The cease fire was primarily Biden’s victory although really the war had reached a stage where there was a high chance it would have emerged without pressure.

The consistent pressure by the Biden administration also demonstrably forced Israel to show some restraint.

Estimates suggest roughly 50,000 Gazans died. An absolute tragedy but if Trump were in charge, I’d bet that it’ll be much higher.

Europe’s best bet IMO is to keep Ukraine in the fight so long as they want to continue. This way, Russia can’t even think about attacking elsewhere. With the bought time, Europe also needs to beef up their own defenses.

It saddens me to say as an American, but the USA is no longer a reliable partner. And those American military bases on European soil would make me very nervous. They were historically used to protect Europe but could also be used to conquer, assuming the military backs Trump and attacks if ordered.

Biden was no doubt in Israel’s camp. However, he was still a moderate in that camp pushing for restrain, humanitarian aid, etc.

Trump has essentially been encouraging Bibi to take off the gloves and pound Gaza.

Evidence? Biden was a consistent albeit not forceful voice calling for restraint.

I really hope moderates and parties on the left wake up and realize they could have a Trump of their own if they’re not appealing to their population.

I’m generally pro migration/pro refugee and am quite sympathetic. But the issues with assimilation, not really vetting refugees, etc. has clearly alienated voters across Europe. Ditto for other wedge issues.

If moderates and those on the left continue with their status quos, high risk they’ll end up pushed from power.

I missed “figurines” and was wondering who in their right mind would have 500 cats in a restaurant? And who in their right mind would steal them?

Great write up. The Fairness Doctrine on its own definitely wouldn’t solve everything. It’d be a step in the right direction, but the journey would be far from over. edit: and there’s probably no “perfect” solution.

Interesting. Well I stand corrected. I’ve seen people, including in the media and the like, apply it to cable. Can’t help but wonder if some of the misinformation was deliberate and meant to manipulate.

In this case, A I think fairness doctrine should be reinstated and B should apply to more forms of media.

I never really looked into the guy tbh. Pretty sure I saw the wife release some statement about how shocked and sad she was and that was as deep as I got.

“It is irrevocable, but it includes a provision that gives Rupert the ability to make changes as long as he is acting solely in the best interests of his beneficiaries.”

:D

Outside of blatant corruption Murdoch probably isn’t getting out of that.

I’m not a lawyer, but the penalties alone over the 2020 election BS among many other things, arguably prove the the current editorial environment and management is bad for both the kids personally and the company as a whole. Damage to the company is ultimately damage to the kids, and Murdoch dug his own grave with that.

Reagan removing the fairness doctrine and Murdoch setting up Fox News rank among the biggest blows in democracy and prosperity IMO.

I acknowledge that many left and center-left news organizations will also push agendas, tell partial truths, etc. (Fairness doctrine would help reign them in as well).

edit: Fairness doctrine didn’t cover cable only radio. That’d still help cut down some misinformation but in an ideal world IMO it’d apply to most forms of media.

Didn’t realize he was estranged with his family. Not surprised to hear that tho because yeah a lot of these guys psychos/sociopaths

Screw it, I’m down for Luigi Mangione 2028.

Actually I doubt even the rich would take a shot at him. It’d make him a martyr.

If someone did take a shot, it’d probably be a fame seeker or someone with personal connections to the CEO.

Despise? Disgusted by? Hmmm…

“Don’t tread on me, unless you’re a cop. If so, I will gladly lick the soles of your feet.”

The fact that we are entering a time when a coup in the USA is a legitimate threat is so utterly terrifying.

From at least Reagan to now diehard conservatives have laid the foundation for all of this over the course of decades and Mitch McConnell and many of the other conservatives now in dismay at this shift absolutely played a crucial role in making it all possible.

I’ve always wondered what people in Germany felt in the 1930s. Well, now I know. I’m not saying Trump/Republicans are literal nazis and authoritarianism is inevitable but the utter chaos unfolding is reminiscent.

not sure if you deserve the downvotes lol. Whatcha mean?

Top “generals,” plural I believe.

edit 1: just remembered different services use different ranks, the other confirmed fire was an admiral.

edit 2: Another general was indeed fired: Gen. James Slife

And they’re likely getting replaced with diehard loyalists. The Joint Chiefs is already going to a MAGA if I heard correctly.

Quoting Lenin: “There are decades where nothing happens and there are weeks where decades happen.”

And it’s starting to feel like there are days when centuries happen.

If Trump genuinely, fully wants to drive the United States into authoritarianism, forcefully installing diehard loyalists in the military is one of the most crucial early steps.

I rarely lean into conspiracy theories and we’re living in insanely complex times but this move has me genuinely worried. Hopefully, my fears turn out to be a figment of imagination.

That’s drill American oil. But, his decision making process at least during his first term often came down to who made the last halfway decent argument lol.