Donald Trump Announces 2016 White House Bid

pgs

Hall of Fame Member
Nov 29, 2008
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Yep, the legendary "business acumen."

Back in 2016, Forbes pointed out that his fortune was about what he would have had if he'd just handed the money he got from Daddy to a competent broker and told the broker to put together a medium-conservative portfolio.*

* "Conservative" here meaning "low-risk/moderate return," not "commit treason."
If he followed Nancy Pelosi’s trades he would probably be as wealthy as Bill Gates . But what fun is being conservative when you can lose it and make it back .
 

spaminator

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 26, 2009
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The people are not always right these days
But they always end up getting the governments they deserve

Author of the article:Warren Kinsella
Published Nov 16, 2024 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read

The people are always right, John Turner said.


It was the evening of September 4, 1984 when he said that. Turner’s Liberal Party had just been crushed by Brian Mulroney’s Conservatives. On that occasion, so long ago, it felt like Turner was right. The people had spoken.

These days, we’re not so sure. These days, it’s pretty hard to believe that “the people are always right.”

In the United States, for instance, the people chose Donald Trump. It was a free and fair election, and Democrats have respected the outcome. The didn’t convene secret meetings of fake electors, they didn’t allege the election had been stolen, they didn’t instigate a riot at the Capitol.

But, in the days since the election, America and the world – and many within Trump’s own Republican Party – have been shocked by Trump’s selections for his cabinet.



There is Robert Kennedy, Jr., who famously opposes vaccines and says he has a worm in his brain (those two things may be related). Trump wants to put Kennedy in charge of healthcare for millions of Americans, which has many experts predicting a return of measles, polio and other preventable disease diseases.

There is Tulsi Gabbard, who has been an enthusiastic supporter of Syria’s genocidal regime, and has been credibly accused of being a Russian asset. Trump wants her to be America’s top intelligence official.


There is Matt Gaetz, who has been investigated for sex with a minor, illegal drug use and accepting improper gifts. Trump wants him to be America’s Attorney General.

There is Pete Hegseth, who has never had a military command role, and who has said he hasn’t washed his hands in a decade, because germs aren’t real. Trump wants him to run America’s military.


There is Elon Musk, the billionaire who has been secretly meeting with Iranian officials – which, as the New York Times has reported, has delighted the ayatollahs in Iran, who have called it “positive” and “good news.” Trump has brought Musk in for all kinds of meetings, without ensuring first that the X elf lord has a security clearance.

Up here, of course, we have a prime minister who has worn racist black face many times, who has never been cleared of groping a female reporter, and who has been found culpable in multiple corruption scandals. And who claims to be (a) anti-racist, (b) feminist, and (c) leading a responsible and ethical government.


There is Montreal’s mayor, who has appeared indifferent to Jewish schools being shot up and synagogues being firebombed. There is Toronto’s mayor, who wants protective bubble zones around bike lanes – but not around places of worship and schools, which have also been shot up and firebombed in the past year.



And then, this week there is the erstwhile leader of the City of Mississauga. Mississauga, where people celebrated Hamas’ atrocities on October 7, 2023. And who then went on to elect as mayor Carolyn Parrish. Here are just a few of the things the Parrish said before she was elected. These are direct quotes from her social media:

– Parrish has called Israel “a permanent occupying force.”

– Parrish has accused Israel of “THEFT” against Hamas-run Gaza.

– Parrish has said “Israel has stolen huge tracts of land,” and is “destroying Palestine.”

– Parrish has accused Conservatives of “ruining Canadian credibility” for their support of Israel.

– Parrish has said that charging Israel with war crimes is “a legal, democratic process”.


– Parrish has said “I support BDS” (boycott, divest and sanctions) against Israel.

– Parrish has accused Israel of using “starvation [as] a new technique of war.”

– Parrish has said Hamas’ tunnels were used for “food, goods, medical, supplies, water,” and that it is “ridiculous” to say the terror group used the tunnels to murder Jews and keep them captive.

And, of course, this week Parrish compared Nobel Prize recipient Nelson Mandela to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who devised the biggest mass-murder of Jews since the Holocaust.



There’s a lot more, if you have the stomach for it.

Trump, Trudeau and Parrish are not the only mistakes the people have made.

Are the people always right? No. In fact, these days, the people are frequently wrong.

But they always end up getting the governments they deserve.

 

Tecumsehsbones

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Mar 18, 2013
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"The people are always right" by definition. That's the whole central premise of democracy. There is no objective "right" and "wrong." There's only who decides what's right and wrong? Some sword-swinging assholes? A bunch of rich assholes? "The workers?"

The very fact that Kinsella appoints himself the arbiter of right and wrong demonstrates that he doesn't get it.
 
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justfred

Electoral Member
Dec 26, 2004
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Society reads that old Donnie is going to pass federal laws saying that Americans can have the right to carry handguns, a constitution right. OK, then, every one will be able to attend a Republican rally, carrying a handgun, having given that right.
 

55Mercury

rigid member
May 31, 2007
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It's all derived from the expression the customer is always right. Why because the customer will vote with its wallet and go somewhere else. If you don't say the customer's right you won't be doing business.
In the case of governments the people are the customer and in that sense they will use democracy to change the government when the government isn't satisfying the majority of people. Democracy is a gift to the people. It's not for electing governments, it's for deposing them.
No one wanted John Turner because he represented the liberal brand which people were tired of in daddy Trudeau. And now we're in the exact same spot with Junior. It doesn't matter who replaces him they will lose.
Today on the other hand the majority of people had preference for Donald Trump over the idiocy that was represented by the Democrats. The idiocy demonstrated by their supporters like justFred.
justfred?
you're justfired!
 

Tecumsehsbones

Hall of Fame Member
Mar 18, 2013
57,938
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It's all derived from the expression the customer is always right. Why because the customer will vote with its wallet and go somewhere else. If you don't say the customer's right you won't be doing business.
In the case of governments the people are the customer and in that sense they will use democracy to change the government when the government isn't satisfying the majority of people. Democracy is a gift to the people. It's not for electing governments, it's for deposing them.
No one wanted John Turner because he represented the liberal brand which people were tired of in daddy Trudeau. And now we're in the exact same spot with Junior. It doesn't matter who replaces him they will lose.
Today on the other hand the majority of people had preference for Donald Trump over the idiocy that was represented by the Democrats. The idiocy demonstrated by their supporters like justFred.
justfred?
you're justfired!
A body'd think you just discovered a cure for cancer.

Then again, maybe in your scale of capability, this is the equivalent of that.
 

spaminator

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 26, 2009
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Life without men gaining traction with U.S. women
Author of the article:Simone Paget
Published Nov 17, 2024 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read

Anyone who’s ever dated a man has probably, at some point, in a moment of frustration, jokingly told their friends that they’re giving up the male species.


However, for the women of the 4B movement, a life without men is more than just a passing sentiment.

Originating in South Korea, 4B (or “Four Nos”) is a feminist movement that boycotts men as a way for women to reclaim agency over their bodies and lives. It’s centred around four principles: Bihon (no marriage to men), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating men) and bisekseu (no sex with men).

The movement, which began as a reaction to sexism and gender-based violence in Korea, has since gained traction in the United States following the re-election of Donald Trump.

For some women in the U.S., the 2024 election felt like a critical moment for the future of reproductive rights. Trump — who took credit for overturning Roe v. Wade during his previous term — cast a shadow of uncertainty over bodily autonomy. Google searches for 4B have surged over the past week as women seek ways to regain a sense of empowerment amidst political upheaval. If the movement continues to gain momentum, it could have far-reaching effects, including reshaping relationship and social dynamics.



While 4B may seem extreme to some, staying single might benefit women. A new study from the University of Toronto found that single women, on average, report higher levels of satisfaction with relationship status, life satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and a lower desire to need a partner–and overall, they are happier in singlehood than their male counterparts.

This is in line with many of the conversations I’ve had with friends recently. None of us are ready to remove ourselves entirely from heterosexual relationships. We’re enjoying focusing on other things like friendships, travel, and family without the distraction and emotional labor of dating. Focusing on these areas feels more fulfilling, especially as life becomes busier. After all, my best friend or sister isn’t likely to ghost me.


Dr. Jess O’Reilly, Tinder’s Canadian relationship expert, is also not surprised by the U of T study results. She explains that they echo findings from Tinder’s 2023 “Year in Swipe” and “Future of Dating” reports, indicating a substantial shift towards self-prioritization and independence amongst Gen Z and Millennial women.

O’Reilly says there are several reasons single women are happier than their male peers. First, women have more of a support network outside of romantic relationships. “Research suggests that women’s friendships, for example, tend to be more intimate, supportive, and satisfying. Previous research also reveals that while men are more likely to draw support from their partners, women draw more support from friendships,” says O’Reilly.


Secondly, O’Reilly points out that women tend to do more of the unpaid labour in heterosexual relationships.

“The U of T study suggests that single women outside of hetero relationships often feel relieved from traditional (often unbalanced) household roles, which contributes to a sense of independence and satisfaction,” she says. O’Reilly adds, “Tinder’s data backs this, showing that single Gen Z women value independence in all areas of life, with 51% of young singles balancing dating around personal goals and routines instead of conforming to traditional roles.”

There’s also the question of sexual satisfaction rates in relationships and how they’re often lower for women than men.

As O’Reilly explains, “Women may find solo sex more pleasurable than partnered sex in general (regardless of relationship status), meaning that single women may report higher sexual satisfaction rates.”


But is staying single the answer? Not necessarily.

Relationships of all kinds benefit from self-awareness and independence.

“Rather than forgoing romantic relations entirely, I recommend engaging in consistent reflections on your relational values,” says O’Reilly.

She encourages people to ask themselves a few simple questions. “What makes a relationship satisfying and meaningful?” and “What are the practical and emotional components of a relationship that matter most to you?”

Getting clear on these questions can help you find connections that feel supportive, nurturing, and aligned with your values.

Lastly, if you’re a man who dates women, get curious about their gender experiences. Ask questions, listen actively, and educate yourself on how to support the women in your life better.

O’Reilly says, “Whatever your intentions for relationships may be–whether you’re looking for a long-term love or a casual encounter–knowing your values can help you to feel at ease and confident when dating.”
 

spaminator

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Oct 26, 2009
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Donald Trump's latest branded venture is guitars that cost up to $10,000
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Meg Kinnard
Published Nov 20, 2024 • 2 minute read

Donald Trump posted to Truth Social a photo of himself holding what he said was a "Limited Edition '45' Guitar," his latest branded venture.
Donald Trump posted to Truth Social a photo of himself holding what he said was a "Limited Edition '45' Guitar," his latest branded venture. Photo by Donald Trump /Truth Social
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed a line of guitars, following up on the Bibles, sneakers, watches, photo books and cryptocurrency ventures launched during his third White House campaign.


Trump on Wednesday posted to Truth Social a photo of himself holding what he said was a “Limited Edition ’45’ Guitar,” an electric model emblazoned with an American flag and eagle on the body, and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan inlaid into the neck. Both acoustic and electric styles are available, for $1,250 and $1,500, respectively, as well as “Presidential” and “God Bless the USA” models and “Signature Edition” guitars, which — with a $10,000 price tag — also include Trump’s signature.

What’s not clear is the financial relationship between Trump and proceeds from the guitar sales.

Following his long tradition of melding his political and business interests, Trump has hawked a series of branded products since he launched his 2024 White House campaign, a slew of items that went up for sale in the wake of a $489 million civil fraud judgment against the former president.


Some of them, like the “Official Trump Watch Collection” — where one model costs $100,000 — were listed as affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure.

Websites for items like the watches note that the products are subject to a “paid license agreement,” the same mechanism that allowed Trump, well before he entered politics, to profit for years from sales of everything from water to vodka and steaks.

As of Wednesday, GetTrumpGuitars.com included no such disclaimers, or even the name of the company selling the items. An FAQ page lists information about how many of each model are being made available — and notes that these models are “the ONLY guitars endorsed by President Donald J. Trump!” — but includes none of the disclaimers or licensing language on some of Trump’s other product sites.


The guitar website’s privacy policy does include a suburban Nashville address for a couple, neither of whom immediately returned a message seeking comment Wednesday. Photos on their social media pages showed that they attended Trump’s election-night party in Florida.

Messages left with 16 Creative — a branding agency listed at the bottom of the guitar website — and Trump’s transition team also were not immediately returned.

Leading up to his win in the general election, Trump this year has announced the sale of $100 silver coins bearing his face, urged his supporters to spend $59.99 for a “God Bless the USA Bible,” inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad, and hawked new Trump-branded sneakers at “Sneaker Con,” a gathering that bills itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.”

He also has dabbled in NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, and last year reported earning between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of digital trading cards that portrayed him in cartoon-like images, including as an astronaut, a cowboy and a superhero.
Donald-Trump-guitars-Nov20[1].jpg
 

petros

The Central Scrutinizer
Nov 21, 2008
112,938
12,676
113
Low Earth Orbit
Donald Trump's latest branded venture is guitars that cost up to $10,000
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Meg Kinnard
Published Nov 20, 2024 • 2 minute read

Donald Trump posted to Truth Social a photo of himself holding what he said was a "Limited Edition '45' Guitar," his latest branded venture.
Donald Trump posted to Truth Social a photo of himself holding what he said was a "Limited Edition '45' Guitar," his latest branded venture. Photo by Donald Trump /Truth Social
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed a line of guitars, following up on the Bibles, sneakers, watches, photo books and cryptocurrency ventures launched during his third White House campaign.


Trump on Wednesday posted to Truth Social a photo of himself holding what he said was a “Limited Edition ’45’ Guitar,” an electric model emblazoned with an American flag and eagle on the body, and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan inlaid into the neck. Both acoustic and electric styles are available, for $1,250 and $1,500, respectively, as well as “Presidential” and “God Bless the USA” models and “Signature Edition” guitars, which — with a $10,000 price tag — also include Trump’s signature.

What’s not clear is the financial relationship between Trump and proceeds from the guitar sales.

Following his long tradition of melding his political and business interests, Trump has hawked a series of branded products since he launched his 2024 White House campaign, a slew of items that went up for sale in the wake of a $489 million civil fraud judgment against the former president.


Some of them, like the “Official Trump Watch Collection” — where one model costs $100,000 — were listed as affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure.

Websites for items like the watches note that the products are subject to a “paid license agreement,” the same mechanism that allowed Trump, well before he entered politics, to profit for years from sales of everything from water to vodka and steaks.

As of Wednesday, GetTrumpGuitars.com included no such disclaimers, or even the name of the company selling the items. An FAQ page lists information about how many of each model are being made available — and notes that these models are “the ONLY guitars endorsed by President Donald J. Trump!” — but includes none of the disclaimers or licensing language on some of Trump’s other product sites.


The guitar website’s privacy policy does include a suburban Nashville address for a couple, neither of whom immediately returned a message seeking comment Wednesday. Photos on their social media pages showed that they attended Trump’s election-night party in Florida.

Messages left with 16 Creative — a branding agency listed at the bottom of the guitar website — and Trump’s transition team also were not immediately returned.

Leading up to his win in the general election, Trump this year has announced the sale of $100 silver coins bearing his face, urged his supporters to spend $59.99 for a “God Bless the USA Bible,” inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad, and hawked new Trump-branded sneakers at “Sneaker Con,” a gathering that bills itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.”

He also has dabbled in NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, and last year reported earning between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of digital trading cards that portrayed him in cartoon-like images, including as an astronaut, a cowboy and a superhero.
View attachment 25857
It looks like a Gibson. If a real Les Paul, thats one fuck.of a good investment.
 

justfred

Electoral Member
Dec 26, 2004
262
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Drumheller
I think one of the biggest fears that Americans should have is when Donald Trump gets in as President, he will raid the USA secrets, then sell them to other countries that will give him big time money so he can screw the American people.
 

harrylee

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Mar 22, 2019
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I think one of the biggest fears that Americans should have is when Donald Trump gets in as President, he will raid the USA secrets, then sell them to other countries that will give him big time money so he can screw the American people.
Just like he did last time, right Fred?