomination, due to his controversial views on vaccines, fluoridated water, and more, investors are already worried that his plans could hurt the food companies for whom SNAP purchases are an important revenue source.

RFK Jr. Wants to Limit SNAP Purchases. These Food Stocks Could Feel the Pinch Most.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
11.1  JohnRussell  replied to  Vic Eldred @11    2 weeks ago

I was looking at a food video on You Tube and the next time I went on there were a bunch of food videos. One of them was how to make Thanksgiving dinner to a family of four from Dollar Tree.  In the video they mention SNAP.  I watched some of the video and here is some of what one can buy for Thanksgiving dinner at Dollar Tree.  Instant potato flakes to make mashed potatoes, canned green beans and canned mushroom gravy to make green bean casserole. Canned turkey.  Powdered biscuit mix. Box of stuffing. 

Every one of those items is cheaper to buy "processed" than to buy fresh and make it yourself.   Unless they are welfare cheats , everyone who gets SNAP is short of money.  Of course they will choose processed foods.  Telling them they cant have processed foods will just cause some of these people to eat less. 

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
11.1.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  JohnRussell @11.1    2 weeks ago
Telling them they cant have processed foods will just cause some of these people to eat less.

I doubt that. They may discover how much better the fresh food is on Thanksgiving.

Helping the recipients to eat healthy is already part of the program:

AASD8Dk.img?w=768&h=432&m=6

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12  TᵢG    2 weeks ago
Elon Musk is not just an entrepreneur; he is a genius and now he has a role in fixing the federal government.

I doubt Musk has the patience to do the very hard job of untangling the federal government to the point where one can understand redundant processes, processes that produce results that go nowhere, inefficient processes, etc. in order to identify specific initiatives for process improvement / automation, reengineering, creation, or retirement.

He certainly is smart, but he has shown that he likes to create.   He likes to think big and build new shiny inventions.   He likes to push the envelope and does not really care about immediate consequences because the end justifies the means.

He is a quintessential entrepreneur ... and he is very good at that.

He is NOT a process engineer.   He is not the kind of genius who sits at a desk and pours through analysis and then devises a series of interrelated initiatives that phase in over time and must be monitored and adjusted based on operational dynamics.  

Musk, if anything, would try to take out his hatchet and chop off limbs and let the consequences come.   This is not likely to go anywhere.


That said, I have always been in favor of serious work in the federal government to dramatically reduce waste.   There is a ton of it since politicians just keep layering on new programs while the old ones persist as part of the machine.   So, great idea to try to tap into federal waste.   But a good idea needs a good plan to effect it and Musk is not the right guy for the job: wrong skillset and desires.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  TᵢG @12    2 weeks ago
But a good idea needs a good plan to effect it and Musk is not the right guy for the job: wrong skillset and desires.

I think I'll wait for the facts to come in on that. I'll resist the urge to speculate. I prefer critical thinking.

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12.1.1  TᵢG  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1    2 weeks ago
I prefer critical thinking.

You believe that critical thinking cannot be used to analyze a situation and determine a likely outcome?

Do you see the facts in my comment?   No?  Then that is your problem.

My comment includes facts about Elon Musk (publicly known) and facts about the complexity of the federal government (well known) and facts regarding what it takes to achieve operational effectiveness in large organizations (well known industry knowledge).

My comment uses these facts to conclude that Musk is the wrong type of individual for this job.

Critical thinking is about objectively using facts and logics to systematically draw a sound conclusion.   The conclusion can be, and often is, about a likely future.

Based on your comment, you have no rebuttal to offer.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1.2  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  TᵢG @12.1.1    2 weeks ago

There are two astronauts whom NASA can't bring back to earth. Musk is going to do it.

That is my rebuttal. 

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12.1.3  TᵢG  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.2    2 weeks ago

Then you missed my point.   I explicitly stated the positive, admirable qualities of Musk.   I then described what federal reengineering requires and made the argument that this task is NOT something that fits with the skill set and motivation of Musk.

Your rebuttal simply gives an example of the admirable qualities I stated upfront.

Apparently you believe that a genius can (and has the patience to) do anything.  

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1.4  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  TᵢG @12.1.3    2 weeks ago
Apparently you believe that a genius can (and has the patience to) do anything.

His past performance has shown that he is capable of great feats.

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12.1.5  TᵢG  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.4    2 weeks ago
His past performance has shown that he is capable of great feats.

Yes, Vic, I established that upfront.

You clearly have no rebuttal for what I wrote.   And clearly you believe that Musk can do anything. 

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1.6  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  TᵢG @12.1.5    2 weeks ago
You clearly have no rebuttal for what I wrote.

I believe I did.


And clearly you believe that Musk can do anything. 

One thing I do believe is that Musk can find waste in the federal government.

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12.1.7  TᵢG  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.6    2 weeks ago
I believe I did.

You have nothing other than a naive 'Musk can do anything' argument.

 
 
 
Right Down the Center
Masters Guide
12.1.8  Right Down the Center  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.6    2 weeks ago
One thing I do believe is that Musk can find waste in the federal government.

I agree, there is enough waste in government I am sure he can find all kinds if waste..........as long as he wants to and he doesn't get bored of the project and decides to move on.

Of course the other issue is what can be done about all the waste he does find while getting extreme backlash from the politicians with all their pet projects

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1.9  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Right Down the Center @12.1.8    2 weeks ago
while getting extreme backlash from the politicians with all their pet projects

I'm sure that will be part of it.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1.10  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  TᵢG @12.1.7    2 weeks ago

This has to be among the more trivial tasks in Musk's long historic journey.

 
 
 
Right Down the Center
Masters Guide
12.1.11  Right Down the Center  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.10    2 weeks ago

If there is one thing Musk has proven it is the ability to accomplish what he sets out to do.  Another plus is he will not get mired in the bureaucratic bullshit that someone within politics will.  It also is a good sign how many people and politicians don't want him/thinks he can succeed.  Obviously they are concerned he can.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
12.1.12  author  Vic Eldred  replied to  Right Down the Center @12.1.11    2 weeks ago

And he won't be alone. They are asking for volunteers. This may be like the Peace Corps.

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12.1.13  TᵢG  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.10    2 weeks ago

You continue to miss the point.

My point is that Musk will NOT do the analysis, planning, and phased implementation that is typical in large-scale process reengineering / modernization endeavors.   That is not what he does.   He is an entrepreneur who likes to break barriers and create shiny new things.   He is NOT a process engineer ... he is NOT someone who has the patience and attention to miniscule detail like, say, that of a cost accountant.

So what we can expect from Musk is for him to take out a hatchet and try to make major cuts and then let the pieces fall.   

That is NOT what should be done but Musk does not have the experience, skillset, or patience to carefully reengineer the federal government in place.  Just observe his history and you will see that is not what he does.

And if you think that cutting waste from the federal government is trivial then you really do not appreciate the difficulties of entrenched, integrated systems and processes.   There is a ton of waste in the federal government, but it is not sitting neatly on a shelf in nice little packages that can be tossed.

 
 
 
Just Jim NC TttH
Professor Principal
12.1.14  Just Jim NC TttH  replied to  TᵢG @12.1.13    2 weeks ago
That is not what he does.   He is an entrepreneur who likes to break barriers and create shiny new things.   He is NOT a process engineer ... he is NOT someone who has the patience and attention to miniscule detail like, say, that of a cost accountant.

He has/will have people for that just like he does now. Issues the directive and lets them do the legwork and make recommendations

 
 
 
Right Down the Center
Masters Guide
12.1.15  Right Down the Center  replied to  Vic Eldred @12.1.12    2 weeks ago

It will be interesting to see.  Obviously what we are currently doing has not been cutting waste of any kind.  It seems both sides have an unwritten agreement to look the other way.  Something new may just work, it is definitely worth a shot.

 
 
 
Right Down the Center
Masters Guide
12.1.16  Right Down the Center  replied to  Just Jim NC TttH @12.1.14    2 weeks ago
He has/will have people for that just like he does now.

Great point.  One good thing about him is the people he surrounds himself with.  It is almost like he knows his weakness or what he would rather pass off to other more qualified people.  I guess that is part of being a true genius.  

 
 
 
Just Jim NC TttH
Professor Principal
12.1.17  Just Jim NC TttH  replied to  Right Down the Center @12.1.16    2 weeks ago

Exactly. 

 
 
 
TᵢG
Professor Principal
12.1.18  TᵢG  replied to  Just Jim NC TttH @12.1.14    2 weeks ago

He would set the objectives and make high-level decisions.

What I am saying is that Musk is impatient and is a big-picture guy.   He is not going to like the fact that dissecting this takes time and that implementing change will be evolutionary.   He will want quick, impressive results.   He will look for major things to hatchet.

The federal government, like any complex enterprise, does not have waste neatly packaged sitting on a shelf that allows Musk to pick winners and losers.   If he just chops to get his results we will have many unintended consequences.   It is Musk's style to accept unintended consequences and deal with them when the dust settles. 

Is that what you think will work for the federal government?

 
 

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