JD Vance, despite being a lawyer, is knowingly twisting the truth, while Elon Musk is just clueless but still dangerous because of his influence. The piece warns that their ideas could weaken democracy and the legal system.
I'm torn, since there will occasionally be something that doge does that I might agree with, but I can't say anything and let someone think I agree with Elon about anything
Regarding email notifications - I have not received email notification for your recent articles. I opened my Substack profile, verified that I had notification turned on, but also discovered that I had an email block in place. I probably did that for another author. Apparently it was applied universally. This may explain the loneliness you are experiencing.
JD Vance, despite being a lawyer, is knowingly twisting the truth, while Elon Musk is just clueless but still dangerous because of his influence. The piece warns that their ideas could weaken democracy and the legal system.
I also appreciate the sane voice amongst the current madness. Being on any team to the exclusion of criticism or other viewpoints is so dumb I cannot comprehend it aside from explaining it as cult thinking.
On those stopping email notifications - I cancel those for all I follow, I get enough emails already and substack already does notifications which is enough for me!
I thought I had replied, but evidently not. Unless and until Musk & Trump part ways with hard feelings, no federal agency will dare lift a finger against Musk, Tesla, SpaceX, etc.
This is correct and inevitable. However, more unchecked Elon is and for longer he is the more spectacular the downfall will be. Enron and Madoff will be nothing vs. his undoing.
A shame that, but, of course, you are likely correct.
Not since Felix Unger & Oscar Madison have we seen such an 'Odd Couple'.
One would hope that the laws of electromagnetism, 'Like Repels Like', would apply, but apparently not in this case. A catalyst that would lead to a divorce does not occur to me, but one might be lurking out there somewhere.
Lorenzo, why do you keep reading their revolting tweets, etc.? It's a waste of time. I recommend that you ignore the whole situation and focus on what you can change/achieve :-)
I don't make a practice of reading their tweets. I'm no longer on X. The tweets I wrote about came to my attention from other channels.
As for Biden, well, I'll lay out my case soon.
And, I have little respect for those presidential rankings, which forever were in love with the racist and eugenicist Woodrow Wilson and Indian killer Andrew Jackson, despised the capable and brilliant Calvin Coolidge, had little respect for Reagan, and underestimated Ulysses S. Grant. (among other silly aspects of the rankings). Also, John Adams was an important founder and a wise man, but an unsuccessful President (who, moreover, was the driving force behind the Alien and Sedition Acts).
The credibility of a ranking is heavily influenced by its methodology. This is why I provided a link showcasing the most reputable surveys, incorporating viewpoints from both left- and right-leaning sources. Regarding the presidents mentioned, it's important to contextualise Wilson's era, where racist attitudes were widespread. Criticising him for these views is akin to faulting Marcus Aurelius or the other emperors of the golden century for not condemning slavery.
Reagan consistently ranks well above average in most surveys, contrary to the notion that he is held in low regard. Grant's performance in the rankings of the past twenty-five years has improved, despite the notorious corruption during his presidency.
In conclusion, I much disagree with the assertion that Biden is the second-worst president ever, surpassed only by the traitor/buffoon Trump, who is very often, and I think rightly, considered the worst. The next four years could theoretically (I think that he'll die/be incapacitated within 3 years) alter these perceptions, given that the only direction from this point is either up or remaining dead last.
Being an outside observer, i.e. not living in the US, and seeing what is happening right now is quite confusing and fascinating. I am surprised with the all of a sudden, very executive, executive branch, and the seemingly weak checks and balances. My thinking is: "Well if all it takes is for someone to sit at a table and sign a bunch of arbitrary papers to change anything or everything, why isn't this happening all the time?". Then I realise, maybe this happens every time a president takes office?
I might add that the total exposure of EM as the narcissist and charlatan that he has always been is immensely satisfying. The realisation amongst many of the people who previously have uncritically eaten any lies that he previously served almost make me say "I told you so!", but I sit back and enjoy that part of the show.
Also, Musk is a lot of things, but he is not a moron…. Trump is corrupt for pardoning blagojevich?? Maybe you have a legal basis for that opinion, but from a morality perspective, it’s the right thing to do, listen to Rob on Rogan and or Tucker and perhaps you will see it my way…..Trumps cabinet is far better than you give him credit for …. Vances feigned ignorance is nothing more than him looking to sway the court of public opinion.
Taking up the cause against posts on X probably isn't going to move the needle in the real world but it's interesting. Here is a fun fact - putting on my legal hat - JD Vance's comments against abuse and weaponization ring true in that many of the most meaningful executive actions by Trump (which are key policy initiatives of his mandate from those who elected change) have been met by unprecedented rulings by activist judges. Arguing that the Democratic party has not weaponized the legal system doesn't even make it out of the starting blocks. These activist judges (many with conflicts of interest) act as if executive actions cannot be undone/reversed by new executive actions. This form of abuse is an angle our framers could not fully anticipate or completely safeguard against.
Where were you when J6ers were denied due process for years and were ruthlessly railroaded by the FBI and the very judges you praise? The timing of Eric Adams probe was mysteriously timed with his questioning of the cost of NYC's adoption of sanctuary status for illegal immigrants. Americans can read the room when it comes to the corrupt establishment and its rules. Speak out against the establishment's narrative and we will find a way to destroy you and we will put you behind bars. As for Blago, he served a good chunk of his sentence and many questions exist regarding the tactics used to collar him. Was he treated fairly? The blatant corruption we've recently witnessed suggests it is possible that he wasn't. And an activist judge overruling a shareholder approved comp plan? Doesn't seem like the American way.
Where was your critique of the absurd lawfare against Trump and the collusion between Meritless Garland's DOJ, an army of prosecutors, the White House and the rampant abuse of power by the bad FBI actors you idolize? Your writing is thought provoking, but not entirely in the way it was designed to be.
Lastly and most importantly, Biden isn't to blame for Trump. Democrats have chosen the craziest, and the most unpopular policies to be on the wrong side of. A few: Men in women's sports and bathrooms; wide open borders; refusing to prosecute criminals; 112 genders; defunding the police; allowing Biden to run his influence peddling scheme; provoking a proxy war and sending Ukraine billions with no accounting; sending billions (USAID is the poster child) to ridiculous causes all over the globe, bribing the media to be lapdogs for the Democratic party; mandating deadly vaccines; remaining silent on rampant antisemitism; funneling money to Iran and Hamas; and censoring the hell out of pretty much every conservative idea and voice known to mankind. This is the very definition of corruption, totalitarianism and pure evil all wrapped up together with a big Marxist bow on it - all designed to steal the American dream away from those pursuing it - especially hardworking, patriotic conservative Americans. I've got news for you: A post on X by Vance, or Musk, or a pardon or commutation by Trump are not the true problems. The real problem is unfathomable government abuse, fraud and corruption - of which the scale and scope have never been surpassed - and all of which are under blistering attack by Vance, Musk and Trump, who are all on the correct side of these issues, and who stand on the correct side of the law in their efforts to end it.
"Indeed, I believe Biden is one of the very worst presidents in American history (and that he’s also a terrible human being), and that many of the actions he took (like those of Obama before him) helped “normalize” some of the enormous abuses Trump is committing.
Indeed, I believe that by his reckless actions as president, and his selfishness in seeking a second term, Biden paved the way for Trump’s second term. I’ll write about that soon, and then the people who play on Team Biden (or Team Harris) can have their turn at leaving my Substack fold."- It's like the parties are split cews taking turns tacking the ship between Scylla and Charybdis. I find myself voting for the crew I think less likely to sail us straight down the whirlpool and buy us time....
Figuring that out seems to be the real trick. Last federal election, for me, was primarily about who would probably have an energy policy that provided the most abundant access to energy, so that was my metric. Not to mention, I was tired of the 'Great and Powerful Oz' and decided the reality tv star, by tacking in the opposite direction, might buy us time. Additionally, Vice President Harris did an excellent job making her opponent look much more appealing.
-I think you are doing a good job walking the tightrope with commentary; pi%^ing off both sides is a good sign.
The only thing to save America: Elon Musk picks up Golf, instantly finds out that he's a champion, and challenges Trump.
Brilliant.
LOL!
Love the critical thinking no matter who you are dissecting! Keep up the great work
Appreciate a sane voice amongst the craziness.
Thank you
Vance is either a fing idiot or a sock puppet for his masters. Maybe both.
As ‘they’ say: tops are processes and bottoms are events. We are topping the Legend Of Elon.
JD Vance, despite being a lawyer, is knowingly twisting the truth, while Elon Musk is just clueless but still dangerous because of his influence. The piece warns that their ideas could weaken democracy and the legal system.
I'm torn, since there will occasionally be something that doge does that I might agree with, but I can't say anything and let someone think I agree with Elon about anything
Don't be torn. Of course there are things DOGE does that are much needed. I've written about why I support the goals of DOGE:
https://montanaskeptic.substack.com/p/why-this-doge-wont-hunt
And of course not every policy of Trump is toxic.
But when Musk and Trump want to undermine the Constitution, we must summon the courage of a Danielle Sassoon or a Hagan Scotten.
Regarding email notifications - I have not received email notification for your recent articles. I opened my Substack profile, verified that I had notification turned on, but also discovered that I had an email block in place. I probably did that for another author. Apparently it was applied universally. This may explain the loneliness you are experiencing.
JD Vance, despite being a lawyer, is knowingly twisting the truth, while Elon Musk is just clueless but still dangerous because of his influence. The piece warns that their ideas could weaken democracy and the legal system.
I also appreciate the sane voice amongst the current madness. Being on any team to the exclusion of criticism or other viewpoints is so dumb I cannot comprehend it aside from explaining it as cult thinking.
On those stopping email notifications - I cancel those for all I follow, I get enough emails already and substack already does notifications which is enough for me!
Any news on the SEC Twitter case? Has this been made to disappear for Comrade Musk?
I thought I had replied, but evidently not. Unless and until Musk & Trump part ways with hard feelings, no federal agency will dare lift a finger against Musk, Tesla, SpaceX, etc.
All the better that any case is kept on hold for now I'd think. But then I'm a naive optimist that one day justice will be done.
This is correct and inevitable. However, more unchecked Elon is and for longer he is the more spectacular the downfall will be. Enron and Madoff will be nothing vs. his undoing.
A shame that, but, of course, you are likely correct.
Not since Felix Unger & Oscar Madison have we seen such an 'Odd Couple'.
One would hope that the laws of electromagnetism, 'Like Repels Like', would apply, but apparently not in this case. A catalyst that would lead to a divorce does not occur to me, but one might be lurking out there somewhere.
Lorenzo, why do you keep reading their revolting tweets, etc.? It's a waste of time. I recommend that you ignore the whole situation and focus on what you can change/achieve :-)
Regarding Biden, I think that you are far too harsh (although I fully agree that seeking an impossible second term he enabled the donald to win). I am not alone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_rankings_of_presidents_of_the_United_States
There are many other reputable non-partisan sources that come to similar conclusions.
I don't make a practice of reading their tweets. I'm no longer on X. The tweets I wrote about came to my attention from other channels.
As for Biden, well, I'll lay out my case soon.
And, I have little respect for those presidential rankings, which forever were in love with the racist and eugenicist Woodrow Wilson and Indian killer Andrew Jackson, despised the capable and brilliant Calvin Coolidge, had little respect for Reagan, and underestimated Ulysses S. Grant. (among other silly aspects of the rankings). Also, John Adams was an important founder and a wise man, but an unsuccessful President (who, moreover, was the driving force behind the Alien and Sedition Acts).
The credibility of a ranking is heavily influenced by its methodology. This is why I provided a link showcasing the most reputable surveys, incorporating viewpoints from both left- and right-leaning sources. Regarding the presidents mentioned, it's important to contextualise Wilson's era, where racist attitudes were widespread. Criticising him for these views is akin to faulting Marcus Aurelius or the other emperors of the golden century for not condemning slavery.
Reagan consistently ranks well above average in most surveys, contrary to the notion that he is held in low regard. Grant's performance in the rankings of the past twenty-five years has improved, despite the notorious corruption during his presidency.
In conclusion, I much disagree with the assertion that Biden is the second-worst president ever, surpassed only by the traitor/buffoon Trump, who is very often, and I think rightly, considered the worst. The next four years could theoretically (I think that he'll die/be incapacitated within 3 years) alter these perceptions, given that the only direction from this point is either up or remaining dead last.
Being an outside observer, i.e. not living in the US, and seeing what is happening right now is quite confusing and fascinating. I am surprised with the all of a sudden, very executive, executive branch, and the seemingly weak checks and balances. My thinking is: "Well if all it takes is for someone to sit at a table and sign a bunch of arbitrary papers to change anything or everything, why isn't this happening all the time?". Then I realise, maybe this happens every time a president takes office?
I might add that the total exposure of EM as the narcissist and charlatan that he has always been is immensely satisfying. The realisation amongst many of the people who previously have uncritically eaten any lies that he previously served almost make me say "I told you so!", but I sit back and enjoy that part of the show.
Also, Musk is a lot of things, but he is not a moron…. Trump is corrupt for pardoning blagojevich?? Maybe you have a legal basis for that opinion, but from a morality perspective, it’s the right thing to do, listen to Rob on Rogan and or Tucker and perhaps you will see it my way…..Trumps cabinet is far better than you give him credit for …. Vances feigned ignorance is nothing more than him looking to sway the court of public opinion.
Taking up the cause against posts on X probably isn't going to move the needle in the real world but it's interesting. Here is a fun fact - putting on my legal hat - JD Vance's comments against abuse and weaponization ring true in that many of the most meaningful executive actions by Trump (which are key policy initiatives of his mandate from those who elected change) have been met by unprecedented rulings by activist judges. Arguing that the Democratic party has not weaponized the legal system doesn't even make it out of the starting blocks. These activist judges (many with conflicts of interest) act as if executive actions cannot be undone/reversed by new executive actions. This form of abuse is an angle our framers could not fully anticipate or completely safeguard against.
Where were you when J6ers were denied due process for years and were ruthlessly railroaded by the FBI and the very judges you praise? The timing of Eric Adams probe was mysteriously timed with his questioning of the cost of NYC's adoption of sanctuary status for illegal immigrants. Americans can read the room when it comes to the corrupt establishment and its rules. Speak out against the establishment's narrative and we will find a way to destroy you and we will put you behind bars. As for Blago, he served a good chunk of his sentence and many questions exist regarding the tactics used to collar him. Was he treated fairly? The blatant corruption we've recently witnessed suggests it is possible that he wasn't. And an activist judge overruling a shareholder approved comp plan? Doesn't seem like the American way.
Where was your critique of the absurd lawfare against Trump and the collusion between Meritless Garland's DOJ, an army of prosecutors, the White House and the rampant abuse of power by the bad FBI actors you idolize? Your writing is thought provoking, but not entirely in the way it was designed to be.
Lastly and most importantly, Biden isn't to blame for Trump. Democrats have chosen the craziest, and the most unpopular policies to be on the wrong side of. A few: Men in women's sports and bathrooms; wide open borders; refusing to prosecute criminals; 112 genders; defunding the police; allowing Biden to run his influence peddling scheme; provoking a proxy war and sending Ukraine billions with no accounting; sending billions (USAID is the poster child) to ridiculous causes all over the globe, bribing the media to be lapdogs for the Democratic party; mandating deadly vaccines; remaining silent on rampant antisemitism; funneling money to Iran and Hamas; and censoring the hell out of pretty much every conservative idea and voice known to mankind. This is the very definition of corruption, totalitarianism and pure evil all wrapped up together with a big Marxist bow on it - all designed to steal the American dream away from those pursuing it - especially hardworking, patriotic conservative Americans. I've got news for you: A post on X by Vance, or Musk, or a pardon or commutation by Trump are not the true problems. The real problem is unfathomable government abuse, fraud and corruption - of which the scale and scope have never been surpassed - and all of which are under blistering attack by Vance, Musk and Trump, who are all on the correct side of these issues, and who stand on the correct side of the law in their efforts to end it.
Your comment is so profoundly stupid that I won't even waste time addressing it point by point.
Enjoy your Trump.
"Indeed, I believe Biden is one of the very worst presidents in American history (and that he’s also a terrible human being), and that many of the actions he took (like those of Obama before him) helped “normalize” some of the enormous abuses Trump is committing.
Indeed, I believe that by his reckless actions as president, and his selfishness in seeking a second term, Biden paved the way for Trump’s second term. I’ll write about that soon, and then the people who play on Team Biden (or Team Harris) can have their turn at leaving my Substack fold."- It's like the parties are split cews taking turns tacking the ship between Scylla and Charybdis. I find myself voting for the crew I think less likely to sail us straight down the whirlpool and buy us time....
which crew is that?
Figuring that out seems to be the real trick. Last federal election, for me, was primarily about who would probably have an energy policy that provided the most abundant access to energy, so that was my metric. Not to mention, I was tired of the 'Great and Powerful Oz' and decided the reality tv star, by tacking in the opposite direction, might buy us time. Additionally, Vice President Harris did an excellent job making her opponent look much more appealing.
-I think you are doing a good job walking the tightrope with commentary; pi%^ing off both sides is a good sign.