Why Social Security Isn't a Ponzi Scheme: Understanding Real Issues Behind the Program's Challenges

Elon’s comment about Social. Security being the “biggest Ponzi scheme of all time” is, at best, delusional, at worst, disinformation.

First up, The Oligarchs Who Came to Regret Supporting

Soc. Sec. is a great concept & program, but has been abused by Congress, not by the American people who are owed what they earned & were promised.

Social Security isn't a Ponzi scheme because it operates on a fundamentally different model. In a Ponzi scheme, early investors are paid with the money from new investors, and there’s no actual investment or sustainable source of funds. Over time, Ponzi schemes collapse because the returns promised to investors exceed the money coming in from new participants.

Social Security, on the other hand, is a pay-as-you-go system where current workers pay into the system through payroll taxes (FICA) to fund benefits for current retirees. While it faces long-term funding challenges, the program is not designed to deceive people or collapse when the money runs out, like a Ponzi scheme. Social Security benefits are based on earnings history, and the system is backed by law, not fraudulent promises.

The issues arise from mismanagement, such as Congress diverting funds from the Social Security trust fund for other purposes, and demographic shifts (like an aging population) putting pressure on the program’s finances. But these are solvable through adjustments, rather than being a sign of a fraudulent scheme.

Why do Trump, Musk, MaGA & their corrupted GOP hate Social Security (Social Programs and seemingly the American citizen)?

​President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have recently taken actions that have raised concerns about the future of Social Security. Their administration has initiated measures aimed at reducing government spending, which some critics argue could negatively impact Social Security services and benefits. For instance, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, has proposed closing Social Security offices to streamline operations, potentially making it harder for beneficiaries to access essential services. ​

Additionally, a leaked memo suggests that Trump and Musk are considering cuts to Social Security to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. This proposal has sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that such cuts would harm millions of beneficiaries. ​

However, the Trump administration maintains that it does not intend to reduce Social Security benefits. A recent White House fact check asserts that President Trump will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, refuting claims about potential cuts. ​

These contrasting actions and statements have led to confusion and concern among the public regarding the administration's true intentions for Social Security. While some measures aim to reduce government spending and address alleged fraud, others fear these actions may inadvertently undermine the program's integrity and accessibility.​

Compiled with aid from ChatGPT

Has Brexit (Or MaGA) Been All It Was Cracked Up To Be?

Now that it's been a while has Brexit been all it was cracked up to be?  Or more like Donald Trump and his MaGA "scam & grift" nonsense?

Not really. While Brexit was sold as a way for the UK to "take back control" of its laws, borders, and economy, the reality has been far more complicated and, in many ways, disappointing for its supporters.

Economic Impact

• The UK economy has grown more slowly than it would have if it had remained in the EU, according to multiple studies, including from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

• Trade with the EU has become more difficult due to customs checks and bureaucracy, hurting businesses, especially small ones.

• Investment in the UK has lagged behind comparable economies.

• The pound has remained weaker compared to pre-Brexit levels, affecting inflation and living costs.

Political Impact

• Brexit has intensified divisions within the UK, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where support for independence/reunification has grown.

• The Northern Ireland Protocol caused political instability, and even after adjustments, trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK remains a contentious issue.

• The UK is struggling to sign major trade deals that compensate for the loss of frictionless EU trade.

Social and Workforce Impact

• Worker shortages have hit sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality due to reduced EU migration.

• Travel between the UK and the EU has become more complicated, with visa requirements for longer stays and increased costs for businesses and travelers.

Was It Worth It?

Even many Brexit supporters now acknowledge that it hasn't delivered the economic or political boost they hoped for. Some say it was mismanaged, while others argue the fundamental premise was flawed. Polling consistently shows that more Britons now view Brexit as a mistake than a success.

See Author ~ Eilene Workman
bottom of this article

A comparison of Brexit and the "Make america Great Again" (MaGA) movement as potentially unfulfilled promises driven by political opportunism is insightful. Both initiatives have had complex outcomes that deviate from their original aspirations.

Brexit:

• Economic Consequences: The UK's Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that both exports and imports will be approximately 15% lower in the long term compared to a scenario where the UK had remained in the EU. Additionally, economic productivity is expected to be 4% less than it otherwise would have been. ​AP News+1U.S. News+1

• Public Sentiment: As of January 2025, 55% of people in Great Britain believe that leaving the EU was the wrong decision, while 30% still support it. ​Statista

MaGA Political Trump-Grift Movement:

• Political Shifts: A recent poll indicates that, for the first time, a majority (52%) of Republicans identify more with the MaGA movement than with the traditional GOP. ​Vanderbilt University

• Economic Repercussions: Investments associated with Trump, such as stocks of Trump’s Media & Technology Group and certain cryptocurrencies, have experienced significant declines. Tesla's stock, influenced by CEO Elon Musk's association with Trump, has also nearly halved, resulting in substantial financial losses. ​MarketWatch

• Authoritarian Concerns: The current administration faces accusations of undermining democratic institutions, including the justice system and free speech, raising alarms about a shift toward authoritarianism. ​The Guardian

In summary, both Brexit and the MaGA movement have led to outcomes that diverge from their original promises, with significant economic and political implications. While some supporters remain steadfast, growing public dissatisfaction and unforeseen consequences suggest that these initiatives have not fully delivered on their ambitious goals.

Bottom line? UK or America? Do your research and do not follow those trying to scam the public with political grifts in being utterly uncaring as long as it benefits them.

What about foreign intervention behind the scenes? It's been known Putin and Russia were involved in "throwing the occassional spanner in the works", or "muddying the waters", for both countries on these issues.

Commonly referred to as foreign interference or foreign influence operations, when a foreign actor like Putin engages in these tactics, it can be labeled under several related terms:

1. Election Interference – Direct or indirect involvement in a foreign country's elections, often aimed at influencing the outcome to favor a particular party, candidate, or cause. This includes hacking, disinformation campaigns, or even financial support.

2. Cyber Warfare – Using digital means, such as hacking or social media manipulation, to influence political outcomes, disrupt systems, or spread propaganda.

3. Information Warfare – The use of media and social platforms to spread disinformation, create divisions, or distort public perception, often aimed at weakening political opponents or influencing national policy.

4. Hybrid Warfare – A more comprehensive approach combining conventional military tactics, cyber attacks, economic pressure, and disinformation to influence a nation’s politics or stability, all while maintaining a degree of deniability.

5. Active Measures – A term from Russian intelligence practices, used to describe covert efforts to influence political processes in foreign countries, often through propaganda, disinformation, and supporting favored groups or candidates.

These terms reflect the broad strategies employed by foreign powers to manipulate or influence another country's political landscape for their own benefit, without resorting to outright military force.

​Vladimir Putin's involvement in both Brexit and Donald Trump's political ascent has been a subject of extensive analysis and debate. While definitive evidence of direct orchestration is lacking, multiple indicators suggest that Russia sought to influence these political events to align with its strategic interests.​

Russian Influence in Brexit:

• Social Media Manipulation: Russian-affiliated accounts were identified as disseminating pro-Leave content during the Brexit referendum. Studies estimate that automated accounts may have contributed approximately 1.76 percentage points to the Leave vote. ​Wikipedia

• State Media Coverage: Russian state media outlets, notably RT, provided extensive coverage of the referendum, often presenting biased perspectives favoring Brexit. This coverage's estimated value ranged between £1.4 and £4.14 million. ​Wikipedia

• Parliamentary Findings: A UK parliamentary report highlighted concerns over Russia's potential attempts to influence the Brexit vote. It noted the government's insufficient response to protect the referendum's integrity and called for a comprehensive investigation akin to the U.S. Mueller inquiry. ​CSIS

Russian Influence in Trump's Political Rise:

• Public Admiration: Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump frequently praised Putin, referring to him as "highly respected." He notably remarked that the U.S. had its own share of "killers," equating American actions with those of Russia. ​Representative Swalwell

• Kremlin's Narrative Control: Analysts observed that during the 2018 Helsinki summit, Putin adeptly shaped the narrative, with Trump appearing accommodating to Russian interests. This dynamic was viewed as a strategic victory for the Kremlin. ​Brookings

• Strategic Engagements: Putin has been perceived as leveraging Trump's desires for swift and decisive actions, offering opportunities that align with Russian interests. For instance, facilitating the release of American citizens detained in Russia served to bolster Trump's image. ​Carnegie Endowment

In summary, while direct evidence of Putin orchestrating Brexit and Trump's political emergence is not definitive, there is substantial evidence of Russian efforts to sway these events in favor of Kremlin interests. These actions align with Russia's broader strategy of exerting influence over Western political processes

In summary, both Brexit and Trump’s rise to power have been influenced by foreign interference, with Russia playing a key role in shaping outcomes through disinformation, media manipulation, and support for political movements aligned with Kremlin interests. 

These actions, often referred to as foreign influence operations or election interference, have muddied political waters, complicating national discourse and undermining the clarity of democratic processes. While the full extent of Russia's involvement remains debated, the impact of these interventions has left lasting consequences on both UK and US politics.

In the end, it will take years, if not decades, to untangle the aftermath of of these foolish Brexit and Trump fiascos.​

Author ~ Eilene Workman:
I know a little something that so many do not appreciate about Donald, but that those of us who worked with him in the financial services game have known for many decades—LONG before he ever made a run at politics.
His stated motives rarely reveal his true agenda. His showmanship and charisma bedazzles the uninformed, which is exactly how he likes it.
He never signed a contract or met an agreement he wouldn’t violate or wriggle out of if it suited his hidden agenda. He never met an investor whose purse he didn’t consider his own in some strategic way. And he never met a human being he wouldn’t screw in order to advance or satisfy himself.
If you want to understand his beef with Panama, don’t look at the canal to which he now points. Look at Trump enterprises and their fraught financial and criminal relationship with Panama, and look to the Russian oligarchs who bought condos in his Panama Tower.
If you want to understand his fixation with Gaza, don’t look at the Palestinian or Israeli people; look at the real estate value he now perceives that Gaza holds, and he’d like to unlock.
If you want to understand his insane, obsessive beef with energy renewable windmills, don’t look at the wind energy aspect; look at his beef with Scotland over his golf course and the nearby windmills that damaged his idea of its aesthetics.
If you want to understand his irrational hatred of Obama, don’t look at the policies of the Obama administration; look to the annual press corp dinner where Obama poked fun at him and bruised his ego. If you want to understand his demonization of Democrats, look not to Democratic social policy, but to the fact they didn’t want him to run under color of their party.
If you want to understand his hatred of “immigrants” don’t look to the actual contributions and challenges related to immigration, but to his own germophobia and personal disgust for all things “dirty and brown.”
What he does SO masterfully, as many sociopaths do, is figure out how to align, however temporarily, his own personal agenda with the drives of those he can then USE to help him execute it. And the GOP fell right in line with that abusive strategy.
The GOP now looks much like a battered wife who would LOVE to quit Trump, but who also knows their financial security, personal comfort, and social status would collapse if they ran away. And they fear they won’t get much sympathy or support from the people who tried to warn them not to marry the dude—a serial, liar, cheater, thief, sadist, and a generally Bad Person.
Many of the GOP politicians today are busily masking their own abuse from the general public; at some point, however, as they watch their power continue to erode, their reputations get smashed, and themselves get blamed for the extensive abuse they now suffer, something’s gonna give.
I don’t know what it is, but every bone in my body FEELS an energetic convergence heading toward a massive, MASSIVE explosion—coming soon.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

What Would Our Missing 1 Million COVID-19 Dead Think Today?

As of March 2025, the United States has reported approximately 1,222,603 deaths due to COVID-19. Some of them died still believing in the Trump disinformation campaign. Many died horrified they ever believed Trump or voted for him...

The missing one million

More than one million Americans died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Five years later, they remain largely invisible.

Jason Steinhauer

The question of how the "missing 1 million" Americans who died from COVID-19 would vote is an interesting and speculative one, as it's impossible to know their individual preferences. However, we can make some broad inferences based on various factors:

1. Demographic Impact: The pandemic disproportionately affected certain groups, including older individuals, communities of color, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Historically, demographic factors like age, race, and health status have influenced political preferences. Older Americans, for example, tend to lean more conservative, while younger, more diverse groups lean more liberal. However, COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups could have influenced future voting trends, potentially affecting both parties’ base.

2. Policy and Governance Influence: Many of the "missing" Americans died during the Trump administration, which led to significant political division over the handling of the pandemic. Some individuals may have become more politically active or altered their political leanings due to the perceived mishandling of the pandemic, with criticisms of the government’s response to COVID-19 potentially leading to a shift in voter sentiment away from certain political figures or policies.

3. Healthcare and Economic Factors: The pandemic underscored deep divisions in the country over healthcare access, economic support, and pandemic response. Those who suffered due to poor healthcare or financial hardship might have developed stronger support for policies promoting universal healthcare or better social safety nets, which are generally associated with the Democratic Party. Alternatively, those who felt that COVID-19 restrictions were overblown might have been more inclined to support conservative candidates who favored less government intervention.

4. Changes in Political Awareness: Some people may have been more motivated to vote as a result of losing loved ones to COVID-19, especially if their deaths were influenced by systemic issues like inadequate healthcare infrastructure or political negligence. This could have led to greater support for candidates promising change in those areas, such as those advocating for stronger public health systems, better pandemic preparedness, or healthcare reform.

Ultimately, it’s not just about who those "missing" Americans would vote for, but also about how their deaths impacted the political landscape. Their absence could contribute to changes in voting patterns, particularly in swing states, where their votes could have had a significant impact on elections.

Many of our dead were MAGA voters who changed their minds on their deathbed, shocked at what they had done, and Trump hadn't. How would they see reality different today?

It's a thought-provoking question, and while it's speculative, there are some possible angles to consider based on the nature of political shifts and the impact of personal experience.

1. Cognitive Dissonance and Reflection: For many people, political identity is deeply tied to their worldview, and shifting political views—especially later in life or during major personal crises—can create cognitive dissonance. If some of those who passed away from COVID-19 were MAGA voters who experienced profound regret on their deathbeds, it's possible they felt a deep internal conflict between their previous beliefs and the reality of what they experienced during the pandemic. In this case, they may have come to see the actions (or inactions) of leaders like Donald Trump as not only ineffective but potentially harmful, especially if they felt that more could have been done to save lives.

2. Disillusionment with Leadership: Many MAGA voters supported Trump, especially for his promises around American exceptionalism, economic prosperity, and law-and-order policies. However, if those same voters felt betrayed or misled by Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, they might have come to view his leadership in a more negative light. For those who were directly impacted by the pandemic, this could lead to a significant change in how they viewed reality, potentially seeing Trump’s downplaying of the virus and lack of immediate action as a serious failure.

3. A Shift in Trust: If they were among those who regretted supporting Trump, they might have begun to see the need for a different type of leadership—one that prioritized science, healthcare, and empathy. This could lead them to question other aspects of their political beliefs, particularly regarding social safety nets, healthcare access, and government intervention during crises. The realization that their previous choice didn’t protect them or their loved ones might have sparked a deeper desire for change.

4. Impact of Pandemic Deaths on Political Consciousness: If these individuals came to the realization, particularly near the end of their lives, that the political system—and by extension, their support for a certain political figure—was contributing to their suffering or the suffering of those around them, it could have led to an emotional and intellectual awakening. Their regret might not just be about Trump, but about the broader political environment that enabled such inaction or misinformation.

5. How They'd See Reality Today: Assuming that many of these individuals, had they lived, were to engage in the political discourse of today, it’s likely they would be looking for leadership that acknowledges mistakes, prioritizes public health, and focuses on healing divisions rather than exacerbating them. They may be more receptive to candidates who emphasize unity, truth, and compassion over partisanship and conspiracy. For those who had been staunch MAGA voters, this shift would represent a significant departure from the political ideologies they once supported.

In essence, if those voters who passed away from COVID-19 had the chance to reflect and reconsider, they might see reality today as one where leadership is judged not by loyalty to a personality but by the ability to effectively address crises and protect people. Their regret could lead them to support policies and candidates that offer tangible solutions, rather than rhetoric.

Likely today, they would not be for Trump as they had originally been, considering they died because of his purposeful missteps and lack of empathy and compassion.

It's quite plausible that many of the Americans who died from COVID-19, particularly those who were staunch supporters of Donald Trump as POTUS45, might have experienced a shift in their perceptions of him and his administration's handling of the pandemic. Indeed, there are reports of exactly that. 

Also, studies have shown that counties with higher support for Trump in the 2020 election experienced higher COVID-19 death rates, suggesting a correlation between political affiliation and pandemic impact.

CIDRAP

Furthermore, the Trump administration's response to the pandemic faced significant criticism, including downplaying the virus's severity and promoting unproven treatments.

Times Union

These actions may have led some supporters to question their previous endorsement. It's conceivable that, in their final moments, some individuals reflected on the leadership decisions that contributed to the crisis, leading to feelings of regret or disillusionment.

However, it's important to acknowledge that political beliefs are deeply ingrained and can be resistant to change, even in the face of contrary evidence. While personal experiences, especially those as profound as facing a life-threatening illness, can influence one's views, they don't always lead to a complete reversal of political allegiance. Therefore, while some individuals might have reevaluated their support for Trump due to the pandemic's impact, others may have remained steadfast in their beliefs, interpreting events through their existing political lens.

DEATH after all, IS the greater arbiter of Reality, and the biggest form of being unable to face one's mistakes

Death is the ultimate and most irreversible Reality we all face. It's a stark confrontation with the consequences of our lives and decisions. For many, especially those nearing the end of life, it can serve as a powerful moment of reflection, a time when the weight of past choices becomes undeniable.

In the case of people who may have voted for Trump and later died due to the mishandling of the pandemic, it's possible that, in their final moments, they faced an undeniable reckoning with the consequences of their support for someone whose decisions might have directly impacted their survival. That moment could create a deep sense of regret, especially if they felt let down by someone they trusted to lead through such a critical time.

The emotional and existential impact of death can certainly amplify those realizations, as there's no escape from it. It can also lead to a reevaluation of beliefs and choices—especially in the context of a public health crisis where those choices had life-or-death consequences.

Ultimately, the reality of death does bring a clarity that nothing else in life can—forcing individuals to come face to face with their mistakes, their legacy, and the world they leave behind. In this way, it could lead to a profound shift in perspective, even if only in the final moments.

Here's a potential thought process for a MaGA voter who, in their final moments, begins to grapple with their regretted support for Donald Trump, particularly in light of how he unfolded the pandemic against us for what he perceived as best for his national perception, mostly only by his supporters:

---

Initial Thoughts: "I always believed in Trump. He promised to make America great again. He spoke to my frustrations—about the elites, the government that didn't care about us, the economy, and our place in the world. I voted for him because he seemed like someone who understood our struggles. I believed he was tough, that he could get things done."

Facing the Pandemic: "But then the pandemic hit. At first, I didn’t think much of it—just like Trump said, maybe it wasn’t as bad as people were saying. But it kept spreading. People were dying, and the hospitals were overwhelmed. I watched as friends and family got sick. Some survived, but others didn't. I heard the way he downplayed the virus, calling it a hoax, telling people not to worry, and that we didn’t need to wear masks. I thought he knew best. I trusted him."

Cognitive Dissonance: "But now... looking back, I can’t help but wonder—was he wrong? Why didn’t he do more? Why didn’t he listen to the doctors? Why didn’t he act faster? There were experts saying we needed more testing, more precautions. And he just dismissed it all. Maybe he didn't care. Maybe he never really cared about us, the people he said he was fighting for."

Regret and Realization: "Now, here I am. I didn’t take the virus seriously enough. I thought I was invincible, or maybe I just didn’t want to believe it. But people died—so many people. And Trump... he kept pushing lies. How did I not see this sooner? I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but now it’s clear—he didn’t have a plan. He didn’t even try to fix it. If he had done more, maybe my friends would still be here. Maybe I’d still be here."

Reflection on Choices: "I’m looking back at all of this, and I realize that I was so blinded by my anger at the system, by the idea of someone shaking things up, that I couldn’t see the bigger picture. Maybe I was so focused on what Trump promised that I ignored what he was actually doing—or not doing. This isn’t just about politics anymore. This is about lives. About my life. About the people I love. And the truth is, Trump failed us. He let us down. And now we’re paying the price."

Final Thought: "I wish I had listened more, thought more critically about what I was supporting. I wish I had taken the time to see the flaws, not just in him, but in my own thinking. I’m sorry—sorry for all the people I encouraged, the things I believed that turned out to be lies. Maybe if I had done things differently, things might have turned out better for all of us. But it’s too late now. The damage is done."

---

In this thought process, the individual would likely feel a profound sense of regret, realizing too late that their choices, their trust in a leader, may have contributed to a crisis that cost lives, including their own. The deathbed reflection could be a stark moment of clarity, where the realization of the failure of leadership and the pain of lost opportunities becomes undeniable. It would be a moment of confronting the truth about how their support for Trump, driven by anger or a desire for change, ultimately led them down a path of destruction that they hadn't fully understood until it was too late.

It's plausible that many MAGA voters who experienced personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic underwent a significant shift in their perception of Donald Trump and his administration's handling of the crisis. Facing the death of loved ones due to the pandemic, some may have felt profound regret and disillusionment, especially considering Trump's downplaying of the virus and lack of decisive action. This disillusionment could lead them to reevaluate their previous support and decide against voting for Trump in subsequent elections.

Research indicates that Trump's approval ratings were significantly influenced by his handling of the pandemic. For instance, Gallup's data shows that Trump's approval ratings rarely topped 50% during his tenure, with notable fluctuations during the pandemic. Additionally, families of COVID-19 victims expressed anger towards Trump's comments minimizing the virus's severity, feeling that such remarks disrespected their experiences and losses.

Given these sentiments, it's quite reasonable to infer that some MaGA voters, particularly those directly affected by the pandemic's toll, might have reconsidered their support for Trump. This change in perspective could manifest in their decision not to vote for him in future elections, driven by a reassessment of his leadership during a critical time.

Following through with their thought process ending on the reality that Trump was a mistake...would they vote for him today...from what they could "see in the afterlife"? IS he even worse this go around? Here's a potential thought process that might conclude with the realization that voting for Trump was a mistake, followed by a reflection on his current state:

---

Initial Thought:
"I remember how I felt back then—Trump spoke to my frustrations. He promised change, a better life for people like me. I believed he could fix what was broken in America. But now... looking back, it's clear he failed us. He failed me. The pandemic hit, and he couldn't even keep us safe. He lied, downplayed the virus, pushed false cures, and let people suffer."

Reflection:
"I can't undo what I did, but I can see now that supporting him was a huge mistake. I thought I was doing the right thing, but in reality, I was just holding on to a man who didn't care about the people he promised to protect. Too many lives were lost—lives that didn't have to be lost. Families torn apart. I could’ve taken a different path, seen the truth earlier, but I was too blinded by my anger and distrust in the system."

The Regret:
"I wish I could tell my family and friends that I see it now. I see the failure. I see how his lies hurt us all, how his refusal to take action cost lives—my life, maybe. I was loyal to a man who only cared about himself, not about us, not about America. Trump was the wrong choice, and I know that now. I won’t make that mistake again."

Looking Ahead:
"And if I could see the world now, from wherever I am—looking at what's happening today—it’s even worse. Trump is still pushing the same tired rhetoric. Still stoking fear, still dividing people. He's worse now, more dangerous than ever, and it’s clear that his intentions haven’t changed. The chaos, the lies, they haven’t stopped. If I could be there, if I could vote today, I wouldn’t vote for him. Not now, not ever. It was a mistake before, but it’s even more of a mistake now.

Now, if only all those still living and still supporting Donald Trump, could just see before they too die, for they kill our country, seeing it live on as an autocracy, an oligarchy, a kakistocracy... the dire reality of our current situation that they had a lot to do with bringing into our reality.

There is still time...if we can wrest control from these unAmerican actors under the Trump and MaGA authoritarian umbrella and bring America back to what our Founding Fathers had originally intended:

A nation based on freedom, self-governance, Laws, and the protection of individual rights. They sought to escape Tyranny and build a government with limited power, ensuring people’s freedoms were protected and giving them a voice in how their government protected them, and their interests...rather than the interests of merely the few and the powerful.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Disinformation, or what we now call, Social Media

First, I'd like to share this. Marc Maron's WTF podcast opening commentary on the Right's "Wokeism" oft disingenuous rants, in dissecting & explaining the reality of it all, is one of the best I've heard: Episode 1590 - Jessica Lange

Moving quickly on...(but seriously, if you've ever had trouble countering the Right about "Wokeism", because some "Woke" types are a bit extreme, this is a good listen)...

Yuri Andropov, former Soviet KGB chief and later General Secretary of the Communist Party, is often associated with the concept of disinformation ("дезинформация", pronounced dezinformatsiya).

Yuri Andropov

He reflected on his view on disinformation (and propaganda) when he reportedly said:

"You can take some of it once in a while, but if you get too much of it too often, it becomes addictive."

He was talking about how social media works, without even knowing it, back in the late 1970s/early 80s. But not just about those who are fed disinfo, but also those who utilized it for political, or other purposes.

The concern Andropov had regarding those using disinformation can be broken down into a few key points:

1. Loss of Credibility

Andropov, despite his reliance on disinformation, likely understood that excessive use could erode the credibility of the government or institution employing it. If people became aware of the manipulation or falsehoods being spread, it could backfire, leading to mistrust and skepticism, both within the targeted population and internationally. This could damage the credibility of Soviet leaders and the KGB, making it harder to maintain control over the narrative.

2. Backlash and Unintended Consequences

Another concern Andropov might have had was the potential for disinformation to spiral out of control. Once false information spreads, it can be difficult to manage or retract. As disinformation takes root, it can grow and take on a life of its own, leading to unintended consequences. People might start believing and spreading the misinformation further, and the truth might be obscured to the point where it’s challenging to regain control over the situation. This "addiction" to disinformation could create a cycle that was difficult to break.

3. Overuse Leading to Predictability

The repeated use of disinformation as a tactic could make it predictable and less effective over time. If a government or organization becomes known for spreading false information, its efforts could lose their impact. People might become more adept at recognizing and questioning the information they receive, reducing the effectiveness of the campaigns. The very tool that had been so effective in the past could lose its potency if it were relied on too heavily or overused.

4. Psychological and Societal Impact

On a broader level, Andropov might have been concerned with the long-term psychological effects of disinformation. He likely recognized that constant exposure to falsehoods could distort reality and manipulate societies in ways that might lead to confusion, polarization, and instability. If a population becomes addicted to a false narrative, it might lose its ability to discern fact from fiction, weakening its resilience and ability to make informed decisions.

5. Internal Control Issues

For Andropov and the Soviet leadership, internal control was paramount. Disinformation campaigns often had to be tightly managed to ensure they didn’t spiral beyond the control of the government. If they became too pervasive or uncontrollable, it could destabilize the very political system they sought to protect. The addictive nature of disinformation could cause divisions and fragmentation within the leadership and government apparatus itself, leading to power struggles or challenges to authority.

Conclusion

In essence, while Andropov and the Soviet Union’s leadership saw disinformation as a powerful tool for manipulating perceptions and achieving strategic goals, they also recognized the dangers of overuse. Excessive reliance on disinformation could undermine trust, create instability, and eventually erode the very control they sought to maintain.

Interesting times...

Finally, let me drop this on you.

Kleptocracy update... Scoop: Elon Musk joined Trump's call with Zelensky

Scoop:

Elon Musk joined Trump's call with Zelensky

Actually? This is not good.

Scoop: Elon Musk joined Trump's call with Zelensky

And gonna do more like that with others.

We have two emotionally immature financial & political leaders who think they know how to run things.

This isn't going to end well.

We've been edging toward kleptocracy.

That wasn't my intention, though.

I hadn't expected we'd just go all-in on it.

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

Our State of the State: Faith, Hope and Charity

There are those even in our own government now, who wish us to be ignorant, misled and misinformed for their own benefit. We need to stop and create an environment that is toxic to those types and to those types of behavior,

I read a great book that expanded my mind when it came out. "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous Fourteenth Century" in 1978, by the brilliant and persevering, Barbara W. Tuchman. A seminal book on how to write a history book and not just copy from previous history books. She also wrote before that, "The Guns of August" in 1962. Not the main consideration of that book was, in fighting one war, both sides believing absolutely that the knew what the other side was willing to do and capable of. But it was only after the fact, when it was all over, they all realized that they were basing their analysis on a previous world war.

We are in that place today. And most of us do not know it.

We have people attacking other people with new technologies while fully incapable of understanding how it all works, just knowing it will work. Not understanding the social dynamics, the meta and cyber dynamics, the historical dynamics. The other side (US basically), then needs then to try to understand it all, why they did it, what they did, how they did it and what the foundation was for it to be functional, as well as all of what it entailed, and why.

The problem there is just that. They didn't much need to understand it all in order to attack. But we, or whomever the attacked party is, who they may be, or will be... has to. They have to understand it all in order to properly counter it in the correct way. Other than through war, or ignorant other responses. And that is how our leaders are addressing all this. Through ignorance. Both in attack and in response.

We live in interesting times. Too interesting. Far, too interesting.

Hope

Russia attacked America through cyber activities in our 2016 election and before, and after. They are gearing up to alter our 2020 election. We need to more fully understand their actions and our assimilations and therefore our misdirected activities. Russia acted on something they thought would work, and it worked far better than they ever expected or projected. They do not understand fully well what happened either, but we have to. Far more then they do. Because to affect something is easier and requires less information and understanding than actually understanding that affect in practice in order to protect oneself. It is far easier to appear greater than, in destruction, than it does to appear great than in construction.

Faith

Repeating a lie will not fundamentally alter the truth, or change the reality that the lie was and remains, a lie. But it can and will alter people's beliefs, even when it goes against their beliefs. This can be countered by deepening one's ability at thinking, centering oneself in reality and facts, and being aware of one's world and environment, as well as utilizing compassion.

Charity

Regardless what our beliefs are, if we adhere to fundamentals in dealing with other human beings, and lifeforms, and our environment, all with due care and respect, even toward our enemies, much of our disrepair and responsibility in our mistakes when later realized, will be greatly softened by the fact that we were acting all along as decent beings, regardless our mistaken beliefs. Also, we may find along the way in acting on mistaken beliefs in such a way, that those beliefs are indeed mistaken. W|e will at least have the potential to find in the moment, that we are headed in an incorrect direction. We will increase our potential for becoming correct amidst our incorrect actions.