Politics

[Ontario Hunter]

I respect your service. Assuming it is true, I respect his. What I don't respect is his characterization of it. Should he or you or anyone else have disabilities attributable to their service, I think it is wonderful the federal and state governments offer a form of compensation. What I find reprehensible is bragging about being a "disabled veteran" and equating that to the injuries too many of our comrades incurred in combat. The compensation any of us receive is generous. But, none of our service compares to what the truly disabled have contributed. A few days at Walter Reed a decade ago would cure anyone of that sort of posturing.

Not bragging. I am entitled to vote and participate in American democracy because I'm a citizen. But also because I answered America's call to serve rather than running away (my home then was only seventy miles from the Canadian border) or hiding out in university or accepting an early medical discharge when it was offered. Yeah, I get understandably irritated when some on here claim I have no business concerning myself with US politics. I gave up enough to guarantee me that right. And I don't mind reminding you every time I'm criticized for not still living in the US.

Oh ... just so you know, free medical care doesn't keep me in Canada. The VA provides me with free medical care when I'm in the US. There are many other good reasons why I choose to live here.

 

[fourfive8]

I have never seen anyone double down on BS like Ontario Hunter.

I usually give everyone the benefit of the doubt but O H spent all his doubt benefits quite a number of posts back. I’m finished with paying any attention to ole “Shoot ‘em in the knee, MP” O H.

 

[Altitude sickness]

.
I served on subs and to my knowledge never was in a combat zone. Did not have to be to do what needed being done. I was in special projects and Tridents. All together I have 3.5 years under water time. How does that compare?

If you were in the CNO Special Projects, you definitely earned your stripes. While technically not in a combat role. the operations were definitely in harms way.

 

[spike.t]

For fk sake....my jaw hit the floor at the shit coming out of these politicians mouths, about the attempted beheading in Northern Ireland

 

[skydiver386]

I watched it live. Okay, Trump suggested that injecting or introducing disinfectant or "very strong light" "inside the body" should be studied as a cure for COVID. Lysol immediately issued a warning to the public. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt assuming he confused "ingesting" with "injecting," the former proposition being slightly less ridiculous. We all know he has vocabulary issues.

It's been DEBUNKED dozens of times by most major news outlets, but Ontario Hunter watched it live? That's your proof?

UVC rays have been used to help kill Staph for some time. The video is from MSNBC, a far left news source, and it clearly lays out how experimental studies were being conducted during the Pandemic on how this technology might be used to stop the spread of the virus. Even the reporter used the term "DISINFECTANT" at the 26 second mark in the video. As a matter of fact, he uses the word DISINFECTANT dozens of times during the video, and so did nearly every other news network.

But if Trump uses the SAME WORD? God help us all, as morons that can't think for themselves may end up ingesting Clorox and Lysol products.

Just so were straight, Trump didn't suggest anything, it was already being done!

The real problem is that you are a Political Hack. You are intellectually dishonest, and because of this, nobody on this forum believes anything you say.

What a miserable world it must be for a PHD with no credibility.

 

[rookhawk]

My specialty was business history. It entailed more than a few economics courses along the way. Not easy! Chemistry was the most challenging for me but economics was on the podium.

I went to business school. Wharton is also a business school. Neither offer chemistry courses. I can’t envisage a specialty track in business history having a chemistry track.

For all the rhetoric on here about Trump’s alleged failing grades you’d think the facts would be sufficient to overcome the allegations. You do not drive up and down the east coast desperately looking for admission. Only to land at Wharton. Wharton is the business school for U Penn, and Ivy League university. If Trump had shitty grades as alleged, he would have maybe bribed his way into Kings College, Pace, Hofstra, a SUNY or CUNY school, etc, but he’s not getting into Wharton.

My father in law went to Wharton MBA in ‘65, then he became an officer and admiral’s aid at Pearl. Every promising young man had the same idea of getting into Wharton, you had to have the potential to actually do it. Unrelated, his father was a competitor to Fred Trump. Fred wasn’t a big shot at that time with major power and influence, he was building affordable housing on Long Island as a profession, not influencing heads of State or Ivy League admissions teams.

 

[RLD]

I went to business school. Wharton is also a business school. Neither offer chemistry courses. I can’t envisage a specialty track in business history having a chemistry track.

For all the rhetoric on here about Trump’s alleged failing grades you’d think the facts would be sufficient to overcome the allegations. You do not drive up and down the east coast desperately looking for admission. Only to land at Wharton. Wharton is the business school for U Penn, and Ivy League university. If Trump had shitty grades as alleged, he would have maybe bribed his way into Kings College, Pace, Hofstra, a SUNY or CUNY school, etc, but he’s not getting into Wharton.

My father in law went to Wharton MBA in ‘65, then he became an officer and admiral’s aid at Pearl. Every promising young man had the same idea of getting into Wharton, you had to have the potential to actually do it. Unrelated, his father was a competitor to Fred Trump. Fred wasn’t a big shot at that time with major power and influence, he was building affordable housing on Long Island as a profession, not influencing heads of State or Ivy League admissions teams.

While Wharton is a perfectly good school, getting into that school back in the those times (with all due respect to your father) was a very different matter than today. The acceptance rate in the mid 60's was round 40%, today it is around 7%.

While Trump may not have bribed his way into the school, it should be noted that the the admissions officer who handled Trumps interview, vetting and shepharded his application through the process was a man named James Nolan, who in interviews has acknowledged that he was a friend of Trump's brother Fred, and has also said he helped President Trump through the process as the request of his brother.

So it was not like he was a stranger to the school and was evaluated just like any other applicant.

I doubt that Trump had failing grades at Fordham, or Wharton, but I have never heard a lick of evidence that he was anything better than a middling student.

 

[mdwest]

And you guys actually believe he has a real degree in economics?

It’s far more believable that he has a degree than to believe you do…

There’s tons of evidence that validate he has a degree…

With you all we have is the word of a man that has been confirmed to lie and purposefully speak mistruths on regular occasion… there’s zero evidence other than you stating it…

He says dumb shit like he loves inflation… you say dumb shit like Obama released his transcripts…

He claims a degree in economics and built a million dollar business into a billion dollar business… you claim a PhD in history but have more times than I can count made statements completely untrue about historical events…

Pretty funny that you continue to challenge another man’s education despite it being proven he has one… all the while continuing to make others think your educational claims are completely fabricated…

 

[LivingTheDream]

Actually footage of Trump trying to get into Wharton.

 

[RLD]

He claims a degree in economics and built a million dollar business into a billion dollar business… you claim a PhD in history but have more times than I can count made statements completely untrue about historical events…

I think Trump more than claims that degree...there is plenty of evidence to support that claim.

The program from the graduation class has Trump's name listed and he is also in the yearbook. I don't think any rational person who has looked at the issue could claim he did not have that degree.

The admissions officer who got him in has done more than one public interview about the process. Not sure what more one could want evidence wise.

 

[Brent in Az]

 

[rookhawk]

I know a guy from some year's ago that served in Iraq during desert storm. He drove trucks and wasn't a combatant.
This dude was perfectly fine mentally, but he jumped on milking the PTSD bandwagon so he could get a monthly disability payment, and a pro rated backpayout of approx $30k

Sadly, this has become a stereotypical theme as of recently. I feel like a jerk poking at our enlisted, but they are absolutely f-ing the taxpayer.

There is a podcast that is quite popular called "Financial Audit" with Caleb Hammer. The show is about the most outrageously irresponsible people trying to fix their chaotic finances. 100% of the time if the guest was enlisted, they are milking the government for FULL disability. Not a single one of them had any obvious physical ailment.

I will gladly allow for a fraction of those people having real disability whether mental or physical, but it appears we have created a cottage industry of fraud within the military disability system.

I know a lot of fully disabled veterans up here and its really quite sad. They weren't lifers, they did their 4-6 years as non-com, then milked the system, and now they are doing nothing with their lives because they don't want to get caught doing meaningful work that would prove they did not have a disability. Trying to better themselves would result in loss of benefits, so we are losing a major potential contributor to the US economy all to continue defrauding the military's generous disability benefits.

Sadly, I think we have to DOGE the disability system, strip all veterans of benefits, and force them to reapply using prudent criteria. The fraud is just too big at present and the super-majority of payments are fraudulent.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I went to business school. Wharton is also a business school. Neither offer chemistry courses. I can’t envisage a specialty track in business history having a chemistry track.

For all the rhetoric on here about Trump’s alleged failing grades you’d think the facts would be sufficient to overcome the allegations. You do not drive up and down the east coast desperately looking for admission. Only to land at Wharton. Wharton is the business school for U Penn, and Ivy League university. If Trump had shitty grades as alleged, he would have maybe bribed his way into Kings College, Pace, Hofstra, a SUNY or CUNY school, etc, but he’s not getting into Wharton.

My father in law went to Wharton MBA in ‘65, then he became an officer and admiral’s aid at Pearl. Every promising young man had the same idea of getting into Wharton, you had to have the potential to actually do it. Unrelated, his father was a competitor to Fred Trump. Fred wasn’t a big shot at that time with major power and influence, he was building affordable housing on Long Island as a profession, not influencing heads of State or Ivy League admissions teams.

My first postgraduate work was in sciences. I essentially have a second BA in biology.

If his grades are so spectacular and genius-ish as he consistently claims, why has he refused to release them (after he promised to release them) and threatened Wharton if they don't keep them secret? Certainly implies he's got something to hide. And I'm sure he does. His actions and his mouth demonstrate an intellectual capacity inconsistent with any university graduate I've ever met ... and I've known some really dumb ones!

 

[mdwest]

My first postgraduate work was in sciences. I essentially have a second BA in biology.

If his grades are so spectacular and genius-ish as he consistently claims, why has he refused to release them (after he promised to release them) and threatened Wharton if they don't keep them secret? Certainly implies he's got something to hide. And I'm sure he does. His actions and his mouth demonstrate an intellectual capacity inconsistent with any university graduate I've ever met ... and I've known some really dumb ones!

Love how you continue to refer to dumb people.. while playing dumb yourself..

the answer to your question about refusal to release transcripts has been provided to you over and over again... Im pretty sure you know how to read..

please name 1 president in US history that has voluntarily released their university transcripts...

Bush had his leaked... but he did not release them.. nor did Obama (although you falsely claimed he did).. nor did Clinton (although you falsely claimed he did).. nor did Biden.. nor did Carter.. or any other D or R president in the history of the US..

I suppose every other POTUS also had something to hide?

Or maybe its just a dumb assed idea to give the media and people like you something to nit pick at that is otherwise unimportant...

As long as you are on the subject of actions and mouth demonstrating intellectual capacity inconsistent with any university graduate youve ever met... how about we address the fact that you continue to tout a PhD while at the same time prove a complete lack of ability to research or analyze information... thats pretty inconsistent with any PhD Ive ever met.. since research and analysis is fundamental to producing a thesis or disertation..

Edited to add.... a man that claims to have the intelect and education that you claim (but clearly cant demonstrate) would know that being a "genius" actually has zero to do with education, grades, or transcripts.. genuis is a measurement of intelect.. most often it is expressed using Inteligence Quotient and those with an IQ above 130 are generally considered of high intelect or a genius depending on the organization.. the standard for admission to MENSA is 130..

https://www.mensa.org/

What most people dont realize is.. crossing the 130 threshold isnt really all of that big of a deal.. roughly 2% of the American population has an IQ of 130 or better.. if youve met 100 people in your life, chances are 2 of them are "genuises"..

IQ does not measure what you know or how educated you are in any way, shape or form..

It measures cognitive abilities.. your ability to actually LEARN...

Something you clearly lack the ability to do...

There are tons upon tons of genuises out there that never graduated high school.. and tons upon tons of PhD's out there that barely hit the bell curve IQ median of 100..

obtaining an advanced degree is not a matter of intellect.. its a matter of work ethic and determination.. anyone with a PhD would know that... funny how you dont?

curious how a guy that claims to be so smart and educated has no understanding of the word genius, what it means, or how it is applied..

 

[Tanks]

Sadly, I think we have to DOGE the disability system, strip all veterans of benefits, and force them to reapply using prudent criteria. The fraud is just too big at present and the super-majority of payments are fraudulent.

I would disagree, my partner's BIL had severe case of PTSD. He hsouldn't prove his case years later. I don't know how to read the fruit salad and the medals, but I don't think he had time as an MP. Actually, if one of the Marines here could decipher them I'd appreciate it. @Mark A Ouellette? I think he was in Somalia during the "Black Hawk Down" incident.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I would disagree, my partner's BIL had severe case of PTSD. He hsouldn't prove his case years later. I don't know how to read the fruit salad and the medals, but I don't think he had time as an MP. Actually, if one of the Marines here could decipher them I'd appreciate it. I think he was in Somalia during the "Black Hawk Down" incident.

View attachment 770184

While looking at those, what struck me the most, was he did all that and was only 21 years old. Sad to lose someone at such a young age.

 

[Red Leg]

Sadly, this has become a stereotypical theme as of recently. I feel like a jerk poking at our enlisted, but they are absolutely f-ing the taxpayer.

There is a podcast that is quite popular called "Financial Audit" with Caleb Hammer. The show is about the most outrageously irresponsible people trying to fix their chaotic finances. 100% of the time if the guest was enlisted, they are milking the government for FULL disability. Not a single one of them had any obvious physical ailment.

I will gladly allow for a fraction of those people having real disability whether mental or physical, but it appears we have created a cottage industry of fraud within the military disability system.

I know a lot of fully disabled veterans up here and its really quite sad. They weren't lifers, they did their 4-6 years as non-com, then milked the system, and now they are doing nothing with their lives because they don't want to get caught doing meaningful work that would prove they did not have a disability. Trying to better themselves would result in loss of benefits, so we are losing a major potential contributor to the US economy all to continue defrauding the military's generous disability benefits.

Sadly, I think we have to DOGE the disability system, strip all veterans of benefits, and force them to reapply using prudent criteria. The fraud is just too big at present and the super-majority of payments are fraudulent.

Fraud and not bettering themselves?

Military disability is nothing like claiming a civilian disability. It is not based on compensation in lieu of normal employment. It is a compensation that primarily exists to compensate for service-related health issues and physical damage incurred during service. Therefore, for the vast majority of veterans, a C&P disability determination in no way affects other compensation as a result of "bettering their lives." Military disability solely addresses chronic issues that occurred as a result of service. Back, hip, and knee issues are quality of life changing problems that have no effect on becoming a lawyer, teacher, etc but can certainly affect quality of life. Rucking, parachute landing falls, periodic disc compression events and their chronic effects are not the sort of life changing events experienced by, let's say, the typical business school grad?

Military disabilities are for that reason not means tested - another reason that the refusing to better their lives allegation is so uninformed. At least for the foreseeable future, the federal and supporting state governments believe that permanent damage and illness are equally debilitating from a quality of life perspective regardless of income.

Perhaps you can explain how the cottage industry of fraud works. After all, it would take a massive cabal of doctors and physician assistants across the country to perpetuate it - probably not a former E7 or O5 pulling off some sort of scam. Anyone, who actually gone through the process would be delighted to inform you of how difficult it is to reach a financially meaningful levels of a C&P disability rating.

Perhaps we should force the enlisting soldier to sign a release forgiving the government and the noble taxpayer from any responsibility for those chronic health issues? Oh that's right, the soldier and veteran pay taxes as well.

A quick AI question provided the following:

While isolated cases of individuals faking or exaggerating conditions to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation are occasionally uncovered, the VA disability system primarily challenges veterans who face strict medical requirements. [1, 2]

Scope of the Issue

• Prevalence: Investigations indicate that the vast majority of veterans file their claims truthfully, with fraud rates for specific conditions historically evaluated at less than 1%. [1]
• Systematic Issues: The VA disability claims process requires veterans to prove that their injuries or illnesses are "service-connected". This process is highly technical, and getting legitimate claims approved can take years. [1, 2]
• Accidental Discrepancies: Some veterans are flagged for fraud investigations not out of malicious intent, but due to misunderstandings about VA rules, such as failing to report changes in income or relying on unaccredited claims consultants. [1]

Types of Fraud and Scams

• Benefit Exaggeration: In severe instances, individuals have been prosecuted for claiming to be completely paralyzed or homebound while publicly participating in vigorous physical activities. [1]
• Predatory Businesses: Rather than veterans committing fraud, many veterans themselves are targets of fraud. Unaccredited "claim sharks" and scammers sometimes prey on veterans, charging illegal fees or promising to guarantee a 100% disability rating. [1, 2, 3]
• Contractor Fraud: Fraud also takes the form of corporate entities illegally exploiting government contracting programs set aside for service-disabled veterans. [1]

Official Oversight and Reporting

• The VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) actively investigates allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse.
• The VA utilizes advanced technology—including artificial intelligence tools—to scan Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) to identify patterns of fraudulent activity or fabricated medical evidence.
• If you suspect or witness VA benefit fraud, you can report it to the authorities using the VA OIG Hotline. [1, 2, 3]

 

[Tanks]

While looking at those, what struck me the most, was he did all that and was only 21 years old. Sad to lose someone at such a young age.

The dates are years of service. He is alive and just got his Masters in History as he wants to teach.

 

[LivingTheDream]

The dates are years of service. He is alive and just got his Masters in History as he wants to teach.

So sorry but thank god he is still alive!!!

 

[Kalthoff]

I would just like to point out that many people here would be much calmer if they'd use the "Ignore" button.

To really make it work, you also should also refrain on clicking the link marked "You are ignoring content by this member. Show ignored content."

Lowered my blood pressure a bunch. You're welcome.

My "Ignore List" has 19 entries by now.

All of the entries are due to the "Politics thread"

10 out of those 19 have more than "5000 Messages", only 1 have less than 1000. This indicates a correlation between "too much free time" and "bad online behavior".