Interested in helping with a community I manage? Interact with posts and DM.

Mantra: “We should focus our actions, time, and resources on Direct Action, Mutual Aid, and Community Outreach… No War but Class War!”

FYI: Human, check reCAPTCHA log /s

Song: https://youtu.be/fabi8nyjsYc

  • 504 Posts
  • 489 Comments
Joined 2 years ago
cake
Cake day: August 5th, 2023

help-circle

  • Russian kool aid

    It is understandable to be pro-war and a total warmonger because growing up in the United States, all the propaganda we hear and are taught since we are born is done to make us not question or critically think about our imperialist ways.

    Growing up and learning the non-propaganda history and other views should shift you away from US military propaganda of liking forever wars and the blind nationalism of bringing “democracy” to Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

    shady shit

    That is a major downplaying and rewriting of the true history of our country.

    Here is a small example of what we do to other countries and the only reason we know about this is due to it being leaked by great people: https://lemmy.world/post/15002828

    I suggest reading up on the military leaks and many more independent journalists, fewer legacy media viewpoints; the major ones are Julian Assange and Edward Snowden leaks.

    Russian propaganda

    You do know that people can come to the same conclusion without needing others to tell us what to think or being tricked into seeing the world a certain way…

    I suggest learning about the Uhuru Three and the Uhuru Movement: https://lemmy.world/post/23366029

    I got reminded of a song: dead prez - They School | https://lemmy.world/post/26450948




  • The CIA does not only torture under Trump, the problem is the duopoly (Republicans and Democrats).

    The duopoly will work together to fund and vote for more forever wars.

    “They Have Money For War But Can’t Feed The Poor.” – Tupac Shakur


    Generated Summary:

    This YouTube video explores the history and implications of the CIA’s enhanced interrogation program, comparing it to Nazi Germany’s torture policies. The video uses a provocative gimmick—the creators attempting (and failing) to replicate some torture techniques on themselves—to engage viewers and illustrate the brutality of the real thing.

    Main Topic: The CIA’s use of torture, its historical context, its ineffectiveness, and its lasting impact.

    Key Points:

    • Historical Parallels: The video draws a direct comparison between the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation” techniques and Nazi Germany’s systematic torture methods, highlighting the plagiarism of techniques and justifications.
    • Ineffectiveness of Torture: The video emphasizes that torture is ineffective in gathering reliable intelligence, as victims will confess to anything to stop the pain.
    • Legal Loopholes and Justification: The video exposes how the US government used legal loopholes and manipulated public opinion (fueled by post-9/11 media) to justify its torture program.
    • The Role of Media: The video criticizes the complicity of mainstream media in downplaying or ignoring the torture, contrasting it with the work of independent journalists who risked their lives to expose the truth.
    • Victims’ Experiences: The video features interviews with a victim of CIA torture (Mambu Habib) and an independent journalist (Olivia Ruse) who documented the abuses at Abu Ghraib, providing harrowing firsthand accounts.
    • Psychological Impact: The video highlights the devastating psychological effects of torture, emphasizing that the mental trauma often surpasses the physical pain.
    • Continuing Problem: The video concludes by expressing concern that the use of torture continues, citing the Trump administration’s policies and the ongoing operation of Guantanamo Bay.

    Highlights:

    • Dramatic Recreations: The creators’ attempts to replicate waterboarding and confinement in a small box, while ultimately unsuccessful and intended as a gimmick, serve to highlight the severity of the real torture methods.
    • Harrowing Interviews: The interviews with Mambu Habib and Olivia Ruse provide powerful and emotional accounts of the brutality and lasting consequences of CIA torture.
    • Stark Comparisons: The parallel drawn between the CIA’s program and Nazi Germany’s methods is shocking and effective in illustrating the systematic nature of the abuse.
    • Call to Action: The video implicitly calls for greater accountability and transparency regarding the CIA’s actions and the ongoing use of torture worldwide.

  • Video Description:

    When it all comes tumbling down, where will you be? The average empire lasts 250 years and the US empire is 248 yrs old and spiraling out of control. Is this the end of the US empire?

    Timestamps:

    1. 0:00 Intro
    2. 1:16 Fall of Rome
    3. 3:40 America’s Internal Decay
    4. 6:34 Hard & Soft Power
    5. 7:05 Persian Empire
    6. 9:15 American Soft Power
    7. 11:09 Britain’s Fall
    8. 12:20 American Hard Power
    9. 15:09 Outro

    Generated Summary:

    Main Topic: The video analyzes the potential decline of the American Empire, drawing parallels to the falls of past empires like Rome and Persia. It argues that America’s internal contradictions, loss of soft power, and overreliance on hard power are leading to its eventual collapse.

    Key Points:

    • Comparison to Past Empires: The video uses the decline of the Roman and Persian Empires as case studies to illustrate the cyclical nature of empires and the common factors leading to their downfall. Key similarities highlighted include internal corruption, widening wealth inequality, loss of public trust, and overreliance on military might.
    • Loss of Soft Power: America’s soft power, once a significant source of influence (Hollywood, culture, democratic ideals), is eroding due to actions perceived as hypocritical or morally questionable on the global stage. This loss of credibility weakens its international standing.
    • Overreliance on Hard Power: The US’s excessive military spending and interventions, often perceived as self-serving, are unsustainable and alienate allies while strengthening adversaries. This overreliance on hard power is a symptom of a failing empire.
    • Internal Decay: Significant internal issues like extreme wealth inequality, a failing healthcare system, and political polarization are contributing to social unrest and a loss of faith in the American dream. These internal problems mirror the issues that plagued Rome.
    • Financial Instability: The video suggests that the US’s massive debt and unsustainable military spending are contributing to its financial instability, further weakening its position.

    Highlights:

    • The video uses strong imagery and emotional appeals to emphasize the severity of the situation.
    • It directly challenges the notion of American exceptionalism and the “American Dream,” arguing that it is increasingly unattainable for many.
    • The presenter offers a pessimistic outlook, suggesting that America’s decline is inevitable unless significant changes are made.
    • The video effectively uses historical examples to support its central argument.


  • Generated Summary:

    Main Topic: The video explores the complex and controversial relationship between Zionism and Nazism, arguing that certain aspects of Zionist ideology and actions during the early to mid-20th century shared similarities with Nazi nationalist socialism, particularly concerning land acquisition, racial purity, and the treatment of non-Jewish populations. It also examines the response of Zionist leadership to the Holocaust.

    Key Points:

    • Zionism as Nationalist Socialism: The video argues that Zionism, particularly Labor Zionism, incorporated elements of nationalist socialism, prioritizing national goals (land acquisition and state building) over social equality. The kibbutzim are presented as a showcase of Zionist values that masked a more complex economic reality.
    • Collaboration with Nazi Germany: The video highlights the controversial Haavara Agreement between Zionist leaders and Nazi Germany, which facilitated the emigration of German Jews to Palestine in exchange for their assets. This is presented as evidence of a pragmatic approach by some Zionist leaders that prioritized the establishment of a Jewish state over a complete boycott of Nazi Germany.
    • Racial Purity and Land Acquisition: The video emphasizes the role of racial ideology in both Zionist and Nazi thought, citing statements by prominent Zionist figures that emphasized a racial connection to the land of Israel and the need for a Jewish majority. It draws parallels between Zionist land acquisition and Nazi expansionist policies in Eastern Europe.
    • Response to the Holocaust: The video discusses the Zionist leadership’s response to the Holocaust, arguing that saving Jews was not their top priority and that the focus remained on establishing the state of Israel. Memos from the Jewish Agency’s rescue committee are cited to support this claim.
    • Modern Parallels and Allegations of Genocide: The video concludes by drawing parallels between historical Zionist actions and the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, citing accusations of genocide in Gaza and arguing that the dehumanization of Palestinians mirrors the dehumanization that preceded the Holocaust.

    Highlights:

    • Extensive use of historical quotes and documents to support the video’s arguments.
    • Examination of the writings and actions of key figures in both the Zionist and Nazi movements.
    • Comparison of Zionist and Nazi policies regarding land acquisition, population transfer, and racial ideology.
    • Discussion of the ethical implications of Zionist actions during the Holocaust and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
    • Controversial claims regarding the Zionist leadership’s prioritization of state-building over the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust are presented.





  • “I was playing heroines, but in real life I wasn’t earning a living,” said Shibata, now 60. These days, she also works as a home organizer, helping people de-clutter. “Voice acting as a profession just doesn’t pay,” she said.

    Even in a country where a culture of overwork permeates a wide range of businesses, the anime industry is notorious for the grueling hours that workers put in. Animators in their early 20s earn less than 2 million yen ($12,948) a year, according to industry data, compared with over 3 million yen for a person of a similar age living in Tokyo. That’s less than half of what US entry-level animators earn, websites like Glassdoor show. Creative workers also complain of late and uncertain payments.

    Some, though, sense change is afoot. A working group for the United Nations Human Rights Council last year called out Japan’s anime industry for its poor treatment of workers, along with cases of sexual violence and harassment in the country’s entertainment business. In a May report, the group referred to “excessively long working hours” and low pay, as well as a disregard for creative workers’ intellectual property rights.

    Acknowledging such worries, lawmakers passed a new law that took effect in November to boost protections for freelance workers. Late last month, regulatory officials at Japan’s Fair Trade Commission launched a study on labor practices within the anime industry and invited workers to submit complaints.

    Once considered a geeky, so-called otaku obsession, anime is now considered mainstream. In 2020, when the pandemic brought Hollywood production to a halt, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train topped global box office sales at over $470 million. In Japan, around 400 anime titles are now produced for TV and theaters every year, attracting dedicated fans who go on to buy related merchandise. The genre’s popularity among global streaming audiences has also prompted a flurry of acquisitions. Sony, which bought anime streaming service Crunchyroll in 2021, became the largest shareholder of anime publisher Kadokawa Corp. in an alliance announced late last year. Movie producing and distributing company Toho Co. bought US-based anime distributor Gkids Inc. for an undisclosed amount to strengthen the Japanese firm’s US reach.

    That later evolved into the current system in which studios work within budgets set by powerful committees of publishers, toymakers and businesses which finance the series and share royalties. Production companies outsource work to small anime studios and voice actors’ agencies, which in turn hire even smaller companies and freelancers. This helps companies work on multiple series at once and mitigate any potential losses. As a result, revenue is spread thinly, and it can take months for compensation to filter through to illustrators and voice actors.

    Actors often wait six months or longer to get paid, according to Nobunari Neyoshi, who until last year ran a voice actor agency alongside his sound-production business for a decade. “Violations of subcontracting laws are rampant,” said 47-year-old Neyoshi, adding that sometimes actors don’t get paid at all. He closed his voice-acting business due to poor sales.

    Workers are also often employed over the phone or via messaging apps without formal contracts, leaving it unclear how much, or even whether, they’ll get paid. “It’s common across the industry to be asked to start working on something even before any paperwork is done,” said Aina Sugisawa, a 24-year-old trainee at Tokyo-based studio TMS Entertainment Co., part of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. and known for hit series like Detective Conan.

    Unlike in Hollywood where a strike by screenwriters and performers brought movie and TV production to a halt in 2023, the majority of Japanese voice actors and illustrators don’t belong to labor unions. Numako, the former union official, says he’s always struggled to convince colleagues to join him.

    The new law on freelancers forces companies to provide written contracts, including details on pay, to all workers. Businesses are now prohibited from demanding extra work without promising additional pay and are also required to pay workers within 60 days. The government is stepping up surveillance, and regulators are also inviting workers to blow the whistle on law-breaking activity.

    One underlying problem, industry insiders say, has been the sheer number of people willing to endure poor conditions just to be involved in an art form they’ve loved since childhood. Breaking into the industry is still highly competitive; manga and anime illustrators regularly rank among the top dream professions of school children. Some blame themselves for their lack of financial success: there’s always a more senior job to aspire to. Key frame animators are responsible for drawing crucial images at the start and end of major scenes and earn more than those drawing sequences in between. With skills and experience, they can also move on to better-paid jobs including directors. But such senior roles are few. The field of voice acting can be even more competitive.

    Shrinking demographics and technological innovation including AI are also seen bringing change — as well as an existential challenge. Japan Research Institute expects a labor shortage among anime illustrators, estimating their number to decline to roughly 5,600 by 2030 from around 6,200 in 2019. Production studios have already been turning to overseas labor, with Toei Animation sending 70% of its animation work to a branch in the Philippines, even though crucial processes remain in Japan. Many fear that AI will replace jobs, particularly at the entry level, turning away younger artists.

    Real change, though, will require workers to act rather than expecting laws to protect them automatically, said Yasunari Yamada, a lawyer with expertise in freelance work. “Freelancers need to recognize that they’re business operators, and take action if they think something’s wrong,” he said.

    Some are starting to speak up. Shibata, the voice actor, recently learned that a video game using her voice was reissued a few years ago without paying her royalties. After decades of work under her belt, including key roles in popular series like Saint Seiya, a story about mystical warriors, she complained, prompting the publisher to agree to a payment.

    “People have just been clinging to whatever job they get, because if you say something negative you’re put out to pasture,” she said. “Everyone’s been putting up with it.”







  • “I’m Gonna Miss Her” is a single released by Brad Paisley as the second single off of his album Part II. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country songs chart.

    The song describes a man who goes fishing a lot. He is confronted by his wife at home after one of the fishing trips where she tells him that he has to choose between her or the fishing. The song then describes how Brad is “gonna miss her”, the listener can then figure out that Brad choose fishing over his wife.

    According to a 2004 issue of Country Weekly magazine, Brad said he co-wrote the song with Frank Rogers in high school during a talent contest where he decided to write a comedy song instead of the ballads he was writing prior.[1]


    1. [1] https://genius.com/Brad-paisley-im-gonna-miss-her-lyrics ↩︎


  • Ah, here ya go:


    Generated Summary:

    This YouTube video analyzes Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LVII halftime performance, focusing on its underlying message and symbolism. The main topic is the interpretation of Lamar’s performance as a commentary on the Black American experience and systemic issues.

    Key Points:

    • The Performance as a Game: The stage is designed as a PlayStation controller, framing the show as a game representing the challenges faced by Black Americans. The game’s progression mirrors the historical and ongoing struggles.
    • Uncle Sam as Oppression: Samuel L. Jackson, portraying Uncle Sam, represents the forces of oppression attempting to control and suppress Black culture. His disapproval of certain aspects of the performance symbolizes the systemic constraints placed on Black expression.
    • Protest and Solidarity: A protester during the show displayed flags representing Sudan and Palestine, highlighting global injustices and the interconnectedness of struggles for liberation. The protester’s subsequent interview emphasizes his faith-based motivation and willingness to face consequences for his actions.
    • Musical and Visual Symbolism: The video meticulously breaks down the symbolism within Lamar’s song choices, choreography, and stage design. Specific examples include the formation of the American flag by dancers, the use of color-coded sets, and the imagery of a prison yard.
    • Call for Reparations: The performance subtly incorporates a call for reparations, referencing the unfulfilled promise of “40 acres and a mule” following the Civil War. This is highlighted through lyrics and visual cues.
    • Celebrity Cameos: The appearances of Serena Williams and other figures are interpreted as symbolic gestures, further emphasizing themes of overcoming adversity and achieving success despite systemic obstacles.
    • Audience Reception and Impact: The video acknowledges mixed reactions to the performance, contrasting it with previous Super Bowl halftime shows. Despite criticism, the performance achieved record viewership, demonstrating its significant cultural impact.

    Highlights:

    • Detailed analysis of the symbolism embedded within the performance’s choreography, music selection, and stage design.
    • Inclusion of the protester’s interview, providing context and perspective on his actions.
    • Comparison of audience reactions to Lamar’s performance with those of previous Super Bowl halftime shows.
    • Discussion of the historical context of the “40 acres and a mule” reference and its significance within the performance.
    • The revelation that Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show is the most-watched performance ever.






  • Generated Summary Below:


    Video Description:

    Former member of the Greek parliament and Minister of Finance Yanis Varoufakis joins host Chris Hedges on this episode of The Chris Hedges Report to explain how capitalism is dead and a new form of capital, the title of his new book, “Technofeudalism,” has arisen and holds power akin to the feudal lords of medieval times.


    Generated Summary:

    Introduction to [Technofeudalism]

    • [Yanis] Varoufakis, a former Greek Parliament member and Minister of Finance, presents his argument in his book titled " [Technofeudalism]: What Killed Capitalism." He posits that capitalism is no longer viable and has been replaced by a new system he refers to as [Technofeudalism].
    • Varoufakis claims that the dynamics of capitalism that once governed economic systems have ceased to function effectively, leading to the emergence of this new economic paradigm.
    • He identifies two primary forces that contributed to the rise of [Technofeudalism]: the privatization of the Internet by major tech companies in China and the United States, and the responses of Western governments and central banks to the 2008 financial crisis.
    • The author introduces the concept of “Cloud Capital,” which he argues has dismantled the foundational pillars of capitalism, specifically markets and profits, leading to a new form of economic structure.

    The Shift from Capitalism to Cloud Capital

    • Varoufakis explains that traditional markets, which served as the medium of capitalism, have been replaced by digital trading platforms that superficially resemble markets but fundamentally differ from them.
    • He asserts that profits, once the driving force of capitalism, have been supplanted by a form of rent that must be paid to access digital platforms and the cloud, which he terms “Cloud Rent.”
    • The ownership of wealth and power has shifted from traditional capital owners, such as those owning machinery and infrastructure, to the owners of cloud capital, leading to a return of individuals to a status akin to serfs.
    • Varoufakis warns that this transformation threatens individual autonomy and freedom as people contribute to the wealth of a new ruling class through both unpaid and waged labor.

    Defining Cloud Capital

    • In discussing Cloud Capital, Varoufakis elaborates on its origins and characteristics, noting that capital has existed in various forms long before the advent of capitalism.
    • He describes Cloud Capital as an automated network composed of technology and machinery, which is designed not for production in the traditional sense but for behavioral modification.
    • The interaction with devices like Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa exemplifies how individuals unknowingly train these systems while simultaneously being influenced by them.
    • Varoufakis highlights that this automated system can shape desires and preferences, leading to a direct sale of products bypassing traditional market structures.

    The Impact on Labor and Employment

    • The author discusses the implications of [Technofeudalism] on labor, particularly for those in traditional wage labor positions, such as workers in warehouses or factories.
    • He notes that modern workplaces utilize advanced algorithms to monitor and manage workers, significantly altering the nature of work and reducing autonomy.
    • Varoufakis contrasts the revenue allocation of traditional manufacturers, which historically allocated a large percentage of revenue to wages, with modern tech companies that allocate significantly less.
    • This shift in capital distribution contributes to a decrease in job quality and availability, exacerbating economic inequality and diminishing opportunities for wage laborers.

    The Role of Central Banks and Financial Systems

    • Varoufakis emphasizes the role of central banks in the post-2008 financial landscape, arguing that their actions have not saved capitalism but instead facilitated its transformation into [Technofeudalism].
    • He describes how the financial system’s reliance on printed money has encouraged the growth of cloud capital while imposing austerity measures on the general populace.
    • The author points out that the financial benefits of central bank actions have primarily accrued to large tech companies rather than traditional industries, leading to a disconnection between capital investment and real economic growth.
    • Varoufakis concludes that this transformation has resulted in a new class of economic elites, whom he refers to as “Cloudists,” who operate outside the traditional capitalist framework.

    Collective Action and Resistance

    • In the latter part of the discussion, Varoufakis explores potential avenues for resistance against the forces of [Technofeudalism], emphasizing the need for collective action.
    • He suggests that traditional forms of labor organizing must be combined with modern digital tools to effectively challenge the dominance of cloud capital.
    • Varoufakis offers practical examples, such as creating parallel payment systems and organizing consumer boycotts, to empower individuals and communities.
    • He advocates for a rebalancing of power dynamics, where the working class can leverage cloud capital to their advantage, thus transforming the current economic landscape.

    About Channel:

    Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

    About: Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.



  • Generated Summary Below:

    Elon Musk and Nazi Sympathies

    • Discussion begins with the provocative claim that Elon Musk is a Nazi sympathizer, indicating a need to clarify the definition of a Nazi sympathizer and the implications of such a label.
    • The context of Musk’s statements and actions on social media platforms, particularly X, is examined, highlighting the controversial nature of his communications and the audience they attract.
    • Musk’s rhetoric is scrutinized, suggesting that his comments may align with far-right ideologies, particularly in the context of societal issues like immigration and race.
    • The conversation transitions to the broader implications of labeling individuals as Nazi sympathizers, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary political ideologies.

    The Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge

    • A tragic incident involving the complete collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is reported, attributed to a ship collision.
    • The aftermath of the collapse sees various political factions, particularly conservative groups, making unfounded claims regarding the incident being a consequence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
    • Criticism is directed at the narratives emerging from these groups, suggesting that they exploit tragedies to push their agendas, particularly against hiring practices that include marginalized communities.

    Understanding Nazi Ideology

    • The discussion delves into the ideological underpinnings of Nazism, questioning whether it is categorized as right-wing or left-wing, and referencing historical perspectives on this dichotomy.
    • Elon Musk’s interpretation of Nazism as both far-right in nationalism and far-left in socialism is critiqued, with the argument that such categorizations are overly simplistic and misleading.
    • The narrative includes insights from political theorists and historians, emphasizing that the complexities of Nazi ideology cannot be reduced to mere political labels.
    • The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding the historical context and the evolution of political ideologies to avoid mischaracterizations.

    Jordan Peterson’s Claims on Nazism

    • Jordan Peterson’s assertion that the classification of Nazi policies as right or left-wing remains ambiguous is discussed, with critiques of his lack of substantial evidence to support this claim.
    • The importance of academic research in understanding historical political movements is emphasized, highlighting that many scholars have already established clear distinctions regarding Nazi ideology.
    • The conversation also critiques Peterson’s suggestion of using modern analytical tools to reassess historical ideologies, arguing that this approach lacks historical rigor.

    Misinterpretations of Socialism

    • The video discusses the misuse of the term socialism in the context of Nazism, arguing that the Nazi regime’s policies do not align with socialist principles as understood in contemporary political discourse.
    • Historical references are made to the Nazi Party’s actions against socialists and labor movements, illustrating their hostility towards leftist ideologies.
    • The narrative critiques the arguments made by right-wing commentators who inaccurately label Nazism as a form of socialism, calling attention to the historical realities of Nazi governance and its effects on workers’ rights.

    Elon Musk’s Controversies and Responses

    • Musk’s controversial statements on social media, particularly regarding race and immigration, are highlighted, showcasing how they resonate with extremist narratives.
    • His responses to criticisms, including apologizing for specific posts while simultaneously amplifying problematic content, are examined as indicative of a broader pattern of behavior.
    • The discussion also includes Musk’s attempts to distance himself from accusations of anti-Semitism while failing to adequately address the implications of his rhetoric.

    Racism and Workplace Issues at Tesla

    • The video addresses allegations of rampant racism within Tesla’s workforce, detailing multiple lawsuits and claims made by employees regarding a hostile work environment.
    • Specific cases are highlighted, including instances of racial slurs and the company’s inadequate responses to complaints, suggesting a systemic issue within the corporate culture.
    • The narrative critiques Musk’s leadership style, positing that his approach to management reflects a broader disregard for workers’ rights and safety.

    The Impact of Social Media and Free Speech

    • The discussion emphasizes the role of social media in shaping public discourse, particularly how platforms like X facilitate the spread of extremist ideologies.
    • Musk’s self-proclaimed stance as a free speech advocate is contrasted with the reality of how content moderation and platform policies are applied inconsistently.
    • The implications of Musk’s ownership of X are debated, particularly regarding the responsibility that comes with such influence over public narratives and discourse.

    Concluding Thoughts on Elon Musk’s Ideologies

    • The video concludes with reflections on the broader societal implications of Musk’s rhetoric and behavior, particularly in relation to rising fascist sentiments and the normalization of extremist views.
    • It calls for a critical examination of the narratives being promoted by influential figures like Musk, urging viewers to consider the potential consequences of unchecked ideologies in contemporary society.
    • The overarching message encourages vigilance against the normalization of hate speech and the importance of understanding historical contexts to combat misinformation.

  • Advocacy group America’s Voice believes that U.S. rural and agricultural regions will likely be the hardest hit by Trump’s immigration policies, which threaten mass detention and deportation of millions.

    Border Patrol agents in unmarked vehicles have allegedly been carrying out racially profiled raids in California’s agricultural center after stalking immigrants outside stores, CalMatters reports.

    Estimates suggest that between 400,000-800,000 people are farmworkers in California, which is responsible for about 13% percent of the country’s agricultural production value that is worth more than $25 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    The USDA estimated that between 2020-2022 about 32% of crop farmworkers were U.S. born, 7% were immigrants who had obtained citizenship, 19% were authorized immigrants, mostly permanent residents or green-card holders and the remaining 42% were unauthorized to work. The majority of these workers have Latino backgrounds.

    The AV report noted how anti-immigrant crackdowns in the past decade have led to devastating impacts for farms, such as crop rot, across several states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

    "The unmarked cars, the racial profiling, abusive harassment, and wide dragnets are likely just the tip of the spear of the incoming administration and the signs are unmistakable: there are ‘enemy invaders’ within threatening everything ‘real Americans’ hold dear, and the federal government will be interested in critical oversight in how local officials deal with the ‘enemy.’

    It warns, "The tone and culture they set will be just as important as the policies they begin to implement. As individual law enforcement and vigilantes feel empowered to take drastic action with little concern for consequences or oversight, our situation could get out of hand quickly and mass family separations will likely begin again. And, as we saw, the impacts will be felt by families, communities, businesses – and, frankly, all of us.





  • Damn, Aurora is linked to google and you need to login to get apks, unlike F-Droid.

    Aurora Store enables you to search and download apps from the official Google Play store. You can check app descriptions, screenshots, updates, reviews, and download the APK directly from Google Play to your device. To use Aurora Store, you need to have a Google Play account, and log in to your Google Play account when you first open and configure Aurora Store.

    (Alternatively Aurora Store also allow you to login anonymously)

    Unlike a traditional app store, Aurora Store does not own, license or distribute any apps. All the apps, app descriptions, screenshots and other content in Aurora Store are directly accessed, downloaded and/or displayed from Google Play.

    Aurora Store works exactly like a door or a browser, allowing you to log in to your Google Play account and find the apps from Google Play.

    Please note that Aurora Store does not have any approval, sponsorship or authorization from Google, Google Play, any apps downloaded through Aurora Store or any app developers; neither does Aurora Store have any affiliation, cooperation or connection with them.


    F-Droid is cool, but limited with apks.

    https://f-droid.org/

    F-Droid is an installable catalogue of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications for the Android platform. The client makes it easy to browse, install, and keep track of updates on your device.