Critical Thinking in Critical Times

12/15/2024

Quantum Computing: The Need for Speed Meets the Need for Caution

Speed thrills—until it doesn’t. In quantum computing and AI, “The Need for Speed” could quickly shift from revolutionary to catastrophic in the blink of an eye—or a single bad calculation.

Consider this: quantum computers can perform calculations in minutes that would take today’s fastest supercomputers a thousand years. Sounds great, but here’s the question: how do you verify it’s right? If today’s systems can’t even replicate the results in our lifetime, what’s to stop a glitch from becoming a global disaster?

Accuracy here isn’t negotiable. Saying a quantum computer is “almost 100% accurate” is like saying someone is “almost pregnant.” Close doesn’t cut it.

Now add AI into the mix—machine learning guided by calculations we can’t fully verify. Think mismanaged power grids, financial systems on the fritz, or AI misinterpreting global threats.

Quantum computing promises speed, but without caution, it might outrun our ability to control it.

“Hartmut Neven, Founder and Lead, Google Quantum AI:

Today I’m delighted to announce Willow, our latest quantum chip. Willow has state-of-the-art performance across a number of metrics, enabling two major achievements.

The first is that Willow can reduce errors exponentially as we scale up using more qubits. This cracks a key challenge in quantum error correction that the field has pursued for almost 30 years.

Second, Willow performed a standard benchmark computation in under five minutes that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion (that is, 1025) years — a number that vastly exceeds the age of the Universe...”

Quote sourced from John Ellis News Items

12/12/2024

Beware of pork, earmarks, and petty greed—tools some Senators use to buy votes for themselves rather than deliver what the nation truly needs. Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture: the incoming president has a mandate. His agenda was no secret; it was laid out clearly, debated, and approved by most voters through the ballot box and the Electoral College.

Watch the headlines; some Senators still believe the game is afoot when they need to be adults.

Any Republican Senators who deny President Donald J. Trump the team he believes is crucial to his administration will face serious political repercussions. They won’t just be labeled as RINOs (Republicans In Name Only); instead, they risk being branded as RATS (Republicans Against Trump).

Right now, the spotlight falls on Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, and possibly Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Murkowski and Collins have a track record of taking independent stances that occasionally frustrate their party’s base. McConnell, on the other hand, is known for his strategic maneuvering. It’s unlikely he would publicly oppose Trump, as doing so might tarnish the carefully constructed legacy of his long Senate career.

How this plays out remains to be seen. In the months ahead, these Senators' decisions will shape their political futures and test the unity and direction of the Republican Party.

Get ready for the buzzword of the year: "budget reconciliation." In the coming months, this procedural workhorse will take center stage. Why? Because without

12/07/2024

Your tax dollars are funding waste, the swamp, empty buildings, and factions to waste your tax dollars and not serve the public interest - YOU. As veterans are homeless, the elderly struggle to make ends meet, disaster victims live in tents freezing, and the list goes on, here are dollars going nowhere but feeding the beast of factions - unions and special interest landlords.

Imagine a government so bloated and disconnected that it pays billions for empty desks. This isn’t science fiction. It’s your federal government. Sen

12/05/2024

Chinese Hacks and Rare Earth Embargoes Warn America of Strategic Vulnerabilities Demanding Urgent Action

Recent stories show America faces two critical threats from China, exposing vulnerabilities that demand immediate attention. These challenges impact national security and economic stability, requiring a coordinated response.

Cyber Spies Embedded in U.S. Networks
Source: Washington Post

Chinese government hackers remain entrenched in U.S. telecommunications and internet providers months after their espionage was discovered. Despite support from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), officials admit they cannot predict when these hackers will be fully evicted.

CISA advises users to adopt encrypted messages and secure calls as temporary safeguards.

China Restricts Critical Mineral Exports
Source: Reuters

China has banned exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, and antimony—minerals essential for semiconductors, military equipment, and renewable energy. Beijing also tightened controls on graphite, used in EV batteries, citing national security concerns.

This move raises fears of further restrictions on resources like nickel and cobalt, deepening U.S. dependence on foreign supplies. Developing domestic sources of these materials is critical to reducing strategic vulnerabilities.

These threats underscore the need for proactive measures to secure America’s infrastructure and supply of critical rare earth metals.

12/03/2024

True.

“Democrats and their liberal media allies keep pointing out that Donald Trump had pardoned his son-in-law’s father in 2020 to excuse President Biden’s unprecedented move.

They are being dishonest.

Charles Kushner pleaded guilty to tax evasion and other federal crimes in 2005. He served his two-year prison sentence and paid the maximum fine the judge could give. His record was cleared through a pardon by Trump 15 years after his conviction and sentencing.

President Biden has pardoned his son before sentencing, wiping away a possible $1.3 million tax evasion fine and years in prison. More importantly, the pardon is backdated to 2014 to include all crimes that he “may have committed" long before the 2016–19 gun and tax evasion felony crimes.

2014 is when Hunter began working for lucrative Ukrainian interests when his father was tasked with responsibilities for that country as VP.

11/28/2024

Satire Alert: The Tarrifying Trump Card of Tariffs

Theater of the Absurd: Biden, Hezbollah, and the Ceasefire That Wasn’t

Some may have scratched their heads, wondering, What role did Biden actually play in the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire? How could a slow-moving Joe, seemingly more focused on his next ice cream cone, broker anything resembling peace? For a moment, it seemed the entry of Trump—storming in with his “Tariffinator” threats—was what got everyone scrambling to the negotiating table. But now, thanks to an anonymous source, we have the backstory.

As Bob Seger once crooned, “There are some things I wish I didn’t know now that I didn’t know then.” This might just top the list.

The ceasefire, as it turns out, was a reheated version of a two-decade-old U.N. deal that Hezbollah violated back then and will undoubtedly violate again. Nothing new. It’s the diplomatic equivalent of slapping duct tape on a leaking dam and calling it engineering.

And now the game’s afoot.

The negotiations had already descended into farce. Biden, shuffling his cue cards like a man trying to find a lost lottery ticket, proclaimed, “We’ll arm everyone with nukes! Then we’re all equals. Peace through parity!” Netanyahu massaged his temples, muttering something about retirement. Across the table, the Hezbollah negotiator tried to focus, but his phone buzzed with constant instructions from Tehran.

“Praise Allah,” the faint voice on the other end said, “but Biden is wrong. Again.”

As the negotiators descended into another loop of circular reasoning, the doors suddenly swung open. The lights flickered. The air grew electric. He had arrived.

Donald Trump strode into the room, his red tie flapping like a battle standard. In a voice that seemed both metallic and oddly comforting, he boomed, “I AM BACKKKKK.” The room fell silent. Somewhere, an eagle cried, and a Hezbollah aide fainted.

Netanyahu smirked. “This should be good.”

Trump pointed dramatically. “Enough of this weak nonsense. No deals. No appeasement. Just tariffs. Tariffs on everything. You’ve got rockets? Tariffed. You’ve got falafel? Tariffed. You’ve got ideas I don’t like? Double tariffed.”

The Hezbollah negotiator, wide-eyed, whispered into his phone, “Tehran, he’s serious! He’s going to tariff air!”

Tehran’s voice crackled back, “Stay calm. Tariffs do not scare Allah. But… be cautious.”

Biden, visibly confused, jumped in. “Look, folks, tariffs are just—uh—you know, taxes for tough guys. But if we arm everyone with nukes, there won’t be any tariffs. See? Equal playing field. Everyone’s in the same nuclear club!”

Tehran groaned through the speaker. “Praise Allah. He is making it worse.”

Trump ignored him. “Listen, Biden. Tariffs work because I say they work. Fear works. Nobody’s tariffed fear before. I’m a genius. People are terrified of my tariffs. That’s how you negotiate.” He turned to Netanyahu. “Bibi, you’re my guy. But if you don’t stop smirking, Israel’s hummus exports? Tariffed.”

Netanyahu raised an eyebrow. “So your solution to terrorism is… tariffs?”

“Exactly,” Trump replied. “Tariffs on terrorism. Tariffs on bad behavior. Tariffs on Hezbollah’s entire vibe. If you don’t stop launching rockets, I’ll tariff your dreams. And believe me, it’ll work.”

The Hezbollah negotiator panicked. “Tehran, he’s threatening tariffs on… us! Help!”

Tehran’s voice sighed. “This is a catastrophe. But we are still waiting on instructions from Allah.”

Biden clapped, misunderstanding entirely. “This is how you build coalitions, folks! Tariffs, nukes, whatever it takes to get the job done. Historic leadership!”

Netanyahu leaned back, arms crossed. “There will be no peace until the ideology of death ends. Tariffs or no tariffs.”

Trump grinned. “Don’t worry, Bibi. I’ve got this. The world is spinning again because I’m here.”

Biden, nodding along, muttered, “Spinning’s good. Keeps everyone dizzy. Makes deals easier.”

The room fell silent again, not from unity, but from collective confusion.

Word Count: 495
Estimated Reading Time: ~2.5

11/27/2024

“Tariffying” News for China, Mexico,and Canada on Tariffs

President-elect Trump announced plans for a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. He said these measures were necessary to tackle illegal drugs and migrants crossing U.S. borders.

On Truth Social, Trump accused China of failing to enforce harsher penalties on fentanyl traffickers and claimed drugs were entering the U.S. from Mexico at record levels. He declared that until China cracks down, a 10% tariff would be added to all Chinese products. Trump also promised to impose a 25% tariff on every product from Mexico and Canada, pledging to sign an executive order on his first day in office.

Trump views tariffs as tools to achieve bigger goals, not just penalties. As he wrote in The Art of the Deal: “I aim high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what I’m after.”

Source John Ellis News Items

11/27/2024

Why Protect Criminals Over Citizens?

Blue-state governors and attorneys general are already hatching plans conspiring to stop the mass deportations of illegal aliens, even criminals.

It’s a strange move. Why protect lawbreakers over law-abiding citizens? Why defend criminals instead of their victims? It’s not just puzzling—it’s dangerous.

Breaking the Law

Under Title 8, USC § 1324, it’s a crime to harbor or shield illegal aliens. Officials who block federal deportations risk violating this law. The penalties are clear: fines and up to five years in prison per offense. For criminals who commit violence, the stakes are higher. Delaying their removal puts more lives at risk.

Sanctuary policies prove the point. Hundreds of detainer requests have been ignored. Many led to repeat crimes. Federal law is not optional, but some governors and attorneys general seem to think otherwise. Their defiance has real consequences—robberies, assaults, and worse.

Stalling Trump’s Team

Trump promised to protect Americans. He needs a team to deliver on that promise. But entrenched bureaucrats—the swamp—fight back. They don’t want disruptors like Hegseth, Gaetz, or Kennedy cleaning house. Instead, they stall appointments, delay reforms, and block plans.

These delays aren’t harmless. Every day without action means criminals stay on the streets. Victims pay the price. Leadership failures turn promises into empty words.

The Cost of Inaction

Lawlessness spreads when leaders refuse to act. Protecting criminals isn’t compassion—it’s betrayal. Every blocked deportation, every ignored law, hurts real people.

The swamp prefers the status quo. Trump promised to change it. His opponents delay and deflect, but their inaction costs lives. Americans deserve better. The law exists to protect the innocent, not shelter the guilty.

Sources:
1. Department of Justice Report on Sanctuary Cities (2020)
2. Immigration and Nationality Act, Title 8 USC § 1324
3. “Blue State Governors Fight Deportation Plans” – The Hill
4. “Swamp Resistance to Trump’s Team Picks” – National Review

Word Count: 350
Reading Time: 2 minutes

11/26/2024

A taste of daily news from Mike Baker’s President’s Daily Brief for Nov 26,2024–

“
• A top NATO commander issues a stark warning for businesses to prepare for a “wartime scenario,” urging the West to secure its production lines against adversarial nations like Russia.
• New satellite imagery reveals North Korea ramping up production of short-range missiles for Russia, with components sourced from the West.
• A surprising cybersecurity risk: Chinese-made cranes used in U.S. ports—responsible for 80% of American container operations—may pose a serious national security threat.
• And in today’s Back of the Brief: Mexican cartels are exploiting the CBP One app, a tool for migrants, to track and kidnap potential victims.”

Podcast Episode · The President's Daily Brief · 11/26/2024 · 23m

11/24/2024

I am no fan of Putin or Russia, but the facts are the facts and can help explain the reasons behind Russian aggression in Europe. I briefly examine Eastern Euro

11/20/2024

Another win for liberty. We really get a great return on our contributions. Hoorah !!!

LANDMARK CASE SETTLED: Violating the Constitution has proven costly for the state of Colorado. The state has now agreed to pay more than $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees for violating the First Amendment rights of graphic artist Lorie Smith, following her historic victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in 303 Creative v. Elenis.

Before Lorie won at the high court, Colorado officials threatened and censored her speech for nearly seven years. They have also spent years targeting other Colorado artists, like Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop.

“The government can’t force Americans to say things they don’t believe, and Colorado officials have paid and will continue to pay a high price when they violate this foundational freedom,” said ADF CEO and President Kristen Waggoner, who argued the 303 Creative case before the Supreme Court.

Lorie Smith is thankful that her case—which has already been cited in briefs, rulings, and legal publications nearly 1,000 times—has protected freedom for all Americans.

“After enduring Colorado’s censorship for nearly seven years, I’m incredibly grateful for the work of my attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom to bring my case to victory,” she said. “This is a win not just for me but for all Americans—for those who share my beliefs and for those who hold different views.”

MORE: https://t.co/769ISritLB

11/14/2024

Here We Go Again: Core Inflation Numbers (food and energy) Are Ticking Up

The October Consumer Price Index (CPI) just released, showing a 0.2% increase month over month and 2.6% year over year. More concerning is the “core” inflation—excluding food and energy—up 0.3% for the month and 3.3% over the year. These numbers are a red flag, signaling inflation is sticking around longer than the Fed might like.

Yet, Wall Street Investors seem oddly confident, perhaps believing inflation isn’t hot enough to shift the Federal Reserve’s course. But they may be in for a surprise. Reportedly, traders are now giving 80% odds on a December rate cut—up sharply from yesterday’s 50-50 chance.

The takeaway If the Fed doesn’t clamp down soon, the inflation fire could spread, making it a bigger headache for Trump. It’s a problem that won’t get easier with time, and the longer it’s ignored, the harder it will be to fix.

Inflation moves up fast and quickly when large sums of controlled spending and tends to linger longer, but fixing it can be slow and involve many variables. We have already started with the toughest ones - a change in leadership with hope and confidence in the future; and the stock market wizards are putting their sideline money back in the market (of course this latter one could simply be the presidential cycle rally from the election through early 2025).

Hopefully inflation will stabilize which is the first goal, but considering how many times the Biden Administration has had to “correct” for worse economic numbers the Trump Administration will need correct numbers to manage the progress of the adjustments.

Sourced

The October consumer price index came in line with forecasts.

11/09/2024

The Green Scam: Consumers Get Screwed Again

Here we go again. Another grand scheme, another hit to the consumer’s wallet. The push for “green energy” isn’t about saving the planet—it’s about robbing us blind. We’re funding their woke fantasies while ignoring basic facts: a reliable energy grid needs a balanced mix of sources. Remember the Texas snowstorm? Green energy faltered, and people suffered. But the solar zealots don’t seem to care. They think slapping panels on rooftops is the answer, even though those panels crank up the heat in neighborhoods and rely on more than just sunshine. Reality check: you’re still tied to the grid.

First, they snuck in wireless meters for gas and electricity. Those who didn’t want them were slapped with fees for manual readings—fees that were likely already covered by existing rates approved by the Kentucky Public Utilities Commission. Just a cash grab, plain and simple.

Now, they’re bribing folks to go solar with discounts and “lower” rates. But guess who foots the bill for all that? Regular users stuck on the traditional grid. We’ll end up paying for the installation, upkeep, and eventual disposal of their eco-dreams. It’s a scam, and we’re the ones left holding the bag.

Our representatives in Frankort must look into this. NOW!

11/09/2024

“Facebook Follies: Lefties Gone Wild and the Illusion of Free Thought”

Ah, Facebook—the land of virtual town squares and cat videos. But look closer, and you’ll see the platform has evolved beyond just “shadow banning.” During this election cycle, my “Critical Thinking in Critical Times” page felt more like “Critical Control of Content.” It wasn’t just my personal posts lost in the digital abyss (though they may as well have been whispered into a hurricane). No, the interference was craftier this time.

Every time I thought I’d share a thought-provoking nugget, my feed was flooded with left-leaning propaganda, as if I’d tuned into a marathon of “Lefties Gone Wild”. It was like Facebook’s algorithm decided I needed a healthy dose of progressive groupthink, curated just for me. Meanwhile, my posts seemed to vanish into the ether, lost beneath the tidal wave of “progressive” (read: regressive) outrage.

And the kicker? The few folks who still managed to see my posts were either drowned out or missing in action, like they’d been sent on a mandatory sabbatical from rational debate. In the end, it felt less like I was sharing and more like I was spitting into a very left-leaning wind.