pdxfed

Sure: now that they know Elon is going to force through or dismantle any approvals still needed to drive with unproven tech, they may as well not miss the boat.

For people who have been trained to eat junk food news, the headline is all they have the attention and critical thinking skills for.

The Luddite - An anticapitalist Tech blog helped me understand why these seemingly contradictory worldviews don't necessarily have to be--its a matter of what and for whom technology has been put to use.

As an example, Louis Pasteur gave away his patent for the good of medicine. It sounds almost impossible to believe against the modern backdrop of pharmaceutical companies that don't even want to develop cures, they want "subscription" customers.

People have been trained now that since no one watches out for them they have to take their pound of flesh however it can be gotten--this is what stands out to people when they talk about societal decay, selfishness and anomie but it can be difficult to put ones finger on without understanding the workings of the machine.

There is a short story by RL Stevenson, The Bottle Imp, about a cursed bottle whose owner can make wishes but they must sell the bottle for less than half of what they paid for it or they will be damned to hell. The new owner must also enter the contract fully aware of the curse and risk of purchasing the bottle/genie. The original price paid was quite high, but as time passes and the list of owners grows, our main character comes across it and buys it for only $50. While he eventually sells it, had the next person not felt their value from a genie was worth eternal damnation our character would have been screwed.

I mention the story as I think that's where we are with US capitalism. Everyone knows it's fucked and are just trying to get out with theirs before the heads fly because the rewards for screwing others are still so great and people can mostly remove themselves from it's consequences. For the ruling class, this assassination was a good reminder the stakes of the game they've wagered and that the clock is ticking.

That said, even with so much information available, and despite the data it's horrible for their personal outcomes, Americans are still deciding it's what they want. Which, like the owner class, if they ever read any history would understand when you give away all your power and rights you're going to be screwed by the kind of people who want to lead that sort of system.

Arts orgs were devastated by the pandemic and have not made it back yet largely to prepandemic attendance/membership/etc. lots of non-profits are dependent on government grants and programs which may have ended or been reduced after funding that kept them afloat during the pandemic. Other than that what non-profit areas are you seeing cutting in?

"Walker, who lost re-election in 2018, criticized the decision and claimed collective bargaining “is not a right. It is an expensive entitlement.”

I can only assume he will be turning down any state retirement or other benefits and perks he received during his time as governor, otherwise can you imagine the level of hypocrisy he'd have to be able to internally manage?

"best Companies in America" level, outdated coin-in-your-pocket type of shilling.

Up voted for the dark humor but sincerely it's Feudalism. A central state nor laws cannot be relied on for order nor process so those with the means purchase or are anointed with safety and power.

"guys, I thought when we removed checks and balances and due process and accountability and made power and wealth for personal benefit at all cost our golden idol that...well that only applies to the poors right? I mean there is no timeline in which that would ever be used against me unfairly right? I understood it that I am only allowed to benefit from this sort of arrangement. Right ? Guys?"

It's difficult for hubris and naivety to coexist but he's managed to pull it off with this panicked effort. Seriously the Wiley Coyote moment as he looks down and feels the first tug of gravity.

Oh I'd say more than a door being opened there is a vast...chamber...full of complaints. Enough to go a few rounds. Something has been triggered in the US public and they have their sights set on a new form of participatory democracy. Don't put stock in it just because I said so, watch a few clips and gauge the issue yourself.

I'm certain that if the victim had been a poor American or dark skinned, we would be seeing 30 NYPD fanning out in the park to look for potential evidence.

This country is run by fucking disgusting people.