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Articles by Philly Golf Guy
Brazil Elections
October 4, 2026, 10:05pm 1 Results are coming in quickly and can be watched here: Veja a apuração e os resultados das eleições 2026 para os cargos de Presidente, Governador, Senador, Deputado Federal e Deputado Estadual em tempo real com dados oficiais do TSE
Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker
September 13, 2026, 4:06pm 1 Don’t want to jinx anything here… but assuming that Democrats take the House in November, how effective a Speaker would Jefferies be? There will be a lot of work to do to block Trump, investigate his crimes, and prevent their reoccurrence in the future. And I don’t have a good feeling that he’s up to the task.
What are the Strongest Scientific Consensuses That Turned Out to Be Possibly, or Definitely, Wrong?
An example of an extremely strong scientific consensus today is that faster than speed of light communication is impossible. My guess is that when consensus is so strong – with every tenured university physicist who works in the area now agreeing – the consensus view is correct. Still, I’m wondering if modern history supports that kind of thinking. Lack of worldwide scientific communication makes the pre-modern situation less relevant. I am mostly interested in examples since 1900 or so.
Is There Any Justification for Politicizing the Cause of Death? Measles and Beyond
August 29, 2026, 1:21am 1 Continuing the discussion from What is the Probability of Someone with Active Measles Dying from Something Unrelated to Their Measles: We could have a separate thread discussing why electing coroners is a bad idea (politics should not come into play), compounded by having coroners who are untrained in forensic pathology. In roughly half of U.S. counties, including mine, the coroner is chosen in a partisan (Democrat vs. Republican) election.
What is the Probability of Someone with Active Measles Dying from Something Unrelated to Their Measles
August 28, 2026, 1:22am 1 The title question relates to a current political controversy, but it is nonetheless a factual question. It is blazingly obvious to me that the probability is quite low in the United States today.
Will the next Democratic President have the guts to tear down the Ballroom?
August 21, 2026, 10:35pm 1 Justice Roberts has given the go-ahead for continued construction of the vanity project ballroom, so any expectation that the full Supreme Court will rule agaionst it is likely unfounded. This would seem to say that a president can do whatever he wants with the White House and its environs. So any succeeding president could order the ballroom to be torn down. A Republican pres wouldn’t do it, but a Democrat could. Does anyone here think that would occur?
What's the Democratic strategy for defeating the next Trump?
July 15, 2026, 8:02pm 1 No future Republican candidate is likely to have the secret sauce that Trump had, in terms of his mysterious charisma. Every Republican who tried to imitate him, such as Cruz or Vance, just fell flat on their face. It’s clear Trump had something that worked for him that didn’t work for anyone else. So, at least, the Ds have that going for them - there won’t be an exact Trump 2.0 coming along again.
Yet Another Fun But Probably Meaningless Online "Political Compass" Test You Can Take
June 30, 2026, 4:12pm 1 Here. It’s interesting in that it’s “vibes-based”, and a lot of the questions are about general attitudes toward life rather than specific political issues. It says that the politician whose views most closely resemble mine is Zohran Mamdami, which is certainly reasonable. Give it a whirl and see what you think.
If a burglar drops something of his while burgling my home, is it mine?
7 IANAL. But trying a few AI’s: If the burglar claims it was theirs, no way you get it. But, one AI said, there’s little chance the burglar will admit it is theirs because that would effectively be a confession.. So then, after the police are done with it, who gets it will depend on local lost property rules. Maybe the state will sell it at auction. But maybe it will be yours. So I read.
ABC License Renewal Threats Getting Serious
FCC orders early review of ABC’s broadcast licenses The order says, “The FCC has been investigating The Walt Disney Company, its American Broadcasting Company, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Disney’s ABC”) for compliance with its obligations as a licensed broadcaster. Specifically, the FCC has been investigating Disney’s ABC stations for possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC’s rules, including the agency’s prohibition on unlawful discrimination.
Comey Indictment for Seashell Post -- Anything to Worry About?
James Comey has been indicted by a North Carolina grand jury for an alleged physical threat to the President. The indictment concerns a minor incident that IMHO would not historically result in a felony indictment. Some say it will be easily dismissed. But I’d think supposed threats to the President tend to be taken seriously.
What does the Democratic Party think is the formula for winning elections?
April 27, 2026, 5:47pm 1 Every sports head coach always implements the philosophy that he thinks is the likeliest to lead to winning. Nick Saban had his strategy, Bill Belichick had his philosophy, Phil Jackson, Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, Andy Reid, etc. The Republican “formula” for winning elections pre-Trump is kind of obsolete, so it’s not really worth discussing. But post-2015, it is simple and works surprisingly well, albeit abhorrently: Build a cult around Trump.
NYT article suggests shoplifting as a form of protest
April 27, 2026, 12:55pm 1 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/opinion/shoplifting-political-protest-microlooting-whole-foods.html I am wondering if any of you heard about this article, it’s been making the rounds on BlueSky with both condemnation and praise.
Companion Thread to Shots Fired at White House Correspondents' Dinner
April 26, 2026, 2:03am 1 Continuing the discussion from Shots fired at White House Correspondents Dinner: This thread is for political commentary that is outside Breaking News in MPSIMS. So long as your post pertains to this shooting, it’s fine for this thread.
How much closer could we be to energy-independence if we'd gone pedal to the metal in the 1970s?
April 20, 2026, 1:31pm 1 I asked AI this question, which is partly political, partly technological, and it came up with an estimate of 75%. That is, three quarters of our dependence on fossil fuels could be solved by now if we’d gone all out in the mid-1970s, under late Nixon, or Ford, or early Carter, but one quarter would still escape us due to the slow development of efficient batteries and other developing technologies.
Eric Swalwell must resign [agreed to resign 13APR2026]
April 13, 2026, 2:36am 1 Continuing the discussion from Election of a new Governor of California, 2026: Getting Swalwell out of congress is not an emergency. Now that Swalwell is out of the governor’s race, I’m splitting this off of that thread so as not to turn it into a hijack. I disagree. In order for Democrats to demonstrate that they actually care about protecting the vulnerable and that they have the moral integrity Republicans lack, Swalwell needs to go now.
Hungary after the 2026 elections {Orban Lost & Magyar won by a landslide}
April 12, 2026, 5:23pm 1 This thread is about the April 2026 Hungarian elections and what comes afterward. Will the opposition Tisza Party defeat Fidesz, the incumbent party? If he loses, will Fidesz’s authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán accept the results of the election? If the opposition wins, will it be able to dismantle Orbán’s “illiberal” state?
The Secret Service Makes Me Nervous
Today: Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden accidentally shoots himself in leg at airport 2024: Secret Service uniformed officer accidentally shoots himself while on duty 2017: Secret Service officer injured after accidentally firing weapon What I do not see strong evidence for is a Secret Service gun discharge ever preventing a protectee from being shot. Thanks to Irving Berlin for the thread title: YouTube P.S. I suspect this thread will be used infrequently but repeatedly.
How Many U.S. Federal Workers Are on Paid Administrative Leave as of 3/17/2026?
This in the news today brought a factual question to my mind: France24 Lamberth, an appointee of Republican president Ronald Reagan, ordered the reinstatement by March 23 of 1,042 VOA employees who have been on paid administrative leave for the past year. This surprised me because I thought widespread paid administrative leave ended on September 30, 2025. So I am wondering how many are still being paid not to work, aside from the Voice of America staff.
Speculation for Consequences to the US for Engaging in the Bombing of Iran and Other Targets
March 4, 2026, 10:01pm 1 If you have thoughts about what the consequences will be to the US and its citizens as a result of our bombings of Iran and other targets, this is the thread for it.
Speculation About Trump's Underlying Reasons for Bombing Iran and Other Targets
March 4, 2026, 9:58pm 1 This thread is created for you to engage in your speculation about why the US is now engaged in a bombing campaign against Iran and other targets. This is the thread for history lessons or other more current actions that in your view, may have led to the current conflict.
What happens politically if gas prices go through the roof?
March 2, 2026, 2:48pm 1 I mean, Trump ran on keeping prices in general low, and I think MAGA is particularly sensitive to gas prices. Will gas at 5 bucks a gallon, or even higher, cause many of even them to abandon support for him? Is there any price at which they’ll come around to “I didn’t vote for THIS”?
Oklahoma proposes anti-food bank bill [Now in the BBQ Pit]
February 6, 2026, 7:49pm 1 In short, it would force food banks/pantries to check people to make sure they are U.S. citizens before giving them aid: Proposed bill could force non-profits and churches to turn away people based their immigration status This is despicable and craven, in my opinion.
Is there a better way to browse library apps (Libby, Hoopla, etc.)
January 29, 2026, 2:03am 1 Ok, a true first-world problem. I’m a little embarrassed to even ask… Is there a better way to browse library apps (Libby, Hoopla, etc.)? For example a web site that mirrors their index? Or am I missing a way to browse by author? Or find similar titles to ones that I’ve liked? These apps work great when I know what I want (and they have it), but discovering new stuff is a chore. Lately I’ve been listening to Fantasy books.
Bannon & Miller-- who is their choice to replace Trump?
December 28, 2025, 11:09pm 1 Continuing the discussion from Are There Any Strong MAGA Politicians?. This didn’t get any response elsewhere, and I’d really like to know what y’all think. I’ve been wondering if Bannon and Miller have been quietly and intentionally grooming someone to take trump’s place when he finally croaks off – behind the scenes, or at least out of the spotlight.
U.S. Media Self-Censorship Examples
60 Minutes postponed a segment on the maximum security prison in El Salvador that President Donald Trump sent suspected gangsters and illegal immigrants to, only a few hours before the report was set to air on Sunday. The CBS program had been planning to air the segment titled “Inside CECOT,” referring to El Salvador’s Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo. . . . The CBS News website also yanked its teaser clip of the report down from its website.
Frontrunners for Republican presidential nomination in 2028
December 17, 2025, 1:25am 1 In today’s Vanity Fair article quoting Susie Wiles on the record, Wiles says that Trump isn’t serious about running in 2028. So I think it is time to look at the case for there being a GOP frontrunner. To get a start on what needs to be carefully checked, I put this to the Gemini AI: Has there ever been a non-incumbent presidential candidate, this far out from the convention, who was as ahead in nomination polls as JD Vance?
Trump--Drunk?
December 16, 2025, 11:54pm 1 You know, Trump keeps saying he doesn’t drink. But, he lies a lot. And he HAS been photographed, with what looks like a highball, and a Champaign flute. And according to his former chief of staff, he has an alcoholic’s personality. The Independent – 16 Dec 25 The president is a teetotaler, telling Fox News in 2016 that he’s ‘never had a drink’ Looking back on his stumbling, his slurred words, and his inability to climb stairs…could he** be a drunk?**
What Should We Call the Process of Reversing MAGA Control of the U.S. Government
There’s another thread on what the process should be – Here I’m just trying to figure out what to call it. I posted this question on both ChatGPT and Gemini: “What are alternative words that have been suggested (not by you, but by others) for denazification, deTRUMPfication, and/or deMAGAfication, and who originated them?” Both AI’s came up with bupkis.
Is Senator Mark Kelly finally our "Joseph Welch?"
December 3, 2025, 2:54am 1 In 1954, Joseph Welch finally put down Joe McCarty’s campaign to purge communists from the US. “Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness.” “Let us not assassinate this lad further, senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?” senate.gov 1941: Have You No Sense of Decency? -- June 9, 1954 It’s not going to be nearly as quick this time around, but is Kelly finally to person to shut down this nonsense?
Honduras Election is Close
Trump endorsed Tito Asfura (AKA Nasry Asfura) is still a bit ahead, but the trend in the last few updates goes against him. Local media with Google Translate: With each update from the National Electoral Council (CNE), the data shifts and generates expectations among citizens, while the gap between the two candidates, Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla, vying for the presidency, narrows to a mere 515 votes .
Pentagon launches investigation of misconduct against Sen. Mark Kelly
The Pentagon said Monday that it has received “serious allegations of misconduct” against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and has initiated a “thorough review” of the allegations. It comes days after the senator, along with a handful of other lawmakers, called on U.S. service members to disobey any illegal orders issued by the Trump administration.
Black coffee and dark chocolate
November 22, 2025, 8:09pm 1 Word is that black coffee and dark chocolate are good for your health while milk chocolate and coffee with cream lack those benefits. So here I am eating dark chocolate and drinking black coffee. What if next I drink a glass of milk? Does that destroy the healthful qualities of the coffee and chocolate? If so, how long should you wait between coffee and milk? What exactly is the negative effect of dairy upon the black and the dark?
Kansas Mayor gets re-elected on Tuesday; charged with voter fraud on Wednesday
November 6, 2025, 4:24am 1 The thread title says it all. Coldwater, Kansas, is a town of about 700 in SW Kansas. The mayor, Jose Ceballos, was first elected in 2021, and he ran unopposed yesterday. He is a legal resident and applied for citizenship in February. That action probably got the attention of somebody, and now the Kansas AG, Kris Kobach, has charged him with 3 counts of voter fraud. In his typical grandstanding fashion, Kobach waited until the day after the election to file charges.
Who Is Really Being Disappeared?
Continuing the discussion from Trump won't rule out 3rd term: Apologies for the hijack, but this reminded me of an exchange I had on FB a day or so ago, re: Trump’s video of him dropping excrement on protestors. A Hispanic guy posted an image of George Takei in a straitjacket in a padded cell with ‘Trump’ written all over the place. Me: Yeah, you’ll be laughing when your Messiah’s goons disappear you to Uganda. Him: I’m an American citizen. Me: So are a LOT of people who are being disappeared.
ChatGPT 4 Prez 2028?
October 16, 2025, 2:46pm 1 Background: As the years roll on by, the country continues to become more and more divided, and there is widespread discontent from across the political spectrum. The standards for political office have never been lower, and chaos, corruption, murder and pedophilia rein. Nobody is quite happy, but people still generally prefer their shitty candidate over their opponents’ shitty candidate.
California passes law against using AI to replace actors
October 13, 2025, 11:58am 1 So you can’t use AI to stick in, say, Marlon Brando. You can use someone who’s deceased (or presumably still alive) with their prior permission. Thoughts? A good idea? A desperately-needed bill? indy100 – 9 Oct 25 California has become the first US state to claim that using AI in order to replace a real actor is against the law.With artificial intelligence becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, and the technology becoming more and more...
Trump is making a deal with Ghislane Maxwell to exonerate him and accuse his enemies
July 26, 2025, 1:27am 1 The Epstein files scandal seems to finally be something that’s gaining some traction against Trump. They can usually just do something even stupider, more evil, and more outrageous and have their latest scandal vanish as everyone focuses on the new one, but even a significant fraction of MAGA seems pretty pissed off about this one. And so… You’re all probably aware that the Department of Justice is talking to Ghislane Maxwell.
Validity of Constitutional Amendments - Political Implications
July 25, 2025, 2:50am 1 This thread is in reply to the factual questions thread “American Civil War/ Reconstruction amendments,” expanding to political implications of later amendments and laws. The original Factual Question: Has the validity of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments ever been formally challenged in court, on the grounds that the former rebel states weren’t free to not ratify them if they wanted to ever be represented in Congress again?
Can the Triple Murderer Released into the U.S. Be Legally Detained?
For the sake of this question, please assume, as is likely, that the following New York Times report is accurate, and their anonymous sources are truthful: Convicted Murderer Released by Trump From Venezuelan Prison Is Free in U.S. He killed three people in Spain and fled to Venezuela, where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, court documents show. Then last week, the Trump administration negotiated his release as part of a large prisoner swap, and he arrived on American soil.
Was the Original iPod Deliberately Designed to Show Fingerprints?
May 31, 2025, 1:52am 1 I’m reading Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company. While the book is generally outstanding, I just came across something that sounds like a conspiracy theory concerning the iPod music player: Earlier reviewers of the device critiqued the choice of material because of the way fingerprints marred the chrome look. But this wasn’t some oversight.
Trump Tariffs Struck Down
There’s going to be plenty for a new thread on this one. Here’s the United States Court of International Trade ruling: cit.uscourts.gov 697.06 KB The administration says it will appeal. And this is so fundamental to the Trump project that one has to wonder whether they will comply. I’m also wondering about a possible relationship to the Bill Beautiful Bill Act. Can one argue that it will give Trump the power to do what the court says existing law disallows?
Trump the Pricefixer
Trump says he’ll sign order aimed at cutting drug prices by up to 80% President Trump said he’ll sign an executive order on Monday morning that would cut prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices “almost immediately, by 30% to 80%.” Trump said he “will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World.” . . .
How Often Do Non-U.S. Strongmen Hold Meetings Where Subordinates Engage in Serial Flattery?
May 1, 2025, 3:04pm 1 This is from yesterday’s U.S. cabinet meeting: Hegseth: So because of your leadership, sir, I believe we’re making the military great again. And I thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Bondi: President, your first 100 days has far exceeded that of any other presidency in this country. Ever. Ever. . . .
Will other countries start offering Americans refugee status?
April 25, 2025, 5:37pm 1 I am not an immigration expert and I don’t know what the internationally accepted definition of a refugee is. A year ago this was probably the stupidest question one could ask. But currently … I could see how anyone who is trans could be considered for refugee status from the US government. I’d include women seeking abortions to that considering they will be criminals for having travelled out of state for an abortion when their own state have outlawed abortions.
The current second Trump administration: a compendium of non-horrors
April 22, 2025, 12:48am 1 Not sure where to put this, so I made a new thread. DHS Secretary Noem’s purse stolen at Easter dinner with family in D.C. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem’s purse was stolen from a downtown Washington restaurant Sunday night, with her passport, DHS badge and about $3,000 cash inside, the department confirmed Monday.
Tax breaks for billionaires- inevitable?
April 10, 2025, 2:22pm 1 I see no direct opposition to what seems to be the only thing trump believes in. Tax breaks for billionaires is treated as a fait accompli, not something that could be opposed.
Who's the most respectable economist (i.e. not a Trump sycophant) who has a positive assessment of tariffs?
3 Are there any? Or are they all unanimous that Trump’s tariffs make no sense, are self-defeating, will lead to recession/depression, etc.? Large unions like the United Auto Workers hire a “labor economist” who gives reasonable if controversial justifications for the union’s pro-tariff stance, a stance they may fine-tune. I have no reason to think such labor economists are insincere.
Not following the 'reciprocal tariff' philosophy
April 3, 2025, 1:47pm 1 I know there is an extensive tariff thread ongoing, but I don’t think I’ve seen a reasoning for why it is ‘ok’ for other countries to tariff US goods, but not ok for US to impose tariffs. First, I recognize that the ‘reciprocal’ part might be a falsehood, as I can’t really trust anything Trump says. (are there REALLY tariffs of the sort he says on US goods?) But what seems to be ‘attractive’ is basically revenge tit-for-tat.
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