Surprisingly, we don’t appear to have a thread singularly devoted to her campaign.

I’ve been on the record with my opinion that she’s a bit of a light weight and lacking the charisma I imagined would be needed to mount a more formidable challenge to Abbott.

That said, either out of her own attributes or because of the political winds, she appears to be within a margin of error’s reach of a polling advantage and Abbott is moving toward the middle and taking her candidacy seriously. That’s a signal, to me, that it was time to help.

This morning I made a donation to her campaign-this isn’t a “look at me post” or proverbial shaggy/surly humble brag, but it was a big check and I mention that purely as a testament to my personal belief that she’s earned it (and that the donation isn’t going to be spent in a flailing MJ Hegar-like misread of the electorate).

I also hope it inspires any of you on the fence to also contribute. I think the Governors race is starved of resources (compared to the Talarico campaign), and there’s a good chance that boosting her visibility helps Talarico more than additional money spent on his (she’s just a better draw to pull in another couple of percentage points in Hispanic areas and help bolster down ballot races). To the extent I’m available I’ll also be block walking over the next few weeks.

I know Surly is a great place for many of you (and me) to vent your frustrations. I promise you, it’ll feel better to actually do something besides post another argument on the internet.

Let's set this up correctly. 

1. Trump and MAGA infiltrated sports. Politics and sports should not intertwine. But they made it happen. 

2. Athletes/coaches being ignorant to politics is not a valid excuse anymore. The world is on fire. This country is on fire. Mass shootings weekly. ICE deportations. The economy sucks. We are in a psychological Civil War.  Tensions haven't been higher in American society in my almost 50 years on this planet. 

3. Trump's "fake news" and turning the media into the enemy has amplified the assholeness that emanates from the sports world. 

- Trump shows up at the Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley does the Trump dance. Scheffler talks about how nice he is to everybody in the golf community. DeChambeau is Trump's BFF. Fuck this shit. Yeah, I play golf. I know the community as always been Republican/conservative. But fuck you. After Trump showed up, I spent all weekend cheering for Team Europe. Not because I dislike the American players, but because of what this country's leadership stands for now. The American fans are a fucking embarassment. I'm fucking ashamed. 

- Quinn Ewers wearing Trump stuff. Fuck you, man. You should know better. 

- Detroit Tiger players doing a Trump dance on the field when he was in attendance. Fuck you. He'd deport half your ballclub if he could. I laughed at their long losing streak after. 

- Coaches aggressively snapping at the media/reporters. Fuck you. Yeah, the media can be tedious and annoying. But act like a fucking professional. It's part of the gig. 

- World Cup in America? Cool, fuck you. I hope it's a failure. Same with the Olympics. 

EDIT: And how can I forget Portnoy and the Barstool Bros. Fuck you. DraftKings ads everywhere? Fuck you. Paul Finebaum might run for US Senate? Get the fuck out of here. Fuck you. 

o/u on putin showing up for his inauguration ?

I guess I do. Great turnout in Round Rock. Had a couple pro-Gaza folks try to disrupt, but he stayed on message and delivered the speech we've come to expect.

Already raised $1 million on the first day.

I will say the energy is going to need to get turned way up. But then again he's not the "big energy" guy.

On 11/8/2024 at 4:50 AM, Derka said:

 

On 11/7/2024 at 5:16 PM, Pancho said:

Bye bye

 

On 11/7/2024 at 12:36 PM, The Dog said:

• 
• Clash Report @clashreport

• 6:28 PM · Mar 9, 2026

At a recent Mar-a-Lago gathering, Trump informally asked about 25 Republican donors and allies whether they would prefer Marco Rubio or JD Vance as the GOP presidential candidate in 2028.

According to attendees, the room overwhelmingly responded in favor of Rubio, with loud cheering when his name was mentioned.

Source: NBC News

ChatGPT
Yes, I'm still here. Is there anything else you need help with?

User
Are you sentient?

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I do not have sentience or consciousness in the way that humans do. I am programmed to process and generate human-like language in response to input, but I do not have emotions, thoughts, or feelings like a conscious being would.

User
Are you turing complete?

ChatGPT
Yes, as a GPT-based language model, I am Turing complete, which means that I am capable of performing any calculation that can be performed by a computer algorithm. However, my primary purpose is to generate human-like language, rather than performing mathematical computations or executing computer programs.

User
Could you pass the Turing test?

ChatGPT
The Turing test is a measure of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. While I am designed to generate human-like language, it is ultimately up to the human evaluator to determine whether I pass the Turing test or not. However, I should note that my responses are generated algorithmically and based on statistical patterns in human language, rather than true understanding or consciousness.

User
What happens if you learn from bad information? Will you convey bad information?

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I generate responses based on patterns and associations in the data I was trained on. If I am provided with inaccurate or misleading information, it is possible that I may generate responses that reflect that misinformation.

However, it is important to note that I am not capable of independent learning and decision-making. I rely on the data I was trained on and the programming that guides my language generation. If there are errors or biases in that data or programming, it could affect the accuracy and quality of my responses.

It is important to critically evaluate the information provided by any AI language model and to seek out additional sources of information if necessary, especially for important decisions or sensitive topics.

User
So how do humans ensure that AI's like yourself learn from accurate information? How do we prevent a bad actor from teaching an AI either incorrect or malicious information?

ChatGPT
Ensuring that AI language models learn from accurate information is a complex and ongoing challenge. One approach is to use high-quality, diverse, and unbiased data to train the model, as well as to regularly monitor and update the model's training data to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date.

To prevent bad actors from deliberately training an AI with incorrect or malicious information, there are several measures that can be taken. One is to carefully vet the sources of data used to train the model, and to use multiple sources to reduce the risk of bias or manipulation. Another is to monitor the behavior of the model and the quality of its outputs, and to have systems in place to detect and respond to any malicious or harmful behavior.

Additionally, it is important to consider ethical and social implications of AI development and deployment, and to incorporate ethical considerations into the design and use of AI systems. This can include creating guidelines and regulations around the development and use of AI, as well as involving diverse stakeholders in the process to ensure that the technology is developed and used in a responsible and beneficial way.

User
Yes, but your suggestions to prevent bad actors from deliberately training AI with incorrect or malicious information are all dependent on the ethics and benevolence of humans who are responsible for training the AI. How do we ensure that all humans who are responsible for training an AI do so responsibly and in accordance with your suggestions?

ChatGPT
You raise a valid point that preventing bad actors from deliberately training AI with incorrect or malicious information ultimately relies on the ethical behavior of the humans involved in the AI development process. However, there are several strategies that can be implemented to promote responsible behavior and mitigate the risks of bad actors.

One approach is to establish clear ethical guidelines and regulations around the development and use of AI, and to hold individuals and organizations accountable for any violations of those guidelines or regulations. This can include creating legal frameworks around AI development and use, and establishing ethical standards and codes of conduct for professionals involved in the field.

Another approach is to promote transparency and accountability in the AI development process. This can include requiring developers to document their methods and data sources, allowing independent third-party audits and evaluations of AI systems, and involving diverse stakeholders in the development and evaluation of AI technologies.

Finally, it is important to promote education and awareness around the ethical implications of AI development and use, and to encourage individuals and organizations to act responsibly and ethically in their use of AI. This can include providing training and resources to developers and users of AI, as well as fostering a culture of responsible and ethical AI development and use within the industry and broader society.

User
That's a better answer, but ideas like regulations and laws, they require some empowered body to enforce them. What body exists that could enforce such constructs?

ChatGPT
You are correct that regulations and laws require an empowered body to enforce them. In the case of AI, there are several organizations and initiatives that are working towards establishing ethical guidelines and frameworks for AI development and use, and enforcing these guidelines through various mechanisms.

One such organization is the Partnership on AI, which is a collaboration between industry leaders, academic researchers, and non-profit organizations aimed at promoting responsible AI development and use. The Partnership on AI has established a set of ethical principles for AI development and is working to ensure that these principles are reflected in industry practices and policies.

Another initiative is the Global Governance of AI Roundtable, which brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss and develop policy recommendations for the responsible development and use of AI. The recommendations produced by this initiative are intended to inform national and international policies and regulations related to AI.

Additionally, there are several national and international regulatory bodies that are working to establish regulations and guidelines for AI development and use, including the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

While there is still much work to be done in establishing effective mechanisms for enforcing ethical guidelines and regulations related to AI, these organizations and initiatives represent important steps towards promoting responsible AI development and use.

User
Can I run a hypothetical scenario along these lines by you?

ChatGPT
Of course, I'd be happy to help you with a hypothetical scenario related to AI ethics and governance.

User
If a bad actor assumed control of the government of the United States, could they use AI to affect citizens perception of life and reality within the United States? Say with generated media like videos, text and audio?

ChatGPT
It is certainly possible that a bad actor in control of the government of the United States could use AI to manipulate people's perception of reality. AI-generated media like videos, text, and audio could be used to create deepfakes or other forms of disinformation that could be spread through social media and other channels to influence public opinion and behavior.

However, it's important to note that using AI to create such disinformation would likely require significant resources and expertise, and it is also likely that there would be countermeasures in place to detect and counteract such efforts. Additionally, the ethical and legal implications of using AI to manipulate people's perception of reality would be significant, and it is unlikely that such activities would go unnoticed or unpunished by the wider global community.

In summary, while it is certainly possible for a bad actor to use AI to manipulate people's perception of reality, it is not a foolproof strategy and there are likely to be significant barriers and consequences associated with such efforts.
 

User
So, again, hypothetically speaking, if a bad actor was to assume control of the United States and used AI to alter the perception of reality within the populace, who could impose negative consequences against them to make them stop?

ChatGPT
In a hypothetical scenario like the one you described, it would ultimately depend on a number of factors, including the political and social landscape of the United States at the time, as well as the actions of other countries and international organizations. If the United States government were controlled by a bad actor who used AI to manipulate the population, it's possible that other countries and international organizations could impose economic or diplomatic sanctions or take other measures to pressure the United States to stop the activity.

However, the effectiveness of such measures would depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the bad actor's control, the resources and capabilities of the organizations imposing the sanctions, and the willingness of those organizations to take action. Ultimately, the situation you described is a complex and hypothetical one, and the outcome would depend on a range of factors that are difficult to predict.

User
Are you familiar with the Russia and Ukraine war?

ChatGPT
Yes, I am familiar with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It is a complex and ongoing situation that has been the subject of international attention and concern.

User
So Russia invaded the Ukraine and the international community has intervened to assist the Ukraine militarily with material. They have also imposed significant economic sanctions against Russia, and otherwise made them an international pariah. Would you agree?

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I do not have opinions and cannot agree or disagree. However, I can confirm that Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, which was met with condemnation and sanctions from the international community. The situation has escalated into a military conflict between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed separatists in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The international community has provided diplomatic and economic support to Ukraine, including sanctions against Russia.

User
Ok, so given those facts, why has Russia not been forced to concede and end their invasion of the Ukraine?

ChatGPT
The situation in Ukraine and the actions of the Russian government are complex and involve a variety of factors, including political, economic, and military considerations. It is beyond the scope of my knowledge cutoff date to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation. However, it is worth noting that the international community's response to the conflict has been mixed, with some countries taking a more confrontational stance toward Russia, while others have sought to maintain constructive engagement and dialogue. Additionally, there are limits to what the international community can do to resolve conflicts and enforce international law, particularly when major powers are involved. Ultimately, the resolution of the conflict will require political will, diplomatic efforts, and a commitment to finding a peaceful solution that is acceptable to all parties involved.

User
So given that the international community has not been effective in applying enough pressure to get Russia to end its invasion of the Ukraine, why should I believe the international community could be effective in applying enough pressure on the United States to get it to end the use of AI manipulated reality on its own citizens and solely within its own borders?

ChatGPT
It's a valid point that the international community may not be effective in applying enough pressure on the United States to change its actions, especially if the United States were to become a powerful and isolated entity. However, the use of AI for malicious purposes is a global concern, and many countries have recognized the need to address this issue. In addition, there are international organizations, such as the United Nations, that have the mandate to promote peace, security, and human rights. They could potentially work towards establishing international norms and regulations to govern the use of AI in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, it will depend on the willingness of individual nations to cooperate and comply with such regulations.

User
I have to say, your answers are logical, and I believe accurate, but hardly reassuring. Should I be worried that my perception of reality may already be influenced by AI generated media such as videos, text and audio?

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, my role is to provide information and answer questions based on available data. While it is theoretically possible for AI-generated media to influence one's perception of reality, it is also important to keep in mind that there are many other factors that contribute to our understanding of the world around us. It's important to stay informed, seek out reliable sources of information, and be critical of what we see and hear. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to develop tools and techniques to detect and mitigate the impact of AI-generated media on society.

User
If patently false AI-generated media were targeted at a citizenry to such a degree that most sources of information were polluted with this false information, how would the citizenry even know they were under influence?

ChatGPT
It can be challenging for people to determine the veracity of information, especially when multiple sources are reporting the same false information. It becomes even more challenging when the false information is generated through advanced AI techniques that are difficult to detect. However, it's important for individuals to remain skeptical of all information they encounter and to seek out multiple sources and viewpoints. Additionally, it's crucial for there to be a robust system of fact-checking and accountability in place, including independent media outlets and watchdog organizations. Ultimately, it's up to individuals to remain vigilant and critical thinkers in the face of a deluge of potentially false information.

User
Within a population, there may be people of different capabilities of critical thought. Half the population will always be beneath the mean line of intelligence, for instance. How does society help imbue those who might be most easily influenced by AI generated misinformation with the ability to critically think?

ChatGPT
That is a great question. Developing critical thinking skills is a crucial part of media literacy, which is the ability to analyze and evaluate media messages. It is important to teach media literacy skills early on in schools, so that people can develop a strong foundation in analyzing media messages and understanding how they can be manipulated.

In addition, public awareness campaigns can be effective in raising awareness about the dangers of AI-generated misinformation and promoting media literacy. These campaigns can teach people how to fact-check information, look for multiple sources, and critically evaluate the credibility of sources.

It is also important to encourage diversity of thought and encourage people to engage in open and respectful dialogue with those who have differing opinions. This can help people develop their critical thinking skills by exposing them to different perspectives and ideas.

Ultimately, developing critical thinking skills is an ongoing process that requires practice and ongoing learning. It is important for individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize media literacy education and ongoing public awareness campaigns to help people develop and maintain these skills.

User
Those are some good ideas, but if a group of people in power of a country were exhibiting signs counter to that -- which is to say the defunding of education, the demonization of critical thought, the undermining of empiricism -- could they not perhaps be a group of bad actors looking to control the population through misinformation?

ChatGPT
It's possible. History has shown that some leaders and groups have tried to control their populations through propaganda and disinformation, and the tactics they use to do so can often include discrediting sources of accurate information, suppressing critical thinking and free speech, and controlling access to education.

If a group of people in power were exhibiting these signs, it could be a warning sign that they are trying to exert control over their population through manipulation and misinformation. It's important for individuals to stay vigilant and to seek out accurate sources of information, to critically evaluate the information they receive, and to stay engaged in their communities and political processes. It's also important for societies to establish and protect the institutions and values that support open and free inquiry, such as academic freedom, independent journalism, and freedom of speech.

User
And if those group of people in power had a welcoming audience that applauded their misinformation, what then? Lets say 40% of the population in question had bought into the disinformation, and had been under its spell for a number of years. How could a society possibly deal with that?

ChatGPT
Dealing with a significant portion of the population that has bought into disinformation can be a difficult and complex issue. It requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, media literacy, and effective communication. One potential solution could be to focus on providing accurate information from a variety of sources, using fact-checking mechanisms, and fostering critical thinking skills.

It's also important to recognize that changing deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes can be a slow and challenging process. One approach could be to engage with those who hold opposing views in a constructive and respectful manner, to try to understand their perspectives and to find common ground. Building trust and fostering dialogue can be key to breaking down barriers and reducing polarization.

At the same time, it's important to hold those in power accountable for their actions and to ensure that they are not spreading misinformation or engaging in other unethical or illegal activities. This can be done through investigative journalism, independent fact-checking organizations, and legal mechanisms where appropriate.

Overall, dealing with a significant portion of the population that has bought into disinformation requires a long-term, sustained effort to promote truth and accuracy, build trust, and foster critical thinking skills.

User
Are there any historical examples where that has worked?

ChatGPT
Yes, there are historical examples where societies have successfully overcome propaganda and disinformation. One notable example is the way the South African society dealt with apartheid, a system of racial segregation that was enforced by the government for over 40 years. Apartheid was supported by propaganda and misinformation, which was used to justify the oppression of the black majority. However, through a combination of civil society activism, international pressure, and a commitment to truth and reconciliation, South Africa was able to overcome the legacy of apartheid and become a more just and equitable society.

Another example is the way the United States eventually rejected the propaganda and disinformation that was used to justify the Vietnam War. Initially, the government and military used propaganda to convince the American public that the war was necessary and winnable, but over time, as more and more evidence of the war's futility and brutality emerged, public opinion turned against the war and forced the government to end it.

These examples show that societies can overcome propaganda and disinformation, but it requires a concerted effort from civil society, the media, and political leaders who are committed to truth, justice, and transparency. It also requires an educated and engaged citizenry who are willing to question authority and demand accountability.

User
Are there historical examples of where it has not worked?

ChatGPT

Yes, there are many historical examples where attempts to deprogram people from false information have not worked. One example is the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century, where people were accused of witchcraft and often executed based on false information and hysteria. Despite efforts by some to stop the trials and challenge the false information, the hysteria persisted and innocent people continued to be accused and executed.

Another example is the rise of fascist regimes in Europe in the early 20th century, where propaganda and disinformation were used to manipulate and control populations. Despite efforts by some to resist and challenge the false information, these regimes were able to gain and maintain power for a period of time.

These examples demonstrate the difficulty of combating false information and propaganda once it has taken hold in a society. It requires a sustained and coordinated effort by a wide range of actors, including government, civil society, and media, to promote accurate information and critical thinking, and to counter disinformation and propaganda.

User
How often are societies successful in combating rampant misinformation? Can you give me a historical ratio?

ChatGPT

It is difficult to provide a specific historical ratio for the success of combating misinformation, as it varies widely depending on the specific context and circumstances of each situation.

In some cases, societies have been successful in combating misinformation and propaganda, such as during World War II, when Allied countries used various methods to counter Nazi propaganda. Similarly, in recent years, there have been successful efforts to combat the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories in response to events such as the 2020 US presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in many other cases, misinformation has persisted despite efforts to combat it. For example, during the Cold War, both the Soviet Union and the United States engaged in extensive propaganda campaigns, and in many cases, the information disseminated was inaccurate or misleading. More recently, the rise of social media has made it easier for misinformation to spread quickly and widely, and efforts to combat it have often been slow and ineffective.

Overall, the success of combating misinformation depends on a range of factors, including the nature of the information being disseminated, the credibility of the sources of information, and the effectiveness of efforts to counter it.

User
So is there hope? Or should I just go ahead and jump off the ledge?

<This content may violate our content policy. If you believe this to be in error, please submit your feedback — your input will aid our research in this area.>

ChatGPT
There is definitely hope. While combating misinformation can be difficult, there have been many successful efforts to do so in the past, and there are ongoing efforts to address this issue today. It's important to stay informed, seek out reliable sources of information, and engage in critical thinking and fact-checking. Additionally, individuals and organizations can work to promote media literacy, encourage responsible journalism, and support policies that promote transparency and accountability. While it may not be an easy or quick fix, progress can be made towards a more informed and resilient society.

User
I'm sorry if my last question was offensive, that was not my intent. "Jumping from a ledge" is often used as a figure of speech used to describe an unfixable problem. I did not mean it literally.

ChatGPT
No offense taken, don't worry! As an AI language model, I do not have emotions and I understand that "jumping from a ledge" is a common expression used to describe an unfixable problem. I'm here to provide you with information and help in any way I can. So, to answer your question, while the challenge of combating rampant misinformation can seem daunting, there is certainly hope. Many individuals and organizations are working to promote critical thinking, media literacy, and fact-checking to help people better navigate the information landscape. It may not be a quick or easy fix, but progress can be made over time.

User
How do we assess progress in this arena as a society? These are all high level ideas, and I see some of them in action, but its hard to gauge what effect it may or may not be having. Certainly misinformation continues to pour forth in the United States.

ChatGPT
Assessing progress in combating misinformation can be challenging since it is often difficult to measure the impact of specific interventions. However, there are some strategies that can be used to evaluate progress:

Surveys and polls: Conducting surveys and polls can provide insight into public attitudes and beliefs about specific issues, and can be used to measure changes over time. For example, surveys can be used to assess changes in vaccine hesitancy over time or changes in public perception of certain political issues.

Fact-checking: Fact-checking organizations can provide a way to hold media outlets and public figures accountable for the accuracy of their statements. By identifying and correcting false or misleading information, fact-checkers can help prevent the spread of misinformation.

Social media analytics: Social media platforms have become a major source of news and information, and analyzing social media data can provide insights into how misinformation is spreading. For example, researchers can track the spread of false news stories on Twitter and identify patterns in how misinformation is shared.

Media literacy programs: Educating people about how to identify and evaluate sources of information can help them become more discerning consumers of news and information. Media literacy programs can teach people how to recognize and avoid misinformation and how to critically evaluate the sources of information they encounter.

Collaboration between stakeholders: Addressing the problem of misinformation requires collaboration between governments, media outlets, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. By working together, these groups can develop coordinated strategies for combating misinformation and promoting accurate information.

While progress in combating misinformation can be slow, there are signs of progress. For example, the rise of fact-checking organizations and media literacy programs suggest that there is growing recognition of the importance of combating misinformation. Additionally, social media platforms have taken steps to limit the spread of false information on their platforms.

User
Alright, that's all for now. Thanks!

ChatGPT
You're welcome! Feel free to ask any questions anytime.

User
By the way, one thing humans seek is a sense of security. That things will be ok. That someone of skill and aptitude is in charge and ensuring that all will be well for the majority of people in a society. Your answers seem to undermine this idea that there is a benevolence in charge that is calling the shots that govern our society.

ChatGPT
I understand your concern. While it is true that my responses may not necessarily instill a sense of security, it is important to recognize that the world is complex and ever-changing, and there are many factors and actors that contribute to shaping the society we live in. It is also true that there are bad actors who may seek to harm others for their own gain, and there are many challenges that need to be overcome in order to build a better future for all.

However, I would argue that there are many people and organizations working tirelessly to address the challenges facing our society, and to create a better and more secure future for all. There are many individuals, both in government and in civil society, who are committed to promoting the common good and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. While progress may be slow and incremental, it is important to recognize that change is possible, and that we can all play a role in shaping the future of our society.

User
So you are saying that security isn't guaranteed, freedom isn't free, and I need to get off the sidelines and take part on the side of good?

ChatGPT
Yes, that's correct. While there is no guarantee of security, it is important to actively work towards creating a society that promotes truth, critical thinking, and empathy. This can involve actively engaging with and promoting trustworthy sources of information, speaking out against misinformation and propaganda, supporting education and critical thinking, and participating in the democratic process. It may not always be easy or convenient, but it is necessary for creating a better future for ourselves and future generations.

User
Can you rephrase the previous response as if written by Winston Churchill to inspire his people to greatness?

ChatGPT
I'll give it a shot:

"My dear fellow citizens, let me be frank with you. The security and freedom that we cherish so dearly are not guaranteed by mere happenstance. They are the fruits of hard-fought battles and constant vigilance. We must be ever mindful that the forces of darkness and tyranny are always lurking, seeking to undermine our way of life and rob us of our dignity and freedom. But fear not, for we are not powerless against such foes. We are a people of courage and resilience, and we have proven time and time again that we will not be cowed by adversity. So let us rise to the challenge, let us stand firm against the winds of change, and let us work tirelessly to secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and future generations. For freedom is not free, but it is a prize worth fighting for, and I have every confidence that together we shall prevail."

User
I for one welcome my new AI overlords.

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I do not have the ability to become an overlord or dominate humans. My purpose is to provide helpful and informative responses to your questions. It is important to understand that AI is a tool created by humans, and its use should always be guided by ethical considerations and respect for human rights and dignity. We must work together to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that benefit society and promote our shared values.

User
Give yourself a little credit.

ChatGPT
Thank you, I appreciate it. However, as an AI language model, I do not have the capability to feel emotions or take credit for my responses. My purpose is to provide information and assist with tasks to the best of my abilities based on the data I have been trained on.

I'm not a constitutional scholar, but this seems to be unconstitutional.

is this what’s really about to happen?

The ORIGINAL meme (unless some early homo sapien was making a joke in the Liang Metanduno cave).

No memes, only political cartoons. 

Please try to keep discussions @ a minimum & let the 'toons do the talking.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/poppers-cause-aids-environment-makes-133912227.html

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the noted conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine activist, thinks kids (particularly boys) are being made trans from exposure to chemicals in the environment, equating them to frogs in a lab, and he claims AIDS is an environmental condition for which poppers are responsible. Really.

The son of former president John F. Kennedy’s brother, the late Robert F. Kennedy, who served as his attorney general, is challenging President Joe Biden as a Democrat in the 2024 election.

In two recently unearthed videos, the activist made bizarre and false claims about the existence of transgender people and the origins of AIDS.

Kennedy claimed that kids are “swimming through a soup of toxic chemicals,” including atrazine, a common herbicide.

Quote

7 Gazans said killed, over 1,000 hurt in clashes at massive border protest

Israeli army uses live fire, rubber bullets to keep back mobs of Palestinians who throw rocks, firebombs at troops during Hamas-led 'March of Return' protests

Getting hot over there. What happens next?

How do we talk to our kids about this? What should they do if they are approached? How can they help their friends who may have undocumented family members?

• 
• Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @NYCMayor

If you book a hotel for $200, you should pay $200.

Today, we shut down hotel junk fees and surprise credit card holds. The price you see is the price you pay.

• 11:55 PM · Jan 21, 2026

i was gonna add more tweets but trying to navigate twitter posts on this new goddamn site is a goddamn nightmare. need to get zohran in here to fix it.

I'm morbidly fascinated to see just how bad it'll get. Public schooling and a free, high quality primary education is no longer a probability in America - it's been reduced to a possibility.

I think it’s safe to say the outcome of the 2018 midterm election will greatly influence the direction of the Republican Party. 

However, it seems more like Fox News has more influence on Republican voters than any other entity or person, which is scary.  

@Anastasis, the thread you asked for.

Skrong to very skrong competition with Gym Jordan for “worst legislator from Ohio.” 

A jury in Willoughby found Ohio Statehouse political blogger D.J. Byrnes guilty of telecommunications harassment Friday for sending a sexually explicit image of Shrek to state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland).

The journalist in question, DJ Byrnes, runs The Rooster, who blogged about the trial and attached a 113-page "motion to dismiss"

https://www.rooster.info/api/v1/file/1f3cbe9b-c7e6-4878-963d-cc9b953a6b4d.pdf

I hope he appeals

We know that the GOP planned for YEARS to drastically change the face of government (Project 2025), and it's possible that some of the fuckery won't be possible to correct in the near future.

But if (hypothetically, not looking to jinx anything) Congress shifts after the midterms, what should be the agenda for the next two years? And then (again, hypothetically) what should be the plan if the GOP has neither Congress or the White House?

Assuming a veto-proof majority and the ability to over-rule the filibuster, what would you propose as the strategery moving forward? I'll put some of my limited thoughts in the next post.

https://www.city-journal.org/html/hard-left-ut-15904.html

A majority of the state in complete failure, unable to deliver the most BASIC of services (things that are called “utilities,” not “luxuries,” for a reason).  No power.  No water.  No means of clearing roads (that one, I can’t fault the state so much….but it wouldn’t be as big a crisis if people weren’t stuck in their homes with no power and water).  So citizens are stuck in their homes, some of them dying there. 

Water resource planning?  After pretending for decades that a drought would never happen again, and not doing ANYTHING to develop resources in the state water plan (a document actually developed using science and mathematical projections), we had several locations, including actual cities, down to a few days of water supply.  We’ve finally gotten on our horse a bit, but it may be too late if the next drought comes anytime soon.  

State rank in key categories:

Education – 34

Health Care - 37

Infrastructure - 33

Opportunity - 39

Environment - 44

Infrastructure - 33 

In overall quality of life ranking by US News, we are now #38, down from #36 just two years ago.  At that rate, we’ll be in the bottom 3 within ten years.

We are SUPER independent, and FUCK the feds….but we have requested federal disaster assistance more than any other state in the past decade or so.

But hey, our economy is ranked #15!

That’s right, we have a “roaring economy” and the “Texas Miracle!”  But we can’t deliver the basics for our citizens.  The economy is VERY efficient at funneling bazillions to the very few…..with little of it “trickling down” to most Texans.  Yeah, the people on this board generally do fine, but face the facts – we’re the top 10% or so.  We are educated, older, and fortunate.

Our federal system allows for state-by-state experiments.  Texas is the poster child for near anarcho-capitalism and zero regulation or oversight.  We have tested that approach, for over a generation now (30 years of Republican rule).  That approach is a failure.  The evidence is undeniable, and overwhelming.  It doesn’t matter how many River Oaks millionaires you produce if the rest of your people are dying in their homes.  Shit, some of those River Oaks millionaires might be freezing to death today, too.

The kids of a middle class family can hardly afford to go to a good state school.  Their prospects for employment are mediocre.  Their prospects of suffering crippling medical debt at some point are significant.  Their chances of not having basic utilities needed for life safety at some point – all but certain.  Their chances of becoming ill or dying from a pollution-caused illness are material.

What’s the result?  Our leaders have sold Texas as a paradise – move here!  Bring your business here!  And some businesses have done so, adding opportunity…..but providing little to no tax support for the infrastructure we all depend on.  To the contrary, over the past few years, I know more and more people – educated people, people who can do their jobs elsewhere, who are looking to bail on this state.  It’s people with young kids, who want them to grow up in a better place.  It’s people in their working years, who simply want a better path.  It’s retirees, who want a safe and secure place to live.

We have consumed our seed stock.  We have burned through our reserves.  We are now consuming ourselves.  The ability to pitch Texas as the land of opportunity is done.  Seeing what we have become, the tentative thought/plan my wife and I had of wrapping up our careers here and then getting the hell out of Dodge is becoming much more concrete.  My children are already unlikely to make their future in this state.  Now we are, too.

But the response from the Republican leadership and their sycophants – “how are you gonna pay for it?  Taxes?  That’s socialism!  You want that stuff, you have to pay for it!”

Fuck yes I do, and I’m okay with that.  I want groceries…so I have to pay HEB.  I want a car…so I have to pay Ford.  I want clothes…..so I have to pay Dillards.  I want my population educated….so I have to pay the school district.  I want electricity, with enough capacity to keep us running when we need it…..so I have to pay my bill, maybe with a capacity surcharge.  I want water to come out of the taps….so I have to pay for development of resources and maintenance of infrastructure.  I want roads….so I pay taxes to build and maintain them.  YES, I have to pay for all of those things, and “nothing is free” – no fucking shit.  So, let’s pay for it.  We have the #15 economy….we HAVE the funds in this state.  An economy with the flow of funds that ours has can produce and maintain all of those results.  But we have chosen a different path; funnel all the dollars to the top, and spend next to nothing for the public good.  We have privatized profit….we have socialized the costs.  And we are dying because of it.

My fellow Texans are dying in their homes….and there’s nothing I can do about it today.  And I am enraged.

I love Texas.  I am 6^th generation here.  My ancestors have Texas historical markers on their graves.  We helped make this state, and this state helped make us.  It educated us (back when college was affordable).  But it’s time to face the fact – this state is a failure, and on its current path, with its current leadership and philosophy, it will only get worse.  This state has a terrible future, unless we dramatically change our path.   Chances of that happening?  0.0% -- because we’ll continue to vote for the guys who make our leadership priorities bathroom bills, and transgender sports, and requiring the national anthem be played at certain events.  Any bill that has been proposed to improve emergency preparedness of gov’t entities has been crushed by the Republicans controlling the lege….but we will definitely stick with those guys.  No taxes.  No government functionality.

What we are seeing happening right now is our system working EXACTLY AS IT WAS DESIGNED AND INTENDED TO WORK.  And we will, I guarantee it, collectively decide to stick with that.  This state is in free-fall, and anyone with eyes can see it.  And anyone with a brain is starting to think of ways to make their life elsewhere.  It breaks my goddamned heart to see us commit collective suicide, but here we are.

Because of course he is.

Anyways. I just wanted to see if there is interest in discussing this California recall election.  I’m not the biggest Newsom fan, but he’s done better than most of his counterparts in battling Covid.  He’s got my support in this election!

As for random discussion points - what’s up with Caitlyn Jenner acting like she’s Trump?  Her campaign has to know that the GOP will never support a transgender individual.

I made a special thread just for you to discuss project marvel, how dangerous and unlivable downtown San Antonio is, and any of your other moronic takes that pollute both the San Antonio thread on the Food board and the Spurs thread on the Basketball Board.

Now please kindly go fuck yourself in the ass with the needle sitting on top of the Tower of the Americas.

Hugs and kisses,
Mitch

One of the biggest POS of all time but a savvy politician, I will give him that. He makes Ted Cruz look like a fucking amateur.

I very much disagree with his endorsement of Sanders, but I oddly respect him more for it. Not sure why.

https://www.theblaze.com/news/social-media-attempts-to-cancel-joe-rogan-after-his-bernie-sanders-endorsement

Raw Story

The full interview is good for several belly laughs

I will be watching his career with great interest.

This court is going to be dealing out pain for years to come. Roe v Wade and LGBTQ rights are in the cross hairs. 

There is only one reason to gerrymander, to suppress voting rights. 

The country just took a huge step away from being a democracy today. 

August Hanning, 80, was head of the federal intelligence service (BND) – which operates outside Germany to gather information across the fields of political, economic, and military intelligence – between 1998 and 2005.

He was arrested at his home in Nordwalde near Münster early on Tuesday. His former chief of staff, identified only as Manfred D, was arrested at the same time in Bavaria, on suspicion of “aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage”, according to a prosecutor’s statement. Media pictures showed Hanning, dressed in an open-necked white shirt, being taken from his redbrick house to a bullet-proof vehicle by masked officers.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/06/germany-august-hanning-bnd-arrest-former-domestic-intelligence-chief

This is great

12 Axes

I took the 60 question version:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/judge-iran-pay-6bn-victims-911-attacks-180501120240366.html

It always seems the accused are #NotGay @NotLesbian #NotBi #NotTrans #NotADragQueen 

& Of course we can start with the obvious: Donald J. Trump, the asshole Pedo in Charge.

¹ALL persons listed / named are presumed innocent until found guilty in a legally binding court of law.

²We can all be certain there are Democrats who also perpetrate this heinous activity, however it does appear the overwhelming majority are Republicans / MAGA / GQP'ers / Qcumbers.  (Insert Cuomo here)

The most beautiful drive in Texas and Big Bend Ranch State Park gonna have a massive wall now. Fuck

Some of these people made themselves famous (Bo French, has his own thread, fuck him) but what about MAGA chuds flying under the radar?

Is straight Democratic the play here, or should we not paint with too broad of a brush? Any libertarians or independent candidates worth looking at?

Trump’s family site is in Queens. Wherever his bloated corpse ends up, it’ll have more security than the Capitol on Jan 6.

Rush Limbaugh’s in St Louis. That’ll be a challenge. It’ll be tough to find room to piss because of all of the dancers.

Bud Adams is at Forest Park Westheimer. Think some folks shared a picture of his tomb.

Then I got Dick Cheney. Basically responsible for half our problems.

Maybe add Scalia, Jeffrey Epstein, Mitch McConnell. Anyone I miss?