Samuel Bateman, a polygamist leader, received a 50-year prison sentence for a yearslong scheme involving the coercion of underage girls into sexual acts and their subsequent kidnapping from protective custody. His guilty plea encompassed conspiracy to transport minors for sexual activity and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The sentence, deemed effectively life imprisonment by the judge, followed emotional victim impact statements detailing the lasting trauma inflicted. Bateman’s actions, including utilizing his religious authority to obtain “wives,” were detailed as a horrific abuse of power.
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Pete Buttigieg’s recent appearance on Fox News, where he bluntly stated that MAGA is a cult, has sparked a lot of reactions. It’s not surprising that his comments didn’t sit well with many Fox viewers, especially those deeply entrenched in the Trump media bubble. Calling out a cult for what it is, especially when the cult members are unaware of their own cult-like behaviors, can be a tough pill to swallow.
But the reality is, when you look at the characteristics of a cult, it’s hard to deny that there are some striking similarities with the MAGA movement. From blind devotion to the leader, to unquestioning loyalty, to a warped sense of reality, these traits are all too familiar in the world of Trumpism.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a sense of exhaustion and cynicism when I read about the latest cooking oil contamination scandal in China. The reports of fuel tankers being used to transport cooking oil after being used to carry toxic chemicals without proper cleaning paint a picture of greed and negligence. It’s not the first time such incidents have come to light in China, and it likely won’t be the last.
As a Chinese person, I should feel ashamed or saddened by these revelations, but instead, I find myself unsurprised. This kind of blatant disregard for safety and quality seems almost commonplace in a country where cutting corners is the norm.… Continue reading
As I sit back and observe the chaos and self-destruction unfolding among the MAGA crowd, I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief. The blind loyalty to Trump has led many down a path of eviction, arrest, and lawsuits, with no end in sight. It’s truly baffling how individuals are willing to sacrifice their careers, licenses, and everything they’ve worked for just to uphold the cult-like devotion to the orange man.
One thing that stands out is the sense of belonging and inclusion that many MAGA supporters crave. They thrive on being part of the “Wolfpack” and revel in their insider status.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood