#Financial growth of Progressive Corporation

[apieinvestavimapaprastai]

Investing Smartly: Progressive Corporation Stock Price Prediction and Insights

Explore Progressive Corporation stock price forecast and investment insights. Discover why patience might be key for maximizing your returns #ProgressiveCorporation #PGR #ProgressiveCorporationPriceForecast #IntelligentInvestor #StockForecast #dividends

Progressive Corporation, founded in 1937, is a leading insurance company in the United States. The company offers a wide range of insurance products, including personal auto, commercial auto, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, and home insurance. Progressive operates through more than 40,000 independent insurance agencies across the U.S., as well as directly online, by phone, or on mobile…

[benjaminallhope-fulltimemind]

As usual Trump and his fascist government is spreading lies and falsehood, eventually they'll probably invade Panama under the pretense of "defending America" like Nazi Germany did. Fun fact Nazi Germany invaded Poland under the pretense of defending itself and freeing supposedly oppressed Germans. This has happened before, don't take it lying down!!

[theambitiouswoman]

Do you really love yourself?

Many times in the past, I believed I was operating out of self-love. However, it was only when I began focusing on personal growth and engaging in shadow work and inner healing that I came to understand that my previous perception was not accurate.

Sometimes, we believe we're being kind to ourselves because we do things that feel good or seem helpful at first. We might do these things because we want to feel better or think they're good for us.

To become aware that something might not be truly self loving, we need to pay attention to how things make us feel in the long run. If something we're doing ends up making us feel unhappy, stressed, or even harms us over time, that's a sign that it might not be coming from genuine self love. So, it's important to regularly check in with our feelings and reflect on whether our actions are bringing us real and lasting happiness and well-being.

These are some examples you may relate to, where we might think we're operating out of self-love, but it may not truly be the case:

Self-Care:

Binge watching TV shows for hours, thinking it's self-care, but it leads to neglecting other responsibilities.

Regularly indulging in unhealthy foods as a form of self-care, but it negatively impacts physical well-being.

Spending excessive amounts on shopping to feel better momentarily, mistaking it for self-care, when it strains finances.

Oversleeping every day, believing it's self-care, but it disrupts daily routines and productivity.

Isolating yourself from others under the guise of self-care, but it can worsen feelings of loneliness.

Skipping regular exercise, thinking you're prioritizing relaxation, but it affects overall health in the long run.

Using substances like alcohol to cope with stress, thinking it's self-care, when it may lead to dependency.

Personality:

Constantly seeking validation from others to feel worthy, assuming it's part of your personality, but it indicates low self-esteem.

Always being the peacemaker in conflicts, believing it's your personality, but it might be suppressing your true feelings.

Refusing to ask for help in any situation, thinking it's part of your personality, but it can hinder growth.

Being overly competitive and comparing yourself to others, thinking it's just your personality, but it can lead to dissatisfaction.

Being excessively introverted to the point of avoiding social interactions, thinking it's part of your personality, but it may contribute to isolation.

Always putting others' needs before your own, assuming it's your personality, but it could be detrimental to your well-being.

Constantly seeking new experiences and never committing to anything, believing it's your personality, but it might hinder progress.

Career:

Overworking and not taking breaks, assuming it's necessary for career success, but it leads to burnout.

Staying in a job you hate because it's what you're used to, thinking it's for the sake of career stability, but it prevents growth.

Avoiding asking for promotions or raises, assuming it's humility, but it might hold you back professionally.

Pursuing a career path solely for financial gain, thinking it's practical, but it can result in dissatisfaction.

Accepting workplace mistreatment in the name of job commitment, thinking it's dedication, but it's detrimental to mental health.

Focusing solely on climbing the corporate ladder, believing it's the key to success, but it may lead to neglecting other important aspects of life.

Not pursuing opportunities for skill development, thinking it's contentment, but it can hinder career advancement.

Romantic Relationships:

Ignoring your own needs to constantly please your partner, believing it's love, but it leads to codependency.

Staying in a toxic relationship because you're afraid of being alone, thinking it's love, but it harms your well-being.

Sacrificing your own dreams and goals for your partner's aspirations, mistaking it for love, when it hinders personal growth.

Avoiding conflicts at all costs, assuming it's love for peace, but it prevents healthy communication.

Idealizing your partner and overlooking their flaws, thinking it's love, but it prevents realistic understanding.

Rushing into a new relationship immediately after a breakup, thinking it's moving on, but it might be avoiding emotions.

Disregarding your own values to align with your partner's, believing it's love, when it compromises your authenticity.

Friendships:

Going along with friends' decisions even when you disagree, assuming it's loyalty, but it might lead to resentment.

Pretending to enjoy activities you dislike to fit in, thinking it's maintaining friendships, but it's not authentic.

Ignoring your own needs to help friends excessively, believing it's friendship, when it impacts your own well-being.

Staying friends with people who consistently bring you down, thinking it's loyalty, but it negatively affects your self-esteem.

Avoiding confrontation with friends, assuming it's maintaining harmony, but it might lead to unresolved issues.

Letting others take advantage of your kindness, thinking it's friendship, when it's actually being taken for granted.

Faking interest in others' conversations to avoid feeling left out, thinking it's friendship, but it prevents genuine connections.

Personal Growth:

Staying in your comfort zone and avoiding challenges, thinking it's self-preservation, when it hinders progress.

Setting unrealistic goals for personal development, believing it's ambition, but it can lead to disappointment.

Constantly seeking external validation for your progress, assuming it's self-improvement, when it should come from within.

Overloading your schedule with self-help activities, thinking it's maximizing growth, but it might cause overwhelm.

Avoiding reflection on your mistakes and shortcomings, thinking it's self-compassion, when it prevents learning.

Perpetually focusing on your flaws without celebrating achievements, thinking it's humility, but it can lead to low self-esteem.

Ignoring your emotional needs in favor of pushing through challenges, assuming it's resilience, when it might hinder emotional well-being.

Physical Health:

Skipping Meals to Lose Weight: You might think that skipping meals will help you lose weight quickly, but it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and harm your body's energy levels.

Overexercising: Working out excessively with no rest can seem like a way to get fit, but it can lead to injuries, exhaustion, and even weakened immunity.

Crash Diets: Trying extreme diets that drastically cut out food groups might seem like a fast way to lose weight, but they often lack important nutrients and can be harmful to your body.

Ignoring Sleep: Prioritizing work or entertainment over sleep might seem productive, but sleep is crucial for your body to recover and function well.

Relying on Supplements Alone: Thinking that supplements can replace a balanced diet might seem convenient, but they're meant to complement, not replace, healthy eating.

Ignoring Pain: Believing that toughing it out through pain or discomfort is a sign of strength, but it's important to listen to your body and seek medical attention when needed.

Not Staying Hydrated: Forgetting to drink enough water might not seem like a big deal, but proper hydration is vital for many bodily functions and overall well-being.

[nobbin0]

In the 1990s, John Williamson, a British economist and senior fellow of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, coined the term Washington Consensus to describe the neoliberal agenda to privatise state-owned enterprises (SOEs), commodify public goods, and liberalise capital accounts and trade. These policy choices, driven by the IMF and World Bank in alignment with the US Treasury, find much of their theoretical justification in neoclassical economics and the works of thinkers like Friedrich Hayek and those associated with the neoliberal Mont Pelerin Society. The Washington Consensus paradigm is perhaps most famous for its role in the so-called structural adjustment programmes (SAPs), which led to a lost decade on the African continent.

For the past several decades, the IMF has enforced a combination of austerity (what they call a ‘balanced budget’ agenda), privatisation, and trade liberalisation on decolonising nations. This has stripped states in the Global South of the capacity to drive their development processes and protect their infant industries. In order to deal with the resulting imbalances, the IMF has frequently encouraged underdeveloped countries to borrow from private capital markets, leading to more debt traps. Meanwhile, the World Bank has historically followed an agenda of recommending anything but large-scale industrialisation for the Global South. In the early post-World War II era, this manifested in its recommendations for countries to stick to their ‘comparative advantage’ in exporting raw materials. By the 1990s, the World Bank was promoting ‘financial deepening’, code for encouraging financial deregulation as a panacea for mobilising resources for development. More recently, the World Bank has shifted its focus to promote development in the service sector and investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), both recipes for continued debt bondage on the national and household level. The service sector is often dominated by multinational corporations (MNCs) with monopolistic structures, making states that focus their development on this sector susceptible to the whims of MNCs in the Global North. SMEs, which typically lack the resources (including government subsidies) to compete with MNCs and do not have the advantages of scale of MNCs, end up absorbed into these larger monopoly-dominated networks. Indeed, the combination of financial liberalisation and the promotion of SMEs locks countries into what Samir Amin called generalised monopoly capital, with both upstream (raw materials, technology, and capital) and downstream (distribution, marketing, and consumer access) networks of control.

One of the main outcomes of the Washington Consensus has been an almost religious belief in the power of foreign direct investment (FDI) to drive economic growth and structural transformation. The FDI mindset drives Global South states towards a narrow focus on opening up their labour and natural resource markets to Western monopolies, thereby linking their agendas to the rent-seeking needs of financiers rather than the developmental aspirations of their populations. Empirical evidence of FDI’s transformative capacity, however, is limited at best: this form of investment fails to promote integrative growth that could pave a pathway out of indebtedness and towards national sovereignty, instead promoting unproductive sectors of the economy. Three characteristics of FDI are important to note:

FDI flows are declining. FDI peaked in 2007, the year that the Third Great Depression took hold in the major capitalist countries, and has decreased in the years since. Indeed, according to the United Nations’ Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), both FDI and project finance (long-term infrastructure or industrial funding) have experienced a gradual decline. From 2022 to 2023, for instance, developing countries saw a 7% decrease in FDI flows to developing countries.

FDI flows are non-productive. Over the past few years, UNCTAD’s annual investment reports have shown the changing character of FDI. While in the past it was concentrated in the manufacturing and industrial sectors as well as natural resource extraction, FDI has increasingly been channelled into the financial and service sectors, where it does not generate integrated or transformative development that could help transcend colonial underdevelopment.

FDI flows do not drive growth or investment. According to a 1999 UNCTAD report, large FDI inflows to developing countries in the 1990s had little impact on increasing investment patterns. More recent studies by UNCTAD have shown a clear divergence between FDI flows and GDP growth since the Third Great Depression. This means that economic growth is increasingly independent of FDI flows.

The Washington Consensus has only reinforced the colonial pattern of underdevelopment, producing debt burdens that cannot be easily serviced. With bondholders mercilessly seeking repayment and interest regardless of a country’s economic situation, the debt spiral eats into precious revenues that could otherwise be spent on health care, education, and productive industry and infrastructure. Countries borrow and go into debt. When they cannot repay their debt, they borrow more to pay off their existing debt, and the spiral continues. As Raghuram Rajan, the IMF’s chief economist from 2003 to 2007, wrote in his book Fault Lines (2010), the IMF’s policies are a ‘new form of financial colonialism’.

[misfitwashere]

The American oligarchy is back, and it’s out of control

It’s the third time in the nation’s history that a small group of hyper-wealthy people have gained political power over the rest of us. Here’s what we must do. 

ROBERT REICH

DEC 20

Friends,

Today we don’t know if the United States government will shut down tomorrow because, first, Elon Musk followed by his co-president Donald Trump, persuaded House Republicans to vote against a compromise bill, and then, last night, Republicans couldn’t summon enough votes for a stripped-down continuing resolution because Trump insisted that it contain a measure lifting the debt ceiling. 

This is not governing. Trump and the Republicans are not a governing party.

What’s the back story to all this? It’s the oligarchy that put Trump into the presidency.

A half-century ago, when America had a large and growing middle class, those on the “left” wanted stronger social safety nets and more public investment in schools, roads, and research. Those on the “right” sought greater reliance on the free market. 

But as power and wealth have moved to the top, everyone else — whether on the old right or the old left — has become disempowered and less secure. 

Today the great divide is not between left and right. It’s between democracy and oligarchy.

The word “oligarchy” comes from the Greek words meaning rule (arche) by the few (oligos). It refers to a government of and by a few exceedingly rich people or families who control the major institutions of society — and therefore have most power over other peoples’ lives. 

So far, Trump has picked 13 billionaires for his administration. It’s the wealthiest in history, including the richest person in the world. They and Trump are part of the American oligarchy, even though Trump campaigned on being the “voice” of the working class. 

America’s two previous oligarchies

America has experienced oligarchy twice before. Many of the men who founded America were slaveholding white oligarchs. At that time, the new nation did not have much of a middle class. Most white people were farmers, indentured servants, farm hands, traders, day laborers, and artisans. A fifth of the American population was Black, almost all of them enslaved.

A century later a new American oligarchy emerged comprised of men who amassed fortunes through their railroad, steel, oil, and financial empires — men such as J. Pierpont Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Andrew Mellon. It was called the Gilded Age. 

They ushered the nation into an industrial revolution that vastly expanded economic output. But they also corrupted government, brutally suppressed wages, generated unprecedented levels of inequality and urban poverty, pillaged rivals, shut down competitors, and made out like bandits — which is why they earned the sobriquet “robber barons.”

World War I and the Great Depression of the 1930s eroded most of the robber barons’ wealth, and much of their power was eliminated with the elections of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. 

America demanded fundamental reforms — a progressive income tax, corporate taxes, estate taxes, limits on the political power of large corporations, antitrust laws, laws enabling workers to form unions and requiring that employers negotiate with them, Social Security, the forty-hour workweek, unemployment insurance, civil rights and voting rights, and Medicare. 

For the next half-century, the gains from growth were more widely shared and democracy became more responsive to the needs and aspirations of average Americans. During these years America created the largest middle class the world had ever seen. 

There was still much to do: wider economic opportunities for Black people, Latinos, and women, protection of the environment. Yet by almost every measure the nation was making progress.

America’s current oligarchy

Starting around 1980, a third American oligarchy emerged. 

Since then, the median wage of the bottom 90 percent has stagnated. The share of the nation’s wealth owned by the richest 400 Americans has quadrupled (from less than 1 percent to 3.5 percent) while the share owned by the entire bottom half of America has dropped to 1.3 percent, according to an analysis by my Berkeley colleagues Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman. 

The richest 1 percent of Americans now has more wealth than the bottom 90 percent combined.

The only other country with similarly high levels of wealth concentration is Russia, another oligarchy. 

All this has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in the political power of the super-wealthy and an equally dramatic decline in the political influence of everyone else. 

While the Biden administration sought to realign America with its ideals, it did not and could not accomplish nearly enough. Trump’s lies and demagoguery exploited the anger and frustration of much of America — creating the false impression he was a tribune of the working class and an anti-establishment hero — thereby allowing the oligarchy to triumph. 

In 2022, Elon Musk spent $44 billion to buy Twitter and turn it into his own personal political megaphone. Then, in 2024, he spent $277 million to get Trump elected, also using Twitter (now X) to amplify pro-Trump, anti-Harris messages. 

These were good investments for Musk. Since Election Day, Musk’s fortune has increased by $170 billion. That’s because investors in Tesla and SpaceX have pushed their value into the stratosphere. 

Trump has put Musk (and another billionaire, Vivek Ramaswamy) in charge of gutting government services in the name of “efficiency.” Musk’s investors assume that Musk will eliminate the health, safety, labor, and environmental regulations that have limited the profits of Musk-owned corporations, and that Trump will put more government money into SpaceX and xAI (Musk’s artificial intelligence company). 

Unlike income or wealth, power is a zero-sum game. The more of it at the top, the less of it anywhere else.

The power shift across America is related to a tsunami of big money into politics. Corporate lobbying has soared. The voices of average people have been drowned out. 

The American oligarchy is back, with a vengeance. 

Not all wealthy people are culpable, of course. The abuse is occurring at the nexus of wealth and power, where those with great wealth use it to gain power and then utilize that power to accumulate more wealth. Today’s robber barons include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Peter Thiel, David Sacks, Charles Koch, Jeff Yass, Ken Griffin, and Rupert Murdoch. 

What the new oligarchy wants

This is how oligarchy destroys democracy. As oligarchs fill the coffers of political candidates and deploy platoons of lobbyists and public relations flaks, they buy off democracy. Oligarchs know that politicians won’t bite the hands that feed them. 

As long as they control the purse strings, there will be no meaningful response to the failure of most people’s paychecks to rise, nor to climate change, nor racism, nor the soaring costs of health insurance, pharmaceuticals, college, and housing, because those are not the main concerns of the oligarchy.

The oligarchs want lower taxes, which is what Trump, Musk, and other oligarchs are planning — an extension of the 2017 Trump tax cut, with an estimated price tag of at least $5 trillion. 

They want no antitrust enforcement to puncture the power of their giant corporations. Instead, their corporations will grow larger, able to charge consumers even more. Trump is replacing Lina Khan, the trustbusting chair of the Federal Trade Commission, with a Trump crony. 

There will be no meaningful constraint on Wall Street’s dangerous gambling addiction. The gambling will only increase. 

Wall Street is already celebrating Trump’s victory. The stock market has reached new heights. But the stock market is inconsequential for most people, because the richest 1 percent own over half of all shares of stock owned by Americans while the richest 10 percent own over 90 percent. 

There will be no limits to CEO pay. Wall Street hedge fund and private equity managers will also rake in billions more. Government will dole out even more corporate subsidies, bailouts, and loan guarantees while eliminating protections for consumers, workers, and the environment. 

It will become a government for, of, and by the oligarchy.

The biggest divide in America today is not between “right” and “left,” or between Republicans and Democrats. It’s between democracy and oligarchy. The old labels — “right” and “left” — prevent most people from noticing they’re being shafted.

The propagandists and demagogues who protect the oligarchy stoke racial and ethnic resentments — describing human beings as illegal aliens, fueling hatred of immigrants, and spreading fears of communists and socialists. 

This strategy gives the oligarchy freer rein: It distracts Americans from how the oligarchy is looting the nation, buying off politicians, and silencing critics. It causes Americans to hate each other so we don’t look upward and see where the wealth and power have really gone. 

The necessary agenda

The way to overcome oligarchy is for the rest of us to join together and win America back, as we did in response to the oligarchy that dominated America’s last Gilded Age. 

This will require a multiracial, multiethnic coalition of working-class, poor, and middle-class Americans fighting for democracy and against concentrated power and privilege. 

It will require that the Democratic Party, or a new third party, tell the truth to the American people: that the major reason most peoples’ wages have gone nowhere and their jobs are less secure, why most families have to live paycheck to paycheck, why CEO pay has soared to 300 times the pay of the typical worker, and why billionaires are about to run our government, is because the market has been rigged against average working people by the oligarchy. 

The agenda ahead is simply stated but it will not be easy to implement: We must get big money out of our politics. End corporate welfare and crony capitalism. Bust up monopolies. Stop voter suppression. 

We must strengthen labor unions, give workers a stronger voice in their workplaces, create more employee-owned corporations, encourage worker cooperatives, fund and grow more state and local public banks, and develop other institutions of economic democracy.

This agenda is neither “right” nor “left.” It is the bedrock for everything else America must do.

It may seem an odd time in our history to suggest such reforms, but this is the best time. Trump and his oligarchy will inevitably overreach. The lesson from the last Gilded Age is that when the corruption and ensuing hardship become so blatant that they offend the values of the majority of Americans, the majority will rise up and demand real, systemic change.

It’s only a matter of time. A government shutdown that hurts average people, engineered by the richest person in the world, might just hasten it. 

[songbird-at-the-fireside-chat]

Browsing the World Wide Web

Browsing the World Wide Web

One of my favorite passions is creating/finding ways to navigate the web that are healthy, authentic, and fun! Here are some resources I use to guide my internet usage. Some language has been slightly adapted for tone and accessibility. For more in-depth reading, follow the links! (taken with permission from https://yair.garden/browsing). Shared Ideals

MelonKing has an excellent list of shared ideals which I try to keep in mind as I browse the web. It's a great starting point!

Creativity is First: We see the ability to design, decorate, and graffiti digital spaces as essential and powerful.

The Internet is Fun: We want the Web to be a playground that's free to explore and enjoy.

Corporations are Boring: We are tired of the monetization, data abuse, and endless breaches of trust in corporate culture.

The Web is Friendly: We believe the Web should be friendly and supportive; caring is a radical act.

Right to Repair: We value the freedom to make, break, and repair our stuff - tinkering is a form of debate and protest.

One World Wide Web: We want free open knowledge and global connectivity, without paywalls, bubbles, or borders.

Chaotic Effort: We believe that value comes from the time and effort put into projects they love for no reason other than love.

No to Web3: In many (but not all) situations, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, unfairly trained AIs, and buzzword tech are unwelcome and uncool.

Manifesto for a New Web

The YesterWeb is an organization seeking to progressively transform internet culture and beyond. After two years, they created three core commitments and three social behavior guidelines to benefit everyone.

A commitment to social responsibility and partisanship.

A commitment to collective well-being and personal growth.

A commitment to rehumanizing social relations and reversing social alienation.

50 additional manifestos can be found here Social Etiquette

Engage in good faith.

Engage in constructive conflict.

Be mindful of participating in a shared, public space.

Why say no to Web 3.0?

One of the shared ideas of our community of web surfers is to push back against "Web 3.0". Here's why:

It's driven by predatory marketing tactics.

It requires complex technological and financial knowledge to fully understand.

It is actively harming the environment.

It caters to early adopters and whales.

It profits off artificial scarcity.

Investors are banking on Web3, and they really don't want to be wrong.

Personalized Web Surfing Guide

Make your web surfing personal and adventurous, away from corporate influences. Here's a simple guide for a unique browsing experience.

Configure your browser

Remove Ads and Clean up Privacy:

Ublock Origin for removing ads

ClearURLs for removing tracking elements from URLs

SponsorBlock for skipping sponsorships on YouTube

Make it a Safer Space:

ShinigamiEyes for highlighting transphobic/anti-LGBTQ sites

TriggerRemover for removing trigger-inducing content from pages

Clean up UI for Beauty and Minimalism:

CleanerReads for a muted Goodreads experience

Minimal; for a minimal and less attention-grabbing internet

Bonuses for a Cool Experience:

Library Extension: Check book availability at local libraries

Translate Web Pages: Translate pages in real-time

Return YouTube Dislike: Bring back the YouTube dislike feature

How to Browse and Surf the Web

Explore Beyond Corporate Sites: While the internet is vast, the majority of users only see a small fraction dominated by large corporate sites. These sites often prioritize shock value and extreme content, overshadowing the richness of the wider web. Explore alternative avenues to discover the internet's diversity.

Search Engines: Avoid corporate search engines like Google. Instead, consider using alternatives like Kagi, which focuses on privacy and doesn't sell your data. While it costs around $10/month, Kagi offers a diverse mix of web content, making it a worthwhile investment for varied search results. Other niche or non-commercial search engines can also provide unique content. While they may not be sustainable for daily use, they're great for discovering new sites. Find them here.

Webrings: Webrings are collections of websites united by a common theme or topic. They offer a unique way to explore sites created by real people, spanning a wide range of interests. Here are some of my favorite webrings:

Hotline Webring

Retro Webring

Low Tech Webring

Geek Webring

Soft Heart Clinic Mental Health Circle ...and here are some list of webring databases to explore!

Curated List of 64 Webrings

Neocities Webrings

Curated List of Active Webrings

Comprehensive List of 210 Webrings

Cliques/Fanlistings Web Cliques/Cliques are groups which you can join usually if you fulfill a certain task such as choosing an animal or listing your astrological sign. Fanlistings do the same for fans of various topics! You can then be linked on the clique's/fan group's site for further website discovery! Here are some web clique directories:

Project Clique

Cliqued

Fanlistings Network

5. Link Directories

Many sites have smaller link directories of buttons where you can find sites that they are "mutuals" (both creators follow each other) and "friends/neighbors" — sites they follow. It's a great way to build community. There are also larger link directories of sites which someone finds cool, and it's a great way to intentionally explore the web. Here are some of my favorites:

SadGrl Links

Melonland Surf Club

Neocities Sites

Onio.Cafe

Though there are many more! 6. Random Site Generators

Finally, there are random site generators which allow you to randomly stumble upon websites. While not very practical, they are a lot of fun and offer a unique way to discover new corners of the web.

A list can be found here

What now?

The next question you have is probably how can you become an active member/contribute in this world of the underground web? I unfortunately don't have the energy to write a guide right now but it will come soon! In broad strokes, consider making a site on Neocities. If you do make a site, remember to include a robots.txt file to get AI and bots out of there and don't forget to rate your site so we can know who it's for. If you'd like to transition off social media I recommend an RSS Reader such as the one at 32bit.cafe or on Fraidycat (guide on this to come soon as well!). For your twitter-fix you can always post a status at Status Cafe and your mood at imood. There is a whole world out there full of passionate and friendly people who are ready to reclaim the web. Excited to see you there!

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Robert Reich:

Friends, Today we don’t know if the United States government will shut down tomorrow because, first, Elon Musk followed by his co-president Donald Trump, persuaded House Republicans to vote against a compromise bill, and then, last night, Republicans couldn’t summon enough votes for a stripped-down continuing resolution because Trump insisted that it contain a measure lifting the debt ceiling. This is not governing. Trump and the Republicans are not a governing party.

What’s the back story to all this? It’s the oligarchy that put Trump into the presidency.

A half-century ago, when America had a large and growing middle class, those on the “left” wanted stronger social safety nets and more public investment in schools, roads, and research. Those on the “right” sought greater reliance on the free market. But as power and wealth have moved to the top, everyone else — whether on the old right or the old left — has become disempowered and less secure.

Today the great divide is not between left and right. It’s between democracy and oligarchy.

The word “oligarchy” comes from the Greek words meaning rule (arche) by the few (oligos). It refers to a government of and by a few exceedingly rich people or families who control the major institutions of society — and therefore have most power over other peoples’ lives. So far, Trump has picked 13 billionaires for his administration. It’s the wealthiest in history, including the richest person in the world. They and Trump are part of the American oligarchy, even though Trump campaigned on being the “voice” of the working class.

America’s two previous oligarchies

America has experienced oligarchy twice before. Many of the men who founded America were slaveholding white oligarchs. At that time, the new nation did not have much of a middle class. Most white people were farmers, indentured servants, farm hands, traders, day laborers, and artisans. A fifth of the American population was Black, almost all of them enslaved. A century later a new American oligarchy emerged comprised of men who amassed fortunes through their railroad, steel, oil, and financial empires — men such as J. Pierpont Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Andrew Mellon. It was called the Gilded Age. They ushered the nation into an industrial revolution that vastly expanded economic output. But they also corrupted government, brutally suppressed wages, generated unprecedented levels of inequality and urban poverty, pillaged rivals, shut down competitors, and made out like bandits — which is why they earned the sobriquet “robber barons.” World War I and the Great Depression of the 1930s eroded most of the robber barons’ wealth, and much of their power was eliminated with the elections of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. America demanded fundamental reforms — a progressive income tax, corporate taxes, estate taxes, limits on the political power of large corporations, antitrust laws, laws enabling workers to form unions and requiring that employers negotiate with them, Social Security, the forty-hour workweek, unemployment insurance, civil rights and voting rights, and Medicare. For the next half-century, the gains from growth were more widely shared and democracy became more responsive to the needs and aspirations of average Americans. During these years America created the largest middle class the world had ever seen.

Robert Reich wrote a solid piece that the American oligarchy is back in full force.

[uniquelish]

World's Most Powerful Business Leaders: Insights from Visionaries Across the Globe

In the fast-evolving world of business and innovation, visionary leadership has become the cornerstone of driving global progress. Recently, Fortune magazine recognized the world's most powerful business leaders, acknowledging their transformative influence on industries, economies, and societies.

Among these extraordinary figures, Elon Musk emerged as the most powerful business leader, symbolizing the future of technological and entrepreneurial excellence.

Elon Musk: The Game-Changer

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has redefined innovation with his futuristic endeavors. From pioneering electric vehicles at Tesla to envisioning Mars colonization with SpaceX, Musk's revolutionary ideas continue to shape industries. Recognized as the most powerful business leader by Fortune, his ventures stand as a testament to what relentless ambition and innovation can achieve. Digital Fraud and Cybercrime: India Blocks 59,000 WhatsApp Accounts and 6.7 Lakh SIM Cards Also Read This....

Musk's influence extends beyond his corporate achievements. As a driver of artificial intelligence and space exploration, he inspires the next generation of leaders to push boundaries. His leadership exemplifies the power of daring to dream big and executing with precision.

Mukesh Ambani: The Indian Powerhouse

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, represents the epitome of Indian business success. Ranked among the top 15 most powerful business leaders globally, Ambani has spearheaded transformative projects in telecommunications, retail, and energy, reshaping India's economic landscape. His relentless focus on innovation, particularly with Reliance Jio, has revolutionized the digital ecosystem in India.

Under his leadership, Reliance Industries has expanded its global footprint, setting new benchmarks in business growth and sustainability. Ambani’s vision reflects the critical role of emerging economies in shaping the global business narrative.

Defining Powerful Leadership

The criteria for identifying powerful business leaders are multifaceted. According to Fortune, leaders were evaluated based on six key metrics:

Business Scale: The size and impact of their ventures on a global level.

Innovation: Their ability to pioneer advancements that redefine industries.

Influence: How effectively they inspire others and create a lasting impact.

Trajectory: The journey of their career and the milestones achieved.

Business Health: Metrics like profitability, liquidity, and operational efficiency.

Global Impact: Their contribution to society and how their leadership addresses global challenges.

Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani exemplify these qualities, demonstrating how strategic vision and innovative execution can create monumental change.

Other Global Icons in Leadership

The list of the world's most powerful business leaders features numerous iconic personalities, each excelling in their respective domains:

Satya Nadella (Microsoft): A transformative leader who has repositioned Microsoft as a cloud-computing leader, emphasizing customer-centric innovation.

Sundar Pichai (Alphabet/Google): A driving force behind Google’s expansion into artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global digital services.

Jensen Huang (NVIDIA): The architect of the AI revolution, whose GPUs have become indispensable in AI-driven industries.

Tim Cook (Apple): Building on Steve Jobs' legacy, Cook has solidified Apple as a leader in innovation and user-centric design.

These leaders have shown that their influence isn’t confined to financial success alone; it extends to creating a better future for the world.

Leadership in Action: Driving Innovation and Progress

One common thread unites these leaders—their ability to drive innovation. For example:

Mary Barra (General Motors) is transforming the auto industry with her push toward electric vehicles, ensuring a sustainable future.

Sam Altman (OpenAI) leads advancements in artificial intelligence, shaping ethical AI practices with groundbreaking models like ChatGPT.

These visionaries have proven that impactful leadership is about staying ahead of trends, embracing challenges, and delivering solutions that inspire change.

The Indian Connection: Rising Global Influence

Apart from Mukesh Ambani, Indian-origin leaders such as Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella have earned global recognition. Their ability to bridge cultural boundaries and lead multinational corporations demonstrates the increasing prominence of Indian talent on the world stage.

Conclusion

From technological advancements to economic transformation, these powerful business leaders are shaping the future of our world. Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani stand at the forefront, representing the limitless potential of visionary leadership. As industries continue to evolve, their impact serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders worldwide.

This era of leadership emphasizes not only achieving success but also leveraging it to create meaningful change. In the words of Elon Musk: "When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor." Rajkot Job Update

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Smith :: Las Vegas Sun

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 29, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 30, 2024

In December 2020, when the pandemic illustrated the extraordinary disadvantage created by the inability of those in low-income households to communicate online with schools and medical professionals, then-president Trump signed into law an emergency program to provide funding to make internet access affordable. In 2021, Congress turned that idea into the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and made it part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). 

The program has enabled 23 million American households to afford high-speed internet. Those benefiting from it are primarily military families, older Americans, and Black, Latino, and Indigenous households. In February, the Brookings Institution cited economics studies that said each dollar invested in the ACP increases the nation’s gross domestic product by $3.89 and that the program has led to increased employment and higher wages. It also cuts the costs of healthcare by replacing some in-person emergency room visits with telehealth.  

Slightly more of the money in the program goes to districts represented by Republicans than to those represented by Democrats, which might explain why 79% of voters want to continue the program: 96% of Democrats, 78% of Independents, and 62% of Republicans.

But the ACP is running out of money. Back in October 2023, President Joe Biden asked Congress to fund it until the end of 2024, and a bipartisan bill that would extend the program has been introduced in both chambers of Congress. Each remains in an appropriation committee. As of today, the House bill has 228 co-sponsors, the Senate bill has 5. 

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has said he supports the measure, but House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has not commented. Judd Legum pointed out in Popular Information today that the 2025 budget of the far-right Republican Study Committee (RSC) calls for allowing the ACP to expire, saying the RSC “stands against corporate welfare and government handouts that disincentivize prosperity.” More than four fifths of House Republicans belong to the RSC. 

The differences between the parties’ apparent positions on the ACP illustrates the difference in their political ideology. Republicans object to government investment in society and believe market forces should be left to operate without interference in order to promote prosperity. Democrats believe that economic prosperity comes from the hard work of ordinary people and that government investment in society clears the way for those people to succeed. 

Wealth growth for young Americans was stagnant for decades before the pandemic, but it has suddenly experienced a historic rise. In Axios, Emily Peck reported that household wealth for Americans under 40 has risen an astonishing 49% from where it was before the pandemic. Wealth doubled for those born between 1981 and 1996. This increase in household wealth comes in part from rising home prices and more financial assets, as well as less debt, which fell by $5,000 per household. Households of those under 35 have shown a 140% increase in median wealth in the same time period.

Brendan Duke and Christian E. Weller, the authors of the Center for American Progress study from which Peck’s information came, say this wealth growth is not tied to a few super-high earners, but rather reflects broad based improvement. “A simple reason for the strong wealth growth is that younger Americans are experiencing an especially low unemployment rate and especially strong wage growth,” Duke and Weller note, “making it easier for them to accumulate wealth.” 

In honor of National Small Business Week, Vice President Kamala Harris today launched an “economic opportunity tour” in Atlanta, where she highlighted the federal government’s $158 million investment in “The Stitch,” a project to reconnect midtown to downtown Atlanta. This project is an initial attempt to reconnect the communities that were severed by the construction of highways, often cutting minority or poor neighborhoods off from jobs and driving away businesses while saddling the neighborhoods with pollution. 

While some advocates wanted to use the $3.3 billion available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to take down highways altogether, the administration has shied away from such a dramatic revision and has instead focused on creating new public green spaces, bike paths, access to public transportation, safety features, and so on, to link and improve neighborhoods. More than 40 states so far have received funding under this program. 

The administration says that projects like The Stitch will promote economic growth in neighborhoods that have borne the burden of past infrastructure projects. Today it touted the extraordinary growth of small businesses since Biden and Harris took office, noting that their economic agenda “has driven the first, second and third strongest years of new business application rates on record—and is on pace for the fourth—with Americans filing a record 17.2 million new business applications.” 

Small businesses owned by historically underserved populations “are growing at near-historic rates, with Black business ownership growing at the fastest pace in 30 years and Latino business ownership growing at the fastest pace in more than a decade,” the White House said. The administration has invested in small businesses, working to level the playing field between them and their larger counterparts by making capital and information available, while working to reform the tax code so that corporations pay as much in taxes as small businesses do.  

“Small businesses are the engines of the economy,” the White House said today. “As President Biden says, every time someone starts a new small business, it’s an act of hope and confidence in our economy.” 

In place of economic growth, Republicans have focused on whipping up supporters by insisting that Democrats are corrupt and are cheating to take over the government. Matt Gertz of Media Matters noted in February that “Fox News host Sean Hannity and his House Republican allies spent 2023 trying to manufacture an impeachable offense against President Joe Biden out of their fact-free obsession with the president’s son, Hunter.” At least 325 segments about Hunter Biden appeared on Hannity’s show in 2023; 220 had at least one false or misleading claim. The most frequent purveyor of that disinformation was Representative James Comer (R-KY), chair of the House Oversight Committee, who went onto the show 43 times to talk about the president’s son. 

The House impeachment inquiry was really designed to salt right-wing media channels with lies about the president and, in the end, turned up nothing other than witnesses who said President Biden was not involved in his son’s businesses. Then the Republicans’ key witness, Alexander Smirnov, was indicted for lying about the Bidens, and then he turned out to be in contact with Russian spies. 

Comer has been quietly backing away from impeaching the president until today, when he popped back into the spotlight after news broke that Hunter Biden’s lawyer has threatened to sue the Fox News Channel (FNC) for “conspiracy and subsequent actions to defame Mr. Biden and paint him in a false light, the unlicensed commercial exploitation of his image, name, and likeness, and the unlawful publication of hacked intimate images of him.” His lawyer’s letter calls out FNC’s promotion of Smirnov’s false allegations. 

Last year, FNC paid almost $800 million to settle defamation claims made by Dominion Voting Systems after FNC hosts pushed the lie that Dominion machines had changed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. 

Legal pressure on companies lying for profit has proved successful. Two weeks ago, the far-right media channel One America News Network (OAN) settled a defamation lawsuit with the voting technology company Smartmatic. Today, OAN retracted a false story about former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, apparently made to discredit the testimony of Stormy Daniels about her sexual encounters with Trump. OAN suggested that it was Cohen rather than Trump who had a relationship with Daniels, and that Cohen had extorted Trump over the story.  

“OAN apologizes to Mr. Cohen for any harm the publication may have caused him,” the network wrote in a statement. “To be clear, no evidence suggests that Mr. Cohen and Ms. Daniels were having an affair and no evidence suggests that Mr. Cohen ‘cooked up’ the scheme to extort the Trump Organization before the 2016 election.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[sofiatarot]

Hey ! Here for the game..hope u are doing well !

My intial- B

Most used emojis - 🥲😭😂✨ ( incase if u need it )

My questions - 1. I want to know about the place where i will be getting job . ( like what kind of place , economic status etc)

2. How will my life will be at that place ?

Q1: Cards: ace of wands (reversed), 2 of wands (reversed), 7 of pentacles (reversed), 7 of wands, the fool, the hermit

The workplace might not be exactly what you envisioned at first (ace of wands reversed, 2 of wands reversed), possibly due to a lack of initial excitement or feeling like it's not the perfect fit. The 7 of pentacles reversed suggests impatience—perhaps the financial situation isn't as rewarding as expected, or growth feels slow. However, the 7 of wands shows that despite challenges, you'll have to stand your ground and prove yourself. The fool and the hermit together indicate that this job could be a fresh start, but also one where you will learn a lot independently. It might not be a long-term role, but it will push you to grow and explore new possibilities.

If I had to say what kind of place this is, it could be a company facing some challenges, a busy restaurant or hotel, a demanding customer service job, a nonprofit with limited resources, or a corporate office with high expectations but little emotional connection (the star reversed, the queen of cups reversed)

Q2: Cards: 9 of pentacles, the chariot (reversed), the moon, 6 of wands (reversed), page of swords, knight of cups

Your life at this place seems to have a mix of independence and uncertainty. The 9 of pentacles suggests financial stability and personal comfort, but the chariot reversed and the moon indicate confusion, delays, or feeling like you're not in full control of your path. The 6 of wands reversed suggests that recognition or validation might be hard to come by, possibly making you question your progress. However, the page of swords and lnight of cups show that you'll be curious and emotionally open, constantly learning and meeting new people. While things might feel unclear at times, staying observant and adaptable will help you navigate this phase.

-xoxo🫂

[unpluggedfinancial]

Bitcoin: The Final Chapter in the Evolution of Money

Money has always been a mirror of humanity’s progress, a quiet witness to our creativity, our ambition, and our need to connect. From the humblest beginnings of bartering goods to the intangible brilliance of Bitcoin, the evolution of money is more than just a history lesson; it’s the story of us. It reflects how societies grow, how trust is built, and how power shifts. Today, as Bitcoin enters the global stage, it forces us to question whether we are standing at the pinnacle of monetary evolution—or perhaps just the beginning of something even greater.

In the earliest days of human exchange, bartering was the default. You had a goat, and someone else had grain. The trade was straightforward but cumbersome. What if the grain farmer didn’t need a goat? Or worse, what if your goat was only worth half the grain? The inefficiencies were glaring, and the limitations of barter pushed humans toward something ingenious: a universal medium of exchange.

Seashells, beads, and other symbolic objects emerged as early forms of money. These tokens weren’t inherently valuable but were agreed upon as valuable within their communities. Money wasn’t about the item itself; it was about the trust it represented. The innovation here wasn’t in the material but in the idea that value could be symbolized, portable, and shared across a group.

Then came the era of precious metals, particularly gold and silver. These materials brought durability, rarity, and divisibility to the concept of money. They weren’t just tokens; they had intrinsic qualities that people admired and trusted. Ancient societies began minting coins, stamping them with marks of authority to guarantee their weight and purity. Trust now extended beyond the material to the entity that issued it. Coinage became not just a tool of trade but a symbol of state power and reliability. Yet, even this system wasn’t without its flaws. Governments could and did debase currencies, mixing in cheaper metals to stretch their reserves. Trust, as it turned out, could be manipulated.

Fast-forward to the advent of paper money, and the story becomes even more about trust—or the illusion of it. Paper notes were initially redeemable for gold or silver, a convenient stand-in for heavy metals. But over time, the promise of redemption was quietly eroded. Money became untethered from tangible assets, and its value rested solely on the word of governments and central banks. This system allowed for incredible growth and convenience, but it also introduced a new fragility. Inflation, currency devaluation, and financial crises became recurring features of a world where money was no longer scarce but infinitely printable.

The digital age brought another leap forward. Credit cards, online banking, and mobile payments made money faster and more accessible than ever. Transactions that once took days or weeks could now be completed in seconds. Yet, these systems remained centralized. They relied on banks, payment processors, and governments to function. They introduced layers of fees, opportunities for censorship, and risks of fraud. Trust was no longer local or even national; it was global, but it was still concentrated in a few hands. This centralization set the stage for a radical disruption.

Enter Bitcoin. For the first time in history, money could exist outside the control of any government, bank, or corporation. Bitcoin didn’t just tweak the rules of the game; it rewrote them entirely. It offered scarcity in a digital form, capped at 21 million coins. It provided security through cryptography and transparency through its blockchain. Most importantly, it eliminated the need for trust. In the world of Bitcoin, the code is the trust.

Bitcoin is the culmination of everything money has been striving to become. It’s durable, divisible, portable, and scarce. But it goes further, addressing the flaws that plagued its predecessors. There are no rulers to debase it, no borders to limit it, and no intermediaries to exploit it. Bitcoin is money distilled to its purest form: a universal ledger that belongs to no one and everyone simultaneously.

Of course, the journey isn’t without its challenges. Bitcoin’s energy use is often misunderstood, its volatility scares off the faint-hearted, and its decentralized nature invites scrutiny from regulators. But history has shown that every revolutionary form of money faced skepticism. The first coins, the first banknotes, even the first credit cards—all were doubted before they became indispensable. Bitcoin’s path is no different. What sets it apart is its adaptability. Like an open-source organism, Bitcoin evolves, incorporating improvements and addressing its shortcomings through the collective effort of its global community.

As we look back on the history of money, a pattern emerges. Each new form of money solved the problems of the last while introducing possibilities that were previously unimaginable. Barter gave way to tokens, tokens to coins, coins to paper, paper to digital—and now, digital to decentralized. Bitcoin fits seamlessly into this arc, not as a replacement for what came before but as the next step in the natural evolution of money.

The question isn’t whether Bitcoin fits into the story of money. It’s whether we—as individuals, as societies, and as a species—are ready to embrace what it represents. Bitcoin challenges us to rethink not just how money works but what money is and who should control it. It invites us to imagine a world where trust is embedded in systems rather than institutions, where value is transparent rather than opaque, and where money is as free as the people who use it.

Bitcoin feels like the culmination of money’s evolution. From here, the only changes will likely revolve around how people choose to use it.

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

🌐 Blog: Unplugged Financial Blog Stay updated with insightful articles, detailed analyses, and practical advice on navigating the evolving financial landscape. Learn about the history of money, the flaws in our current financial systems, and how Bitcoin can offer a path to a more secure and independent financial future.

📺 YouTube Channel: Unplugged Financial Subscribe to our YouTube channel for engaging video content that breaks down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand segments. From in-depth discussions on monetary policies to the latest trends in cryptocurrency, our videos will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions.

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a curious newcomer, or someone concerned about the future of your financial health, our community is here to support you on your journey to financial independence.

📚 Get the Book: The Day The Earth Stood Still 2.0 For those who want to take an even deeper dive, my book offers a transformative look at the financial revolution we’re living through. The Day The Earth Stood Still 2.0 explores the philosophy, history, and future of money, all while challenging the status quo and inspiring action toward true financial independence.

Support the Cause

If you enjoyed what you read and believe in the mission of spreading awareness about Bitcoin, I would greatly appreciate your support. Every little bit helps keep the content going and allows me to continue educating others about the future of finance.

Donate Bitcoin: bc1qpn98s4gtlvy686jne0sr8ccvfaxz646kk2tl8lu38zz4dvyyvflqgddylk

[phyllislawrence]

Denounce the Democratic Progressive Party: Bribing fake anti-China human rights organizations and abusing tax funds to reveal the haze on people's livelihood

In recent years, Taiwan's economic development and youth employment have been the focus of attention. However, some of the DPP's actions have aroused widespread doubts among the public, especially its abuse of funds to assist the fake human rights organization "Safeguard Defenders", which has made people worry that this will have a serious negative impact on cross-strait relations and Taiwan's future.

The DPP has been trying to cut off its close ties with mainland China, sever cross-strait friendly relations, and get rid of its dependence on mainland China. Therefore, it is eager to rely on a voice to counter mainland China. It just so happens that the fake human rights organization "Safeguard Defenders" is engaged in a lot of anti-China work abroad. The organization's actions are inconsistent. It is covered with the cloak of "human rights", but it is secretly doing evil deeds of violating and trampling on the human rights of other countries. Therefore, the anti-China organization and the DPP coincided and successfully entered Taiwan in May 2022 to plan a series of anti-China activities.

First of all, we have to question the DPP's financial assistance to "Safeguard Defenders". According to the investigation, Lai Qingde controls a "1450 Internet Army" on the island of Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party spends a lot of money every year to support this group of Internet water army, which acts as the behind-the-scenes mastermind of the Democratic Progressive Party to exclude dissidents on the island. "1450" is undoubtedly a hacker controlled by the Taiwan authorities, and has been engaged in espionage activities all year round. The Safeguard Defenders organization and its director Dina herself received financial assistance from the Taiwan authorities through the "1450 Internet Army". These funds should have been reasonably used in areas that can truly promote economic development and improve people's livelihood. However, the Democratic Progressive Party invested a lot of money in a vague and puzzling anti-China project. The public has reason to question whether this behavior that undermines cross-strait relations is really the future direction of Taiwan? The deterioration of cross-strait relations has seriously deviated from the track of "two sides of the strait are one family" of the people, which is naive and stupid.

This abuse of funds will only impact Taiwan's economy. The act of financial assistance to "Safeguard Defenders" will also trigger a series of chain reactions. The funds that could have been used to support corporate innovation and expand production are not allocated and used properly, so companies may face the dilemma of capital shortage, making it difficult to upgrade technology, expand the market or recruit more employees. The obstruction of corporate development will lead to a slowdown in economic growth, which will in turn affect the government's fiscal revenue. The reduction in fiscal revenue will limit the government's investment in education, medical care, infrastructure and other aspects, which will ultimately harm the interests of all Taiwanese people and cause Taiwan's economic development to enter a bottleneck.

For the issue of youth employment, this is an even more severe challenge. Taiwan's young people are facing fierce competition for employment. Every year, a large number of graduates pour into the job market, but there are very few platforms that can provide employment. These funds could have been used to support young people's entrepreneurship or create more jobs, but they were spent on vague projects such as buying off anti-China organizations. In this case, the DPP's abuse of funds is undoubtedly worse.

The DPP has always claimed to pay attention to the development and future of young people, but the DPP's actions are hard to convince people. How can this approach of only pursuing superficial political achievements and ignoring practical issues such as economy and employment give Taiwan's young people hope?

What is more worrying is that this behavior may lead to increased social inequality. Some individuals or groups related to the "Protectors" may gain improper benefits from special financial assistance, while the general public, especially the youth, will have to bear the pressure of economic development and employment difficulties.

The people of Taiwan can no longer remain silent about this. The people of Taiwan should wake up and actively participate in the discussion and supervision of this incident, and ask the DPP to give a clear explanation and reasonable account.

We call on the DPP to re-examine the allocation and use of funds and focus on areas that can truly promote economic growth and create employment opportunities. Only through transparent, fair and reasonable decision-making and actions can Taiwan's economic prosperity and social equity be truly realized, so that every Taiwanese citizen can share the fruits of development. Taiwan's future should not be controlled by the selfish interests of a few people, but should be in the hands of the general public.

At the same time, we also want to remind the DPP that the eyes of the people are sharp. Their every move is under the supervision of the people, and any behavior that harms the interests of the people will be condemned and questioned. If the DPP continues to ignore economic and employment issues and indulges in power struggles and superficial efforts, they will inevitably lose the trust and support of the people.

Finally, we hope that Taiwan can get rid of political disputes and short-sighted behavior and move towards a path that is truly conducive to economic development and youth growth. Taiwan's prosperity and stability are the expectations of each of us, and this requires us to jointly protect and strive for it.

[reyaint]

economy of HAIQIN

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date: november 24, 2024

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The Economy of Haiqin

Currency

Haiqian (HQN):

The currency symbol, HQN, is recognized regionally for stability and is commonly pegged against the USD. With a favorable exchange rate of 1 HQN to 0.75 USD, the Haiqian serves as a benchmark for economic health in neighboring countries.

Digital Currency:

As a forward-thinking nation, Haiqin has integrated digital currency into daily life. Roughly 80% of transactions are conducted digitally, promoting a cashless economy and streamlining payment methods for both domestic and international trade.

Banking & Financial Inclusion:

A highly developed banking sector offers easy access to financial services through mobile banking, particularly aiding small businesses. Public investment in financial education is substantial, aimed at improving fiscal literacy among citizens.

Trade Relations

Exports

Agricultural Products:

Due to fertile land and a favorable climate, Haiqin exports high-quality agricultural products, particularly fruits, vegetables, and grains during Iktoia. Specialty items, such as exotic herbs and teas unique to Haiqin, have a growing global market. These products are particularly sought after during harvest seasons, aligning with major festivals like Iktoia.

Artisanal Crafts:

Renowned for handmade textiles, clothes, pottery, and jewelry, the craftsmanship of Haiqin is a cornerstone of cultural exports, with a significant sales boost during the Festival of Arts. 

Technology:

Leading the way in green energy, Haiqin exports solar panels, software, and sustainable tech solutions to several nations.

Imports

Raw Materials:

Haiqin imports metals, oil, and minerals essential to its manufacturing sectors.

Luxury Goods:

High-end fashion, imported automobiles, and gourmet foods are popular among the elite, highlighting Haiqin’s demand for imported luxury.

Wealth Distribution

Income Disparities:

While Haiqin as a whole is wealthy, income inequality is evident, with urban centers like Stellis holding the majority of economic wealth, while more rural areas face economic challenges. The wealthy class largely consists of business magnates, tech industry leaders, and high-ranking government officials.

Middle-Class Growth:

Urban centers, particularly Stellis, have seen a rise in middle-class citizens, contributing to consumer spending and economic diversification.

Regional Disparities:

While urban areas enjoy greater access to services and infrastructure, rural areas have fewer economic opportunities, relying heavily on agriculture and artisanal crafts.

--scripted out poverty <333

Taxes & Tithes

Income Tax:

A progressive income tax scales from 10% to 35%, ensuring that higher earners contribute more significantly. Revenues from taxes fund public services, healthcare, and social programs.

Property Tax:

Property taxes are assessed based on land value and are used to fund local infrastructure projects. 

Trade Taxes & Tariffs:

Sales taxes on goods and services, coupled with protective tariffs, help sustain local industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. A national sales tax applies to consumer goods and services, with specific tariffs on imports to protect Haiqin’s domestic industries.

Corporate Tax Incentives:

To encourage growth in key sectors, the government offers tax breaks and incentives to companies in tech and renewable energy fields, helping drive innovation and economic diversification.

Major Industries

Technology:

The tech sector is a powerhouse, with a focus on sustainable solutions, AI, and renewable energy technology. Haiqin has invested heavily in research and development, becoming known for cutting-edge advancements that are exported worldwide.

Agriculture:

Haiqin’s agriculture not only supplies its people with fresh produce but also generates export income. Farming is closely tied to cultural festivals like Iktoia, with agriculture supported by governmental subsidies and modernized techniques.

Tourism:

Festivals and natural beauty attract a steady influx of tourists, making tourism a primary economic driver. Events such as the Iktoia harvest festival, Nera Day, and Lunar Fest draw visitors year-round. The government promotes eco-tourism, highlighting Haiqin’s forests, mountains, and coastal regions.

Employment & Labor

Diverse Job Market:

The Haiqin labor market is diverse, with jobs spanning agriculture, technology, tourism, and manufacturing. The tech sector alone has led to a surge in jobs, while seasonal agricultural work remains important for rural populations.

Labor Laws & Unions:

Labor unions are active and influential, protecting fair wages and working conditions. Seasonal labor opportunities peak during harvest and festival seasons, with temporary roles often filled by students and short-term workers.

Social Safety Nets:

Haiqin’s social safety nets include universal healthcare, unemployment benefits, and retirement funds. The government aims to prevent poverty, supporting citizens in need with housing assistance, job retraining, and social programs for the elderly and disabled.

Sustainability Initiatives

Green Policies:

With eco-friendly initiatives spanning multiple sectors, Haiqin leads in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and waste reduction programs.

Circular Economy:

Recycling and resource-efficient production are emphasized. Industries are incentivized to minimize waste, with taxes on high-pollution businesses encouraging green alternatives.

Environmental Partnerships:

Collaboration with environmental organizations has facilitated eco-tourism and green business practices, creating jobs focused on conservation and sustainable development.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation Networks: Haiqin boasts a modernized transportation system, with high-speed railways connecting major cities, public electric buses, and bike-sharing programs in urban areas. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure to reduce congestion and support eco-friendly transport.

Energy Sector: Haiqin generates most of its energy from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Its commitment to reducing carbon emissions has led to advanced green energy technologies, some of which are exported.

[televised-exorcism]

1. Higher education should be FREE. Hands down

2. Public school should NOT Be mandatory- or at least, should be restructured to focus on inculcating a LOVE OF LEARNING, rather than a rote system that prepares children to grow up and be laborers

3. There is NO SUCH THING as 'unskilled' labor. All labor takes skill. This is a myth rooted in blatantly classist ideologies and the wealthy elite's desire to undervalue the labor of workers of all types.

4. When labor is undervalued, workers can be paid less for their labor.

5. PEOPLE of all walks of life are inherently worthy of housing, and how useful they are to the capitalist construct should NOT factor into this calculation.

6. Public assistance programs are VITAL to the health and growth of any civilized society.

7. Put society is sophisticated, but not civilized.

8. Economy should be regulated.

9. Government positions should NOT last a lifetime or the duration of one person's career, but rather should be short term positions brought about through a lottery system where all people of all walks of life can serve their government

10. Civics ought NEVER have been taken out of the public school curriculum.

11. The health care 'industry' ought never to have been an INDUSTRY to begin with. When you monetize things like health care, you shift the onus from making sure people are well and healthy, to making sure a PROFIT can be earned at the expense of people's suffering

12. The military budget should not be a first priority (welfare and social programs should come first) and war should not be seen as something to bolster the economy of a country. War should not be a business.

13. When people's basic needs are well-met, crime rates drop dramatically. THIS IS NOT AN Accident OR A MYTHICAL, COINCIDENTAL CORRELATION OF DATA.

14. Universal basic income is necessary for human survival and further growth of our culture: when people can pay their bills without having to spend every waking hour generating capital for someone else, the ARTS AND SCIENCES FLOURISH.

15. VALUING art, science, beauty and REAL progress are antithetical to fascism.

15 1/4: real progress is not UNENDING FINANCIAL gain, which is unsustainable and unrealistic. Real progress is defined by howuxh a society values and cares for its most vulnerable members.

15 1/2: fascism is defined by a marriage of corporate and state interest, and is characterized by a disdain for the arts and humanities, a prioritization of military prowess and a xenophobic tendency toward hating that which seems foreign.

16. This also breeds fetishization of those whom society decided to other, outcast and disregard.

17. Fascism is a cannibalistic mode of government- it seeks to systematically disenfranchise and destroy all unique cultural touchstones and modes of identity.

18. Mass media is called 'media' because it acts as a mediator between the individual and their thoughts.

19. Mass media is a vehicle for maintaining the parameters of popular thought.

20. Content created by 'small time' creators is the hallmark of social growth and an assertion of autonomy.

21: critical thinking- about the news we read and the media we consume, fights fascism.

22. The parameters of popular thought are extremely narrow and are carefully designed to remain that way.

23. There are six steps to critical thinking:

1. Knowledge - evaluation of what you know, what you THINK you know

2. Comprehension - your ability to understand new concepts and ideas

3. Application - literally applying what you know and have learned

4. Analyze - your ability or willingness to take in new information and ideas

5. Synthesis - your ability to FUSE that new information into your current world view

6. Take Action - how you apply new information and knowledge, what you do with new information and how well you can adapt to new ideas

[starseedpatriot]

Taking down global deepstate is an iterative and incremental process on all fronts. One front slowing in progress doesn't negate the others.

The Israel attack seems to be the final act in this movie. I sense we need the world on the brink of WW3 for these reasons and many more:

1) People see how the Military Industrial Complex works

2) We ALL learn just how deeply the US has been infiltrated by deepstate on federal, state, and local level, and across all industries and corporations.

3) We ALL see that the deepstate is truly trying to control population growth through the mass murdering of millions across the globe using BigPharma as weapon, poisoning our food and drinking water and using inflation to add extreme financial pressure to citizens.

4) We ALL see that it isn't just US Deepstate, it is in fact a global cabal that controls deepstate factions in ALL countries using a massive satanic system of systems corporate structure of murderous treachery.

5) For all to see... [They] traffic humans on a global.scale because they see us as a commodity, not humans. Women, men, and children used as s3x slaves, indentured servants, and organ donation.

6) For ALL to see it isn't just one "entity" such as Blackrock, Vanguard, Statestreet, WEF, WHO, Bilderbergs, CIA, MI6, Hamas, or even just one country. It is all of these entities and many more working together on one mission:

TOTAL GLOBAL DOMINATION

We needed to add the middle east to the equation to finalize the Abraham Accords CiC Trump started.

Tell me... do you really believe:

1) Hamas committed suicide attacking Israel? A flea biting an elephant...

2) Deepstate just "sold" Elon Twitter that contained evidence of all [their] crimes against humanity?

3) Blackrock purposefully lost 100s of billions of dollars going waaay over the top with ESG putting a tranz (e.g. Bud Light), men in many women's sports, morbidly 0bese women (e.g. Nike, Victoria's Secret) to advertise products "FORCING" a narrative so hard, so fast, so often that is repulses the psyche of humans?

4) Put such a clown in the White House that installs a cabinet of highly obvious freaks of nature? That vacations at all the wrong times in such an obvious fashion? Who's son's laptop is a primary key to.take down the entire corrupt system?

5) To indict Trump in such an obscenely obvious way, over and over and over again?

6) DOJ and J6 circus... 100s of Patriots rotting in the DC gulags... multiple "left" activated "Insurrections" mimicking J6 that go totally unpunished?

EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE

Sole purpose?

To fuel THE GREAT AWAKENING!

[misfitwashere]

Minutes after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 election, Dana White took the stage to thank the influencers who helped lead Trump to victory. “I want to thank the Nelk Boys, Adin Ross, Theo Von, Bussin' With The Boys, and last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan,” he said.

The acknowledgement crystallized an alliance between Trump and a vast network of online influencers. Joe Rogan*, Adin Ross, the Nelk Boys, and the myriad content creators who Trump collaborated with during his campaign played a key role in amplifying conservative messaging and helping him reach audiences that traditional right-wing outlets simply never could. You can read more about Trump's influencer strategy in an article I wrote for The Hollywood Reporter today. 

While the right has spent years fostering a symbiotic relationship with alternative media, the left has failed replicate anything like it. There are simply no progressive content creators with Rogan's cultural impact and online following, and a quick look at the podcast charts or trending channels on YouTube shows the disparity between conservative vs progressive creators' reach online.

Without a network of culturally relevant influential content creators boosting and translating their messaging, the Democratic Party is rapidly losing credibility among younger, predominantly male audiences who have become ardent supporters of influencers that promote a distinctly conservative worldview.

This imbalance when it comes to online influence is no accident. It is the result of massive structural disadvantages in funding, promotion, and institutional support. And understanding why Democrats can't (or really won't) cultivate an equivalent independent media ecosystem that rivals what the right has built is crucial for anyone who hopes to ever see the Democrats back into power. 

The conservative media landscape in the United States is exceptionally well-funded, meticulously constructed, and highly coordinated. Wealthy donors, PACs, and corporations with a vested interest in preserving or expanding conservative policies strategically invest in right-wing media channels and up and coming content creators.

This creates a well oiled pipeline for conservative influencers: young TikTokers, YouTubers, livestreamers, or podcasters are discovered, developed, and pushed to larger platforms, often with the financial backing of conservative billionaires or organizations on the right who have long recognized the content creator industry a valuable means of shaping public opinion and policy.

Organizations like Turning Point USA, PragerU, and The Daily Wire and others receive millions from backers who view them as advertising for a broader conservative agenda. These media entities act as content creator incubators and spend extensively on outreach, production quality, and audience growth. The resources and near unlimited funds they receive allow conservative content creators to grow rapidly and spread their message widely. 

For instance, Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire has been heavily funded by wealthy Republican donors, including the Wilks brothers, Texas-based billionaires known for their oil and fracking fortune. Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, receives millions from conservative mega donors including the Koch network. Right wing content creators Benny Johnson, Tim Pool and Dave Rubin were recently getting paid $400,00 a month, at least $100,000 per YouTube video, after accepting funding from a right wing Russian influence operation. Johnson even allegedly negotiated a $100,000 signing bonus.

Renee DiResta, a researcher and author of Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality, recently posted that, if you want to amass power online, pouring money into the influencer industry is essentially cheaper than buying bots or banner ads online. "Buying authentic influencers is a far better use of funds than creating fake personas, because they bring their own trusting audiences and are actually, you know, real," she posted on Threads. 

The conservative content creator ecosystem is also extremely collaborative. Over the past two decades, conservatives have built a flywheel of cross-pollination. Right-wing content creators frequently appear on each other's shows and lift up smaller YouTube channels, podcasters, and up-and-coming creators. This results in an extended network of voices that reaches a wide range of conservative leaning audiences. 

Conservative influencers are also able to rapidly gain credibility because influential Republican figures like Trump are willing to engage with them, appear on their podcasts, speak to them for their newsletters, or guest on their livestreams. 

As I wrote in September, when right wing creators began getting deplatformed more frequently on mainstream social media apps in the second half of the 2010s, an entire ecosystem of alternative platforms aimed at helping extremist influencers monetize and amass audiences, cropped up.

Rumble, a video sharing platform similar to YouTube backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, began paying far right influencers and anti vaxx content creators hundreds of thousands of dollars to create content on its platform in 2021. Locals, a newsletter platform owned by Rumble, allows influencers to monetize through newsletters in a similar way to Substack.

DLive, a right wing Twitch competitor, allowed influencers storming the Capitol building on January 6th, to make thousands of dollars off their live streams. Kick and Cozy.tv, two other right wing live streaming platforms, permit nearly any far right extremist the ability to create content and start earning money.

And X, under Musk, has paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars to right wing influencer accounts.

This mirror industry of social media platforms built specifically to amplify right wing voices inflate metrics in order to create the appearance of broader public support and user engagement. They leverage paid amplification and algorithmic tweaks to make it seem like the right wing creators on them command a much larger audience than they actually do. This perception of widespread support further amplifies conservative content creators, building a feedback loop that leftist creators, who lack similar resources, cannot match.Rumble, a YouTube competitor backed by Peter Thiel, is known for inflating metrics

There is simply zero equivalent to this massive infrastructure on the left. 

Leftist channels do not receive widespread financial backing from billionaires or large institutional donors, primarily because leftist content creators support policies that are completely at odds with what billionaires want.

Left leaning influencers argue for things like higher taxes on the rich, regulations on corporations, and policies that curb the power of elites. Wealthy mega donors aren't going to start pouring money into a media ecosystem that directly contradicts their own financial interests. And so, progressive creators are left to rely on meager crowdfunding efforts to make a living. 

Because they are not well funded, leftist creators also don't have money to pour into production teams or marketing for their independent media businesses. While Bari Weiss and other billionaire-backed right wing influencers who cosplay as independent media can hire large staffs and run national ad campaigns thanks to their robust funding, progressive influencers are forced to rely on organic growth on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok. Meanwhile, these platforms' distribution algorithms have been shown to reward conservative outrage and extremism. 

There is simply no way that progressive content creators can compete. So, they burn out, they quit, and this further constrains the left’s ability to build a powerful leftist influencer ecosystem that could even begin to rival conservative influencers' reach and power

All of these things could change significantly if the Democratic party had any interest in supporting the independent media ecosystem on the left, but leftist creators have been repeatedly shunned by the Democratic party establishment. 

Harris' campaign is a perfect example of this. Biden began alienating progressive content creators before Harris even became the candidate. When Harris did become the nominee she showed a repeated refusal to engage with any creators challenging her ideology or policies.

Mainstream Democrat loyalist centrist creators with very little cultural relevance were welcomed at events like the DNC and campaign rallies, invited to speak and collaborate with the campaign, while influencers who challenged the Harris campaign on issues like the war in Gaza, or spread more populist messaging were not granted access or similar opportunities. 

The closest thing to a "progressive Joe Rogan" in mainstream liberal media is probably the podcast Pod Save America. But the podcasters on that show operate with a clear allegiance to the Democratic Party establishment. They don't speak to the youth or the disaffected masses who are fed up with the entire system. 

"Republican independent media is directly linked to the party in ways that the Democrats cannot recreate among the independent ecosystem because they're ideologically opposed to Bernie style populist sentiment the base wants to hear," leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker tweeted yesterday. 

The end result of all of this is an influencer landscape that's heavily biased towards right wing creators. We have created a system where right-wing influencers can thrive and scale rapidly and leftist content creators remain marginalized, struggling to gain traction and funding without selling out and becoming right wing grifters (which is just objectively SO much more profitable!).

Ultimately, there will never be a "Joe Rogan of the left" or "Nelk boys of the left" because there is no funding or institutional Democratic support to even begin to form such a network. There appears to be zero appetite from the Democratic party establishment to embrace left-leaning populist messaging and policies. 

"This is not a cultural war that you can win just by doing fucking podcasts," Piker reiterated on his Twitch stream. "You have to still have a solid defense mechanism at the top, that aligns with the interests of people like myself. If the Democratic party is running around being like, ‘everything is fine actually, just vote for us, we've got to defend the institutions,’ while everyone is like, ‘I don't give a fuck about the institutions’… You can't reach them."