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Joined 3 years ago
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Cake day: July 8th, 2023

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  • The whole “end of free speech” issue comes not so much from the government sensor really (that’s still firmly restricted by the first amendment) but from companies themselves banning any content or accounts that might get them sued.

    Really? The early major moves (so stupidly transparent and to reinforce the concern and urgency) was to go after Facebook who agreed to appoint a government representative to their board. Which is unprecedented except in state-controlled entities. Threats have been made and lawsuits filed by Trump personally or his new attack dog the “DOJ” against most major media organizations including those who produce content and/or control distribution and algorithms. Many of the orgs have paid “fines” or tributes to the government in power to remain in favor and altered their content, presentation and/or coverage. This is naked violation of freedom of speech and press.

    Back to the point: if enormous and otherwise powerful companies so easily fold–in a matter of months into an administration–there is no “independence” and government censor is hardly theoretical as you would present it, but already in place, and as such puts who defines “dangerous” in an unsustainably temptingly powerful position ripe for future abuse. This is existentially concerning no matter your political stripes as it’s the end of the political experiment that was the US.





  • Unlike say Google? Why is there an expectation that a group working completely against some of the most powerful actors on the planet, openly, against the grain of mainstream society often and having to bear that responsibility would be charming, at ease?

    I cannot even begin to imagine the mental stress from constantly having to think ahead, in a global David and Goliath, in a maze designed to get you to give up. I probably have half the issues the GOS team does and I can’t claim it’s for doing anything on the scale of what they are.





  • Sleep soundly, for a while. 10 years ago it wouldn’t have even been worth joking about. Then you look at what car companies have done in the last decade, what Google and Apple have done, what Musk and Thiel have been doing just in the last 11 months, what Amazon and Ring have done, what police forces and Flock have been doing the last few years, what ICE is doing, you’re fooling yourself if you think there are upper limits on the desire for control.

    It could probably be obtained much for easily with verified biometricID to enter/purchase something, which could be done much more simply than the shit plot above.



  • Is there anything to stop the next Shitantir(Palantir) from lobbying and then having this embedded into construction code, etc.? Look at all these small towns waking up to find ICE is accessing their traffic cameras and so are vigilante Texas sheriff’s who don’t think women should have abortions…the point being if it can be done, and the wrong people are in power and those systems are designed to be edit the wealthy and powerful, it is just a matter of doing nothing and it will happen.



  • I’ve never been in a single accident and drive a basic compact sedan I bought new off the lot 10 years ago. I could buy it used today, with current mileage for about the same price I paid new. I’ve paid about half the initial purchase price in insurance premiums.

    Being a good driver sucks, but it’s kind of like healthcare where…wait a minute I’m healthy and getting fucked there too. As I age I’m going to street race and try to gain as much weight as I can.