Jeff Bezos’ actions, including a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration and a recent Mar-a-Lago dinner with Trump and Elon Musk, suggest an attempt to curry favor with the former president. This apparent appeasement is further evidenced by the Washington Post’s suppression of a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoon critical of billionaires’ deference to Trump and the subsequent cancellation of a Kamala Harris endorsement, costing the Post subscribers. Simultaneously, Amazon Studios is producing a Melania Trump documentary, raising concerns about potential bias and undue influence within Bezos’ media empire. These actions, along with the resignation of the cartoonist in protest, highlight anxieties regarding the influence of billionaire media owners on journalistic integrity.
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Three January 6th rioters—Russell Taylor, Christopher Belliveau, and Thomas Eugene Tatum—were denied permission to attend President Biden’s inauguration. Taylor, who pleaded guilty to obstruction and cooperated with authorities, had sought permission despite his prior actions involving weapons and threats against law enforcement. Belliveau and Tatum, facing charges including assault and obstruction, were also denied due to concerns about public safety and the seriousness of their alleged offenses. Judges cited the inappropriateness of allowing individuals who participated in the attack on the Capitol to attend an event celebrating the peaceful transfer of power.
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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
Trump’s recent call for a New York judge’s disbarment following the advancement of his hush-money conviction is, frankly, astounding. The sheer audacity of demanding such action against a judge who is simply upholding the law is breathtaking. It speaks volumes about a mindset that views the judicial system not as a system of justice, but as a tool to be manipulated or discarded when it doesn’t deliver desired outcomes.
This demand feels less like a legitimate legal challenge and more like a tantrum. It’s as if the entire process is a game, and the rules only apply when it suits the person in question.… Continue reading
Lululemon’s post-holiday sale offers significant discounts on its popular athletic apparel. This event provides a strong incentive for consumers to return to fitness routines, capitalizing on the renewed focus on health and wellness often associated with the new year. The sale includes a wide range of items, encouraging shoppers to refresh their workout wardrobes. Deep discounts on high-quality gear make this a prime opportunity for consumers seeking value and performance.
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Following a leaked text expressing loneliness and anticipation for Elon Musk’s return to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s seeming disinterest in governing became increasingly apparent. His delayed responses to crises, such as the near-government shutdown, contrasted sharply with Musk’s proactive actions, highlighting a power imbalance. A subsequent online feud between Musk and MAGA loyalists, sparked by Trump’s hiring of foreign tech workers, further exposed this dynamic; Trump ultimately sided with Musk, alienating his base. This incident solidified Musk’s influence over Trump, demonstrating that the latter prioritizes his personal relationship with Musk over his political base.
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Trump’s recent complaints about the US flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration are, to put it mildly, perplexing. He seems to view this long-standing tradition of mourning a deceased former president as a personal slight, a deliberate attempt by his political opponents to overshadow his moment. His outrage, expressed through a social media post, paints a picture of a man deeply concerned with the optics of his own event, more so than the respectful remembrance of a former leader.
The fact that the flags will be at half-staff due to the death of President Jimmy Carter, a man who served the nation with a very different approach, adds another layer to the complexity of this situation.… Continue reading
Following the 2024 election, Nick Fuentes, despite briefly withdrawing support from Trump’s campaign due to perceived outside influence, delivered a vulgar message seemingly endorsing the Republican Party’s perceived dismissal of voters until the next election cycle. This statement follows Fuentes’ recent outspoken opposition to the H-1B visa program, contrasting sharply with Elon Musk’s support. Fuentes’ actions highlight the ongoing internal conflicts within the Republican party and the influence of far-right figures. His previous “Groyper war” declaration against the Trump campaign further contextualizes his post-election rhetoric.
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President-elect Trump’s claim that Gilded Age tariffs spurred economic growth is contradicted by economic historians. While tariffs were a major government revenue source during this period (due to the absence of income tax), research indicates that economic success was despite, not because of, high tariffs. Industries with high tariff protection experienced less productivity and innovation compared to those with less protection. Therefore, tariffs did not contribute to the rise of American manufacturing, and instead likely inflated prices for consumers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump Whines About Half-Staff Flags at His Inauguration
Trump’s recent complaints about the US flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration are, to put it mildly, perplexing. He seems to view this long-standing tradition of mourning a deceased former president as a personal slight, a deliberate attempt by his political opponents to overshadow his moment. His outrage, expressed through a social media post, paints a picture of a man deeply concerned with the optics of his own event, more so than the respectful remembrance of a former leader.
The fact that the flags will be at half-staff due to the death of President Jimmy Carter, a man who served the nation with a very different approach, adds another layer to the complexity of this situation.… Continue reading