BruceVC

I dont think its accurate or realistic to compare events in history from hundreds of years ago and try to find resonance in our modern age Yes the Crusades were brutal and about religious fervor but so were the Muslims that the Crusaders fought against The worlds changed a lot over the last 800 years, I dont think this tattoo means we have to worry that history will repeat itself?

Yes but why didnt you like it? What specifically is bad about it Too much Capitalism and not enough socialism

Sure but as usual there is normally a difference between a politician grandstanding about " Corona conspiracy theories " and then banning normal vaccines that have been used for decades in the US Its similar to what I keep saying about Project 2025, try to separate the fearmongering and hyperbole from what Trump can or cannot do and what he will do Its much better for any unnecessary anxiety and blood pressure getting raised Best way to not stress out too much is remember we have already had 4 years of Trump and he didnt destroy the US or the world ....so we should be okay this time?

But that tattoo has nothing to do with Nazi or Israel I looked it up now because I had never heard of it https://www.holylandtreasuresonline.com/Store/Content/ResourceArticle/17/The-History-and-Meaning-of-the-Jerusalem-Cross-or-the-Crusader-s-Cross.html#:~:text=The Jerusalem Cross is rich,mission that started in Jerusalem. " The Jerusalem Cross is rich in symbolism and meaning and goes by many different names, including the Crusader's Cross. This Jerusalem cross represents Christ's command to spread the Gospel around the world, a mission that started in Jerusalem. " So if anything it represents Christianity and spreading the gospel, nothing really wrong with someone being religious?

This was predicted and it will be interesting to see what JFK does around vaccines It will be the definition of stupidity if he tries to stop normal vaccination for measles or polio that kids get as a standard vaccine I can understand him questioning Corona vaccines even if I dont personally agree with it. But it makes no sense to question the overall efficacy of vaccines when we have clear medical and scientific evidence that goes back decades. You can literally find examples of countries that dont have typical vaccination programs and these diseases see a resurgence

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-republican-leader-election-trump/ I see Thune won the Senate leadership race, he was not the MAGA pick because that was Scott A better choice than Scott and interesting how the vote is done in secret

Its because the allegations of discrimination from DEI are towards white people and from white people as far as I know Also its not really something new, its just something that the GOP is likely to champion but the Dems would ignore?

I have eaten and made probably about 200+ cheese fondues and I have also had oil fondues But I have never eaten a chocolate fondue, they very popular and I have seen them at several weddings. But Im a savoury person and I dont have much of a sweet tooth

Thats all possible for Musk, its obviously a very negative prediction on what he can and will do but I agree its possible I wonder if he will touch something like the Federal minimum wage?

Sure but when I say inefficiencies that can be linked to corruption. SA has a corruption problem that is exacerbated by lack of governance and oversight which is not necessarily corruption in itself So for example every single year most of the municipalities , with the exception of the Western Cape where I live and run by the DA, fails the auditor-generals report ....and the same municipalities fail it year after year. Its not necessarily because of corruption but things like wasteful expenditure or irregular expenditure. And yet its identified but the situation doesnt change So from your link Musk says things like "He claims 99 federal agencies is "more than enough" - there are currently over 400 agencies and sub-agencies. "? How would he really know 100 agencies is enough but this an objective around efficiency And then he says " The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will "dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies" So he seems to think he can streamline the Federal government and make it more effective. I think his objective is well-meaning but I dont think its based on proper facts or an understanding of the mammoth task in front of him?

Apparently there is lots of inefficiencies in the US Federal system and Musk is going to address that But the word " inefficiencies " is subjective for me living in SA because of our overall subpar public sector delivery Im sure most South Africans would be more than happy with any first world public sector "inefficiencies " around contractors We just want thing to work as expected, I have even heard some South Africans say things in desperation like " we would accept the corruption around tenders awarded and contractors as long as things work" But we end up with the worst of both, corruption and failure to deliver on many public sector services

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4985802-trump-cabinet-nominees-second-term/ Here is summary of Trumps nominations so far. I like some of them and I dont know others but its more or less predictable based on Trumps policies he committed The most interesting nomination is "Trump announced that Musk, a billionaire backer, and Ramaswamy, a former primary rival who endorsed Trump earlier this year, would lead an effort to slash government spending and regulations. They are expected to conclude their work by July 4, 2026, just a few months before the midterm elections. Trump said the effort would partner with the Office of Management and Budget, but would provide guidance from “outside of Government.” Musk in particular has extensive financial holdings with government contractors that could complicate an official government job." Musk is a genius and very successful businessmen but it remains to be seen how effective he will be around this public sector role?

There is definitely a debate to be had about BEE, AA and DEI and cases where white people have been discriminated against. I posted the story in the UK about the air-force and the discriminatory hiring practices that were exposed Its complicated and wont apply in all cases but I can believe there would be cases of real discrimination against white people in the US In South Africa its ongoing about something different because we have lots of allegations of BEE not creating opportunities for the majority of black people but rather enriching the same small black minority because they get the public sector tenders. So it doesnt help address inequality or distribute or create wealth if the same black companies get all the business. But its not as simple as that because we have limited companies who can respond to tenders and meet the criteria, thats just the reality So it doesnt seem fair to say the same black companies get most of the public sector tenders if they are the only ones who can respond, its not there fault more companies dont exist? And you need to be BEE compliant to get tenders

Why dont you make yourself a cheese fondue and drink some nice wine , that always cheers me up

It will be interesting to see what she complains about at the UN? I can guess but I would rather wait and see Also people dont always last there time under Trump, he can be very capricious like that and prone to mood swings and people lose favor quickly