"Judge Orders Trump Admin To Release Billions In Frozen Foreign Aid Funding"

"“Congress alone bears the constitutional responsibility for funding our government, and any effort to claw back resources outside of the appropriations process undermines that responsibility,” she wrote on X."

the irony: foreign aide money doesn't fund our government, it funds grifters or foreigners. The President is solely in charge of foreign policy. Thus he ought to be able to defund who he wants to defund.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/judge-orders-trump-admin-release-billions-frozen-foreign-aid-funding

>>23556701

did you provide more details?

you could copy/paste the posts.

you could paste the 'muh ju' and the 'vati-shill' and ask if it's the same poster.

>>23556711

call him before congress and put him under oath and get him to tell who they are.

Did you hear the one about the Governor who said he was going to rename Lake Michigan?

Some people objected, and told him it was a bad idea. He said he didn't care. He was going to do it anyway.

Somoene said 'you're not in charge of naming lakes.'

He said he didn't care he was going to do it anyway.

someone else told him 'that's a really bad idea. Go jump in the Lake!'

well the governor was a little bit warm that day, so he did it: a great big cannonball from the end of a pier in Chicago.

And now the renaming of the lake is a mute point. There is no water left in the lake, nothing left to rename.

It's a joke

>>23556742

if that was done to a building housing Jews they'd demand payment for a hundred years and call themselves 'haulocaust victims'

how long?

>>23556796

all Hamas has to do: release the hostages.

but they won't.

why?

because they don't care how many of their people are killed!

>>23557078

Pumpkin flood.

when a field of pumpkins is along a river and the river floods the pumpkins will end up floating down the river! It happens enough that it's a thing.

from Google AI:

pumpkin flood

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The term "pumpkin flood" refers to

historical events where devastating floods caused pumpkins from riverside farms to be washed away and float downstream. It can also refer to modern incidents where severe weather destroys pumpkin crops

Notable historical "Pumpkin Floods"

The Great Pumpkin Flood of 1786: Following a day of torrential rainfall in early October, the Susquehanna River in eastern Pennsylvania flooded to up to 10 feet above normal levels. It washed away homes, livestock, and unharvested crops, including a large number of pumpkins, which led people at the time to coin the term "Great Pumpkin Flood".

The Great Pumpkin Flood of 1903: Heavy rain between October 8 and 10 caused historic flooding on the Delaware River, with water levels rising as much as 30 feet above normal. This resulted in widespread damage and the collapse of many bridges. The flood was given the "Pumpkin Flood" name because of the multitude of pumpkins that floated downriver from washed-out fields.

Recent flood incidents affecting pumpkin crops

Connecticut River (2010): Heavy rains in late September 2010 caused the Connecticut River to flood, washing away an estimated 100,000 pumpkins from a farm in Newbury, Vermont. The pumpkins were carried downriver, with some people reportedly collecting them by boat.

Vermont (2024): In October 2024, a farm in Vermont reported losing about 85% of its pumpkin crop due to a rotting disease caused by prolonged rain and sitting in water.

North Carolina (2024): A pumpkin patch in Watauga County lost its entire crop and other inventory in floods caused by Hurricane Helene.

Wisconsin (2025): The Salentine Family Farm in New Berlin lost most of its pumpkin crop after flooding swamped nearly all of its fields.

>>23557078

are there watermelon floods too?

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Yes, watermelon floods do happen

, and they are a serious concern for farmers. Unlike the historical "pumpkin floods" where the large, sturdy pumpkins float downstream, watermelons are much more vulnerable to flood damage. Excessive water is detrimental to watermelon crops, particularly during the growing season.

How floods harm watermelons

Disease and rot: Watermelons thrive in warm, well-drained soil. Excessive rain and prolonged waterlogging can lead to fungal diseases and cause the fruit to rot on the vine.

Splitting and damage: Inconsistent watering, such as a dry spell followed by heavy rain, can cause the melons to grow faster than their rinds can handle, resulting in the fruit splitting open and spoiling.

Reduced quality and yield: If a plant survives temporary flooding, it may suffer from stunted growth, and the resulting melons will likely be smaller and have a lower sugar content, making them unmarketable.

Soil and nutrient loss: Flooding can wash away the topsoil and nutrients essential for the plant's health, leading to lower yields.

Fruit contamination: According to the University of Minnesota Extension, any produce that comes into direct contact with floodwaters should be discarded due to the significant risk of bacterial contamination.

Recent instances of watermelon floods

Mississippi (2025): Excessive summer rainfall diminished the watermelon crop in Mississippi, leaving many growers with unsellable fruit.

Vermont (2023): Flooding swept away months of labor for many farmers in the Northeast, including watermelon crops, just as they were nearing harvest.

South Korea (2023): A farmer in the city of Nonsan saw her entire watermelon crop destroyed by floodwaters after heavy rains caused a nearby river bank to burst.

Australia (2021): A melon industry executive reported that some growers were completely wiped out after a year of extreme weather events, including torrential rain.

more Google AI

Talk about Spirit Lake at Mt. St. Helens

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Putting it all together

Spirit Lake is a high-elevation lake located north of Mount St. Helens in Washington State

. While it existed for thousands of years before the 1980 eruption, the catastrophic event completely and permanently transformed the lake, its surrounding environment, and its ecosystem.

Before the 1980 eruption

Picturesque wilderness: Spirit Lake

was a popular, crystal-clear destination surrounded by old-growth forest.

Recreation area: The shoreline was dotted with lodges, cabins, and campgrounds, and the lake was used for boating, fishing, and other water sports. One notable resident was Harry R. Truman, an elderly man who famously refused to evacuate his lodge near the mountain before the eruption.

Formation by volcanic activity: The lake's existence was a result of ancient volcanic activity. Approximately 3,350 years ago, pyroclastic flows blocked the North Fork Toutle River, creating the basin.

During and after the 1980 eruption

A massive landslide: On May 18, 1980, the eruption was triggered by an earthquake that caused the north face of Mount St. Helens to collapse in the largest landslide in recorded history.

The lake was displaced: The debris avalanche filled the lake's basin, causing the entire body of water to be temporarily displaced and surge up the surrounding hillsides in a wave hundreds of feet high.

A log raft formed: As the water rushed back into the basin, it carried with it thousands of trees that had been knocked down by the lateral blast. This created a massive, floating log raft that covered the lake's surface. Many of the waterlogged trees continue to float vertically in the lake today.

The lake changed dramatically: The lake's surface elevation was raised by over 200 feet, its size was nearly doubled, and its depth was reduced by more than 275 feet.

Ecosystem collapse: The lake's chemistry was radically altered by volcanic ash, gases, and organic matter from the destroyed forest. For years, the water was anoxic (lacked oxygen), highly acidic, and toxic to most aquatic life.

Ecological recovery: Over time, the lake's ecosystem showed remarkable resilience. Bacteria initially consumed the abundant organic matter, and over several years, the water quality improved. Today, the lake is clear and supports a thriving ecosystem of frogs, salamanders, and other wildlife.

Managing the modern lake

Flood risk: The debris avalanche blocked Spirit Lake

's natural outlet. This created a risk of the new natural dam being breached by rising water levels, potentially causing catastrophic flooding downstream.

Drainage tunnel: Engineers built a 1.5-mile drainage tunnel through bedrock in 1985. The goal was to stabilize the lake's water level and prevent a catastrophic breach. However, the tunnel requires ongoing maintenance.

Research area: The Spirit Lake basin is now a Class I Research Area with restricted public access. This allows scientists to study the natural process of ecological recovery. The only trail to the lake's northeastern shore is the Harmony Falls Trail.

Spirit Lake is now a living laboratory. It is a reminder of the destructive power of a volcanic eruption and the surprising resilience of nature.

tell us about clark AFB and the volcano

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Putting it all together

The relationship between Clark Air Base and Mount Pinatubo is a defining story of the volcano's 1991 eruption

. The eruption forced the massive evacuation and eventual closure of the large American military installation, ending nearly a century of U.S. presence in the Philippines.

Before the eruption

Before June 1991, Clark Air Base was the largest U.S. military air base outside the continental United States, nicknamed the "jewel of the Pacific". Mount Pinatubo, located about 10 miles to the west, had been dormant for more than 600 years and was not considered a threat. For decades, the base served as a vital logistical hub for U.S. operations, including during the Vietnam War.

The evacuation: Operation Fiery Vigil

Early signs: In March 1991, seismic activity and steam emissions from the volcano increased, causing concern among U.S. and Filipino volcanologists.

Evacuation ordered: By June 10, after scientists warned of an impending major eruption, the order was given to evacuate the base. An estimated 15,000 dependents and non-essential personnel were transported by land in a 50-mile caravan to the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay.

Airlift: Many evacuees were then flown out of the country as part of Operation Fiery Vigil, the largest non-combatant evacuation since the Vietnam War.

"Ash Warriors": A small contingent of military personnel, later dubbed the "Ash Warriors," stayed behind to secure and salvage the base.

The devastating eruption

Black Saturday: On June 15, 1991, the climactic eruption of Mount Pinatubo occurred. It was the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.

Typhoon Yunya: The disaster was compounded by Typhoon Yunya, which hit the Philippines on the same day. Its heavy rains mixed with the volcanic ash, creating a sticky, wet blanket of material that rained down on Clark and Subic Bay.

Heavy damage: The weight of the wet ash caused roofs to collapse across the base. More than 100 buildings were destroyed and another 200 were seriously damaged. Infrastructure like drainage and sewer systems were also overwhelmed.

Total darkness: The ashfall was so thick that it blotted out the sun, plunging the base and surrounding areas into total darkness for more than a day.

Aftermath and base closure

Lahars: After the eruption, subsequent heavy rains continued to mix with the ash and volcanic deposits on the slopes, creating massive, destructive mudflows called lahars. These lahars caused further damage to the base and the surrounding region for years.

Closure: The extensive damage was deemed too costly to repair, especially as the Cold War was ending and the strategic value of overseas bases was reassessed.

Handover: On November 26, 1991, the U.S. formally transferred control of Clark Air Base

to the Philippine government.

Transformation: The facility was later transformed into the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark International Airport, driving new economic growth for the region.

who profiteers off the presidio?

The concept of "profiteering" implies making excessive or unfair profits, often at the expense of others, which is a nuanced term when discussing the Presidio. While the Presidio Trust, as a government corporation, is mandated to generate revenue and is not intended to be a profit-making entity for private individuals or companies, its business model can invite the use of the term.

The Presidio Trust's financial model and "profit"

Self-sufficiency mandate: Congress created the Presidio Trust in 1996 with a unique mandate to operate as a self-sufficient national park site. The goal was to minimize taxpayer cost and make efficient use of private sector resources.

Revenue generation: The Trust earns funds primarily by restoring and leasing former military buildings for residential and commercial use. This includes renting over 1,400 housing units and 2.3 million square feet of commercial space to approximately 300 businesses. They also generate revenue from hotels, a golf course, utilities, parking fees, and event permits.

Reinvestment of profits: Crucially, all profits earned by the Presidio Trust are legally required to be retained and reinvested into the park for its administration, preservation, restoration, operation, and maintenance. The Trust is not allowed to distribute profits to shareholders or private individuals. In fiscal year 2024, the Trust generated $182 million in revenue and reinvested 100% of its $58 million net operating income back into the park.

Who benefits financially?

The Presidio Trust: As an entity, the Trust benefits by generating the revenue necessary to fulfill its mission and maintain the park without relying on annual congressional appropriations, a goal it achieved in 2013.

The public: Visitors benefit from a well-maintained national park site that offers free access to trails, overlooks, and historic sites.

Tenants: Those who live in the residential units or lease commercial space enjoy a unique location within the park. According to CBS News, some companies are choosing to move their offices to the Presidio for its environment and amenities.

Employees: The Trust's employees are compensated for their work in maintaining and operating the park. The average salary at the Presidio Trust is approximately $122,836, with the highest-paid employee, Jean Fraser, earning $355,450 in 2023.

Local economy: The businesses located within the Presidio contribute to the local economy.

Controversies and criticisms

Commercialization vs. public access: Critics argue that the commercial activities within the Presidio, while necessary for self-sufficiency, may prioritize private interests over public access and traditional national park experiences.

Executive compensation: The compensation of top Trust executives has drawn some scrutiny, although the salaries are within the range for similar positions in the federal government and non-profit sectors.

Political pressure: There have been recent efforts by some politicians to defund or limit the Presidio Trust, raising concerns about its future and the potential impact on its ability to maintain the park.

In essence, while individuals and businesses certainly benefit from their relationships with the Presidio Trust, the system is designed to funnel profits back into the park's operation and maintenance rather than for private gain. The term "profiteering" is more accurately applied to the historical corruption that occurred after the 1906 earthquake.

outline Jean Fraiser's job

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As the

Chief Executive Officer and President of the Presidio Trust, Jean Fraser is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the park. She reports to a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the U.S. President.

Her core responsibilities include:

Ensuring Financial Self-Sufficiency: Overseeing the business operations, including the leasing of residential and commercial properties and running hospitality businesses, to ensure the park is financially independent from taxpayer funding. This mandate is central to the Trust's mission.

Strategic Planning and Oversight: Leading the strategic vision for the Presidio, encompassing park restoration, sustainability practices, capital projects, and new visitor experiences. For example, she has overseen the completion of the Presidio Tunnel Tops and the restoration of park lands.

Park Stewardship: Guiding the care and maintenance of the Presidio's 1,500-acre site, including its natural ecosystems, historic buildings, and infrastructure. A key focus is protecting the park's open spaces and promoting sustainability.

Community Engagement and Equity: Directing efforts to make the Presidio a more welcoming and accessible park for a diverse range of visitors, including those traditionally underserved by national parks.

External Relations: Serving as the primary spokesperson for the Trust and fostering relationships with key partners, including the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Executive Leadership: Managing the day-to-day operations of the federal agency and overseeing its divisions, including Park, Business, Finance, and Operations. This involves developing and motivating the management team and staff.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the Trust complies with all relevant federal regulations and legal requirements, and that its governance practices align with its charter

Jean seems over compensated. what would her salary be if she were a federal employee working for the National Park Service?

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Putting it all together

Comparing Jean Fraser's 2023 salary of $355,450 as head of the Presidio Trust to what she would earn as a federal employee at the National Park Service (NPS) reveals a significant difference due to their distinct pay structures

.

As a federal employee, her salary would be capped by federal pay scales, likely falling into one of these categories.

Executive Schedule (ES)

A CEO-equivalent role at a federal agency typically falls under the Executive Schedule (ES) pay system, which sets salaries for top government officials.

Executive Level II: The Director of the National Park Service earns a salary at Executive Level II.

2025 Salary Cap: The 2025 pay for Executive Level II is $225,700.

Compared to Fraser's salary: This is over $129,000 less than the $355,450 Fraser earned in 2023.

Senior Executive Service (SES)

If her role was classified within the Senior Executive Service (SES), the pay would also be significantly lower. The SES covers positions below the Executive Schedule and pays based on performance, not a specific grade.

2025 Salary Range: For agencies with a certified performance appraisal system, the salary range is $150,160 to $225,700.

Compared to Fraser's salary: Even at the very top of the SES pay scale, her salary would be capped at $225,700, more than $129,000 less than her 2023 Presidio Trust salary.

Key difference in pay structure

The difference highlights the unique financial model of the Presidio Trust compared to the federal government.

Presidio Trust: A government corporation with a business-driven mandate to be financially self-sufficient. It can set executive salaries that are more competitive with the private sector, as its revenue is generated through leases and services rather than taxpayer dollars.

National Park Service: A traditional federal agency funded primarily by congressional appropriations. Executive pay is strictly regulated by the established federal pay schedules (ES and SES), which are generally lower than equivalent private and quasi-government sector roles

outline President Trumps executive order which also concerned the Presidio

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Putting it all together

In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order, "Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy," targeting entities like the Presidio Trust, aiming to eliminate non-statutory functions, reduce personnel, and cut federal funding

. The Presidio Trust responded by asserting its financial independence since 2013 and stating its functions are authorized by the 1996 Presidio Trust Act, ensuring continued operations despite the order. San Francisco and California political figures criticized the order as a politically motivated attack. You can read more about the response at sfstandard.com.

my comment:

So president Trump is aware of the sweetheart deal for some at the Presidio

asked Google AI to outline orgs that might have sweet heart deals for connected people:

Categories of organizations susceptible to "sweetheart deals"

Quasi-governmental organizations

The Presidio Trust:

As previously discussed, this entity's hybrid model of being a government-mandated, yet financially independent, corporation creates the potential for arrangements critics could label as "sweetheart deals," particularly related to executive compensation and leasing agreements.

Government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs): Before the 2008 financial crisis, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were frequently accused of making "sweetheart deals" with mortgage lenders and Wall Street, contributing to the housing market crash. Their quasi-governmental status created a system where they operated with implicit government backing but without full government accountability.

Economic development corporations: These state or local entities are often tasked with attracting businesses through tax incentives, land deals, or other benefits. These arrangements, especially when lacking transparency, can be criticized as "sweetheart deals" that favor politically connected companies at the expense of taxpayers.

Government agencies with significant contracting power

Defense Department: The Defense Department is the largest contracting agency in the U.S. and has a long history of controversial contract awards. Allegations of "sweetheart deals" have frequently focused on non-competitive bids, cost overruns, and favoring large, established defense contractors.

Department of Energy (DOE): The DOE manages massive, complex projects, particularly in nuclear energy and waste cleanup. It has been criticized for awarding contracts with favorable terms to private firms, sometimes leading to significant cost increases and delays.

State and local transportation authorities: These agencies often award large, long-term infrastructure contracts for roads, bridges, and public transit. A 2011 investigation by the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted how a contract in New Jersey was awarded to a single bidder who had strong political connections and made large campaign contributions.

Entities managing federal land and resources

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): The BLM oversees the leasing of federal lands for oil, gas, and mineral extraction. The Wilderness Society has criticized the BLM for allegedly offering "sweetheart deals" on leases through non-competitive bids, low royalty rates, and other favorable terms for oil and gas companies.

U.S. Forest Service: This agency also issues contracts for timber harvesting, recreation, and other activities on federal land. The potential for "sweetheart deals" exists when contracts are awarded without transparent and competitive processes, potentially favoring politically connected firms.

International examples

Luxembourg (LuxLeaks scandal): The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists exposed hundreds of "sweetheart deals" in the form of secret tax rulings that allowed large multinational companies like Apple and Pepsi to avoid billions in taxes.

Ireland (Apple tax deal): The European Commission ruled that Ireland's tax arrangements with Apple were illegal "state aid," amounting to a "sweetheart deal" that granted the company a significant tax advantage.

>>23557317

fake

>>23557370

it missed:

pizzagate

gamergate

>>23557370

sorry, Pizzagate is there. Sorry.

>>23557381

yup, already apologized for missing that.

TY