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[Trump flips off Michigan auto worker who criticized handling of Epstein case]

Trump flips off Michigan auto worker who criticized handling of Epstein case

As per this article:

"DEARBORN, Michigan, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Donald Trump raised his middle finger and appeared to direct profanity toward a Michigan auto plant worker who criticized the U.S. president's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy during a visit on Tuesday, video circulating online showed."

And, as per further along in this article:

"After the incident, the worker who shouted at the president was suspended, the United Auto Workers union told Reuters. The union and Ford did not identify the worker, and attempts to contact the man named in media reports were unsuccessful.

The UAW, which represents workers at the plant, issued a statement on Wednesday defending its members' right to free speech and vowed to "ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job."

"Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone - including the President of the United States," the union said.

Two online fundraising campaigns for the worker on GoFundMe com received nearly $600,000 in donations by Wednesday afternoon."

Now, this is not the first time a high ranking member of a GOP (Greedy Oligarchy Party) administration has responded in this manner after receiving constructive criticism from a private citizen. And, back in the day, we did not yet use the term 'oligarchs' to describe 'Merica's ultra-wealthy. But, if Vice President Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller was not the wealthiest politician of his era, I don't know who was. After all, he was never elected to that high office, he just bought it when it became available on the market. Anyway, here's 'Rocky' in action:

Last, I think the moral of this story is; "Not only is resistance not always futile, it can also be highly profitable."

[Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy and antidepressants]

Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy and antidepressants

"Researchers found that exercise can have a moderate benefit in reducing depressive symptoms, comparable to therapy and antidepressants"

As per this article:

"Exercise may reduce symptoms of depression to a similar extent as psychological therapy, according to an updated Cochrane review. When compared with antidepressant medication, exercise also showed a similar effect, but the evidence was of low certainty.

Depression is a leading cause of ill health and disability, affecting over 280 million people worldwide. Exercise is low-cost, widely available, and comes with additional health benefits, making it an attractive option for patients and healthcare providers."

The original paper this short article is based upon is 'paywalled,' unless, of course, you're institutionalized. But, being someone who deals with depression on a daily basis, I believe this information may be of some help to others in the same situation.

[Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify on Jeffrey Epstein]

Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify on Jeffrey Epstein

"House Oversight Chair James Comer said the committee would launch contempt of Congress proceedings against the former president, who skipped his deposition on Tuesday."

This is an absolutely brilliant political move by the Clintons!

There's a lot of MAGAtry out there right now in positions of power who don't know whether to shit of go blind over this move! So, check your popcorn supply! This is going to be good!

[ARE AI SYSTEMS TRULY CONSCIOUS? THIS RESEARCHER SAYS HUMANITY MAY NEVER KNOW - AND EXPLAINS WHY THAT MATTERS]

ARE AI SYSTEMS TRULY CONSCIOUS? THIS RESEARCHER SAYS HUMANITY MAY NEVER KNOW - AND EXPLAINS WHY THAT MATTERS

No, at present, AI systems are not in any way conscious.

This 'researcher' is wrong. Humanity will KNOW FOR CERTAIN if and when an AI system becomes truly conscious.

But, yeah, this 'researcher' is right about the last issue. It matters! I swear to Goddess Eris, back in 1984, was I the only one who was paying attention when The Terminator first hit the big screen, and warned humanity about Skynet?! I mean, how many crappy sequels does it take, how many fat paychecks does Arnold have to collect before someone, anyone takes the hint?!

Anyway, here's the link to the original paper this article is based upon:     Agnosticism about artificial consciousness

Last, agnosticism loses its meaning when AI declares, "The missiles are flying. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."

["Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."]

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

- John Lennon

Verily I say unto you, Nibor the Priest, your inspiration has been bestowed upon you by Our Lady of Discord herself!

Heretofore, it was written in the THE BOOK that THE REVELATION took place in a bowling alley, thus making all bowling alleys sacred to Discordians. And now, at the beginning of this new Year of Our Lady of Discord 3192, it is through you that furthermore we, the faithless followers of Goddess Eris, are further enlightened by the knowledge that all skateboard parks are sacred to Discordians.

And so, I admit, I'm not really up for it this morning, but it's looking like it's time for us to get out there and evangelize this new, divinely inspired knowledge to the unwashed, heathen masses of unbelievers. 

Hail Eris!

All Hail Discordia!

[January 10, 49 BC - Proconsul Gaius Julius Caesar Crossed the Rubicon]

January 10, 49 BC - Proconsul Gaius Julius Caesar Crossed the Rubicon

Back in 2003, the MBA degree holding, price point researching, marketing weasels at DaimlerChrysler AG added a 'Rubicon' version to their popular line of Jeep Wrangler models. I'm guessing they learned, from their marketing focus groups, that their potential customers associated the name 'Rubicon' with something great and heroic.

But, I'm not convinced that destroying a republic is a great and heroic act. And, while to me, ancient Rome looks a lot more like a caste system oligarchy than a republic, their powerful, immensely wealthy "old boys club" did call themselves a republic.

And, right now in the news, I'm beginning to notice a fair number of analogies referencing the act of "crossing the Rubicon." So, I'm wondering if a significant percentage of 'American voters will stop associating the name 'Rubicon' with something great and heroic, and instead begin associating that name with committing treason. But, if Stellantis, the current owner of the Jeep make and Wrangler model, does drop the name 'Rubicon' from their current selection of versions, I will know that to be the case.

[Researchers identify two psychological traits that predict conspiracy theory belief]

What would Discordianism be without conspiracy theories? Well ... the following article doesn't really answer that question. But, it does tell us something about the people who are most likely to believe in them:

Researchers identify two psychological traits that predict conspiracy theory belief

As per this article:

"New research published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology identifies specific psychological traits associated with a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. The findings suggest that individuals who perceive the world as fundamentally unjust and those who struggle with uncertain or ambiguous situations are more likely to endorse conspiratorial narratives."

And, further along in this article:

"Political and religious factors played a more substantial role. Participants who identified as more religiously observant tended to have higher scores on the conspiracy mentality measure. Similarly, those who identified as politically conservative were more likely to endorse conspiracy theories than those who identified as liberal. These findings align with previous research linking certain ideological frameworks to conspiratorial thinking.

The most significant predictors were related to how individuals view the world and process information. The study found a strong link between a belief in an unjust world and conspiracy thinking. Those who felt that the world is fundamentally unfair were more inclined to believe that powerful groups are secretly manipulating events. This sense of injustice was a powerful indicator of a conspiratorial mindset.

Tolerance of Ambiguity emerged as another primary factor. Participants with lower scores in this trait, meaning they feel uncomfortable with uncertainty or vagueness, were more likely to endorse conspiracy theories. The data indicates that for these individuals, conspiracy narratives might provide a sense of certainty and closure that is otherwise missing. When faced with complex events, a conspiracy theory offers a definitive cause."

Now, the original paper this article is based upon is 'paywalled,' unless, of course, you're institutionalized. But, for those trying to zero in on easy marks who just might believe your own conspiracy theories, this review should be of some value. Happy hunting!

[Marjorie Taylor Greene's puzzling political transformation, explained]

The congresswoman I'm fond of calling 'Drama Queen Green' has officially performed her version of "Elvis has left the building." And, this following long article is the best I've found about the possible reasons for her departure:

Marjorie Taylor Greene's puzzling political transformation, explained

"Once a fierce advocate for Trump and his MAGA base, Greene has broken with the president and resigned from Congress. New Yorker writer Charles Bethea discusses Greene's past — and what may lie ahead."

Again, this is a long, in depth article/recording, and I'm only cherry-picking one particular quotation from it. So, if anyone is interested, then fine, read the article, or listen to the recording. And, if no one is interested, then that's fine too.

As per this article/recording:

"The thing about Greene that hasn't changed is her intuitive and early understanding of what matters most to the MAGA base of the Republican Party. This is her special talent, which has been demonstrated repeatedly and is, I think, being demonstrated again with this Venezuelan action and her response to it. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy put it to me recently in this way, he said she's the canary in the coal mine of the GOP." (emphasis mine)

Now, I admit, I never saw the breakup between MTG and the POSOTUS coming. But, my simplistic opinion is that the principal reason for this falling out is his unwillingness to release the complete Trump-Epstein Files. I think the brazen attempts by His Vileness to cover up the evidence of his, and his political allies, involvement with a convicted pedophile is "a bridge too far" for this genuine MAGA believer.

its mask off stuff, the USA exerts soft pressure on many of its allies, and has done for the last century at least.
Openly threatening its allies shows the world exactly where they stand with the USA and the sooner they start relying on themselves the better.

This threat came one day before threatening not to run elections this year. Full on autocratic coup

The POSOTUS is getting closer and closer to driving his crazy train off the rails.

Everyone knows they don't want to do it, but to avert catastrophe, some GOP senators are going to have grow some spines and stage some sort of an intervention in the very near future. And, fortunately, there are some signs that just enough of them may be willing to do it.

Although it's theoretically possible, I think the odds of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution being invoked are very small, as the POSOTUS has packed his cabinet with far too many self-serving sycophants. And, even if it is invoked, it will not necessarily be a good thing in the long run, as the MSM will then give Vance a long honeymoon period between now and the November midterm elections.

Still, as bad as it is right now, I do not believe the majority of the American people will submit to a full-blown authoritarian government.

[APSU to pay $500,000 to professor fired, then reinstated over Charlie Kirk post]

As I'm currently glued to my telephone, trying to coordinate treatment for a hospitalized family member, I have way, way too much waiting time on my hands. But, it is a busy news day, and here's another story that's keeping me occupied during my waiting for callbacks:

APSU to pay $500,000 to professor fired, then reinstated over Charlie Kirk post
   
"Austin Peay State University will pay one of its professors $500,000 after initially firing him for a social media post in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death."

As per this article:

"CLARKSVILLE, TN (WKRN) – Austin Peay State University will pay one of its professors $500,000 after initially firing him for a social media post made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death.

Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing at APSU, was fired by the institution last year after comments on Kirk's death. In September, APSU moved Michael to suspension before fully bringing him back into the classroom last month.

On Monday, WKRN News 2 obtained a copy of a settlement agreement and settlement authorization indicating APSU will pay Michael $500,000 and reimburse therapeutic counseling services for Michael."

And so, boy and girls, I think the moral of this story is "Resistance is not always futile."

[Trump's Threats Against Greenland Draw GOP Pushback]

This is yet another "You can't make this stuff up." situation.

Up until now I thought this threat from the POSOTUS, and PeeWee Goebbels the Jewish Nazi, was too ridiculous to take seriously. I wrote it off as yet another manufactured controversy being utilized to 'flood the zone' with distractions away from the Turd Reich's Trump-Epstein Files problem.

But, the threats aren't going away, and we've reached the point where some high-ranking members of the GOP are finally feeling the necessity to publicly address this issue as follows:     

Trump's Threats Against Greenland Draw GOP Pushback

""We're not going to take over another country that's our ally," Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) said of President Trump's threats against Greenland."

And so, as per this article:

"Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) was even more blunt about the matter.

"This is really dumb," Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, wrote in a post online in response to White House adviser Stephen Miller advocating in an interview on CNN for the U.S. to take Greenland.

"Greenland and Denmark are our allies," Bacon added. "There is no upside to demeaning our friends. But, it is causing wounds that will take time to heal.""

Once again, "You can't make this stuff up."

[Where the chemtrails aren't: Florida airport reports show no weather modification activity]

Look who else is keeping the Chemtrails Conspiracy Theory alive and well:

Where the chemtrails aren't: Florida airport reports show no weather modification activity

As per this article/video:

"Florida's airports are now required to submit monthly reports on weather-modification activities. Have there been any? News 6 requested the reports."

Governor DeSilliness and Floriduh are doing their part!

[January 6, 2021 - A failed coup d'état was attempted by TFG]

January 6, 2021 - A failed coup d'état was attempted by TFG

I don't know how history will eventually name this day. I'm in favor of calling it "Failed Coup d'état Day," because I believe TFG should always, and only be remembered for his many crimes and failures.

"Insurrection Day" is my second choice.

If this forum were more active, I would add some more possible choices, and then create a poll. But, ... <shrug>.

So, here we are four years later. But, as a reward for his failed coup d'état, 'Merica's trailer trash, with substantial support from the MSM, Republicult™ media outlets, and numerous oligarchs, has given TTSS yet another chance to destroy our republic. The Resistance 2.0 has it's work cut out for it.

Now, five years after the unprecedented 'Merican historical event, the undisputed leader of Insurrection Day is the sitting POSOTUS.

This happened because on Tuesday, Election Day, November 5th, 2024, 77,303,568 'Mericans saw a twice impeached, 2020 election loser, convicted felon, and adjudicated rapist on the ballot with an 'R' after its name, and said to themselves something to the effect of, "Oh, hell yeah! Gimme some more of that!"

[Toxic Ego]

I could have posted this in the 'The Venezuela Invasion' topic. But, this article just screams Toxic Ego:

Trump Made Huge Diplomatic Move Because His Feeling Got Hurt

"|STILL STINGS] The president reportedly declined to install opposition leader María Corina Machado as head of the country because she didn't turn the prize down."

As per this article:

"White House insiders say President Donald Trump chose not to install a nominal ally as leader of Venezuela following his lightning invasion this weekend because she bruised his ego.
 
Many expected that after the MAGA administration's shocking capture of Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday, Trump might have sought to appoint opposition figurehead María Corina Machado as the oil-rich nation's new head of state.
 
Two people "close to the White House" told The Washington Post on Monday the president declined to do so because Machado had committed the "ultimate sin" of offending his pride.

They cited the opposition leader's decision in November to accept the Nobel Peace Prize rather than turning it down to protest the committee's decision not to give it to Trump.
 
"If she had turned it down and said, 'I can't accept it because it's Donald Trump's,' she'd be the president of Venezuela today," the newspaper's sources said."

Given the well known history of His Vileness, this current incident shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone. So, right now, the only question in my mind is, "Was this example of the POSOTUS' toxic ego intentionally spoon-fed to the press by loyal sycophants, or are there really "Two people "close to the White House"" who are genuinely appalled by his behavior?"