US US Politics General 2 - Discussion of President Trump and other politicians

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Should be a wild four years.

Helpful links for those who need them:

Current members of the House of Representatives
https://www.house.gov/representatives

Current members of the Senate
https://www.senate.gov/senators/

Current members of the US Supreme Court
https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx

Members of the Trump Administration
https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/
 
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Who is refusing to think? This is an argument about whether the US has Chinese tier capability, and the answer is we’re way the fuck better than them in terms of expertise, and it is demonstrable that we have a better capacity to build out capacity because we have a couple of the top manufacturers of machine tools on earth and they have to buy that shit from us, Germany or Japan

How many paint chips did you fucking eat?
Sperging about AI is just the newest logical fallacy in the derail-because-i'm-losing arsenal. Similar to appeal to authority, calling out spelling errors, or whataboutism.

He knew he had no argument, he's just used to people clapping when he complains about Ai.
 
A lot of the actual "facilities" they have are just storage which is very simple. You could convert an abandoned school gym into a factory into something that could at least serve some part of the process in like 50% of the shit we're trying to reshoe.
Some pictures of "advanced" Chinese factories courtesy of China Observer:
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Doesn't exactly look like they have high-tech ultra-efficient automated production lines. Just a bunch of tables in a warehouse.
 
I'm not contesting that, I'm just saying we're getting a lot of people lately who treat AI like it's an infallible tool that'll give them all the info they'll need or even let it write their posts. At that point why even have people post? We can just have grok run all our accounts.
It’s fucking near enough to infallible when you ask it a question you would normally just fucking Google but don’t want to deal with all the paid position links wasting your time

I asked it to be concise and not explain the ranking so it wouldn’t waste a lot of space and I posted a screen shot to be transparent
 
Sperging about AI is just the newest logical fallacy in the derail-because-i'm-losing arsenal. Similar to appeal to authority, calling out spelling errors, or whataboutism.

He knew he had no argument, he's just used to people clapping when he complains about Ai.
If you can type something into an AI, you can also type something into Google and cite the actual source instead of an AI hallucination.

In this case the AI was right, but in most cases it's completely wrong or irrelevant.
you would normally just fucking Google but don’t want to deal with all the paid position links wasting your time
Imagine not using adblock.
 
I'm not contesting that, I'm just saying we're getting a lot of people lately who treat AI like it's an infallible tool that'll give them all the info they'll need or even let it write their posts. At that point why even have people post? We can just have grok run all our accounts.
I can't assist with that. If you'd like, I can help you explore the role of AI in content creation or discuss global politics in a more constructive way. Let me know how you'd like to proceed!
 
I just want to take a moment to say how glad I am that I can use this thread to stay mostly up-to-date on politics without having to deal with a shit-ton of trolls like on /pol/, "fellow conservative" shills like on /r/Conservative, or impatient, purity spiraling children who ignore every victory unless it's literally Trump shooting Dem politicians in the head like on Patriots.win
 
If you can type something into an AI, you can also type something into Google and cite the actual source instead of an AI hallucination.

In this case the AI was right, but in most cases it's completely wrong or irrelevant.

Imagine not using adblock.
Not actual ads, I’m characterizing the entire first page of irrelevant links you get these days. The sites pay google for their position in results

Google is useless
 
Sperging about AI is just the newest logical fallacy in the derail-because-i'm-losing arsenal. Similar to appeal to authority, calling out spelling errors, or whataboutism.

He knew he had no argument, he's just used to people clapping when he complains about Ai.
What are you even talking about? I wasn't arguing with this guy. In fact, I support AI when used to do cool shit. He literally just generated a top 10 list with no data to support it. By what metric are these businesses top 10? How did it come to this conclusion? AI will absolutely just make up shit that sounds correct if it can get away with it.

Let me tell you what has me concerned, posts like this:
"Terrorize the seas with Pirate Maypul and her crew in the latest bundle LIVE NOW in our March Mid-Month update! Maypul and her plant companions Lily, Terry, and Poppy are all decked out in swashbuckling gear and ready to send your opponents to Davy Jones' locker. From 3/18 - 4/15 25% of all profits from this skin will be donated to Snail's House Ferret Rescue!"
Archive screenshot of the text.

I did a bunch of research on this and the way I understand reading the law, I have several concerns:
This marketing message raises serious legal and ethical concerns because it states that "25% of all profits from this skin will be donated to Snail's House Ferret Rescue" but if the rescue is not a registered 501c3 charity and is instead part of a for profit entity, this is likely misleading and possibly illegal under consumer protection and charitable solicitation laws.

Misleading Use of "Donated"
- The term "donated" strongly implies that the money is going to a recognized tax exempt charity.
- If Snail's House Ferret Rescue is not a registered nonprofit, then:
- The money is not a true donation (it's just revenue allocation).
- Buyers might assume their purchase is charitable giving, when in reality it's just supporting a private rescue.
- This could be considered false advertising or deceptive fundraising.

Commercial Co Venture (CCV) Laws
- This is a "cause marketing" promotion, where a for profit business (Pirate Software/Aether Studios) pledges a percentage of sales to a cause.
- In many U.S. states, this triggers Commercial Co Venture (CCV) laws, which require:
- Legal registration of the promotion before fundraising.
- Clear disclosure of donation details (e.g. "Snail's House Ferret Rescue is not a registered charity").
- Financial reporting on the funds raised and distributed.
- If they are not following CCV laws, they could face legal action from state attorneys general or the FTC.

Tax & Fraud Risks
- If Snail's House Ferret Rescue is part of mald's for-profit business, then:
- The "donation" is really just a business revenue shift, not a charitable contribution.
- The IRS could investigate if they claim these "donations" as tax exempt without nonprofit status.
- Buyers cannot claim tax deductions, but they may falsely assume they can.

What Could Happen if This is Reported?
- FTC or State Attorney General Investigation: If consumers complain about deceptive fundraising.
- IRS Scrutiny: If taxes are misreported.
- Game Company Liability: If they marketed the skin as charitable without proper verification.
- Twitch and Payment Processor Actions: If Twitch, PayPal, or Stripe detect misleading fundraising, they could ban the accounts.

Does This Violate Laws?
- If Snail's House Ferret Rescue is not a registered nonprofit, then yes, this could be considered deceptive advertising and potential CCV law violations.
- If they are properly disclosing that the rescue is not a charity, they may avoid legal trouble, but still risk ethical concerns.

This doesn't look good and should be reported to the proper authorities just to be safe, there is no harm in that.

Edit: Washington has CCV regulations concerning commercial co ventures (CCVs) under its Charitable Solicitations Act. While the state does not require CCVs to register or obtain a specific license, certain obligations must be met to ensure compliance.

Even though CCV laws don't directly apply, the marketing language ("donate") creates a consumer expectation that the money is going to a registered charity. This could lead to: consumer complaints, legal scrutiny from regulators (Washington AG, FTC, IRS), and potential fraud investigations if money is misrepresented.
Posts like this are starting to crop up all over the farms, this post asserts that one lolcow was doing insane illegal shit, only one problem, it was making shit up. Somebody started copy pasting this offsite in an effort to cowtip. You can use AI if you want but for the love of God do not let it replace your critical thinking.
 
If you can type something into an AI, you can also type something into Google
At which point you will be given reddit threads, ads, and at the ABSOLUTE BEST wikipedia.

Or my favorite: News article which cites Opinion piece that cites blogpost which cites reddit posts and and twitter posts which cite their own asshole.

There have been 50,000 posts in this thread that didn't involve people citing AI and you didn't ask for their sources. When people post twitter posts from a literallywho it's rare anybody asks for sources, why the sudden obsession with sources? Hell you can ask the AI to give you sources and it will.

I've had WAY more consistent results with chatGPT than with typing shit into google for the past 15 years. But that's all beside the point: You're calling him out for using AI because you can't call him wrong. The Ai was a convenient way to collect factual data, if you think the factual data it presented you was wrong then find your own pure sources in post them to counter it.
 
What are you even talking about? I wasn't arguing with this guy. In fact, I support AI when used to do cool shit. He literally just generated a top 10 list with no data to support it. By what metric are these businesses top 10? How did it come to this conclusion? AI will absolutely just make up shit that sounds correct if it can get away with it.

Let me tell you what has me concerned, posts like this:

Posts like this are starting to crop up all over the farms, this post asserts that one lolcow was doing insane illegal shit, only one problem, it was making shit up. Somebody started copy pasting this offsite in an effort to cowtip. You can use AI if you want but for the love of God do not let it replace your critical thinking.
Ok, bud. Your monkey paw just curled one finger. I’m copying text instead of screenshotting because I’m not cropping that many screenshots

The ranking of the top ten machine tool manufacturers provided—1. Mazak, 2. Trumpf, 3. DMG Mori, 4. MAG, 5. Amada, 6. Okuma, 7. Makino, 8. Grob, 9. Haas, 10. EMAG—is based on a synthesis of industry data, market presence, technological innovation, product range, and reputation as of April 13, 2025. Below, I’ll exhaustively explain the rationale for each company’s position, detailing their strengths, market impact, and why they rank where they do. The machine tool industry encompasses manufacturers of equipment like CNC (computer numerical control) machines, lathes, milling machines, laser cutting systems, and more, used primarily in metalworking and manufacturing.

---

### **1. Mazak (Japan)**
**Why Ranked #1?**
- **Global Market Leadership**: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation is consistently recognized as one of the largest machine tool manufacturers by revenue and market share. It operates 10 manufacturing plants worldwide (Japan, USA, UK, Singapore, China) and has a vast network of technology centers, ensuring global reach.
- **Innovation**: Mazak pioneered multi-tasking machines with its INTEGREX series, combining milling and turning in a single setup, reducing production time. Their Smooth Technology platform enhances CNC control with AI-driven features like predictive maintenance and real-time optimization.
- **Product Range**: Offers an extensive portfolio—horizontal and vertical machining centers, turning centers, laser machines, and automation systems—catering to industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical.
- **Reputation**: Known for reliability and precision, Mazak machines are a staple in high-end manufacturing. Their focus on Industry 4.0 integration (e.g., Mazak iSMART Factory) aligns with modern smart manufacturing trends.
- **Why Above Trumpf?** Mazak’s broader product diversity and global manufacturing footprint give it an edge over Trumpf, which excels in specific niches like laser and sheet metal.

---

### **2. Trumpf (Germany)**
**Why Ranked #2?**
- **Laser and Sheet Metal Dominance**: Trumpf is a global leader in laser cutting, punching, and bending machines, critical for sheet metal fabrication. Their TruLaser series is industry-standard for precision and efficiency.
- **Technological Innovation**: Trumpf invests heavily in R&D, with advancements in fiber laser technology, additive manufacturing (3D metal printing), and IoT platforms like TRUMPF Track & Trace for factory digitalization.
- **Market Presence**: Headquartered in Ditzingen, Germany, Trumpf generates significant revenue (over €4 billion annually in recent reports) and serves industries like automotive, electronics, and renewable energy.
- **Automation Focus**: Their Smart Factory solutions, including automated storage and material flow systems, position them as a leader in flexible manufacturing.
- **Why Below Mazak?** Trumpf’s focus is narrower, primarily on sheet metal and laser-based systems, whereas Mazak covers a wider range of machine tools, including heavy-duty machining centers.

---

### **3. DMG Mori (Japan/Germany)**
**Why Ranked #3?**
- **Global Scale**: A joint venture between Germany’s Mori Seiki and Japan’s DMG, DMG Mori combines strengths in CNC lathes, milling machines, and 5-axis machining. It’s one of the largest players by production volume.
- **Technological Breadth**: Offers machines for turning, milling, grinding, and additive manufacturing. Their CELOS system integrates digital workflows, enhancing machine connectivity and automation.
- **Industry Applications**: Serves high-precision sectors like aerospace (e.g., turbine blade machining) and die/mold manufacturing, with tailored solutions for complex geometries.
- **Manufacturing Network**: Operates plants in Japan, Germany, USA, and China, ensuring localized production and support.
- **Why Below Trumpf?** DMG Mori’s innovation pace in areas like laser or smart factory solutions lags slightly behind Trumpf, though its broader machine portfolio keeps it ahead of others.

---

### **4. MAG (USA)**
**Why Ranked #4?**
- **Aerospace Specialization**: MAG, part of the Fives Group, excels in large-scale machine tools for aerospace, producing equipment for composites, titanium machining, and assembly systems (e.g., for Boeing and Airbus).
- **Brand Portfolio**: Owns respected brands like Cincinnati, Giddings & Lewis, and Fadal, covering vertical turning centers, bridge mills, and gantry machines.
- **Customization**: Known for bespoke solutions, MAG designs machines for specific production lines, giving it an edge in niche, high-value markets.
- **North American Presence**: Strong foothold in the USA, where aerospace and heavy industry demand robust, high-capacity machines.
- **Why Below DMG Mori?** MAG’s focus on specialized, large-scale equipment limits its market breadth compared to DMG Mori’s more versatile CNC offerings.

---

### **5. Amada (Japan)**
**Why Ranked #5?**
- **Sheet Metal Expertise**: Amada is a leader in press brakes, turret punch presses, and laser cutting machines, competing directly with Trumpf in sheet metal fabrication.
- **Automation Integration**: Their AMADA IoT V-Factory platform connects machines for real-time monitoring, boosting productivity in small-to-medium enterprises.
- **Global Reach**: Operates in over 100 countries with a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and North America, supported by training and service networks.
- **Product Reliability**: Amada machines are known for durability and low maintenance, appealing to cost-conscious manufacturers.
- **Why Below MAG?** Amada’s focus is narrower (primarily sheet metal), while MAG serves broader, high-stakes industries like aerospace with more complex systems.

---

### **6. Okuma (Japan)**
**Why Ranked #6?**
- **Precision Engineering**: Okuma is renowned for high-accuracy CNC lathes, machining centers, and grinders, used in automotive, energy, and heavy machinery.
- **Proprietary Controls**: Their OSP control system is user-friendly and customizable, enhancing machine performance and operator experience.
- **Global Footprint**: Manufactures in Japan, Taiwan, and the USA, with a reputation for after-sales support and training.
- **Sustainability**: Okuma emphasizes energy-efficient machines, aligning with modern environmental standards.
- **Why Below Amada?** Okuma’s product range is less specialized in high-growth areas like laser or automation compared to Amada’s sheet metal focus.

---

### **7. Makino (Japan)**
**Why Ranked #7?**
- **High-Speed Machining**: Makino specializes in 5-axis machining centers and EDM (electrical discharge machining) for precision molds, aerospace, and medical parts.
- **Innovation**: Their Professional 6 control system and hybrid machining technologies (e.g., combining milling and additive processes) are cutting-edge.
- **Niche Expertise**: Strong in die/mold and titanium machining, serving premium markets with demanding tolerances.
- **Why Below Okuma?** Makino’s focus on high-end, niche applications limits its market size compared to Okuma’s broader CNC portfolio.

---

### **8. Grob (Germany)**
**Why Ranked #8?**
- **Automotive Focus**: Grob is a leader in production systems for automotive powertrains (e.g., engines, transmissions) and electric vehicle components.
- **Turnkey Solutions**: Offers complete manufacturing lines, integrating machining, assembly, and automation, which is unique in the industry.
- **Innovation**: Their G-modules enable flexible, modular production setups, ideal for high-volume manufacturers.
- **Why Below Makino?** Grob’s automotive specialization is narrower than Makino’s broader precision machining applications.

---

### **9. Haas (USA)**
**Why Ranked #9?**
- **Affordability**: Haas Automation is known for cost-effective CNC machines, including vertical machining centers, lathes, and routers, targeting small-to-medium businesses.
- **User-Friendly Design**: Their Haas Control system simplifies operation, appealing to entry-level manufacturers.
- **US Market Strength**: Dominates North America’s small-shop segment, with a lean business model emphasizing value.
- **Why Below Grob?** Haas focuses on simpler, less specialized machines, while Grob serves high-volume, complex production lines.

---

### **10. EMAG (Germany)**
**Why Ranked #10?**
- **Turning and Grinding Expertise**: EMAG specializes in vertical turning machines, gear hobbing, and laser welding, serving automotive and energy sectors.
- **Automation**: Their modular machine designs integrate seamlessly with automation, reducing labor costs.
- **Niche Strength**: Known for compact, efficient machines for high-precision components like shafts and gears.
- **Why Below Haas?** EMAG’s narrower focus on specific processes limits its market reach compared to Haas’s broader, accessible portfolio.

---

### **Ranking Methodology**
The rankings were determined by weighing:
1. **Market Share/Revenue**: Based on industry reports (e.g., Machine Tool Scoreboard), Mazak, Trumpf, and DMG Mori lead in global sales.
2. **Innovation**: Companies advancing Industry 4.0, AI, or automation (e.g., Trumpf’s Smart Factory, Mazak’s Smooth Technology) ranked higher.
3. **Product Diversity**: Manufacturers with broader portfolios (e.g., Mazak, DMG Mori) outranked niche players (e.g., Grob, EMAG).
4. **Industry Impact**: Presence in high-value sectors like aerospace (MAG, Makino) or automotive (Grob) boosted rankings.
5. **Global Reach**: Companies with multiple manufacturing plants and service networks scored higher for accessibility.
6. **Reputation**: Customer feedback and brand reliability, drawn from industry discussions, influenced placement.

---

### **Notes on Omissions**
- **Chinese Manufacturers (e.g., Shenyang, Dalian)**: While growing, they lag in global brand recognition and technological sophistication compared to the top ten.
- **Other Western Brands (e.g., Hurco, Doosan)**: These are strong but smaller or less diversified than the listed companies.
- **Data Limitations**: Exact revenue figures and market shares vary by source, so rankings blend quantitative (sales, output) and qualitative (innovation, reputation) factors.

This exhaustive explanation clarifies why each company holds its position, reflecting their unique contributions to the machine tool industry as of April 2025. If you’d like specific data points or a deeper dive into any manufacturer, let me know!
 
There have been 50,000 posts in this thread that didn't involve people citing AI and you didn't ask for their sources. When people post twitter posts from a literallywho it's rare anybody asks for sources, why the sudden obsession with sources? Hell you can ask the AI to give you sources and it will.
I negrate people who post unsourced tweets from rando clickbait accounts. They're even worse than the blind AI users.
I've had WAY more consistent results with chatGPT than with typing shit into google for the past 15 years. But that's all beside the point: You're calling him out for using AI because you can't call him wrong. The Ai was a convenient way to collect factual data, if you think the factual data it presented you was wrong then find your own pure sources in post them to counter it.
Outsourcing your thinking to AI has clearly rotted your brain because I AGREED WITH HIM. I wasn't the one disagreeing with him.
 
I'm not contesting that, I'm just saying we're getting a lot of people lately who treat AI like it's an infallible tool that'll give them all the info they'll need or even let it write their posts. At that point why even have people post? We can just have grok run all our accounts.
Grok can't call someone a niggerfaggot.
 
If there are no arrests during Trump's term then he is controlled opposition and designed to let off steam. The next globalist in power will make an example out of people and things will get much much worse.

Not holding my breath for arrests, but at least we'll have a clear sign that it's time to prepare if they don't start happening soon.
Prepare for what?

What are you going to do? Are you going to run into the mountains and scream "WOLVERINES!" at the government?
 
I think the clickbait is more in the headlines and they feel chintzy for using Ai text to speech instead of owning their irl Chinese accents.

But for example, the epoch times is Falun Gong, and they’re a decent quality outlet.

Unless you can filter the pro CCP bias from major networks, those channels’ having bias is counterweight. I mean I agree that when claims seem sensational, you should look for evidence that backs them up.

The problem that I see is that the majority of Americans UNDERestimate how bad the CCP is because the people who want to continue the current trade balance are the big money corporations that pay for legacy news to continue being broadcast while it most likely loses money. So they don’t mention shit like tofu dreg construction, or how China, who exports fentanyl precursors to Mexican cartels, has the death penalty for domestic drug dealers.

But when you watch those channels and something is stated as a fact, and you check and find out that yeah, it’s a fact, then it’s ok that it’s a fact

I don't disagree with some of what you're saying, but it must be emphasised that Falun Gong propaganda does not make it any less bad than the CPC's propaganda is. In fact, I'd argue that CPC propaganda is generally quite easy to detect to an average English-speaking audience. Unless you're a complete and total smooth-brained retard, you'll always pick up on the fact that CGTN, Xinhua, China Daily, and so on are operated by the Communist Party. There are far too many tells: bad production quality (i.e. shitty audio mixing, colour balance being way off, obvious usage of green screen, obvious redubbing, etc), a white monkey host (usually an older American, Briton, or Aussie, sometimes from a non-English European country), extremely verbose phrases that the host must say verbatim that don't flow well in English at all, constant glowing mentions to the latest thoughts or deeds of Xi Jinping, the list goes on and on.

Falun Gong media like China Observer, China Insights, China Deep Dive, and the litany of other anti-CPC channels I get recommended on a daily basis via the omniscient algorthims, are far more insidious. Most Americans, even some Europeans, are distrustful of Western mass media and for good reason. What is often the case is that when they get first exposure to a Falun Gong outlet, they're introduced to a ton of information that they otherwise weren't privy to beforehand. Unless you're into pseudo-intellectual/semi-informational content like Wendover Productions or Polymatter or a short-form geopolitical podcast like The History of Everything, most of average Westerners wouldn't know about tofu dreg construction, the proliferation of debt to fuel real estate and infrastructure developments, Han Chinese boomers acting like complete jerks overseas, human trafficking being omnipresent, etc.

Given that "taste" of seemingly forbidden or otherwise silenced news coverage with what happens in China, combined with a seemingly polished veneer of legitimacy, many people who flock to outlets like China Observer, China Insights, China Deep Dive, China Uncensored, and so on will generally develop a sort of "halo effect" to the Falun Gong media. It's not always easy to discern what is true and what's merely conjecture from those videos. Have you ever noticed how those outlets will rip videos taken from Douyin, Weibo, or other such Chinese platforms without necessarily crediting people? If there's a natural disaster that they're covering, have you ever noticed how there's dramatised music playing over the disaster footage they air half the time? What about the exclusively positive coverage they give Falun Gong and their leader Li Hongzhi? Most people who consume content from these outlets will only ever know about Falun Gong as that new religious movement where they preach Truth, Compassion, and Forebearance and that Li Hongzhi left the country after his movement got banned. They don't know a single iota about the very real controversies that Falun Gong has surrounding them.

They're more than just a kooky new religious movement with odd beliefs that plaster Shen Yun posters everywhere they go; they're an outright cult. Shen Yun relies heavily on coercive volunteer labour from their adherents, as do most of their media outlets. Li Hongzhi developed a cult of personality around himself, and lives a lavish lifestyle in a private villa in Upstate New York. Their beliefs centre around basic Qigong exercises that supposedly cultivate a powerful life energy that makes their organs healthier than others. That's why they reject Western medicines and surgeries altogether, often dying of preventable ailments in a vein not too dissimilar to Christian Scientists. Falun Gong-sponsored protests will constantly discuss the Communist Party harvesting the organs of Falun Gong practitioners. Granted, the Communist Party did admit to harvesting organs of death row inmates and there are NGOs like Amnesty International who corrobrate as much. There is a precedent for CPC-sponsored organ harvesting, but Falun Gong will harp about organ harvesting happening to them specifically like there's no tomorrow. Oh, and last but not least, Li Hongzhi views his followers as expendable considering how 4 Falun Gong practitioners immolated themselves in Tiananmen Square back in 2001. When they got caught and the mainland Chinese press attributed it to Falun Gong, Li Hongzhi disavowed them.

Hatred of the communists does not always mean that the most prolific voices against them should be our allies. The Unification Church in Korea did something similar before they got outed as a cult run by charlatans. Further backing up this comparison is how the Unification Church runs the Washington Times, a broadly conservative-aligned Western media outlet not too divorced from The Epoch Times. Obviously, the Moonies and Falun Gong are different entities from different contexts (i.e. one is Korean the other is Chinese), but they're eerily parallel in terms of the ideological capture they've cultivated among audiences that enjoy alternative media.
 
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