>>22223770

House Democrats say GOP caved to Musk in funding bill, protecting his China interests

House Democrats Jim McGovern of Massachusetts and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut say their Republican colleagues in Congress caved to the demands of Elon Musk, sinking a bipartisan government funding bill that would have regulated U.S. investments in China.

Congress passed a separate stopgap funding bill over the weekend, averting a government shutdown.

In a series of posts on X, McGovern said more could have been accomplished. The scrapped provision “would have made it easier to keep cutting-edge AI and quantum computing tech — as well as jobs — in America,” he wrote. “But Elon had a problem.”

Tesla

, run by Musk, is the only foreign automaker to operate a factory in China without a local joint venture. Tesla also built a battery plant down the street from its Shanghai car factory this year, and aims to develop and sell self-driving vehicle technology in China.

“His bottom line depends on staying in China’s good graces,” McGovern wrote about Musk. “He wants to build an AI data center there too — which could endanger U.S. security. He’s been bending over backwards to ingratiate himself with Chinese leaders.”

SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace and defense contractor, has reportedly withheld its Starlink satellite internet service over Taiwan at the request of Chinese and Russian leaders. Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy that Beijing claims as its territory. Taiwan’s status is one of the biggest flashpoints in U.S.-China relations.

DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, wrote in a letter to Congress on Friday that Musk needs “Chinese government approvals for his company’s projects in the country.” It’s concerning, that Musk “has ingratiated himself with Chinese Communist Party leadership,” she wrote.

In the letter, DeLauro referred to the Tesla and SpaceX CEO as “President” Musk, alluding to the fact that the world’s richest person began railing against the prior funding bill on Wednesday, before President-elect Donald Trump came out with a statement of his own.

Trump had wanted the GOP to sink the bill, and issue a new one that would raise the debt ceiling so he could avoid that fight during the start of his second term in office. The stopgap funding bill, which President Joe Biden signed on Saturday, did not include the two-year suspension of the U.S. debt limit that Trump was seeking.

Musk responded to DeLauro’s concerns by calling her an “awful creature” in a post on X.

After acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk rebranded it X and used it to help propel Trump back into the White House, becoming a close adviser and major backer to the incoming president along the way.

Musk contributed $277 million to the Trump campaign and other Republican causes during the 2024 cycle, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Since the election in November, Musk has become a nearly constant presence at Trump’s side, including in meetings with foreign leaders.

Trump appointed Musk to co-lead a group that’s not yet formed, but will be tasked with finding ways to cut regulations, personnel and budgets.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/21/house-democrats-say-gop-caved-to-elon-musk-protecting-china-interests.html

>>22224565

the devil hath the power to assume a pleasing form

reflect on what might be most pleasing to a pious soul

>>22224567

don't know whether to laugh or cry

>>22223770

Is Türkiye 'encircling' Israel? What is the reason behind the 'fearing Türkiye'? Will the Syria peace process become the region's new role model?

“If we defeat the Turks, we defeat Islam. If we can’t defeat the Turks, we can’t stop Islam.”This has become Israel’s overarching fear and approach following the new dynamics emerging in Syria.

Since 1948, Israel has waged war on Arab lands, primarily against Palestinians and Arab states. Over the last two decades, it softened relations with some Arab regimes and declared Iran its primary threat. However, for the first time, it finds itself facing Türkiye directly—or rather, feeling “encircled” by Türkiye.

PKK/YPG Can't Contain Türkiye

Israeli media is now debating how to navigate a future involving Türkiye. They are coming to terms with the reality that “Türkiye is present in both Syria and Lebanon.” As they scramble to figure out how to confront this, they cling to PKK/YPG terrorism, further entrenching themselves in a shrinking corner.

Just before the regime change in Syria, the strategy was to “take the war to Türkiye.” This was openly discussed. But in just ten days, the narrative flipped to “Türkiye is encircling Israel.” Now, they are deliberating how to respond.

Invasions, Civil Wars, and Catastrophes: This Region’s Reality—Yet They Couldn't Prevent the Earthquake

The notion that “If we defeat the Turks, we defeat Islam. If we can’t defeat the Turks, no one can stop Islam” has always been the underlying goal of Israel and the far-right in the U.S. While it’s not openly stated, all operations targeting this region have sought to weaken and control Türkiye’s power.

The West has harbored a centuries-old fear of the Ottoman Empire. They know full well that Türkiye’s resurgence as a foundational power would trigger seismic changes across the region.

This is why every invasion, civil war, and disaster in this region has been shaped by these two sentences. It’s that simple, that stark, and that clear.

Islamophobia and Turcophobia Are Theirs

Islamophobia, Turcophobia, the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the killings of millions, the genocide in Gaza, secret torture sites, PKK/YPG terrorism, Daesh, the events in Syria, the barriers to Syria’s unity, the attempted coups in Türkiye on December 17–25 and July 15, and the terror corridor map drawn to the south of Türkiye—all trace back to these two sentences.

The storm launched post-Cold War met its first significant resistance after Türkiye’s intervention in northern Syria following the July 15 coup attempt. The second step was aimed at toppling the Syrian regime. More broadly, Türkiye’s strategic moves have expanded into Central Asia, East Africa, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

A 30-Year Map in Ruins: Israel Is Actually Positioning Itself Against Türkiye

The U.S. and Israel’s attempts to cling to the PKK/YPG in northern Syria, their efforts to establish an autonomous region for the group, and Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory all reflect their panic over the shifting balance of power.

Israel’s incursions into Syrian land aren’t just about fears of a new Syrian government; they are a reaction to Türkiye reaching Israel’s borders in both Syria and Lebanon. The much-discussed “buffer zone” was, in reality, planned against Türkiye.

1/2

>>22224577

2/2

Their plans for Syria have collapsed, as have their broader regional ambitions linked to Syria. They had hoped to spread fragmentation beyond Syria to other countries. However, Türkiye’s leadership in unifying the region has disrupted a 30-year-old game plan. The desperate convergence of U.S., Israeli, and Iranian plans in Syria highlights the new reality.

From Groups to States: Internal Occupiers Must Go

In Syria, there is no longer a regime, opposition, PKK, or Daesh—there is just Syria. A unified Syria is emerging, as evidenced by the rapid re-establishment of diplomatic relations with both Western and Eastern countries. Under Türkiye’s leadership, a new era of “one nation, one flag, one homeland” has begun.

This sets a precedent for all countries in the region under threat of division, including Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, and Somalia. We must adopt a mindset focused on national unity and sovereignty.

A New Mental and Physical Map

Our view of the region must no longer be shaped by narratives from the U.S., Europe, or Israeli expansionism. Instead, we need to redefine it through our own geopolitical and cultural understanding.

This approach must extend to the greater region, from East Africa to the Pacific.

It’s not just about physical borders; mental, ethnic, and sectarian divisions must also be erased. We must discard maps of divided countries, like those promoted during the 2003 Iraq invasion, and replace them with visions of unity.

"Syrian Peace" Could Be the New Economic Model

The concept of “Syrian peace” might become a model for resolving conflicts across the region. The idea that certain nations monopolize prosperity and stability will crumble.

Yesterday, Syrian Airlines completed its first flight from Damascus to Aleppo, marking the beginning of an incredible economic resurgence under Syria’s new administration. A joint economic zone between Türkiye, Syria, and Lebanon could serve as a model for the entire region.

Somalia’s Space Center and Africa’s Excitement: Miracles Begin Like This

Consider this: Türkiye has begun constructing a space center in Somalia. It will serve not just Somalia but all of Africa. Can we imagine the morale and excitement this will generate across the continent?

This center will also facilitate long-range missile tests, ushering Somalia into an extraordinary era of strategic importance.

A new era has begun, where the “Türkiye Miracle” is felt everywhere—from Syria to Somalia to Lebanon. After a century, history is taking a leap forward, and the miracles will continue.

https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/ibrahim-karagul/is-turkiye-encircling-israel-what-is-the-reason-behind-the-fearing-turkiye-will-the-syria-peace-process-become-the-regions-new-role-model-3696021

>>22224581

>My soul is not the question - I will burn in hell.

the only hell is the one you create

you will be surrounded by love

and see again everyone who has gone on ahead

>>22224585

three wise men from tibet

their astrologers predicted the time and place of the birth

that is the true referent of the fabled "star of bethlehem"

and the reason Jesus traveled to tibet during the "missing years" of the bible

they still have physical evidence of his visit in the potala, in lhasa

>>22224591

ask anyone who has been there and come back

>>22223770

Turkish president calls for global unity, justice at D-8 summit, urges rebuilding efforts in war-torn Syria

Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticizes global security failures, advocates for stronger cooperation during speech at 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo, Egypt

Türkiye's president on Thursday called for global unity, justice, and rebuilding efforts in war-battered Syria, addressing escalating global conflicts and the challenges in maintaining security and stability.

"Unfortunately, in the face of increasing conflicts, crises, and wars, the institutions responsible for ensuring global security and stability are not fulfilling their duties," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his speech to the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo, Egypt.

Erdogan stress the need for stronger international cooperation and also highlighted recent advancements within the D-8 organization, particularly the approval of a trade pact with Egypt.

"With Egypt also approving the preferential trade agreement, it will now be possible to implement the agreement on a much broader scale," he said, underscoring the potential for expanded economic ties among member countries.

The Turkish president further pointed to the importance of including less-developed nations in global initiatives.

"We aim to contribute to global justice and development by including the least developed countries in TEKNOFEST, the world's largest aviation and space festival," he said, stressing the Turkish-based festival's role in promoting technological progress across borders.

On regional issues, Erdogan hailed Azerbaijan joining the D-8, calling it a significant step for the organization's strength.

"With Azerbaijan, which has made significant strides in recent years and joined our organization, we are stronger today than in the past," he said.

Turning to the situation in post-Assad Syria, Erdogan called for solidarity in rebuilding the country, scarred by 13 years of civil war.

"The people of Syria need unity and help to rebuild their war-torn country. As their neighbors and brothers, we are trying to contribute to this effort," he explained.

The president added that the ultimate goal is peace and coexistence in Syria. "The construction of a Syria free from terrorism, where all religious, sectarian, and ethnic groups live side by side in peace, is our most sincere expectation."

https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-president-calls-for-global-unity-justice-at-d-8-summit-urges-rebuilding-efforts-in-war-torn-syria-3695966

>>22224605

wrong

first person experience

>>22224623

>recon

IDK…

I RECKON maybe bcs there's safety in numbers?

prolly a dangerous trip in those days

>>22224615

>>22223770

>>22221073 pb NOTABLE

>Christmas Eve asteroid?

Millions of meteors occur in Earth's atmosphere daily

The diameter of the largest impactor to hit Earth on any given day is likely to be about 40 centimeters (16 inches), in a given year about four metres (13 ft), and in a given century about 20 m (66 ft)

An estimated 25 million meteoroids, micrometeoroids and other space debris enter Earth's atmosphere each day, which results in an estimated 15,000 tonnes of that material entering the atmosphere each year.

PLS STOP putting meteor, meteorite, meteoroid, comet, and asteroid BS into notables….

these stories are just another DISTRACTION