3-6-25 DailyBriefs.info MP3 PDF PODCAST
Briefing Document: Analysis of Recent Online Sources
This briefing document analyzes the main themes and important ideas presented in the provided excerpts from various online sources dated around March 2025. The analysis identifies recurring concerns and perspectives on contemporary political, economic, and social issues.
Key Themes and Ideas:
1. Critique of Donald Trump's Political Actions and Motivations:
Several sources express skepticism and criticism towards Donald Trump's actions in his (assumed) second term.
LewRockwell.com uses the term "Trumpenstein Project" to describe Trump's perceived pattern of promising but not following through. However, the author notes a shift, stating, "Well, now he can’t stop walking. Trump 2.0 has unleashed a series of often fine looking executive orders in his first month back in office. Super model executive orders."
The author on LewRockwell.com questions Trump's stance on Ukraine, speculating that he might continue aid despite lecturing on the dangers of World War III, calling it a "Trumpenstein thing, you wouldn’t understand."
Miles Mathis characterizes some of Trump's initiatives (e.g., Riviera in Gaza, arms for Israel and Europe, alliance with Big Tech/Pharma, deregulation) as forming an "acid Mordor cake" despite some positive actions like jettisoning DEI and closing the border. The author suggests Trump hasn't listened to the public's desires.
2. Concerns about Globalism, the Trilateral Commission, and "Stakeholder Capitalism":
The Expose article "Everything Starmer says and does meets the objectives of the Trilateral Commission" argues that UK Labour leader Keir Starmer's actions align with the Trilateral Commission's goals of regionalization and a corporate aristocracy.
The article quotes Starmer expressing a preference for engaging with "Davos (the globalists)" over Westminster, stating, "Davos. [. . .] Because Westminster is too constrained, it’s closed, and we’re not having meaning [. . .] Once you get out of Westminster, whether it’s Davos or anywhere else, you actually engage with people who you can see working with in the future [fellow stakeholder capitalists]."
The author of the Expose piece asserts that Starmer's meeting with Larry Fink of Blackrock led to plans to "overhaul British [financial] regulators" to benefit Trilateralists.
Miles Mathis echoes concerns about concentrated power, identifying the "Blackrock/Vanguard/Fidelity/StateStreet monster" as owning most of the world, controlled by a network of powerful families. The purchase of Panama Canal ports by Blackrock is cited as an example, despite media portrayal as a shift from China to the US.
3. The Ukraine Conflict and the Risk of World War III:
LewRockwell.com highlights a perceived desire for World War III among Zelenskyy and the American "Woke" Left, stating, "Zelenskyy appears to want World War III. So does the entire American “Woke” Left. Nuclear weapons are so cool now!" The author criticizes Zelenskyy's perceived inflexibility on ceasefire and accuses him of "sacrificing his people in a hopeless cause."
The article also notes Zelenskyy's "unmoved" reaction to Trump and Vance's warnings about playing with World War III.
The Fluid Frontier article on LewRockwell.com provides a historical context for Ukraine, describing it as a "fluid frontier" and an "amorphous construct" historically contested by various powers. It quotes Donald Tusk's statement: "500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to defend [Ukraine] against 140 million Russians."
4. The Case Against NATO and Entangling Alliances:
David Stockman's article on LewRockwell.com argues strongly for the US to withdraw from NATO. The central propositions include the unsustainable federal budget, the need to slash the "Warfare State" by at least $500 billion annually, and a return to a "no entangling alliance" foreign policy.
Stockman argues that NATO was a mistake from its inception, arising from a misinterpretation of Soviet intentions after WWII. He states, "Washington’s standing up of NATO was a giant... gratuitous antidote for what was essentially an internal political problem in western Europe..."
He contends that the US's nuclear deterrent makes extensive overseas military commitments unnecessary for homeland security. "In the world of 2025 the only theoretical military threat to America’s homeland security is the possibility of nuclear attack or blackmail..." which he believes is effectively deterred.
Stockman provides detailed figures on the cost of maintaining a global military presence and argues that a "Fortress America" defense posture would drastically reduce military spending. He notes that "fully 315,000 or 60% of the current active-duty force of the Navy/Marine Corps functions in the service of Empire."
5. Left-Wing Political Bias in Legal Institutions:
LewRockwell.com's "Left-Wing Lawyers Are Trying To Stop Trump on Everything" expresses concern about the politicization of law schools, suggesting they have become "very political, very partisan, and really little more than leftist think tanks."
The author contrasts this with a past understanding that "even the worst criminals had the right to be defended in our courts."
6. Historical Perspectives on Collaboration and Treason:
Hans Vogel's article on The Unz Review examines the historical definitions and consequences of collaboration and treason in Europe during and after WWII.
The article highlights the difficulty in consistently applying these definitions and the potential for widespread persecution if done rigidly. "Neither collaboration nor treason were well-defined from a legal point of view. Moreover, with a consistent application of the definitions observed by the authorities, the courts and their minions, so many people would have had to be shot, thrown in jail or sentenced to do forced labor that all of “liberated” Europe would have become a depopulated hellhole."
The author suggests that current actions by individuals in high office, like acting NATO Gensec Mark Rutte, should be scrutinized in light of their national responsibilities.
7. Interpretation of Art and Cultural Trends through a Specific Lens:
E. Michael Jones's review of "The Brutalist" on The Unz Review interprets the film through a lens of "Jewish resentment" and a perceived double standard in its portrayal of sexuality.
The reviewer argues that the film suggests "Jews are a superior race who stand above the moral law" and uses this interpretation to link the film to contemporary events like the "Jewish bombing of Gaza."
8. The Nature of Bitcoin's Origins:
The Expose article "The founders of Bitcoin were transhumanists" interviews Mike Lorrey, an early engineer involved in the Cypherpunk mailing list that spawned Bitcoin.
Lorrey posits that Satoshi Nakamoto was likely a collection of individuals from the Cypherpunk community, many of whom were "libertarians or anarchists and all transhumanists" on the "extropians list."
9. Allusions to Religious and Philosophical Concepts:
LewRockwell.com's article on Ash Wednesday connects the tradition to Pope St. Gregory the Great, highlighting themes of humility, penance, and the desire for God. It states, "The humility to lower oneself, to accuse oneself, to acknowledge personal fault and spiritual filth, is to be great as Gregory was great..."
The article also references the Book of Job and Elijah's experience of finding the Lord in a "gentle breeze," linking it to the "opening of a lovers’ dialogue" with the divine.
Trump's First Address to Congress on LewRockwell.com includes a quote from J.B.S. Haldane suggesting the Creator was "inordinately fond of beetles," used seemingly to highlight the diversity and unexpected aspects of nature.
Miles Mathis references Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" to warn against a world dominated by "greedy industrialists and their horrible smoke-belching and land-devouring machines."
10. Analysis of Judicial Processes and Political Dynamics:
The C&C News article discusses a Supreme Court dissent, describing it as an "astonishing" and "cartoonishly hard" legal dressing down of a lower court judge. While lacking direct legal effect, the dissent is seen as putting pressure on the judge.
The article also speculates on the potential consequences of Republicans gaining seats in the midterms, suggesting it could lead to a "generation of Democrat wilderness wandering."
It notes the "dissolution of Old Europe" in the context of European leaders meeting to plan for a "Trump-Era Plan for Ukraine and Defense."
11. Questioning the Narrative Around AI and Data:
Miles Mathis's "What Data?" article challenges the prevailing narrative about the need for massive data centers for AI.
He questions the existence of an "exponential increase in expected data" and suggests that AI will largely be learning what humans already know. "But our brains can already store what we need to know without plugging into sockets, so what's this all about? We just aren't that smart. We don't have that much quality data."
12. Concerns about Arms Deals and Geopolitical Maneuvering:
LewRockwell.com's "Whose Dog Was Being Wagged During Showtime Between Trump and Zelensky?" notes reports from Antiwar.com about significant arms deals for Israel approved by the US, including "35,529 MK-84 or BLU-117 2,000-pound b[sic]ombs and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads." Concerns are raised about the use of such bombs against civilians and as potential chemical weapons.
The article suggests that ending the "overt war" in Ukraine might not preclude continued "covert" involvement.
Overall Observations:
These sources present a range of perspectives critical of current political and economic trends. Common threads include skepticism towards mainstream narratives, particularly concerning foreign policy (Ukraine, NATO), the influence of globalist organizations and large financial institutions, and the potential for government overreach. There is a notable distrust of established political figures and a tendency to interpret events through specific ideological frameworks. The discussions are often impassioned and utilize strong rhetoric.
These sources offer a collection of opinion pieces published on LewRockwell.com and The Unz Review. Several articles critique Donald Trump's recent actions, such as his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and express skepticism about their true motives and potential outcomes, even suggesting a theatrical element. Other pieces discuss left-wing opposition to Trump's policies, particularly regarding birthright citizenship, and analyze the historical context of collaboration and treason in Europe, drawing parallels to contemporary global issues. Another source questions the necessity and environmental impact of building vast data centers for AI. Finally, one article dissects the film "The Brutalist" as a reflection of post-WWII American identity and perceived Jewish influence, while another provides a historical overview of the Ukraine's complex past and its role as a contested territory.
DAILY BRIEF
1. DOGE, The Epstein List, and World War III - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
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Donald Trump's recent executive orders are seen as more decisive than his actions in his first term1 ....
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Some of Trump's executive orders, like the ban on birthright citizenship, have already faced legal challenges2 ....
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Trump's meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy was unusual, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of "playing with World War III"3 ....
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There are allegations that Elon Musk and DOGE are involved in "cleaning house" by firing government workers, some purportedly involved with nuclear weapons6 .
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Claims surrounding the firing of government workers and the savings achieved are considered dubious and lack specific details6 ....
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Rumors of the Epstein List being released have circulated, with redacted "Phase 1" documents appearing8 ....
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The legal ramifications of the Epstein List's potential release are unclear10 .
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The author suggests that Trump stopping aid to Ukraine would be a positive action6 ....
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The author expresses skepticism about the legitimacy of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, hinting at a possible "Trumpenstein thing"3 ....
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The "Woke" Left is portrayed as supportive of the war in Ukraine and even open to the idea of nuclear weapons12 .
BOLD Key words:
•
Trumpenstein Project: This term was coined by the author to describe Donald Trump's pattern of promising and talking but failing to follow through, or often flip-flopping1 .
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Judicial Review: This is described as an "odious guise" under which federal judges predictably rule on the constitutionality of executive orders, exemplified by the ruling against the birthright citizenship ban3 .
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TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome): This is mentioned in the context of the strong negative reactions from those opposed to Trump, particularly regarding the Zelenskyy meeting and the alleged government worker firings6 .
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Epstein List: These are rumored lists potentially containing the names of individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein, with speculation and skepticism surrounding their release and content8 ....
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Woke Left: This term is used to describe a segment of the American left that the author believes supports the war in Ukraine and has a casual attitude towards the possibility of nuclear war6 ....
2. Everything Starmer says and does meets the objectives of the Trilateral Commission – The Expose.pdf [expose-news.com]
Key Takeaways:
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The article alleges that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is a serving member of the Trilateral Commission, despite not disclosing this13 ....
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The Trilateral Commission is described as having deep links to intelligence agencies13 .
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Starmer's alleged membership suggests a commitment to multipolarity, subverting the UK to global governance16 .
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The Trilateral Commission promotes "fifth stage capitalism," which involves remaking education and leveraging AI16 ....
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The Commission's views align with limiting democracy and favoring rule by experts (Technocracy) and a corporate aristocracy16 ....
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The Trilateral Commission's 1975 "Crisis of Democracy" report suggested democracy is not universally applicable and expertise may override it18 .
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Blackrock CEO Larry Fink, a serving Trilateralist, advised the UK government on economic growth policies21 .
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The author questions who Starmer represents, given his alleged affiliation with the Trilateral Commission and its globalist objectives20 .
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The article highlights the lack of mainstream media coverage regarding Starmer's alleged Trilateralist links15 .
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The Club of Rome's 1973 report proposed a multipolar (regionalised) world, aligning with the Trilateral Commission's objectives22 .
BOLD Key words:
•
Trilateral Commission: Described as a privately funded think-tank that deliberates on globalist policy initiatives in secret, with alleged serving members like Keir Starmer and Larry Fink13 ....
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Multipolarity: This refers to a world order with multiple centers of power (regionalised "Kingdoms" or "poles"), which the Trilateral Commission and Starmer are allegedly committed to16 ....
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Fifth stage capitalism: A concept promoted by the Trilateral Commission involving collaboration between public and private sectors, leveraging AI, and remaking education to address social and environmental challenges16 ....
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Technocracy: The idea of authority being exercised by experts, which the Trilateral Commission allegedly prefers over unlimited democracy16 ....
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Global governance: The concept of international institutions and frameworks having increasing influence over national affairs, which Starmer's alleged commitment to multipolarity is said to facilitate16 .
3. Go Big Every Time. Also Prevent Losses - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
President Trump is issuing executive orders at a rapid pace in his second term26 .
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The author advocates for executive orders that enforce the Constitution and constitutional statutes27 .
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Extensive and fast change is considered the best approach for freedom28 .
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Popular presidential actions that limit government are likely to endure, even if the president or successors are impeached29 .
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The author provides examples of "non-starters" based on first principles, such as supporting Stargate AI and taxing tips30 ....
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A state-of-the-union message should ideally focus on the executive branch's spending and debt performance and recommended measures31 ....
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The author emphasizes the importance of adhering to constitutional boundaries in all government actions32 .
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America's historical greatness is attributed to its severely limited government32 .
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The author believes Trump should not respect judges' attempts to seize executive power27 .
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Tariffs alone are insufficient without new domestic factories to revitalize American industry8 .
BOLD Key words:
•
Executive orders: Presidential directives that the author believes should be used extensively to enforce the Constitution and limit government26 ....
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First principles: Fundamental understandings or rights that should guide policy decisions, such as the right to security against unreasonable searches and the concept of a fully-flat tax on labor income30 ....
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Limited government: The idea that the power of the government should be restricted, which the author views as a key factor in America's historical greatness29 ....
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Constitution: The fundamental law of the United States, which the author believes presidential actions should strictly adhere to27 ....
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Economic freedom: The author suggests that fast, extensive change for the better delivers the greatest overall impact on economic freedom, referencing the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union28 ....
4. High Treason and Collaboration in Europe, by Hans Vogel - The Unz Review.pdf [unz.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
After World War II, reprisals against alleged collaborators in Europe were often unjust, with many innocent people harmed while some actual collaborators, especially the rich and powerful, went untouched34 ....
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Under international law, after the surrender of countries like France, the Netherlands, and Belgium to Germany in 1940, the German occupation held legitimate power, making work and business with them not inherently illegal or immoral37 .
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The concepts of collaboration, treason, and high treason are primarily invoked in the context of WWII, unlike other historical occupations where such accusations were not widespread after the fact38 ....
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The author questions whether leaders associated with the World Economic Forum (WEF) as "Young Global Leaders" might be committing treason by prioritizing the "global public interest" over national interests40 ....
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The author suggests that individuals working for NGOs, particularly those directed or coordinated by USAID, could be considered "collaborationists" according to post-WWII standards43 ....
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Members of NATO armed forces participating in US-led campaigns are compared to wartime SS volunteers in terms of potential accountability44 .
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The author believes that a systematic distortion of history, portraying all Germans as bad and all Allies as good, conditions how contemporary actions are judged45 ....
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High treason, by definition, involves individuals with access to classified government information or those near the highest levels of bureaucracy39 .
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The author highlights that after Napoleon's occupation of much of Europe, no one was accused of collaboration or treason38 ....
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The ongoing dismantling of USAID is mentioned in the context of its alleged role in coordinating projects involving "collaborationists"44 .
BOLD Key words:
•
Collaboration: During the German occupation of Europe in WWII, this was broadly defined as working for the Germans, doing business with them, or even having a relationship with a German soldier36 . The author extends this concept to modern individuals working for NGOs like USAID43 ....
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Treason/High Treason: High treason is defined as requiring access to classified government information or being close to high levels of government39 . The author suggests that leaders prioritizing the "global public interest" (e.g., WEF Young Global Leaders) over national interests could be committing treason42 .
•
Young Global Leader: A designation associated with individuals intimately involved with the World Economic Forum (WEF), whose commitment to the "global public interest" over national interests is questioned by the author in the context of treason40 ....
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USAID: The United States Agency for International Development, described as being dismantled and as a "criminal organization" coordinating projects that the author considers acts of "collaboration" by lower-level workers for NGOs44 .
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Globalism: Described as an "evil monster" that Donald Trump has started to fight against, with the implication that individuals serving global interests over national ones are problematic45 .
5. Is Resveratrol Even More Toxic And Dangerous Than Previously Thought_ - Joachim Bartoll Official.pdf [bartoll.se]
Key Takeaways:
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The article critiques a meta-analysis that suggested resveratrol might reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes47 ....
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The author argues that resveratrol, being a toxic plant defense chemical, likely damages the liver and interferes with the production of C-reactive protein (CRP)50 .
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Lowering CRP levels is seen as harmful because CRP plays a crucial role in the body's detoxification and healing processes49 ....
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The author believes that higher dosages of resveratrol had a greater impact on lowering CRP due to increased toxicity and liver impact49 .
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Reducing inflammation through supplements or drugs is considered detrimental as it hinders the body's natural healing capabilities52 .
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The author asserts that the main offenders for type 2 diabetics are carbohydrates and seed/vegetable oils, not a deficiency treatable by resveratrol53 .
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Plant compounds, in general, are described as incredibly toxic and dangerous for human consumption54 .
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The author advocates for a species-appropriate, species-specific way of eating (likely a carnivorous diet) for optimal health54 .
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Anyone promoting plant-based products like resveratrol for human consumption is deemed worthy of fines or imprisonment54 .
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The meta-analysis cited is criticized for its variability among studies and low quality of evidence, reducing confidence in its findings52 .
BOLD Key words:
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Resveratrol: A plant compound investigated for its potential health benefits, but which the author argues is toxic and dangerous, particularly to the liver and CRP production47 ....
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C-reactive protein (CRP): A pentameric protein synthesized by the liver that plays a significant role in the body's natural detoxification and healing process, the reduction of which by resveratrol is seen as harmful49 ....
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Inflammation: A natural part of the body's healing process that the author argues should not be reduced by external substances; instead, the cause of inflammation should be removed47 ....
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Toxicity: The author emphasizes the toxic nature of plant compounds like resveratrol and their potential to damage the liver and interfere with bodily functions49 ....
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Species-appropriate diet: The author advocates for a diet aligned with human evolutionary biology, which they imply is a carnivorous diet, as opposed to consuming plant-based substances53 ....
6. Left-Wing Lawyers Are Trying To Stop Trump on Everything - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
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Over 6,000 law professors and students signed a petition demanding the disbarment of Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley for questioning the 2020 election results56 .
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Professor Alan Dershowitz defended Cruz, stating he was his best student56 .
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The author, a former lawyer and judge, expresses shock at the attempt to disbar the senators56 .
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The author is strongly opposed to illegal immigration and does not believe those here illegally should have the same rights as legal immigrants57 .
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The author believes children born to those here illegally should be treated as citizens of their parents' home countries57 .
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While sympathizing with global poverty, the author stresses the need for a legal and orderly immigration system58 ....
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The author recounts seeing pregnant women from Mexico coming to the US to give birth for free medical care and birthright citizenship59 .
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The author implies that some adults use their children's US citizenship as a basis for their own legal status59 .
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The piece primarily focuses on the author's legal background and opinions on immigration and the attempt to disbar conservative senators56 ....
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The author does not explicitly detail the "everything" that left-wing lawyers are trying to stop Trump on, beyond the example of the disbarment petition56 .
BOLD Key words:
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Disbarment: The process of revoking a lawyer's license to practice law, which was sought against Senators Cruz and Hawley for questioning the 2020 election56 .
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Illegal immigration: The act of residing in a country without legal permission, which the author strongly opposes57 .
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Birthright citizenship: The legal principle that grants citizenship to anyone born within a country's territory, which the author believes should not apply to children born to parents who are in the US illegally57 ....
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Legal immigration: The process of entering and residing in a country through lawful means, which the author supports as an orderly system57 ....
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Law professors and law students: This group is highlighted for their petition demanding the disbarment of the senators, illustrating a segment of the legal community opposing certain political actions56 .
7. NATO_ The Case To Get Out Now - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
The author argues for the US to withdraw from NATO due to fiscal concerns and a belief that NATO transformed Washington into a "War Capital"60 ....
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The Federal budget is described as a "self-fueling fiscal doomsday machine" with soaring public debt60 ....
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Slashing the "elephantine Warfare State" by at least $500 billion per year is proposed as a starting point for fiscal salvation60 .
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The author advocates for a return to the Founders' wisdom of "no entangling alliances"60 ....
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The article challenges the "Origins Story" of NATO, arguing it didn't bring peace and security but rather fostered a vast "Warfare State"61 .
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National security spending has remained high despite the collapse of the Soviet Empire64 .
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The rise in veterans' benefits is highlighted as a significant fiscal and human cost of the "Empire"65 .
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The author contends that the threat posed by the Soviet Union after WWII was overstated and didn't justify the formation of NATO66 ....
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America's nuclear deterrent is described as invincible, making the need for extensive conventional military forces questionable68 ....
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Maintaining the nuclear triad is estimated to cost a relatively small portion of the defense budget compared to conventional forces and overseas commitments69 .
BOLD Key words:
•
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): A military alliance that the author argues the US should withdraw from due to fiscal burdens and its role in transforming the US into a "War Capital"60 ....
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Warfare State: A term used to describe a state dominated by a powerful military-industrial complex and a culture of war, which the author argues NATO's formation fostered in the US60 ....
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No entangling alliances: A principle advocated by the US Founders, urging against permanent alliances with foreign powers, which the author believes the US should return to by leaving NATO60 ....
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Fiscal doomsday machine: A description of the Federal budget characterized by unsustainable debt and soaring interest expenses60 ....
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Nuclear deterrent: America's arsenal of nuclear weapons, which the author argues is sufficient to ensure national security and renders a large conventional military and NATO membership unnecessary68 ....
8. The Brutalist_ America Turned Upside-down, by E. Michael Jones - The Unz Review.pdf [unz.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
The film "The Brutalist" is interpreted as reflecting a "Jewish revolutionary spirit" that turned America upside down after World War II due to Jewish immigrants from the Holocaust73 ....
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The film uses the upside-down shot of the Statue of Liberty as an emblem of this destabilized story74 ....
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The author suggests that the Holocaust narrative has been used by Hollywood to secure control over American culture76 .
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The film portrays a Jewish hatred of America, exemplified by the troubled relationships between different ethnic groups after the war77 .
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The character of Laszlo Toth is seen as a mash-up of figures representing Jewish suffering and a Russian Jew's version of an ideal American architect77 ....
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The article discusses the architectural style of Brutalism, linking it to figures like Ernő Goldfinger and public housing projects that ultimately failed80 ....
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The author connects Brutalism to the Deconstructionism of Jewish architects like Frank Gehry, which transgressed the norms of Bauhaus84 .
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The film's ending at the Venice Biennale of 1980 is seen as marking the death of Bauhaus and the emergence of Catholic and Jewish architectural options85 .
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The author critiques the moral incoherence of the film, contrasting its themes with the current events like the conflict in Gaza86 ....
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The analysis of the film is framed within a broader narrative of Jewish influence on American culture and society after WWII73 ....
BOLD Key words:
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Jewish revolutionary spirit: The author's interpretation of the underlying force in the film "The Brutalist," which he believes led to America being "turned upside down" after WWII due to Jewish immigrants73 ....
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Holocaust: The genocide of Jews during WWII, which the author argues has been used by Hollywood to gain cultural control and is a central theme, albeit oblique, in "The Brutalist"73 ....
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Brutalism: An architectural style depicted in the film and discussed in the article, linked to post-war reconstruction and later seen as flawed in projects like public housing78 ....
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Deconstructionism: An architectural movement, exemplified by Frank Gehry, that emerged after Brutalism and is seen by the author as a way for Jewish architects to move beyond the constraints of Bauhaus84 ....
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Antinarrative: The author's description of the "Jewish revolutionary spirit" as fundamentally opposing traditional narrative structures, requiring the film to be a "mash-up" of existing figures and stories78 .
9. The Fluid Frontier - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
The Ukraine is described as a historically contested "amorphous construct," a "fluid frontier" meaning "on the edge"90 .
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Throughout history, various powers, including Russians, Ottomans, Mongols, Poles, Austrians, and Americans, have vied for control over Ukraine90 .
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The region has experienced frequent overruns, enslavement, and population shifts, breeding a variety of related customs and languages among Slavic tribes91 .
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The historical narrative includes Cossack alliances and conflicts with Poland, as well as Russian intervention92 .
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Russia ultimately annexed Crimea and suppressed Ukraine, renaming it "Little Russia" and abolishing separate traditions93 .
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The author suggests that indifference towards multi-faceted conflicts in distant lands like Ukraine is acceptable and perhaps wise94 .
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Foreign affairs, especially in regions like Ukraine with complex historical ties, are often incomprehensible to outsiders94 .
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The recent return of "Blue and Gold" (Ukrainian colors) to fashion suggests renewed attention to the conflict after a period of apparent war fatigue95 .
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The author clarifies that they are neither a Russophile nor a "Putin apologist" but are averse to nuclear war94 ....
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The sticky and complex historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine is highlighted as a reason for caution in forming strong opinions94 .
BOLD Key words:
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Fluid Frontier: The author's central metaphor for Ukraine, emphasizing its historically shifting borders and being "on the edge" of various empires and spheres of influence90 ....
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Amorphous construct: A description of Ukraine highlighting its lack of a consistently defined and unified identity due to its history of being contested territory90 .
•
Contested territory: Ukraine's historical role as a region repeatedly fought over and controlled by different powers, including Russia, Poland, and others90 .
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Slavic tribes: The various groups that settled in the regions of the Dnieper and Don rivers, whose migrations and interactions contributed to the complex cultural and linguistic landscape of Eastern Europe, including Ukraine91 .
•
Warhawks: Individuals strongly advocating for war or military intervention, who the author notes seemed to have become bored with the Ukraine conflict before its recent resurgence in attention95 .
10. The founders of Bitcoin were transhumanists – The Expose.pdf [expose-news.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
A new documentary suggests that Bitcoin was born from a group of transhumanists associated with the Extropy Institute97 .
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Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, may not be a single individual but a collection of like-minded people98 ....
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Early engineers involved in the Cypherpunk mailing list that spawned Bitcoin were largely libertarians, anarchists, and transhumanists99 .
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The Extropy Institute was a think tank promoting transhumanist ideas such as AI, human intelligence augmentation, space colonization, digital currencies, nanotechnologies, and genetic engineering99 ....
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The extropians had a strong belief in technology's potential, even to the point of achieving human immortality101 ....
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Key figures in Silicon Valley, including the founders of Google (Larry Page and Sergey Brin) and Jeff Bezos, were influenced by the works of Neal Stephenson, considered the "books of the extropian bible"102 .
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Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, founders of PayPal, also considered Stephenson's work required reading103 .
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One of the early figures, Mike Lorrey, believes understanding Bitcoin's origins can allay fears about it and help people understand the desired future society103 .
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The Extropy Institute, though closed in 2006, maintains an active email list for transhumanists100 ....
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The Extropy Institute also had affiliations with the United Nations and UNICEF-Africa101 .
BOLD Key words:
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Transhumanism: A philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for enhancing the human condition through advanced technologies like AI, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology97 ....
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Extropy Institute: A now-closed think tank that served as a hub for transhumanist ideas and whose members are linked to the origins of Bitcoin97 ....
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Satoshi Nakamoto: The pseudonymous creator(s) of Bitcoin, whose identity remains unknown and is speculated to be a collective of individuals with transhumanist leanings98 ....
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Cypherpunk: An early online community focused on cryptography and privacy-enhancing technologies, whose mailing list is linked to the development of Bitcoin and included transhumanist thinkers99 .
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Digital currency: A form of currency that exists only in digital form, a concept championed by transhumanists and realized in the form of Bitcoin100 .
11. Trump Delivers First Address to Congress - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
In his first address to Congress, Trump presented his "Make America Great Again" program and emphasized American values of freedom and prosperity104 .
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Trump delivered the speech with notable oratorical skill, speaking fluently104 .
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The author contrasts historical disagreements among Republicans with the present-day Democrats' apparent lack of enthusiasm for American taxpayers' prosperity105 .
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Democrats are depicted as being more interested in funding initiatives like aid to Ukraine, vaccines, DEI, open borders, censorship, abortion rights, green energy, and transgender procedures106 .
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The author observes that Democrats remained glumly silent during Trump's celebration of American flourishing and freedom106 .
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The piece is presented as commentary on Trump's address and the reactions of Democrats104 ....
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The author uses a quote about God's fondness for beetles to suggest Democrats have a similar fondness for their preferred causes105 ....
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The article originally appeared on Courageous Discourse106 .
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The focus is primarily on the political divide and ideological priorities highlighted by Trump's speech and the Democratic response105 ....
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The author's perspective is critical of the Democratic party's current focus105 ....
BOLD Key words:
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Make America Great Again: President Trump's signature program, which he presented to Congress in his first address104 .
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Freedom and prosperity: Perennial American values that Trump extolled in his address104 .
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Democrats: The political party contrasted with Trump and Republicans, portrayed as having different priorities and a lack of enthusiasm for traditional American values in the author's view105 ....
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Oratorical skill: The author's observation of Trump's fluent and competent delivery of his speech104 .
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Political divide: The stark ideological differences between Republicans and Democrats, highlighted by their contrasting reactions to Trump's address and his policy priorities105 ....
12. Who Put the Ashes in Ash Wednesday_ - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic tradition, symbolized by the smearing of ashes on the forehead107 .
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Pope St. Gregory the Great is credited with starting the tradition of Lenten ashes, reminding the faithful of mortality and the promise of rising again from the ashes107 ....
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The ashes also symbolize mourning and penance109 .
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Pope Gregory's Catholicism is described as "down-to-business and somewhat down-in-the-mouth," convinced he was living in the end times109 .
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The author draws a parallel between the challenges of Gregory's time (marauding Lombards) and contemporary issues (wilder breeds of barbarian)109 .
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Meekness, especially during Lent, is defined not as weakness but as the noble desire to deny oneself for Christ and neighbor, requiring strength and the control of anger110 ....
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Lent is fundamentally about desire, specifically the desire for eternal life, with ashes serving as a reminder of what is desirable beyond earthly existence111 .
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St. Gregory is referred to as the "Doctor of Desire" for his philosophy that asceticism prepares for the desire for God111 ....
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The article references a passage in the Book of Job where God is found in a gentle breeze, symbolizing a hidden inspiration that lifts the mind to eternal desires112 ....
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Ash Wednesday, despite its somber aspects, is presented as a preparation for and cultivation of the desire for God112 ....
BOLD Key words:
•
Ash Wednesday: The first day of Lent in Western Christianity, characterized by the practice of marking the forehead with ashes as a symbol of repentance and mortality107 ....
•
Pope St. Gregory the Great: The historical figure credited with establishing the tradition of Lenten ashes107 ....
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Lent: A period of fasting, repentance, almsgiving, and spiritual discipline in the Christian liturgical calendar leading up to Easter107 ....
•
Meekness: Described in the article as a strength and virtue involving self-denial, control of anger, and a desire to sit at the lowest place for the sake of Christ and neighbor110 ....
•
Desire for God: The ultimate focus of Lent, according to the article, with ascetic practices serving as a preparation and cultivation of this spiritual longing, as emphasized by St. Gregory111 ....
13. Whose Dog Was Being Wagged During Showtime Between Trump and Zelensky_ - LewRockwell.pdf [lewrockwell.com]
Key Takeaways:
•
The author suggests the seemingly tense meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy might have been a staged event114 ....
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Imagination is crucial for political analysis to consider even seemingly implausible hypotheses, but evidence and reason are needed to determine truth114 ....
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The author draws a parallel to the 9/11 and anthrax attacks, where initial assumptions prevented the consideration of alternative explanations117 ....
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The political reactions to the Trump-Zelenskyy "shouting match" are predictable along partisan lines115 .
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The author entertains the "bizarre possibility" that the meeting was a form of "political theater" in a "society of the spectacle"115 ....
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The timing of the meeting, just 48 hours before the Academy Awards, is noted as a potentially "meaningless coincidence" in the context of acting and stagecraft120 .
•
Despite Trump's alleged anti-war stance, his administration has expedited significant military aid to Israel121 ....
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The author suggests that ending an overt war doesn't preclude the continuation of covert operations123 .
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A parallel is drawn to the Trojan Horse, warning against believing seemingly straightforward events in politics123 ....
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The author concludes by questioning who is truly in control ("Who holds the joker in this 'card game'?") of the situation involving Trump and Zelenskyy124 .
BOLD Key words:
•
Political theater: The author's speculative interpretation of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting as a staged performance for public consumption115 ....
•
Society of the spectacle: A term from Guy Debord's work, used to describe a society dominated by media and appearances, where acting and stagecraft are highly valued in politics119 ....
•
Alternative interpretation: The author encourages considering possibilities beyond the surface-level narrative of political events, using the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting as an example120 ....
•
Hyper reality: A state where the lines between reality and simulation become blurred, which the author suggests is commonplace and warrants considering unconventional explanations for events121 .
•
Trojan Horse: An analogy used to caution against accepting appearances in political events, suggesting hidden agendas or true intentions may be concealed123 ....
14. data by miles mathis.pdf
Key Takeaways:
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The author questions the necessity of building massive data centers for AI, asking "WHAT DATA?" they will process125 ....
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The author believes there isn't an exponential increase in quality data, and AI machines will largely learn what humans already know, which isn't that much126 .
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Much of the existing "data" is likened to garbage on eBay, and AI will likely generate even more low-quality data127 .
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The AI data center push is seen as a "next-level conjob" and a way to tax people without delivering real benefits, similar to military spending128 .
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The author notes a contradiction between the push for AI data centers and Trump's supposed downsizing agenda128 .
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The construction of these data centers is predicted to be an environmental disaster, exacerbating issues related to energy consumption and resource extraction128