they elected a criminal, this is what crims do

.......... Virtually every week, the Trump family seems to find a new way to profit from the presidency. The Trump Organization has brokered a growing catalog of real-estate projects with autocratic regimes, including a Trump tower in Saudi Arabia, a Trump hotel in Oman, and a Trump golf club in Vietnam. “We’re the hottest brand in the world right now,” Eric Trump recently proclaimed. In May, Qatar gave the White House a $400 million jet—a gift that looked a lot like a bribe but that Trump had no qualms accepting.

David Frum: The Trump presidency’s world-historical heist

And that’s just the foreign front. Domestically, Trump has used flimsy complaints to go after media organizations, resulting in settlements that resemble shakedowns. Last year, he accused 60 Minutes of deceptively editing an interview with his Democratic presidential opponent, Kamala Harris. Legal experts saw the claim as weak. Rather than fighting it in court, however, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million, which will subsidize Trump’s future presidential library and cover his legal fees. Following a similarly dubious lawsuit, ABC sent $15 million to Trump’s library fund and issued a “statement of regret.”

Beyond the court, the president has peddled Trump perfumes, Trump sneakers, and Trump phones, shamelessly using the prestige of the presidency to boost his family’s income. And then there’s crypto: the $TRUMP meme coin, the pay-to-play dinners with investors, the paused prosecution of a crypto kingpin who had purchased $30 million in Trump-backed tokens. .................


https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/07/trump-corruption-foreign-regimes/683487/

Trump understands one of my favourite marketing teachers , the legendary  John Carlton s maxim


Make your mess your message.

It makes you seem congruent and in control of the frame.

Like when Kerry packer was asked why he paid a low tax rate and replied
Only a total f wit pays one cent more then he has to.

People respect strong men who feature their flaws and own their actions.

Everyone basically wants pussy and cash.

But rich people are often embarrassed and pretend they just want to be like George clooney and go dig wells for the pygmies or Bill gates and go vaccinate Ethiopians ( whilst stealing their blood for a gene databank).

The public don't buy it.

What you can't fake, you feature.

Own it
Be unapologetic.

It builds trust that you aren't a 2 faced phoney.

Trump loves cash and pussy.

He doesn't lose a single vote by being attacked over his love of cash and pussy, because he does nothing but talk about how he loves cash and pussy.

Smart marketing. ;)

So, it's easier to fool the people with one big lie than lots of little ones, then.

No

It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of

This is me.
I'm Trump
I like cash and pussy.
The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system


When Pelosi is worth 200 million despite earning only 500 k a year. Everyone knows they are all working the system

Trump does it out in the open.

Hay Vietnam. Build me a golf course and your tariffs cone down
Yes sir Mr Trump.
Right away sir.

The public aren't offended because he's controlling the frame.

How else do you reconcile him getting away with stuff that would crush , say, an Anthony albanese.?

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:33am:

No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system When Pelosi is worth 200 million despite earning only 500 k a year. Everyone knows they are all working the system Trump does it out in the open. Hay Vietnam. Build me a golf course and your tariffs cone down Yes sir Mr Trump. Right away sir. The public aren't offended because he's controlling the frame. How else do you reconcile him getting away with stuff that would crush , say, an Anthony albanese.?

Democrat pollies are wealthy with most of them multi millionaires just floating around on private planes  drinking Moet.

He's right, Sprint. Whatabout the Biden crime family?

Hunter Biden lied on his gun form.

Well, he'd been clean for two weeks, but he still didn't tick the CRACK ADDICT box.

Also, Sleepy Joe declined to declare a $12,000 "loan" repaid by his brother in-law.

Despicable stuff. This is the real corruption. All Donnie's done is a few billion dollar deals.

Chickenfeed when you think of all the good he's doing.

Just killing it, no?

Leroy wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:53am:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:33am: No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system When Pelosi is worth 200 million despite earning only 500 k a year. Everyone knows they are all working the system Trump does it out in the open. Hay Vietnam. Build me a golf course and your tariffs cone down Yes sir Mr Trump. Right away sir. The public aren't offended because he's controlling the frame. How else do you reconcile him getting away with stuff that would crush , say, an Anthony albanese.? Democrat pollies are wealthy with most of them multi millionaires just floating around on private planes  drinking Moet.

I know, right? Sleepy Joe owns his own house!

How do you think he got the money for that, eh?

They're all as bad as each other, Leroy.

Actually, scrap that - the Dems are the pits.

DRAIN THE SWAMP !!!!

Melanias purse wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:56am:

He's right, Sprint. Whatabout the Biden crime family? Hunter Biden lied on his gun form. Well, he'd been clean for two weeks, but he still didn't tick the CRACK ADDICT box. Also, Sleepy Joe declined to declare a $12,000 "loan" repaid by his brother in-law. Despicable stuff. This is the real corruption. All Donnie's done is a few billion dollar deals. Chickenfeed when you think of all the good he's doing. Just killing it, no?

Hi Karnal,
too many people wanna hang em and hang em high.  :o

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:33am:

No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system When Pelosi is worth 200 million despite earning only 500 k a year. Everyone knows they are all working the system Trump does it out in the open. Hay Vietnam. Build me a golf course and your tariffs cone down Yes sir Mr Trump. Right away sir. The public aren't offended because he's controlling the frame. How else do you reconcile him getting away with stuff that would crush , say, an Anthony albanese.?

Oh, so you're mentioning the P word now, are you?

Moderators, something needs to be done about this perverted nonsense, it's getting beyond a joke.

Next he'll be describing Ivanka's fungal infection.

Why must the left lie?

Melanias purse wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:58am:

Leroy wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:53am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:33am: No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system When Pelosi is worth 200 million despite earning only 500 k a year. Everyone knows they are all working the system Trump does it out in the open. Hay Vietnam. Build me a golf course and your tariffs cone down Yes sir Mr Trump. Right away sir. The public aren't offended because he's controlling the frame. How else do you reconcile him getting away with stuff that would crush , say, an Anthony albanese.? Democrat pollies are wealthy with most of them multi millionaires just floating around on private planes  drinking Moet. I know, right? Sleepy Joe owns his own house! How do you think he got the money for that, eh? They're all as bad as each other, Leroy. Actually, scrap that - the Dems are the pits. DRAIN THE SWAMP !!!!

Joe Biden probably has less money than me, but he has a bigger family trust than me that I can guarantee you. Thats why Trump pays no tax, his companies pay tax just like Joe owns nothing but guess who controls the millions in the Biden (whatever name it comes under) trust.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:11am:

So, it's easier to fool the people with one big lie than lots of little ones, then.

Oh, he's told a few little ones too.

He never had sex with that Stormy Daniels woman, E Jean's not his type, he never met all those other ones he paid off, he likes the New and Old Testaments both equally.

I don't know what Aquascoot's talking about. In his own telling, he's a devoted husband, regular family man and committed Christian.

You?

Leroy wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 9:03am:

Melanias purse wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:58am: Leroy wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:53am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:33am: No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system When Pelosi is worth 200 million despite earning only 500 k a year. Everyone knows they are all working the system Trump does it out in the open. Hay Vietnam. Build me a golf course and your tariffs cone down Yes sir Mr Trump. Right away sir. The public aren't offended because he's controlling the frame. How else do you reconcile him getting away with stuff that would crush , say, an Anthony albanese.? Democrat pollies are wealthy with most of them multi millionaires just floating around on private planes  drinking Moet. I know, right? Sleepy Joe owns his own house! How do you think he got the money for that, eh? They're all as bad as each other, Leroy. Actually, scrap that - the Dems are the pits. DRAIN THE SWAMP !!!! Joe Biden probably has less money than me, but he has a bigger family trust than me that I can guarantee you. Thats why Trump pays no tax, his companies pay tax just like Joe owns nothing but guess who controls the millions in the Biden (whatever name it comes under) trust.

Hard to say, Leroy. I'm getting an ad for hearing aids. I don't really need one, but should I click on it just in case?

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 7:33am:

Trump loves cash and pussy.

He loves to steal it and rape it.

Stop defending thieves and rapists.

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 8:33am:

No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system

Unless you know him well, you project a lot about Trump's mind in your posts.

That'd be his big lie, over bothering with lots of little ones... the standard malignant narcissist frame: invincible, omniscient, omnipotent... the rest is left to the fawner to paint within the lines.

Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc.

My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen).

Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums.

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 7:33am:

Trump understands one of my favourite marketing teachers , the legendary  John Carlton s maxim Make your mess your message. It makes you seem congruent and in control of the frame. Like when Kerry packer was asked why he paid a low tax rate and replied Only a total f wit pays one cent more then he has to. People respect strong men who feature their flaws and own their actions. Everyone basically wants pussy and cash. But rich people are often embarrassed and pretend they just want to be like George clooney and go dig wells for the pygmies or Bill gates and go vaccinate Ethiopians ( whilst stealing their blood for a gene databank). The public don't buy it. What you can't fake, you feature. Own it Be unapologetic. It builds trust that you aren't a 2 faced phoney. Trump loves cash and pussy. He doesn't lose a single vote by being attacked over his love of cash and pussy, because he does nothing but talk about how he loves cash and pussy. Smart marketing. ;)

Ah yes, the gospel according to Facebook marketers, where moral bankruptcy is rebranded as "authenticity" and sociopathy is just "smart branding."

The idea that "owning your flaws" makes you a better leader might hold some weight if we were talking about human flaws, like doubt, grief, or mistakes.

But what you're celebrating Scoot is unrepentant greed and misogyny.

Trump's "flaws" aren't flaws in the human sense, they're warning signs.

If a bloke walked into a job interview and said "I love money and rooting, and I don't pay tax," he wouldn't be seen as strong, he'd be shown the door. But slap a flag pin on him and suddenly he's a prophet of the working class?

And this Kerry Packer quote, every halfwit tax cheat uses it like it's holy writ. Packer said that while sitting atop a mountain of inherited wealth, running monopolies or businesses propped up by tax payer funds, while dodging taxes the average punter has no choice but to pay. It's not wisdom, it's a smirk from the top of the food chain while the rest of us fund hospitals and roads.

It's no surprise that triggers your admiration.

Then comes the real caveman insight: "Everyone wants pussy and cash." Right, so the entire human condition is just a byproduct of unresolved incel fantasies?

What a bleak, adolescent worldview.

Apparently, altruism doesn't exist, unless it's Bill Gates secretly harvesting African DNA like it's a Bond villain subplot. If you think that's clever marketing, you've already drunk the Kool-Aid and asked for seconds.

Here's the truth: Trump isn't "owning his flaws", he's weaponising them. There's a difference.

Owning your flaws means changing, growing, taking responsibility.

Trump does none of that.

Ever.

He just floods the zone with shamelessness until the outrage fatigue sets in and the bar drops through the floor. And the fact that people are mistaking that for strength says more about their standards than his strategy.

I'm looking at you Scoot.  You and Frank have dropped the bar so low for Trump that you now find yourselves defending paedophiles.

How did that happen!?

But sure, keep calling it "marketing" if it helps you sleep at night. Just don't pretend it's noble, smart, or honest. It's not. It's just the tired old grift of a man who figured out he could fail upward if he lied loud enough and often enough. And some of you still clap.

Egad, just realised how long that post turned out, almost guaranteed to send Frank and Scoot scurrying for the hills again, pretending they haven't seen it so they don't have to respond.

Standard playbook: ignore anything that forces them to think, especially if it's longer than a meme or doesn't end in "lol."

https://i.imgur.com/hNxsbdu.png

Carl D wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 10:24am:

Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc. My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen). Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums.

Yep.
The role of a leader should be to serve the public.
It rarely is.
It is to get re elected and do a good PR job.

The role of a citizen should be to contribute to the nation,  the community , the workplace and improve society
It rarely is.
It is to extract maximal resources from the nation whilst limiting contribution as much as possible.

You yourself are proud that this is your behaviour Carl.

You can hardly complain about it when you are the problem  :-[

ProudKangaroo wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 10:59am:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 7:33am: Trump understands one of my favourite marketing teachers , the legendary  John Carlton s maxim Make your mess your message. It makes you seem congruent and in control of the frame. Like when Kerry packer was asked why he paid a low tax rate and replied Only a total f wit pays one cent more then he has to. People respect strong men who feature their flaws and own their actions. Everyone basically wants pussy and cash. But rich people are often embarrassed and pretend they just want to be like George clooney and go dig wells for the pygmies or Bill gates and go vaccinate Ethiopians ( whilst stealing their blood for a gene databank). The public don't buy it. What you can't fake, you feature. Own it Be unapologetic. It builds trust that you aren't a 2 faced phoney. Trump loves cash and pussy. He doesn't lose a single vote by being attacked over his love of cash and pussy, because he does nothing but talk about how he loves cash and pussy. Smart marketing. ;) Ah yes, the gospel according to Facebook marketers, where moral bankruptcy is rebranded as "authenticity" and sociopathy is just "smart branding." The idea that "owning your flaws" makes you a better leader might hold some weight if we were talking about human flaws, like doubt, grief, or mistakes. But what you're celebrating Scoot is unrepentant greed and misogyny. Trump's "flaws" aren't flaws in the human sense, they're warning signs. If a bloke walked into a job interview and said "I love money and rooting, and I don't pay tax," he wouldn't be seen as strong, he'd be shown the door. But slap a flag pin on him and suddenly he's a prophet of the working class? And this Kerry Packer quote, every halfwit tax cheat uses it like it's holy writ. Packer said that while sitting atop a mountain of inherited wealth, running monopolies or businesses propped up by tax payer funds, while dodging taxes the average punter has no choice but to pay. It's not wisdom, it's a smirk from the top of the food chain while the rest of us fund hospitals and roads. It's no surprise that triggers your admiration. Then comes the real caveman insight: "Everyone wants pussy and cash." Right, so the entire human condition is just a byproduct of unresolved incel fantasies? What a bleak, adolescent worldview. Apparently, altruism doesn't exist, unless it's Bill Gates secretly harvesting African DNA like it's a Bond villain subplot. If you think that's clever marketing, you've already drunk the Kool-Aid and asked for seconds. Here's the truth: Trump isn't "owning his flaws", he's weaponising them. There's a difference. Owning your flaws means changing, growing, taking responsibility. Trump does none of that. Ever. He just floods the zone with shamelessness until the outrage fatigue sets in and the bar drops through the floor. And the fact that people are mistaking that for strength says more about their standards than his strategy. I'm looking at you Scoot.  You and Frank have dropped the bar so low for Trump that you now find yourselves defending paedophiles. How did that happen!? But sure, keep calling it "marketing" if it helps you sleep at night. Just don't pretend it's noble, smart, or honest. It's not. It's just the tired old grift of a man who figured out he could fail upward if he lied loud enough and often enough. And some of you still clap. Egad, just realised how long that post turned out, almost guaranteed to send Frank and Scoot scurrying for the hills again, pretending they haven't seen it so they don't have to respond. Standard playbook: ignore anything that forces them to think, especially if it's longer than a meme or doesn't end in "lol." https://i.imgur.com/hNxsbdu.png

Studying and understanding a situation is neither celebrating it nor endorsing it.

Try again

As for not being willing to think.
I would say I am interested in thinking and not just conforming with the leftie or rightie herd.

Thoughts on Trump?

He reflects the reality that the days of relying on government to provide you with a secure and meaningful life are over.

AI was going to produce the same result.

If you want a meaningful rich creative joyful life , you are going to have to learn and observe and take total personal responsibility for creating it.

Or just get whacked out on pot, grog, porn , complaining gossiping. Eating sugar and fat. Netflix. Politics. Gambling.

You can live a great life or you can live in
COPE A TOPIA.

The overwhelming majority will do the latter.
I wish them well.
They are still gods creations.
Like the cattle and the sheep 🐑

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 11:10am:

Studying and understanding a situation is neither celebrating it nor endorsing it. Try again

You weren't studying or understanding anything, you were fawning. Calling it "smart marketing" and ending with a wink isn't analysis, it's cheerleading. You didn't "try to understand" Trump's behaviour, you romanticised it, dressed it up in marketer-speak, and sold it as a blueprint. Own it.

Carl D wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 10:24am:

Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc. My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen). Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums.

Let me guess you thought that doctors only cared about the patient and not luxury houses and vineyards, and you thought news readers only thought about giving you the actual news and not how much their next contract is, and you probably thought banks want to help you get rich.

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 11:08am:

[quote author=carlsd link=1754483642/14#14 date=1754526242]Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc. My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen). Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums.

Yep.
The role of a leader should be to serve the public.
It rarely is.
It is to get re elected and do a good PR job.

The role of a citizen should be to contribute to the nation,  the community , the workplace and improve society
It rarely is.
It is to extract maximal resources from the nation whilst limiting contribution as much as possible.

You yourself are proud that this is your behaviour Carl.

You can hardly complain about it when you are the problem  :-[/quote]

I'm 68, retired and on the pension you muppet.

What is it exactly that you think I should be doing right now? Building roads? Bricklaying? Brain surgeon? (now that's an idea, pays quite a lot too. Can I practice on your brain to start with (assuming I can find it, might need a magnifying glass)?

:)

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 10:11am:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:33am: No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system Unless you know him well, you project a lot about Trump's mind in your posts. That'd be his big lie, over bothering with lots of little ones... the standard malignant narcissist frame: invincible, omniscient, omnipotent... the rest is left to the fawner to paint within the lines.

Which gives you something in common with Germans between 1933 and 1945 (and for some way beyond then), and American slaves...

The former we all know well.

The latter would often compete with each other over who had the greater Massa by constructing hyperboles of their respective Massa's power, intelligence, wisdom, strength and wealth.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 11:52am:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 10:11am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:33am: No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system Unless you know him well, you project a lot about Trump's mind in your posts. That'd be his big lie, over bothering with lots of little ones... the standard malignant narcissist frame: invincible, omniscient, omnipotent... the rest is left to the fawner to paint within the lines. Which gives you something in common with Germans between 1933 and 1945 (and for some way beyond then), and American slaves... The former we all know well. The latter would often compete with each other over who had the greater Massa by constructing hyperboles of their respective Massa's power, intelligence, wisdom, strength and wealth.

you project a lot about Trump's the minds of Appalachians, negro slaves and nazi Germans in your posts.  I blame the electrode in the amygdala.



But seriously: this 'you are projecting' by the likes of you, bombastic teapot and the rest of the TDS kids is ridiculous. It is what you would have shouted in the schoolyard: I know you arre but what am I?

Childish. Perhaps because emotionally none of you have moved very far from those days.

Frank wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 12:00pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 11:52am: MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 10:11am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 8:33am: No It's easier to get your own way when you establish a frame of This is me. I'm Trump I like cash and pussy. The system is corrupt and I'm going to pull back the  curtain and show you how to work the system Unless you know him well, you project a lot about Trump's mind in your posts. That'd be his big lie, over bothering with lots of little ones... the standard malignant narcissist frame: invincible, omniscient, omnipotent... the rest is left to the fawner to paint within the lines. Which gives you something in common with Germans between 1933 and 1945 (and for some way beyond then), and American slaves... The former we all know well. The latter would often compete with each other over who had the greater Massa by constructing hyperboles of their respective Massa's power, intelligence, wisdom, strength and wealth. you project a lot about Trump's the minds of Appalachians, negro slaves and nazi Germans in your posts.  I blame the electrode in the amygdala. But seriously: this 'you are projecting' by the likes of you, bombastic teapot and the rest of the TDS kids is ridiculous. It is what you would have shouted in the schoolyard: I know you arre but what am I? Childish. Perhaps because emotionally none of you have moved very far from those days.

We all know what you project, Agatha Frank (they/them).

Carl D wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 11:49am:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 11:08am: [quote author=carlsd link=1754483642/14#14 date=1754526242]Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc. My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen). Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums. Yep. The role of a leader should be to serve the public. It rarely is. It is to get re elected and do a good PR job. The role of a citizen should be to contribute to the nation,  the community , the workplace and improve society It rarely is. It is to extract maximal resources from the nation whilst limiting contribution as much as possible. You yourself are proud that this is your behaviour Carl. You can hardly complain about it when you are the problem  :-[/quote] I'm 68, retired and on the pension you muppet. What is it exactly that you think I should be doing right now? Building roads? Bricklaying? Brain surgeon? (now that's an idea, pays quite a lot too. Can I practice on your brain to start with (assuming I can find it, might need a magnifying glass)? :)

Enormous opportunities to contribute.
I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s.


Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking?
Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:04pm:

Enormous opportunities to contribute. I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s. Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking? Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀

Nah, brain surgeon still sounds good.

Now, come here and let me practice. I've already done the scan.

Where's that magnifying glass gone?

---

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 11:20am:

As for not being willing to think. I would say I am interested in thinking and not just conforming with the leftie or rightie herd. Thoughts on Trump? He reflects the reality that the days of relying on government to provide you with a secure and meaningful life are over. AI was going to produce the same result. If you want a meaningful rich creative joyful life , you are going to have to learn and observe and take total personal responsibility for creating it. Or just get whacked out on pot, grog, porn , complaining gossiping. Eating sugar and fat. Netflix. Politics. Gambling. You can live a great life or you can live in COPE A TOPIA. The overwhelming majority will do the latter. I wish them well. They are still gods creations. Like the cattle and the sheep 🐑

Your take on Trump isn't original or insightful, it's the same excuse-making that's been circulating since 2016. You don't defend his actions, you just wave them away by appealing to some inevitable collapse of government and personal responsibility fairy tale.

"Personal responsibility" isn't a shield for ignoring systemic abuse, moral decay, or political corruption. It's just what people say when they've run out of actual arguments and still want to feel superior.

And this fantasy you peddle, that the masses are lost in "COPE A TOPIA" while you alone have transcended into higher consciousness, it's not enlightenment, it's narcissism with a spiritual filter. Your idea of "thinking" seems to involve looking down on everyone else from a cloud of smug metaphors and acting like that's wisdom.

You're not breaking away from the herd. You're just another guy selling detachment as depth because real engagement takes effort, and risk.

It's almost funny, really, after all your grandstanding about noble, risk-taking men, you end up using that same mythos to mask just how risk-averse you are when it comes to the only threat that seems to actually matter to you...

Having your beliefs dragged into contact with reality.

Good feedback.
Food for thought

Carl D wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:15pm:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:04pm: Enormous opportunities to contribute. I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s. Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking? Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀 Nah, brain surgeon still sounds good. Now, come here and let me practice. I've already done the scan. Where's that magnifying glass gone?

No problem Carl
Enjoy the great indoors

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:39pm:

Good feedback. Food for thought

https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUydHhpNnB5MDZheHZvYnUwcXN6NjYwem80a2d5MjkydjFyMXVyYmI1dyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/7bumBQjZX8BgaE2zjv/source.gif

ProudKangaroo wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:48pm:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:39pm: Good feedback. Food for thought https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUydHhpNnB5MDZheHZvYnUwcXN6NjYwem80a2d5MjkydjFyMXVyYmI1dyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/7bumBQjZX8BgaE2zjv/source.gif

Well, well, well... sometimes someone reads your TLDRs.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:52pm:

ProudKangaroo wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:48pm: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:39pm: Good feedback. Food for thought https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUydHhpNnB5MDZheHZvYnUwcXN6NjYwem80a2d5MjkydjFyMXVyYmI1dyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/7bumBQjZX8BgaE2zjv/source.gif Well, well, well... sometimes someone reads your TLDRs.

You bet.
The longer the better.
When most of the population can't finish a 12 second tik tok
Learning to maintain focus is a superpower.
Try Atlas Shrugged

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 2:11pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:52pm: ProudKangaroo wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:48pm: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:39pm: Good feedback. Food for thought https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUydHhpNnB5MDZheHZvYnUwcXN6NjYwem80a2d5MjkydjFyMXVyYmI1dyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/7bumBQjZX8BgaE2zjv/source.gif Well, well, well... sometimes someone reads your TLDRs. You bet. The longer the better. When most of the population can't finish a 12 second tik tok Learning to maintain focus is a superpower. Try Atlas Shrugged

Well, more power to you... It's a good habit to have...

But, like food, it depends on what you're digesting.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 3:32pm:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 2:11pm: MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:52pm: ProudKangaroo wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:48pm: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:39pm: Good feedback. Food for thought https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUydHhpNnB5MDZheHZvYnUwcXN6NjYwem80a2d5MjkydjFyMXVyYmI1dyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/7bumBQjZX8BgaE2zjv/source.gif Well, well, well... sometimes someone reads your TLDRs. You bet. The longer the better. When most of the population can't finish a 12 second tik tok Learning to maintain focus is a superpower. Try Atlas Shrugged Well, more power to you... It's a good habit to have... But, like food, it depends on what you're digesting.

Sort of.

You have the rights to the fruits of the effort.
You don't have the rights to the result.

I call this " process orientation" and it's a killer on terms of enjoying life.

I realized this from fishing and surfing.
Many colleagues would get butt hurt if they didn't catch fish or catch waves.
They were chasing a result.
But if you just enjoy the water, the result doesn't matter.

If you enjoy reading because it is building your focus, the result isn't really the point.

I believe you learn only a little from reading or listening or watching
You learn 10 x from action.

You want to learn about, for instance, how to run a business or interact with people, just start one or decide to talk to everyone.
I talk to every Uber driver , check out operator, service station worker, bank teller , person in a queue I can lay my hands on
The kids thought it was weird but its just practicing social skills.
Now the kids run an online 7 figure business.
They get energized from social interactions


Like I said.  " Process orientation"

If you aren't talking to every Uber driver, I would ask you " why not"
If you aren't building focus by reading war and peace, I would ask " why not " :)

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 11:10am:

ProudKangaroo wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 10:59am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 7:33am: Trump understands one of my favourite marketing teachers , the legendary  John Carlton s maxim Make your mess your message. It makes you seem congruent and in control of the frame. Like when Kerry packer was asked why he paid a low tax rate and replied Only a total f wit pays one cent more then he has to. People respect strong men who feature their flaws and own their actions. Everyone basically wants pussy and cash. But rich people are often embarrassed and pretend they just want to be like George clooney and go dig wells for the pygmies or Bill gates and go vaccinate Ethiopians ( whilst stealing their blood for a gene databank). The public don't buy it. What you can't fake, you feature. Own it Be unapologetic. It builds trust that you aren't a 2 faced phoney. Trump loves cash and pussy. He doesn't lose a single vote by being attacked over his love of cash and pussy, because he does nothing but talk about how he loves cash and pussy. Smart marketing. ;) Ah yes, the gospel according to Facebook marketers, where moral bankruptcy is rebranded as "authenticity" and sociopathy is just "smart branding." The idea that "owning your flaws" makes you a better leader might hold some weight if we were talking about human flaws, like doubt, grief, or mistakes. But what you're celebrating Scoot is unrepentant greed and misogyny. Trump's "flaws" aren't flaws in the human sense, they're warning signs. If a bloke walked into a job interview and said "I love money and rooting, and I don't pay tax," he wouldn't be seen as strong, he'd be shown the door. But slap a flag pin on him and suddenly he's a prophet of the working class? And this Kerry Packer quote, every halfwit tax cheat uses it like it's holy writ. Packer said that while sitting atop a mountain of inherited wealth, running monopolies or businesses propped up by tax payer funds, while dodging taxes the average punter has no choice but to pay. It's not wisdom, it's a smirk from the top of the food chain while the rest of us fund hospitals and roads. It's no surprise that triggers your admiration. Then comes the real caveman insight: "Everyone wants pussy and cash." Right, so the entire human condition is just a byproduct of unresolved incel fantasies? What a bleak, adolescent worldview. Apparently, altruism doesn't exist, unless it's Bill Gates secretly harvesting African DNA like it's a Bond villain subplot. If you think that's clever marketing, you've already drunk the Kool-Aid and asked for seconds. Here's the truth: Trump isn't "owning his flaws", he's weaponising them. There's a difference. Owning your flaws means changing, growing, taking responsibility. Trump does none of that. Ever. He just floods the zone with shamelessness until the outrage fatigue sets in and the bar drops through the floor. And the fact that people are mistaking that for strength says more about their standards than his strategy. I'm looking at you Scoot.  You and Frank have dropped the bar so low for Trump that you now find yourselves defending paedophiles. How did that happen!? But sure, keep calling it "marketing" if it helps you sleep at night. Just don't pretend it's noble, smart, or honest. It's not. It's just the tired old grift of a man who figured out he could fail upward if he lied loud enough and often enough. And some of you still clap. Egad, just realised how long that post turned out, almost guaranteed to send Frank and Scoot scurrying for the hills again, pretending they haven't seen it so they don't have to respond. Standard playbook: ignore anything that forces them to think, especially if it's longer than a meme or doesn't end in "lol." https://i.imgur.com/hNxsbdu.png Studying and understanding a situation is neither celebrating it nor endorsing it. Try again

He's right, Sad. When has Aquascoot ever defended, deflected, denied, spinelessly apologized for and outright worshipped the big fella?

Go on, quote him.

Why must the left lie?

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:41pm:

Carl D wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:15pm: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:04pm: Enormous opportunities to contribute. I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s. Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking? Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀 Nah, brain surgeon still sounds good. Now, come here and let me practice. I've already done the scan. Where's that magnifying glass gone? No problem Carl Enjoy the great indoors

Well, I've just returned from a nice 2km walk.

Beautiful warm(ish) day in Perth today for a change.

Now, what have you been up to while I was out *checks out posts above* Oh, more meaningless words salads, I see.

So, who's been "enjoying the great indoors" for the past couple of hours? Hint: not me.  :)

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 1:04pm:

Carl D wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 11:49am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 11:08am: [quote author=carlsd link=1754483642/14#14 date=1754526242]Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc. My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen). Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums. Yep. The role of a leader should be to serve the public. It rarely is. It is to get re elected and do a good PR job. The role of a citizen should be to contribute to the nation,  the community , the workplace and improve society It rarely is. It is to extract maximal resources from the nation whilst limiting contribution as much as possible. You yourself are proud that this is your behaviour Carl. You can hardly complain about it when you are the problem  :-[/quote] I'm 68, retired and on the pension you muppet. What is it exactly that you think I should be doing right now? Building roads? Bricklaying? Brain surgeon? (now that's an idea, pays quite a lot too. Can I practice on your brain to start with (assuming I can find it, might need a magnifying glass)? :) Enormous opportunities to contribute. I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s. Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking? Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀

Aquascoot has a point, Carl. Don't be a Debbie Downer. Do something positive for the community.

Why not take up ropemaking?

You get to use your hands, meet fellow ropemakers and see heaps of interesting warehouses.

They say jute brings out the best in people. Does the phrase money for old rope ring a bell?

You're never to old to give it a go, no?

Something tells me Aquascoot's had Dr Phil on, but that's just me.

Just putting it out there, mkay?

Melanias purse wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 4:50pm:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:04pm: Carl D wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 11:49am: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 11:08am: [quote author=carlsd link=1754483642/14#14 date=1754526242]Funny, I always thought the role of any government and its leader (President in the case of the United States) was to serve the people and improve their living conditions and health, etc. My bad... I should have known better (I did, I'm just being sarcastic). The role of governments these days.. and it's been like this for a long time.. is to make as much money for themselves as they can and screw the people (literally screw them in a few cases as we've seen). Must be the reason why I see Australia's government referred to as "gov.corp" fairly often on some forums. Yep. The role of a leader should be to serve the public. It rarely is. It is to get re elected and do a good PR job. The role of a citizen should be to contribute to the nation,  the community , the workplace and improve society It rarely is. It is to extract maximal resources from the nation whilst limiting contribution as much as possible. You yourself are proud that this is your behaviour Carl. You can hardly complain about it when you are the problem  :-[/quote] I'm 68, retired and on the pension you muppet. What is it exactly that you think I should be doing right now? Building roads? Bricklaying? Brain surgeon? (now that's an idea, pays quite a lot too. Can I practice on your brain to start with (assuming I can find it, might need a magnifying glass)? :) Enormous opportunities to contribute. I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s. Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking? Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀 Aquascoot has a point, Carl. You're never to old to live. Why not take up ropemaking? You get to use your hands, meet fellow ropemakers and see heaps of interesting warehouses. They say jute brings out the best in people. Does the phrase money for old rope ring a bell? You're never to old to give it a go, no? Something tells me Aquascoot's had Dr Phil on, but that's just me. Just putting it out there, mkay?

Karnal I just got my MAGA weekly and you can buy two MAGA caps for the price of three, should I buy it?.

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 4:33pm:

I talk to every Uber driver , check out operator, service station worker, bank teller , person in a queue I can lay my hands on

Yeah, I'd go easy on that...

People might think you're Welsh.

Leroy wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 4:54pm:

I just got my MAGA weekly

What was the main article? 'This Week in Fisting'?

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 5:08pm:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 4:33pm: I talk to every Uber driver , check out operator, service station worker, bank teller , person in a queue I can lay my hands on Yeah, I'd go easy on that... People might think you're Welsh.

That's part of the training.
Not giving a f what people think 🤔

Carl D wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 4:48pm:

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:41pm: Carl D wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:15pm: aquascoot wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 1:04pm: Enormous opportunities to contribute. I can name a half dozen farmers in their 80s. Why not do seasonal fruit and vegetables picking? Get fit, fresh air, meet people, make cash, see the country. Contribute 😀 Nah, brain surgeon still sounds good. Now, come here and let me practice. I've already done the scan. Where's that magnifying glass gone? No problem Carl Enjoy the great indoors Well, I've just returned from a nice 2km walk. Beautiful warm(ish) day in Perth today for a change. Now, what have you been up to while I was out *checks out posts above* Oh, more meaningless words salads, I see. So, who's been "enjoying the great indoors" for the past couple of hours? Hint: not me.  :)

Nor me.

20 degrees today - a heat wave!

I had a nice long walk around the 100 acre property I'm staying at near Gidgegannup.

Now I'm sitting on the back porch, with a glass of red, watching the roos move across the back yard under the gum trees.

https://www.austockphoto.com.au/imgcache/uploads/photos/compressed/a-mob-of-kangaroos-grazing-in-a-bush-meadow-austockphoto-000060803.jpg
               (Stock photo - not my actual back yard)

MeisterEckhart wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 5:09pm:

Leroy wrote on Aug 7th, 2025 at 4:54pm: I just got my MAGA weekly What was the main article? 'This Week in Fisting'?

Sustainable fishing, I think.

aquascoot wrote on Aug 7^th, 2025 at 4:33pm:

I talk to every Uber driver , check out operator, service station worker, bank teller , person in a queue I can lay my hands on

That's honestly been one of the more difficult parts of volunteering with Meals on Wheels, though probably not for the reasons you're imagining.

Nearly every delivery turns into a conversation, 10, 20, sometimes 30 minutes. And while yes, part of the role includes a welfare check, we're technically not supposed to enter the home, though there are exceptions.

I'll often be offered tea, biscuits, even a seat at the table, but ultimately, I'm there to deliver food safely. That said, if the recipient needs assistance, and I've got the appropriate PPE, I'll go in and help them store it properly in the fridge. It's a balancing act, mine and their safety, service policy, and basic human decency.

The official rule may be doorstep drop-off, but I've been doing this long before COVID, and over time, you earn a little discretion. You learn the rhythm, the nuance. For many of them, widows, widowers, it's less about the meal and more about companionship. That interaction might be their only one all day.

Of course, not everyone wants to talk. And that's fine too. But here's the thing I've come to understand over the years, and this is where your take, Scoot, starts to ring hollow: the people you're talking about, the ones on the other end of the phone, or behind the counter, they're not chatting because they want to. They're doing it because it's part of the customer service script.

You might think they're engaging with you, but often you're just a disruption to their day. And the older some get, the less self-aware they are about this, or they feel entitled to the attention, and the inconvenience it causes others simply doesn't register.

I genuinely hope you're getting something useful from these experiences. But like many of the things you seem to champion, I wonder if this is just another case of interpreting the world in a way that reinforces the narrative you've already decided you want to believe.

Your take is probably the mainstream take.
That the user driver would prefer I shut up.
That the mcdonalds worker sees an interaction as a distraction.

My take is that that user driver or check out operator,  if they carry that attitude to their home are going to find their intimate partner is a distraction. That conversation disrupts their doom scrolling which is way more entertaining

Iike I say, if you are a parking attendant or a Mecca's worker, you can smoke a little dope, spend the day in a durr state and learn nothing
Or
You can see every interaction as a chance to work on your social skills, beam.out positive energy. Try to find setting funny in every interaction. Practice your vocal projection and improve .01 % per day .

You have the right to project a great collaborative vibe.
You do not have the right to a result.
Again this will teach you to not care about the opinions of others and to be your own person.
One of one.


It is my belief, people will continue to be isolated, numbing their pain with phones, drugs anti depressants porn and Netflix and soon sex robots.

People will lose the ability of social.interaction and they will CRAVE it.

AI  will do everything else but it can't do that in a genuinely human way.

So learning the skills of this and practising them at every opportunity will be key to joy.

I still get it in the bush but when I go to town. The peoples eyes are dead, they are sleep walking zombies. A lot of them. You say hi and they mumble like a homeless person.

Practising interactions is done for your own benefit
I don't think most of them can be helped.
But you lose nothing by trying.
And the odd interaction works and gives you a download of energy. I think it's biological.
I don't think all the sugar fat porn pot grog trinkets Netflix and tiktoks in the world can connect you to source energy ad much as one genuine collaborative human interaction