plays, films, stories, blog
I just watched a report on CNN about Mom’s for Liberty, which is a hate group comprised of concerned and misled young mothers. And with DeSantis announcing a candidacy that seems to be based on hate, I had the thought to ask Chat GPT a question. I think the answer is quite interesting in light of laws being passed in Florida and other red states. You can see Chat GPT’s answer and continue the conversation here:
https://chat.openai.com/share/fc8b537e-2c1f-4707-bb62-25371088b48a
I don’t remember buying this bong, or stealing it. I just remember having it, ever since my junior or senior year in college. It was just there, in the house I lived in, a couple of blocks from campus.
The house, as we called it, is where I lived with other guys for three years of college. We played a lot of music and threw a lot of frisbee and had a pretty good time. We called this bong the Blue Buddha, there in that house, hidden in a patch of woods, just behind the faculty apartments at Wake Forest. It was a 4-bedroom house with a big, wooded yard and a screened porch upstairs, giving one the feeling of being in the trees.
I remember reading Shakespeare on that porch, sometimes two or three plays per sitting. I had a habit of waiting until the night before a test to do the reading for most any course. I probably would have comprehended more of it had I not been accompanied by this bong.
My original roommates were a few guys I knew from being in Venice a semester. In Venice, I was the youngest person in the dorm. I also had two senior years, sort of. So, alas, I had some good friends that graduated before I did. In my memory, college years were fun years, and this bong is a reminder of younger days and great people.
How kept it all these years I do not know. I pretty much stopped smoking pot when I became a parent and a teacher, at the age of 25. I revived the bong last year when we started carrying THCA flower in our store. It was used one other time, in the movie Coffee Therapy (which reminds me of another very wonderful group of people). Other than that, it went unused for 46 years. It needed a good cleaning, but it’s still working great.
The bong scene is cued up here. The bong itself appears at 26:11 in the movie.
By Sam Post, with assistance from ChatGPT by OpenAI
Introduction:
Misinformation and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories have long been used to target Jewish individuals and communities. One of the most recent targets is the philanthropist George Soros, who has been falsely accused of being a Nazi sympathizer. This essay aims to debunk these falsehoods and provide accurate information about Soros’ life, as well as address other anti-Semitic tropes and conspiracy theories, such as the myth of Jews controlling the world’s banks and the supposed “Nazification” of Ukraine. By presenting reliable sources and facts, we can help counter the spread of misinformation and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society.
George Soros: Life and Philanthropy
George Soros, born in Budapest, Hungary in 1930, is a Holocaust survivor and a renowned philanthropist who has dedicated his life to promoting democracy, human rights, and open societies around the world (1). Soros was only 14 years old when Nazi Germany occupied Hungary in 1944, and he managed to survive by hiding under a false identity and escaping the atrocities of the Holocaust (2). After the war, Soros moved to England to study at the London School of Economics, and eventually, he became a successful investor and billionaire (6).
In 1979, Soros started his philanthropic activities by providing scholarships for black South African students during apartheid (4). In 1984, he established the Open Society Foundations, which now operates in over 120 countries worldwide, supporting various initiatives that promote democracy, transparency, and human rights (3). Over the years, Soros has donated billions of dollars to support these causes, reflecting his commitment to building a better world (2).
The Falsehood of George Soros as a Nazi Sympathizer
Despite his philanthropic work and personal experiences as a Holocaust survivor, George Soros has been the target of baseless conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic attacks, including the false claim that he was a Nazi sympathizer. This accusation is not only incorrect but also deeply offensive to his own history and the Jewish community at large.
Contrary to these false claims, Soros did not help the Nazis during the Holocaust. Instead, he survived by hiding under a false identity in Hungary, as mentioned earlier. The accusation that Soros helped the Nazis in Greece is also baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence. Soros himself has spoken out against this false claim, stating that he has no connection to the Nazis and that his family, like many other Jewish families, was victimized by them during the Holocaust.
It is important to recognize that such conspiracy theories and accusations are often rooted in anti-Semitic sentiments and serve to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misinformation (7). It is crucial to debunk these falsehoods and encourage a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Debunking the Myth of Jews Controlling the World’s Banks
Another common anti-Semitic trope is the belief that Jews control the world’s banks and financial institutions. This conspiracy theory has its origins in the infamous and debunked text, “The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion,” which falsely claimed that a secret Jewish cabal planned to dominate the world through controlling the financial system (10).
The truth is that Jews, like people of all other ethnicities, have been involved in various professions and sectors, including finance. However, the idea that they collectively control the global financial system is baseless and rooted in anti-Semitic prejudice (11).
Putin’s False Claims About Ukraine’s “Nazification”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also been spreading misinformation about Ukraine, falsely claiming that the country is undergoing “Nazification” and requires “denazification” by Russia (8). This is a blatant distortion of the truth, as Ukraine has a democratically elected government and a diverse, pluralistic society. Moreover, the country’s current President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is of Jewish descent and has been a strong advocate for Holocaust remembrance and combating anti-Semitism (9).
By promoting this false narrative, Putin is not only spreading misinformation but also exploiting anti-Semitic tropes to justify Russia’s actions. It is essential to challenge these false claims and recognize the reality of Ukraine’s political landscape, which is far from the distorted image Putin portrays.
Other common lies and myths that have been used to promote antisemitism throughout history.
Misinformation and the Importance of Debunking Anti-Semitic Tropes
As shown in the case of George Soros, the myth of Jews controlling the world’s banks, and the supposed “Nazification” of Ukraine, misinformation can have harmful consequences on individuals and communities. By debunking these falsehoods and providing accurate information, we can help counter the spread of misinformation and encourage a more inclusive and tolerant society. It is crucial to remain vigilant in recognizing and challenging anti-Semitic rhetoric and stereotypes, and to promote understanding and respect for all communities.
Sources:
The heartbreaking Nashville mass shooting and ongoing congressional constipation over gun control have left us wondering if there’s a way to preserve the Second Amendment while making our society safer. The answer may lie in embracing technology, much like how smartphones replaced flip phones or computers replaced typewriters. Recent events, such as the batshit crazy TikTok hearings and the North Carolina General Assembly’s decision to do away with handgun registration, emphasize the need for solutions that don’t involve the government.
As someone who personally supports strict gun control like most countries have, I recognize that repealing the Second Amendment seems unlikely. Instead, we could uphold both guns and the Second Amendment by embracing technological advancements. Just as technology has driven progress in industries like social media and transportation, it could revolutionize firearms, making them safer and more secure.
Historically, the NRA has opposed smart guns, but imagine a world where their opposition becomes irrelevant, all because of an ingenious invention that takes the firearms market by storm. Picture the next Thomas Edison or Steve Jobs stepping onto the scene, unveiling a groundbreaking firearm as revolutionary as the iPhone. This game-changing creation wouldn’t just pique the interest of gun enthusiasts – it would be irresistible to them.
Envision a non-profit organization stepping in to subsidize the purchase of these cutting-edge weapons. Americans want a safe country and would donate to the cause, making the superior product easier to buy than the earlier generation products. This would shake up the entire industry, rendering traditional firearms manufacturers obsolete in the face of a cheaper, better product.
Ironically, this unique solution in the United States might involve selling more guns rather than less – but a different, smarter kind. This innovative force would not only disrupt the market but also redefine the entire conversation around firearms, safety, and the Second Amendment.
If these advanced firearms became dominant in the market, schools could be safe zones where all firearms are automatically deactivated using geofencing technology. Of course, there will still be existing weapons and ammunition in circulation, and traditionalists and criminals will keep the older models. However, if the new gun is significantly better and more affordable, companies may go out of business. Those AR-15s without smart technology, the weapon of choice for mass murderers, will be harder to buy and more expensive. The market will eventually decide in favor of a safer America where children can attend school without fear.
By giving control to the real market, the American people, we can take it away from organizations like the NRA, which, despite having a limited number of backers, has managed to wield a significant amount of power. In fact, there’s evidence that the NRA receives funding from foreign sources, such as Russia.
The idea flooding the market with smart guns and smart rifles at low cost is far fetched, for sure, but it could create a path toward protecting schools and other public places.
I told ChatGPT to write a funny, one page argument between Plato, Milton Berle, and Muhammad Ali. I don’t think the material is ready for the Comedy Zone, yet.
———————————————
Plato: Greetings, Milton Berle and Muhammad Ali. It is an honor to meet both of you.
Milton Berle: The honor is mine, Plato. Your philosophy has influenced countless individuals throughout the ages.
Muhammad Ali: And your comedic talents have brought joy to millions, Milton Berle.
Milton Berle: Thank you, Muhammad Ali. Your own talents as a boxer and public figure have inspired many.
Plato: Yes, Muhammad Ali, your determination and fearlessness in the face of adversity are truly admirable.
Muhammad Ali: Thank you, Plato. But I must say, I find your philosophy a bit outdated.
Plato: Outdated? How so?
Muhammad Ali: Well, for starters, your ideas about the perfect society seem impractical and unrealistic.
Plato: I beg to differ. I believe that a just and fair society is not only possible, but necessary for the well-being of its citizens.
Milton Berle: Hold on, hold on. I think both of you are missing the point. The most important thing is to make people laugh and bring joy to their lives.
Plato: I agree that laughter is important, Milton Berle, but it should not be the only goal of society.
Muhammad Ali: And I agree that a just society is important, Plato, but it should not come at the expense of individual freedom and self-expression.
Milton Berle: Well, I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
Plato: I suppose so. But let us not forget the power of dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
Muhammad Ali: Agreed. We may not always see eye to eye, but the act of coming together and engaging in respectful debate can only serve to improve our understanding of the world and each other.
Milton Berle: And hopefully, along the way, we can crack a few jokes and have a good time.
Plato: Indeed. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Muhammad Ali: Amen to that.
I watched a lot of news tonight. It’s a historic day when a former president’s home is searched for classified documents.
I was thinking about my dad and remembering how we setup the reel-to-reel beside the TV, in August of 1974, to record Nixon’s resignation speech. That was a momentous event.
I was a senior in high school and remember it vividly, and warmly, as a dad time. The whole family watched Nixon resign, but I got to help my dad configure the tape recorder in preparation. Those moments, memories, really, of tutelage from my father (whether it be hitting a backhand, straightening a shoe stock room, doing the snow plow, developing a negative, or prepping a reel-to-reel tape recorder, are wonderful memories. (I still wonder whatever happened to that tape; we never listened to it).
I was a big Watergate fan from the beginning, even before Nixon’s 2nd inauguration in January of ’73, which I attended. I went to that inauguration, and parade, with Tapi Hayrinen, our exchange student from Finland, and Boyd Gilman, a great high school friend. Exchange students were less common back then, and we got special treatment from our Republican Congressman, Earl Ruth. I remember being fairly close to the front, unlike the other inauguration I attended — Clinton’s first. I went to that one with my friend Robert Jones. We had tickets, but Bill and Ms. Angelou were a long ways off. I was close to Nixon, but not a fan. I did respect the occasion, however, as a historic event, and only joined the hecklers a couple of times.
In the summer between my junior and senior year of high school, Peter Tennent and I attended two days of the Watergate hearings, watching Sam Ervin grill Bob Haldeman. Peter was a beloved classmate of mine who unfortunately passed away last year. In fact, Peter and I were close friends before we were classmates. We went to different elementary schools — but our parents were best friends and our families did everything together throughout our childhoods — including some extremely large and eventful Post/Tennent beach vacations. Both families had five children. Peter and Boyd and I were all on the tennis team together.
Peter and I stayed up all night, keeping our places in line with other Watergate hearing audience members, listening to political types share their takes, two nights in a row, on the sidewalk in front of the building. This was in August of 1973, almost exactly one year before Nixon’s resignation.
The last time I saw Peter was at his mother’s funeral, less than a year before he passed. He brought up that Watergate experience and we talked about it, remembering it differently. Oddly enough, the thing I remember most about the trip is a terrifying hitchhiking experience that involved a pot smoking driver, a blue light, and a speeding car that took the cop away from us. Peter remembered other things about the trip, but that part of it did not make an impression. It’s interesting how we remember the stories that we share, and as we share them, we shape them, until what actually happened is so long ago and completely ethereal, such that the story is its own creation. I remember that Haldeman and CIA Director Helms testified, but I only heard about the contents of those hearings later, on TV. After standing on the sidewalk all night, two nights in a row, I pretty much dozed through the hearings.
We certainly don’t need a tape recorder to capture events these days. In the age of iPhones and unlimited storage, everything is available anytime. As the talk of political violence gets louder, every moment of this civil war is being captured on video.
Watching Fox News is upsetting, but I did watch a few minutes last night. It’s amazing to see the different views of the same event: an FBI search of Mar-a-Lago (which is all we really know).
On CNN and MSNBC, it’s exciting news. Lots of talking heads are speculating about what classified documents were illegally removed from the White House. You could say that we progressives are excited because we think Trump is a con man and a mob boss, and we want him punished for what he did to our democracy.
Or you could say that we want the 2020 election to be over. If Trump were convicted of a crime that prohibited him from running again, then he would be done running — and we’re tired of it. An election ends when a candidate concedes, and Trump has denied this country the experience of completing 2020. People need completion.
On Fox, the context is Biden doing something to Trump, making Trump a victim. Being a victim, of course, is a default context for living life. It’s not satisfying, but it’s powerful in the realm of politics. All stories need sympathetic characters, and every show has a victim. It’s also easy. While being responsible is much harder, being a victim is natural and takes little effort. Both sides are good at it. Trump is the master. He can spin anything into a victim number, and the FBI search is great material for that.
As the helicopters swirl around Mar-a-Lago (presumably hoping to catch sight of what Trump called a raid, we see the being of victim become reality TV performance art. He could turn over the documents or say something about why he won’t — but claiming raid is better TV. He’s also nurturing and developing a large group of apprentices and opening acts. That said, victimhood in leadership leads to danger when the vicim-in-chief presents violence as a positive thing.
Hopefully, this is a gaffe.
I’ll give the senator the benefit of the doubt and assume that he misspoke rather than having bought into Russian propaganda as so many in the Trump cult have.
He says “Our nation is united in its resolve to support the brave Ukrainian people and to punish Russia for its illegal war on aggression.”
Did he mean to say ‘punish Russia for its illegal war OF aggression?”
What did he mean? If there’s a war ON aggression, is that similar to a war on terrorism? If so, does he mean that Russia is fighting against aggression, meaning that Ukraine is the aggressor?
That kind of thinking would be aligned with the Russian lies, that they are invading Ukraine for de-Nazification.
Does Tillis have an ear for Russian propaganda?
After all, this was not live TV. It looks like he shot this video in an office and could have easily done another take, dropping off the last two words, “on aggression,” saying “punish Russia for its illegal war.”