US continues to go backward...
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Polds4OSU
Marshall
Russia Is Pumping Out Disinformation That Looks Like Legitimate News Reports and both Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr are sharing it
A group publishing pro-Russia propaganda online is impersonating legitimate news outlets in an attempt to disseminate disinformation, Politico reported, citing misinformation tracking organization NewsGuard.
The effort, known as Storm-1679, creates websites that mimic real news outlets and uses those sites to push fake news stories. They have published disinformation designed to look like stories from ABC News, the BBC, and Politico, among others. The group has also used artificial intelligence to proliferate fake videos, often hooked to major news events. To some degree, their efforts are working. People - including right-wing influencers - have fallen for them.
One such video, a fabricated E! News report, claimed this past February that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paid movie stars to visit Ukraine after Russia's invasion in 2022. It was posted to social media with the caption: "USAID was using our tax dollars to send celebrities to UKRAINE to increase Zelensky's popularity around the world and, in particular, the U.S…. BURN USAID TO THE GROUND. We don't need it under any department."
Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk fell for the scam. Both reposted the video on X.
"The video is not authentic and did not originate from E! News," the outlet said in a statement to Reuters at the time.
"It typically tends to surge and launch a wave of fakes around a particular news event," Ivana Stradner, a researcher on Russia at the D.C. think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Politico.
NewsGuard is tracking 556 domains "that have promoted false claims about the Russian-Ukraine conflict." Some of those domains are official Russian state media sources, but others are not official Russian state propaganda. They are "anonymous websites, foundations, and research websites with uncertain funding - at least some of which may have undisclosed links to the Russian government."
Fake stories that these domains have perpetuated include that the U.S. has bioweapons labs in Eastern Europe, that Nazism is spreading in Ukraine politics and society, and that a civilian massacre in Bucha, Ukraine, was staged.
While the threat of disinformation and AI fakes increases, the Trump administration is phasing out efforts to combat it.
The State Department, under Sec. Marco Rubio, shut down the agency's office that battles against foreign disinformation. Rubio claimed - without evidence - that the office was "millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving." Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has also ousted federal workers who combatted disinformation related to U.S. elections.
Stradner told Politico these rollbacks are "a dream come true for Putin."
Polds4OSU
Marshall
Black Navy Veteran in Wheelchair Shot by White Man In Public in the Middle of the Day on a Crowded Street After Claiming ‘Stolen Valor’. The Shooter once drove a vehicle into a Trump Voter Registration Tent in 2020 in a political motivated attack calling it his "Duty"
A disturbing incident unfolded at Seattle’s waterfront on July 31 over an inflammatory accusation of stolen valor. Harold James Powell Sr. was a 68-year-old Black disabled Navy veteran and was well known in the area for playing music along the boardwalk.
However, he was shot in the chest by Gregory William Timm, a 32-year-old white man. The fight and confrontation stemmed when Timm accused Powell of “stolen valor.” This accusation then ended with tragic consequences.
KOMO news was the first among others to report. Based on the police documents and reports by KOMO news, Timm approached Powell and demanded proof of his military service. This confrontation was unprovoked. Timm then proceeded to even tear a military patch from the man’s wheelchair.
When Timm kept instigating the argument, Powell was led to believe that he was under threat. He then proceeded to retrieve his airsoft gun and a knife. However, in response, Timm pulled out a real .45 caliber Handgun. He then stepped back about 12 feet and fired once, directly into Powell’s chest.
Everyone was left horrified when Powell slumped into his chair. Timm on the other hand remained rooted to his position and raised his hands up in the air and shouted reassurance to the onlookers. He was then arrested by the law-enforcement officers.
Powell was taken to Harborview Medical Centre with serious injuries. But he was found stable and later on released.
Doctors were amazed that he survived even though the bullet cracked his ribs and narrowly missed all the vital organs.
Powell has already lost his mobility. He described that he was shocked when the shooting happened, and he believed that he was going to die.
“I just went to ‘I’m gonna die,’… It’s just all I thought.”
Powell is a well known and friendly member of the waterfront community. He is known to play music there regularly. Everyone was surprised by the vicious attack on an elderly well-loved local and questions over “stolen valor.”
His family has now launched a GoFundMe seeking assistance with his medical care. It will include therapy and adaptive equipment. The family has also released a statement and called this attack “a hate crime”.
They also emphasized his history of trauma and service.
Gregory Timm, on the other hand, has had a troubling history. He has known of violent acts with a misguided sense of duty.
In 2020, he drove a vehicle into a Trump voter registration tent in Florida. It was a politically-motivated act, and he later called it his “duty.”
He was initially charged with aggravated assault, which ultimately turned into criminal mischief.
Timm has been charged with first-degree assault in Powell’s case. It is a class A felony. He is being held on $750,000 bail.
Prosecutors have emphasized that since it was Timm who provoked the confrontation and he remained the aggressor, there is no way he can legitimately claim self-defense. His actions violated Washington’s laws that strip the right to self-defense from those who instigate violence.
The incident has highlighted the broader issues of systemic biases against Black Veterans. Powell’s survival is a miracle among other cases of assault that either go unreported or the victim is not lucky enough to survive.
Pursuit of justice by Powell’s family resonates deeply, especially now when communities insist on accountability for racially-charged violence.
As court proceedings move forward, many are watching closely. It’s not only about the verdict but also about the justice and respect that veterans deserve of their sacrifice and valor; and that should be offered to the vulnerable in a society.
America Is Fracturing Into Red and Blue Nations, Redistricting Fight Shows
Less than 20% of Americans live in a state where the minority party has a meaningful voice in governance
America’s identity as a unified nation is eroding, with Republican- and Democratic-led states dividing into separate spheres, each with its own policies governing the economic, social and political rules of life.
The bitter fight over redrawing U.S. House maps, triggered by President Trump’s effort to protect his party’s majority in the 2026 midterm elections, is the latest example of how the dominant party in many states is making extraordinary efforts to impose its will.
In 40 states, a single party controls the House, Senate and governor’s office—a so-called trifecta—or else has enough power to block vetoes from a governor of the other party. That leaves less than 20% of Americans living in a state where the minority party has a meaningful voice in governance.
The result has been a deepening of differences in red and blue America. Abortion is now banned or heavily restricted in about one-third of states, all of them controlled by Republicans, while abortion access is protected or allowed in every Democratic trifecta state. Every GOP trifecta state has passed bans or limits on gender-affirming care for minors.
......
It is an “essential error” to think of America as a single nation, said Michael Podhorzer, the former political director of the AFL-CIO. Rather, the U.S. is a “binational republic”—two nations, one red and one blue, he said.
.....
State governments have often been called the “laboratories of democracy” for their ability to experiment with policy. In some ways, the partisan divide has turned them into laboratories of conformity.
Polds4OSU
Marshall
State Rep. Nicole Collier said she would not fall in line with the GOP House speaker's requirement that Democratic lawmakers be surveilled by state troopers.
www.threads.com
HuffPost (@huffpost) on Threads
State Rep. Nicole Collier said she would not fall in line with the GOP House speaker's requirement that Democratic lawmakers be surveilled by state troopers.
www.threads.com
Polds4OSU
Marshall
UPDATE: Texas Rep. Nicole Collier is still inside the House chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin after refusing to sign Republicans’ racist “permission slip.”
Crowds have gathered outside chanting “LET HER OUT” as she continues to stand her ground against gerrymandering designed to erase Black seats and divide Black & Brown voters.
www.threads.com
Crowds have gathered outside chanting “LET HER OUT” as she continues to stand her ground against gerrymandering designed to erase Black seats and divide Black & Brown voters.
SWAGGY WOLFDOG ™️⭐️ (@swagrman) on Threads
UPDATE: Texas Rep. Nicole Collier is still inside the House chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin after refusing to sign Republicans’ racist “permission slip.” Crowds have gathered outside chanting “LET HER OUT” as she continues to stand her ground against gerrymandering designed to erase...
www.threads.com
196K views · 8.5K reactions | WATCH: Gutfeld! breaks down the Trump wins even Democrats can't deny. | Fox News
WATCH: Gutfeld! breaks down the Trump wins even Democrats can't deny..
www.facebook.com
All hail felonious tRump!196K views · 8.5K reactions | WATCH: Gutfeld! breaks down the Trump wins even Democrats can't deny. | Fox News
WATCH: Gutfeld! breaks down the Trump wins even Democrats can't deny..
We need a dictator now!
Constitution who cares
Due process end it
Human empathy,like USAID woke crap
Cut Medicaid
and Medicare?
We have too many moochers and old people anyway. Who needs rural hospitals.
Give huge tax cuts to rich friends, and corporations.
Increase the price of everything everywhere through magical tariffs
We certainly need more lies and smoke blown up our collective arses every hour and minute of the day.
We need more jails and unidentifiable ICE agents harassing and arresting citizens.
We need all “Democrat” towns and cities under marshal law now. Americans just have to get used to picking their own fruits and vegetables, mowing lawns, and building their own houses and businesses.
We need more government controlling our lives and our own bodies. We need the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 completed and expanded.
We need to fire all qualified government workers and install worthless clueless trolls who embrace fascism.
We need a dictator now, and we don’t care if he’s criminally insane and older than dirt. Takes bribes for political favor. Free luxury jet. Emoluments clause haha
What’s he packaging for sale next! MAGA cologne? We’re well aware that far too many of tRump’s supporters believe his
doesn’t stiink, but the bulk of us know better. We need more people protecting child rapist. We need teams of FBI agents going through the Epstein files removing tRumps name. We need to accuse enemiesthen refuse to release documents that would clear everyone we want, probably scrubbed documents including himself.
Thanks Rob for confirming to me just how impossibly difficult it is to reason with those in the cult that believe tRump was spared by God, is “the Chosen One”, only he can fix it, “I am your retribution “ . What a great example for our children to emulate. We need the Donald to rule now and his money grubbing children when he expires.
We need dictator now and forever. Voting is expensive “Christians vote for me now, and in a few years you’ll never have to vote again.” The false god shall determine who’s elected and who’s not. In our perfect “In Trump We Trust” world. All hail Trump!
LMAO! It's pretty typical that this is what you took from that.All hail felonious tRump!
We need a dictator now!
Constitution who cares
Due process end it
Human empathy,like USAID woke crap
Cut Medicaid
and Medicare?
We have too many moochers and old people anyway. Who needs rural hospitals.
Give huge tax cuts to rich friends, and corporations.
Increase the price of everything everywhere through magical tariffs
We certainly need more lies and smoke blown up our collective arses every hour and minute of the day.
We need more jails and unidentifiable ICE agents harassing and arresting citizens.
We need all “Democrat” towns and cities under marshal law now. Americans just have to get used to picking their own fruits and vegetables, mowing lawns, and building their own houses and businesses.
We need more government controlling our lives and our own bodies. We need the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 completed and expanded.
We need to fire all qualified government workers and install worthless clueless trolls who embrace fascism.
We need a dictator now, and we don’t care if he’s criminally insane and older than dirt. Takes bribes for political favor. Free luxury jet. Emoluments clause haha
What’s he packaging for sale next! MAGA cologne? We’re well aware that far too many of tRump’s supporters believe his
then refuse to release documents that would clear everyone we want, probably scrubbed documents including himself.
Thanks Rob for confirming to me just how impossibly difficult it is to reason with those in the cult that believe tRump was spared by God, is “the Chosen One”, only he can fix it, “I am your retribution “ . What a great example for our children to emulate. We need the Donald to rule now and his money grubbing children when he expires.
We need dictator now and forever. Voting is expensive “Christians vote for me now, and in a few years you’ll never have to vote again.” The false god shall determine who’s elected and who’s not. In our perfect “In Trump We Trust” world. All hail Trump!
Polds4OSU
Marshall
In 2007, as state senator, Dan Patrick walked out on a Muslim invocation prayer so he wouldn't be seen as "endorsing" it.
Now, the Texas Lt. Gov. is demanding all citizens stand for Christian invocations.
So much for religious freedom.
www.friendlyatheist.com
Now, the Texas Lt. Gov. is demanding all citizens stand for Christian invocations.
So much for religious freedom.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick demands citizens stand for Christian prayers—or else
Dan Patrick’s threats against Senate observers highlight a dangerous mix of religion and government
www.friendlyatheist.com
So you deny any wrongdoing or even missteps from tRump and only believe the good that you see. Come up for air every now and then. I already knew what you believe to be true and spew.
Polds4OSU
Marshall
The DOJ halted lawsuits accusing Louisiana of keeping prisoners locked up long after they were meant to be released and South Carolina of institutionalizing thousands of mentally ill people — sometimes for decades — in violation of federal law.
propub.li
Trump Administration Halted Lawsuits Targeting Civil Rights Abuses of Prisoners and Mentally Ill People
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division had brought lawsuits accusing Louisiana of confining prisoners longer than they should and South Carolina of keeping mentally ill people in unreasonably restrictive group homes. Both cases are now on hold.
As I've stated numerous times, I see lots of wrongdoing and missteps.
I believe very little of the good, and some of the bad I see.
What wrongdoings did you escape with from the clip I posted?
Also of note, you telling me to come up for air after this little jewel is beyond hilarious.
All hail felonious tRump!
We need a dictator now!
Constitution who cares
Due process end it
Human empathy,like USAID woke crap
Cut Medicaid
and Medicare?
We have too many moochers and old people anyway. Who needs rural hospitals.
Give huge tax cuts to rich friends, and corporations.
Increase the price of everything everywhere through magical tariffs
We certainly need more lies and smoke blown up our collective arses every hour and minute of the day.
We need more jails and unidentifiable ICE agents harassing and arresting citizens.
We need all “Democrat” towns and cities under marshal law now. Americans just have to get used to picking their own fruits and vegetables, mowing lawns, and building their own houses and businesses.
We need more government controlling our lives and our own bodies. We need the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 completed and expanded.
We need to fire all qualified government workers and install worthless clueless trolls who embrace fascism.
We need a dictator now, and we don’t care if he’s criminally insane and older than dirt. Takes bribes for political favor. Free luxury jet. Emoluments clause haha
What’s he packaging for sale next! MAGA cologne? We’re well aware that far too many of tRump’s supporters believe his
then refuse to release documents that would clear everyone we want, probably scrubbed documents including himself.
Thanks Rob for confirming to me just how impossibly difficult it is to reason with those in the cult that believe tRump was spared by God, is “the Chosen One”, only he can fix it, “I am your retribution “ . What a great example for our children to emulate. We need the Donald to rule now and his money grubbing children when he expires.
We need dictator now and forever. Voting is expensive “Christians vote for me now, and in a few years you’ll never have to vote again.” The false god shall determine who’s elected and who’s not. In our perfect “In Trump We Trust” world. All hail Trump!
I guess I just can’t your sense of humor . IF you acknowledge tRump’s vast attempts to overthrow and change our form of government, then why do promote him?
What he is attempting to "overthrow" isn't OUR form of government. It's YOUR dysfunctional form of government. It's the reason he won the election despite all his idiocy. I don't know why that's so hard for some of you to understand. But instead of trying to have any kind of reasonable discourse, you watch Polds relentlessly post his endless one-sided flood of articles and ignore any meaningful conversation with
Polds4OSU
Marshall
Trump himself claims that he doesn't get covered fairly, that the whole US media is out against him, That he only gets Negative PR and he and his admin claim they can't advance their positions because the whole US media is out to get them.
but I'm the one picking choosing a One side approach?
SO either I'm cherry picking or Trump is right, he is generating VERY LITTLE positive PR and Press due to his actual policies and Actions.
So which is it. Is Trump right or Am I the problem ?
The Guy is out here Calling Himself a Damn WAR HERO. Claiming he could stop the Ukraine / Russia war in less than 24 hours. Claims he completely destroyed Iran's Nuke capabilities that his OWN Intel doesn't support, Has a Sec of Def leaking Classified war plans on a Unsecure Singal Chat App, Claims he is going honor himself with a Kennedy Center Award, Says he is going to Violate the Constitution and Run for a 3rd Term and is Selling 3rd Term Merch, Is making Museums review and update their Collections based on HIS worldview of History. Requiring US companies to give the FEDERAL GOVT a % of their REVENUE EVERY SINGLE year in order for the Govt to Approve their acquisitions and moves,
What else does he expect from the Media ? But I'm the problem when I point those things out. The Media is "ONE SIDED" when they point those things out?
I'm simply pointing out actual things that are ACTUALLY happening and SPOILER alert MANY of those things ACTUALLY happening are 100% AGAINST and In DIRECT conflict with the UNITED STATES CONSTIUTION.
You chose the side to stand on and be with. Don't get angry when you can't justify the Reality of the side you championed ...thats on you. No one else.
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Stillwater Townie
Ranger
All Trump for the most part has been doing is replacing dysfunctional government with his own version of it with strange chaos thrown in.What he is attempting to "overthrow" isn't OUR form of government. It's YOUR dysfunctional form of government. It's the reason he won the election despite all his idiocy. I don't know why that's so hard for some of you to understand. But instead of trying to have any kind of reasonable discourse, you watch Polds relentlessly post his endless one-sided flood of articles and ignore any meaningful conversation with
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