Shutdown Showdown, Bird Flu Strikes Human, Trump Case Chaos, Hydrogen Breakthrough, Amazon Holiday Strike, Inflation Cools. open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #TheMorningSixpack #MorningSixpack #News #BirdFlu #Trump #AmazonStrike #Teamsters

Republicans' brinkmanship threatens to grind America to a halt—just like Trump’s 2019 disaster. With Musk fanning flames of misinformation and the GOP abandoning reason, federal services, food safety, and your paycheck could be next. open.substack.com/pub/bills…

Genetic Breakthrough Reveals Syphilis Originated in the Americas, Spreading Globally Through Colonialism - open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #syphilis #Columbus

Kirillov Killed in Moscow, GOP Targets Cheney, Indiana Executes Murderer, Trump Sues Iowa Newspaper, Congress Moves to Prevent Shutdown, Trump Taps Herschel Walker for Bahamas. open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #MorningSixpack #TheMorningSixpack

Once gilded in steel and rail, now glittering in algorithms and AI. The Gilded Ages of America share more than opulence—they share the seeds of their own undoing. open.substack.com/pub/bills…

Historic Conviction Holds as Judge Declares: “Overwhelming Evidence of Guilt” Trumps Immunity Claims open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #Trump #Immunity

Wisconsin school shooting, Cash App verdict, Pig kidney transplant, Scholz loses vote, Germany economic crisis, Syrian mass grave. open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #News #TheMorningSixpack #MorningSixpack

Bipartisan Trip Takes a Dramatic Turn as Former Speaker Pelosi Suffers a Hip Fracture, Highlighting Recent Health Concerns Among Senior Lawmakers

open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #NancyPelosi

Michael Moore has many great points here - www.michaelmoore.com/p/a-manif…

_“But I have a solution. No one has to kill anyone. And it doesn’t cost anything. I have a solution that does not involve any violence. Unless violence to you means us taking money out of your rich effing pockets, unless violence to you means you can’t send your kids to USC or UPenn or buy a third vacation home or a fourth Tesla or a fifth Land Rover or another yacht.

“The solution is simple. Throw this entire system in the trash, dismantle this immoral business that profits off the lives of human beings and monetizes our deaths, that murders us or leaves us to die, destroy it all, and instead, in its place, give us all the same health care that every other civilized country on Earth has:

“Universal, free, compassionate, and full of life."_

Trump Time’s ‘Person of the Year’, FBI head Wray to Step Down, Meta’s $1M Donation to Trump, Musk worth $400B, Biden Grants Largest Single-Day Clemency, Kari Lake Tapped to Lead VOA open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #Trump #Musk #Biden

In a significant announcement, FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau employees on Wednesday that he will resign at the end of President Biden’s administration next month. This decision clears the path for President-elect Donald Trump to appoint a new director for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ensuring a smooth transition without the controversy of a forced resignation. Wray’s prepared remarks emphasized his commitment to maintaining the Bureau’s mission during a turbulent time, stating, “This is the best way to avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.”

Trump has already announced his intention to nominate Kash Patel, a former federal prosecutor and loyal ally, to replace Wray. Patel has been a vocal critic of the FBI’s handling of investigations involving Trump, including probes into the former president’s actions following the 2020 election and the retention of classified documents after leaving office. Wray, who has served as director since August 2017, was originally nominated by Trump after the dismissal of James Comey. His tenure saw increasing tensions between the FBI and Trump, particularly over high-profile investigations.

Wray’s announcement highlights his dedication to preserving the Bureau’s integrity amidst political challenges. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” he told employees. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the FBI as it transitions to new leadership under the incoming administration.

Source: CNBC

As bird flu continues its global spread, experts are raising alarms about the potential for a new pandemic. Since October 2021, over 300 million poultry birds have been culled, and the virus has reached unexpected regions like Antarctica. Recently, the H5N1 strain began infecting U.S. dairy cows, with researchers warning that it’s “just a simple step” away from mutating into a form that could spread more effectively among humans. Epidemiologist Meg Schaeffer cautioned, “Avian flu is knocking on our door and could start a new pandemic any day.”

Despite the concerning developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the current risk to the general public is low. However, human infections are being detected, with 58 cases reported in the U.S. this year alone. Worryingly, some infections had no direct exposure to infected animals, indicating potential undetected transmission. Research from Michigan and Colorado also revealed a 7% infection rate among dairy workers, heightening concerns about the virus adapting to humans.

To mitigate the risks, experts emphasize the need for rigorous testing, international collaboration, and careful oversight of policies regarding raw milk, a potential vector for contamination. As Schaeffer starkly noted, “If a bird flu pandemic was to break out, it would be remarkably severe in humans because we have no built-up immunity.” Scientists are urging governments to act swiftly, as antiviral treatments and vaccines are already available to counter this looming threat.

Source: Barron’s #BirdFlu #H5N1

Latest on Luigi Mangione, Trump picks ferguson for FTC and Johnson for Mexico, Franklin fire destroys homes, judge rejects Infowars sale, Syria vows justice for tortured open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #TrumpCabinet #Infowars #LuigiMangione

President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday that he is nominating Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and political fundraiser closely tied to the Trump family, to serve as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, who is dating Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has no prior diplomatic experience, leading critics to slam the move as yet another instance of Trump’s pattern of rewarding loyalty over merit. Her tenure at Fox News was marred by controversy, including allegations of toxic workplace behavior, further fueling skepticism about her fitness for the role.

In a statement, Trump hailed Guilfoyle as a “close friend and ally,” asserting, “Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States.” Detractors, however, argue that Guilfoyle’s most notable qualification appears to be her proximity to Trump’s inner circle, raising concerns about the integrity of the administration’s appointments.

Guilfoyle celebrated the announcement on social media, saying, “I’m honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece, and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.” She also pledged to “deliver on the Trump agenda,” a statement critics view as a warning of potential political meddling in international diplomacy. Her nomination, which now requires Senate confirmation, is likely to face intense scrutiny.

Source: CBS News

From “JVL” of The Bulwark this morning:

I was brought up a little short by Bill’s piece this morning in which he argues that January 6th worked. It was a success.

The man who attempted the coup has been re-elected by a plurality of his fellow Americans.

He promises to pardon the criminals who have been convicted of January 6th crimes.

His new vice president is on record as saying that the old vice president should have gone along with the coup.

And the entirety of the Republican party is now—just objectively—pro-insurrection.

Politics is all about incentives and American voters have unambiguously incentivized attempted coups. open.substack.com/pub/thebu…

Sad and scary times.

China has launched a high-profile investigation into Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chipmaker, accusing it of violating anti-monopoly laws and commitments tied to its 2020 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies. This move wiped nearly $123 billion (£96.2 billion) off Nvidia’s market value in early Wall Street trading, highlighting the intensifying trade war between the U.S. and China. The investigation comes just weeks before Donald Trump’s return to the White House, where he has pledged to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

The probe follows the Biden administration’s recent blacklisting of hundreds of Chinese semiconductor firms in its latest crackdown on China’s tech industry. This marks the third significant U.S. restriction in three years, targeting 140 companies, including chip equipment makers, to limit China’s access to advanced technologies. The escalating measures from both nations underline the growing economic and technological rivalry between the superpowers.

Trump has vowed to raise the stakes further, announcing a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods upon taking office in January. With Nvidia caught in the middle of this geopolitical clash, the trade war is increasingly reshaping the global semiconductor market and deepening tensions between the world’s largest economies.

Source: The Telegraph - China Investigates Nvidia Amid Rising U.S.-China Tensions

President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to create a national Bitcoin reserve has drawn sharp criticism, with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers calling the idea “crazy” and politically motivated. “There’s no reason to do that other than to pander to generous special-interest campaign contributors,” Summers said, likening Bitcoin to a “sterile inventory” unfit for a strategic reserve.

Trump’s plan includes acquiring 1 million Bitcoins—roughly 5% of the global supply—over five years, valued at about $100 billion. Supporters, including Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), argue the reserve could diversify government holdings and counter geopolitical rivals like China. At a recent rally, Trump urged attendees to “never sell your Bitcoin,” fueling investor optimism and driving Bitcoin prices above $100,000. Still, critics, such as economist Peter Schiff, warn the move could destabilize the dollar and increase economic risk.

Trump has also announced plans for a crypto advisory council, with key industry players vying for seats. As the debate intensifies, Summers’ criticism highlights the polarizing nature of Trump’s Bitcoin reserve proposal and its potential implications for the U.S. economy.

Source: Fortune - Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers Calls Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve Proposal “Crazy”

From IKEA’s flat-packed furniture to industrial manufacturing, the Allen wrench has earned its spot as an indispensable tool in homes and factories alike. Compact and efficient, it’s become synonymous with easy assembly, capable of tackling everything from bookshelves to bicycles. But what’s the story behind its name? Enter William G. Allen, whose branding efforts over a century ago turned a humble hexagonal tool into a household name.

First patented in 1909 as the “Allen Safety Screw,” the wrench was designed to improve worker safety by reducing slippage—a common issue with flat-head screwdrivers. Though hex wrenches had existed earlier, it was Allen’s marketing genius that made his name synonymous with the tool. During the industrial boom of the early 20th century, his wrenches gained widespread adoption for being cheap to manufacture, reliable, and worker-friendly. By the 1960s, even IKEA had embraced the tool, recognizing it as the perfect partner for their do-it-yourself furniture kits.

Today, the Allen wrench’s simplicity and utility endure. Whether you call it a hex key or an Allen wrench, it represents more than just a tool—it’s a cultural touchstone for ingenuity, affordability, and empowerment. As one IKEA ad cheekily put it, “We do half—you do half.” That little wrench continues to make assembly a little easier, one flat pack at a time.

Source: Mental Floss - Why Do We Call It an Allen Wrench?

Jared Bernstein, the architect of “Bidenomics,” has expressed “guilt and confusion” over Donald Trump’s 2024 victory against Kamala Harris, a defeat that many perceive as a referendum on the administration’s economic policies. Bernstein insists the Biden team’s mission was to uplift the American working class—a noble aim that failed to translate into voter support. Despite these intentions, exit polls reveal little evidence that dissatisfaction with the economy drove the election outcome. Instead, the differential turnout, a drop in Harris’s votes compared to Biden’s 2020 numbers, and systemic challenges like voter suppression and demographic shifts played more significant roles.

Yet, it’s undeniable that public perception of Bidenomics was grim. “If voters are unhappy with the good readings on standard indicators—unemployment, the monthly inflation rate, economic growth—it must be because those indicators no longer connect to their sense of well-being,” the article notes. Real incomes declined, prices surged, and wages struggled to catch up. Meanwhile, critics argue the administration’s policies disproportionately benefited those with market power, exacerbating inequality rather than alleviating it. While Covid-era relief measures briefly improved conditions for low-income households, their abrupt termination reinstated hardships, particularly in child poverty and food insecurity.

Ultimately, Bidenomics faltered not only in execution but in failing to address voters’ tangible struggles. The administration’s support of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes, for instance, froze the housing market, burdened small businesses, and prioritized financial orthodoxy over progressive economic reform. Combined with a fragmented Democratic Party dependent on elite funding, Bidenomics became a missed opportunity to champion transformative change for working-class Americans. As the article concludes, “That most Americans do not think of the Biden years as an era of happy prosperity should be no surprise.”

Source: The Nation

In an unprecedented convergence of politics, public health, and raw milk advocacy, Mark McAfee, CEO of Raw Farm in California, is reportedly under consideration for a policy role within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Trump administration. This news, revealed in recent reports linking McAfee to President-elect Trump’s appointee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raises questions about the direction of food safety regulations in the United States.

McAfee’s potential appointment comes on the heels of significant controversy surrounding his company. Raw Farm has faced repeated health-related issues, including recalls of its unpasteurized dairy products after detections of avian influenza and Salmonella. These recalls, deemed necessary by public health officials to protect consumers from potential zoonotic disease outbreaks, have not deterred McAfee from claiming that the actions against his company amount to a “political witch hunt.” He contends that the recalls are an attempt to suppress the raw milk industry rather than legitimate safety measures.

The prospect of McAfee influencing national food safety policies is troubling. His alignment with Kennedy’s raw milk advocacy raises concerns about the balance between consumer choice and public health protections. While proponents of raw milk argue for the right to consume unpasteurized dairy, the public health risks—evidenced by outbreaks linked to Raw Farm’s products—cannot be overlooked.

If McAfee assumes a policy-making position within the FDA, it would signal a radical shift in the agency’s approach to food safety. Such a move could undermine decades of progress in protecting consumers from harmful pathogens. While the administration’s interest in revisiting regulations is not inherently negative, appointing someone with a history of regulatory noncompliance to shape policy sets a dangerous precedent.

Public health must remain a priority in any administration. If the Trump administration values the integrity of the FDA and the safety of the American food supply–and it’s likely they don’t, especially with RFK, Jr. near the top–it must ensure that appointees are equipped with both the expertise and the commitment to protect public health. The McAfee case highlights the broader challenge of navigating the intersection of personal liberties, industry interests, and public health—a challenge that demands careful and transparent decision-making.

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t count on Trump doing the right thing. While he has a reptilian ability for self-preservation, he is really bad at governance.

As President Biden approaches the end of his term, human rights activists, former corrections officials, and families of crime victims are calling on him to fulfill a campaign promise: to oppose capital punishment. In a series of open letters, they urge Biden to use his clemency powers to commute the sentences of all 40 federal death row inmates before President-elect Donald J. Trump, a vocal proponent of the death penalty, takes office. This plea underscores Biden’s unique position to make a lasting impact on the federal justice system and aligns with growing calls for systemic reform.

“As your time in office comes to a close, there is an unprecedented need for you to cement your commitment to remedying injustices by exercising executive clemency and commuting the death sentences of those on federal death row,” one letter stated. While Biden issued a moratorium on federal executions early in his presidency, his Justice Department has continued to prosecute capital cases, drawing criticism from advocates. Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, one of Biden’s allies, emphasized the importance of clemency, highlighting racial disparities in sentencing and the evolving societal view on punishment. “I’m asking Joe Biden to show some compassion,” Clyburn said.

Despite issuing fewer clemency grants than his predecessors, Biden has taken notable steps, such as pardoning marijuana convictions and military veterans convicted under now-obsolete laws. Yet activists argue that more sweeping actions, like commutations for death row inmates and relief for those serving disproportionately harsh drug sentences, are essential. With Trump signaling plans to reinstate federal executions, Biden’s decision could define his legacy on criminal justice reform.

Source: The New York Times

The Rapid Fall of Assad, UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting, Musk’s Workforce Plan, Jay-Z Lawsuit, Israel Strikes Syria, South Korea Turmoil open.substack.com/pub/mydai…

GOP did win a majority in the US House. Their count: 220-215. HOWEVER, because Trump selected at least three members of the House to serve in various posts in his incoming administration, that majority may actually look more like 217-215. If the GOP loses just one vote, NOTHING passes.

California Christian School Shooting, Macron Faces Political Crisis, Bitcoin Surges to $100,000, Senate Tackles Deepfake Abuse, Manhunt for UnitedHealth CEO’s Killer, FBI Warns on Encrypted Messaging - open.substack.com/pub/mydai… #TheMorningSixpack #MorningSixpack

A suspected gunman is dead, and two kindergarten students, ages 5 and 6, are hospitalized with gunshot wounds after a tragic shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Palermo, California. Authorities are investigating the suspect’s motives. #SchoolSafety #BreakingNews

Source: KCRA Report

President-elect Trump has appointed Peter Navarro, a staunch advocate of tariffs and loyal adviser, as senior counselor for trade, signaling a renewed commitment to protectionist economic policies. nytimes.com/2024/12/0…

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Dan Driscoll, a Yale Law School classmate and close friend of Vice President-elect JD Vance, as his nominee for Army secretary. If confirmed, Driscoll will oversee the Army’s $180 billion annual budget and lead over one million soldiers across active-duty, National Guard, and reserve forces, along with more than 330,000 civilian employees. His nomination signals an expansion of Vance’s influence within the Pentagon, highlighting the administration’s focus on bolstering trusted connections in key defense roles.

Driscoll’s background blends military experience and legal expertise. He served in the Army for three and a half years, including a 2009 deployment to Iraq, before attending Yale Law. Following his legal education, he worked in investment banking and ran for Congress in North Carolina’s 11th District in 2020. His nomination comes as the Army undergoes significant changes, including modernizing its frontline equipment and procurement systems to prepare for future challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trump’s defense team is drawing scrutiny, with Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth facing a contentious Senate confirmation process. Driscoll’s appointment, however, reflects a deliberate strategy to place experienced, trusted allies in pivotal roles. As the Army continues its transformation, the incoming leadership will face the challenge of aligning ambitious modernization goals with the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.

Source: Axios

South Korea martial law developments:

Today’s Morning Sixpack - WWIII seems more imminent than ever, China hits back on Trump tariffs, and South Korea’s President institutes martial law - open.substack.com/pub/mydai…

The Morning Sixpack is full of news today! Ceasefire in Lebanon, Mexico-US tariff wars imminent, Inflation UP but just a bit, economic impact of mass deportations will be BAD, Russian war in Ukraine sets record (not good), and Trump hires vaccine denier for NIH post. open.substack.com/pub/mydai…

Musk and Ramaswami at “DOGE” vow to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. Departments & Agencies on the chopping block: Department of Defense, Department of Education, Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS and NPR), Planned Parenthood, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and NASA. mydailygrind.news/elon-musk…

We live in interesting times. Special counsel Jack Smith drops DC case against Trump. Here’s a little info on why he dropped the case. It goes back to the original “I am not a crook” Richard Nixon. www.salon.com/2024/11/2…

The Morning Sixpack - November 25, 2024 Trump picks solid Treasury Secretary, Menendez bros release, and bird flu. Oh, and Israel and Russia are up to their same old shenanigans. open.substack.com/pub/mydai…

Man throws beer bottle at bartender when she changes Black Sabbath to Christmas music! LOL

I'll let you know when I find out.

There, I said it.

After the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, I was all for Israel getting revenge. They got it.

Israel has reportedly killed over 20,000 people to avenge for their loss of fewer than 2,000 Israeilis.

To say that's asymmetrical would be an understatement.

It's time to stop.

It's time to stop Israel from killing more Palestinians. It's time for the US to stop giving Netanyahu aid.

In fact, Netanyahu has to go. He needs to be deposed. A new, younger leader who seeks a two-state solution needs to come take the charge.

And Biden needs to condition any aid to Israel on the above happening.

People often say they want this or that.

But they're seemingly unwilling to do the work to make it happen.

“I want to go to the gym with you.”

Okay, let's go every weeknight at 8:45. “Deal.”

It's now 9:30 and the kid comes up and asks, “Are we going to the gym?”

NOPE. It closes at 10. It takes 15 minutes, at least, to get there.

We can go tomorrow. What will make us miss tomorrow's journey to the gym?

Same kid is getting a car, for free. Long story. But suffice it to say, he's happy about it. He didn't like driving my old car around because it wasn't his.

We have to fly a pretty good distance to pick it up and drive it back. I ask, “Can you call Jerry up and see if he's available on X date?”

“Yes, I'll call him.”

When? I haven't heard back. By the time he gets around to it, airfare will have doubled.

I'm tired of this.

And that's just one person… What do you do when multiple people let you down? I'm kind of at my wits' end.

Open to suggestions.

In a word, yes, they did err.

But it's not what you think.

Here's the gist of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution:

Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution forbids anyone who has taken an oath as an “officer of the United States” and then engaged in insurrection from holding office again. 

Timothy Snyder

(By the way, the article cited above is the reason I wrote this. I wrote this after reading the first paragraph. I'll go back to it after I publish this to see what the rest said!)

This is law. It's not opinion. It's also not opinion that the President of the United States is NOT excepted from this law.

Nobody, and I mean nobody, believes that the POTUS is NOT an officer of the United States.

Let me say it again: Nobody believes that the POTUS is NOT an officer of the United States.

Additionally, NOBODY believes that the oath the POTUS takes is NOT substantively similar to what other officers of the United States take. Basically, it says the same thing. Read them here.

Bottom line: The POTUS' oath confers MORE responsibility to and ON the the POTUS than the oath for the commoners, you know, the Senators and Representatives of the United States Congress.

Everybody knows and believes this. Those who say they don't are lying.

Here's how you can tell: Imagine the Democratic POTUS doing exactly what Trump did leading up to and including January 6, 2021 and beyond. Republicans would be in the middle of another impeachment right now if this were a Democrat under so much strutiny.

So it's pretty well established that Donald Trump cannot hold the office of the President (or any other) ever again. FACT.

However, above, I said that the Colorado Supreme Court DID err when they ordered Trump to be taken off the primary ballot.

States get to run their own elections. They make their own rules. Insofar as they don't cross federal rules, regulations, and laws, they can decide on a candidate however they want.

I believe Colorado thinks that by putting Trump on the primary ballot, Colorado IS breaking the US Constitution, Section 3 of Amendment 14, to be exact.

Now, this may not be legal scholarly advice or consent (I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV), but I believe the presidential primaries are just traditional formalities.

For example, the Republicans (any party, actually) could choose somebody as their nominee other than the person who won the collective primaries.

Another example: Say Trump goes to prison as the GOP nominee. I hope we can agree right here and right now that a convicted felon should not be allowed to be President WHILE they are serving time.

The GOP most definitely would choose another person to put on the general election ballots in every state.

One last example: Let's say Trump IS on the general election ballots in every state. Let's say he wins the popular and electoral college vote.

My contention is that he's still forbidden to hold any US officer office. That's what the damned amendment says.

And if we can't take a plain read of a few words from the US Constitution, then I think we should just torch it.

We will have proven that we don't care about the Constitution, that we don't care about law and order.

THAT'S what allowing him to hold the highest office in the land will mean: We've given up on this grand, most successful-in-history experiment of democracy. Our republican will go down in flames.

I certainly hope the vast majority of people do not want this to happen.

That's a quote from a book I am currently reading called, “Million Dollar Weekend.”

The book's author, entrepreneur and super cool guy, Noah Kagan, coined that phrase (I think it's his) and uses it in the book.

The idea is DO SOMETHING now. Don't wait until “you know everything.”

The primary challenge most people face is fear. Procrastination. Whatever you want to call it.

You want to learn all you can before you start something, whether it's a business, side hustle, or new habit.

But most people will fail to ever start because they get caught up with, “I just need this ONE MORE THING.” Or “I need to learn just one more thing.“

That doesn't work. Do it NOW.

Don't worry about the HOW just yet. There will be plenty of time to “figure it all out” in a bit. Just get started.

Which led me to this message (on twitter or X or whatever Musk calls it nowadays):

Be THAT person. Now, not how.

How comes later.

PS — If you've ever wanted to start a business, Million Dollar Weekend may be all you need. Check it out here.