Caveat: His opinions are not necessarily mine. I posted because I found it interesting.
This article is probably not what you expect. For those interested in U. S. politics this guy is all over the map. I posted it here because he presents an interesting viewpoint in a well documented way.
75 sats \ 17 replies \ @Undisciplined 31 May
Did you comment on the weird jury instructions anywhere?
I'd love to hear your take, because this trial seems really bizarre to many of us.
Why doesn't presumption of innocence protect you in this situation? How can you be guilty of doing something in furtherance of a crime, when you haven't been convicted of that crime?
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1139 sats \ 15 replies \ @siggy47 OP 31 May
I haven't dug too deeply into this trial so what I'm saying is superficial. I spent most of my career trying criminal cases in NY. The jury instructions are never given to the jury. It's ridiculous. Then the jury understandably asks for readbacks, which can waste hours of court time. You can't put that on the judge.
Regarding the prosecution overall, the case shouldn't have been brought, since it's my understanding that the NY election interference charges were predicated on federal crimes, which should not have been prosecuted in a state court. Once being presented with the indictment, the judge should have dismissed it pre trial. The rest was a dog and pony show. The conviction will be overturned in appeal.
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64 sats \ 5 replies \ @Undisciplined 31 May
What about the jury instruction that the jurors did not have to agree on what the underlying crime was?
Honestly, I can see the logic of that instruction, but a lot of people are reacting strongly against it.
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79 sats \ 4 replies \ @siggy47 OP 31 May
Since it serves as the underlying charge for another crime, they only need to agree a crime took place, not specific versions of the event. So, the instruction wasn't wrong ON THAT LEVEL. But, the underlying crimes were federal, not state, so a state jury should not have been deciding them in the first place.
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74 sats \ 3 replies \ @Undisciplined 31 May
Why doesn't there have to be a conviction for the underlying crimes, though?
This seems like a glaring violation of due process.
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89 sats \ 2 replies \ @siggy47 OP 31 May
Generally speaking, there has to be a unanimous verdict finding guilt of a particular crime beyond a reasonable doubt. All the jurors don't have to agree on what the underlying facts are that constituted that crime. I haven't paid attention to this case. How did the instructions differ from this general principle?
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74 sats \ 1 reply \ @Undisciplined 31 May
I haven't followed it all that closely either, but the escalation to a felony charge is predicated on there being an underlying crime and Trump has never been convicted of any of the potential underlying crimes.
It just seems to me like you would have to be convicted of a particular crime in order for it to serve as a predicate for that escalation.
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62 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 31 May
I'll have to research that. NY enhancement statutes have some weird, constitutionally dubious provisions, if I recall. Hate crime laws were particularly bad.
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54 sats \ 2 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/httpsnymagcomin-rwIDeM5WQoeaVHEw9uwO.w
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 1 Jun
Yep. It seems accurate
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54 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
Elie Honig works for CNN as a legal analyst
The article is paywall by New York magazine which is one reason I used perplexity AI
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54 sats \ 4 replies \ @Bell_curve 31 May
Why is it illegal to classify payments to lawyers as legal expenses?
Was Trump or his book keeper supposed to write “hush money to porn actress” in his ledger?
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62 sats \ 3 replies \ @siggy47 OP 31 May
That's not illegal. It's really not worth trying to analyze the case point by point. It was complete bullshit. If it's not overturned on appeal this country is in trouble. I'm sure this will spawn equally flimsy cases against Dems in red jurisdictions. Tit for tat.
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84 sats \ 2 replies \ @Undisciplined 31 May
Honestly, I hope it does, but I'm very skeptical that it will. It's not really two parties. It's the rulers and the ruled.
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79 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 31 May
You might be right. I already heard people urging Arkansas to charge Hillary and for a willing state to indict Jim Biden. It will be telling to see if you're right.
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64 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 1 Jun
Nobody's going to touch the Clintons in Arkansas. "Arkancide" isn't a term by accident.
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 31 May
Jury instructions are available to the public but not to the jury in New York.
What is the rationale behind this?
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 31 May
55 pages!!!
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106 sats \ 2 replies \ @0xbitcoiner 31 May
👏 this is the America that I imagine !
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130 sats \ 1 reply \ @Undisciplined 31 May
Citation required
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 31 May
LOL, don't break their hearts. They still believe the lie.
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119 sats \ 4 replies \ @StillStackinAfterAllTheseYears 31 May
Man's so over the map that I can't imagine anyone agreeing either 100% or 0% with him. But in many ways, it's that headline that's the core of things: This conviction (and especially this vs the other crimes Trump's charged with) is a bona fide fundraising bonanza for Trump.
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130 sats \ 3 replies \ @kepford 31 May
I talk to SO MANY people that probably would never support someone like Trump but the other side has made it so obvious how dishonest they are and how determined they are to stop him. Its really quite absurd to witness. His opposition has done a great job alienating people and making him appear sympathetic. Its like they can't help themselves.
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48 sats \ 2 replies \ @StillStackinAfterAllTheseYears 31 May
A running gag my entire life is that the Democratic Party specializes in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, and this seems like another example of it in action.
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49 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford 31 May
What amazes me is how the same narratives are repeated over and over and most people never seem to notice that they are bullshit.
I remember republican friends saying Obama was gonna put people in camps, and not going to leave office. Now the dems are trying to convince us that Trump is going to do the same.
I grew up as a political junkie listening to talk radio and the same crap is just repeated over and over. As I matured I started to see it. I think most people just don't use their brains to critically think about what they are being fed. They never seem to challenge the thoughts or narratives. I don't see it changing. Covid shook many but they don't seem to have learned the lessons they should have. They still seem to fall into the two sides instead of thinking interdependently.
I've come to the conclusion that it is pretty much impossible to break the conditioning of the masses. Most people are not principled. By that I mean they haven't really thought about their principals and convictions. They seem to kinda float. Logical inconsistencies seem to be invisible to them. We will never change that.
This can leave one feeling hopeless but what does seem to work is real solutions. Not ideals. This is why bitcoin is hopeful. You don't need to be convinced ideologically. If it is just a better system it will win. Of course those of us that understand it are critical but we are not going to convert the masses to become anti-state. I think the way forward is for bitcoin to keep the state in check and for the free market to slowly obsolete the state.
People don't use Uber because they understand the way that the cab system works. They use it because it works better. Same will be true for bitcoin. As a savings vehicle first, then a medium of exchange. Its just better. Those that try to stop only own themselves. They don't threaten bitcoin. Only people.
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55 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 31 May
I was so happy when Uber arrived because I hated the taxi cab monopoly and how they made money by charging a leasing fee to the driver
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129 sats \ 9 replies \ @Coinsreporter 31 May
This is the article I've been looking for. I'm a believer in Trump and sitting outside USA, I can say America needs Trump for everything now. Biden has been pathetic in dealing with all things that the article has mentioned.
Thanks for sharing.
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75 sats \ 8 replies \ @kepford 31 May
Trump in many ways is less bad than Biden but he isn't what the nation needs. The nation needs to understand that this system enslaves us. Keeps us in fear and believing the lie that we need rent seekers like Biden and Trump. We do need each other but instead of focusing on controlling others, stealing from others, and using the military to prop up the dollar American's need to live and let live. Focus on innovation. Trump says many good things but based on his prev term he will screw it up. He's a clown. Next to Biden he does look good but that just shows how much of a clown Biden is.
I see the US in the midst of decline. Trump may slow it a bit but honestly I'm not sure that's a good thing. Trump is a false hope for many. They actually believe what he says he will do. Been watching this stuff for most of my life and I've heard it all before. Don't put you hope in these clowns. Bitcoin is hope, not the political system. It will provide a real check on power and abuse.
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0 sats \ 7 replies \ @Coinsreporter 31 May
You may be right but what other options do you have?
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75 sats \ 2 replies \ @kepford 31 May
The truth is for half of my life I voted and was "engaged". The second half I have been the opposite and much happier. From where I sit I see very little change regardless of who is in power in the U.S. Both sides work for the elites. They are more similar than they are different.
You are in another country no? I REALLY don't get why people outside of the US get wrapped up in US politics. I'm not trying to be mean but many years ago I realized that the media profits off of getting everyone all worked up. Its a form of mind control. I stopped following the news. I never read it. I never watch it. Others tell me about it so I can't escape it. I don't get stressed about politics anymore. The politicians really feed off of fear and its the only tool they have left. They have run out of ideas long ago. Now its all about stopping the other guy. Preventing some dark future. Its not about a bright future. Its about controlling others. I reject that. Don't want to be about that.
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55 sats \ 1 reply \ @Coinsreporter 31 May
I like your perspective.
I get wrapped up in US politics not because of media but because of my personal interest in a great democracy with libertarian values. I also don't read an watch news. And, for my/your country and for all the world, I can surely say that your views are 100% correct.
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10 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 31 May
That's interesting. Do you believe the US has libertarian values?
Might I recommend reading Democracy: The God That Failed | Mises Institute. If you are interested in libertarian values and democracy you will probably enjoy it or at least find it thought provoking.
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11 sats \ 3 replies \ @kepford 31 May
Focus on what is in your control. Build community, provide value to your community, build wealth, stack skills... many things
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0 sats \ 2 replies \ @Coinsreporter 31 May
Yes they are true options but I wanted to know about your options of people becoming POTUS. I mean , do we have a real poltician who can be better than Trump or any other options.
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11 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford 31 May
What is this we? lol.
No. That's part of the signal. Is this really the best the US has to offer? Two old dudes? The system is screwed man. Honestly I don't get why people have any faith in it.
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10 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter 31 May
That 'we' is there only to suggest that I also can't see any better option and the system is definitely screwed, not only in US but everywhere else, barring a few barren lands.
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108 sats \ 4 replies \ @kepford 31 May
Here's my prediction for the election. Nothing ground breaking. I see Trump winning because so many are going to vote against Biden quietly. The people that don't love Trump have had enough of who ever is running Biden. I see Wallstreet going for Trump. The opposition has cried wolf to many times at this point.
Of course he could win and still lose. I hope that doesn't happen. All elections have cheating. All sides probably do it but it could get ugly no matter which side "wins".
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20 sats \ 3 replies \ @riberet19 31 May
So you stay neutral, don't you? I am not a U.S. citizen, but according to what I am reading and informing, it seems that Trump has an advantage, personally, I don't care who wins.
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20 sats \ 2 replies \ @kepford 31 May
I guess you could say that. I don't believe in the legitimacy of the state monopoly on violence. I don't believe either of these men when they assume office have the consent to "govern". Its an illusion of choice and freedom. Don't get me wrong, it could be much worse. The US is an empire and with that it is good to be a U.S. citizen. Most are blind to the empire aspect. They see the world through the lens good evil and good nations. They do not understand the differences between the nation (people), the country (land), and the state (government). Its all one lump for them.
Really, I don't care that much who wins. There are positives and negatives for both sides. Mostly negatives. In truth, we don't need these clowns. Its an illusion to keep people asleep and controllable. The politicians need the people as I wrote about here.
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0 sats \ 1 reply \ @riberet19 31 May
I agree with everything you say, we don't need them, but until people realize that the current voting system and the parliamentarism in which most "democracies" are submerged, we will not be able to combat this efficiently, people will vote because they are told that this is the right thing to do and that is what they do.
Since I was 18 years old, I only voted once in these antics, never again.
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20 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 31 May
Yep, 100%.
I stopped voting a long time ago. I don't believe in the system so why should I participate and perpetuate it. That's what so few understand. Sure, some would say so what. Well I say so what to your vote. I want to live by my principles. And you know what? Who is Trump trying to win over? Bitcoiners, libertarians. Basically many that that are disenfranchised. The more people that become disenfranchised the more these rent seekers will try to win them over. If they believe they have your vote why do they need you?
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66 sats \ 1 reply \ @gmd 31 May
I remember him on a podcast in a debate advocating for crypto a couple of years ago, and his main argument boiled down to- trust me bro, I'm a physics and math super genius and all of my physics and math super genius friends are going all in on crypto so it's going to be huge. I'm sure he's pivoted to AI like everyone else
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99 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
It’s not a good argument
He does have a PhD in physics from Cal Tech
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65 sats \ 1 reply \ @erict875 31 May
The news of the day is that NATO countries have given the green light to Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets on Russian soil.
The escalation continues at a dangerous pace, and IF it is still possible to avoid the inevitable through diplomatic or political means, only Trump can do it. If I were American, I would vote for him without hesitation, for I care about the consequences of a war involving nuclear powers.
I deeply regret that neither I nor the candidates on the ballot for the next elections in my country of adoption have the will or the power to stop this madness.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @guts 31 May
I am certainly not sure about the America opinion because propaganda and bots seems way too much on social media.
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64 sats \ 2 replies \ @grayruby 31 May
Silicon Valley was perfectly content to go along with leftist virtue signaling culture and the democratic establishment until the leftists started to threaten taxing unrealized gains. That's where I noticed a shift in the prominent tech VCs political musings. Now they just to get to dress it up as concern for weaponization of the justice system.
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50 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
https://x.com/davidsacks/status/1796296623057944928?s=46
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40 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 31 May
Good call
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54 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
BREAKING: 🇺🇸 President Biden vetoes bill that allows highly regulated financial firms to hold Bitcoin and crypto.
@WatcherGuru
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54 sats \ 2 replies \ @Bell_curve 31 May
Shaun Maguire is a partner at Sequoia, venture capital firm
Sequoia is based in Menlo Park but he lives in Los Angeles.
PhD from cal tech which is in Pasadena. He grew up in Orange County.
He got married in Israel. I wonder if his wife is a Zionist.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
David Sacks, a prominent tech investor and venture capitalist, is co-hosting a fundraiser for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign in San Francisco on June 6th. The event costs $300,000 per person or $500,000 per couple to be on the host committee, with VIP tickets priced at $50,000.[2] Despite Trump's recent conviction for falsifying business records, Sacks remains a staunch supporter, describing the trial as a "sham" and asserting that Trump has numerous backers in the tech industry.[4] Sacks' unwavering support reflects the broader trend of Republican megadonors and Silicon Valley elites doubling down on Trump's campaign after the guilty verdict, driven by factors like discontent with President Biden and ideological alignment with Trump's policies.[4]
Sources
[1] Sacks and the City https://puck.news/david-sacks-500k-a-seat-trump-dinner-all-in-taping/
[2] Two tech investors to host Trump at June San Francisco fundraiser https://www.reuters.com/world/us/two-tech-investors-host-trump-june-san-francisco-fundraiser-2024-05-22/
[3] David Sacks aims to help Ron DeSantis against Donald Trump https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/01/david-sacks-network-desantis.html
[4] Why Megadonors Are Unfazed by Donald Trump's Guilty Verdict https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/dealbook/megadonors-donald-trump-guilty-verdict.html
[5] Tell Me in 25 Words or Less Says David Sacks - WSJ https://www.wsj.com/video/tell-me-in-25-words-or-less-says-david-sacks/9C64AA7B-FC49-4F6D-AB28-DE44BF3FCD08
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 1 Jun
https://pitchbook.com/profiles/person/102838-42P#overview
Some of the information is outdated
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20 sats \ 0 replies \ @zuspotirko 31 May
I find it funny how literally nobody is talking about the trial. All people are talking about is if they like Donald Trump.
The trial wasn't about whether you like Donald Trump or not. The trial was about whether Donald Trump payed hush money to a corn star and whether he violated campaign finance laws. Why do people talk about whether they like Donald Trump instead?
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @NaOD 31 May outlawed
stackers have outlawed this. turn on wild west mode in your /settings to see outlawed content.