economy
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What’s Trump thinking? People are barely getting by after COVID, and now with these tariffs? This just makes things worse.
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“It all amounted to a dramatic move that, if it holds, could reorient the global trading system. It also represents the climax of Trump’s decades-long focus on tariffs and unfair trading relationship that he says led to America being ripped off.”
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Federal Taxes
Long-term capital gains tax rates (2025):
- 0% for income up to $44,625 (single filer).
- 15% for income between $44,626 and $492,300.
California State Taxes
California does not have a separate tax rate for capital gains; they’re taxed as regular income.
2025 California income tax brackets (estimated, based on recent years):
- For income up to $10,099 (single filer), the tax rate is 1%.
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Universal literacy was supposed to educate the common man to control his environment. Once he could read and write he would have a mind fit to rule. So ran the democratic doctrine. But instead of a mind, universal literacy has given him rubber stamps, rubber stamps inked with advertising slogans, with editorials, with published scientific data, with the trivialities of the tabloids and the platitudes of history, but quite innocent of original thought. Each man’s rubber stamps are the duplicates of millions of others, so that when those millions are exposed to the same stimuli, all receive identical imprints. It may seem an exaggeration to say that the American public gets most of its ideas in this wholesale fashion. The mechanism by which ideas are disseminated on a large scale is propaganda, in the broad sense of an organized effort to spread a particular belief or doctrine.
— Edward L. Bernays, Propaganda
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The manifesto written by Theodore John Kaczynski
The manifesto written by Theodore John Kaczynski, titled “Industrial Society and Its Future”, was published in 1995. It consists of 232 paragraphs outlining his critiques of modern technological society, its effects on human freedom, and his views on what could be done to address these issues.
Here’s a broad outline of the manifesto’s main topics:
1. Introduction (Paragraphs 1-6)
- Kaczynski introduces his thesis: The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been disastrous for humanity.
- He sets the foundation for why he believes modern technology erodes freedom and causes widespread psychological suffering.
2. The Power Process (Paragraphs 7-37)
- Explains the concept of the “power process”—a framework of achieving goals and experiencing autonomy in life.
- Argues that industrial society disrupts this natural process because basic needs are too easily met, leading to psychological issues.
- Introduces terms like “surrogate activities” (unnecessary hobbies or pursuits) that people turn to in order to feel purpose.
3. The Problems of Modern Society (Paragraphs 38-76)
- Highlights the growing control of individuals by large systems (e.g., governments, corporations).
- Discusses the impact of technology on human autonomy, nature, and small communities.
- Critiques the loss of personal freedom due to modern societal rules.
4. The Psychology of Leftism (Paragraphs 8-36, 83-120)
- Kaczynski claims that modern “leftism” stems from feelings of inferiority, oversocialization, and a desire for control.
- He argues that leftists often oppose technology in ways that still reinforce technological systems, undermining true revolution.
5. Disruption of Human Behavior (Paragraphs 121-144)
- Explores how technological systems force humans to behave in unnatural ways.
- Asserts that people are manipulated into conformity by bureaucratic systems and societal norms.
6. The Future of Industrial Society (Paragraphs 145-182)
- Predicts two potential outcomes:
- Technology continues to advance, leading to complete control over human behavior and loss of freedom.
- The industrial system collapses, providing an opportunity to rebuild society on a smaller, more natural scale.
- Warns that technological “solutions” to problems often create worse consequences.
7. Strategy for Revolution (Paragraphs 183-232)
- Advocates for the elimination of the technological system rather than reforming it.
- Rejects political reform or violence aimed at small issues; instead, he calls for a comprehensive rejection of industrial society.
- Suggests focusing on spreading anti-technology ideology to prepare for a potential collapse.
Conclusion:
The manifesto concludes with a reiteration of the main point: technology is incompatible with human freedom, and radical action is necessary to dismantle the system.
The full text can be found in archives or historical repositories under its title “Industrial Society and Its Future.”
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China bans export of key minerals to U.S. as trade frictions escalate
“In principle, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” the commerce ministry said.
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The exact multimillion dollar figure the American Dream now costs, according to research
“The financial media site Investopedia has done the math and calculated that achieving those milestones now costs a staggering $4.4 million—over $1 million more than most Americans will make in their lifetime, according to the researcher.”
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The term “New World Order” refers to a hypothetical future global system of governance often discussed in politics and conspiracy theories. It suggests a world where nations cooperate on a global scale, potentially with a single authority or power structure overseeing international affairs, economics, and security. This concept has varying interpretations, from a harmonious global society to a more centralized and controlled world government. It’s a complex and speculative idea, often debated without a clear consensus on its actual form or likelihood.