18 Comments
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Richard L.'s avatar

This is a brilliant analysis and example of what happens when decisions are made by ill considered whim. Experienced foreign policy hands know that “soft power” is incredibly effective and influential and, most importantly, durable. “Hard power” in the form of very expensive military intervention, either directly or indirectly, creates resentment and enmity both of which last for generations.

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Pete Rodriguez's avatar

This is the long term implications of hiring people without experience to a job they are not qualified for.

The best parallel arguments I can make is that if you made a fortune as a proctologist, it does not make you a brain surgeon……or just because you cut limbs off a tree does not make you a horticulturalist.

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Kris's avatar

True - but I think there is full intent behind musks actions. I feel that , for him at least - DJT too, they know exactly what they are doing. The youth brought on, not so much - that’s why he specifically brought youth on to do it, they’re malleable and thus do as they’re told.

These are acts of terrorism - even if you don’t know things, one assembles groups to proceed in a methodical fashion.

Govt Efficiency is not the end result - terrorism is the desired result. And at this , they are pretty masterful , correct ?

Like flying planes into towers , but without all the immediate deaths and destruction.

See Bannon et al, the end result is not US govt efficiency - it’s not a democratic US govt at all. Statements have been made hundreds if not thousands of times now - they’re still on YT.

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Susan Martin's avatar

I am becoming increasingly aware that this current administration is filled with people who perceive the world entirely differently than I. The central focus of Musk and Trump seems to be the adoration of money. They believe it brings power and control. I believe that the universe is connected by love. I don't think this administration can succeed because the basic premise is based on lies. But, I do fear all the harm they can cause in the short term.

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James Aldridge's avatar

Musk will eventually be called to account, but the damage he will do to America in the meantime is incalculable.

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Valerii Terentev's avatar

That was their plan. Moscow and China celebrates

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Chris (CJ Fitz)'s avatar

If it’s not actually criminal and prosecutable, it’s right on the edge. Horrible for our country.

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Shankar Narayan's avatar

you are right. it has its smarts

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Alexandra Barcus's avatar

Thank you for the detailed dive. How can we be so bloody stupid? Mozambique has been an oil paradise all my life. My uncle went there as a geologist surveying the country eons ago. So Elon will get to be buddy buddy with I while the US rots. Have I got that right? We paid so little for everything we got.

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Shankar Narayan's avatar

85 trillion cubic feet. That is not just energy indepedence, that is global stablity at stake there. Now Russia and China have better odds at taking control of the region. What will happen to the near $80 billion American companies invested there?

Musk and pals doesn't give a f, because they get nothing out of it.

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Alexandra Barcus's avatar

So bleeding shortsighted. I just want to kick them repeatedly with hi nailed boots and then send them to Guantánamo where they will be forgotten.

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Shankar Narayan's avatar

You have to remember these are all executive actions. Not congressional. Yes, there will be damage. It will be our job to reverse it, as quickly as possible. Take a small step in 2026. A bigger step in 2028.

The three specials this year can show some direction. It will set the trajectory, close the gap if possible and take it from there. One fight at a time.

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Alexandra Barcus's avatar

Do you think there is merit in NY putting off their decision for replacement to the House?

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Shankar Narayan's avatar

yes. it is not a winnable seat. so delay

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Kris's avatar

Thank you very helpful

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Shankar Narayan's avatar

u r wlcme.. Kris...

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Robert Honeyman's avatar

I access Census data regularly for my job as an employee of the State of Michigan. Last week, all data was blocked. When I called the Department of Commerce, the woman on the line told me NO ONE can get in.

I told my boss that I met Musk

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Shankar Narayan's avatar

O my God. Regular dictator style ops. Taking control of data.

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