Sunday, November 17, 2024

When Truth is Funnier Than Fiction

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I love a good twist, and this one is a whopper. It is why we are taking a departure from our usual music-focused A Reason to Smile this week.

“The Onion Wins Bid to Buy Infowars, Alex Jones’s Site, Out of Bankruptcy,” is a headline from Thursday’s New York Times. When I saw it, I thought, could this be a joke? Apparently the idea started as one.

As you may be aware, Alex Jones, the far-right conspiracy theorist and shiller of fake news, was ordered to pay $1.5 billion to the families of the children murdered in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. He lost a defamation lawsuit brought by the families because he viciously, erroneously, and repeatedly claimed that the 2012 shooting was “completely fake,” “manufactured,” “staged,” “synthetic,” and “a giant hoax” perpetrated to take away Americans’ guns. 

The depravity of someone to prey on these people, whose first-graders were gunned down in their classrooms, is beyond comprehension. Jones has knowingly spewed hateful and hurtful lies for decades, just to make a shiny dime. He has been banned from every major social media platform, except — you guessed it — X. 

No surprise, Jones declared bankruptcy after he lost in court. A federal bankruptcy judge then ordered the liquidation of his assets, including the lucrative website Infowars, to pay his debt to the families. Jones has worked tirelessly for the past six years to shelter his money and keep it out of the reach of the grieving families he harmed.

The Onion has long satirized America’s lack of will to end mass shootings. Its most famous headline is about just that: “‘No Way to Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.” Ben Collins, the publication’s CEO, said the idea to buy the website started as a joke but quickly turned into a possibility. 

As the deal took shape, the Sandy Hook families “agreed to forgo a portion of their recovery to increase the overall value” of the site. The amount The Onion agreed to pay at the closed auction has not been disclosed. There was one other bidder, a Jones-affiliated company, that made a higher bid, but the judge chose The Onion because of the families’ concessions. 

The Onion plans to relaunch the site in January as “parody of itself that mocks weird internet personalities.” The gun-control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, which was born out of the Sandy Hook tragedy, will have an exclusive advertising deal when the site is relaunched.

“This is going to be our answer to this no-guardrails world where there are no gatekeepers and everything’s kind of insane,” Collins told The Times.

Of course, The Onion covered their own story.

“Infowars has distinguished itself as an invaluable tool for brainwashing and controlling the masses. With a shrewd mix of delusional paranoia and dubious anti-aging nutrition hacks, they strive to make life both scarier and longer for everyone, a commendable goal. They are a true unicorn, capable of simultaneously inspiring public support for billionaires and stoking outrage at an inept federal state that can assassinate JFK but can’t even put a man on the moon.”

In a statement, Robbie Parker, whose daughter Emilie was killed at Sandy Hook, said, “The world needs to see that having a platform does not mean you are above accountability — the dissolution of Alex Jones’ assets and the death of Infowars is the justice we have long awaited and fought for.”

The irony is rich, the tweak to Jones is beyond well-deserved, the despicable site is silenced.

One note: The federal bankruptcy judge has temporarily paused the sale because lawyers for Jones took issue with how the auction was conducted. The judge seemed skeptical but agreed to a hearing next week. The site remains shut down. 

So, a reason to smile this week to see justice served on a satirical plate.


If you appreciate this work and have the means to do so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription.


No matter how you subscribe, I thank you.

Stay Steady,
Dan



MAGA Fool TROLLED by his own lies, loses EVERYTHING

It's my understanding that the LUNATIC has stopped the sale.

WE never accessed the Lunatic's site, but read articles that others shared...like that NASA had a SEX COLONY ON MARS!
So many STUPID PEOPLE believed it that NASA was forced to post a disclaimer on their site. How do WE cure STUPID?  

STUPID PEOPLE believed the LUNATIC's LIES about SANDY HOOK that they terrorized these families.  



Adam Mockler

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Adam Mockler with MeidasTouch Network breaks down Donald Trump's stooge Alex Jones breaking down after having his assets liquidated, only to have them bought by the onion years later. Use code 'blueheart' for 15% off on MERCH: https://adammockler.com/ Become a member to support me!    / @adammockler     / adammockler   Adam Mockler Socials: Subreddit:   / adammockler   Discord:   / discord   Instagram:   / adammockler   Twitter: https://x.com/adammocklerr TikTok:   / adammockler   Adam Mockler - amock LLC



U.S. taxpayers have funded 70% of Israel’s attacks

 

Justice Democrats


For more than a year, the far-right government of Israel has conducted countless war crimes against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians — and the United States gave them $22 billion in weapons and bombs to do it.

A new report found that U.S. taxpayers funded 70 percent of Israel’s attacks over the last year that have left at least 170,000 people killed or injured in Gaza and Lebanon, even though a majority of Americans support an immediate ceasefire.

The Biden administration wants to send another $20 billion worth of military aid despite clear evidence of Israel displacing millions of people, systematically destroying Gaza’s healthcare system, blocking food and medical aid from reaching those in need, burning families alive in refugee tents, and much more. To continue arming Israel while it commits genocide and ethnic cleansing would violate federal and international law.

We cannot stand by while our tax dollars fuel this carnage. That’s why Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block new shipments of U.S.-made weapons and military equipment to Israel.

Bernie is bringing his resolutions up for a vote next week, so we need to build urgent, undeniable pressure on the Senate to pass them. Sign the petition now to tell your Senators to vote yes on the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block $20 billion in U.S. weapons to Israel!

Take Action

As Bernie said, “Sending more weapons is not only immoral, it is also illegal. We cannot continue to be complicit.”

This is our chance to stop the flow of weapons and bombs that Israel is using to commit horrific atrocities against humankind.

In solidarity,

Justice Democrats






 

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You’re Not Alone

 

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You’re Not Alone

TBR Sunday Read

Nov 17
Since the election, there have been anti-Trump protests across the country. (Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Dear friends,

After a week of Cabinet picks that made me nostalgic for Betsy DeVos, I thought we could all use something uplifting this Sunday.

That’s why I’m sharing TBR readers’ comments on last Sunday’s post, “What Happens Now.” They’re a welcome reminder that half the country did the right thing this election.

The Sunday Read is usually for paid subscribers, but this one’s a gift from me to you. And thanks, as always, for supporting my work.

Love,

Andy


I’m from Calif. I feel the most empathy for the Dems in the red states. How horrible it must be to feel the insanity all around them. To those Dems I say, you are not alone, we are with you. Just as the international women leaders stood in solidarity with American women for reproductive rights.


One note of optimism: Democratic governors and attorneys general from California, New York, Illinois, Washington, and Massachusetts (so far) are drafting lawsuits to be ready if Trump tries to bring any of his chaos and cruelty to their states. Turns out the federal government can’t just ride into a state and do whatever they want to whomever they want. (Kind of ironic since Republicans used to be the ones who were all about states’ Rights.) CA Governor Gavin Newsom has already called the legislature into a Special Session in early December to allocate the funds for hiring an army of extra attorneys to help the AG file the necessary lawsuits to protect immigrants, LGBTQ rights,abortion rights, environmental regulations and more.


Basically, at 22 million, Trump is threatening to throw the equivalent of the combined population of America’s 10 largest cities into internment camps. Of course, since the best guess as to the amount of undocumented people in this country is 11 million (and that includes millions from Europe and Asia with expired visas), half of Trump’s number are either here legally, or are actual citizens having the misfortune of Hispanic-sounding surnames.

If he manages to imprison and/or deport just 1 million undocumented migrants alone, white Ohio better start planning victory gardens and start eating their own dogs and cats for protein.

Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Thank you for that little bit of peace of mind. It truly helps! And your mention of Boebert and Greene reminded me that none of those MAGAts are the sharpest knives in the drawer, so they may just do themselves in sooner than we could possibly hope for! I'm keeping good thoughts for that outcome!


I've been comforting myself with the fact that first and foremost, those enterprises with concern for their bottom line will help apply brakes to Trump's and his acolytes’ grand ideas.

Also, I have the feeling so will the constituency in red states where progressive ballot initiatives have passed.

Can't wait for him to dismantle the federal work force and impose his nincompoop nothing lackeys in their place. That'll be a real mess, hard to hide.


I so hope you've got it right and we have a another chance at democracy and a reason to keep trying. It does seem that with each round of GOP's autocratic aspirations seem to more desperate, determined, and accompanied by a bigger bag of dirty tricks. It's reassuring to be reminded about how many voters fell for Ronnie Reagan's condescending "trickle down" policy. I wish voters could see the connection between those policies and the situation they face trying to make ends meet today.


Four years ago, someone who lives about a mile and a half from me, in a sea of Trump supporters, put up a Biden sign. It meant so much to me to see that. I reached out to them, and now we are friends. This family lives in a beautiful custom hillside home with a view of farmland that goes right to the horizon. Exactly the kind of property-tax-paying people who you might think would support a supposed economic agenda favoring Republicans. But there's a catch. They are a multi-cultural family. They believe in equal rights. They believe that equal rights for them doesn't mean fewer rights for you. They are Democrats and I am their people too.


The only silver lining here: Trump destroys everything he tries to run. Everything. Eventually. And he does not want an heir so there isn't one.

Nobody has his charisma, such as it is. Trump does not share. He will not allow anyone, ever, to replace him.That's his narcissism. None of his evil smart sycophants (Vance, Bannon, Miller) can galvanize people like Trump can. So as he declines, stay tuned for chaos, infighting and openings for sanity to return. But it will take a while.


I am from Montana, and it is incredibly frustrating and exhausting to keep resisting against the idiot Republicans we have in office. I grew up here, have many diverse friends and recognise that fear, misinformation, isolationism and lack of critical thinking is pervasive here. I am definitely not going anywhere but FORWARD.


I think Trump’s comeuppance will be his inability to reduce the cost of living. Trump voters were engaging in magical thinking, believing that Trump could miraculously make prices go back to what they were when Trump was first president. But prices never go down—ask any economist. The inflation rate is lower which means that in the future prices will increase at a lower rate. But prices won’t go down.

Harris had some good ideas to help, including targeted tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses and increasing housing development. That’s why she was endorsed by business leaders and economists. Tariffs will actually increase prices. When Trump fails to help the disgruntled people who are financially struggling, there will be a reckoning in 2026.


Thank you for that reminder of the earlier losses that were overcome at the midterms. Reagan in particular still did a lot of damage, and Trump has too many willing toadies eager to pursue damaging policies with Musk bragging about a “New world order,” but I needed that reminder to forge ahead and hope we can prevent or even reverse some of the damage at the midterms.

Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images

I’m 70, dealing with some medical issues, BUT I’m also ready to do whatever I can for the resistance. I’ve also informed my liberal leaning California daughter and her husband they must be part of it also. Once the shock wears off for them they will be ready.


Stand up for what you know to be right, convincingly. Be like people you admire. Let your legislators know what you will not tolerate. Invest your dollars wisely; support social responsibility. Spend accordingly. Support independent news. Tell your church (if you have one) when it deviates from its divine mission. Protect the earth and all of its miraculous life. Champion the worth, sovereignty and dignity of every human being.


Stay and fight. This nonsense won't last forever. Hold the line. Be there when the resistance rises. Bear witness to the battle.


The work starts now - hell yes. I’m not letting fascists take away my spirit! I cried off and on for two days and then I got very angry. Now I’m ready to fight back.

Democracy Dies When Cowardly Billionaires Own Newspapers. Subscribe to The Borowitz Report.






do not put this conspiracy theorist in charge of public health

 


Donald Trump wants to put Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Aside from his ancestry, RFK Jr. is famous — or, more accurately, infamous — for being an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist despite overwhelming scientific evidence that his “skepticism” is as wrong as it is dangerous.

Numerous members of his own renowned family have denounced his former candidacy for president and his toxic, crackpot ideas.

But here we are.

The Senate will begin voting on whether or not to confirm RFK Jr. and Trump’s other cabinet picks very soon after Trump is sworn in on January 20, 2025.

We have a real chance of blocking RFK Jr.’s appointment, but only if we start fighting it now and stay on top of it.

Tell the Senate:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a science-denying, morally-bankrupt conspiracy theorist who will endanger millions of lives if placed in a position of authority over public health. He shouldn’t be allowed in the building, let alone be placed in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services. Donald Trump’s bungling of health policy during the COVID pandemic cost hundreds of thousands of lives. By picking Kennedy to run HHS, Trump is risking another public health catastrophe. You must reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Click to add your name now.

Thanks for taking action.

For health and safety,

- Robert Weissman & Lisa Gilbert, Co-Presidents of Public Citizen
 

 

Donate | Public Citizen | 1600 20th Street NW | Washington DC 20009

The old guardrails are off with Trump’s next term

 


Preview of my members-only newsletter

In 2010, then-president Barack Obama coined the phrase “elections have consequences.” Decades earlier, Ronald Reagan explained that “personnel is policy.” Both observations have come into stark focus in the days since the election.

The consequences of this election are already proving to be dramatic. Mass deportations seem inevitable. Large parts of the federal government seem certain to be shuttered, moved or decimated. Elon Musk, one of the largest federal contractors, is being put in charge of government “efficiency.”

If people had any doubt about whether Donald Trump would implement large parts of Project 2025, look at the people he has chosen for his new government. Already, he announced a Fox News host as his Secretary of Defense, a Putin apologist as his Director of National Intelligence, a vaccine skeptic to head Health and Human Services and an accused pedophile to be the Attorney General. That overlooks the fact that a dog-assassin will head Homeland Security.

The removal of guardrails extends beyond government institutions. Other pillars of stability are showing their wear. Election deniers won key county and local offices. Corporate and business leaders have either praised Trump or grown silent in fear. Even some Democratic leaders are showing early signs of accommodation.

You're reading my monthly State of Democracy newsletter, where I share my thoughts and insights on the current trends and stories impacting voters and our democracy. With the incoming Republican trifecta, expect my analysis on Trump and his cronies’ anti-democratic actions — you won't find my thoughts on this anywhere else!

Perhaps most important for the long-term, large chunks of the media are proving incapable or unwilling to stand firmly for anything other than their own self interest. Trump is being normalized even as coverage of him is being scaled back. In many instances that is a result of their corporate owners. In others, it is out of fear of alienating an already shrinking audience.

After the 2016 election, a prominent journalist told me that the media’s main source of power over public officials who lie was shame. He lamented that since Trump was impervious to shame, there was little the press could do. It apparently did not occur to him that the media’s role is to empower the public by telling the truth.

The good news is that even as traditional guardrails fail, new guardrails will emerge. These include new media figures, lawyers and activists.

Here is my bottom line: We need to be clear-eyed but not deterred. Realistic but not pessimists. Most importantly, we need to be committed to fighting hard and not giving up hope. There will be dark days and times we feel like all is lost. Hopelessness is the tool of the aspiring dictator. Trump thrives on chaos and capitulation. We need to keep focused on hardening democracy.

We will get some early signs of how difficult this fight will be. In this edition of State of Democracy I dive into these four questions:

  • How many judges get confirmed before January? 


  • Are there any signs of spine fragments in the GOP Senate?


  • What is the final House margin? 


  • Who are the new leaders of the opposition?

Want to read the rest? Upgrade to our premium membership for $120/year to get two monthly newsletters from me (including this one), my weekly tip sheet with the top cases to watch, invites to live events and more. Plus, by becoming a member, you will help support Democracy Docket’s work and ensure everything on our website remains free for all.

When Truth is Funnier Than Fiction

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