Tim Cook Faces FTC Warning Over Apple News Curation

[ClaraStahlbaum]

While I’m not a fan of politicians ( especially life-long ones), you can judge what the Republicans and Democrats have done by the outcomes. Generally speaking, red states like TX and FL have fared much better under conservative leadership while blue states like NY and CA are crumbling due to their progressive policies.

California, BTW, used to be red. It was Reagan country! Since they went full blue, homelessness, crime, taxes, and regulation are at record highs, driving out businesses and they saw the first population decrease ever, under Newsom. That’s not a cooncidence. That’s the product of really and, progressive policies. Democrats are no longer the same party it used to be.

Generally I agree with you. I am not a Republican, however I can tell that Red states have lower taxes and a lower cost of living. As someone who lives in a deep blue state, the cost of living is one of the highest in the entire country. They tax us to death, and then everything looks like a third world country. I don't like that one bit. Democrats have destroyed California, its a shame since it used to be truly great - now it appears fairly lawless.

This is why it’s so frustrating talking to leftists. Rather than attack the ideas or evidence with facts, logic, and/or evidence of your own, the discussion ultimately devolves into name calling or dismissing something or someone as far-right, racist, fascist, homophobe, transphobe, islamaphobe, [inseet word]phobe.

That alone should tell you you’re wrong.

Exactly why I don't enjoy discussions with them. You can't, without them using one of these stupid buzzwords. They rapidly go into a purity spiral where anything they don't like is somehow "racist" or [Insert Word]-phobic.

 

[trusso]

People who see "orange man bad" aren't understanding this.

It's not so much "orange man bad" as it is "bad man orange." People decry Trump and his goons because they have grave concerns about the future of this republic (and his abhorrent sexual crimes), not because of some Pavlovian response to his name or face. By lumping those earnest and genuine concerns in with "both sides bad" and demonstrably false "rioting, looting, et cetera" you're only showing your unwillingness to challenge your own belief system. And like I said, this is the sort of thinking that has got us into this mess in the first place. Please don't take this personal (I don't know you), but people like yourself imagine they're above the fray when they're actually some of the biggest pawns of all.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

It's not so much "orange man bad" as it is "bad man orange." People decry Trump and his goons because they have grave concerns about the future of this republic (and his abhorrent sexual crimes), not because of some Pavlovian response to his name or face. By lumping those earnest and genuine concerns in with "both sides bad" and demonstrably false "rioting, looting, et cetera" you're only showing your unwillingness to challenge your own belief system. And like I said, this is the sort of thinking that has got us into this mess in the first place. Please don't take this personal (I don't know you), but people like yourself imagine they're above the fray when they're actually some of the biggest pawns of all.

I don't see how putting one's self above the fray makes someone a "pawn". That to me, sounds nonsensical - I've stated many times that I am neither a Republican, nor a Democrat - and that both parties are corrupt, thus not worthy of votes or trust from the people. I legitimately don't understand how anyone can come to the conclusion that someone is a "pawn" for not trusting either political party. You say I am "unwilling" to challenge my belief system, but here I am - asking you to do exactly that, so I can understand why you are saying what you are.

Perhaps you misunderstood my point, and I will clarify - that those who say "Orange Man Bad" seem to immediately lock into that frame of mind, and they often, militantly attack anyone who disagrees with that assessment. Those who riot and loot over the outcomes of specific events (the ICE events in Minnesota, as well as that of BLM 6 years ago) go along with the lines of the Democratic Party, those actions are specific demonstrations done against that of the Trump Administration. It is hypocritical for those people to commit mass amounts of crimes in broad daylight while saying "Trump is evil", when they are the ones bringing violence and chaos onto our streets.

 

[trusso]

@ClaraStahlbaum

The moment you zero in on peaceful protests against ICE, and peaceful protests by BLM supporters, I can already tell you're just regurgitating the right-wing line. Only someone who's deep in that siloed media ecosystem would be repeating that propaganda ad nauseam, without so much as a mention of the heinous crimes right-wing politicians and supporters have been doing now, and in the past.

And one can be a pawn by thinking they're above the fray if that plays into the power brokers' interests, who desire nothing more than an apathetic and jaded populace who no longer push for a better world.

The only people bringing violence and chaos to American streets are Trump and Putin and their goons. Until you understand that reality, and that that is the reality... well, we really cannot talk about anything, can we? And that's the saddest part - and I see it in my own family, too - we cannot even have a rational discussion because the people who need the most help refuse to be pulled from their fantasy world.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

@trusso

"Peaceful Protests", yeah, you lost me there with that aspect of the conversation. Where you lose me, is you specifically place blame on the right, when refusing to acknowledge the left's violence.

You say I don't mention it - but I will mention it yet again. Arrest any criminals in our government. Trump is a criminal, so is Biden, so are all the others. Arrest them all. I don't care what their leanings are - a criminal is a criminal, and it seems that a lot of people don't understand that they are on both sides.

I don't understand why you are mentioning Putin, who has nothing to do with this conversation.

 

[trusso]

If you're looking to track down many of the criminals in the American government, a good place to start is Russian money and other leverage held by the Kremlin. The current state of affairs in the U.S. is Putin's wet dream, and one he helped bring about. While I have every sympathy for the Russian people who suffer under his regime each day, the Russian government is what the American government will soon become if more people don't stand up to Trump and his thuggery. Putin is a mob boss. Trump is a wannabe mob boss. And if you don't think Russia has had anything to do with the alarming resurgence of white Christo-nationalism both in America and around the world... then you just haven't been paying attention.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

If you're looking to track down many of the criminals in the American government, a good place to start is Russian money and other leverage held by the Kremlin. The current state of affairs in the U.S. is Putin's wet dream, and one he helped bring about. While I have every sympathy for the Russian people who suffer under his regime each day, the Russian government is what the American government will soon become if more people don't stand up to Trump and his thuggery. Putin is a mob boss. Trump is a wannabe mob boss. And if you don't think Russia has had anything to do with the alarming resurgence of white Christo-nationalism both in America and around the world... then you just haven't been paying attention.

Thank you for clarifying. Now I know where you stand, and why you were saying what you were. Unfortunately, what you have responded with is regurgitation of left-wing media hoaxes and false narratives. I mean no disrespect, but it seems there is nothing else to discuss - as you said.

 

[BaldiMac]

This is why it’s so frustrating talking to leftists. Rather than attack the ideas or evidence with facts, logic, and/or evidence of your own, the discussion ultimately devolves into name calling or dismissing something or someone as far-right, racist, fascist, homophobe, transphobe, islamaphobe, [inseet word]phobe.

That alone should tell you you’re wrong.

Except I did provide evidence, and I didn't call you names. You're the one who didn't supply evidence to back your claim. But don't let me get in the way of your rant about your stereotypical "leftist".

 

[trusso]

You see, when you say “left wing media hoaxes,” I know you’re not the impartial observer you claim to be. I make no claim to impartiality. I am picking a side, because I have to. My conscience demands it. It is the side against racism, fascism, and misogyny. It is the side for the immigrant, the poor, the downtrodden. If you ever change your mind, please join us.

As the drummer once wrote, “if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

You see, when you say “left wing media hoaxes,” I know you’re not the impartial observer you claim to be. I make no claim to impartiality. I am picking a side, because I have to. My conscience demands it. It is the side against racism, fascism, and misogyny. It is the side for the immigrant, the poor, the downtrodden. If you ever change your mind, please join us.

As the drummer once wrote, “if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”

To say this in little words as possible in my perspective to avoid confusion - the right is the side of foreign loyalties, big business, and general corruption. The left is the side of lawlessness, victim mentality, and pure hatred. I can't be a part of either.

You are free, and welcome to disagree.

 

[trusso]

Pure hatred is a strong word. Do you actually know any lefties?

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Pure hatred is a strong word. Do you actually know any lefties?

Plenty. The word is quite fitting, for them.

 

[trusso]

Interesting. I’m not sure you actually understand what hatred really is. But for the sake of argument, let’s assume you’re right. My Christian friends are always going on about “a few bad apples” as a defense against the heinous acts of select clergy and right-wing politicians. Shall we continue to let our impressions of a few “bad apples” cloud our judgment of what might be the good of the rest?

You understand how easy it is (and how good it feels) to write off a whole caste of people in one fell swoop. And yet again, miss the point. Right now you’re just playing to win. All I want to do is open your mind.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Interesting. I’m not sure you actually understand what hatred really is. But for the sake of argument, let’s assume you’re right. My Christian friends are always going on about “a few bad apples” as a defense against the heinous acts of select clergy and right-wing politicians. Shall we continue to let our impressions of a few “bad apples” cloud our judgment of what might be the good of the rest?

You understand how easy it is (and how good it feels) to write off a whole caste of people in one fell swoop. And yet again, miss the point. Right now you’re just playing to win. All I want to do is open your mind.

Before you get any other impressions - I'm not a Christian, and I am strongly opposed to what you would call "Christian Nationalism", so we are probably in agreement on that aspect of things. The left, in theory, has a lot of things I agree with - worker's rights, environmental protections, etc. That's all well and good.

I can also use the same argument you are making - it is easy for you to write off a whole group of people just because they act a certain way you claim they do (Racist, Bigoted, whatever you want to label them as). You've already identified that group of people as an enemy. After all, you do pose a fair question - "Shall we continue to let our impressions of a few “bad apples” cloud our judgment of what might be the good of the rest?".

Then my question is, does that also apply to you? You've already written off 50% of the US population as "Bigoted, Racist, etc".

 

[trusso]

I think you’re putting words in my mouth. I haven’t written off my countrymen, nor have I said as much, despite how I might feel sometimes. I don’t believe people are the enemy. I suppose I believe the way people think about different things is the enemy. But most people in polite society shy away from confrontation, be it with external realities or their own personal demons. And so we’ve got generations of people stroking themselves (for lack of a better metaphor) and no discussions of substance.

I’ll just say this: so long as society was progressing and becoming more open and equal, I had no problem with civil disagreements on matters of policy. But once Trump and his forebears began demonizing the left for wanting nothing more than to build a better world and live in peace - well, that we cannot abide, and anyone who supports that deserves as much flack as they get (if not more).

Seriously. You stand up to bullies. No games. And I demand answers from those who argue otherwise.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

I think you’re putting words in my mouth. I haven’t written off my countrymen, nor have I said as much, despite how I might feel sometimes. I don’t believe people are the enemy. I suppose I believe the way people think about different things is the enemy. But most people in polite society shy away from confrontation, be it with external realities or their own personal demons. And so we’ve got generations of people stroking themselves (for lack of a better metaphor) and no discussions of substance.

I’ll just say this: so long as society was progressing and becoming more open and equal, I had no problem with civil disagreements on matters of policy. But once Trump and his forebears began demonizing the left for wanting nothing more than to build a better world and live in peace - well, that we cannot abide, and anyone who supports that deserves as much flack as they get (if not more).

Seriously. You stand up to bullies. No games. And I demand answers from those who argue otherwise.

Perhaps once you question why Trump arose in the first place, and why people gravitated to him when they did, you might find that the left isn’t as utopian as you seem to think. To me, it is laughable that the left is “peace loving”. In my eyes, they crave destruction of anything they can’t control. Then when they do control it, they destroy it. They talk about saving the planet but the cities they have control over are a mob of violence and homelessness. Most people who believe, and follow them aren’t inherently violent. They are just incapable of questioning their own side when they commit acts of violence. One doesn’t win an election by promoting violence against law enforcement and screaming their heads off how everyone they don’t like are “Nazis”. Everything is somehow a racial problem to them, everything is constant labels, and incoherent babbling. It alienates those of us who don’t want to associate with these kind of people.

It is amusing that now, you have Clinton and Obama coming out against unchecked migration. If literally anyone else said it, the left would be screaming and crying that they are “Nazis” and demand that they be “canceled”.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2022778359059452274

https://twitter.com/x/status/2022813735316791553

Seriously, the left is so deluded they have become a religious cult. MAGA is only doing what Democrats were doing 20 years ago. Just look back 20 years and you will see that Bill Clinton was saying the same things Trump is saying now. Obama is saying now that Democrats need to stop virtue signaling, are you listening? The funny part is, Obama and Bill Clinton deported more people than Trump! But the left doesn’t care, because in their eyes, a policy is only bad when the “bad guy Trump” does it. Trump could come up with a cure for cancer and somehow a lot of these leftists would find a way to spin it in a bad light.

The main difference now is that the media is encouraging violence and insurrection against the government because “Trump Bad” even though he is doing pretty much the exact same policies the Democrats themselves advocated for not that long ago.

It is easy for those in their ivory towers on the left to say they are peace loving. Walk the streets of NYC, or any other major Democratic city in this country and tell me if you feel safe. Walk among the homeless camps in California and tell me if that’s a good decision of theirs, after all, it is what the “peace loving” left supported.

 

[bgillander]

I don't see how putting one's self above the fray makes someone a "pawn". That to me, sounds nonsensical - I've stated many times that I am neither a Republican, nor a Democrat - and that both parties are corrupt, thus not worthy of votes or trust from the people. I legitimately don't understand how anyone can come to the conclusion that someone is a "pawn" for not trusting either political party. You say I am "unwilling" to challenge my belief system, but here I am - asking you to do exactly that, so I can understand why you are saying what you are.

Perhaps you misunderstood my point, and I will clarify - that those who say "Orange Man Bad" seem to immediately lock into that frame of mind, and they often, militantly attack anyone who disagrees with that assessment. Those who riot and loot over the outcomes of specific events (the ICE events in Minnesota, as well as that of BLM 6 years ago) go along with the lines of the Democratic Party, those actions are specific demonstrations done against that of the Trump Administration. It is hypocritical for those people to commit mass amounts of crimes in broad daylight while saying "Trump is evil", when they are the ones bringing violence and chaos onto our streets.

What ICE event rioting and looting in Minneapolis are you referring to?

 

[ksec]

Apple services generate $110Bn out of $400Bn annual revenue with around 75% being profit.

Have you thought of applying to be their next CEO? They could do with someone that has your insights. 😉

Have you ever thought about Services Revenue doesn't mean Apple Music or Apple News? And do you know how much of those profits split out into different services? But I will be quoting this on Apple services from now on.

 

[ForkHandles]

Perhaps once you question why Trump arose in the first place, and why people gravitated to him when they did, you might find that the left isn’t as utopian as you seem to think. To me, it is laughable that the left is “peace loving”. In my eyes, they crave destruction of anything they can’t control. Then when they do control it, they destroy it. They talk about saving the planet but the cities they have control over are a mob of violence and homelessness. Most people who believe, and follow them aren’t inherently violent. They are just incapable of questioning their own side when they commit acts of violence. One doesn’t win an election by promoting violence against law enforcement and screaming their heads off how everyone they don’t like are “Nazis”. Everything is somehow a racial problem to them, everything is constant labels, and incoherent babbling. It alienates those of us who don’t want to associate with these kind of people.

Perhaps it's a little more nuanced than that. American's don't seemed to mind deporting 500,000 people per year. They seemed to mind if those doing it are masked and unidentifiable, they seem to care if due process is followed, that they only deport people who are not trying to assimilate through legal means, that they house these people and treat them like human beings, not sardines in a can, that they become traceable to their family members who love and miss them. That it occurs in as many red states as it does blue. That the language used to describe people looking for a better life is not "Criminals, Illegals, pedophiles, dog eating vermin of the earth."

As with everything it's presentation that allows citizens to feel like they are on the right side of the argument. The presentation of the current administration is hostile, aggressive but most of all vindictive. People din't like that.

Internationally we seem the same presentation. Nobody likes it when an idiot is given a platform however we constantly award this to Vance, Lump and Rubio, each comes berating Europe, celebrating Putin and destroying what was once a very useful partnership. Smarter people than them will make them feel welcome, but the world order of Europe paying America to be the strongman in the playground appears to be drawing to a close, for what? The whim of a narcissist. He seems intent on behaving like a bull in a china shop, no class whatsoever.

 

[SpotOnT]

@trusso

"Peaceful Protests", yeah, you lost me there with that aspect of the conversation. Where you lose me, is you specifically place blame on the right, when refusing to acknowledge the left's violence.

I thought I was understanding your point of view, but now I am confused again.

Previously, you said there was no “Right” to speak of. You said Democrats are Left. Republicans are Left. MAGA is left.

So if everyone - by your definition - is “Left” who is this “Right” that you now claim people are blaming?

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

I thought I was understanding your point of view, but now I am confused again.

Previously, you said there was no “Right” to speak of. You said Democrats are Left. Republicans are Left. MAGA is left.

So if everyone - by your definition - is “Left” who is this “Right” that you now claim people are blaming?

For the sake of simplicity in that post I am merely using the term as others would use it. The most “right” people in the country to me, in my opinion as far as I am aware are actual fiscal conservatives such as Rand Paul and Thomas Massie. Trump is a big government spender. He is not a right winger in my book.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Perhaps it's a little more nuanced than that. American's don't seemed to mind deporting 500,000 people per year. They seemed to mind if those doing it are masked and unidentifiable, they seem to care if due process is followed, that they only deport people who are not trying to assimilate through legal means, that they house these people and treat them like human beings, not sardines in a can, that they become traceable to their family members who love and miss them. That it occurs in as many red states as it does blue. That the language used to describe people looking for a better life is not "Criminals, Illegals, pedophiles, dog eating vermin of the earth."

As with everything it's presentation that allows citizens to feel like they are on the right side of the argument. The presentation of the current administration is hostile, aggressive but most of all vindictive. People din't like that.

Internationally we seem the same presentation. Nobody likes it when an idiot is given a platform however we constantly award this to Vance, Lump and Rubio, each comes berating Europe, celebrating Putin and destroying what was once a very useful partnership. Smarter people than them will make them feel welcome, but the world order of Europe paying America to be the strongman in the playground appears to be drawing to a close, for what? The whim of a narcissist. He seems intent on behaving like a bull in a china shop, no class whatsoever.

I think that this concept that "people coming here for a better life" isn't true in a lot of cases, and I don't believe that is the case most of the time. When it comes to ICE, I think they should do a little better in how they act with the public. They should not be in the open interacting with protestors, that is Law Enforcement's job. ICE should ideally carry out their activities in the quiet of night, with little observers - so they can do their jobs effectively. ICE should also wear body cameras, and have better training. Body cameras protect the public, and the officer, so that when incidents do occur, there is an investigation - if the officer is in the wrong, they are fired or arrested on an individual basis.

I'm not personally in favor of the US continuing to back Europe. I see it as a complete waste of money, and the United States has no business funding other country's militaries with our hard earned tax payer money. I see that the US is spending too much on the military and that spending needs to go to other things like healthcare and infrastructure. I see that MAGA is also compromised by Israel too. Trump has also done recent interventions in Iran and Venezuela, that I don't agree with.

Really, to me, Trump is a lot like the golden calf. The Republican Party made a mistake nominating him instead of Ron Paul for 2016. Trump is not an actual Conservative, he's a big government spender. He claims to be saving us money, but ends up doing big huge bills and raising the national Debt.

 

[ForkHandles]

I think that this concept that "people coming here for a better life" isn't true in a lot of cases, and I don't believe that is the case most of the time. When it comes to ICE, I think they should do a little better in how they act with the public. They should not be in the open interacting with protestors, that is Law Enforcement's job. ICE should ideally carry out their activities in the quiet of night, with little observers - so they can do their jobs effectively. ICE should also wear body cameras, and have better training. Body cameras protect the public, and the officer, so that when incidents do occur, there is an investigation - if the officer is in the wrong, they are fired or arrested on an individual basis.

I'm not personally in favor of the US continuing to back Europe. I see it as a complete waste of money, and the United States has no business funding other country's militaries with our hard earned tax payer money. I see that the US is spending too much on the military and that spending needs to go to other things like healthcare and infrastructure. I see that MAGA is also compromised by Israel too. Trump has also done recent interventions in Iran and Venezuela, that I don't agree with.

Really, to me, Trump is a lot like the golden calf. The Republican Party made a mistake nominating him instead of Ron Paul for 2016. Trump is not an actual Conservative, he's a big government spender. He claims to be saving us money, but ends up doing big huge bills and raising the national Debt.

Just for clarity. America does not fund Europe, it is a corporation that sells military services. Even World War Two was paid for by Europe, America did a great job working with the Russians to defeat the nazis, they did not do it for free, they did it for gold.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Just for clarity. America does not fund Europe, it is a corporation that sells military services. Even World War Two was paid for by Europe, America did a great job working with the Russians to defeat the nazis, they did not do it for free, they did it for gold.

Well, all that money spent hosting our soldiers on European territory could be spent on better things such as building hospitals, homeless shelters, etc.

 

[ForkHandles]

Well, all that money spent hosting our soldiers on European territory could be spent on better things such as building hospitals, homeless shelters, etc.

Ya know we already have those things don’t you?

When it comes to defence, we’re not in a position to skrimp and save. There’s more than a few narcissistic megalomaniacs in the world right now.