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Deplatform the Deplatformers: It's Time to Trust-Bust

Glenn Reynolds has an Encounter Book coming out on this general theme.

He linked this PJ Media article on waking up our somnolent anti-trust division and giving a hard look to the Tech Monopolies.

David Solway makes the point that faced with a near-monolithic media, the only possible vehicle of dissent and change is citizen journalists -- but these are exactly the people the Social Media Monopolies are targeting for deplatforming.

The left is no longer satisfied to have a hegemonic domination of all forms of media -- nothing will suffice for them any longer but exclusive access to mass communications.

And the hard-left-leaning Tech Monopolies -- who are actually even further left than the establishment media, as Jason Whitlock has observed, and are pulling the establishment media further and further left (because Social Media Monopolies control access and promotion to all other media) -- are Willing Executioners.

Time to put an end to this corrupt, domineering, freedom-squelching system of control, forbiddence, censorship, and ultimately exile from basic public services like banking.


The problem, however, can be circumvented by redefining these large social media systems with vast market share as public utilities to which federal regulations could apply. Additionally, telecom companies that make up perhaps over 90 percent of all web traffic clearly operate in tandem to shut down speech based on opinion they deem objectionable. Author Robert Arvay is keenly aware of the danger. "A common feature in medieval fantasy movies is the wizard," he writes, "the character whom no one understands and whose powers everyone needs to fear. In real life, the wizards are CEOs of high technology companies, including well known social media platforms and search engines. Their money has been able to buy legislation that allows them to control the public square, to censor those with whom they disagree." Presumed heretics are thus excommunicated from the debate by the Church of Political Correctness.

Although there may be no documentary proof of insider collusion, the practice and effect of collaborative deplatforming is unmistakable. These companies are all on the same page. This is a form of racketeering, whose social repercussions are glaringly evident. Just ask Laura Loomer, Milo Yiannopoulos, Alex Jones, Paul Joseph Watson, Bosch Fawstin, Faith Goldy, Gavin McInnis, and Tommy Robinson, among others who have been banned or suspended, some intermittently, some permanently. Meanwhile, these same sites are rife with crackpots, conspiracy mongers, anti-Semites, and Muslim jihadists preaching hate and violence.

Antitrust legislation is the way to go. It exists for a purpose: to prevent fraud, racketeering, and anticompetitive control of the marketplace. There are a series of antitrust laws and amendments dating from the 1890 Sherman Act, the most salient of which for present purposes is the Federal Trade Commission Act (or FTC). The general intent according to the FTC guide is "to protect the process of competition for the benefit of consumers" and to ban "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." It is crystal clear that the "acts and practices" of the major internet platforms are unfair and deceptive, prohibiting access to those whom they regard as political competitors via command of the technology and thus exercising control over ideas and opinions they regard as "exclusionary," "extremist," "alt-right," "white nationalist" and--the all-purpose term--"hateful."

Most of these terms are simply cowcatchers, meant to sweep perceived interlopers off the ideological tracks. They are shape-shifters, trickster words, empty categories that can be stuffed with random designations....

I'm tired of hearing the Corporate Cucks rule out any kind of anti-trust action. The anti-trust laws remain good laws, laws on the books, and supposedly operatives.

If the Corporate Cucks want the rule that there is no longer such a thing as "monopolies" or "anti-competitve behavior," then they should forthrightly, honestly, and courageously make the case to repeal all anti-monopoly laws, rather than resorting to the cowardly, deceitful subterfuge of leaving these laws on the books but arguing for the government to simply ignore them and refuse to enforce them -- much as Obama did with DACA.

They don't mount an honest, forthright challenge to these laws because, of course, they know that would be unpopular and they'd be defeated and tagged (properly!) as corporate shills. So instead, being cowards and grifters, they simply agitate that these laws should be allowed to remain on the books as paper laws only, but should be pretended to be effectively dead letter.

Well, they're not dead letter. And if the Corporate PR side of "conservativism" wants an end to all anti-trust legislation, then they should act as the "Courageous Warriors" they pretend to be and openly admit this is their goal and seek to change the standing law to the anything-goes monopolies-are-good-and-right Thunderdome that they prefer.

Until then: Fuck right the fuck off with your cowardly shilling for corporate donors.

Now FaceBook is discriminating against conservative fundraising efforts, too. No anti-competitive behavior/leveraging behavior here, nosireebob.

Posted by: Ace of Spades at 06:32 PM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 First

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:33 PM (jYEmF)

2 Heh.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:33 PM (jYEmF)

3 top 10?

Posted by: Lurker John at May 13, 2019 06:34 PM (XT6Vl)

4
Trust the bust.

DD!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:34 PM (zBaqJ)

5 I'm all for trust busting the social media industry

Posted by: CN at May 13, 2019 06:34 PM (U7k5w)

6 News Breaking LIVE @NewsBreaking
1m
BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz - CBS News
********
Shit about to hit the Rotary Oscillator

Posted by: Deep State is in DEEP SHIT at May 13, 2019 06:35 PM (BqBId)

7 #learntocodemotherfuckers

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 13, 2019 06:36 PM (d7Ww2)

8 The tech giants - Google, Facebook, Twitter are nothing more than technological advancements on the old dial-up telephone and as such have no more right to restrict customer's service than Ma Bell would have had restricting service to conservative customers. And Ma Bell wouldn't have dreamt of doing that. And she still got broken up.


It's as simple as that. Break them up.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:36 PM (jYEmF)

9 Break Them Up! Break Them Up! Break Them Up!


They are fascists and they will not be missed.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 06:36 PM (Z+IKu)

10 6 News Breaking LIVE @NewsBreaking
1m
BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz - CBS News
********
Shit about to hit the Rotary Oscillator
Posted by: Deep State is in DEEP SHIT at May 13, 2019 06:35 PM (BqBId)


Blockade the Straits and the regime crumbles like a wet biryani in days.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:37 PM (zBaqJ)

11 >>BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz -


I wonder how they got the children close enough to do damage?

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:37 PM (dmvIq)

12 Well said, Ace wholeheartedly agree.

I love the Republican cucks that are against any sort of enforcement on things like monopolies and trusts over "pro-business/small government" concerns but wholeheartedly endorse things like keeping Obamacare in place.

Posted by: Blago at May 13, 2019 06:37 PM (UfkIY)

13 11 >>BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz -


best scenario- the sand people blow each other into oblivion

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (d7Ww2)

14 9 Break Them Up! Break Them Up! Break Them Up!


They are fascists and they will not be missed.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 06:36 PM (Z+IKu)


"Yes!"

- - Kurtis Blow

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (zBaqJ)

15 Wasn't this the entire premise of the Max Headroom TV show?

Posted by: Captain Ned at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (XIfux)

16 And while we're at it, thank Jimmy Carter for giving us Iran.


Incompetent fuck.

But then again, he was a Democrat, so I'm being redundant.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (jYEmF)

17 >>Antitrust legislation is the way to go. It exists for a purpose: to prevent fraud, racketeering, and anticompetitive control of the marketplace.

Not a lawyer, but the way in which a person/org are routinely deplatformed by several companies at once indicates this is being done in coordination.

For example, last week, within a few hours, Google and LinkedIn changed their algorithms to suppress links to Scott Adams' Dilbert blog. He had consistent web traffic for decades - this site hosts his daily cartoon as well as his blog posts - and the a steep drop-off.

Further, the financial services getting in on the action seems to be a civil rights issue, no? AGain, these seem to be done by multiple companies - patreon, paypal, mastercard, Chase.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (W+vEI)

18 This is one of those issues I don't care about but as they say, will be made to care about.

I understand it's importance but since I don't do social media I don't get as upset as others.

Posted by: Can't resist temptation at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (2DOZq)

19 >>The left is no longer satisfied to have a hegemonic domination of all forms of media -- nothing will suffice for them any longer but exclusive access to mass communications.


I'd like a proper fisking of Obama/Google and their actions re. The Arab Spring.

That was the first large scale social media / media op of the modern era.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:39 PM (dmvIq)

20 11 Getting dolphins to convert to Islam?

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 06:39 PM (BbGew)

21 16 And while we're at it, thank Jimmy Carter for giving us Iran.


Incompetent fuck.

But then again, he was a Democrat, so I'm being redundant.
Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (jYEmF)


Imagine how sweet it would be if Iran starts crumbling for real as Jimmy Carter descends into the Infernal Reaches on the same day.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:39 PM (zBaqJ)

22 The biggest problem I see is that it will take years of digging, discovery, and grand juries to bring this to some kind of resolution. How long did the breakup of AT&T take? And that was more straightforward.


It is not a one or two year in and out process. It will have to carry over to whomever follows Trump and his Dept of Justice to prosecute. If they even get started.

I don't see that happening. The tech and media giants have too much money (billions!!) , and will thwart the process with that, and buy favors.

It leaves us all in a terrible predicament.

Some kind of ruling from the FTC and courts might make a difference, but those are reversible, and you can't trust Congress to fix it and make it last. They will be bribed too.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....unfrozen caveman moron at May 13, 2019 06:40 PM (vcOmj)

23 >>Getting dolphins to convert to Islam?


Well, the Sharks already work for the Jooos!

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:40 PM (dmvIq)

24 20 11 Getting dolphins to convert to Islam?
Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 06:39 PM (BbGew)

They're already rapey, so it's an easy sell.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 13, 2019 06:40 PM (NWiLs)

25 Social Media Monopolies



It just doesn't sound as ominous in the plural form.

Posted by: Burnt Toast at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (1g7ch)

26 Just making the DOJ do a few lawsuits over "all the above" could easily wipe out hundreds of billions in market cap with these companies.

Then actual owners/shareholders will start asking if its "worth it" to placate a few tranny activists on Twitter to deplatform and silence conservatives.

Posted by: Blago at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (UfkIY)

27 Declare them Publishers, as that is what they are if they are making these types of decisions - and let Nature take its course.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (dmvIq)

28 Yes!"
- - Kurtis Blow
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:38 PM (zBaqJ)

Yup......but my favorite is:

They're playing Basketball,
We love that Basketball,
They're playing Basketball,
We love that Basketball.

Old Skool.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (Z+IKu)

29 Bets decision I ever made was to never open a single social media account.

Truth be told, it wasn't really a "decision" -- I was just too much of a cranky misanthrope to ever see the point of them.

But this lazy non-decision has served me well.

Posted by: zombie at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (5tb4C)

30 Willowed, but relevant to this thread:

286 We should do an "all raimondo" thread, where everyone socks the little prick while making nonsensical ESL pronouncements in his style.
Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at May 13, 2019 06:29 PM (Iv8V1)

I have a Markov Chain generator that does that.
https://stoatnet.org/raimondo.txt

Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the Summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at May 13, 2019 06:34 PM (RHDdi)


Ugh. Now that's what I call a wall of text.

Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (fhFbZ)

31 MUMR, hehe, you impotent piece clown shit. Get fucked.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (cXV7n)

32 bets = best

Posted by: gambling addict at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (5tb4C)

33 Throw a sheep into a pool with dolphins and lets see what happens.

Posted by: Can't resist temptation at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (2DOZq)

34 6 News Breaking LIVE @NewsBreaking
1m
BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz - CBS News
********
Shit about to hit the Rotary Oscillator
Posted by: Deep State is in DEEP SHIT at May 13, 2019 06:35 PM (BqBId)


Blockade the Straits and the regime crumbles like a wet biryani in days.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:37 PM (zBaqJ)


Somehow I have this hunch that, if the Iranians try to overtake any small boats with US sailors in them, the response will be different than Barky's blowjob response.

oh, yeah, that reminds me, gotta restock on popcorn today.

Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (sy5kK)

35 No need to break these companies up, redefine them as publishers, remove any protections from lawsuits they may have and turn the trial lawyers loose on them.

Posted by: blake - used sock salesman at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (qC1Sy)

36 34 Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (sy5kK)

I believe they will miscalculate.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (zBaqJ)

37 Until then: Fuck right the fuck off with your cowardly shilling for corporate donors.

Well said, Mr. O'Spades. I've been reluctant to pull the trust bust trigger, but this is getting far, far out of hand. Bust 'em up!! Will Trump be our modern day Teddy Roosevelt?

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (2sCft)

38 You would think the Manboo dwellers would be banging their neighbors since they like feeling so close. Hell, cut a hole in the wall and stick your dick through it and see what happens.

Posted by: literally serious at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (O3do3)

39 @8
Hey I remember when Microsoft was in real jeopardy of being broken up because they included a web browser with their operating system.


What's happening with the fascist media companies and their hegemonic media platforms make that seem quint by comparison.

Posted by: John The Savage at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (uSoLb)

40 35 No need to break these companies up, redefine them as publishers, remove any protections from lawsuits they may have and turn the trial lawyers loose on them.
Posted by: blake - used sock salesman at May 13, 2019 06:42 PM (qC1Sy)


Nick Sandmann's attorney.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (zBaqJ)

41 33 Throw a sheep into a pool with dolphins and lets see what happens.
Posted by: Can't resist temptation at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (2DOZq)


Is the sheep armed?

oh wait, that's wolves.

Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (sy5kK)

42 The biggest problem I see is that it will take years of digging, discovery, and grand juries to bring this to some kind of resolution. How long did the breakup of AT&T take? And that was more straightforward.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....unfrozen caveman moron
_________

The first lawsuit and behavior will start changing.

The people running the place know that Republicans normally don't care about "monopolies" and the real problem is the censorship and actively taking sides in the political arena.

Posted by: Blago at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (UfkIY)

43 Regardless, those videos are causing me anxiety and working towards a fucking panic attack.

Posted by: literally serious at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (O3do3)

44 >>What's happening with the fascist media companies and their hegemonic media platforms make that seem quint by comparison.


We're gonna need a bigger internet.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (dmvIq)

45 Throw a sheep into a pool with dolphins and lets see what happens.
Posted by: Can't resist temptation at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (2DOZq)

Dolphins: Gang Rapists of the Sea!!

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 06:44 PM (2sCft)

46 I had wondered if while social platforms were using incorrect or disproved speech to deplatform, if there would be any one left on those platforms after 4-5 years.

but starting now would certainly help push one political party nicely for the election.

You'd think that would be actually campaigning for . but guess not.

Posted by: willow at May 13, 2019 06:44 PM (r/xAU)

47 We're gonna need a bigger internet.
Posted by: garrett


Well, Quint didn't say that, it was Chief Brodie (quint?)

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....unfrozen caveman moron at May 13, 2019 06:45 PM (vcOmj)

48 Twitter's greatest punishment is having its headquarters in the "mid-Market" neighborhood of San Francisco -- a miserable windswept no-go zone of bums, shuttered storefront and bone-chilling gusts of fog. HA ha. They all have to work there. Worst neighborhood in the whole city.

The very presence of Twitter HQ there has the real estate agents trying to redefine the area as "up-and-coming" and desireable, but they'e only fooling naive new Twitter hires who move in and instantly regret it.

Posted by: zombie at May 13, 2019 06:45 PM (5tb4C)

49 Lizzy: "Not a lawyer, but the way in which a person/org are routinely deplatformed by several companies at once indicates this is being done in coordination..."

RICO? I wonder if there's a way to go after them here. Are they colluding? Clearly. But how to prove to the standard of the Court.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:45 PM (6eEQ+)

50 have we heard,' Make your own internet guys@!?'

Posted by: willow at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (r/xAU)

51 13 11 >>BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz -

best scenario- the sand people blow each other into oblivion."

I don't think a lot of US based observers understand what the Iranians are doing here - by threatening shipments out of the Straights of Hormuz, the are threatening the economies of Europe, China, and Japan (among others) What they hope for is that those regions will unite in opposing the Trump Admin's crackdown on Iran, out of fear for their won economies.

So don't think that this is anything about sand people fighting each other - this is a direct blow aimed at Trump.

I rather suspect that some Iranian built small electric submersibles, maybe holding one or two men with diving gear, deployed the explosives. The technology is not that difficult to develop, and it would be very stealthy.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (Kpl3J)

52 45 Throw a sheep into a pool with dolphins and lets see what happens.
Posted by: Can't resist temptation at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (2DOZq)

Dolphins: Gang Rapists of the Sea!!
Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 06:44 PM (2sCft)


Ask any mermaid you happen to see,
who grabs aquatic mishes,
Dolphin Rapist of the Sea

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (zBaqJ)

53 23 >>Getting dolphins to convert to Islam?


Well, the Sharks already work for the Jooos!
Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:40 PM (dmvIq)


Is this the new remake of West Side Story that everyone is talking about?

Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (sy5kK)

54 Throw a sheep into a pool with dolphins and lets see what happens.
Posted by: Can't resist temptation at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (2DOZq)


Washing wool sweaters isn't easy ...

Posted by: Adriane Wot says Oy Alot These Days ... at May 13, 2019 06:47 PM (LPnfS)

55 53
Is this the new remake of West Side Story that everyone is talking about?
Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (sy5kK)


Imam Qrupqi?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:47 PM (zBaqJ)

56 'Sometimes that social media monopoly looks right at ya. Right into your eyes.
And the thing about a social media monopoly is he's got lifeless eyes.
Black eyes.
Like a doll's eyes.
When he comes at ya, he doesn't even seem to be livin'...
'til he bites ya, and those black eyes roll over white and then...
ah then you hear that terrible high-pitched screamin'

Posted by: Quint at May 13, 2019 06:47 PM (dmvIq)

57 27 Declare them Publishers, as that is what they are if they are making these types of decisions - and let Nature take its course.
Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:41 PM (dmvIq)


One word: Oh HELL YEAH!

Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (sy5kK)

58 Way back at the dawn of history when I was in law school, they discussed a con law first amendment case in which a mall tried to exclude some protesters or proselytizers on the grounds that the first amendment didn't apply because the mall was private property. Uh uh, said SCOTUS. The mall is the new (well, not so new now) market place / town center so even if it is private property, the first amendment still applies. It seems to me, a similar argument might work against Facebutt and Twatter.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (+y/Ru)

59 BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies
used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil
tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz -


This ain't no firecracker! I used fulminate of Mercury! Ens. Mohammad Mohammad Mohammad Pulver, Iranian Navy

Posted by: Archer at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (gmo/4)

60 >Just ask Laura Loomer, Milo Yiannopoulos, Alex Jones, Paul Joseph Watson, Bosch Fawstin, Faith Goldy, Gavin McInnis, and Tommy Robinson...

Left out James Woods.

WTF did he do?



Posted by: golfman at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (OE84+)

61 59 BREAKING: U.S. officials say they believe Iran or Iranian-backed proxies
used explosives to blow holes in four ships, including two Saudi oil
tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz -


This ain't no firecracker! I used fulminate of Mercury! Ens. Mohammad Mohammad Mohammad Pulver, Iranian Navy
Posted by: Archer at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (gmo/4)


They won't know the difference!
They won't know the difference!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (zBaqJ)

62 55 53
Is this the new remake of West Side Story that everyone is talking about?
Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (sy5kK)


Imam Qrupqi?
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:47 PM (zBaqJ)

During the intermission , you can get a Taqqia Sunrise in the lobby.

Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:49 PM (sy5kK)

63 Hey I remember when Microsoft was in real jeopardy of being broken up because they included a web browser with their operating system.


What's happening with the fascist media companies and their hegemonic media platforms make that seem quint by comparison.
Posted by: John The Savage at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (uSoLb)



Now it seems like there is a special web browser 'app' for every web-page out there.

Posted by: Burnt Toast at May 13, 2019 06:49 PM (1g7ch)

64 RICO? I wonder if there's a way to go after them here. Are they colluding? Clearly. But how to prove to the standard of the Court.
Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:45 PM (6eEQ+)

Seems they've figured it out with BigPharma.

Those guys are effd.

Posted by: golfman at May 13, 2019 06:49 PM (OE84+)

65 One word: Oh HELL YEAH!
Posted by: LeftCoast Dawg at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (sy5kK

That's two words.

Posted by: Rainmando at May 13, 2019 06:49 PM (2DOZq)

66 Blockade the Straits and the regime crumbles like a wet biryani in days.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:37 PM (zBaqJ)

If you blockade the Straits, you shut off Kuwait and the Emirates, you destroy Europe's economy completely, and you give China a "cassus belli" to launch a shooting war against US interests - in fact, they would be forced to, or see their own economy collapse.

You may have seen what I posted late in the last thread about "Wicked Problems".

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 06:50 PM (Kpl3J)

67 have we heard,' Make your own internet guys@!?'
Posted by: willow

Yeah, with a couple of servers, a string and some tin cans.

Get real. And I know you are being sarcastic.

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, realizes just how BIG the internet is, in terms of actual numbers of big server farms, supporting digital switches, etc.

It's massive. YUGE. You aren't going to cobble together another Internet next week or even next year. A hundred billion dollars would just be a start up investment.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....unfrozen caveman moron at May 13, 2019 06:50 PM (vcOmj)

68 Its possible also midget submarines on a suicide missions, though a video of the bombers usually follows.

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 06:50 PM (BbGew)

69 48 Twitter's greatest punishment is having its headquarters in the "mid-Market" neighborhood of San Francisco -- a miserable windswept no-go zone of bums, shuttered storefront and bone-chilling gusts of fog. HA ha.

Posted by: zombie at May 13, 2019 06:45 PM (5tb4C)


And poo. Don't forget the poo.

Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at May 13, 2019 06:50 PM (fhFbZ)

70 I sometimes like going to Trump's twitter page. If it weren't for that I'd close my account.

Posted by: nerdygirl at May 13, 2019 06:50 PM (+lVUW)

71 66 Blockade the Straits and the regime crumbles like a wet biryani in days.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:37 PM (zBaqJ)

If you blockade the Straits, you shut off Kuwait and the Emirates, you destroy Europe's economy completely, and you give China a "cassus belli" to launch a shooting war against US interests - in fact, they would be forced to, or see their own economy collapse.

You may have seen what I posted late in the last thread about "Wicked Problems".
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 06:50 PM (Kpl3J)


We allow Kuwait and the Emirates to pass through.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:51 PM (zBaqJ)

72
Truss Busting? What the Hell is wrong with a truss? Goddamit I use a double truss! Ruptured myself when I was bangin that slut that got knocked up... man, I put the coals to her that night, lemme tell ya... and blew out the other side when I was paining naked and fell backwards on that water bottle. Million to one shot, that.

Anyway, without those trusses I'd be steppin on my sack and probably obstructed to boot!

Save the Truss!!!!!

Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 06:51 PM (UFLLM)

73 So don't think that this is anything about sand people fighting each other - this is a direct blow aimed at Trump.

I rather suspect that some Iranian built small electric submersibles, maybe holding one or two men with diving gear, deployed the explosives. The technology is not that difficult to develop, and it would be very stealthy.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 06:46 PM (Kpl3J)



Old problem, old solution -

Put a US flag on each ship.

Posted by: Burnt Toast at May 13, 2019 06:52 PM (1g7ch)

74 Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, realizes just how BIG the internet is, in
terms of actual numbers of big server farms, supporting digital
switches, etc.



It's massive. YUGE. You aren't going to cobble together another
Internet next week or even next year. A hundred billion dollars would
just be a start up investment.


Yawn...it ain't that big. I just read the whole internet this afternoon.

Posted by: LGoPs, Evelyn Wood Speed reading Course Honor Graduate at May 13, 2019 06:52 PM (jYEmF)

75 >>We allow Kuwait and the Emirates to pass through.


None shall pass!

Posted by: Gandalf at May 13, 2019 06:52 PM (dmvIq)

76 Regarding Carter. An old person breaking a hip is really bad.

How's the commie pope's walking ability been lately?

Posted by: nerdygirl at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (+lVUW)

77 Can't resist temptation: "I understand it's importance but since I don't do social media I don't get as upset as others."

I don't participate in the Silicon Valley social media universe, but our culture and society does. And it is censoring speech. When they are the dominating domain and can purchase all the monopolizing representation they need to exclude competition - which they currently can - then we are the Soviet Union with a superior military. PRAVDA, whether by one outfit or three, is still PRAVDA when all ownership/management remain of the Party. If we don't speak out now - almost literally - the trendline is that we may not get a chance to speak again unless standing on a soapbox in your lawn counts.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (6eEQ+)

78 Left out James Woods.

WTF did he do?



Posted by: golfman at May 13, 2019 06:48 PM (OE84+)


Crazy James Woods quoted a hippie.

Posted by: Burnt Toast at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (1g7ch)

79
Anyway, without those trusses I'd be steppin on my sack and probably obstructed to boot!

Save the Truss!!!!!
Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 06:51 PM (UFLLM)
--------------

Obviously not the real Bernie, because this person is coherent.

Posted by: blake - used sock salesman at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (qC1Sy)

80 >>This is one of those issues I don't care about but as they say, will be made to care about.

I understand it's importance but since I don't do social media I don't get as upset as others.
- - - -

They are trying to control the information you (and everyone) have access to. These companies are in the business of data mining. They capture a ton of personal information about you --- yes, even if you're not a subscriber to facebook they collect info on you, so does google vi android even if you've opted out, etc.. They are then not only monetizing it, but one assumes, analyzing it to see how information is shared, who are the influencers. They and others can use that for things like presidential campaigns.

WHat appears to be happening recently is that these tech companies are shutting down "fake news" sources, which are really alternative/independent media sites and those who amplify the information they report.

This does effect you because it means they have the power to hide/squelch important stories so that you never see them on places like AoSHQ and other sites you like. Maybe even shut down the sites you like.

For a good explanation of what they are likely doin, see Richard Fernandez's post "The Broadband EMpire and the Game of Drones." He describes the type of analysis the NSA was caught doing with the Snowden leak, but is applies to what these tech companies are almost certainly doing.

They are shutting down information nodes.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (W+vEI)

81 Its possible also midget submarines on a suicide missions, though a video of the bombers usually follows.

Midget submarines manned by...dwarfs?

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (jYEmF)

82 I'm at the theater waiting for "What Se Left Behind", a documentary on Deep Space 9. It's wall to wall nerds here!

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (jyInK)

83 "The first lawsuit and behavior will start changing.


Posted by: Blago at May 13, 2019 06:43 PM (UfkIY)"
It won't. It's a cult. Either they choose to knock it off or we're headed to face-collander time.

Posted by: lurker (the other one. buy radios too) at May 13, 2019 06:54 PM (eAshZ)

84 Just about every University in America is Censoring Speech as well.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:54 PM (dmvIq)

85 I rather suspect that some Iranian built small electric submersibles, maybe holding one or two men with diving gear, deployed the explosives. The technology is not that difficult to develop, and it would be very stealthy.

The WWII limpet mines were literally designed in a guy's garage over the course of a couple weekends. Once they had the new high-strength magnets from the US, they just needed to figure out a timing mechanism that would work underwater.

They eventually settled on hard candy.

I think the Iranians can manage high-strength magnets and candy.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 06:54 PM (naEeR)

86 http://bit.ly/2E3ZGLu
*******
Bombshell New Findings Show Obama WH May Have Been Involved in COVER UP of Hillary Emails, Was Fully Aware of Lies - Young Conservatives

Posted by: Deep State is in DEEP SHIT at May 13, 2019 06:55 PM (BqBId)

87 Midget submarines manned by...dwarfs?

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (jYEmF)

--------

Trannies hawking Mothers Day Cookies

Posted by: Phil Hartmark F/K/A Truck Monkey at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (flINI)

88 >>I think the Iranians can manage high-strength magnets and candy.


Magnets are Haram.

They don't truck no metal Djinis.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (dmvIq)

89 Voluptuous Ette's Cheerleading Squad with perfectly pointy elbows:

"We Must! We Must! We Must Bust Our Trust!!"

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (2sCft)

90 eris, nerds can be sexy too!

Posted by: willow at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (r/xAU)

91 We'll need a Mr. Limpet defense strategy.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (+y/Ru)

92 Can't resist temptation: "I understand it's importance but since I don't do social media I don't get as upset as others."



I don't participate in the Silicon Valley social media universe, but
our culture and society does. And it is censoring speech. When they are
the dominating domain and can purchase all the monopolizing
representation they need to exclude competition - which they currently
can - then we are the Soviet Union with a superior military. PRAVDA,
whether by one outfit or three, is still PRAVDA when all
ownership/management remain of the Party. If we don't speak out now -
almost literally - the trendline is that we may not get a chance to
speak again unless standing on a soapbox in your lawn counts.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (6eEQ+)


Well said. And whether private companies or not, they are in lockstep with the Democrat Party and Big Government, which is the textbook definition of Fascism.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (jYEmF)

93 Muh private property
Muh showing you the door

Fuck those people.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (w6gMl)

94 RICO? I wonder if there's a way to go after them here. Are they colluding? Clearly. But how to prove to the standard of the Court.

Anyone know what ever became of the Silly-Clone Valley companies conspiring to keep wages down? They entered into (secret) agreements not to poach each others' talent and to set what they were willing to pay.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (naEeR)

95 We allow Kuwait and the Emirates to pass through.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 06:51 PM (zBaqJ)

That would be interesting - but the other problem about putting too many Capital ships in that spot (enough to conduct a blockade) is that they become easy targets for Iran's surface to surface ballistic missiles, as do all of the tankers we're trying to let through. They shoot those, sink a couple destroyers (or maybe even a Carrier) and then the US would have to go into a general nationwide sequence of combined missile and air strikes, much like we did in the Iraq War. Hard to see how we really stop them all without a ground invasion - we couldn't with Iraq.

And if you're going to end up there, it makes more sense to avoid losing ships and taking a bunch of fatalities, and just declaring war against Iran and going at if with everything from the start. Because we'll end up there very quickly.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 06:57 PM (Kpl3J)

96 garrett: "Declare them Publishers, as that is what they are if they are making these types of decisions - and let Nature take its course."

Yes. This should have been done already. But it seems like the most expedient and simplest path to take before anything else is tried.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:57 PM (6eEQ+)

97 People have been urging this on Trump for over a year. For Chrissakes, do something!

Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 13, 2019 06:57 PM (H8QX8)

98 >> Left out James Woods.

WTF did he do?


He tweeted sentence about the presidential coup - maybe "When you at the king, you best succeed" - a line from The WIre and then something like '#HangThemAll"

Apparently that was threatening or something

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (W+vEI)

99 garret they've all become so bold, I guess they think they can win at this point, I imagine them using all their toys to help Obama win the presidency gave them a big head.

Posted by: willow at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (r/xAU)

100 Justice Kavanaugh agrees, Amazon is a monopoly and the customers have a case against it directly, not just the companies selling through it.

especially since Amazon filters what you get to buy through it. they are involved, now.

I don't get why Thomas and Alito don't get it. disappointing. we know Roberts is a fascist so will follow the corporate line.

Posted by: Boulder t'hobo at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (rrPpu)

101 Jimmy Carter will be fine. A broken hip isn't a killer. Mom busted hers 1 year ago at the age of 93. Survived cancer twice, one more time then Jimmy. Hip replacement surgery and a month in rehab. She's doing great.
Jimmy also has much better health care then most.

Posted by: never enough caffeine at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (N3JsI)

102 Iran, China, Cuba -- looks like the Axis of Weevils is acting up again.

Posted by: zombie at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (5tb4C)

103 Don't break them up. We don't need six Facebooks. The whole point of Facebook is that everyone is there. Just require that the social media giants (and only the giants) apply the same free-speech standard that the First Amendment extends to the government.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (w6gMl)

104 I actually agreed with Sotomayor and Ginsberg on something, ugh.

Posted by: Boulder t'hobo at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (rrPpu)

105 80
For a good explanation of what they are likely doin, see Richard Fernandez's post "The Broadband EMpire and the Game of Drones." He describes the type of analysis the NSA was caught doing with the Snowden leak, but is applies to what these tech companies are almost certainly doing.

They are shutting down information nodes.
Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 06:53 PM (W+vEI)


I remember the post you referenced. Maybe it would be a good idea to have a permanent link in the sidebar. It's that important.

Posted by: rickl at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (sdi6R)

106 Mother Fucker, ace. Now I'm hooked on traveling videos on YouTube. That took all of an hour.

Great work today, btw. Fuck those limp dicked cucks. Worse than the Left, they are.

Posted by: literally serious at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (O3do3)

107 I agree bust em. All of em. Twitter,Facebook,Google,Apple... Ect.

Into little bitty pieces.

Posted by: USNtakim profoundly deplorable. at May 13, 2019 06:58 PM (0OmEj)

108 garrett: "Declare them Publishers, as that is what they are if they are making these types of decisions - and let Nature take its course."

Yes. This should have been done already. But it seems like the most expedient and simplest path to take before anything else is tried.
Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:57 PM (6eEQ+)
++++
Given how deep that Big Tech is into the pockets of the Political Uniparty, maybe this is the better answer.

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 06:59 PM (2sCft)

109 96 garrett: "Declare them Publishers, as that is what they are if they are making these types of decisions - and let Nature take its course."

Yes. This should have been done already. But it seems like the most expedient and simplest path to take before anything else is tried.
Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 06:57 PM (6eEQ+)



Oh yes, please make it so! We have families to feed, yachts to maintain!

Posted by: Lawyers for conservative commentators at May 13, 2019 06:59 PM (sy5kK)

110 Weird. I believe even Kamala Toe Harris is complaining about the Twatter.

Posted by: Old Blue at May 13, 2019 06:59 PM (gEvQ8)

111 Don't break them up. We don't need six Facebooks. The whole point of Facebook is that everyone is there. Just require that the social media giants (and only the giants) apply the same free-speech standard that the First Amendment extends to the government.

No, break them up, into modules too small to survive.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 07:00 PM (naEeR)

112
Neutron Enhanced Radiation weapons will spare the Iranian refinery and oil platforms, allowing us to hand them over to The Peoples of Venezuela and Cuba for benign management!

Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:00 PM (UFLLM)

113 Justice Kavanaugh agrees, Amazon is a monopoly and the customers have a case against it directly, not just the companies selling through it.


Apple.

Funny that Apple, which controls all aspects of its products, wants this case to be viewed with them as innocent bystanders.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 13, 2019 07:00 PM (oVJmc)

114 Wow, this is Ace's second furious post against Big Tech today. I wonder: is this the end for the conservative free market orthodoxy? Or just frustration looking for an outlet?

Posted by: trev006 at May 13, 2019 07:00 PM (OnEJV)

115 Twittechochamber.

Posted by: zombie at May 13, 2019 07:00 PM (5tb4C)

116 They are de facto utilities. Treat them as such.

Posted by: hannitys_hybrid at May 13, 2019 07:00 PM (iMxDC)

117 WordPress has been deplatforming folks out of the blue the last few months. Jay Dyer. Heartiste.

Posted by: literally serious at May 13, 2019 07:01 PM (O3do3)

118 Anyone with two brain cells can figure out the President knows the SoS's fkin e-mail address.

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:01 PM (BbGew)

119 You know that if the shoe was on the other foot, armies of lawyers and lobbyists would have descended on DC by now, and antifa and its associated cousins would be literally breaking shit.

And the MFM? wall to wall, we never sleep, OMFG we're all gonna die tomorrow coverage.

The fact that they ain't covering this speaks volumes.

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 13, 2019 07:01 PM (Z4rgH)

120 Bombshell New Findings Show Obama WH May Have Been
Involved in COVER UP of Hillary Emails, Was Fully Aware of Lies - Young
Conservatives

Posted by: Deep State is in DEEP SHIT at May 13, 2019 06:55 PM (BqBId)

Of course they knew! Hillary was e-mailing people and receiving e-mails - did they think that "clintonmail.com" was the new style of "state.gov"? And who the heck would be e-mailing the secretary of state but higher ups in the Obama administration?

Sometimes pointing out the obvious is a necessary act.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Party of One! Personalized Identity Group Kits Now at The Outrage Outlet! at May 13, 2019 07:01 PM (0QYMt)

121 Treat as utilities and publishers and sue the crap out of them. THEN trust bust the bums.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Profoundly Unserious at May 13, 2019 07:02 PM (pw+jk)

122 Actually: is this the fourth post against Big Tech? Is it gonna be the Twittero Delenda Est hour around here for the foreseeable future?

Posted by: trev006 at May 13, 2019 07:02 PM (OnEJV)

123 derp, yeah, it was Apple. different bunch of sjw gatekeeper.

the precedent should definitely apply to Amazon though.

Posted by: Boulder t'hobo at May 13, 2019 07:02 PM (rrPpu)

124 Apple.

Funny that Apple, which controls all aspects of its products, wants this case to be viewed with them as innocent bystanders.


Apple has occasionally kicked back against an app I'm associated with developing, because it "sells" things, but doesn't collect payment in any way that lets Apple collect their protection money. Once the reason they gave for not approving it was "obscene content".

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 07:02 PM (naEeR)

125 95 Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 06:57 PM (Kpl3J)

Fair points.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 13, 2019 07:02 PM (zBaqJ)

126 I want a free market in business as well as in speech and ideas. Big Tech gets in the way of both of these things.

Posted by: USNtakim profoundly deplorable. at May 13, 2019 07:02 PM (0OmEj)

127 WTF did he do?

----------
I think he quoted the "if you try to kill the king, you'd better succeed" quote (or whatever) but aimed at a leftie so they claimed it was a death threat.

Posted by: andycanuck at May 13, 2019 07:03 PM (Dh1wo)

128 Break up the New Media.

Break up the Old Media.

Break up the EduCartel.

Slim down the State.

Power to the People, bitchez!

Posted by: I'm Brother Cavil, and I ain't recommending shit at the moment at May 13, 2019 07:03 PM (lLeln)

129 * There is no such thing as a "hate crime"

* They're not "leftists", they're racist-authoritarians (%s of each influence vary, and other pathologies are present, but those are the 2 principal characteristics)


* That Marcus guy from the NYC crime story should find another line of work, if he can't write intelligently about simple topics like street crime - jeebus - due to "race". Pathetic.


* Banking is not a public good or service, though it is a highly regulated private one, and yes same same discrimination based on non-business, non-financial considerations, against otherwise normal customers engaged in legal commerce, should not be allowed (yeah, freedom of association was nuked by "civil rights" legislation, but here the pain is even less, as the sector is very heavily regulated, to the point of being a minor retail implementation contractor of the Fed, Treasury, and FDIC/FNMA/et al)


* Publisher vs. platform may suffice, not sure anti-trust is the best approach; in any case purely a practical decision about best tactic to pursue, end result the same



Posted by: AOSHQ Pedantry Duty Officer at May 13, 2019 07:04 PM (QDnY+)

130 IT'S A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS, DAMNIT!

Posted by: The Lapdog press once again showing they are dumber than Sargent Shultz at May 13, 2019 07:04 PM (sy5kK)

131 Here's an excerpt that explains why it does effect you, and why there is no safety/anonymity in numbers. It's not about your standalone data, it's about connections to others, mapping groups and networks.

The reason everyone must sooner or later fall into the toils of the data mining operation is something called Dunbar's Number. It holds that no cell can grow beyond 150 members in size without resorting to communications and hierarchies. . .

The fact that you belong to a large group, for example the 50% of the US population that is conservative or Republican, does not give you safety in numbers. Within this large group of millions are a much smaller number of key leadership nodes. They are the nodes that matter, the top of the hierarchy mandated by Dunbar's Number.

If you can control, corrupt or even bait those nodes you can reduce the entire group to impotence. You can effectively decapitate it, a strategy applied not only to al-Qaeda but apparently also by the IRS in its hunt of Tea Party and Republican fundraising groups. The virtual world let's you dominate the virtual high ground. You don't have to clobber all Muslims and Republicans. You just have to clobber the key nodes and the rest will mill around like leaderless ants.


Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM (W+vEI)

132 Judge blocks massage tape evidence in Kraft case...

-
Hey! Doesn't the public have a right to know? And see?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM (+y/Ru)

133 Hi Garrett! I got the tape deck.
Uh, but please see my email I just sent you. :-)

Posted by: qdpsteve at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM (miE9U)

134 Why would a nation designed on the principle of checks and balances decide that checks and balances are not necessary just because a corporation or a small list of conspiring corporations are involved?

At the time the 1st Amendment was written no one had a monopoly on paper.

Posted by: jc at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM (PuMKG)

135 A different idea as to how to tame the Social Media companies - Pass a Federal Law making it a Federal Crime to resell any User information, even with the User's consent. State that it is Against Public Policy. Allow such a thing to be given away for free, thus getting around constitutional problems, but ban the Commercial Exploitation of the information completely.

That'll put a hole in their pocketbooks.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 13, 2019 07:06 PM (Kpl3J)

136 the precedent should definitely apply to Amazon though.

Why? What cut do they take from third parties selling through their site?

FFS, I work for a company that sees Amazon behind every bush and considers them "our #1 competitor", and the only legit complaints I've seen are about the working conditions in their distribution centers and their ability to unilaterally pull books off the Kindle.

(Last week a poorly-worded email was sent at work, stating that associates are no longer to purchase ANYTHING from Amazon. A little more careful reading revealed that it was about purchases on the company credit card -- and, frankly, that's reasonable.)

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 07:06 PM (naEeR)

137
That would be interesting - but the other problem about putting too many Capital ships in that spot (enough to conduct a blockade) is that they become easy targets for Iran's surface to surface ballistic missiles,


Honestly, this might be the only job the LCS is good for

Posted by: Flawless Male Logic at May 13, 2019 07:07 PM (TAmPV)

138 >>Of course they knew! Hillary was e-mailing people and receiving e-mails - did they think that "clintonmail.com" was the new style of "state.gov"? And who the heck would be e-mailing the secretary of state but higher ups in the Obama administration?

>>Sometimes pointing out the obvious is a necessary act.

It amazes me how much of both the Clinton email investigation and the Russia scam were so obviously wrong but the media and the left expected us to just buy what they said and go along with it.

Apparently they think we are as dumb as they are.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 13, 2019 07:07 PM (/tuJf)

139 Just another giant clusterfuck of we don't enforce or own laws or keep middlemen limited in the middle anymore. Like re-enacting the ATT breakup or letting congress extort Microsoft again is going to fix anything. Who's going to precipitate the Crash by recessioning the FANGs? and lose their next election?

Posted by: DaveA at May 13, 2019 07:07 PM (FhXTo)

140 Ahoy, Cabin Boy! It's time to promenade the Bulls on the Forecastle Deck!

Posted by: Cap'n Billy Kristol at May 13, 2019 07:07 PM (LuPts)

141 Nuke them from orbit.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 13, 2019 07:08 PM (9Om/r)

142 No Tim Pool videos today. I didn't think he could resist. We'll see.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 13, 2019 07:08 PM (xPl2J)

143 Judge blocks massage tape evidence in Kraft case...

-
Hey! Doesn't the public have a right to know? And see?


If you really want to see an 80-something year old man get a happy ending, PornHub and XVideos likely have what you're looking for.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 07:08 PM (naEeR)

144 Apparently they think we are as dumb as they are.
Posted by: JackStraw at May 13, 2019 07:07 PM (/tuJf)

If 70% = we.

Correct.

Posted by: golfman at May 13, 2019 07:08 PM (OE84+)

145 Judge blocks massage tape evidence in Kraft case...
-
Hey! Doesn't the public have a right to know? And see?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM (+y/Ru)

Release the Tape! Release the Tape! Release the Tape!

How long is Bob Kraft's Schlong?

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (Z+IKu)

146 >>>It just doesn't sound as ominous in the plural form.


they have different products and exist in different markets.

Posted by: ace at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (PbpT7)

147 Judge blocks massage tape evidence in Kraft case...

-
Hey! Doesn't the public have a right to know? And see?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM

I demand the full unredacted tapes are released to the public

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (BbGew)

148 How long is Bob Kraft's Schlong?
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (Z+IKu)

He's 80.

He can tie that shit in a knot.

Posted by: golfman at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (OE84+)

149 It amazes me how much of both the Clinton email investigation and the Russia scam were so obviously wrong but the media and the left expected us to just buy what they said and go along with it.

Apparently they think we are as dumb as they are.


Journalists are barely capable of functioning as adults, and assume everyone else is less capable.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (naEeR)

150 Settle down, old pal. You have been linking to PJM quite a bit recently, IYKWIMAITYD.

Posted by: Ass Chum at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (Jj+59)

151 Fuuuuck!


I just saw it and responded, Steve.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 07:10 PM (dmvIq)

152 A different idea as to how to tame the Social Media companies - Pass a Federal Law making it a Federal Crime to resell any User information, even with the User's consent. State that it is Against Public Policy. Allow such a thing to be given away for free, thus getting around constitutional problems, but ban the Commercial Exploitation of the information completely.

My God. I love this idea so much!

It would stop a LOT of awful nonsense. It would close a LOT of awful companies and shut down spammers.

I LOVE THIS IDEA.

Posted by: BlackOrchid at May 13, 2019 07:10 PM (Rarvo)

153 I'm all in favor of you making a living, I hope you can find another way.

Posted by: Ass Chum at May 13, 2019 07:11 PM (Jj+59)

154 Rob Crawford, yeah the development of the original mine in WWII was fascinating - by two guys, one a maker of custom travel trailers, in his shop. And the "candy fuse" was the best part. Ultimate off-the-shelf ingenuity. I recall they were worried people would get supicious when they bought up all of that type of candy in a few small towns all at once. Suspicious, yes - but nobody would've ever guessed the secret use.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 13, 2019 07:11 PM (QDnY+)

155 Release the Tape! Release the Tape! Release the Tape!



How long is Bob Kraft's Schlong?

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 07:09 PM (Z+IKu)

===

Silly round eye. Mr. Kraft is grower not shower.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Profoundly Unserious at May 13, 2019 07:12 PM (pw+jk)

156 Wonder how many fat-salary-and-pension layabouts are watching porn on a government internet connection at all these regulatory agencies instead of doing the jobs that they are supposed to be doing.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez asks,who is painting these concentric circles on my back all the time ? at May 13, 2019 07:12 PM (isI7q)

157 156 My guess - most

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:13 PM (BbGew)

158 Lizzy: "They are the nodes that matter, the top of the hierarchy mandated by Dunbar's Number."

Very interesting.

Along the same vein, the Soviets needed 10% party membership to control 100% of the Union. Red-shirted activists use the same tactic to try to take over public meetings via a small percentage of loud group members. You don't have to control everyone; you just need to control the proper ones. And then you can control everyone.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at May 13, 2019 07:14 PM (6eEQ+)

159 then they should forthrightly, honestly, and courageously make the case


They won't. They can't. Because they aren't even capable of being honest with themselves about what their positions are.

This reminds me in a way about when the Republicans had control of the House during the Obama years and I and others kept saying you have the power of the purse, use it. The response by the more Establishment types, including one former cob here, was a very sneering no no on that would be idiotic and you just don't understand the why that is politically idiotic and you are teh dum for suggesting it. To which my response was, okay, so you are stating that the power of the purse has been de facto repealed and when did that take place? Oh no no no no! That is not true! What a stupid thing to think! Well, if a power cannot be used, then that power does not exist.

The same thing here. If the power of anti trust is not used in a case where it seems obvious to be used, then that power does not exist.

Be *honest*.

But I'm the naive idiot for wanting people to argue their positions honestly. Got it.

Posted by: alexthechick - Superelite Ragebunny. Hopping all around. at May 13, 2019 07:14 PM (GbPPJ)

160 Midget submarines manned by...dwarfs?

We represent the Shirin Pollow guild!

Posted by: DaveA at May 13, 2019 07:14 PM (FhXTo)

161 And who the heck would be e-mailing the secretary of state but higher ups in the Obama administration?

Oh my, I can give you one example, young man. I emailed her two or three times, about yoga, wedding dresses, and of course our grandchildren. Why else would the World's Smartest Woman (TM) use a private account? She puts her pantsuits on just like I do, one leg at a time.

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein of Brattleboro, Vermont at May 13, 2019 07:15 PM (Jj+59)

162
The Left's objection to McCarthyism is that they weren't running it.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 13, 2019 07:16 PM (X3lUd)

163 Wait, I am getting a submarine?

YAY!

Posted by: alexthechick - Superelite Ragebunny. Hopping all around. at May 13, 2019 07:16 PM (GbPPJ)

164 Conservatives actually fighting back?
To quote Bender Bending Rodriguez: "Oh, wait...you're serious? In that case, let me laugh even harder."

Posted by: FaCubeItches at May 13, 2019 07:16 PM (HOXd0)

165 Rob Crawford, yeah the development of the original mine in WWII was fascinating - by two guys, one a maker of custom travel trailers, in his shop. And the "candy fuse" was the best part. Ultimate off-the-shelf ingenuity. I recall they were worried people would get supicious when they bought up all of that type of candy in a few small towns all at once. Suspicious, yes - but nobody would've ever guessed the secret use.

Especially when, a few weeks later, they bought up the town's supply of rubbers.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at May 13, 2019 07:16 PM (naEeR)

166 I say a Thank You everyday for Ace.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 13, 2019 07:17 PM (CKc3A)

167 Iran has no good military options and punishing/disarming them would be much easier than many seem to think. In addition their economy is on the brink of major disruption and shutting down their major commerce (inevitable immediate outcome of any serious tussle with us) would probably collapse the whole edifice.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 13, 2019 07:18 PM (QDnY+)

168 156 Wonder how many fat-salary-and-pension layabouts are watching porn on a government internet connection at all these regulatory agencies instead of doing the jobs that they are supposed to be doing.

Why do you think all those work computers are 'stolen or lost' instead of handed over? I bet the Potomac under the 14th Street bridge is full of them.

Posted by: The Charlie Daniels of the Torque Wrench at May 13, 2019 07:18 PM (Jj+59)

169 Dwarf submarines are the worst.

Posted by: Puddin Head at May 13, 2019 07:19 PM (vV/gB)

170 Wasn't there a song "How Long Has This Been Going On?" by...........

Ace.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 07:19 PM (Z+IKu)

171 I say a Thank You everyday for Ace.
Posted by: Ben Had at May 13, 2019 07:17 PM (CKc3A)

I suspect we all do.

Thanks ace.

Posted by: golfman at May 13, 2019 07:19 PM (OE84+)

172

I love crispy Persian rice... think how much there'd be after a good neutron bombing!

Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:19 PM (UFLLM)

173 156
Wonder how many fat-salary-and-pension layabouts are watching porn on a
government internet connection at all these regulatory agencies instead
of doing the jobs that they are supposed to be doing.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez asks,who is painting these concentric circles on my back all the time ?


I can't speak for every Government entity, but I can assure you that if you do that on a DoD computer, you're toast.

Posted by: pep at May 13, 2019 07:21 PM (T6t7i)

174 As some of us have been noting since the outset, the clumsiness, crudity, transparently false nature, and stupidity of the various elements of the Keytone Coup were stunning. That *any* of it - including the absurd obvious obstruction of justice that was the Mid-Year Exam Clinton 7th floor Espionage Act cover-up, the first act, as it were - could pass without a meltdown/explosion in the Beltway (and not just from the GOP side) was a still-chilling indicator of how broad and deep the civic degradation is.



Posted by: rhomboid at May 13, 2019 07:21 PM (QDnY+)

175 I say a Thank You everyday for Ace.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 13, 2019 07:17 PM (CKc3A)


I suspect we all do.


Thanks ace.

Posted by: golfman

Nothing says Thank You like hittin the Tip Jar!

I keep my tips in the deep freeze. Nobody will ever look there!

Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:22 PM (UFLLM)

176 Iran has no economy and France and Germany wanted buyers not sellers.

PDT has checkmated Merkel and the Chinese.

Typical muzzie attitude. I lose ,we kill you all.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 13, 2019 07:22 PM (CKc3A)

177 Dwarf submarines are the worst.

In WWII, they said "pickle the bastard" when referring to torpedo shots. These dwarf submarines would "gherkin the bastard" most likely.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 07:23 PM (jYEmF)

178 If the power of anti trust is not used in a case

The next version of America needs a use it or lose it rule on rules. Including the non-users losing their jobs.


Posted by: DaveA at May 13, 2019 07:24 PM (FhXTo)

179 The Iranians may not have thought this through. Yes, they have a crap ton of missiles including Silkworm anti ship stuff they bought from the Chinese, but if they decide to try to use them on US ships, I believe that Trump will bring down the wrath of G-d on them. It would be short, sharp and ugly, and the Russians would probably do well to keep out of it.

Posted by: Old Blue at May 13, 2019 07:24 PM (gEvQ8)

180 Only State Department insiders get to trash equipment to cover their tracks

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:25 PM (BbGew)

181 Iran's "doomsday" options involve very little in terms of conventional forces or anything even based in Iran. Hezbollah rocket offenive on Israel is the top of the pile. But that's a "one-time" option - it's switched on, Hezb gets obliterated once and for all, south Lebanon becomes a buffer zone, and it's all quite politically feasible in the dramatically different MidEast strategic alignment (i.e., "lol eff you" will suffice as an Israel, US, or even Egyptian or Jordanian response to whatever knee-jerk objection is raised). The Persians have no friends west of the Shatt al-Arab, just vulnerable proxies.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 13, 2019 07:25 PM (QDnY+)

182 179
The Iranians may not have thought this through.


Shocker.

Posted by: pep at May 13, 2019 07:25 PM (T6t7i)

183 Posted by: The Lapdog press once again showing they are dumber than Sargent Shultz at May 13, 2019 07:04 PM (sy5kK)


Schultz knew he was outclassed, which is more than the press understands.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Party of One! Personalized Identity Group Kits Now at The Outrage Outlet! at May 13, 2019 07:25 PM (0QYMt)

184 I'm getting ice cream, chocolate chip anyone?

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:26 PM (BbGew)

185 I'm convinced the majority of the ordnance sold to the Iranians is not likely to function as advertised.

Posted by: garrett at May 13, 2019 07:26 PM (dmvIq)

186 Was the candy Pop Rocks??

Posted by: andycanuck at May 13, 2019 07:27 PM (Dh1wo)

187 140 Ahoy, Cabin Boy! It's time to promenade the Bulls on the Forecastle Deck!
Posted by: Cap'n Billy Kristol at May 13, 2019 07:07 PM (LuPts)

++++
I thought that had been renamed the Foreskin Deck, Captain!! Ahoy, Indeed!!

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:27 PM (2sCft)

188 Facebook and Twitter: "OH, NOES!!! RUSSIAN ADS!!! RUSSIAN BOTS!!!! MEDDLING IN OUR ELECTIONS!!!!!"


*bans anyone who deviates from their party line*

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 13, 2019 07:27 PM (oVJmc)

189 Wait, I am getting a submarine?



YAY!

Posted by: alexthechick - Superelite Ragebunny. Hopping all around. at May 13, 2019 07:16 PM (GbPPJ)

Yep! A GUPPY!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Party of One! Personalized Identity Group Kits Now at The Outrage Outlet! at May 13, 2019 07:28 PM (0QYMt)

190
I can't speak for every Government entity, but I can assure you that if you do that on a DoD computer, you're toast.
Posted by: pep

======

Ftr, DoD contractors are a different matter.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia's phone at May 13, 2019 07:28 PM (fL/6/)

191 You just have to clobber the key nodes and the rest will mill around like leaderless ants. 

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 07:05 PM (W+vEI)

That works if you're dealing with ants, or a particularly supine animal population. The problem Big Tech has is that some sites are "tripwires." They go down, and some hundreds, maybe thousands of people go from "green" to "red." I'd like to be surprised Heartiste collapsed without a whimper, but I'm not. They were mostly just talkers. Unz might do better: Vox Day has a variety of plans ready.

Kick over sandcastles indiscriminately, you eventually run into a bigger bully.

Posted by: trev006 at May 13, 2019 07:29 PM (OnEJV)

192 I'd love to see the Twatter algorithms deplatform @jack for violating the terms of service. It would be to point and laugh.

Posted by: Old Blue at May 13, 2019 07:29 PM (gEvQ8)

193 The Russians have helped their economy by selling the Iranians a lot of nuke equipment but I don't see any upside for the Russians in this dispute.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 13, 2019 07:30 PM (CKc3A)

194 Really not a monopoly situation.
It's easy to avoid Twit/Face/Goog: just don't use em.

Yes, damn the social-media hegemons to hell.

But do we really need more govt meddling in our communications? Is that the only way we can fix anything anymore: by siccing the govt onto it?

Posted by: gp Treading the Sh!thole at May 13, 2019 07:30 PM (mk9aG)

195 The Persians have no friends west of the Shatt al-Arab, just vulnerable proxies.
Posted by: rhomboid at May 13, 2019 07:25 PM (QDnY+)

Yup....and I do not know what version we got of the Minuteman running around today, but I paid a lot of damn tax money for those things and I would like to see if they work in real time.

Qom and Tehran. No one would miss 'em.

A man can dream.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 13, 2019 07:31 PM (Z+IKu)

196 Trump should just up and stop tweeting cold one day.

When asked about it during a press gaggle, simply say, "Eh, i'm over it."

Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 13, 2019 07:32 PM (Ct55T)

197 Really not a monopoly situation.

It's easy to avoid Twit/Face/Goog: just don't use em.


Wrong - please re-read post.

Posted by: DaveA at May 13, 2019 07:32 PM (FhXTo)

198 Time to Snow Crash all the L. Bobs, screw the nam-shubs and Sweet Reason.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2019 07:32 PM (boHn2)

199 I'll bet Erdogan's knickers are in a twist about now.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 13, 2019 07:33 PM (CKc3A)

200 man, you second class citizens are uppity

Posted by: Keto not Beto at May 13, 2019 07:33 PM (JziUy)

201 Which Moron liked to point out Iran's economy was the size of Dallas and entirely dependent on shipping a flammable commodity from a small refinery?

Posted by: DaveA at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (FhXTo)

202 Trump leaves Twatter and Twatter will collapse.

Posted by: Phil Hartmark F/K/A Truck Monkey at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (flINI)

203 Really not a monopoly situation.
It's easy to avoid Twit/Face/Goog: just don't use em.

....

I can't entirely agree.

That's a bit like saying if you want to avoid Ma Bell, just don't use the telephone.

The question is whether Twit/Face/Goog are a utility.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (RHSVI)

204 Time to Snow Crash all the L. Bobs, screw the nam-shubs and Sweet Reason.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2019 07:32 PM (boHn2)
++++
Sadly, I have no idea what any of this means. Does that make me an ignorant moron?

** hangs head in shame **

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (2sCft)

205 nothing will suffice for them any longer but exclusive access to mass communications.
That's the way I did it.

Posted by: Stalin at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (r+sAi)

206 I used to follow on the Twatters, but mostly for baseball, astronomy, and WWII stuff, but they've changed their interface to a more mobile app type interface and I can't seem to get anything more than five or six hours old on the feed now. I haven't been back since the change and will let my account die.

Posted by: Old Blue at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (gEvQ8)

207 I guess it's time to drag out Bessie The Dead Horse again and post 18 US Code 241 one more time...

If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State,
Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise
or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the
Constitution or laws of the United States or because of his having so exercised the same...
...They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years...


Are there any lawyers here to can 'splain it to me just why this law isn't being enforce again Goolag, Faceplant and every other socialist media outlet who is denying the Constitutional right of free speech?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy says #PurgeProgressivismBAMN at May 13, 2019 07:35 PM (HaL55)

208 The Empress and Polly in a mini-sub?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2019 07:35 PM (boHn2)

209 Sadly, I have no idea what any of this means. Does that make me an ignorant moron?

** hangs head in shame **
Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (2sCft)

Not alone there. I just did the doggie puzzled head-tilt and "Arroooo?"

Posted by: Pug Mahon at May 13, 2019 07:37 PM (xPJvm)

210
197 Really not a monopoly situation.

It's easy to avoid Twit/Face/Goog: just don't use 'em.


Would it be out of line to suggest that the upper echelons of these firms are festooned with folks from outside this country and, in my opinion, have no damn business foisting their statist and globalist views and values on the rest of us?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 13, 2019 07:37 PM (pNxlR)

211 Would it be out of line to suggest that the upper
echelons of these firms are festooned with folks from outside this
country and, in my opinion, have no damn business foisting their statist
and globalist views and values on the rest of us?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 13, 2019 07:37 PM (pNxlR)


Why no. No it wouldn't.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 07:38 PM (jYEmF)

212 >>They were mostly just talkers. Unz might do better: Vox Day has a variety of plans ready.

Kick over sandcastles indiscriminately, you eventually run into a bigger bully.
- - -

Good to hear. I am not familiar with Heartistse, but I have visited Vox Day's site every now and then.

The plan seems to slow-roll the suspensions, targeting the provocateurs first so that they can justify it. Saw last week the messaging was "What, are you saying Laura Looker and Alex Jones are part of the GOP/right???" as a way to shame people who defended them from the tech censors.

However, this may backfire as it gives people time to back-up their work, establish accounts on parallel platforms (see Tim Pool posting to YouTube and Bitchute) so that their followers know where to go if/when the tech censors hit them.

I would not be surprised if there is more active attempts to shut down these alternative sites, such as all they've tried to do to shut down Gab.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 07:38 PM (W+vEI)

213
** hangs head in shame **
Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:34 PM (2sCft)


Terms straight out of the cyberpunk genre.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 13, 2019 07:39 PM (pNxlR)

214 If only there was a party in congress that represented conservatives or republicans.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 13, 2019 07:39 PM (r+sAi)

215 Must be a slow afternoon. Either that or we're being throttled back.

Posted by: LGoPs at May 13, 2019 07:39 PM (jYEmF)

216 Snow Crash. Neal Stephenson novel.

In this case Snow Crash is a VR transmitted virus that screws up the deep neurological structures of geek brains.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2019 07:39 PM (boHn2)

217 >>I can't entirely agree.

>>That's a bit like saying if you want to avoid Ma Bell, just don't use the telephone.

>>The question is whether Twit/Face/Goog are a utility.

Not to mention a substantial portion of the US and beyond gets their news from these sources whether we use them or don't use them.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 13, 2019 07:40 PM (/tuJf)

218 Example of a real monopoly: ICANN, or whoever are the guys giving out domain names now. If they stopped giving domains based on political bias, that would be a good trust case.

But Twit/Face? They are amusements, diversions, not essential services, and have competitors. It's like calling 911 to complain that one casino has tighter slots than another.

You start getting the govt taking cases over disputed online content, you'll have them knocking on Ace's door someday. Ace reserves the right to serve any audience he chooses, and a good one he's chosen. Twit/Face chooses idiot audiences; let them have them.

Posted by: gp Treading the Sh!thole at May 13, 2019 07:40 PM (mk9aG)

219 Terms straight out of the cyberpunk genre.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 13, 2019 07:39 PM

++++
I'm more of a classic Punk Rock type of guy.

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:41 PM (2sCft)

220 90 eris, nerds can be sexy too!
Posted by: willow at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (r/xAU)

Can be? Nerd girls in glasses are the hottest.

Posted by: Al Crapton at May 13, 2019 07:41 PM (T8/UU)

221 Your technological issues frighten and confuse me!

Posted by: Weasel at May 13, 2019 07:41 PM (MVjcR)

222 In this case Snow Crash is a VR transmitted virus that screws up the deep neurological structures of geek brains.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2019 07:39 PM (boHn2)

aaahhh.

My brother is a huge Stephenson fan. I have some on deck, but they seem...daunting. He's like way more smarter than I (my brother, that is).

Posted by: Pug Mahon at May 13, 2019 07:41 PM (xPJvm)

223
see Tim Poole posting to YouTube and Bitchute


Poole posted a video within the last 24-some hours in which he announced that he is stepping away from the fray for a time.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 13, 2019 07:42 PM (pNxlR)

224 THE CONSERVATIVE CASE FOR MONOPOLIES

Posted by: Lurking Lurker at May 13, 2019 07:42 PM (FiUMj)

225 "In real life, the wizards are CEOs of high technology companies,
including well known social media platforms"
-- A Myspace ripoff website is what qualifies as wizardry of "high technology" to this guy. WTF

Posted by: I WAS PHONE at May 13, 2019 07:43 PM (vtd+q)

226
My earwax tastes like Twitter droppings. I save it up in m y truss, so my drooping sack doesn't chafe.

Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:43 PM (UFLLM)

227 90 eris, nerds can be sexy too!
Posted by: willow at May 13, 2019 06:56 PM (r/xAU)

Can be? Nerd girls in glasses are the hottest.
Posted by: Al Crapton at May 13, 2019 07:41 PM (T8/UU)
++++
Seconded! That is definitely a hawt look. Brains are sexy in general. The glasses are *ahem* icing on the cake.

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:43 PM (2sCft)

228 224 THE CONSERVATIVE CASE FOR MONOPOLIES
Posted by: Lurking Lurker at May 13, 2019 07:42 PM (FiUMj)

EXCEPT FOR THAT LITTLE TROTSKYITE DOGGIE AMIRITE I MEAN F*CK THAT GUY

Posted by: RACECAR ALL THE WAY BITCHEZ at May 13, 2019 07:43 PM (Ct55T)

229 >>Really not a monopoly situation.
It's easy to avoid Twit/Face/Goog: just don't use em.




The only way to avoid them is to do nothing online. Also, maybe make no electronic payments. Definitely don't use a smartphone.

Facebook tracks the online activity of non-facebook users. Google owns many companies, and has code embedded in apps, your android phone (if you have one) to track your activity.

These companies are in the data mining business - they have devised all sorts of ways to track you outside of doing google searches and posting on facebook.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 07:44 PM (W+vEI)

230 Example of a real monopoly: ICANN,
Yep, this deplatforming and silencing is the exact reason Obama gave up US control of the internet. Get it out of US courts. I read some conservative (can't remember who) lost his url this week, just because they didn't like him.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 13, 2019 07:44 PM (r+sAi)

231 My earwax tastes like Twitter droppings. I save it up in m y truss, so my drooping sack doesn't chafe.
Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:43 PM (UFLLM)
++++
Visually, while descriptive, this crosses the line. Where's my mind bleach gone to....?

Posted by: SteveOReno, I proudly self-identify as a Moron at May 13, 2019 07:45 PM (2sCft)

232 https://www.thediplomad.com/
Breaking China

Always a Good short read

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:45 PM (BbGew)

233 Really not a monopoly situation.
It's easy to avoid Twit/Face/Goog: just don't use em.

___

AT&T wasn't monopoly. Just don't use the phone, right?

Posted by: Lurking Lurker at May 13, 2019 07:45 PM (FiUMj)

234 Nood

Posted by: Ladyl at May 13, 2019 07:45 PM (TdMsT)

235 You start getting the govt taking cases over disputed online content,
you'll have them knocking on Ace's door someday. Ace reserves the right
to serve any audience he chooses, and a good one he's chosen.
Twit/Face chooses idiot audiences; let them have them.


How about Congresscretins informing their constituents of pending legislation? Is it OK to ban their transmissions of what is clearly political speech since it concerns the law?

Speaking of the law, how about having Facebook silence the ABA?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy says #PurgeProgressivismBAMN at May 13, 2019 07:46 PM (HaL55)

236 Nood Near-east Ne'er-do-wells

Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 13, 2019 07:46 PM (Ct55T)

237 My earwax tastes like Twitter droppings. I save it up in m y truss, so my drooping sack doesn't chafe.
Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:43 PM (UFLLM)

Wow! Your like, like so like, cool man!

What's a truss?

Posted by: Under 30 and Don't Pay Taxes at May 13, 2019 07:46 PM (Z+IKu)

238 I'm kind of split on this.

On the one hand, the market will correct this in time, it just feels like its taking forever because we're in the middle of it. And when it happens it will be really sudden.

On the other hand, this is affecting elections, they're deliberately suppressing the voice of opposition and one side of the political debate because they know it is effective: in 2016 social media caved in the Democrats like a wrecking ball.

So I'm divided and unsure where to go. I know that the last thing I ever want to support is granting the government more power as a solution. Bear in mind, this was part of what Net Neutrality was about: government power to enforce neutrality in debate. And giving the government the power to punish the left for silencing the right gives them the power to do the opposite, even when its not the same situation.

Remember, just because we got a guy we like in power now doesn't mean we always will.

So I dunno, I really do not.

Poole posted a video within the last 24-some hours in which he announced that he is stepping away from the fray for a time.

I thought it was quite good and I suspect that's more the future than yet another angry yelling voice stirring up outrage. Or, at least, I hope so.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 13, 2019 07:46 PM (39g3+)

239 Example of a real monopoly: ICANN, or whoever are the guys giving out
domain names now. If they stopped giving domains based on political
bias, that would be a good trust case.



But Twit/Face? They are amusements, diversions, not essential
services, and have competitors. It's like calling 911 to complain that
one casino has tighter slots than another.



You start getting the govt taking cases over disputed online
content, you'll have them knocking on Ace's door someday. Ace reserves
the right to serve any audience he chooses, and a good one he's chosen.
Twit/Face chooses idiot audiences; let them have them.


Wrong again.
ICANN is a committee doing a simple service.
Lots of people rely on the FANGs for news, business and connection now.
Nobody here wants the govt. involved in disputing online content. They want anti-trust law (this post) and the publisher/platform law enforced.

Posted by: DaveA at May 13, 2019 07:46 PM (FhXTo)

240 184 I'm getting ice cream, chocolate chip anyone?
Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2019 07:26 PM (BbGew)

Got anything with something stronger, like heroin?

Posted by: Insomniac at May 13, 2019 07:46 PM (NWiLs)

241 Damn.

Jury returned $2 billion judgement against Monsanto over RoundUp cancer connection.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger at May 13, 2019 07:47 PM (RHSVI)

242 you'll have them knocking on Ace's door someday.

You don't understand, they are already coming, AOSHQ could be disappeared at the touch of a button.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 13, 2019 07:48 PM (r+sAi)

243 "
Are there any lawyers here to can 'splain it to
me just why this law isn't being enforce again Goolag, Faceplant and
every other socialist media outlet who is denying the Constitutional
right of free speech?


Posted by: BackwardsBoy says #PurgeProgressivismBAMN at May 13, 2019 07:35 PM (HaL55)"
Yeah..

Actually, I would say lawyers are at a disadvantage to explain this because they're too married to the idea of a functioning society.
They haven't been prosecuted yet because we really are that close to the balloon going up. WH is trying to get stuff done while walking a tightrope, and opfor is trying to goad people into kicking things off and enjoying the boot-to-face action in the meantime.

Posted by: lurker (the other one. buy radios too) at May 13, 2019 07:48 PM (eAshZ)

244 Nood trusted white house advisors and live in lesbian lovers.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - The Media Controls the Whether Machines at May 13, 2019 07:49 PM (07se2)

245 I keep my tips in the deep freeze. Nobody will ever look there!


Posted by: Bernie Sandernista at May 13, 2019 07:22 PM (UFLLM)

Sorry, bro. Doesn't work for shit.

Posted by: Rep. William Jefferson(D) at May 13, 2019 07:51 PM (hu22E)

246 "230 Example of a real monopoly: ICANN,
Yep, this deplatforming and silencing is the exact reason Obama gave up US control of the internet. Get it out of US courts. I read some conservative (can't remember who) lost his url this week, just because they didn't like him.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 13, 2019 07:44 PM (r+sAi) "



Yup, this. As predicted.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez asks,who is painting these concentric circles on my back all the time ? at May 13, 2019 07:51 PM (isI7q)

247 Colorado was anti-monopoly with it's liquor sales thing. Still is but now with a little twist.

We left CO a year ago but are back just now, babysitting the grandkids for a few days. Colorado law when we left was that every liquor/wine/beer store had to be a single location biz, i.e., no chains.

That made 99 percent of them mom and pops.

Beer at 3.2 alcohol was sold everywhere in supermarkets and convenience stores, but to get real beer you had to go to mom and pop.

The changed that for beer, so now all the places that sold low beer now sell high beer. No more 3.2.

How do you think this affects mom and pop? A lot, I would say.

So I'm picking up a pizza over just off Colfax, and the signs in the mom and pop liquor store next to the pizza joint says "full-strength beer sold here!"

LOL. It's the only kind they've ever sold. They're just throwing out a little hook, trying to catch the dummy that forgot the King Soopers, the Safeway, and the 7-11, all within sight, have monster selections of high beer now, and at better prices.

Posted by: Les Kinetic at May 13, 2019 07:52 PM (5+4v7)

248 Jury returned $2 billion judgement against Monsanto over RoundUp cancer connection.

Utter, utter BS. This is the worst kind of lawsuit America keeps suffering under, its a jury wanting to stick it to the man in the hopes some day they get a piece too. Monsanto is not guilty of giving that man cancer.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 13, 2019 07:52 PM (39g3+)

249 The sidebar thing on Japanese capsule hotels was very interesting. I really love travel books and videos that make you feel like you are there, and that video came through on that. Might have to pick up some of that jinbei summer sleepwear.

Posted by: Guy Smiley at May 13, 2019 07:56 PM (3AmWB)

250 "Lots of people rely on the FANGs for news, business and connection now."

They indisputably have that choice, as stupid as it is. The culture is broken, and that's a symptom. Let's not ask the govt to fix it.

"Nobody here wants the govt. involved in disputing online content. They want anti-trust law (this post) and the publisher/platform law enforced."

I think you want the govt involved in forcing all online entities to serve all comers. In my Ace analogy, the govt would swoop in whenever he bans somebody.

Posted by: gp Treading the Sh!thole at May 13, 2019 07:56 PM (mk9aG)

251 Posted by: Les Kinetic at May 13, 2019 07:52 PM (5+4v7)

LOL, I've seen that at King Soopers and Safeway too here in Fort Collins! Hey, whatever works, works.

Posted by: Guy Smiley at May 13, 2019 07:58 PM (3AmWB)

252 Want to kill the Goog, put a global tax on online advertising. Want to hit Fakebook, put a global transaction tax on each exchange of customer data to another party. Make the tax for increasing pay to teachers or some other large interest group--such as funding Medicare for seniors. Tax youtube videos to support starving artists and so on. As their products are free in order to capture the data, both will either have to charge and lose market share or lose money out the wazoo.

Posted by: whig at May 13, 2019 08:00 PM (WT0Md)

253 "put a global tax on online advertising." NO!
"put a global transaction tax on each exchange of customer data" NO!
"Tax youtube videos" NO!

OMG, I hope you are kidding. Cripes, can't you see those cures are far worse than the disease? WTF?

Posted by: gp Treading the Sh!thole at May 13, 2019 08:04 PM (mk9aG)

254 Info on how facebook tracks users and non-users outside of facebook:

https://tinyurl.com/y9vvxtgf

Saying "just don't use facebook" is naïve at this point.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 08:06 PM (W+vEI)

255 Saw last week the messaging was "What, are you saying Laura Looker and Alex Jones are part of the GOP/right???" as a way to shame people who defended them from the tech censors. 

However, this may backfire as it gives people time to back-up their work, establish accounts on parallel platforms (see Tim Pool posting to YouTube and Bitchute) so that their followers know where to go if/when the tech censors hit them. 

I would not be surprised if there is more active attempts to shut down these alternative sites, such as all they've tried to do to shut down Gab.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 07:38 PM (W+vEI)

It's all downside for them in anything but the immediate term. Heartiste may be at the edge, but there are so, so many people being banned that people are saying the camel's trying to shove its whole body into the tent. It took what, two decades for the slightest move against Farrakhan?

This is how you get more Trump. Or much worse.

Posted by: trev006 at May 13, 2019 08:08 PM (OnEJV)

256 If the disease results in losing freedom of speech and other protected rights such as the 2A, right to property, freedom of association, then the loss of crappy free stuff is marginal compared to those. I lived without all of that stuff before and can live quite nicely without any of them in the future. Taxing is less objectionable than other direct control mechanisms because it is a constitutional power of state and federal legislators and strikes directly at monopolistic power.

Adsense has basically destroyed all local papers and increasingly is killing off magazines, etc. Thus, a tax on online advertising will have a relatively minor impact on lets say Microsoft who makes money through selling products etc. and much more on goog.

Similarly, a tax on information sales by fakebook etc. is preferable to me than government regulation of their content. Fakebook etc. does not have the inherent right to farm people's information for profit and arguably Fakebook has also failed its contractual agreements with end users as well.

Posted by: whig at May 13, 2019 08:16 PM (WT0Md)

257 255 Saw last week the messaging was "What, are you saying Laura Looker and Alex Jones are part of the GOP/right???" as a way to shame people who defended them from the tech censors.

However, this may backfire as it gives people time to back-up their work, establish accounts on parallel platforms (see Tim Pool posting to YouTube and Bitchute) so that their followers know where to go if/when the tech censors hit them.

I would not be surprised if there is more active attempts to shut down these alternative sites, such as all they've tried to do to shut down Gab.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 13, 2019 07:38 PM (W+vEI)

It's all downside for them in anything but the immediate term. Heartiste may be at the edge, but there are so, so many people being banned that people are saying the camel's trying to shove its whole body into the tent. It took what, two decades for the slightest move against Farrakhan?

This is how you get more Trump. Or much worse.
Posted by: trev006 at May 13, 2019 08:08 PM (OnEJV)

And then one day......

Posted by: literally serious at May 13, 2019 08:24 PM (O3do3)

258 "Saying "just don't use facebook" is naive at this point."

You are talking about online tracking, not deplatforming. I know people get upset about being tracked and measured, but everybody does it, not just Twit/Face. It's a different issue, and if you want to fight it, be my guest.

I maintain that if people stop using Twit/Face, as I have suggested, they avoid being victimized by the deplatforming "monopoly power." I'll go way out on a limb and suggest that, if everybody stopped using Twit/Face, those services would wither, or change their policies.

To me, Twit/Face has the right to platform or deplatform anybody they like, without being bossed around by whatever political party or supreme court flavor happens to hold power at the moment. Their customers have the right to be as stupid as they choose.

I detest Twit/Face, but I detest the disintegration of our culture more, and abominations like Twit/Face are just symptoms of that dumbing-down of America, not the cause. Not curable with more application of anti-trust law.

Posted by: gp Treading the Sh!thole at May 13, 2019 08:28 PM (mk9aG)

259 And while you're at it, time to go after financial institutions as well: my use of PayPal, Patreon, Chase Bank, et al. should not be contingent on the acceptability of my politics.

Posted by: a bee ee? at May 13, 2019 08:51 PM (WusEB)

260 I agree that it's time for anti-trust actions.

The anti-trust law is the fundamental government oversight of the economy, as the spirit of monopoly and oligopoly are antithetical to the competition that capitalism depends upon for its proper function.

Posted by: Cato, Media Delenda Est at May 13, 2019 08:52 PM (113G5)

261

They are at war with us. Nothing matters but them winning. At any cost.

The elections are being attacked.

Trump must be taken down.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at May 13, 2019 08:56 PM (vEIlU)

262 Advocating overnment interference with business and the free market. WOW! I didn't know this was a marxist leninist site.

Posted by: raimondo at May 13, 2019 09:12 PM (1dL1b)

263 I have a hard time understanding something. A corporation is a grant of power from the State. It cannot exist except for the State. So how is it possible for the State to create an entity which has powers the State cannot itself have (the power to censor speech)?

Is there some God given Right to Incorporate in a founding document that I am unaware of? If Zuckerberg or Dorsey wanted to censor speech he could run Facebook from a general partnership.

Posted by: WB at May 13, 2019 09:18 PM (NrKH2)

264 It is unbelievable how insane this has gotten.
My 80yr old mother has been banned from Face Book for another month over a post she made over 6 yrs ago. She was only back on for 1 week after being banned for a month over a 5 and 1/2 yr old post.
Before that she was banned for a post someone else made on her page that she only commented "I know" on.

Posted by: TSgt Ciz at May 13, 2019 09:34 PM (af5xa)

265 The Tech monopolies already have exemption in the law. Democrats are not going to change the law because they are censoring conservatives on behalf of Democrats.

Therefore, absent a Court ruling, they have to be attacked on anti-trust and civil rights grounds. Also public shaming, private lawsuits, boycotts and competition where feasible.

They need to be broken up AND prevented from dictating political censorship. Not to mention the workaday privacy abuse.

Posted by: The Gipper Lives at May 13, 2019 10:27 PM (Ndje9)

266 When people "follow" the President, they are "unfollowed" moments later. The only political ads that get banned are from conservatives. Last year Ted Cruz had twice as many followers as Kamala Harris--yet she was getting up to 40 times the retweets.

This is like the phone company shutting off your service for making too many conference calls to the RNC. It is also fraud to sign up users without telling them you plan to silence them. And fraud again too sell ads without informing advertisers that you are shadowbanning their customers.

Posted by: The Gipper Lives at May 13, 2019 10:50 PM (Ndje9)

267 I used to think the way to bring FB, Twitter, and Google to heel was by making the FTC go over their ToS and EULA with a microscope. "You tell your users you don't censor, but an algorithm does that for you. No algorithm mentioned in the fine print. Fix that, or get trust busted." I hadn't thought of the collusion angle, though. If some lefty big shot invites VIPs from those 3 sort of competitors to some meeting and they agree to push a lefty agenda, that's collusion.

Posted by: hurricane567 at May 14, 2019 01:01 AM (GnOvB)

268 i can't understand why these companies are walking headlong into the political battle over social media regulation. it's clear by their recent high-profile bannings that this is the fight they want. why? why not continue the plausibly deniable shadowbanning and let high profile accounts operate reasonably unmolested? Slap some foul mouthed high-profile liberal on the wrist and claim it's all even? But no.

Maybe building an election year issue that clothes leftists in the old liberal garb of the First Amendment with some convenient Progressive Captain America comes to save capitalism from fascist Trump? Possible.

Or is this Trump's Judas Goats telling them "Do it! You're bulletproof! Everybody LOVES Facebook!"

Anyway, seems like it should make more sense than it does.

Posted by: ss at May 14, 2019 01:16 AM (k28oi)

269 Yeah, I think Pelosi walked into Facebook and Twitter HQs and told Zuck and Jack, "Boys, our left-most anti-American wing is sinking us, making us unelectable. To take out Trump, we're gonna need to make Democrats again the party of the Red, White and Blue. We need a First Amendment fight, where we're champion of freedom and capitalism, and Trump is the menacing, fascist, authoritarian dictator we've always accused him of being."

Posted by: ss at May 14, 2019 01:30 AM (k28oi)

270 "Anti-trust" has not been enforced since Shrub II cut the legs off the Microsoft prosecution. Of course, they did that because Billy was giving the FedPigs backdoors into his software so they could do WHATEVER they wanted to any computer running their OS...

Posted by: Mark Matis at May 14, 2019 06:55 AM (nZJej)

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