The resurgence of Donald Trump and his administration necessitates a renewed emphasis on the societal importance of shame. Trump’s success stems from normalizing public displays of ignorance and unfounded claims by himself and his allies, exemplified by instances like his mischaracterizations of the New Orleans attack and Kennedy’s nomination to a critical health position. Tolerating such behavior, rather than publicly shaming it, has emboldened the spread of misinformation and harmful policies. Therefore, actively confronting and mocking demonstrably stupid statements from public figures is crucial to counteracting the influence of Trumpism.
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Intense fighting near Makhnivka in the Kursk region resulted in the elimination of a Russian battalion comprised of Russian paratroopers and up to an entire battalion of North Korean soldiers, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Ukrainian forces, specifically the Special Operations Forces and the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade, are credited with inflicting these heavy casualties. These losses follow earlier reports of over 3,000 North Korean casualties in the region. Despite ongoing intense fighting across the front, Ukrainian forces are successfully repelling Russian assaults and maintaining their positions. This engagement highlights the significant human cost of the conflict and the continued North Korean support for Russia’s war effort.
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The 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump, the instigator of the January 6th Capitol riot, marks a stark contrast to the heightened security measures of Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Many Republicans initially condemned the violence but later downplayed or denied its severity, even excusing those who assaulted police. Trump plans to pardon those charged with crimes related to the event, further highlighting the partisan divisions surrounding the attack. This anniversary underscores the ongoing political gaslighting and the fragility of American democracy.
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Following the expiration of a protective law, a Dutch government-funded project has released a digital archive containing the names of nearly 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during World War II. This archive, representing almost 5% of the Netherlands’ pre-war population, details investigations into alleged collaboration, with only a fraction of those listed ever facing trial. The release of this information, 80 years after the war’s end, reflects a renewed effort to confront the extent of Dutch complicity in Nazi atrocities. The data provides crucial insight into both wartime actions and subsequent postwar societal responses.
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Donald Trump’s rapid revision of the January 6th Capitol attack mirrors the decades-long Confederate narrative shift. Within four years, a deadly assault on American democracy became, for many, a peaceful protest against political persecution. This parallels the “Lost Cause” mythology surrounding the Civil War, where treason was recast as honor. Experts highlight the manipulation of facts and norms by bad-faith actors, enabling the acceptance of demonstrably false narratives. This swift rewriting of history demonstrates the power of repeated lies and unwavering loyalty within a political base.
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Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrency presents a glaring red flag, raising serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the overall stability of the financial system. His history of financial dealings, marked by bankruptcies and accusations of money laundering, casts a long shadow over any crypto-related initiatives he might undertake. The sheer scale of his potential influence, coupled with his past behavior, suggests a high likelihood of manipulation and exploitation.
The inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market presents a substantial risk. Trump’s involvement could exacerbate this volatility, leading to potentially devastating consequences for ordinary investors. His track record suggests a propensity for prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the wider economy, increasing the risk of a “pump and dump” scheme on a national scale, with taxpayers ultimately bearing the losses.… Continue reading
A senior Hezbollah official revealed that Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s leader, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2023, while in the group’s war operations room. Nasrallah’s death ignited a two-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, culminating in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November. The ceasefire agreement mandates Hezbollah’s relocation of forces and infrastructure, Israeli troop withdrawal, and increased Lebanese military presence in southern Lebanon. However, tensions remain, with Hezbollah issuing threats of further action if Israel does not fully comply with the terms of the agreement.
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The United States, despite its democratic ideals, functions as a plutocratic oligarchy, a reality exemplified by President Trump’s administration composed of numerous billionaires. This isn’t a new phenomenon; wealthy elites have historically wielded significant political influence, from the nation’s founding to the Gilded Age robber barons. Trump’s second term promises intensified deregulation and cuts to social programs, furthering this oligarchic control. The creation of the “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by Elon Musk, exemplifies this trend, aiming to drastically reduce government spending and regulation. This mirrors past efforts like the Reagan-era Grace Commission, ultimately serving to consolidate power in the hands of the wealthy.
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All five living U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump, will attend Jimmy Carter’s funeral, offering a rare moment of potential political unity. President Biden will deliver the eulogy, a role Carter himself requested. While Trump’s behavior will be closely watched, his attendance signifies a potential adherence to presidential norms. The service, incorporating bipartisan elements, provides a temporary reprieve from the current political rancor, showcasing a capacity for unity through ritual respect.
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Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region, resulting in clashes near Berdin and Makhnovka. Ukrainian forces, having initially crossed the border in August, have maintained control of seized territory despite Russian and North Korean counter-efforts. Reports indicate heavy fighting involving tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, with both sides claiming battlefield successes. The conflict, involving an estimated 11,000 North Korean troops, continues amidst conflicting reports and unverifiable battlefield claims.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood