jimmydoreisalefty

Video description:

While 40 million Californians suffer through unprecedented drought, one billionaire couple owns a massive share of the state's water system, largely seized in a series of secretive meetings two decades ago.

That system was largely paid for by the very taxpayers whose water these billionaires hold hostage. The Resnicks are the biggest farmers in California–as of 2007 they owned four San Francisco’s worth of farmland. Nearly half of Americans buy at least one of their products: pistachios, POM pomegranate juice, mandarins, flowers, and more.

It’s all under one massive umbrella: The Wonderful Company, a privately owned company worth at least 5 billion dollars. The majority owners, the Resnicks, are worth at least 8 billion.

We dug into how Lynda and Stewart Resnick were able to seize control of what should be a shared public resource with ‪@SecondThought‬ on this latest episode of "How They Got Rich" by The Class Room at More Perfect Union.

About:

More Perfect Union is a new nonprofit media org with a mission to empower working people. Learn more here: http://perfectunion.us/

In this piece from George Carlin’s special Life Is Worth Losing, the stand-up comedian covers the downfall of America from our “inheritance” of this beautiful country to consumerism and today’s politicians, “It’s a big club and you ain’t in it.”

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/24264211

Kamala at Jimmy Carter funeral #impression #kamala #comedy #voiceover #kamalaharris #obama #trum

Kamala at Jimmy Carter funeral #impression #kamala #comedy #voiceover #kamalaharris #obama #trum

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/24261080

Generated Summary of Video Below:

Article Link: https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/01/06/fbi_is_still_hiding_details_of_russiagate_newly_released_document_shows_1082631.html

Archive Link: https://archive.is/DoDCm

Independent journalist Aaron Maté discusses his reporting on the FBI's probe into Donald Trump. #Trump #russia

Generated Summary:

FBI's Investigation into Trump

• The FBI's investigation into then-President Donald Trump, initiated in May 2017, raised significant questions about the agency's justification for probing a sitting president as a potential Russian agent.
• Journalist Aaron Maté highlights that the FBI has not disclosed the specific reasons that led to this investigation, leaving the public in the dark regarding the grounds for suspicion against Trump.
• The investigation followed the initial Trump-Russia inquiry, known as Crossfire Hurricane, which began in July 2016 based on a vague tip about George Papadopoulos, a low-level Trump campaign volunteer.
• In May 2017, shortly after Trump assumed office, FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe decided to expand the investigation to include Trump personally, alleging he might be acting as an agent of Russia.
• The opening communication for this investigation claims there was a factual basis for it, but this basis is entirely redacted, preventing any understanding of the rationale behind the probe.
• McCabe publicly stated that Trump's firing of FBI Director Jim Comey raised suspicions about what Trump might be hiding, which he considered sufficient grounds for the investigation.

Role of the Steele Dossier

• Reports indicate that the Steele dossier, funded by the Hillary Clinton campaign, played a significant role in the FBI's concerns regarding Trump, as it contained various allegations against him.
• In January 2019, it was revealed that the FBI had reopened its investigation into Trump, with the Steele dossier being cited as a contributing factor to the agency's suspicions.
• Aaron Maté notes that before the counterintelligence probe was launched, the FBI re-engaged with Christopher Steele, the dossier's author, despite having previously terminated him as a source due to his media interactions.
• The reliance on the Steele dossier, which has been widely discredited, raises questions about the legitimacy of the investigation and whether it was based on solid evidence.

Criticism of the Investigation

• Maté criticizes the investigation as lacking factual basis, arguing that the reasons provided for probing a sitting president are insufficient and highlight the absurdity of the Russia investigation narrative.
• He believes that the investigation was politically motivated and detrimental to the integrity of the Democratic Party, which became focused on a conspiracy theory rather than addressing substantive policy issues.
• The investigation diverted attention from potential critiques of Trump's policies, instead allowing the Trump administration to frame the narrative around the allegations as a partisan attack.

Impact on Democratic Party Strategy

• The fixation on the Russia investigation, according to Maté, hindered the Democratic Party's ability to engage in meaningful self-reflection about its messaging and campaign strategies.
• He argues that the party's reliance on the investigation as a narrative undermined its potential to connect with voters who were disillusioned with traditional political approaches.
• Maté suggests that instead of embracing anti-establishment figures like Bernie Sanders, the Democrats doubled down on the Clinton wing, which ultimately alienated some voters.

Clinton Campaign's Involvement

• Maté discusses the role of the Clinton campaign in funding the Steele dossier and its implications for the investigation, asserting that this connection raises questions about the FBI's credibility.
• He highlights that the Clinton campaign also hired CrowdStrike, the firm that first accused Russia of hacking the Democratic National Committee, further entangling the investigation with partisan interests.
• Despite CrowdStrike's CEO admitting to Congress that there was no evidence of Russian hacking, the FBI has not released the documents that underpin its allegations, leaving many critical details undisclosed.
• Maté emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the FBI's reliance on information from contractors linked to the Clinton campaign to understand the foundation of the Russia investigation.

Conclusion and Future Implications

• The ongoing concealment of critical details by the FBI regarding the Trump investigation continues to fuel public demand for accountability and transparency from federal agencies.
• Maté suggests that with Republicans controlling Congress and a supportive president, there might be renewed interest in scrutinizing the decisions made during the investigation.
• The discussion surrounding the investigation underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between political narratives and the actions of intelligence agencies in shaping public perception.

About Rising: Rising is a weekday morning show with bipartisan hosts that breaks the mold of morning TV by taking viewers inside the halls of Washington power like never before. The show leans into the day's political cycle with cutting edge analysis from DC insiders who can predict what is going to happen. It also sets the day's political agenda by breaking exclusive news with a team of scoop-driven reporters and demanding answers during interviews with the country's most important political newsmakers.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/24260188

Generated Summary of Video Below:

Generated Summary:

Introduction to Labor Market Issues

• The discussion begins with a focus on the current state of the labor market and the challenges faced by today's workforce compared to previous generations.
• The speaker highlights the negative impact that college education has had on the labor market, suggesting that it has contributed to the difficulties experienced by job seekers today.

The Higher Education Act of 1965

• The speaker references Lyndon B. Johnson's Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to democratize access to college through expanded federal financial aid.
• Initially, the belief was that obtaining a college degree would ensure economic mobility, leading to the assumption that graduates could easily repay student loans.
• However, the act inadvertently allowed colleges to raise tuition prices, as students became backed by federal financial aid, leading to a significant increase in the cost of education.
• Statistics show that average tuition for public nonprofit universities rose dramatically from $394 in the 1970-71 academic year to $1,560 in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Effects of Rising Tuition and Cultural Shifts

• The speaker discusses the cultural shift that occurred as higher education became increasingly valued, coinciding with significant national events such as the Vietnam War.
• The college entry rate for young men rose from 54% in 1963 to 62% in 1968, as many sought deferment from the draft by enrolling in college.
• College campuses became centers for protests against the Vietnam War, leading to a change in the perception of education and its role in society.

Ronald Reagan's Impact on Higher Education

• Ronald Reagan's tenure as California's governor marked a shift in higher education funding, as he proposed tuition fees and cut public funding to universities by 20%.
• Reagan's administration aimed to dismantle the growing resistance at public universities, promoting a more selective approach to higher education.
• The increase in student loan borrowing reflected the growing reliance on education, with loans rising from $73 million in 1966 to $7.8 billion by 1981.

Decline in Educational Standards and Vocational Training

• By 1983, a report titled "A Nation at Risk" highlighted the decline in educational standards, calling for reform in public education to prioritize measurable standards.
• Vocational programs and technical education were deprioritized, leading to a societal perception that such skills were only for troubled students or those not suited for college.
• The reduction of vocational training in schools resulted in a workforce less prepared for practical job skills, impacting overall education levels negatively.

Changing Job Market Dynamics

• The speaker emphasizes how the job market has shifted, with entry-level positions now often requiring extensive experience, contradicting the traditional understanding of what constitutes an entry-level job.
• This change limits opportunities for new graduates, as employers increasingly seek candidates with three to five years of experience even for entry-level roles.
• The rise in educational requirements for jobs that previously did not require a degree has created barriers for young people entering the workforce.

The Role of Federal Employment Programs

• The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1979 provided significant funding for job training, but funding has since decreased by over 66%, limiting training opportunities.
• The reduction of federal and corporate training programs, combined with a disdain for vocational education, has left colleges as the primary source for workforce preparation.
• As tuition costs rise, many individuals find themselves unable to afford higher education, further exacerbating the issue of workforce readiness.

Current Challenges for Graduates

• Recent studies indicate that hiring managers believe recent college graduates are underprepared for the workforce, leading to increased experience requirements for job candidates.
• Nearly half of the academic workforce consists of part-time, non-tenure track faculty, which may compromise the quality of education received by students.
• The decline in academic standards and rigor, along with grade inflation, has raised concerns about the value of a college degree in today's job market.

Generational Impacts and Economic Realities

• Younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, face significant challenges in achieving traditional milestones such as home ownership, marriage, and starting families.
• Economic pressures and rising costs of living have made these milestones seem unattainable for many young people today.
• The capitalist system has contributed to the rising costs of education and living, further complicating the financial landscape for recent graduates.

Advice for Future Students

• The speaker advises potential students to consider trade schools or community colleges if they are not pursuing high-paying careers, as these paths can lead to financial stability without incurring significant debt.
• Pursuing careers in trades such as welding or dental hygiene can provide lucrative opportunities without the burden of student loans.
• The emphasis is placed on making informed decisions about education and career paths to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Conclusion: The Future of the Labor Market

• The conversation concludes by addressing the need for systemic change in how education and labor are viewed in society.
• The speaker suggests that exploring alternative models, such as worker cooperatives, could empower individuals and improve job prospects in the future.
• Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of reevaluating the relationship between education, employment, and economic success in contemporary society.

#collegeruinedlabor #sabbysabs #howcollegeruinedthelabormarket #ronaldreaganeconomics #entryleveljobs #progressivepoliticsexplained

About channel:

Leftist news commentary and interviews. Fighting for political and social change. Sabby Sabs podcast is a part of Revolutionary Blackout Network.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/24258492

The Los Angeles Fire Department knew it was severely underfunded long before this fire. “We don't have enough firefighters and medics, we don't have enough fire engines, we don't have enough trucks and ambulances in the field,” Freddy Escobar, an LAFD Captain II told the city during his testimony at a budget hearing on May 1, 2024. “And we don't have the equipment and staffing that we need to respond to half a million emergency calls for service every year,” added Escobar, who is union president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC).

The LAFD will likely go over budget this year, with an estimated $920 million total expenditure in fiscal year 2024-25. However, this is nowhere near a $50 million increase compared to the 2023-24 total expenditure at $903.8 million — they had to spend $66 million more than the city budgeted for.

With emergency calls on the rise and equipment outdated, the department has more large one-time purchases to make in 2024-25. The LAFD will again have to spend over budget to meet their needs. In a July memo, Chief Crowley addressed the likely overspending, with total expenditure estimated at $920 million in 2024-25. The chief emphasized that this year’s budget cut deleted, “onetime funding in various spending accounts.” As a result, the over budget spending will include, “new fleet purchases,” a one-time expense that is likely to exceed $50 million.

The fire department's resources and personnel are spread thin partially because of the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. “We are on the frontlines of this homeless crisis,” said Captain Freddy Escobar. “Fifty percent of the fires we respond to come from our homeless population. And the city reportedly spends $1.3 billion each year on homeless programs, but the LAFD is scheduled to receive a $23 million cut? This makes absolutely no sense,” he told the budget committee back in May.

Arichive Link: https://archive.is/B5AaI

About Drop Site:

Independent news on politics and war. Founded by Ryan Grim, Jeremy Scahill, and veterans of The Intercept.^[[1] https://www.dropsitenews.com/about]

The Los Angeles Fire Department knew it was severely underfunded long before this fire. “We don't have enough firefighters and medics, we don't have enough fire engines, we don't have enough trucks and ambulances in the field,” Freddy Escobar, an LAFD Captain II told the city during his testimony at a budget hearing on May 1, 2024. “And we don't have the equipment and staffing that we need to respond to half a million emergency calls for service every year,” added Escobar, who is union president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC).

The LAFD will likely go over budget this year, with an estimated $920 million total expenditure in fiscal year 2024-25. However, this is nowhere near a $50 million increase compared to the 2023-24 total expenditure at $903.8 million — they had to spend $66 million more than the city budgeted for.

With emergency calls on the rise and equipment outdated, the department has more large one-time purchases to make in 2024-25. The LAFD will again have to spend over budget to meet their needs. In a July memo, Chief Crowley addressed the likely overspending, with total expenditure estimated at $920 million in 2024-25. The chief emphasized that this year’s budget cut deleted, “onetime funding in various spending accounts.” As a result, the over budget spending will include, “new fleet purchases,” a one-time expense that is likely to exceed $50 million.

The fire department's resources and personnel are spread thin partially because of the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. “We are on the frontlines of this homeless crisis,” said Captain Freddy Escobar. “Fifty percent of the fires we respond to come from our homeless population. And the city reportedly spends $1.3 billion each year on homeless programs, but the LAFD is scheduled to receive a $23 million cut? This makes absolutely no sense,” he told the budget committee back in May.

Arichive Link: https://archive.is/B5AaI

About Drop Site:

Independent news on politics and war. Founded by Ryan Grim, Jeremy Scahill, and veterans of The Intercept.^[[1] https://www.dropsitenews.com/about]

The online conservative community has become increasingly bold and unapologetic in the era of Donald Trump, and while they happily coalesced to ensure he serves a second presidential term, that newfound assertiveness can mean that right-wing leaders and pundits don’t always get along. Mikhaila Peterson, daughter of the venerable Dr Jordan Peterson, has found herself in a spat with MAGA darling Candace Owens, over the topic of immigrant visas to the US.

Today, Piers Morgan brings the two thought leaders together. The argument veers from the ideological and political, to the downright personal. Can these conservative queens patch things up? Or does the divide in opinions these women hold represent something deeper in the MAGA movement?

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 - Intro and Piers' monologue
2. 02:35 - Candace calls out Mikhaila on immigration
3. 05:36 - The 'woke right'
4. 07:50 - Piers asks: Bannon or Musk - who's right?
5. 11:45 - Elon Musk's outbursts
6. 18:30 - Tommy Robinson
7. 25:30 - Mikhaila challenges Candace over her Jordan Peterson video
8. 34:44 - Is Hollywood getting the memo on woke?
9. 38:08 - Trudeau steps down
10. 44:11 - Candace roasts Meghan Markle's new Netflix show

#donaldtrump #elonmusk #maga #piersmorgan #debate #meghanmarkle

Title Edit: fixed title format

Generated Summary of Video Below:

Video Description:

N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this classic flashback episode we chop it up with the legendary Black Star (Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli) and comedy icon, Dave Chappelle!

This extended version of our episode includes more stories, more laughs and more shots from everyone!

Lots of great stories that you don’t want to miss!!

Make some noise for Black Star and Dave Chappelle!!! 💐💐💐🏆🏆🏆

This episode was originally released on September 9th, 2022

Generated Summary:

Introduction and Musical Context

• The video begins with a musical introduction, creating an engaging atmosphere as the host, DJ EFN, greets the audience and introduces the guests.
• DJ EFN expresses surprise at seeing two influential figures, referred to as brothers, reunited, highlighting their individual journeys and recent musical endeavors.
• The conversation shifts to the release of a new album by these artists, which was specifically released for their fans, rather than through mainstream platforms like Spotify or iTunes.
• DJ EFN emphasizes the lyrical prowess of the artists, indicating they have maintained their quality and relevance in the music industry despite the passage of time.

Personal Reflections on Music and Life

• One of the guests reflects on their personal struggles with motivation and passion for music, sharing that they often revisit a particular clip that inspires them to keep going.
• The discussion touches on themes of self-identity and the importance of recognizing one's own greatness, with the guest recalling their early confidence in their talent as a lyricist.
• There is an honest admission about the challenges of staying passionate about music in the face of industry pressures and personal doubts.
• The guest recounts their experiences of falling out of love with the music business, distinguishing the art of music from the commercial aspects of the industry.

Travel and Cultural Experiences

• The conversation transitions to the guest's travels, particularly a time spent in Africa where they encountered bureaucratic challenges regarding their travel documents.
• The guest shares a humorous anecdote about misconceptions regarding travel requirements, particularly vaccinations, and how they navigated these experiences with a friend.
• A dialogue ensues about the significance of their music and how it resonates with fans, emphasizing the need for artists to connect authentically with their audience.
• The guests reflect on the impact of their work on the culture and the responsibility they feel to produce meaningful art that resonates with their community.

Navigating the Music Industry

• The discussion highlights the challenges faced by artists in the current music landscape, particularly regarding fan engagement and the distribution of music.
• There is a critique of the younger generation's approach to music, suggesting that despite having access to resources like Google, they still struggle to support artists effectively.
• The guests discuss their strategic decision to release their music on Luminary, a subscription-based platform, emphasizing the importance of controlling their art's distribution.
• They express the belief that artists should have the autonomy to choose how and where they distribute their work, reflecting on their journey and the evolution of their artistic choices.

Cultural Impact and Artistic Integrity

• The conversation delves into the cultural significance of their music and how it reflects broader societal issues, particularly within their communities.
• The guests discuss the importance of addressing and representing the realities of their experiences through their art without glorifying negative stereotypes.
• They emphasize the need for artists to be mindful of the narratives they promote, advocating for responsible storytelling that uplifts rather than demeans their communities.
• The dialogue underscores the idea that their music serves as a historical document, capturing the essence of their experiences and the cultural zeitgeist.

Celebrating Cultural Contributions

• The guests express gratitude for the opportunity to create art that resonates with people, acknowledging the support of their fans and the cultural significance of their work.
• They reflect on the legacy of their contributions to hip-hop and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of their peers.
• DJ EFN closes the segment by emphasizing the importance of giving flowers to those who have shaped the culture, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the hip-hop community.
• The conversation concludes with a toast, symbolizing camaraderie and the shared journey of the artists in the ever-evolving landscape of music and culture.

About Channel:

The most professional, unprofessional podcast… PERIOD! #DRINKCHAMPS

@LeeCamp

Wow. An Israeli soldier could be prosecuted for war crimes while sightseeing in Brazil. This is a game changer. Imagine if every single person involved in the genocide in Gaza could not leave Israel. (And the US.)

7:45 PM | Jan 4, 2025

@MarioNawfal

🚨🇧🇷🇮🇱 BRAZIL TO ISRAELI SOLDIER TOURIST: “WELCOME! NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT WAR CRIMES.”

A Brazilian court has ordered police to investigate an Israeli soldier accused of war crimes in Gaza, after a complaint by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF).

The soldier, reportedly sightseeing in Brazil, is accused of helping demolish homes as part of what HRF calls a “genocidal campaign.”

HRF claims to have video and photo evidence linking him to the destruction and has demanded his immediate arrest, warning he could flee or destroy evidence.

The court, clearly not here for excuses, is moving fast under both Brazilian law and international rules.

HRF chair, Dyab Abou Jahjah:

“This is a historic moment.

It proves war criminals can’t just book a vacation and expect to get away with it.”

Source: Anadolu Agency

Images:

6:10 PM | Jan 4, 2025

Source: https://x.com/LeeCamp/status/1875750496662900900

@samtripoli

This is scary.... I ask Grok how I could get my social credit score up and this was it's response....

To improve your social credit score, consider the following strategies:

Positive Behavior: Engage in behaviors that align with social norms and values that are likely to be rewarded by the system. This could include community service, volunteering, or participating in positive social initiatives. Since social credit systems aim to promote good conduct, demonstrating responsible citizenship can boost your score.

Paying Fines and Bills on Time: Ensure that you pay any fines or bills promptly. Late payments or unpaid fines can negatively impact your score. This is particularly relevant since one of the examples from the X post thread mentioned forgetting to pay a fine as a potential issue.

Online Behavior: Be mindful of what you post or comment online. Avoid saying or sharing anything that could be deemed unacceptable or controversial by the system's standards. From the X post, it's clear that online behavior is monitored and can affect one's score.

Avoid Negative Associations: Limit interactions with individuals or groups that might be considered 'the wrong type' by the system. The X post thread suggests that mingling with the wrong people could lower your score.

Engage with Approved Systems: Participate in social credit systems or platforms that are recognized or approved by the authorities. For instance, in China, engaging with platforms like Sesame Credit can offer benefits like easier access to loans or discounts, which indirectly improves your standing.

Continuous Learning and Improvement: Since systems like China's aim to socially engineer behavior, showing improvement over time in areas like education or personal development might be beneficial. This aligns with the concept of social engineering mentioned in the related web results.

Compliance with Government Guidelines: Follow all government regulations, especially during crises like pandemics, as compliance can be a factor in improving your score. The web results mention that adherence to COVID-19 guidelines can affect credit scores positively.

Use of Financial Tools: If applicable, use financial tools or services that report positive payment behavior back to the credit system. For instance, services that convert utility or rent payments into credit history can help, as suggested by Experian Boost in one of the web results.

Remember, the specifics can vary greatly depending on the country or system you are dealing with. For instance, China's system is unique in its scope and implementation. Here are some citations for further context:

The concept of social credit systems and their impact on behavior:📷

The importance of timely payments and financial behavior:📷

The specifics of China's social credit system and its implementation:📷

Please note that while the X posts and related web results provide insights into social credit systems, particularly China's, these strategies are generalized and might need adjustment based on the specific rules of any social credit system you're under.

6:26 PM | Jan 4, 2025

Source: https://x.com/samtripoli/status/1875730612281102533