• Re: Chinese Scientists Cr

    From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Mike Powell on Thu Feb 13 20:28:10 2025
    Now that I'm in the right echo to say this, I have long suspected the le genetically mutating people in order to produce the type of voters they
    esire

    Am I late to that party? Is the discussion of that already a thing?

    How would they do that genetically?

    The left has experts in every field:

    Step one: Get psychologists to identify common biological properties of Democrat voters.

    Step two: Get biologists to figure out how to intensify the properties.

    Step three: Get chemists to concoct the special kool aid.

    Step four: Get big names in the food industry to distribute the concoction.

    The end result is a special hybrid human race that:
    * Likes freeloading
    * Wants to save the whales
    * Is willing to inject drugs if Simon says
    * Has purple hair
    * Thinks that all white people are Hitler
    * Is lazy, but will totally head out to the polls in on Election Day

    "The difference between conspiracy theory and the truth is about 4 years."
    - Joe Lynn Turner

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Fri Feb 14 08:12:58 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Mike Powell <=-

    The left has experts in every field:

    You left out Step Zero: Infiltrate the universities so that you turn out "experts" who are not experts but rather propagandists who only tow the party line and say what you want them to say - no matter what science actually says.

    The end result is a special hybrid human race that:
    * Likes freeloading
    * Wants to save the whales
    * Is willing to inject drugs if Simon says
    * Has purple hair
    * Thinks that all white people are Hitler
    * Is lazy, but will totally head out to the polls in on Election Day

    "There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened."

    Douglas Adams was a visionary.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Fri Feb 14 08:23:24 2025
    The left has experts in every field:

    You left out Step Zero: Infiltrate the universities so that you turn out "experts" who are not experts but rather propagandists who only tow the party line and say what you want them to say - no matter what science actually says.

    Yes, that's part of the agenda also. I read on Fox News that "Trump now has a 47% approval rating."

    But their source for that is "according to a poll conducted by AARP."

    Did you know that AARP is an "expert" at conducting polls?

    "AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated
    to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age."

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  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Ron L. on Fri Feb 14 15:46:00 2025
    Ron L. wrote to Aaron Thomas <=-

    You left out Step Zero: Infiltrate the universities so that you turn
    out "experts" who are not experts but rather propagandists who only tow the party line and say what you want them to say - no matter what
    science actually says.

    There's a lot to be said for teaching critical thinking in high schools
    and college - simply learning to spot fallacious reasoning can go a long
    way to making an influence-resistant populace.

    One thing I miss about the '90s BBS scene was that there was a skeptic's "scene" online - there was a SKEPTIC echo on Fido, and a board in the
    San Francisco bay area called "The Skeptic's Board" that was all about analyzing political and scientific trends and claims.

    We need more of that.


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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Sat Feb 15 08:13:08 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    Did you know that AARP is an "expert" at conducting polls?

    "AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live
    as they age."

    AARP is a scam and I found that our decades ago. They didn't have to be infiltrated. They were Woke from the start.


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  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to KURT WEISKE on Sat Feb 15 09:50:00 2025
    One thing I miss about the '90s BBS scene was that there was a skeptic's "scene" online - there was a SKEPTIC echo on Fido, and a board in the
    San Francisco bay area called "The Skeptic's Board" that was all about analyzing political and scientific trends and claims.

    Back around 1990, on the GT Power Network, there was a sysop who sponsored
    a Skeptic's echo. When he closed down his BBS, he moved it to an email
    group and asked me to bridge it to the Network.

    That network died after the original GT Power developer ceased development,
    but I kept bridging the echo to other boards. As social media became prominent, the list eventually died out.

    I also remember a board in Louisville hosted local Political/Debate and Philosophy forums. Those were often full of good discussion.

    I miss that kind of stuff also. The discussions, in the latter especially, were very much more informed than what we get in echoes like this one now.
    It was a time before social media, and before most cable news networks, so maybe that is why.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Sat Feb 15 10:49:02 2025
    AARP is a scam and I found that our decades ago. They didn't have to be infiltrated. They were Woke from the start.

    The same goes for PEW research center.

    This won't surprise you: PEW research center ALSO says "Trump has a 47% approval rating."

    How is that possible? (It's not.) Only if both organizations polled the same exact people 2 times, in the same day.

    If we compare this "approval rating" with the results of the election, it doesn't add up. It's as if they polled all the Harris voters "How do you rate your approval of Trump?"

    Nobody regrets voting for Trump. He's serving us the stuff that we asked for.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Sun Feb 16 09:33:04 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    How is that possible? (It's not.) Only if both organizations polled the same exact people 2 times, in the same day.

    That's why I don't bother with most polls. They are just propaganda.

    Nobody regrets voting for Trump. He's serving us the stuff that we
    asked for.

    Yup. The only people I see whining are the members of the paracite class who are actually going to have to work at a job they are qualified for. But, off hand, I don't know of any such jobs.

    After all, their Elitist masters worked hard at jacking up the minimum wage so that the unskilled can't get jobs at all. Been to a McDonalds lately? No cashiers. Maybe 2 people in the back making the food and one "runner" plus a "janitor" that comes in for 2 hours/day.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Sun Feb 16 08:48:12 2025
    After all, their Elitist masters worked hard at jacking up the minimum wage so that the unskilled can't get jobs at all. Been to a McDonalds lately? No cashiers. Maybe 2 people in the back making the food and one "runner" plus a "janitor" that comes in for 2 hours/day.

    Prepared food used to have a high profit margin. Franchisees definitely didn't ask for this, but what about the CEO of McDonalds? Was he not at the WEF when they discussed minimum wage hikes for the USA? It's got to be costing him/her money also.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Mon Feb 17 07:20:04 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    Prepared food used to have a high profit margin.

    The majority of what you pay (today) for prepared food is the cost of preparing it - not the cost of the food. But the Elitists don't want us plebes to have access to good food, so they piled on regulations, raised minimum wage, etc. to increase the cost of preparing the food.

    And there went that high profit margin for the restaurants. And, with the whole tipped wage, etc. that Michigan is piling on, most of the small restaurants will go out of business.

    But that's the plan. The Elitsts don't like us plebes eating near them. And they don't like us plebes to have access to good food.

    Franchisees definitely
    didn't ask for this, but what about the CEO of McDonalds? Was he not at the WEF when they discussed minimum wage hikes for the USA? It's got to
    be costing him/her money also.

    It is. But many of these CEOs were compromised a while ago. The shareholders need to rise up and fire them. But that won't happen until the Woke CEO runs the business into the ground.


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  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Ron L. on Mon Feb 17 10:03:28 2025
    Ron L. wrote to Aaron Thomas <=-

    The majority of what you pay (today) for prepared food is the cost of preparing it - not the cost of the food. But the Elitists don't want
    us plebes to have access to good food, so they piled on regulations, raised minimum wage, etc. to increase the cost of preparing the food.

    The people making the food qualify as "plebes", it's be nice if they
    could afford to go out once in a while.

    As for regulations limiting our access to "good food", my first thought
    was health and safety regulations. I'm ok with the cost overhear
    involved with preventing foodborne illnesses. They aren't fun.


    It is. But many of these CEOs were compromised a while ago. The shareholders need to rise up and fire them. But that won't happen
    until the Woke CEO runs the business into the ground.

    You'll need to expand on this point - to me, CEOs appear beholden to
    increasing shareholder value over expanding business by appealing to
    customer's needs.



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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Tue Feb 18 07:28:30 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    The minimum wage hikes made or will make small restaurants (and other small businesses) go out of business. That's one thing that McDonalds
    (and other big brands) potentially stand to gain from the minimum wage hikes. If Steve's Diner is closed, there's a McDonalds around the
    corner.

    Yup. McDonalds has the money to increase automation but Joe's Burger down the street doesn't. So Joe goes out of business.

    This attitude was made obvious during the scamdemic when mom-and-pop stores had to close, but big box stores could stay open. It's much easier to control a few large companies instead of thousands of small businesses.

    But what you said is also true: elitists don't really want us eating healthy.

    They don't want us eating more than subsistence. The Elitist attitude is "If you have something, then you've taken it from the Elitists." So they want you to have as little as possible. Also, if the plebes are spending their time trying to get enough food, they won't be spending time opposing Elitists.

    Our health problems are an advantage to another member of the
    WEF (Medical and pharmaceutical industries.) Once they're a household brand, they're all on the same team. After they make us unhealthy,
    they'll sell us a pill for that.

    Yes. We need to remember that "The Elitists" aren't a single group. They are a set of groups, each with their own goals that (currently) align somewhat.


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  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to KURT WEISKE on Tue Feb 18 09:02:00 2025
    As for regulations limiting our access to "good food", my first thought
    was health and safety regulations. I'm ok with the cost overhear
    involved with preventing foodborne illnesses. They aren't fun.

    Speaking from experience, of all of the unfun illnesses, they rank as some
    of the least fun, right above those that lead to permanent disfigurment, amputations, or that cause certain death.

    It is. But many of these CEOs were compromised a while ago. The shareholders need to rise up and fire them. But that won't happen
    until the Woke CEO runs the business into the ground.

    You'll need to expand on this point - to me, CEOs appear beholden to increasing shareholder value over expanding business by appealing to customer's needs.

    That is something that has always confused me, and I have a business
    degree. To me, appealing to customer needs and expanding the business
    should lead to increasing value for shareholders. However, many businesses don't seem to do that and yet continue doing well on Wall Street, which
    seems counterintuitive.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Tue Feb 18 14:48:30 2025
    Yup. McDonalds has the money to increase automation but Joe's Burger
    down the street doesn't. So Joe goes out of business.

    This attitude was made obvious during the scamdemic when mom-and-pop stores had to close, but big box stores could stay open. It's much
    easier to control a few large companies instead of thousands of small businesses.

    I used to think that they were just in it for the money, but it's obvious that there's more to life than just money (even for the ultra wealthy elite.)

    They don't want us eating more than subsistence. The Elitist attitude
    is "If you have something, then you've taken it from the Elitists." So they want you to have as little as possible. Also, if the plebes are spending their time trying to get enough food, they won't be spending
    time opposing Elitists.

    That's a good point. When the elite want to be "productive," all they have to do is just slow down everyone else's productivity.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Wed Feb 19 07:18:26 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    I used to think that they were just in it for the money, but it's
    obvious that there's more to life than just money (even for the ultra wealthy elite.)

    Right. That's why we need to stop thinking that this is one group of Elitists.
    It's multiple and they are (sort-of) working together right now. Some want power. Some want money. Some want both. Others have wierd ideas about overpopulation. Still others believe the climate change hoax.

    But the goal of all of them are the same: Take decision making power from the plebes and give it to themselves. But they never accept their track record because every time they got power, they completely messed everything up.

    That's a good point. When the elite want to be "productive," all they
    have to do is just slow down everyone else's productivity.

    The Elitists never want to be productive. They want to just sit on their thrones and yell "Make it so!"


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Wed Feb 19 06:17:08 2025
    Right. That's why we need to stop thinking that this is one group of Elitists. It's multiple and they are (sort-of) working together right now. Some want power. Some want money. Some want both. Others have wierd ideas about overpopulation. Still others believe the climate
    change hoax.

    But the goal of all of them are the same: Take decision making power
    from the plebes and give it to themselves. But they never accept their track record because every time they got power, they completely messed everything up.

    I don't think that anyone truly believes in "climate change," except for possibly the blue dummies on the Trump-Harris map. When I hear celebrities talking about it I wonder "Do they even believe the crap that they're saying?"

    I don't belive in "fighting" climate change. If God wants it, then we're having it. What other Godly things do they want us to fight?

    The best way to combat climate change is with a coat and gloves in the winter, and shorts and t-shirts in the summer.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Thu Feb 20 07:28:24 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    I don't think that anyone truly believes in "climate change," except
    for possibly the blue dummies on the Trump-Harris map.

    That's pretty much it. And the Elitists who want to use it as an excuse to grab more money/power.

    Our Tyrant Governor here in Michigan wanted to chop down large swaths of forests to... get this... put up a solar farm. Excuse: Fighting Climate Change. Now you know that Climate Change is a hoax.

    When I hear
    celebrities talking about it I wonder "Do they even believe the crap
    that they're saying?"

    Probably not. They say whatever gets dollars in their pockets.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Thu Feb 20 14:23:20 2025
    Our Tyrant Governor here in Michigan wanted to chop down large swaths of forests to... get this... put up a solar farm. Excuse: Fighting Climate Change. Now you know that Climate Change is a hoax.

    The left just announced that we need to double our electric supply "because
    of AI." So good thing Gretchen built that solar farm. That ought to give us all the electric we need for this, right? lol

    I'm concerned about doubling the electric consumption. It sounds like higher electric bills (but they're already out of whack) and we're also going to double the amount of nuclear waste that we'll have to store.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Fri Feb 21 08:20:42 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    The left just announced that we need to double our electric supply "because of AI." So good thing Gretchen built that solar farm. That
    ought to give us all the electric we need for this, right? lol

    The Anointed will simply have to use their god-like power to command more clear, sunny, summer days in Michigan.

    I'm concerned about doubling the electric consumption. It sounds like higher electric bills (but they're already out of whack) and we're also going to double the amount of nuclear waste that we'll have to store.

    The real problem is the grid. It's already stretched thin and the tree-huggers won't want to update/expand it. More electricity is not useful if you can't get it to those who need it.

    But that's irrelevant. All this "doubling our electric supply" is just an excuse for more tax money laundering into projects that never finish or even come close to what they said. How about that high-speed in California?


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  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to KURT WEISKE on Fri Feb 21 10:52:00 2025
    Kentucky (outside of Louisville and Lexington) has one of the lowest costs of living. You are not going to buy a good home in a good area
    on a fast food "salary" here.

    47th in economy, 34th in education, 43rd in fisxcal stability, 40th in
    health care... you get what you pay for.


    While Louisville may prop the state up in a couple of those stats, they really pull us down in Education. You didn't cite violent crime, but they pull us down there also. Ironically, or not, they are the one consistently "blue"
    area of the state and have one of the higher costs of living in the state.


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  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to AARON THOMAS on Fri Feb 21 10:39:00 2025
    The left just announced that we need to double our electric supply "because of AI." So good thing Gretchen built that solar farm. That ought to give us
    l
    the electric we need for this, right? lol

    Is Elon part of "the left" because he, and a couple of other folks like Sam Altman who was recently in the President's company, are the ones that are pushing the adaptation of AI, specifically *their* AI.

    I have not seen Gretchen pushing AI and didn't know she owned any
    multi-billion dollar company that is pushing it. Elon does, though.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Fri Feb 21 19:36:36 2025
    I'm concerned about doubling the electric consumption. It sounds like higher electric bills (but they're already out of whack) and we're al going to double the amount of nuclear waste that we'll have to store.

    The real problem is the grid. It's already stretched thin and the tree-huggers won't want to update/expand it. More electricity is not useful if you can't get it to those who need it.

    I think I got the story wrong.. It's not that we need to double our electricity, but it's the AI data centers that need to double their electricity. So hopefully this won't affect us financially any time soon.

    But I strongly distrust the premise of "AI is to make our lives better." I strongly suspect that all the talk about it is to ease us into coming to terms with robot warfare. (Who cares if China is ahead of us in technology? It only matter if it's a security issue!)

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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Kurt Weiske on Fri Feb 21 19:44:34 2025
    about clean energy, not AI. AI grid demands are not to be overlooked. I wonder when we're going to reach a point when people argue about the merits of AI based on the power draw it takes to create AI output?

    That's my point exactly. What good is AI? I haven't experienced the "goodness" of it yet. Have you? There's nothing good about extra nuclear waste.

    We're in the early phases of AI, I think it depends on us moving to the "killer app" phase. There's nothing really compelling, yet - just a lot
    of potential.

    Yes, that's another of my major concerns about AI. "Killer apps" as in "apps that can kill people," right? Or what about humanoid robots with titanium freddy kruger hands? I don't know how "early" the phase really is. Maybe China is ready to sick their robot dogs on us already :(

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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Mike Powell on Fri Feb 21 19:57:22 2025
    Is Elon part of "the left" because he, and a couple of other folks like Sam Altman who was recently in the President's company, are the ones
    that are pushing the adaptation of AI, specifically *their* AI.

    Elon might be part of the left, and he might be saving "us" all this money so that he can use it to depopulate us. In the past, Trump has definitely made
    the mistake of trusting the wrong people.

    We need to find out what's really going on with AI. The media isn't telling us jack. "AI will help us cure cancer." Uh huh..

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Sat Feb 22 07:52:46 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    I think I got the story wrong.. It's not that we need to double our electricity, but it's the AI data centers that need to double their electricity. So hopefully this won't affect us financially any time
    soon.

    Ya, I can see AI centers creating their own ability to generate power if they need that much.

    But I strongly distrust the premise of "AI is to make our lives
    better."

    It's like any new technology. You have the cheerleaders saying "it will solve world hunger!" and the nay-sayers "it will destroy civilization." But like any tool, it depends on how it's used.

    Like I said before, the biggest threat from AI is that people blindly trust it.

    I strongly suspect that all the talk about it is to ease us
    into coming to terms with robot warfare. (Who cares if China is ahead
    of us in technology? It only matter if it's a security issue!)

    We already have that with the military drones and, really, we've had that since long range missles.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Sat Feb 22 08:48:54 2025
    But I strongly distrust the premise of "AI is to make our lives better."

    It's like any new technology. You have the cheerleaders saying "it will solve world hunger!" and the nay-sayers "it will destroy civilization." But like any tool, it depends on how it's used.

    Facebook comes to mind: It was awesome at first. It was like a modern version of a BBS but with an interface that made it easy for everyone to use. But 10 years after its inception, it was being used to install socialism in the USA.

    Notice the similarity with AI: It's cute and cuddly right now. You can ask it silly questions and get funny answers. But what sick agenda will it be be fulfilling in 10 years?

    I strongly suspect that all the talk about it is to ease us
    into coming to terms with robot warfare. (Who cares if China is ahead of us in technology? It only matter if it's a security issue!)

    We already have that with the military drones and, really, we've had
    that since long range missles.

    That's a good point, but think about the advantages of conducting a ground war when you have an army of soldiers that's immune to injuries, and is born on an assembly line.

    Then there's the added advantage of being able to blame it on "an AI computer malfunction" or "this one bad guy masterminded it and he is now in custody." Sorta like "a bat from the wet market did it."

    And if that's not enough, there's yet another advantage "Due to the AI massacre disaster, we will now be controlling all communications much more tightly as a precaution - and if you are against that then you are part of the problem."

    I'm not trying to stress you or anyone else out with this, but the covid-19 stuff was a very dirty trick that was played on us and I want people to be as ready as possible for the next rabbit that gets pulled out of George Soros' hat.

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  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Aaron Thomas on Sat Feb 22 08:16:30 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Kurt Weiske <=-

    We're in the early phases of AI, I think it depends on us moving to the "killer app" phase. There's nothing really compelling, yet - just a lot
    of potential.

    Yes, that's another of my major concerns about AI. "Killer apps" as in "apps that can kill people," right? Or what about humanoid robots with titanium freddy kruger hands? I don't know how "early" the phase really is. Maybe China is ready to sick their robot dogs on us already :(

    I read an interesting article that talked about the problems with anthropomorphic robots. If you design a robot to clean floors, why does
    it need to have two legs and hands that can crush your windpipe?

    Science Fiction has dealt with the "undeserving creator" trope, where we
    create artificial intelligence, are found wanting, and eliminated by the intelligence we create. Maybe we killed our creators, too, and this is a
    cycle? (yet another Science Fiction trope...)

    We need more science fiction writers involved in science and politics.
    I'm reminded of a tweet I'd read a few months back that I saved:


    @AlexBlechMan

    Sci-Fi Author:
    In my book I invented the Torment Nexus as a cautionary tale.

    Tech Company:
    At long last, we have created the Torment Nexus from the classic sci-fi
    novel "Don't Create The Torment Nexus".






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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Mike Powell on Sat Feb 22 13:22:14 2025
    jack. "AI will help us cure cancer." Uh huh..

    They are hoping it will have more brain power, and can work faster, than humans. The reality is that it will only work as good as the people who are programming and maintaining it, and will likely contain all of their biases. If you want to know what is going on with AI I would suggest keeping up with tech websites that have a lot of space dedicated to AI developments.

    That does sound interesting, but I'm hoping to see real life evidence of AI working for us some day.

    I don't know of any "average people," leftists or conservatives, who are pushing AI. Most of them seem as skeptical about it as you or I. The only people I know of who are pushing it are the ones that hope to make money off of it, or that already are making money off of the yet-to-be-realized promise of it.

    I've heard radio ads with companies offering to "use AI to help run your business more efficiently," and then I've seen company websites with chatbots that they refer to as AI. "Let AI assist you.." (And of course those chatbots are not helpful at all.)

    Let's keep our fingers crossed, but let's keep our money away from it until it starts producing results.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Kurt Weiske on Sat Feb 22 13:47:24 2025
    titanium freddy kruger hands? I don't know how "early" the phase real is. Maybe China is ready to sick their robot dogs on us already :(

    I read an interesting article that talked about the problems with anthropomorphic robots. If you design a robot to clean floors, why does
    it need to have two legs and hands that can crush your windpipe?

    That's a good question.

    We need more science fiction writers involved in science and politics.
    I'm reminded of a tweet I'd read a few months back that I saved:

    I agree with you on that. Police use possible scenarios to solve crimes, but they could benefit from a bigger library of motives (more imagination.)

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  • From Gregory Deyss@1:267/150 to Ron L. on Sat Feb 22 21:27:06 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    I think I got the story wrong.. It's not that we need to double our electricity, but it's the AI data centers that need to double their electricity. So hopefully this won't affect us financially any time soon.

    Ya, I can see AI centers creating their own ability to generate power if they need that much.
    TOS "The Ultimate Computer"
    M5 Multitronic Dr. Richard Daystrom's Unit. (played by William Marshall)
    took power directly from the Warp Engines - after circuit was interrupted

    ... System halted - Press all keys at once to continue

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: Capital Station BBS * Telnet://csbbs.dyndns.org * (1:267/150)
  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to AARON THOMAS on Sun Feb 23 10:02:00 2025
    Let's keep our fingers crossed, but let's keep our money away from it until it
    starts producing results.

    That is what I would like to see done, but apparently the current administration had other plans and has already promised millions
    (billions?) towards it.


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    * Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)
  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to KURT WEISKE on Sun Feb 23 10:09:00 2025
    I read an interesting article that talked about the problems with anthropomorphic robots. If you design a robot to clean floors, why does
    it need to have two legs and hands that can crush your windpipe?

    Interesting, and my answer would be it doesn't. There may be some theory
    that people will be more accepting of the robots if they look more like
    people but, as you have pointed out, that theory doesn't look far enough
    ahead to see the potential drawbacks.

    Sci-Fi Author:
    In my book I invented the Torment Nexus as a cautionary tale.

    Tech Company:
    At long last, we have created the Torment Nexus from the classic sci-fi
    novel "Don't Create The Torment Nexus".

    Sounds like something Elon Musk would do just because he can.


    * SLMR 2.1a * 69, 714, 2112 Sex, drugs, rock'n'roll
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    * Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)
  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Sun Feb 23 14:47:20 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    Facebook comes to mind: It was awesome at first. It was like a modern version of a BBS but with an interface that made it easy for everyone
    to use. But 10 years after its inception, it was being used to install socialism in the USA.

    Yup. The Anointed ones always infiltrate and subvert anything successful.

    Notice the similarity with AI: It's cute and cuddly right now. You can
    ask it silly questions and get funny answers. But what sick agenda will
    it be be fulfilling in 10 years?

    10 years? It's now.

    Was it Google's AI that was producing race twisted pictures of famous Americans?I know it was one of them.

    But it has to do with training. Google's AI is already untrustworthy no matter what they do.

    I doubt I'll ever trust a "general AI" and I won't trust one that gives answers on soft subjects. But I probably would trust an AI on auto repair, or computer programming - but only to a certain extent. They can't be blindly trusted.

    Those of us in IT already know what happens when you mix 3rd rate Indian programmers and Stack Overflow.

    That's a good point, but think about the advantages of conducting a
    ground war when you have an army of soldiers that's immune to injuries, and is born on an assembly line.

    We already have wars that can happen without the combatents actually being to see one another. Press a button. Enemy at X is gone.

    Then there's the added advantage of being able to blame it on "an AI computer malfunction" or "this one bad guy masterminded it and he is
    now in custody." Sorta like "a bat from the wet market did it."

    Oh, ya. That's they the Elitists are so gung-ho about fascism.

    Despite what the Elitists claim, fascism means socialism but the actual means of production are privately held. They are just told what to do by the State. So if everything goes bad, the State just blames the company holders.

    And if that's not enough, there's yet another advantage "Due to the AI massacre disaster, we will now be controlling all communications much
    more tightly as a precaution - and if you are against that then you are part of the problem."

    Standard Leftism: Never let a trajedy go unexploited.

    I'm not trying to stress you or anyone else out with this, but the covid-19 stuff was a very dirty trick that was played on us and I want people to be as ready as possible for the next rabbit that gets pulled
    out of George Soros' hat.

    Oh, ya. I don't think many people will be taken in again.

    But I do still see people wearing masks today.


    ... Unsolicited advice answers unasked questions
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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Gregory Deyss on Sun Feb 23 14:47:20 2025
    Gregory Deyss wrote to Dr. What <=-

    TOS "The Ultimate Computer"
    M5 Multitronic Dr. Richard Daystrom's Unit. (played by William
    Marshall) took power directly from the Warp Engines - after circuit was interrupted

    I doubt our AIs will get that powerful (anytime soon). But I can see them setting up a small thorium reactor to power it today.


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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Sun Feb 23 18:22:46 2025
    I doubt I'll ever trust a "general AI" and I won't trust one that gives answers on soft subjects. But I probably would trust an AI on auto repair, or computer programming - but only to a certain extent. They can't be blindly trusted.

    That's probably what they're aiming for. The sheeple already blindly trust Google search results for everything. But Google search results don't always provide links that the left wants to convey; the search results could inadvertently provide links to anti-left webpages.

    That's where AI comes to the left's rescue: Instead of providing links to potentially anti-left webpages, it's giving precise propaganda directly from Google.

    And if they haven't begun doing so already, they'll probably start letting AI "rank" the webpage results. That way they can blame bias on AI if it ever goes to court.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Mon Feb 24 07:05:36 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    That's probably what they're aiming for. The sheeple already blindly
    trust Google search results for everything. But Google search results don't always provide links that the left wants to convey; the search results could inadvertently provide links to anti-left webpages.

    That's where AI comes to the left's rescue: Instead of providing links
    to potentially anti-left webpages, it's giving precise propaganda
    directly from Google.

    And if they haven't begun doing so already, they'll probably start
    letting AI "rank" the webpage results. That way they can blame bias on
    AI if it ever goes to court.

    But they already do that. Google search results are not trustworthy on too many topics. And people should know that (by now).

    If I do a search for "TRS-80 Model I invasion force", I'll get trustworthy results.
    But if I do a search on "2020 election fraud", I know that Google will feed me a a bunch of propaganda.


    ... What was the best thing BEFORE sliced bread?
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  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Mike Powell on Mon Feb 24 09:00:22 2025
    Mike Powell wrote to KURT WEISKE <=-

    There seems to be some sort of "thing" going on lately with the "true" climate change believers where they seem to think that trees (and
    nature in general) are not really that imporant to the climate.

    That does seem counter-intuitive. I do think we're past the point that
    nature could find equilibrium without intervention, but, hey - I like
    trees and forests. I've never been a viridian environmentalist.

    I think that seems counterintuitive (and stupid) myself, but there are sometimes articles about it, like how some scientists created some "natural filter thing" that would be placed outside along city streets that would convert CO2 into Oxygen... you know, like trees already do.

    Trees are free. CO2 scrubber systems can be licensed, patented, placed
    in service contracts and ultimately use the threat of multiple species extinction to justify their cost increases.

    Man, I'm getting cynical!

    Maybe they are hoping that AI will be able to figure out a solution.

    Yeah, get rid of the people. Don't these people watch/read science
    fiction?



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  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Gregory Deyss on Mon Feb 24 09:00:22 2025
    Gregory Deyss wrote to Ron L. <=-

    TOS "The Ultimate Computer"
    M5 Multitronic Dr. Richard Daystrom's Unit. (played by William
    Marshall) took power directly from the Warp Engines - after circuit was interrupted

    I was a big fan of the 1970s film "Colossus: The Forbin Project" - where
    an early incarnation of SKYNET/WOPR tasked with the US' missile defense
    becomes sentient, discovers a counterpart in the USSR and colludes with
    it to create a safer world - by taking mankind out of the equation and
    running the world for us. Or else.



    --- MultiMail/Win v0.52
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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Mon Feb 24 10:55:48 2025
    And if they haven't begun doing so already, they'll probably start letting AI "rank" the webpage results. That way they can blame bias o AI if it ever goes to court.

    But they already do that. Google search results are not trustworthy on too many topics. And people should know that (by now).

    If I do a search for "TRS-80 Model I invasion force", I'll get
    trustworthy results.
    But if I do a search on "2020 election fraud", I know that Google will feed me a a bunch of propaganda.

    Yea, there's that. But I was referring to search queries for stuff that leads to sales. But I think I was wrong to infer that this isn't already happening.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Gregory Deyss@1:267/150 to Kurt Weiske on Tue Feb 25 06:09:58 2025
    TOS "The Ultimate Computer"
    M5 Multitronic Dr. Richard Daystrom's Unit. (played by William Marshall) took power directly from the Warp Engines - after circuit wa
    interrupted

    I was a big fan of the 1970s film "Colossus: The Forbin Project" - where an early incarnation of SKYNET/WOPR tasked with the US' missile defense becomes sentient, discovers a counterpart in the USSR and colludes with
    it to create a safer world - by taking mankind out of the equation and running the world for us. Or else.
    Thanks, sounds interesting I'll see if I can locate that one. locally or online.

    Gregory

    ... Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: Capital Station BBS * Telnet://csbbs.dyndns.org * (1:267/150)
  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to KURT WEISKE on Tue Feb 25 09:27:00 2025
    There seems to be some sort of "thing" going on lately with the "true" climate change believers where they seem to think that trees (and
    nature in general) are not really that imporant to the climate.

    That does seem counter-intuitive. I do think we're past the point that
    nature could find equilibrium without intervention, but, hey - I like
    trees and forests. I've never been a viridian environmentalist.

    Maybe. I try not to drive if I don't have to, try not to run my heat too
    high (or AC too low), and turn off as many things as I can when not using
    them. Part of that is to save money, but not entirely. If everyone did
    that, I wonder if that intervention is enough.

    One thing we have to keep in mind is that, even if we cut back on
    everything, the Earth does go through its own cycles so we might not see obvious results in our lifetime (or maybe 1000s of years) because we are
    not likely to stop whatever the Earth is up to (at least not without some science fictionesque catastrophe happening as a result).

    I think that seems counterintuitive (and stupid) myself, but there are sometimes articles about it, like how some scientists created some "natural filter thing" that would be placed outside along city streets that would convert CO2 into Oxygen... you know, like trees already do.

    Trees are free. CO2 scrubber systems can be licensed, patented, placed
    in service contracts and ultimately use the threat of multiple species extinction to justify their cost increases.

    Man, I'm getting cynical!

    Being cynical doesn't make you wrong. I think you have probably hit the
    nail on the head, enough so that I wonder why I didn't see this obvious conclusion myself.

    Maybe they are hoping that AI will be able to figure out a solution.

    Yeah, get rid of the people. Don't these people watch/read science
    fiction?

    Shhh! It reads everything we type. Don't give it any ideas!!! :O :D


    * SLMR 2.1a * I shook my family tree and a bunch of nuts fell out.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Linux
    * Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)
  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Gregory Deyss on Wed Feb 26 06:06:42 2025
    Gregory Deyss wrote to Kurt Weiske <=-

    I was a big fan of the 1970s film "Colossus: The Forbin Project" - where an early incarnation of SKYNET/WOPR tasked with the US' missile defense

    Thanks, sounds interesting I'll see if I can locate that one. locally
    or online.

    I'm pretty sure was on YouTube for free, but it's been removed for some
    reason. There are lots of clips and trailers to let you get an idea of
    the film.




    --- MultiMail/Win v0.52
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  • From Kurt Weiske@1:218/1 to Mike Powell on Wed Feb 26 06:06:42 2025
    Mike Powell wrote to KURT WEISKE <=-

    everything, the Earth does go through its own cycles so we might not
    see obvious results in our lifetime (or maybe 1000s of years) because
    we are not likely to stop whatever the Earth is up to (at least not without some science fictionesque catastrophe happening as a result).

    Oh, I'm not worried about the Earth. Mankind may come and go, but Earth
    abides.



    --- MultiMail/Win v0.52
    * Origin: http://realitycheckbbs.org | tomorrow's retro tech (1:218/1)
  • From Gregory Deyss@1:267/150 to Kurt Weiske on Wed Feb 26 16:18:06 2025
    On 26 Feb 2025, Kurt Weiske said the following...

    Gregory Deyss wrote to Kurt Weiske <=-

    I was a big fan of the 1970s film "Colossus: The Forbin Project" - whe
    an early incarnation of SKYNET/WOPR tasked with the US' missile defens

    Thanks, sounds interesting I'll see if I can locate that one. locally or online.

    I'm pretty sure was on YouTube for free, but it's been removed for some
    reason. There are lots of clips and trailers to let you get an idea of
    the film.
    Maybe a search on the Roku TV app with be able to find, they have many channels that only cost a little bit to watch the old stuff.
    I will let you know what I find.

    Greg

    ... Classic: A book which people praise but don't read. - Mark Twain

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    * Origin: Capital Station BBS * Telnet://csbbs.dyndns.org * (1:267/150)
  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to AARON THOMAS on Sun Mar 2 09:47:00 2025
    I think that Trump is doing exactly what some of the World's elite wants... different elites, but elites nonetheless. At the very least, he is doing things that will line his and Elon's pockets... as the richest man in the World, Elon is about as elite as one can get.

    How are Trump and Musk going to profit from their roles?

    A bunch of Air Traffic Controllers get fired, then Elon offers Space X -- a company he owns -- as a solution to the staffing shortage he caused. That is one example. He has offered to substitute people from his companies in a few other places where he has just gutted the staff.

    Elon's people work the jobs, his company gets paid, and he makes money.

    Trump meanwhile has been marketing new hats, and other gear for fans, in
    videos from the Oval Office.


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    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Linux
    * Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)
  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Mike Powell on Sun Mar 2 20:53:36 2025
    How are Trump and Musk going to profit from their roles?

    A bunch of Air Traffic Controllers get fired, then Elon offers Space X
    -- a company he owns -- as a solution to the staffing shortage he
    caused. That is one example. He has offered to substitute people from his companies in a few other places where he has just gutted the staff.

    If Space X saves us money, then it's still efficiency. And if they save lives that an incompetent FAA staff can't save, then that's efficiency also.

    I don't think we have any proof that the intent is to save taxpayers money or lives, but let's keep our fingers crossed. The left is furious about all this, and that's something that we need to enjoy one sip at a time.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to AARON THOMAS on Mon Mar 3 11:27:00 2025
    A bunch of Air Traffic Controllers get fired, then Elon offers Space X -- a company he owns -- as a solution to the staffing shortage he caused. That is one example. He has offered to substitute people from his companies in a few other places where he has just gutted the staff.

    If Space X saves us money, then it's still efficiency. And if they save lives that an incompetent FAA staff can't save, then that's efficiency also.

    Who says they will save us money? The FAA was doing a pretty good job
    lately until Elon got involved with something... aviation coordination and safety... that he knows very little about.

    I am positive they will make it look like they saved money... and the folks
    who are enamored with Elon will eat it up... but I would not just take
    their word for it.

    I don't think we have any proof that the intent is to save taxpayers money or lives, but let's keep our fingers crossed. The left is furious about all this,
    and that's something that we need to enjoy one sip at a time.

    I don't care about what the left is furious about. The fact that there is
    no proof of any intent to save money or lives should be concerning to
    everyone.


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    * Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)
  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Mike Powell on Mon Mar 3 11:30:52 2025
    If Space X saves us money, then it's still efficiency. And if they save that an incompetent FAA staff can't save, then that's efficiency also.

    Who says they will save us money? The FAA was doing a pretty good job lately until Elon got involved with something... aviation coordination
    and safety... that he knows very little about.

    There was a ridiculous quantity of plane, train, and boat crashes, and ufo/drone sightings reported by the media during Pete Buttigieg's term as Transportation Secretary. Why did you say that "the FAA was doing a pretty good job?"

    I don't care about what the left is furious about. The fact that there
    is no proof of any intent to save money or lives should be concerning to everyone.

    I haven't seen proof of anything saving us money in any department. It could be a gigantic lie. People are passionate about saving money.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Tue Mar 4 07:16:56 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Mike Powell <=-

    There was a ridiculous quantity of plane, train, and boat crashes, and ufo/drone sightings reported by the media during Pete Buttigieg's term
    as Transportation Secretary. Why did you say that "the FAA was doing a pretty good job?"

    Because that's what his masters told him to think.

    I haven't seen proof of anything saving us money in any department. It could be a gigantic lie. People are passionate about saving money.

    Especially when the gov't keeps taking more of their money and sending it somewhere else.


    ... If only women came with pull-down menus and on-line help!
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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Tue Mar 4 08:39:40 2025
    I haven't seen proof of anything saving us money in any department. I could be a gigantic lie. People are passionate about saving money.

    Especially when the gov't keeps taking more of their money and sending it somewhere else.

    Those who are freaking out about the tariffs "potentially causing price increases" are the same people who want to fund Ukraine's battle to wipe Russia off the face of the earth.

    They're so brainwashed that deep down, their true concern is about not having enough electronics to keep them tuned in to MSNBC.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Kurt Weiske on Tue Mar 4 13:38:30 2025
    There was a ridiculous quantity of plane, train, and boat crashes, an ufo/drone sightings reported by the media during Pete Buttigieg's ter as Transportation Secretary. Why did you say that "the FAA was doing pretty good job?"

    There were 0 fatal plane crashes During Pete Buttigieg's tenure. Not
    bad for some would refer to as a "DEI Hire".

    That's impossible. I think you got some faulty information. Unless you're referring to commercial aircraft only.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: JoesBBS.Com, Telnet:23 SSH:22 HTTP:80 (1:342/201)
  • From Mike Miller@1:154/30 to Aaron Thomas on Tue Mar 4 14:58:16 2025

    Hello Aaron!

    01 Jun 70 21:41, you wrote to Ron L.:

    I haven't seen proof of anything saving us money in any
    department. I
    could be a gigantic lie. People are passionate about saving
    money.

    Especially when the gov't keeps taking more of their money and
    sending it somewhere else.

    Those who are freaking out about the tariffs "potentially causing
    price increases" are the same people who want to fund Ukraine's battle
    to wipe Russia off the face of the earth.

    They're so brainwashed that deep down, their true concern is about not having enough electronics to keep them tuned in to MSNBC.


    You're so hyper-focused on sending a few billion to Ukraine that you're just ignoring the wasteful spending here at home.

    For instance, the F-22 Raptor - it's going to cost $9.2 billion to keep 151 of them in service over the next 5 years.

    that's _IF_ Congress allows the military to divest the 32 oldest F22s. If not, it's going to cost cosiderably more.


    That's $12.2 million per year, per fighter jet.



    Now, don't get me wrong, I love the F-22. I've had the opportunity to see one close up, and I've seen what they can do in the air - they're amazing.

    But They're a money pit.



    We've given Ukraine $83.4B since 2022 (source: https://www.ukraineoversight.gov ). we can probably tack on some more billions there if we include the cost of logistics and training.
    In comparison, our defense budget over the last 3 years has been about $2.5 TRILLION

    so Ukraine has received 3% of our defense budget. I'm pretty sure the government spends more than that on toilet seats.


    Mike


    ... Listen to the rhythm of crashing hard drives
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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Mike Miller on Tue Mar 4 21:53:36 2025
    We've given Ukraine $83.4B since 2022 (source: https://www.ukraineoversight.gov ). we can probably tack on some more billions there if we include the cost of logistics and training.
    In comparison, our defense budget over the last 3 years has been about $2.5 TRILLION

    We haven't given anything to Yemen since 2022. What about them? Not as important as Ukraine?

    The USA is more than $36 trillion in debt. That means that the USA is in no position to be funding wars at the moment, especially not somebody else's wars. Ukraine should check back with us after we've paid off our debt.

    When my kids want new toys, but I'm in debt to the bank, I tell them "Sorry kids, we'll have to wait until after I pay off my debt to the bank." And they're way more understanding about it than the dude in the polo shirt.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Wed Mar 5 07:55:06 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    Those who are freaking out about the tariffs "potentially causing price increases" are the same people who want to fund Ukraine's battle to
    wipe Russia off the face of the earth.

    They're so brainwashed that deep down, their true concern is about not having enough electronics to keep them tuned in to MSNBC.

    Over the last few years, I've noticed more and more hive-mind-like mentality among "regular" people. Now most of these people certainly weren't the brightest bulbs on the tree, so that was understandable.

    But lately I've noticed the same mentality among the people that I thought were in the "controlling class". The big tell is giving speeched that are, almost, word-for-word identical. But none of them producing any content. They have no counter ideas. No plans. Nothing but lies and vapid slogans.

    It's looking like the hive-mind is deeper than we thought too. And the question of "who's in control?" is still there.


    ... "Leave my blouse alone! I said Spellcheck, not Spillcheck"
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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Wed Mar 5 06:35:56 2025
    Over the last few years, I've noticed more and more hive-mind-like mentality among "regular" people. Now most of these people certainly weren't the brightest bulbs on the tree, so that was understandable.

    But lately I've noticed the same mentality among the people that I
    thought were in the "controlling class". The big tell is giving
    speeched that are, almost, word-for-word identical. But none of them producing any content. They have no counter ideas. No plans. Nothing but lies and vapid slogans.

    Right. It's not just the television viewers. It's an army of elected officials who all say the same slogan like it's a religious chant.

    It's looking like the hive-mind is deeper than we thought too. And the question of "who's in control?" is still there.

    There must be some kind of training camp that they're all attending behind closed doors. Biden has indicated that Obama & Pelosi are calling the shots, so that tells us that it's definitely not Obama & Pelosi.

    There are at least 535 people who know the answer but I'm not elite enough to get an answer from them.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Thu Mar 6 07:07:32 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    There must be some kind of training camp that they're all attending
    behind closed doors. Biden has indicated that Obama & Pelosi are
    calling the shots, so that tells us that it's definitely not Obama & Pelosi.

    There are at least 535 people who know the answer but I'm not elite
    enough to get an answer from them.

    And even if we were elite enough to get an answer, I doubt it would be a useful answer.

    These people act like robots/puppets.


    ... A good marriage outlasts the first box of dental floss.
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  • From Aaron Thomas@1:342/201 to Ron L. on Thu Mar 6 08:38:22 2025
    There are at least 535 people who know the answer but I'm not elite enough to get an answer from them.

    And even if we were elite enough to get an answer, I doubt it would be a useful answer.

    I thought about writing to my US Rep (D) to complain about him not standing up for a black child cancer survivor with a passion for law enforcement. Not to elicit a response, but just to let him know that he does a piss poor job of "representing" anybody from this region.

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  • From Ron L.@1:120/616 to Aaron Thomas on Fri Mar 7 07:18:32 2025
    Aaron Thomas wrote to Dr. What <=-

    I thought about writing to my US Rep (D) to complain about him not standing up for a black child cancer survivor with a passion for law enforcement. Not to elicit a response, but just to let him know that he does a piss poor job of "representing" anybody from this region.

    They don't care. It's blindingly obvious that the Dems are the party of the Elitists and they don't care about us Plebes in the least.

    I'd write my congressritters too, but I'm 100% sure that they were all installed (i.e. not really elected) and they are only in office for their own enrichment. They couldn't care less what one of their constituents thinks, mostly because they don't believe that we are intelligent enough to think anyway.


    ... Purranoia: the fear one's cats are up to something.
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