Stories & Opinions Worth Knowing but Maybe Not Quite Threadworthy 11/13

[Eupher]

Big Mouth Barack

https://issuesinsights.com/2023/11/13/big-mouth-barack/

Tens of millions of Americans, though not enough to keep his malign presence out of the Oval Office, were years ago sick of Barack Obama opening his mouth and spouting off about whatever subject he chose to educate us on. After enduring eight years of pretentious lectures, we thought we were finally rid of him in 2017. But no, he’s still enlightening his inferiors, which in his mind is everyone who isn’t him, most recently to link market-based systems to slavery. Such mean-spirited nonsense deserves a Fisking.

Speaking a week ago at the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum, the former (and current de facto) president said “just because an economic system generated wealth and innovation doesn’t mean it guarantees a good society. Because from the outset, market-based systems have been compatible with slavery, caste systems, colonialization, war, exploration, corruption, fraud, autocracy, the poisoning of our natural environment.”

Gosh, is there no evil that the free market hasn’t facilitated?

Sarcasm aside, let’s take these comments in no particular order.

Just because an economic system generated wealth and innovation doesn’t mean it guarantees a good society. And what is the alternative to a free-market economy? There are several, and they all have one commonality: Government is in control, either through central planning, a system of collectivism that allocates resources, a regime that manages the means of production, or an outright tyranny. Like so many of his fellow Democrats, Obama prefers a “progressive” system, using the blunt instrument of government, which is made up of flawed humans, to perfect humanity to guarantee that good society. If this sounds insane, it’s because it is.

Market-based systems have been compatible with slavery, caste systems, colonialization. Does The Great One mean “colonization,” because we can’t find a dictionary that has “colonialization” as a word in the English language? In any case, he overlooks all the evidence to the contrary. Such as:

“Abolitionism was a free market cause.”
A laissez-faire system is “at war with all kinds of slavery.”
“Markets are breaking down India’s caste system, turning untouchables into millionaires.”
Singapore’s “postcolonial rulers seized the advantages left them by the British empire” – a market-based system – “and used them, for the most part, for the benefit of wider society.”
Market-based systems have been compatible with … war, exploration, corruption, fraud, autocracy, the poisoning of our natural environment. We don’t know what Obama means by “compatible with” those things, particularly since those ills are always worse in socialist societies. (And what’s wrong with exploration, anyway?) Additional reading finds that:

“The major wars of history were started by the more controlled economies of the time against the freer ones.”
“Laissez-faire capitalism is the only social system based on the recognition of individual rights and, therefore … by the nature of its basic principles and interests, it is the only system fundamentally op­posed to war.”
“Since the dawn of humanity, people have explored to learn about the world around them, find new resources, and improve their existence.”
“Studies have shown that a very open” – market-based – “economy is significantly associated with lower corruption.” “There exists no more democratic institution than a market.”
The prosperity generated by market-based economies makes environmentalism affordable. “During the Cold War, West Germany had more freedom and a cleaner environment than (Sovietized) East Germany.”

Obama is likely aware of almost every counterargument listed above. We don’t imagine he could be that ignorant. So why would he make such an asinine, easy-to-refute statement? Because he knows that’s what the freedom-loathing political left wants to hear. Because guaranteeing a “good society” through government increases the political power of those arranging that “good society.” Because he wants to continue to divide this nation, just as he did while in office, and fundamentally transform it into a country that’s no longer exceptional, just one of many.

And because he loves to hear himself talk.

Counterarguments to Barry the Lightbringer's lecture are embedded at the link.

Definition of "fisking" - (because I had to look it up):
fisking
noun
A rebuttal to an article or blog made by quoting its content in sections and refuting each section individually.

[Eupher]

This one is a couple days old:

Florida Lawyers Work to Put Fauci Behind Bars

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2023/11/11/florida-lawyers-work-to-put-fauci-behind-bars-n2631091

A group of Florida lawyers are working to prosecute Dr. Anthony Fauci in his response and involvement in COVID-19.

In a press release, Vires Law Group called for an investigation by Florida's attorney general, Ashley Moody, claiming that "Murder, terrorism, and a host of abuses have been committed."

"On October 24, 2023, a request for a criminal investigation, particularly regarding the crime of Second Degree Murder while Committing Acts of Terrorism by Anthony Fauci and several other high-level federal officials, as well as Administrators of hospital systems providing care to patients in Florida, ("Accused") was filed with the Attorney General of the State of Florida," the Vires Law Group wrote.

More from NTD on Moody's response to Rachel Rodriguez, founder of the Vires Law Group:

The official referenced how the Florida Supreme Court in late 2022 approved a request from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to empanel a statewide grand jury to investigate COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers and others involved in providing the vaccines to Florida residents. The official said that an appointee of Ms. Moody was serving as the grand jury's legal adviser. Still, because of "the confidential nature" of the grand jury, the office was "not at liberty to comment on these matters." In another message, the official said that Ms. Moody's duties "are prescribed by law" without providing further details. "We trust that we will be able to discuss with our top state law enforcement officials these extremely important and pressing concerns of the people of Florida and seek justice on behalf of the families of tens of thousands of murdered Floridians due to the criminal acts of the federal officials and Florida state hospital administrators we have identified in our brief requesting investigation," Ms. Rodriguez told The Epoch Times via email. Lawyers are still working to meet with Ms. Moody and Nicholas Cox, who heads the Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution after being appointed by the attorney general, "to discuss the evidence we have presented and assist them in any way they may need pertaining to this critical investigation," Ms. Rodriguez added.

According to a February 1, 2020 email, the lawyers allege that Fauci suspected a mutation in the virus was "intentionally inserted." They believe Fauci knew that COVID-19 was created through a type of research that enhances or adds a function but lied when asked.

The lawyers pointed to several criminal offenses that Fauci committed against Florida residents.

They noted that he advocated for a drug called remdesivir as a COVID-19 treatment, which trial results showed people who received the drug recovered faster. However, there was no statistically significant effect on mortality.

Later, Fauci admitted it was an "imperfect drug" and that he publicized the trial results because he thought they would be leaked.

"[Fauci] promoted a drug they knew caused more harm than good for patients, purposefully misrepresented the data showing its harmful effects, preventing any possibility of informed consent, and then forced that drug upon the citizens of Florida to the exclusion of other effective, beneficial licensed drugs," the group stated.

The lawyers are demanding charges against Fauci that include aggravated manslaughter of the elderly, disabled, or children.

The little corrupt gnome needs to hang, if found guilty. That said, I'll believe the indictment and forthcoming trial when I see it. As to whether he's guilty or not, we all know he's as guilty as sin. But I have my doubts that justice will prevail.

Go ahead, Governor Ron and Team. Surprise me. I triple dog dare ya.

[Eupher]

And for the hat trick:

Donald Trump Indicted For Obstructing DOJ's Effort To Frame Him

https://thegloriousamerican.com/trump/donald-trump-indicted-for-obstructing-dojs-effort-to-frame-him-11-7-23/

WASHINGTON, DC – Two-time election winner Donald Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday for deliberately averting the Department of Justice’s task of framing him. The dramatic move came after Trump was given thousands of opportunities to commit actual crimes but refused.

“Crime or no crime, we simply want him in jail. Is that too much to ask?” Merrick Garland said. “But he’s showing a stubbornness typical Republicans usually don’t have. It’s completely inappropriate. As he awaits trial, I would remind him of the timeless Washington Proverb:  WWRD. What Would Romney Do.”

“So the walls are closing in on your favorite President, huh? Yes, I’m sure they are.” Trump said during a recent rally. “I think Merrick, who many people say looks like a frightened goat, is doing… not so good at his job. Not so good.”

As expected, the indictment and dismissive comments from Trump have brought Adam Kinzinger to tears.

“First, Trump keeps documents that outs our top secret, undercover spy, Doug McCormick.  Now he’s obstructing his framing? I’ve been screaming on the floor, weeping for the death of democracy!” Kinzinger tweeted.

Update:  Kinzinger has now tweeted: “Now I’m weeping for the death of Doug McCoromik because Trump didn’t out him—my last tweet did, and he was killed.  LOL!  #oopsie  #TrumpStillWorse

 

[Ralph Wiggum]

Des Moines Public Schools issues apology after staff member's social media post

DES MOINES, Iowa —
The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools apologized for a social media post from a school staff member.

The post, which has since been deleted, said, "Every day is another opportunity to force kids in public schools to be gay."

Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts says the employee was wrong to make that post, and the district's personnel office will address it with them.

"This shouldn't need to be said but perhaps it must: our schools and teachers are focused on providing a quality education to our students, which does not include encouraging or forcing any student to identify with any specific sexual orientation," Roberts said in a statement.

The school district would not confirm which school the staff member works at and said there have been threats of violence against the employee and others.

Parents of the school have been notified.

https://www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-public-schools-force-kids-to-be-gay-deleted-social-media-post-issues-apology/45808589#

[enslaved1]

Des Moines Public Schools issues apology after staff member's social media post

DES MOINES, Iowa —
The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools apologized for a social media post from a school staff member.

The post, which has since been deleted, said, "Every day is another opportunity to force kids in public schools to be gay."

Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts says the employee was wrong to make that post, and the district's personnel office will address it with them.

"This shouldn't need to be said but perhaps it must: our schools and teachers are focused on providing a quality education to our students, which does not include encouraging or forcing any student to identify with any specific sexual orientation," Roberts said in a statement.

The school district would not confirm which school the staff member works at and said there have been threats of violence against the employee and others.

Parents of the school have been notified.

https://www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-public-schools-force-kids-to-be-gay-deleted-social-media-post-issues-apology/45808589#

So, was this a moonbat who enjoyed the opportunity to "force kids to be gay" or a conservative who felt kids were being indoctrinated in their school?  How much more information comes out will be a strong indicator. 

[enslaved1]

https://newrepublic.com/article/176877/trump-vermin-speech-nazi-language

It’s Official: With “Vermin,” Trump Is Now Using Straight-up Nazi Talk
He’s telling us what he will do to his political enemies if he’s president again. Is anyone listening?

We’ve all often wondered whether Donald Trump understands the historical import of what comes out of his mouth. He’s so ill-informed, so proudly ignorant, that it’s easy to think that when he hurls a historical insult, he just doesn’t know.

I feel pretty safe in saying that we can now stop giving him the benefit of that particular doubt. His use—twice; once on social media, and then repeated in a speech—of the word “vermin” to describe his political enemies cannot be an accident. That’s an unusual word choice. It’s not a smear that one just grabs out of the air. And it appears in history chiefly in one context, and one context only.

Might be thread worthy, but it's popping up all over the place.  Appears the only people who use "vermin" are nazis.     Curious if those screaming about this would react similarly to Farrakhan's "I'm not anti-semite, I'm anti-termite" comment from a while back.  Not really, we know the answer to that one, especially right now.   

[Eupher]

So, was this a moonbat who enjoyed the opportunity to "force kids to be gay" or a conservative who felt kids were being indoctrinated in their school?  How much more information comes out will be a strong indicator.

Yeah, that was my first reaction too. That comment definitely could go both ways.

There is no doubt in my mind that in some schools, there are definitely some "educators" who are taking kids, many of whom who are already confused about their sexuality, and steering them down the Hershey Highway. Or Rugmunch Road. Let's see how it shakes out.

[Ralph Wiggum]

So, was this a moonbat who enjoyed the opportunity to "force kids to be gay" or a conservative who felt kids were being indoctrinated in their school?  How much more information comes out will be a strong indicator.

Thought the same thing when I saw the story thinking this could have been a sarcastic joke. But having been married to a teacher and knowing many more, the politics of most educators leans heavily to the left. The news story is lacking in enough detail to even know at what level of the public schools this employee worked at.

[Ptarmigan]

FDIC Employees Busted for Wild Parties, Sexual Harassment
https://redstate.com/wardclark/2023/11/13/your-tax-dollars-at-work-wild-booze-filled-partying-at-fdic-office-n2166294

I suppose there's a case to be made for "If you're going to waste time and money, you may as well have fun doing it," but that won't carry much water with the people of the nation who have money in any of the country's banks (so, almost everyone) — and it shouldn't. This is a lesson that should be laid right on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as we see now how many of them have been engaged in booze-fueled peccadilloes in the workplace.

Employees and supervisors at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are at the center of a brewing media firestorm after The Wall Street Journal released an in-depth report on the agency's "party culture."

"A male Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. supervisor in San Francisco invited employees to a strip club," The Wall Street Journal revealed in a recent story headlined, "Strip Clubs, Lewd Photos and a Boozy Hotel: The Toxic Atmosphere at Bank Regulator FDIC."

"A supervisor in Denver had sex with his employee, told other employees about it and pressed her to drink whiskey during work," the report continued. "Senior bank examiners texted female employees photos of their penises. The agency tolerated a heavy drinking culture."

Ever been involved in a party like that? A real humdinger, which usually results in a raid by the cops and, the next day, a few divorce lawyers being called? Well, seems like at the FDIC, they are an "...accepted part of the culture."

Debauchery runs rampant at FDIC. Banks are struggling to stay afloat.

[Ptarmigan]

Fed-up migrants who trekked thousands of miles to US already heading home: ‘American Dream doesn’t exist’
https://nypost.com/2023/11/13/news/some-migrants-so-fed-up-with-us-already-heading-back-home/

Some Venezuelan migrants who trekked thousands of miles to the US in search of a better life are so disheartened, they say they’re already heading back home.

Michael Castejon, 39, told the Chicago Tribune he has had enough after he, his wife and teenage stepdaughter spent five months sleeping either in a police precinct or a crowded city shelter in the now-brutally cold Windy City.

He’s also been unable to secure a job permit or enroll his daughter in a local school — two of the main reasons things they thought would bring a better life in the US.

“The American Dream doesn’t exist anymore,” Castejon told the paper on the eve of his family’s departure.

“There’s nothing here for us … We just want to be home,” Castejon told the Tribune of the South American country he earlier fled.

Some migrants are leaving America. They thought they would get asylum in Chicago.

[Eupher]

Fed-up migrants who trekked thousands of miles to US already heading home: ‘American Dream doesn’t exist’
https://nypost.com/2023/11/13/news/some-migrants-so-fed-up-with-us-already-heading-back-home/

Some migrants are leaving America. They thought they would get asylum in Chicago.

Trading one hellhole for another -- not real smart. GTFO, illegals, unless you like to be shot in a drive-by.