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Tuesday, March 04, 2025

His administration is suddenly changing tactics after a federal judge ruled that its mass firings of probationary workers were probably illegal. read more


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

On February 3, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) for the United States, aiming to create one of the world's largest such funds. Given the nation's $36 trillion debt, the administration is exploring funding options, including the potential sale of federal public lands. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated plans to "monetize the asset side of the U.S. balance sheet," referring to national parks, public lands, and natural resources as potential assets. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum estimated these federal lands could be worth up to $200 trillion. This approach has raised concerns about the preservation of public lands and their traditional uses, such as recreation and conservation. read more


Thursday, February 06, 2025

The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced plans to sell off 50% of the federal properties it oversees read more


Thursday, January 30, 2025

At a press conference following a deadly collision between a jetliner and a Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan National Airport, Donald Trump blamed the accident on diversity hiring practices imposed by the Obama and Biden administrations. He claimed these policies weakened the FAA by allowing individuals with disabilities"such as hearing and vision impairments, paralysis, epilepsy, and psychiatric disabilities"to qualify as air traffic controllers. read more


Comments

Here comes dem dose receipts, VISITOR_, you dirt rotten cultist:

The response to the alias known as VISTIOR_ is largely accurate and provides a well-reasoned argument against the comparison of Social Security to a Ponzi scheme. Let's break down the key points:

1. Social Security as an equilibrium equation: This is correct. Social Security is designed to balance income from current workers with payouts to current retirees[1][5].

2. Historical surplus: The statement about Reagan changing percentages and creating a surplus is accurate. The 1983 reforms under Reagan did increase payroll taxes and created a surplus in the Social Security trust fund[1].

3. Predictability of challenges: The response correctly points out that the strain on Social Security due to Baby Boomer retirements was anticipated well in advance. This long-term planning and transparency are in stark contrast to Ponzi schemes[1][3].

4. Potential for balance: The suggestion that adding 1 percentage point each to employer and employee contributions could balance Social Security for 75 years is a simplification, but it accurately reflects that the system can be adjusted to maintain solvency, unlike Ponzi schemes[3][5].

5. Transparency vs. opacity: The response correctly highlights that Social Security is transparent, with clear formulas and regular reporting, while Ponzi schemes are intentionally opaque[3][5].

6. Structural differences: The response accurately points out that Social Security, unlike Ponzi schemes, can be brought into balance through adjustments[3][5].

The only minor inaccuracy is the specific year mentioned for Social Security going "underwater." The exact timing of trust fund depletion has varied in projections over the years, but recent estimates suggest it will occur in the mid-2030s, not 2012[1][3].

In conclusion, the response provides an accurate and well-informed rebuttal to the claim that Social Security is like a Ponzi scheme, highlighting key structural and operational differences between the two.

Citations:
[1]
www.urban.org
[2] foreignpolicy.com
[3] www.politifact.com
[4] www.yahoo.com
[5] retirementincomejournal.com
[6] www.michiganstatelawreview.org
[7] www.cato.org

The claim about "bio-securing hatcheries" and stopping the bird flu in 14 or 15 facilities with minimal, cost-effective measures aligns with the broader strategies being implemented to combat avian influenza. Here's how it fits into the context of current efforts:

Biosecurity in Hatcheries
- Key Measures: Biosecurity involves a series of practices aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of pathogens. For hatcheries, this includes controlling access, maintaining hygiene, segregating flocks, and ensuring proper cleaning, disinfection, and fumigation of facilities and equipment[1][6].
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Simple steps like patching up facilities or improving barriers can make a significant difference. For example, preventing wild bird access and improving sanitation are relatively low-cost measures that have proven effective in reducing outbreaks[2][4].

Success Stories
- USDA Initiatives: The USDA has been investing heavily in biosecurity upgrades, including funding up to 75% of the cost for producers to address vulnerabilities. Facilities that implemented these measures have seen substantial success, with minimal outbreaks reported among those following gold-standard protocols[3][7].
- Hatchery-Specific Actions: Weekly testing of breeder flocks, early fumigation of eggs, and strict hygiene protocols for personnel entering hatcheries have been critical in controlling disease spread within hatcheries[1][6].

The claim that minimal investments in biosecurity helped control bird flu in several facilities aligns with documented strategies. While these measures may seem simple (e.g., patching up facilities), they are part of a broader framework that emphasizes prevention through targeted biosecurity practices.

Citations:
[1]
avinews.com
[2] layinghens.hendrix-genetics.com
[3] www.cidrap.umn.edu
[4] utpoultry.tennessee.edu
[5] zootecnicainternational.com
[6] www.linkedin.com
[7] www.usda.gov
[8] www.freedomrangerhatchery.com
[9] extension.msstate.edu
[10] www.neogen.com

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