The Trump Presidency 2.0

[sovereignstar v2]

Originally Posted by Mota

What's the reasoning behind this one, did he buy TRUMP coins or something?

Bribed I'm sure, yes. Or this, which is rich coming from the guy that said we have drug issues in the states because we don't use the death penalty for dealers.
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Originally Posted by Herr Orange Buffoon

I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross. The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!

[dubb93]

Originally Posted by Mota

What's the reasoning behind this one, did he buy TRUMP coins or something?

Apparently, the Libertarian party was pushing for this as possibly their top priority and they strongly supported Trump in the election. As for why they want him released...

.....who is serving a life sentence in federal prison for connecting drug consumers with drug sellers. From a libertarian perspective, it is obvious that no one should go to prison for facilitating peaceful transactions among consenting adults. But Ulbricht's grossly disproportionate punishment should give pause even to supporters of the war on drugs.

I'm unsure on why exactly they choose HIM to be the guy that they want released as I'm sure there are hundreds of people that could fit this mold. I'm guessing just because the case made headlines, but I also believe that his mother is involved in the party.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by sovereignstar v2

Bribed I'm sure, yes. Or this, which is rich coming from the guy that said we have drug issues in the states because we don't use the death penalty for dealers.
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It was an important issue to Libertarian voters and he promised to do it in return for their support. Just building coalitions the old fashioned way. Probably something Democrats should look into doing if they ever want to win.

There's a good book called American Kingpin on the case. He definitely ran Silk Road, but I think the issue people had was with how the case was handled. They set him up on some stuff and multiple FBI agents were charged with committing their own crimes during the investigation (they basically took over the site and stole the bitcoin for themselves). There's also a lot of questions on how they caught him as many security experts believe they did so through illegal means and then lied about it in court (probably so they didn't disclose their surveillance capabilities on the Tor exit nodes). So it's a bit of a cause for civil liberty folks.

And also, he got 2 life sentences without parole. That seems quite harsh for the crimes he was actually convicted of. From my understanding, he never really sold the drugs directly and just ran the marketplace. If you're responsible for the actions of other members selling products, wouldn't Jeff Bezos be responsible for fraudulent and illegal products being sold on Amazon? So there is an argument that the sentence is not only too harsh, but also a case of the justice system not treating people equally.

[sovereignstar v2]

Yes, we all know the justice system is by no means equal. How do libertarians feel about paying hitman large amounts of Bitcoin to kill people though?

[RainMaker]

He was never convicted of that so it's irrelevant to his case.

[JPhillips]

Sounds like some/most/all? of the NIH is currently shut down. Grant panels canceled and workshops stopped mid-presentation.

[miked]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Sounds like some/most/all? of the NIH is currently shut down. Grant panels canceled and workshops stopped mid-presentation.

As someone who has a grant that gets reviewed in 2 weeks (and 2 weeks from my next submission), this is not great.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Sounds like some/most/all? of the NIH is currently shut down. Grant panels canceled and workshops stopped mid-presentation.

As scientific niche media noted most of this isn't unprecedented during an administration changeover. Obama did similar, as did Bush before him.

[JPhillips]

The link reads to me as the steps are far more wide-ranging than past admins, Dem or GOP.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

The link reads to me as the steps are far more wide-ranging than past admins, Dem or GOP.

But if you parse it all the way through, the only thing that appears to be more than usual is the blanket travel ban. The hiring freeze is government-wide, the communications ban is same as past administrations, the cap on attendance was both Obama & Bush policy.

Seems to me that the bulk of the complaints are from NIH staffers/officials ... which isn't surprising, they don't get to take government funded trips, of course they're gonna complain.

[PilotMan]

Bird Flu will continue to be a problem, whether or not trump and his administration actually care or not is the real question. If they don't, they will do nothing, and leave it up to state, locales, or even individuals. He will pass the buck on hard questions, like he did with the PPE during covid. He will blame those that don't fix it, after he's passed it, and he will take credit for anything and everything that looks good, whether or not he actually had anything to do with it. In the end, bird flu, isn't going anywhere.

[cuervo72]

Next up on the no longer citizens list: Native Americans.

"Excluding Indians": Trump admin questions Native Americans' birthright citizenship in court | Salon.com

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

Next up on the no longer citizens list: Native Americans.

"Excluding Indians": Trump admin questions Native Americans' birthright citizenship in court | Salon.com

They're not white. Why would they be citizens?

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

I just paid $3.59 for eggs today. I hope Trump can do something about that.

Eggs are $4.19 today.

Thanks Trump

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

Eggs are $4.19 today.

Thanks Trump

Eggs have been infected with the woke mind virus.

[miked]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

But if you parse it all the way through, the only thing that appears to be more than usual is the blanket travel ban. The hiring freeze is government-wide, the communications ban is same as past administrations, the cap on attendance was both Obama & Bush policy.

Seems to me that the bulk of the complaints are from NIH staffers/officials ... which isn't surprising, they don't get to take government funded trips, of course they're gonna complain.

This is not true, during the Obama/Bush years we did not stop study sections in the middle of meetings and send people home. These meetings are planned months in advance and we require us (scientists) to lots of reading and writing regarding the proposals. It is not something that can or should be put on hold. Especially since once we review a grant, it does not even go to an advisory committee meeting for 2-3 months for funding.

Also, most of these conferences are not junkets, but it is the currency of the industry. The impact of your work is judged by your peers, many of whom do not have all day to sit around reading papers. The conferences are a point for your peers to see your work and offer input, and most science is advanced by collaborations gained at meetings. Also, for junior people this is especially important because nobody has any idea who you are as of yet.

By the way, my government-funded trip to review grants means flying up the night before, taking the Metro to Chevy Chase or something, and then sitting in a conference room from 8-5 reviewing grants with small breaks. We eat dinner (on our dimes) and then do it for another half-day the next day, then scrambling to the airport to make our flight home. It is not glamorous but keeps science moving.

[JPhillips]

The weekly morbidity and mortality report has been printed without a break since 1960. It missed it's publication today.

[flere-imsaho]

Yeah, government-funded business trips are probably the least glamorous business trips out there.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

Yeah, government-funded business trips are probably the least glamorous business trips out there.

I avoid them at all costs. They're awful.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

The weekly morbidity and mortality report has been printed without a break since 1960. It missed it's publication today.

Man, the trains aren’t even running on time?

[Passacaglia]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

The weekly morbidity and mortality report has been printed without a break since 1960. It missed it's publication today.

Haven't you heard? Ever since the inauguration no one got sick or died. Thank you, President Trump!

[RainMaker]

Looks like none of those executive orders mentioned anything about no taxes on tips or overtime.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Looks like none of those executive orders mentioned anything about no taxes on tips or overtime.

He's working on a concept of a plan

[miked]

Also, study sections for grants are required by law to disburse the funding, so this could be months of cluster.

[Edward64]

Yeah .. no.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow President Trump to serve a third term in the White House so that the country “can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs.”

[jcard]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Yeah .. no.

“Bold” leadership = Never giving his decisions a first thought…

[Flasch186]

I called it

I once worked with a guy whom I asked during trumps first term that if they tried to change things so that he could have a second AND third would he be against it. He said yes.

I asked him during the campaigns this time if they tried to get him a third term would he be against it. He said yes that he would be.

My guess is that in the next month or two they’ll get him to change his mind, like most of the other magas, and he’ll be for it while maybe even suspending the next election or the results being highly cheated because you know, manipulation and projection are powerfully drugs, as we’ve learned.


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[Edward64]

I really don't know how guilty he is on each accusation, but there does seem to be a preponderance of bad judgement, so yeah, let's toss him and find someone else.

Just a moment...

"After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense," Murkowski posted on X. "I did not make this decision lightly."

Her announcement followed new allegations from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law that he was abusive to his now ex-wife.
:
"The past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces," Murkowski said. "These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of service members. Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards."

I can easily believe Collins will vote against but Mitch is more interesting.

Murkowski, who frequently bucked Trump during his first term, was one of a handful of GOP senators who had not committed to supporting Hegseth. Other notable fence sitters include Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and former GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Hegseth can afford to lose two more Republican senators and still be confirmed.

[RainMaker]

Our military has been in decline for awhile but putting a raging alcoholic moron in charge of it might really make it completely inept.

[Ryche]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Our military has been in decline for awhile but putting a raging alcoholic moron in charge of it might really make it completely inept.

Raging alcoholic moron who has never run any organization of any real size, much less the entire military.

[Lathum]

Mayor Pete is considerably more fit to run the DOD. Could you imagine the MAGA heads exploding if he was the nominee.

[cuervo72]

Reports of Navajo people being detained in immigration sweeps sparks concern from tribal leaders

[Lathum]

Where the hell would they be deports to?

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Where the hell would they be deports to?

Magaheads "They're indians, so send em to India, duh!"

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I really don't know how guilty he is on each accusation, but there does seem to be a preponderance of bad judgement, so yeah, let's toss him and find someone else.

Just a moment...


I can easily believe Collins will vote against but Mitch is more interesting.

It's likely just Murkowski getting out ahead of things first so that her no vote isn't seen as consequential. Collins will likely do the same. Then everyone else will fall in line.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Where the hell would they be deports to?

I mean, you can’t really. I’m sure the play is just to degrade whatever status they already have. Oh, and to strip their right to vote.

[cuervo72]

(And if you harass them in the process of rounding up people, oh well!)

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Atocep

It's likely just Murkowski getting out ahead of things first so that her no vote isn't seen as consequential. Collins will likely do the same. Then everyone else will fall in line.

Yeah, they definitely have the votes which is why they're OK going public with this. If there were others, they would have gone privately to tell them the votes aren't there and find someone else.

[RainMaker]

If Dems cared, they should really laser focus on the price of goods. The big Trump promise was lowering the price of eggs on day one and that doesn't seem likely. Same with a bunch of other things, especially with tariffs on the way. Set up your attacks now so that when prices go up, you've drilled it into their heads for years and have data to back it up.

The immigration stuff just isn't going to do much damage as Democrats conceded on that issue under Biden and it just looks disingenuous.

[Edward64]

Sounds like Trump is really going to push this to the edge (and maybe over). I did some googling and cannot find any US cassus belli against Greenland/Denmark, but checking out real estate now.

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Donald Trump insisted he was serious in his determination to take over Greenland in a fiery telephone call with Denmark’s prime minister, according to senior European officials.

The US president spoke to Mette Frederiksen, the Danish premier, for 45 minutes last week. The White House has not commented on the call but Frederiksen said she had emphasised that the vast Arctic island — an autonomous part of the kingdom of Denmark — was not for sale, while noting America’s “big interest” in it.

Five current and former senior European officials briefed on the call said the conversation had gone very badly.

They added that Trump had been aggressive and confrontational following the Danish prime minister’s comments that the island was not for sale, despite her offer of more co-operation on military bases and mineral exploitation.

Denmark/Greenland will offer better/more terms for US influence, mineral rights, defense etc. on Greenland. Taken the win, Donald.

“It was horrendous,” said one of the people. Another added: “He was very firm. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous.”

But then, if US offers $800B (twice Denmark's GDP), shouldn't she swallow her pride and take the money for the betterment of her citizens? They don't really care for Greenland anyway ... wonder how much China would offer in a bidding war!

[Atocep]

The entire Greenland thing is dumb and a waste of time to even speculate about. It's not happening and they'd be stupid to do it.

[RainMaker]

It's so funny because none of the people talking about it even know what Greenland really is. They looked at some map and are like "wow it's big, we need it". Just the dumbest people catering toward even dumber people.

[kingfc22]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

It's so funny because none of the people talking about it even know what Greenland really is. They looked at some map and are like "wow it's big, we need it". Just the dumbest people catering toward even dumber people.

They also have no clue what a Mercator Projection map is. Just wait until the find out Greenland isn’t THAT big.

[Mota]

And on Feb 1st he starts a trade war with Canada. And Canada will retaliate.

In 2023, Canada supplied around 60% of the crude oil imported by the United States. This makes Canada the largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the US.

Guess the price of gas won't be going down either.

[Edward64]

Still pretty darn big, about 25-30% of US land mass (?) and only 60k people.

... and still full of juicy rare earth metals!

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I can easily believe Collins will vote against but Mitch is more interesting.

Good that Mitch did the right thing but unfortunately, not good enough.



https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/25/stat...worldwide.html

The State Department ordered a sweeping freeze Friday on new funding for almost all U.S. foreign assistance, making exceptions for emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt.

The order threatened a quick halt to many of the billions of dollars in U.S.-funded projects globally to support health, education, development, job training, anti-corruption, security assistance and other efforts.

The U.S. provides more foreign aid globally than any other country, budgeting about $60 billion in 2023, or about 1% of the U.S. budget.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s order, delivered in a cable sent to U.S. embassies worldwide, specifically exempted emergency food programs, such as those helping to feed millions in a widening famine in warring Sudan.

But Friday’s order especially disappointed humanitarian officials by not including specific exemptions for life-saving health programs, such as clinics and immunization programs.

I like the idea of doing a comprehensive review (cost-benefit, pro-con, aligned with our strategic interest etc.) of all our foreign aid. But I wouldn't just stop the aid immediately. Better to set a timetable for each to be reviewed (e.g. 6 months?), some negotiations, and decision made. IMO do the humanitarian aid but also more the China approach to invest in countries (e.g. new silk road but that also comes with its own issues).

Here's a list that I found. There's 36,377 entries (quite a few are negatives, I think meaning we withdrew aid), the bigger ones ...

FA.gov

• Ukraine at $14B is the biggest by far (think this is the humanitarian part, the weapons are much more)
• Israel next at $3.3B.
• A couple "DOD - Foreign Military Financing (FMF) Program, Payment Waived" for $2.6B (aka, bribes?).
• "Cash Transfer to Government of Jordan" for $770M (aka, bribe?)

[JPhillips]

This is illegal impoundment.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Edward64

But then, if US offers $800B (twice Denmark's GDP), shouldn't she swallow her pride and take the money for the betterment of her citizens? They don't really care for Greenland anyway ... wonder how much China would offer in a bidding war!

I sincerely hope you're mocking Trump's lunacy here.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Atocep

The entire Greenland thing is dumb and a waste of time to even speculate about. It's not happening and they'd be stupid to do it.

Threatening to go to war with a fellow NATO member isn't something to take lightly, though. NATO members were told to mentally prepare for a war with Russia, but now it sounds like the danger will come from within.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

I sincerely hope you're mocking Trump's lunacy here.

Yes. Denmark/Greenland is ready to give/allow US "more" but not Greenland as 51st state; we should take that as a win.

But it is an interesting thought exercise.

Should Denmark consider 2 x GDP for a territory that they'll lose anyways? Does the will of 60,000 Greenlanders > economic windfall of 6M Danes? I know the realities and the answer of today. Would the answer be different say ... pre-WW I maybe?