WorkingTogether

Working Together

• vegan / pro-life
• anti-gun / anti-car
• religious freedom / lgbtq freedom
• Patron Saint: https://old.reddit.com/r/wholesomememes/comments/17wqeyt/friends_not_foes/
• How to break false conspiracy theories: https://old.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/18cw0kw/til_an_oxford_university_physicist_claimed_that/
  • https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/math-formula-charts-the-lifespan-of-hoaxes
  • Counterpoint: https://old.reddit.com/r/NonPoliticalTwitter/comments/18cw9e5/on_the_existence_of_santa/
    • Counter-Counterpoint: https://old.reddit.com/r/NonPoliticalTwitter/comments/18cw9e5/on_the_existence_of_santa/kcdoo79/

Theme

Option: "So I married an axe murderer..."

Tongue-in-cheek - Oh no - I found out I believed something that was not true. How do I deal with that?

Presidential Libraries

• https://old.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/16ceng5/13_presidential_libraries_issue_rare_joint/

Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country’s bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.

The statement released Thursday, the first time the libraries have joined to make such a public declaration, said Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and human rights around the world because “free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home.”

“But that interest,” it said, “is undermined when others see our own house in disarray.”

The joint message from presidential centers, foundations and institutes emphasized the need for compassion, tolerance and pluralism while urging Americans to respect democratic institutions and uphold secure and accessible elections.

Softball Topics

• Russia & Black Lives Matter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia_and_Black_Lives_Matter

Conspiracy Debunks

• Moon Landing Hoax
  • The belief that the moon landing was faked by NASA and the United States government. This theory claims that the 1969 Apollo 11 mission was staged.
  • Scientific and historical evidence, including moon rocks and ongoing lunar missions, effectively debunk this theory.
• Flat Earth Theory
  • The assertion that the Earth is flat, contrary to centuries of scientific understanding.
  • Images from space, physics of gravity, and circumnavigation of the Earth provide clear evidence against this theory.
• Chemtrails
  • The claim that aircraft trails contain chemical or biological agents for nefarious purposes, rather than being normal contrails.
  • Scientific analysis shows they are simply water vapor condensation.
• 5G Technology Myths
  • Misconceptions that 5G technology causes health problems and is used for surveillance.
  • Research shows that 5G technology is safe and does not support these claims.
• Vaccination Misinformation
  • False claims about vaccines being harmful or used for population control.
  • Decades of research prove the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
• Illuminati and New World Order
  • The belief in a secret society controlling world events and aiming to establish a New World Order.
  • Lack of credible evidence and the implausibility of such a vast, undetected organization.
• Climate Change Denial
  • Claims that climate change is a hoax or not caused by human activity.
  • Overwhelming scientific consensus and data support the reality and human cause of climate change.
• Reptilian Elite
  • A theory that world leaders and influential people are shape-shifting reptilian aliens.
  • The absence of any scientific evidence or plausible basis for this claim.
• Holocaust Denial
  • Claims that the Holocaust did not occur or was exaggerated.
  • Extensive historical documentation, survivor testimonies, and Nazi records confirm the Holocaust's reality.
• Bermuda Triangle Mysteries
  • Beliefs that the Bermuda Triangle area experiences an unusually high number of unexplained disappearances.
  • Statistical analyses show that disappearances in this area are not significantly greater than in other heavily traveled regions of the world.

Expert-Known Solutions Unfamiliar to the Public

Solutions and facts that are well-established in expert circles but may not be commonly known or understood by the general public.

• Nuclear Power Safety
  • Nuclear power is statistically safer and cleaner than fossil fuel power.
  • It produces fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
• Vaccines and Autism
  • Extensive research shows no link between vaccines and autism.
  • Vaccinations are crucial for preventing serious diseases.
• Mental Health and Exercise
  • Regular physical exercise is highly effective in improving mental health.
  • It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Plant-Based Diets and Health
  • Plant-based diets can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • They are beneficial for heart health and diabetes prevention.
• Climate Change Mitigation
  • Renewable energy sources are increasingly cost-effective and efficient.
  • Transitioning to renewables can significantly mitigate climate change impacts.
• Water Fluoridation
  • Fluoridating water is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.
  • It benefits all residents of a community, regardless of age and socioeconomic status.
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
  • GMOs are generally safe to consume, according to extensive research.
  • They can improve crop yields and nutritional content.
• Economic Benefits of Immigration
  • Immigration can have a positive impact on the host country's economy.
  • Immigrants contribute to innovation and fill essential workforce gaps.
• Early Childhood Education
  • Investing in early childhood education yields high returns in the long term.
  • It improves cognitive and social skills, leading to better outcomes in adult life.
• Psychotherapy Effectiveness
  • Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a range of mental health issues.
  • It can be as effective as medication for certain conditions.
• Compound Interest
  • Save as much as you can early in life.
• Can't Outrun Your Diet
• Fitness After 50
  • Massively improved by earlier fitness.
  • Permanent decline begins around 60, start high.

Vegan v. Pro-Life

• Should we be allowed to eat living creatures, capable of self awareness and emotion, if they have not been endowed by the creator with souls?
• Should we be allowed to end a potential life, after the DNA strands have fused, if the dividing cells are not yet conscious?
• Pigs
  • Pig Puzzle: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/8f1r62/pig_puzzle/
  • Pig Friend: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/ciazd7/so_my_dad_surprised_my_sister_with_a_baby_pig_and/
  • Pig Lassie: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/cot0oi/my_pet_pig_used_to_explore_the_backyard_as_i/
  • Pig Family: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/q5gvg7/a_whole_family_of_pigs_going_on_an_adventure/
  • Pig Cat Play: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/13dn2b2/pig_playing_with_the_cats/
  • Pig Search: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/search?q=pig&restrict_sr=on
  • Pig Splash: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/pgvspr/ridiculously_happy_pigs_running_in_and_out_of_the/
  • Pig Vacuum: https://old.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/nn7bu1/pig_annoyed_by_vacuum_keeps_unplugging_it/
• Bible: https://old.reddit.com/r/clevercomebacks/comments/17dra2l/in_the_name_of_god/
  • Numbers 5:11-31
  • Hosea 9:14
  • Joshua 6:21
  • Psalms 137:9
  • 2 Samuel 12:13-18
  • Genesis 6-7
  • Exodus 11
  • 2 Corinthians 4:2: "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God."
  • "My priest growing up always said that if you want to stop abortion, you have to create a world where giving birth is always beneficial for women, rather than a world where not giving birth is punished."
• Aside: Happy Cows
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/18vb3gp/kids_drag_a_calf_a_mile_to_save_it_from_freezing/
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/Awww/comments/18uaud8/awww/
• Aside: Even Chickens?
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/FunnyAnimals/comments/18y7zwo/chicken_stops_alpaca_from_eating_its_food/

Anti-Gun v. Anti-Car

• Truck Size: https://old.reddit.com/r/CreationNtheUniverse/comments/16ceact/one_word_mmmerica/
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/17v4h4s/the_hood_of_this_pickup_is_higher_than_the_roof/
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/17vjhrx/same_make_model_and_colour_30_years_apart/
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/comments/18qtxxf/oc_americans_are_shifting_from_smaller_cars_such/
• Slightly Lower Grills (125cm, higher than old trucks), 509 US Lives Per Year: https://old.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1b7d59m/grille_height_kills_509_people_in_the_us_every/
• https://old.reddit.com/r/fuckcars/
• Homicide Rates: https://old.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/16lx9bh/cities_with_the_highest_homicide_rates_in_the/
  • US Violent Cities: https://old.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/18emprz/the_most_dangerous_cities_in_the_us/
  • US Nonviolent Cities: https://old.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/18fy088/the_safest_cities_in_the_us/
• Imagine Insurance, Registration, Licensing & Testing: https://old.reddit.com/r/clevercomebacks/comments/16ptgus/kennedy_thought_she_was_onto_something_there/
  • Owning a motor vehicle does not require insurance, registration, license, or testing. (proving your ownership is a lot easier if you register it, and there is sales tax in some states)
  • Operating a motor vehicle on private property does not require insurance, registration, license, or testing. (the property owner may require any or all of those things, but the state does not mandate them)
  • Transporting a motor vehicle does not require insurance, registration, license, or testing.
• Troubling Stats: https://old.reddit.com/r/NoahGetTheBoat/comments/16isv4c/i_guess_the_average_day_at_american_school_jokes/
• Wedge Republican Voting: https://old.reddit.com/r/news/comments/16ybq9a/whistleblowers_beg_leaders_to_stop_the_chaos_as/k37n102/
• Young Car Crash Rates Falling: https://old.reddit.com/r/news/comments/17as4aa/report_young_driver_fatality_rates_have_fallen/
  • https://apnews.com/article/young-drivers-fatalities-statistics-report-f3ce1bab8d8f525ffc2cbe4a77f94ca0
• SUVs in Cities: https://old.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/17ictqu/suvs_arent_made_for_cities/
  • "Emotional Support Truck" - hahahaha
• Maine Gunman & Reasonable Gun Regulation: https://old.reddit.com/r/news/comments/17jmz4o/police_tried_to_check_on_the_maine_gunman_over/
  • "could snap and commit a mass shooting" - police checked, but not strongly
  • "Sutherland Springs, Sandy Hook, Buffalo, Parkland, Charleston, now Lewiston, Virginia Tech, etc, etc. Two-thirds of all mass shooters had records and were accused of domestic abuse."
• AWB & Mass Shooting: https://old.reddit.com/r/WhitePeopleTwitter/comments/17jsl0i/the_numbers_dont_lie/
• WashPo Editorial on AR-15
• Economically Disadvantaged Urban Areas: https://old.reddit.com/r/TikTokCringe/comments/180nxwm/how_to_survive_in_the_hood/
• The Emotional Bad Data: https://old.reddit.com/r/TikTokCringe/comments/18ijavb/thoughts_and_prayers/
• Dads on Duty: https://old.reddit.com/r/wholesomememes/comments/18ot6gy/an_amazing_idea/
• School Shootings are Rare: https://old.reddit.com/r/facepalm/comments/1alz1ao/who_could_have_guessed_this_would_be_the_result/
• "In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020.": https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
• Between 2019 and 2020, the total number of mass shootings each year jumped from 414 to 610. Then, 2021 became the worst year for mass shootings since GVA began tracking them in 2013, with 690 across 44 states and Washington, DC. There were 656 mass shootings in 2023.: https://www.cnn.com/us/mass-shootings-fast-facts
• The mass shootings in 2023 killed 712 people and injured at least 2,692 others.: https://www.thetrace.org/2023/12/data-gun-violence-deaths-america/

Self Care v. Other Blame

The topic for this section isn't great, but I'm leaving it like that for now.

• https://iterativechaos.com/summary/16iwcpn.html

Note: OP = Poster = the person describing the problem.

Some key points:

1. Every person has a right to exit a romance at any time for any reason or no reason.
2. If the situation is exactly as the OP described in the Reddit post, then there is little to disagree with.
3. Even if the situation is not objectively as described; if the relationship is not working and the path to making it work is unclear, blocked, or too costly - leaving is good.
4. Critical Analysis
   1. People tend to see things 30% in their own favor.
   2. The post could have been written from a place of hurt and that could color the narrative.
   3. The poster may need support and affirmation to do what needs to be done, and that might lead them to color the narrative to ensure that they get the support they need.
   4. The poster talks about telling their partner about their needs, but does not mention asking about the partner's needs.
5. Possible Causes
   1. The situation is exactly as described. The partner is a narcissist. Exit post haste.
   2. The situation is mostly as described. The partner has problems, but so does the poster. The relationship is toxic, even if the partner is less completely to blame than presented. Exit because the relationship doesn't work, but vilifying the partner may be unwarranted.
   3. The partner has a reason for using those lights that is important to them. The partner is wounded and aggrieved, perhaps as much or more so than the poster. It still may be best to exit the relationship, but the poster may have problems finding a healthy relationship.
6. About the TwoX Response
   1. It could be helpful. If TwoX is meant to be a safe space where you don't get kicked when you're down and you get support when you need it to get through hard things, it did that admirably.
   2. It could be harmful. If TwoX is meant to help people grow and develop, being challenged is a necessary part of the process.
   3. It could be an echo chamber. If a collection of people coalesce around a set of ideas, they may be inclined to see the world in a particular way. This can lead to monoculture problems, such as being an enabler even while thinking you are being appropriately challenging.
   4. Do you need to be hugged, heard, or helped?
   5. When does support become indulgence? When does indulgence engender entitlement? How should indulgence echo chambers be identified and improved?

Party versus Party

John Fetterman & Apparel

John, I want to be with you, but there is a foreign policy matter that is associated with professional demeanor. I'm not going to go all the way out to requiring a suit, but I do think that professional attire is warranted for Senators. If you want to change the limits of the Senate dress code, start with something less far out than a hoodie. This isn't about civil rights where the right answer is absolutely equality and its just right to expect the whole thing, this is a debate we should have as a society. I can understand opening that discussion, but why not open the discussion by wearing an open-neck button up shirt with no jacket?

When a tradition is not significantly harmful to a human right, it is better to show a degree of respect for others with whom you disagree, while clearly expressing your disagreement. That can be done without a significant cost to anyone by dressing in a fashion that supports our intended foreign image projection without meeting the Senate Dress Code. It may be necessary to be sufficiently visual that it can be seen on C-SPAN live coverage of the floor. But it doesn't have to be sportswear to make the point, unless there is some specific harm from the inability to wear hoodies, which I would need to hear strong evidence to believe.

Bloodbath

Trump is awful, and was gleeful about the Jan 6 violence. And he likes words that stoke violence. And he is incompetent both as a trade negotiator and as a trade economist.

But the use of the term "bloodbath" to mean a radical shift in trade balance is well-established.

During a rally in Ohio on Saturday, Donald Trump took things up a notch, describing a hellish societal collapse that he envisions unfolding if he loses to Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election.

During a section of his address in which he spoke of the possibility of an increasing trade war with China over auto manufacturing, Trump referred to President Xi as a friend of his, leaning into the importance of being part of this equation himself, saying, "Those big monster car manufacturing plants that you’re building in Mexico right now … you’re going to not hire Americans and you’re going to sell the cars to us, no. We’re going to put a 100% tariff on every single car that comes across the line, and you’re not going to be able to sell those cars if I get elected . . . Now if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it. But they’re not going to sell those cars. They’re building massive factories." Later adding, “If this election isn’t won, I’m not sure that you’ll ever have another election in this country.”

Echoing Trump's sentiments in a quote to NBC News, campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, “Biden’s policies will create an economic bloodbath for the auto industry and autoworkers.” But, of course, Biden sees things differently.

“This is who Donald Trump is: a loser who gets beat by over 7 million votes and then instead of appealing to a wider mainstream audience doubles down on his threats of political violence,” Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer said in a statement following Trump's rally.

Whether it is an effective political tactic for Salon or Biden is a fine question. But it creates another point of disunion.

LEOs

What are the ideal societal guardrails for behavior around LEOs? How do we recognize LEOs who are exceptional representatives of policing, and how do we "manage out" those who dishonor the badge?

Positivity About LEOs

I want people who are vocally critical of LEOs, whose identity is associated with seeking justice on behalf of those who believe they have been victimized by LEOs, to present cases where police officers have done good under difficult circumstances, especially above and beyond the call. I also want the stories of LEOs who were accused, and who may even be guilty, but who should be afforded the benefit of the doubt. I want to hear sympathy for the person who wears the badge, presented by people who are not naturally sympathetic.

Critical Evaluation of LEOs

I want people who are vocally supportive of LEOs, people whose identity is associated with seeking justice for LEOs, to present cases where police officers have done wrong when they had a clear opportunity to do right, especially when doing right would have been the easier thing. I also want to hear stories of LEOs who have benefited from the Blue Wall of Silence and are are guilty of crimes. I want to hear support for punishment of those who have dishonored the badge, presented by people who believe those cases are exceptionally rare.

Religious Liberty v LGBTQ Liberty

• Ezekiel 16:49-50: "the sin of Sodom was pride, laziness, and gluttony, having abundance but not helping the poor."

Reddit Links

• America's Non-Religious: https://old.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/170l1j1/americas_nonreligious_are_a_growing_diverse/
  • Go Be Religious, Fine, But Leave Me Alone: https://old.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/170l1j1/americas_nonreligious_are_a_growing_diverse/k3l6zvb/
• Commentator: Be Religious, but Leave Me Alone: https://old.reddit.com/r/SipsTea/comments/1734bws/this_woman_is_awesome/
• Belief Maintenance Comparison: https://old.reddit.com/r/clevercomebacks/comments/17p1dem/definitely_atheists_that_do_this/
• Texas School Rainbows & Commandments: https://old.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/183wri4/watch_this_texas_democrat_leave_republicans/
• Iowa Satanic Temple Display: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2023/12/11/gop-lawmakers-disagree-on-response-to-satanic-display-at-iowa-capitol/71832743007/
  • https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/18gonuc/the_satanic_temple_display_in_the_iowa_capitol/
• Topic Grenade: Misgendering, Trauma, Fragility: https://old.reddit.com/r/TikTokCringe/comments/18z1gqn/you_better_watch_out/