Maggie's Farm

We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.

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Saturday, January 18. 2025

Saturday morning links

New England Journal of Medicine Publishes Screed Defending ‘Gender-Affirming Care’


PROF. GARRETT: Leftists’ victimhood mentality persists as DEI retreat accelerates


Is David Brooks a Moral Philosopher?


Head of Infamous "Information Disorder" Commission Promoted at NPR. A
Twitter Files all-star and former head of an Aspen Institute panel on
content suppression is moved up the ranks at National Public Radio


Saturday Miscellany


The five tech titans that will sit with Trump during inauguration and what their position means


Black Lives Matter Demands Grocery Store Remain Open Despite Losing $7,000 a Day to Theft


Once Again, Life Catches Up to The Bee


Bill Gates had ‘intriguing’ three-hour dinner with Trump: ‘I was frankly impressed’


Trump is Reforming the Intelligence Community Already


My Decade with Donald Trump -He
chased her with hair spray. She saw him get shot. Salena Zito is the
journalist who knows Trump—and his voters—better than anyone.


Suddenly, Gavin Newsom's Electric Car Mandate Looks Pretty Dumb to LA Fire Victims


Why Europe Fears Free Speech

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 05:51 | Comments (38) | Trackbacks (2)

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Unless the dinner with Bill Gates turns out to have been a humiliation ritual similar to Trump's meeting with Romney years ago, I take the fact that the meeting occurred as a serious mark against Trump. To the extent Gates isn't completely ignored, he should be treated with contempt.

Alas, Trump appears to have an endless appetite for being flattered. Which is a trait that makes him vulnerable to being manipulated. Time will tell.
#1 James4HJ on 2025-01-18 09:10 (Reply)
To be fair, pretty much everyone likes to be flattered. I think you are spot on about Trump. However, as VDH points out, from the video posted yesterday, Trump is a world class troller. What happened at the meeting and what was presented to the public, could be two different things.
Trump is far from perfect, but he is the best that we have right now. I mean, unless you a communist, authoritarian tyrant that thinks big government can solve all of humanity’s problems. Then Trump is literally the devil. But, even Obama, the light bearer of the modern Marxist, was yucking it up with literally Hitler, at Jimmy Carters funeral. The funeral that had white supremacist markings on the front of the program; imbedded in the floor of the church. Lefties are so ignorant. And the lie. A lot.
#1.1 B. Hammer on 2025-01-18 11:42 (Reply)
QUOTE:
The five tech titans that will sit with Trump during inauguration and what their position means . . .. will deliver the jobs and free speech that will define his term.

Uh.

QUOTE:
During the campaign, Trump even warned Zuckerberg he would 'spend the rest of his life in prison' if he worked against him like he did in 2020.

That's not free speech, nor rule of law, but arbitrary and coercive.
#2 Zachriel on 2025-01-18 09:40 (Reply)
OhMiGod, look at what somebody else is telling us what Trump said to another person ! ! (clutches pearls, swoons on fainting couch).

It's a tired tactic, supposed quotes disproven as falsehoods too many times to accept at face value.
#2.1 Aggie on 2025-01-18 15:52 (Reply)
Aggie: OhMiGod

OhMiGod, he wrote it down.
#2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-18 16:36 (Reply)
OhMiGod, he wrote this:

“We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison — as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election.”

It is always like this with Zachy-poo, purposely leaving out the important context that blows up its narrative.
#2.2.1 AnotherAnon on 2025-01-18 22:40 (Reply)
AnotherAnon (quoting Trump) “We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison — as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election.”

First of all, the quote is not our characterization, but from the linked article.

And of course Trump says Zuckerberg broke the law. Duh. But it’s made up nonsense. If Zuckerberg had done something illegal, then the prosecution shouldn’t be at Trump’s whim. But, as we said, it’s made up nonsense.
#2.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-19 05:48 (Reply)
You didn't go to any effort to correct the mischaracterization within the quoted article, so that's on you for spreading a false narrative and just shows your hypocrisy in demanding accuracy in others.

And, Zuckerberg not breaking the law is kind of debatable, isn't it?

Zuckerberg Admits FBI, Facebook Interference in 2020 Election

And, fixed your statement for you, because we all know you are incapable of writing the truth:

"And of course Trump (Jack) Smith says Zuckerberg Trump broke the law. Duh. But it’s made up nonsense. If Zuckerberg Trump had done something illegal, then the prosecution shouldn’t be at Trump’s Biden's whim. But, as we said, it’s made up nonsense."

Anyway, I've wasted far too much time here.
#2.2.2.1 AnotherAnon on 2025-01-19 18:06 (Reply)
AnotherAnon: And, Zuckerberg not breaking the law is kind of debatable, isn't it?

Um. That’s not against the law, much less a criminal act that could result in a life sentence. How Facebook promotes a story is up to them. It’s their party. Threatening to jail someone for exercising their editorial judgment is not free speech, nor rule of law, but arbitrary and coercive.
#2.2.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-19 20:34 (Reply)
"...editorial judgment..."

BWAHAHAHA!!!

Is that what you call it when someone accedes to government demands to suppress speech--much of which turned out to be true--that might damage that government? Delicious! Pravda, baby!

My god, you're a mealy mouthed little thing, aren't you, taking things seriously which shouldn't be taken seriously and defecting from things which should.

But please, don't stop. It's wonderful to watch.
#2.2.2.2.1 SK on 2025-01-20 07:38 (Reply)
SK: BWAHAHAHA!!! Is that what you call it when someone accedes to government demands to suppress speech

BWAHAHAHA!!! It's not clear that the government crossed the line into coercion, as Facebook said they made their own decision and unilaterally changed their policy after a few days. But even assuming government coercion, that doesn't make Zuckerberg a criminal. Quite the contrary.
#2.2.2.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 10:51 (Reply)
"My god, you're a mealy mouthed little thing, aren't you, taking things seriously which shouldn't be taken seriously and deflecting from things which should."

Once more, with feeling.
#2.2.2.2.2.1 SK on 2025-01-20 15:23 (Reply)
SK: Once more, with feeling.

You ignored how Trump has threatened to use his political power against those who would criticize him. Let us know if you decide to address the topic.
#2.2.2.2.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 15:53 (Reply)
Just curious, were you this concerned when Schumer said to Trump “Intel officials ‘have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you’” Sounds like a threat to use political power against someone.
#2.2.2.2.2.2.1 ZachTheFool on 2025-01-21 20:21 (Reply)
Just curious, were you this concerned when Schumer said to Trump “Intel officials ‘have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you’”

Yes. While Schumer was referencing Trump picking an unnecessary fight with the intelligence community, and while he had no executive power, it was still inappropriate.
#2.2.2.2.2.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-21 20:47 (Reply)
Hoping this occasion can be filed under the category of "keep your enemies closer."
#3 Slow Learner on 2025-01-18 09:41 (Reply)
The federal government already spends 100% of its tax revenue just to pay for mandatory entitlement spending and interest on the debt.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2025-01-17/joe-bidens-last-day-us-dangerously-close-point-no-return-podcast
#4 feeblemind on 2025-01-18 12:14 (Reply)
feeblemind: The federal government already spends 100% of its tax revenue just to pay for mandatory entitlement spending and interest on the debt.

Which means cuts to Social Security and Medicare, or an increase in taxes, or both. Instead, Trump plans to cut taxes and has said he won't touch Social Security.

QUOTE:
the inflation we are still experiencing

Inflation was just 2.9% in 2024.
#4.1 Zachriel on 2025-01-18 14:10 (Reply)
Inflation is cumulative.

Inflation from Dec 2020 to Dec 2024 was 21.2%.

Inflation from Dec 2016 to Dec 2020 7.9%.
#4.1.1 Cooter on 2025-01-19 13:32 (Reply)
Cooter: Inflation is cumulative.

Sure, but the phrase, "the inflation we are still experiencing" is ambiguous at best. All developed economies endured economic disruption due to the pandemic, including widespread market shortages in 2020. The United States had the strongest recovery among its peers.
#4.1.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-19 14:07 (Reply)
"...strongest recovery..."

Sure, but the recovery was seriously hampered by Biden spending like a drunken sailor and grinding his jackboot on the neck of the oil and gas industry.
#4.1.2.1 Cooter on 2025-01-19 15:34 (Reply)
Cooter: Sure …

That doesn’t appear to address the point that Biden presided over the best recovery from the economic disruptions resulting from the pandemic. (U.S. crude oil production has reached record levels during Biden’s term. Infrastructure investments were long overdue and will pay dividends for decades.)
#4.1.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-19 19:30 (Reply)
The economy was in a serious downturn due to the pandemic. When the economy is shocked like that, the proper economic policy is to run deficits during lean times and surpluses during fat times.

QUOTE:
Genesis 41: Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke.
#4.1.2.3 Zachriel on 2025-01-19 20:48 (Reply)
If US recovery was best/strongest, then Kamala would be sworn in today.
#4.1.2.3.1 Cooter on 2025-01-20 08:19 (Reply)
Cooter: If US recovery was best/strongest, then Kamala would be sworn in today.

Not necessarily. Trump convinced enough people that Biden was to blame for the storm, while promising easy answers. "I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words."
#4.1.2.3.1.1 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 10:54 (Reply)
Trump convinced? So you think 77 million Trump supporters are stupid. Good to know.

No; right direction/wrong direction polling is evidence the people understood that Biden's "navigation" was bad juju.
#4.1.2.3.1.1.1 Cooter on 2025-01-20 16:38 (Reply)
Cooter: So you think 77 million Trump supporters are stupid.

Heavens! Where did we say that?

You are engaging in an argumentum ad populum, claiming that a plurality of voters must be correct. Rather, voters were misinformed on the causes of the inflationary burst, the causes of which we discussed above. Similarly, many voters believed Trump when he said Mexico would pay for the wall. Not all of them were stupid, just misinformed and often unable to consider their position skeptically.
#4.1.2.3.1.1.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 16:55 (Reply)
"...argumentum ad populum..."

Latin is always impressive. Not. I once to used the phrase "inter alia" in a report and had my a$$ handed to me.

Nah, Trump supporters were certainly informed and voted accordingly. As discussed above, federal spending and energy policy (or, lack thereof).
#4.1.2.3.1.1.2.1 Cooter on 2025-01-20 22:49 (Reply)
Cooter: Trump supporters were certainly informed and voted accordingly.

You 'argued' that because 77 million think something makes it true. Then you claimed without evidence that the 77 million were "informed". We addressed the actual cause of the inflationary spurt, the factual basis of which is independent of the opinions of American voters—even if "informed" by way of Trump.
#4.1.2.3.1.1.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-21 07:41 (Reply)
Cooter: federal spending and energy policy (or, lack thereof).

As pointed out above, that is contradicted by the global nature of the inflationary spurt, the United States having had a best recovery among developed countries, and crude oil production being at an all time high.
#4.1.2.3.1.1.2.3 Zachriel on 2025-01-21 07:50 (Reply)
Have you not bought groceries in the last 4 years, and noticed how what was was about $7-8 (like a sixpack of beer) is now $11-13+?

Corned beef was $2.99/lb. Now it's $6.49 at the local Kroger.

Guess it's just greed on the part of the grocers, right?
#4.1.2.4 jlawson (Link) on 2025-01-19 22:03 (Reply)
jlawson: Have you not bought groceries in the last 4 years

Ignoring the point doesn’t make for a rebuttal. It’s as if you blame the ship captain for the storm. As the economic storm was global, that means it wasn’t due to Biden’s actions, but due to the pandemic. You can certainly criticize how the captain navigated through the storm, but the ship Biden steered did better than any other ship through the storm, leading it to calmer seas.
#4.1.2.4.1 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 06:28 (Reply)
"Ignoring the point doesn’t make for a rebuttal."

Stop trying to make the argument about a fraction Biden's term in office.

Hilariously, you've painted yourself into a corner where you're forced to imply that US economic policy and conditions and responses to a crisis don't affect the global economy. And force similar responses from other countries. Beautiful.
#4.1.2.4.1.1 SK on 2025-01-20 07:53 (Reply)
SK: Stop trying to make the argument about a fraction Biden's term in office.
SK: you're forced to imply that US economic policy and conditions and responses to a crisis don't affect the global economy

They certainly can. However, are you really trying to say that the global recession was due to policies in the United States? It's clear that the pandemic caused massive disruption of supply chains. That was followed by a massive spurt of demand, overstressing the supply chains.
#4.1.2.4.1.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 11:08 (Reply)
Read the referenced post again, the one about cumulative inflation. This time try to address it.

As to your second point, duh. Thanks for making my argument. Screwing with the US economic engine has worldwide repercussions.
#4.1.2.4.1.2.1 SK on 2025-01-20 15:19 (Reply)
SK: Read the referenced post again, the one about cumulative inflation.

We read it and addressed it. There was an economic storm that Biden inherited. It passed, with Biden presiding over the best economic recovery among developed countries.

SK: Screwing with the US economic engine has worldwide repercussions.

We asked a question, which you only tangentially addressed. Are you saying that the global recession wouldn't have happened but for the policies of the United States? Rather, it's clear that the pandemic caused a massive disruption of global supply chains. That was followed by a massive spurt of demand, overstressing those supply chains.
#4.1.2.4.1.2.2 Zachriel on 2025-01-20 15:49 (Reply)
Black Lives Matter Demands Grocery Store Remain Open Despite Losing $7,000 a Day to Theft

Like the article says, BLM should open up its own grocery store. I wonder if BLM would then continue its now-tolerant view of shoplifting.
#5 Gringo on 2025-01-18 15:44 (Reply)
RE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (NEJM)

NEJM went woke before woke was a thing.

The editorial board is to the left of Bernie Sanders. The editorials are essentially woke, DEI, socialist screeds written to make woke academic doctors feel good about themselves.

The only reason it still exists as a medical journal is that it has historically been an outlet that lends prestige to those whose articles are published therein. Take everything they publish with a grain of salt as they have sucked uo to the ChiComms over the last decade publishing many Chinese authored articles of dubious veracity or applicability.

NOTE: There still are a few physicians in academia who are solid clinicians devoted to practicing good medicine and telling the truth, but the list grows shorter every day.
#6 mike on 2025-01-18 22:27 (Reply)

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