The Senate’s Bottomless Bill

Whoever wrote and sponsored this Senate bill is a traitor. [The Rude Awakening] February 05, 2024 [WEBSITE]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( The Senate’s Bottomless Bill [Sean Ring] SEAN RING “What am I reading?” I thought to myself as I was going down the list of pork barrel bullshit in the Senate’s “compromise” border bill. “If you believe, as I do, that we must secure the border now, doing nothing is not an option,” President Potatohead Biden said. Hey, Joe. Here’s a quick clue: Sign one of those executive orders right now to close the border. I swear you don’t need anything else - just your signature, if you can manage it. [Rude Awakening] And yet, to muddy the waters and make them seem deeper (thanks, Nietzsche), The Senate has attached aid to Ukraine and Israel to the bill. If you vote “nay!” to this nonsense, you’re not a patriot! What a load of codswallop! In today's edition of the Rude, we're looking at a contentious issue stirring up considerable debate across the United States: the sprawling financial commitments the U.S. government has decided to undertake, spanning global conflicts, foreign aid, border policies, and more, with a hefty price tag attached to these initiatives. American taxpayers are left wondering why they're footing the bill for a seemingly endless list of expenditures that, at first glance, appear to extend well beyond domestic priorities. The $60.06 Billion Support for Ukraine: A Bottomless Pit? First and foremost is the staggering $60.06 billion allocated to support Ukraine against Russia's invasion. The Neocons would argue that defending democracy and sovereignty is a noble cause. But even if you believe them, Why should American taxpayers bear such a substantial financial burden? This amount isn’t just a drop in the bucket, even in the context of the overblown federal budget; it's a colossal investment that could be directed toward pressing domestic issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. No one in the USG understands opportunity cost. The ongoing nature of this support raises concerns about an open-ended commitment with no clear endpoint in sight, essentially drawing U.S. resources into a Vietnam-like quagmire. Bipartisan Border Policy Changes: A $20.23 Billion Question Mark The bipartisan border policy changes, backed by a $20.23 billion investment, are perhaps the most direct intersection of foreign policy and domestic concerns. While strengthening border security and combating narcotics are critical, the sheer size of this allocation begs scrutiny. With border policies already a contentious issue, the infusion of such a substantial sum without clear, measurable outcomes is a pill too bitter for many Americans to swallow. Only $20B for you, but $60B for Ukraine? WTF? Remember, Trump only wanted over $5 billion for the wall. [The Chart Pattern That Returned 567%]( The green line on this chart is called THE CASH LINE. It means one thing: The stock is poised to go higher… and you need to get in. This chart pattern turned a $40,000 model portfolio into $266,894 in two years. That’s a 567% return… We’re teaching a small group of readers how to use it. [Are you in? Click here now.]( [Click Here To Learn More]( The $14.1 Billion Security Blank Check for Israel And that’s only $6 billion more than what the Israelis are getting. To be sure, the $14.1 billion earmarked for security assistance to Israel further exemplifies the government's prioritization of overseas interests over domestic welfare. While Israel is undoubtedly a key ally in the Middle East, the continuous flow of American dollars to support another nation's military endeavors begs the question of reciprocity and the tangible benefits for the American people. In an era where the U.S. faces massive security challenges, including cyber threats and the porous southern border, reallocating even a fraction of this sum to bolster national defenses is a more prudent use of taxpayer funds. Humanitarian Assistance: The $10 Billion Question Although laudable for its intentions, the commitment of $10 billion in humanitarian assistance raises critical questions about fiscal responsibility and oversight. While aiding civilians caught in conflict zones is a moral imperative, the efficiency and effectiveness of such aid are perennial concerns. The lack of stringent accountability mechanisms often results in wastage and corruption, diminishing the impact of these funds. Americans are right to question why their hard-earned dollars are being sent overseas when there are ample humanitarian challenges, including homelessness and poverty, within their borders. Besides, if the USG isn’t pressuring Israel to stop the bombings and is giving Israel over $14 billion, what’s the point of this expenditure? Indo-Pacific Strategy: A $4.83 Billion Gamble The strategy of supporting vital regional partners in the Indo-Pacific with $4.83 billion to deter Chinese aggression is a gamble with taxpayer money on a geopolitical chess game. Escalating tensions with China are a serious concern; however, the investment in deterrence raises the specter of an arms race that the U.S. cannot afford. The focus should be on diplomatic solutions and multilateral engagements rather than pouring billions into a potentially unwinnable contest of military might. In short, nearly $5 billion for what? $2.44 Billion in U.S. Central Command Operations: Misplaced Priorities? The allocation of $2.44 billion to support operations in the U.S. Central Command area, particularly for combating expenditures in the Red Sea, is yet another instance of questionable resource allocation. Why do they need more? Centcom should be able to deal with the Houthis without an extra bag of money. $2.33 Billion for Displaced Ukrainians and Refugees: An Open Door Policy? The allocation of $2.33 billion to support Ukrainians displaced by war and other refugees is a testament to America's humanitarian spirit. Yet, it underscores a broader issue of an open-door policy that many Americans feel has been taken advantage of. The concern here is not about closing doors to those in need but ensuring that generosity doesn’t come at the expense of the nation's capacity to provide for its citizens, particularly regarding jobs, social services, and community resources. The FEND Off Fentanyl Act: Addressing the Symptom, Not the Cause? The focus on the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, though crucial in fighting the opioid crisis, illustrates a pattern of addressing symptoms rather than root causes. While necessary, the allocation of funds towards this act should not overshadow the broader need for comprehensive drug policy reform and rehabilitation programs that tackle the issue at its core. $400 Million for Nonprofit Security: A Drop in the Ocean Lastly, while important, the $400 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, aimed at enhancing security for nonprofits and places of worship, feels like a drop in the ocean compared to the other figures. It's a reminder of the skewed priorities that favor overseas commitments over the protection and enhancement of American civil society. Wrap Up The financial commitments above represent a profound imbalance between international involvement and domestic needs. It's an outrage that American taxpayers are expected to shoulder these burdens without a transparent accounting of the benefits or a say. The government's role is to serve the interests of its people first and foremost, a principle that has been forgotten in the rush to address global challenges. As taxpayers, you have the right to demand transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, a reevaluation of priorities that aligns with the immediate needs and welfare of the American populace. Let’s hope Tucker gets that interview out of Putin. Then, maybe, The Narrative will fall apart. All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening X (formerly Twitter): [@seaniechaos]( In Case You Missed It… The Apple on Your Eyes [Sean Ring] SEAN RING Take a bow, Dennis Miller. Your prophetic comedy is about to come to fruition. Sometime last century - I’ll wager the early 90s, but I can’t be sure - the [genius comedian sarkily cranked out this joke]( Television technology continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Scientists estimate by the end of the century, via the means of virtual reality, a man will be able to simulate making love to any woman he wants to through his television set. You know, folks, the day an unemployed iron worker can lay in his Barcalounger with a Fosters in one hand and a channel flicker in the other and f*ck Claudia Schiffer for 1995. It’s going to make crack look like Sanka. We’re nearly a quarterway into the next century, but who’s counting? The Beginning of the Beginning It’s no hyperbole to assume today begins a new age in computing. [Rude Awakening] The first step into a larger world. Credit: [Apple]( The Apple Vision Pro, Apple's entry into the mixed reality space, is anticipated to impact the market significantly for several reasons. While specific outcomes will depend on its adoption, we can speculate on several fronts based on what's known about Apple's strategies and the tech industry's dynamics: Innovation and Technology Push: Apple is known for innovating and refining technology, often setting new standards for user experience and device capabilities. The Vision Pro will likely introduce cutting-edge features and optimizations in mixed reality (MR) technology, including advancements in display resolution, field of view, user interface, and integration with existing Apple ecosystems. This could push competitors to accelerate their innovations. Market Expansion: By entering the mixed reality market, Apple could significantly expand the market's size and consumer base. Apple’s loyal customer base may be more inclined to try MR technology if it's offered by a brand they trust. This could lead to broader adoption of MR technology across various demographics that previously showed little interest in VR (Virtual Reality) or AR (Augmented Reality) headsets. Think about this: how many people do you know with a Meta Headset? Note: VR replaces reality, while AR and MR augment it. MR offers a more integrated experience than AR, with more complex interactions between real and virtual objects. Content and Application Development: With the launch of Vision Pro, there's likely to be an increase in the development of MR content, apps, and experiences tailored to the platform. Apple's ecosystem attracts developers, meaning we will see innovative applications and use cases emerging, ranging from entertainment and gaming to education and professional applications. Apple Vision Pro has a chance to succeed where others have failed, with 1 million total apps available at launch plus 600 native visionOS apps. Competitive Response: Vision Pro's entry into the market will likely prompt competitors to enhance their products, reduce prices, or focus on niche areas where they can differentiate. This could lead to faster innovation cycles across the industry. Impact on Related Industries: The Vision Pro could also transform related industries, such as content creation, gaming, education, and professional services. For example, it could introduce new ways to interact with digital content, collaborate remotely, or perform specific jobs. Mainstream Acceptance of MR: One of the Apple Vision Pro's most significant potential impacts is its ability to bring MR technology into the mainstream. Apple's marketing prowess and its focus on user-friendly design could help overcome some of the barriers to MR adoption, such as complexity, discomfort, and a lack of compelling content. When Apple jumps into an ecosystem, the waves ripple into other ecosystems. [URGENT: Regarding Your 2024 Strategic Intelligence Membership Dues!]( Hi, I’m Matt Insley. I’m the Publisher at Paradigm Press. Just moments ago, I just got off the phone with Jim and we agreed: it’s time we start charging more money for access to his newsletter. That’s why we may implement a massive price hike for all subscribers in the coming days. But if you [click here now,]( you can lock in your current subscription price at 80% off – and never have to pay the potential new price of $500. Don’t waste any time. [Just click here now to claim this special offer.]( [Click Here To Learn More]( WTF is “Spatial Computing?” The Vision Pro isn’t just another virtual reality headset; it’s completely different from any other VR headset, leading some to think Mark Zuckerberg has soiled his underoos. That’s because the Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset. That means you can put on your headset and watch a movie while remaining in the real world. From [Apple]( Featuring a brand-new three-dimensional user interface and input system controlled entirely by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice, navigation feels magical. Intuitive gestures allow users to interact with apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select, flicking their wrist to scroll, or using a virtual keyboard or dictation to type. With Siri, users can quickly open or close apps, play media, and more. What’s AI Got To Do With It? When you think of AI, you probably think of ChatGPT, Bing, or maybe even Bard. And that’s fair enough, as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google are loud about their AI accomplishments. But Apple’s big into that space, as well. From [Tom’s Guide]( One thing that Cook mentioned and stressed several times though is that a great deal of the "magic’"in the Vision Pro from Personas to room mapping is powered by AI and machine learning. The company’s first new product category in years is “built on decades of Apple innovation and it’s years ahead of anything else.” Although Apple doesn’t like to throw the term AI around like Microsoft does with the new Bing, Cook explained to the investors and analysts on the call that the company is doing a lot of work internally with AI. Cook also said that he sees a “huge opportunity for Apple” with both generative AI and AI overall. "We will continue to invest in these and other technologies that will shape the future," Cook said. "That includes artificial intelligence where we continue to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort. And we're excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year." Cook declined to provide further details on Apple's AI efforts, but his comments come amid reports that iOS 18 figures to put AI features front and center in this year's iPhone software update. Some reports have characterized iOS 18 as the biggest iPhone update ever. It’s an exciting time at a company many were about to write off. James Altucher Sees a 1,000% Return. German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once said, “Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.” That’s why our resident genius, Paradigm’s Tech Grand Poobah James Altucher, is back again with [a massive prediction]( before the MSM comes close to realizing what’s going on. Remember, if it’s on the front cover of The Wall Street Journal, it’s too late. In 2010, James predicted that AAPL would become the world’s first trillion-dollar company when its market cap was only $300 billion. Not only did it reach a trillion dollars, it marched to a market cap of $3 trillion. AAPL registered a 2,879% gain over the next ten years. Following Steve Jobs’ footsteps, Tim Cook launched Apple’s most exciting product since the iPhone in 2007. James Altucher wants to tell you all about it. Just [click this link]( to watch the video where James explains everything. You can control the playback speed of the video, so watch it at 1.5x or 2x the speed. In this video, [James reveals why he’s so bullish on a $2 company]( intimately involved with AAPL and its gaming-changing goggles. According to James, this stock could go 100x over the next decade. The video is well worth your time. [Head here now.]( Have a wonderful weekend! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening Twitter: [@seaniechaos]( [Paradigm]( ☰ ⊗ [ARCHIVE]( [ABOUT]( [Contact Us]( © 2024 Paradigm Press, LLC. 1001 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. By submitting your email address, you consent to Paradigm Press, LLC. delivering daily email issues and advertisements. 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