Geopolitical Focus – May, 2024 # 2

May 31, 2024

Geopolitical Focus – May, 2024 (#2) Global Media Bias & the Consensus on Democarcy

Global media bias is evident in Axel Springer Conglomerate, with distinct guidelines potentially prioritizing politics over journalism. This alignment mirrors the ethos of publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post.


Core Principles Pledge

Upon acquisition of Insider in 2015, and again in 2021 with Politico, Mathias Döpfner allegedly stated that staff would need to adhere to Axel Springer's principles, including support for a united Europe, "reconciliation between Germans and Jews"[63] and Israel's right to exist and a free-market economy, and that staff who disagree with the principles "should not work for Axel Springer, very clearly".[64][65] In an interview with New York Magazine, Döpfner emphasized that Axel Springer's commitment to these core principles, particularly the right of Israel to exist, stems from Germany's historical context rather than activism.[66] He claimed that while Springer employees in Germany are required to support these values, American employees are not asked to sign such a pledge. He also insists that journalistic integrity remains paramount, clarifying that the company's stance does not equate to uncritical support of Israel, but recognizes its right to exist in light of historical threats.[66]

Accusations of editorial interference in Poland

In 2017, Mark Dekan of Ringier Axel Springer Polska expressed support for European unity and the role of free media in a letter to employees, amidst political debates in Poland. His comments, which included criticism of Jarosław Kaczyński, and highlighted the company's values and the importance of European integration, especially among younger Poles, was interpreted by critics as editorial interference.[67][68]


If you follow Business Insider, Politico and Politico EU, it aligns well with a green – red, WOKE political agenda, the War in the Ukraine and supports all Bidens activities, including the political persecution of a former President, now you know the anti-Trumper’ and everything NAZI that is not in line with Axel Springer in Europe and the US. 

The European Union is having elections from June 6 to 9. Political involvement of Facebook is increasing, possibly seeking favorable outcomes. Check Politico for more. Views diverging from open immigration, War in Ukraine, or alternative energy are labeled right-wing. Interested in democracy? Here's an example. Learn about a War activist supporting Zelensky and historical events.  Curious about current polls?



WHAT DO THE POLLS SAY? 

Recent seat polls show gains for the far-right Identity and Democracy, although the EPP and S&D continue to dominate.


Klaus Schwab, the Father of the WEF has announced that he will step down but has yet to name a successor. It makes one wonder how democratic the Leadership Team was over the years?

The WEF did not spell out who would officially take the helm. The number-two executive behind Schwab is currently President Borge Brende, a 58-year-old former Norwegian foreign minister.


The Geneva-based forum, which employs some 800 people worldwide and raked in 409 million Swiss francs ($447 million) in annual revenue in the last fiscal year, said it had been transitioning from being merely a “convening platform” to “the leading global institution for public-private cooperation”.


Although Borge Brende is the number two, expect more like a McKinsey for the continuation, strategic partner seems more like we are in charge, and builds a bridge what they do currently? Speculation has also been made about Christine Lagarde?

Klaus Schwab made a lighthearted comment, joking that he needs to stay fit. This was amid rumors in 2019 of Christine Lagarde potentially succeeding him as ECB chief. Lagarde, a key board member, has been a valuable ally to Schwab.

The ICC and the ICJ, Both are UN institutions, both exhibit more show than substance, their influence largely driven by politics rather than concrete authority. Despite occasional displays of strength, can they truly outperform tangible political actions? Ultimately, with numerous global institutions in existence, why is there a need for the courts when dominant powers such as democracy seem to overpower them? In a practical sense, the Ukrainian conflict would have been resolved by now, yet the US and NATO continue to heighten tensions with Russia through potential long-range missile deployments. Is this a strategic maneuver to deter Russian actions, or merely a tactical ploy to ensure President Biden's political success in November? While it may offer economic gains for Biden, the Ukrainians bear the brunt of the consequences in bloodshed, all while he touts himself as the world's premier negotiator.

Two State solution, why Hamas is not Palestine, and Hamas cannot be defeated with weapons? 

BIBI’S YOUNG GUNS  - BREADING HATRED AND THE US ISRAELI RELATION? ITS NOT ALL LOVE? 

For at least 15 years, in-depth studies have shown firm right-wing trends among young Israeli Jews. There are two immediate explanations for this phenomenon. One is demographics: more young Israeli Jews are religious than was the case in earlier decades because religious families tend to have many children, and religious Jews are reliably more right-wing than less religious Jews in Israel. The second is the prevailing political environment in Israel during the past two decades: young Israelis today have grown up in the heavily nationalist right-wing era of Netanyahu. They carry no memories of any peace process and have plenty of experience of war, having grown up amid numerous rounds of fighting with Hamas, frequent rocket attacks, and waves of conflict-related violence.

In fact, the rightward tilt of younger Israeli voters has closely coincided with Netanyahu’s own efforts to make the U.S.-Israeli relationship more partisan. Shortly after Netanyahu returned to power in 2009, a plurality of Israelis held positive views of President Barack Obama, more than those who held negative views. But Netanyahu and his proxies began systematically attacking Obama—tellingly, for taking positions that were close to a policy consensus at the time, such as the president’s 2011 support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, the 1949 armistice lines, with adjustments. Netanyahu’s accusations ricocheted back to the United States, where Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee for president in 2012, accused Obama of “throwing Israel under the bus.” 

But how can this issue be resolved? Is the US's support for Israel driven by unconditional love, hegemonic ambitions, or other less than ideal interests? Jews in the US as there are in Israel,With a global Jewish population reaching 90%, one may ponder the contrast of the UK, the initiator of the Jewish State, with a mere 312,000. The disparity raises questions about global interests. It is worth noting that Israel's total population stands at 10 million, including 7.5 million Jews, while the combined Jewish and Palestinian populations of the West Bank, Gaza, and Palestinian Authorities amount to about 15 million. Perhaps a two-state solution, akin to Vatican City as a neutral territory, is needed, particularly with Jerusalem's status as a holy site.


In comparison to a Swiss Forum's viewpoint advocating for both Israel and Palestine, it is important to recognize that the military wing of Hamas is not synonymous with the Palestinian Authority.

Some excerpts. Elimination impossible?  Here is the Authors link + the opinion on the Gaza situation. 


According to its own charter of 2017, Hamas is a "Palestinian national liberation and resistance movement" with the goal of liberating Palestine. She was elected in 2006 in free elections organized by the Palestinian Legislative Council, one of the few free elections the Arab world has ever seen.

Hamas consists of hundreds of thousands of members and is a multi-layered and complex organization that is deeply rooted in Palestinian society. In the Gaza Strip, she is responsible for all public services and does everything that the state is responsible for in Switzerland: from taxes to garbage collection. Therefore, the Israeli declaration to completely destroy Hamas is a political slogan and not a feasible military goal (as is true today).

Furthermore, Hamas is home to different parts within itself, including a social services sector, a political wing based in Doha and a military wing – the so-called Qassam Brigades. It was the latter, and among them a close circle of masterminds around Yahya Sinwar, who planned and carried out the terrorist attack of October 7. This is precisely why it came as a surprise to Hamas' political leadership in Doha, as well as to Hezbollah and the Iranian government (Hamas' closest international allies).


– When asked whether Hamas was dangerous, I said: Yes, it is certainly dangerous, but first and foremost for Israel and less so for us here in Switzerland. According to its own statement, Hamas has a national mission and is not, like the Islamic State, a hybrid organization consisting of eighty nationalities with the mission of establishing a global caliphate. Moreover, Hamas has neither the capacity, nor the networks, nor the intention to carry out terrorist attacks in Western capitals, precisely because it struggles for legitimacy with the international community.

However, Hamas' national focus does not mean that the October 7 terrorist attack does not give a significant boost to global political Islam. We see this in the example of imitation, which led to the anti-Semitic knife attack on an Orthodox Jew in Zurich in March 2024. This kind of anti-Semitism is on the rise and poses a dangerous threat not only to Jewish communities, but to liberal, democratic societies in general.


– I also stressed that the terrorist attack of 7 October was an atrocity and must be condemned in its entirety. The decimation of innocent civilians and the kidnapping of hostages are a war crime and as such morally completely unacceptable.

– Parallel to this, however, there is also the issue of a 57-year illegitimate Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and a 17-year hermetic closure of the Gaza Strip. These are also unacceptable and contrary to international law, creating an intolerable and inhumane situation for the Palestinian population. In addition, the killing of 7,000 civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including thousands of innocent women and children, is contrary to international law and must therefore be clearly condemned.

And not helping is the US wishy washy political stand, appeasing, fueling both sides and not really offering any solutions? 


Switzerland, as a neutral country is arranging a peace summit, with no Russia and no President Biden. He prefers to attend a George Clooney Fundraiser in California, co-hosted with Julia Roberts? But as long as Russia is not part and has no voice, NATO is considering sending Troops and the US long-range missiles, it may be a great deal for the Hotel in Switzerland, and forget the rest? By the way, George Clooney is perhaps a great representative for middle class Joe, as the latest indication is that the old White Male is the strongest supporter for Biden. 


There's a massive shift among nonwhite voters overall, while older voters and college-educated white voters — men in particular — are moving heavily in Biden's direction.

Clooney has property in Los Angeles. He purchased the 7,354-square-foot (683.2 m2) house in 1995 through his George Guilfoyle Trust. His home in Italy is in the village of Laglio, on Lake Como,[159] near the former residence of Italian author Ada Negri.[160] Clooney also owns a home in Los Cabos, Mexico, that is next door to the home of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.[161] In 2014, Clooney and his new British wife Amal Alamuddin bought the Grade II listed[162] Mill House on an island in the River Thames at Sonning Eye in Oxfordshire, England[163] at a cost of around £10 million.[164] In May 2021, The Economic Times reported Clooney plans to buy a vineyard near the village of Brignoles, in France, which includes an 18th-century manor with its own swimming pool and a tennis court.[165]


China and the China – Russian relations, There may be a misconception about China being seen as a mere imitator relying on the West, and the use of tariffs and trade wars as a political rather than an economic strategy may not be effective. While imposing tariffs for fair trade is justified, using tariffs as political sanctions is a different matter. President Biden's use of tariffs to showcase successful government spending may be applauded by some, but it may not necessarily lead to increased competition. The Chips Act seems more like a defensive measure to safeguard US interests in the event of conflict with Taiwan, but relocating semiconductor production to the US raises questions about what exactly is being protected in Taiwan. It appears to be a mere tactic to buy time. The US seems to overlook the fact that it no longer carries the same level of intimidation it once did. The concept of "peace through strength" only works when paired with diplomatic finesse and a coherent strategy. Currently, the US lacks a clear strategy in both Ukraine and Israel. Winning individual battles does not equate to winning the overall war or achieving long-term stability. In these instances, it seems more about saving face than anything else.

While Blinken was in China to deter, weeks later Putin and China are strengthening their cooperation on all levels, and especially on the military level? To believe that the West can take on the ROW militarily is simply a pipe dream, yes, the US has the strongest Military and the most Military bases on the Planet, but China will never let it happen that Russia becomes a multi – state entity, controlled by Western interests, nor will Russia allow NATO weapons in the Ukraine. And perhaps more dangerous, long range missiles from the West will promptly be answered? 


WEST VERSUS XI AND PUTIN?

Putin's visit comes weeks after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to China to raise concerns about China's support for Russia's military.

That trip appears to have done little to dent Xi's deepening relationship with Putin.

By picking China for his first foreign trip since being sworn in this month for another six-year term, Putin is sending a message to the world about his priorities and the strength of his personal ties with Xi.


China’s rise, see this article For the discerning eye, it becomes evident that it was the people themselves, rather than the Government, who spearheaded the transformation of China—an undeniably potent force that continues to propel progress.

None of these transformations were initiated by the state. “Instead, they were all born out of the strong desires of the population, who were desperate and determined to improve their lives,” Wang writes. “Such grassroot initiatives were often resisted by the government at first, before being accepted and embraced by them.” It was the Chinese people, and not their leaders, he argues time and time again, that produced the “China miracle.”

And then you may question Joe Biden's personality traits after 45+ years in the Business, and ponder how the funds flowing into the Biden conglomerates might impact his sway?


Xi and Putin are believed to have a close personal relationship. Ever since Xi assumed power, he has engaged in forty-two meetings with Putin, a significantly higher number than his interactions with any other world leaders. Xi has even called Putin his “best friend and colleague,” while the Russian president has addressed his Chinese counterpart as a “dear friend.” Putin has also praised the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s global infrastructure project, as an attempt to achieve a more “equitable and multipolar world order.”


Global Democracy, remember GDR – German Democratic Republic, was a totalitarian regime. In current Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AFD) is being pursued as a totalitarian Group, under surveillance and sought to be banned from politics. At the same time, the green-red coalition has an approval rating below, only the CDU/CSU has a higher rating. So, democracy is in our current society a very stretchable word? Note – Trump is far right, so is the AFD? 

Europe is facing a demographic crisis: only 38 percent of Germans aged eighteen and over are staunch supporters of democracy. In France, this figure is only 27 percent. In Italy and Poland, too, less than 45 percent of the population consistently support democratic values, according to an analysis by the Open Society Foundation, cited by Politico. 


The survey results show that more and more Europeans are questioning democratic norms. More and more people agree with the statement that a strong leader who ignores election results and the legislative power is acceptable, or that a non-democratic government is preferable to democracy. According to the survey, the increasing skepticism towards democratic principles is particularly evident among the younger generation. Young people are increasingly considering alternative forms of government.

Demographic change is further exacerbating this problem, writes Politico. With an aging population and a falling birth rate, the generational gap is growing. Young people often no longer feel represented by existing political structures and lose confidence in democracy's ability to shape their future. Here the original in German. 

Worried about Mexico’ Cartels and its influence on US Politics? While our immigration Czars and the President are literally watching the Southern Borders crossings with applause, the Mexican President seems to throw a blind eye on the Cartels activities, and basically ignoring international (NAFTA) agreements, leaving the democracy to a terrorist Groups, aka Cartels, Pablo Escobar all over again? Where is the US cry for Democracy, Cartels better than Putin? Imagine killing of politicians or supporters becoming legal? 

To maximize their profits, hydra-headed criminal groups need pliant elected officials. Threats and bribes can ensure that a small-town mayor or City Council member turns a blind eye to illicit activities. But as the bloodshed in cities around Mexico makes painfully clear, analysts say, candidates daring to veer from such cooperation face getting killed.

As a result, scores of them have dropped out of races. Some political parties have pulled out of certain towns after failing to find people willing to run. Instead of reaching out to voters in public, some local campaigns have largely moved online.

US News May 2025 - Are "Tariffs the New Covid"? | The Role of Judges in Deomcracy

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US News - May 2025 - James Comey Message and the Health of Joe Biden

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86 – 47 : No more drinks for the President - That was Mr. Comey’s message from the beach .

May 2025 - Geo Political News Round Up

May 20, 2025
As the tariff negotiations with China are currently underway in Switzerland, it appears the US and UK have agreed to a deal that seems to be an icebreaker in the ongoing saga of tariffs. However, in the end, there will be changes to the world order and a shift in focus toward more discussions about saving the planet rather than war. As of this writing, a 90-day pause with China was agreed , lowering tariffs, while China will likely have to consider some of the US demands. Here is a lesson in journalistic economies ? Friend shoring demonstrates that there are no friends or foes in politics , only interests. Even when the world’s resources were not material but simply dirt—more or less fertile—even in agricultural societies, wars and contests were common, whether for territory, ideology, or personal gain. So when people promote friend shoring, it’s more complicated these days. Just look at rare earths—it's not just dirt, is it? Friend shoring for military technology is another example; read about it for yourself. Still, there is ongoing dialogue but no long-term resolution. After Trump’s plan to control Gaza, Israel appears set to take charge instead, once again negotiating for the release of hostages and the evacuation of civilians , while the world looks on as bystanders . If trade can solve the problem , then make a deal. Here’s some food for thought —liberals may be rebellious about it, but the trend all over Europe is clear: MAGA is going global, especially with an economy in tatters and failing negotiations with Ukraine. There are more sanctions, but what can they sanction that the rest of the world cannot counter? The EU is simply a bureaucratic ideology serving its own interests. The EU wants more liberal students —which is fine, as long as we keep the STEM talent. They need more protesters , as long as the UK remains the leading provider of education ? European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday slammed U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign against American higher education as she unveiled a half-billion-euro plan to attract foreign researchers.

Victory, Aftermath, and the Endless Game: Reflections from WWII to Ukraine

May 16, 2025
May 8, a day in history, marks the end of WWII in Europe with the surrender of Germany , but was it really an ending? As with many wars, especially the ongoing Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, and the renewed animosities between India and Pakistan, one might wonder: have enough people died in wars? Perhaps some wars are justified, but often only after provocation. If you consider the basics of relationship building, communication is a key concept, but there is a difference between communication and simply talking. Perhaps we need more communicators and unified voices in government, whether rooted in realism or liberalism . Are these better choices, or in the end, are NGOs and individual voices the problem after all? We hope that reason will prevail—the only lasting fundamental principle—but is it really, or is it just another cause or excuse? Reason, the cause of an event or situation , or something that provides an excuse or explanation : War forever, according to this lawyer, yes . The UN Security Council is another voice that only speaks after the war, sometimes fueling the fire. Consider the Oxford Guide to Treaties —are these more sources of conflict than resolution? And historians—well, some of them are just presenting a version of their own vision of the world. How was Germany rebuilt after WWII ? Was it help on one side, and taking what you can on the other? The USSR suffered greatly and had to rebuild on its own, but why was the offer of the Marshall Plan rejected—was it due to mistrust, as we see today? Perhaps the reset button requires talks among all, but please, let the haters and ideologues out of the room—only communicators and stakeholders should be present, haters out, which probably means no Selinsky. Beginning immediately after the German surrender and continuing for the next two years, the United States pursued a vigorous program to harvest all technological and scientific know-how, as well as all patents in Germany. John Gimbel comes to the conclusion in his book, Science Technology and Reparations: Exploitation and Plunder in Post-war Germany, that the "intellectual reparations" taken by the U.S. and the UK amounted to close to $10 billion, equivalent to around $150 billion in 2024, [3] [4] concurrent to Operation Paperclip . The plea for a two-party political system (translation needed) stands in contrast to the idea of a global one-party or multi-party system as seen in European countries. Attempts at a global one-party system were made by the Romans and some other early cultures , but none proved sustainable by force or government—though that was before the advent of modern communications. Would things be different today? There are still forces hoping that may be realized, for global peace or power, as reflected in Elon Musk’s warnings about a single world government, Einstein’s global perspective , and people attempting to establish it, such as government by AI and supercomputer . Compare that to today’s European coalition building —for example, in Germany, Black/Blue coalitions seem politically unfeasible. In multi-party systems, the need to form coalitions to gain power may end in stalemates and concessions to the detriment of the people. Here is an overview of global systems and drivers of globalization . The ongoing cat-and-mouse game between advocates for peace and war continues as representatives try to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict. Does it matter that Europe seems unified in the effort to defeat Russia with sanctions and arms, while the US seems to favor a negotiated peace? You can argue endlessly that Putin is the aggressor and invaded, but he will counter that with claims about NATO expansion and broken treaties by the West . Is Germany evolving into the powerhouse of Europe, as it should be? After the election and the ousting of Chancellor Scholz, Friedrich Merz has somehow managed to establish himself as the new leader and has immediately begun to exert influence over Europe—at least, that’s what the German “Democrats” are hoping for. So, when Trump appoints loyalists, it's called a dictatorship, but when Germany does it, it's considered democratic? Also worth noting: another Carnegie piece—and apparently every member of the German Cabinet favors war? Expect Germany's defense Minister to keep Kaja Kallas as informant, hating in politics is never a good start. Imagine, 5 years to build up the military and then eliminate the hate, for good, using the Ukraine invasion as a reason. Merz has deliberately centralized foreign and security policy coordination in the chancellery. To start, he has done away with the long-standing tradition of giving the Foreign Office to the main coalition partner, a practice that baked in foreign-policy dysfunction by setting up a separate power base held by a different political party. Now, for the first time since 1966, the chancellor and foreign minister will be from the same party—in this case, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). New Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is a party loyalist who will ensure alignment rather than competition with the chancellor. Within the chancellery—where all important foreign-policy decisions are made—Merz has appointed close confidants to key posts: Jacob Schrot, a trusted trans-Atlanticist, as head of the newly created German National Security Council; veteran diplomat Günter Sautter as foreign-policy lead; and Michael Clauss to handle European Union affairs, which Merz wants to make a core strategic portfolio and to which Clauss brings credibility and experience, including significant work on China.

US Political News Round Up: Lawyers, Investors, and the New Age of Power and Policy

May 9, 2025
Remember the Biden-era stock market jubilations ? It was all about the Magnificent Seven —overhyped and overvalued. The tariff talk came at just the right time to disguise an overdue market correction. The administration framed it as “uncertainty over tariffs.” But no worries, like COVID, it will be “cured” by the same people who created it . Political noise on both sides continues to serve as distraction— like whistling at a referee during a soccer match. Are lawyers and investors the most destructive forces in America? On one side, there are legal maneuvers that deter people from investing. On the other, roll-up acquisitions concentrate wealth that was once shared broadly. Bernie Sanders is on his “Oligarchy Tour,” pointing fingers at Elon Musk—but what about private equity groups (PEGs) ? Are they not a form of oligarchy? And PEGs owning law firms is legal—and mostly supported by Democrats. Try buying a house and living in peace ; your appreciation goes to investors. Under Bernie, it might become a kleptocracy ; under Kamala, a kakistocracy. There are a variety of flavors of corruption. Currently, the most concerning kind is grand corruption . Grand corruption is when public institutions are co-opted by networks of ruling elites to steal public resources for their own private gain. It involves a wide variety of activities including bribery, extortion, nepotism, favoritism, cronyism, judicial fraud, accounting fraud, electoral fraud, public service fraud, embezzlement, influence peddling, and conflicts of interest. The “party of youth” —as someone once said, “If you’re still a socialist at 40, you have no brain.” Harsh? Maybe. But look at the Democratic Party: do they seem to get wiser with age? “If a man is not a socialist by the time he is 20, he has no heart. If he is not a conservative by 40, he has no brain.” — Winston Churchill Why is fake news so persistent? It follows the same rule as bad customer service—the reputation sticks. On fake news, consider Isaiah Berlin and Friedrich Hayek , knights of classical liberalism. Maybe that’s why Trump won—elites don’t put food on the table. Liberalism and the Pursuit of Happiness The root of fascism, communism, and all totalitarian ideologies lies in the naïve belief that there is only one correct way to live and that intellectuals can determine it with the certainty of natural sciences. Liberalism, by contrast, does not prescribe a singular way of life and this is its strength. It enables individuals with diverse beliefs, goals, and ambitions to coexist. This principle is embodied in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the “pursuit of happiness”—a pursuit meant for individuals to discover, not for the state to dictate. This is the core belief of liberalism. With the Pope absent from climate advocacy, perhaps churches can fill the role . Whether lawyers act out of conviction or cash is debatable, but climate lawfare is on the rise. Are we heading back to gladiator justice—only with no one to fight? The public trust doctrine had little to do with environmental law until the 1970s, when Joseph Sax argued it could support lawsuits to defend public resources. Are law firms above the law ? Consider the government’s action against Perkins Coie , blocked by Judge Beryl Howell , an Obama appointee. Will we ever find answers to the big questions—like assassination attempts? President Trump’s executive order against Perkins Coie was ruled unconstitutional and retaliatory. It cannot be enforced. This ruling marks the biggest legal setback in Trump’s campaign against firms representing his political adversaries— many of which challenged the order in court . It’s all in the family. Once lawyers secure a case , the food chain never ends. Knowing the system matters—justice is second. And sometimes the lawyers themselves become the story. Abbe Lowell’s communications were ruled outside attorney-client privilege in a 2020 opinion by Judge Howell. The reason: potential evidence of crimes and involvement of non-lawyer third parties. And finally, on tariffs: if your population can’t afford the goods they produce, your export model collapses. Without a home market , tariffs eventually hit hard. Two years from now, Democrats may still hate DJT—but maybe they'll admit he saw it coming.

U.S. News – May 2025: Could American Education & Athletics benefit from the Integration of Apprenticeships and Academys?

May 7, 2025
The betrayal of the American school system is evident when education becomes a secondary priority—supplanted by sports and social wellbeing. While some countries prioritize STEM in their education systems, the U.S. seems increasingly focused on “alternative” social issues. The value system now places lawyers, judges, and welfare programs front and center—paving the way for more lawfare, entertainment, and injustice dressed as justice. Yes, football players generate revenue , but so do scientists and engineers. Imagine if every ambulance chaser became an engineer designing fault-proof devices—the only downside? An hourly rate of $50 versus $250–$1500. Where is Congress in setting the tone? Nearly all members are lawyers. And while student loan debt exceeds $2.8 billion , we’re still debating whether to pay a third-grade volunteer assistant coach. It’s legal insanity. Next up? Pool, pickleball, darts, and cricket just to earn a buck. Maybe we should only have Division I colleges—and let sports fund all education. That, of course, would be a myth for the ACLU . Claudia Wilken is the jurist who will have the final say on the pending $2.8 billion settlement of a class-action lawsuit that is set to end the NCAA’s decades-old rules that have prohibited players from getting paid. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of college sports rests on her decision. The deal Wilken is scrutinizing would award back pay to thousands of athletes, while allowing schools for the first time to pay their athletes directly from the billions of dollars they help generate. For an NCAA that had long sold the public on unpaid amateurs as central to the appeal of college sports, it is an earthquake. To athletes, it’s a revelation. European countries with apprenticeship systems educate roughly 60% of their college-age population. Even China implemented apprenticeships to address labor skill gaps. Meanwhile, the U.S. nurtures a college-for-everyone model, wasting millions for the profit of lenders and sports leagues that draft “free” talent. Sports are not an academic curriculum. The education and sports industries must be separated—eliminating the need to “draft” students to fill classrooms. The NFL could easily run junior leagues with the money colleges spend on coaches . Adopting apprenticeship programs in the U.S. would have clear benefits. But what happens to colleges that lose 60% of their students? And where does that leave the millions glued to TVs each March and fall? Education versus entertainment. With only 0.1% of college players turning pro, what happens to the 99.9% after graduation? Watching from the couch? In much of the world , especially in soccer, elite athletes are developed from a young age by professional clubs—not schools. Take Alan Carleton , as an example of how the system could succeed in the US.. The summer before his junior year, he became the first “homegrown” player to sign with Atlanta United FC in Major League Soccer. Atlanta United’s owner, Arthur Blank—who also owns the Atlanta Falcons—picked up Carleton from his Powder Springs, GA home in a Mercedes-Benz van to take him to a signing ceremony at The Varsity, a local Atlanta diner. Is it time for the U.S. to adopt a European-style model where pro clubs develop athletes and schools focus solely on academics? Another cultural debate making waves is the missed opportunity of not following seahorses in the sexual evolution cycle. Today, anything outside of “gender neutral” is treated as scientific radicalism. Gender ideology debates rage on, while perhaps Elon Musk has a solution he’d never use. Like it or not, we are male and female. Clothes and cosmetics don’t change biology. Feelings— no matter how intense —aren’t science. Ask Meta AI , or just be yourself—and be tolerant in both directions. But that's not their only oddity. Seahorses swim vertically, lack pelvic fins, have bony plates over their bodies, and move their eyeballs independently. Perhaps most distinctively, the males carry babies and give birth to them instead of females.

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Generational divide - The Democrats dilemma

April 22, 2025
Generational divide, ideological alliance —the Democrats' dilemma. In the search for a new leader, Bernie Sanders with AOC may appear as the perfect ideological duo—but will their platform ever become mainstream? Probably not. Oligarchs exist on both sides of the political aisle—some overt, others working as lobbyists or influencers. George Clooney could be an intriguing candidate; he arguably has as much intellect as Joe Biden and could deliver a performance on par with Volodymyr Zelensky. Maybe someone will convince him. After all, Ronald Reagan became a great president. Clooney’s favorite, Wes Moore , could be the first president from Maryland—and that may be enough for Democrats. This thought is permeated by the fact that his wife, Amal Clooney, is a British-Lebanese activist who specializes in international law and human rights. She's known for representing high-profile clients like former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. She's also advocated for causes like the release of Al Jazeera journalists and the return of the Elgin Marbles. February 21, 2025: George didn’t think he’d have “much of a chance” with Amal when they first met. In an interview with The New York Times , Clooney said he didn’t expect Amal to be interested because of their age gap. “Then I didn’t really think I’d have much of a chance with her because I was 17 years older and she seemed to have everything she needed,” he said. He also admitted he wasn’t initially “in the market for being a dad,” but that quickly changed. “Then I met Amal, and we fell in love. I have to say that, after that, everything made sense,” he said. Then there's the infighting and wishful thinking. Take your pick. Maybe Thom Hartmann should run in 2028—he certainly offers the kind of fantasy-based commentary needed to stir debate. He’s from Grand Rapids, a town devastated by outsourcing to China. He could have starred in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” but instead, Amway revitalized the area, and now, the city is back on its feet. It’s time to retire some dinosaurs from Congress. Pelosi, Schumer, McConnell—their visibility is fading. While the rallying cry is to “save democracy,” what we often get is lawfare, not leadership. From immigration to budget battles, ideology seems to drive opinion polls more than solutions. The opposition seems more focused on ensuring the administration fails, just to say “I told you so.” Take tariffs —there’s a case to be made, but it requires action. Instead, it’s easier to redefine economics to fit a narrative or litigate the issue endlessly. The 50501 movement claims to speak for the people , but it dismisses the outcome of November 2024 and the agenda voters elected. Overall, the median age of House Democrats is 57.6, while House Republicans average 57.5. In the Senate, the median age of Democrats is 66.0, slightly higher than Republicans at 64.5. According to the Congressional Research Service, 170 House members and 60 Senators are lawyers. Out of 535 total legislators, lawyers make up 43% of Congress—60% of the Senate, and 37.2% of the House. There are 81 Republican lawyers and 123 Democrat lawyers who list "lawyer" as their profession. Some may also hold law degrees but work in other roles, such as doctor, industrialist, teacher, or real estate agent or broker. The medical and real estate professions are also strongly represented in Congress.
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