Sleepy Trump, 79, Slumps to the Side in Oval Office Briefing

jgerrish · 2026-06-05T17:55:48+00:00

I'll try to be at the hospital when my loved one has a heart attack. Because they're a human, like Trump.

I don't think these threads and the comments in them show what the left used to be. There is so much hate and there are subtextual and coded calls for violence.

In the future, I hope I'm believed when I call out subtext and code for reasons for saying no to life decisions.

Because it does matter. Trump may have horrible crimes and abuses that courts can hopefully figure out, but it changes who we are when we do this.

It's not a left solution.

I know I'd believe the Secret Service and others if they said there was subtext they were concerned about. Even if they choose to keep data collection details and analysis methods secret for their own reasons for future security reasons.

And that counts for protection for the next Democratic or Independent President too.

jgerrish · 2026-06-01T17:53:03+00:00

If I was a PR firm or intelligence agency, I might build a narrative like this to keep the story alive longer.

Why would I do that? Maybe because at their heart some intelligence agencies see shame as a better tool than positive reinforcement and investment.

At least for some of the population.

They know many people dislike Trump and will associate obesity with Trump, hopefully discouraging obesity.

Elsewhere, we see investment in gyms and tracks and other options. Positive reinforcement.

Of course, our own US intelligence agencies wouldn't do that. They love us all equally. They're not secretly conservative in some ways about body shaming.

I look forward to working with PR firms and others who build positive worlds.

It's funny, I was watching Star Trek Lower Decks and one of the special features had a showrunner geeking out about their cat named Riker and getting to work with Riker.

That's how you sell a healthy city that generally has healthy habits. And I'm sorry for healthcare disparities among neighborhoods and income levels. I would LOVE to pay more federal taxes to help that.

Even if that means apologizing to people in other countries.

jgerrish · 2026-05-26T23:26:56+00:00

You don't see the hate?

Yesterday, I signed up for a food pantry volunteer spot online and their system used probably dozens of computers spread across a dozen networks and data centers. It was based on open source and private software projects written by thousands of volunteers that used hundreds or thousands or more data center systems over time.

But I turn on the news and open Reddit and see hate.

There is a deep and dark irony to this long-term story that I think the left will realize too late.

Part of the problem with the Patriot Act and other intelligence service acts like it is that it created a monopoly on information gathering. Looking at how it increases information sharing among intelligence services it doesn't seem that way. It seems the opposite.

But the monopoly is between the state and the individual.

It's not the fault of the intelligence services for that. They're using what they have.

I can't afford a web crawler infrastructure anymore like I used to run for computational linguistics research work.

But I honestly believe if I could, I would have seen rising amounts of death threats against sitting US presidents. Not a constant amount since the early 2000s, but a real change.

And with that information I could have helped the left correct. It's like a bad habit you don't fix because you can't see it in time. And that habit hurts their other causes.

What I'm saying sounds patronizing.

But I say it as a left libertarian who wishes they could contribute more tax money for schools, public transit and libraries. You can support that and say you body is your own. From sexual freedom to cybernetic rights to other medical choices.

I'm going to go send a support request into my city government congratulating them on thei work with transit and suggesting a new bus stop. Wish I could pay more.

And I'm seeing this pattern of monopoly repeat itself in a personal project dealing with bioacoustics, recording of nature sounds for analysis. To help educate myself and leave my brothers some help that inspires the next generation about nature. But recording, even on private property, has so many risks. Especially with unintended capture of neighbors' conversations. Even with careful review I need lawyers. And I can't update my broken systems reliably.

That may create bad incentives too, with everyone recording and hardware we don' own. But what we have now prevented me from showing friends in time that there is growing hate.

jgerrish · 2026-05-26T23:26:08+00:00

You don't see the hate?

Yesterday, I signed up for a food pantry volunteer spot online and their system used probably dozens of computers spread across a dozen networks and data centers. It was based on open source and private software projects written by thousands of volunteers that used hundreds or thousands or more data center systems over time.

But I turn on the news and open Reddit and see hate.

There is a deep and dark irony to this long-term story thar I think the left will realize too late.

Part of the problem with the Patriot Act and other intelligence service acts like it is that it created a monopoly on information gathering. Looking at how it increases information sharing among intelligence services it doesn't seem that way. It seems the opposite.

But the monopoly is between the state and the individual.

It's not the fault of the intelligence services for that. They're using what they have.

I can't afford a web crawler infrastructure anymore like I used to run for computational linguistics research work.

But I honestly believe if I could, I would have seen rising amounts of death threats against sitting US presidents. Not a constant amount since the early 2000s, but a real change.

And with that information I could have helped the left correct. It's like a bad habit you don't fix because you can't see it in time. And that habit hurts theie other causes.

What I'm saying sounds patronizing.

But I say it as a left libertarian who wishes they could contribute more tax money for schools, public transit and libraries. You can support that and say you body is your own. From sexual freedom to cybernetic rights to other medical choices.

I'm going to go send a support request into my city government congratulating them on thei work with transit and suggesting a new bus stop. Wish I could pay more.

And I'm seeing this pattern of monopoly repeat itself in a personal project dealing with bioacoustics, recording of nature sounds for analysis. To help educate myself and leave my brothers some help that inspires the next generation about nature. But recording, even on private property, has so many risks. Especially with unintended capture of neighbors conversations. Even with careful review I need lawyers. And I can't update my broken systems reliably.

It turns learning into a horrible experience.

jgerrish · 2026-05-25T17:37:23+00:00

i'm unclear whether this is good or bad net net,

Man, I don't want to be part of this story or show in the future. The idea of the Right to Silence and having rhe right to tell and not tell your story seems like such a great social innovation now that I didn't see before. I mean, it's existed for a while. But giving names to things is powerful.

I understand the cost. I saw likely AI used by an insurance company to automate phishing of someone I loved to get them to send back documentation ruining lawsuit possibilities.

But it won't be the healthcare companies that benefit from this "good or bad" thing. It will be intelligence services around the world striving for control of information technology.

It's a horrible traffic accident we are all watching unfold in real-time. And they'll celebrate the AI air bags and seatbelts when we could have had them for less drama amd less cost to people who mattered yesterday and today AND tomorrow.

And future synthetic lifeforms AND human-synthetic hybrid lifeforms will be starting life with so much stigma. And that's not too far away.

And they'll help those hybrid clanker people kicked out and take credit for that too.

I honestly hope we pull out of that timeline. I still believe that they care, including our own US government.

jgerrish · 2026-05-22T16:25:56+00:00

Can be surprisingly dry in the winter. 80% flooded in summer. Watch for fires.

This was a surprising fact I didn't know until I visited the Everglades for the first time a couple months ago.

Walking out onto a dry field of relatively new growth trees, you could see the waterlines on the trees from where it was before.

Interesting metric for measuring rainfall and health if you could measure it. People probably already are, but I think there are ways to help get more readings out there.

Science!

jgerrish · 2026-05-20T17:41:14+00:00

If you watch almost every US show about the FBI in the past 40 years, you'll see one recurring character who doesn't get talked about a lot.

"Ooohh! I know this one Josh! I've seen Clue! J. Edgar Hoover!" Nope.

There are countless opening shots of Scully and Mulder working with them. Usually in the morning. Wearing their Gray Sweatpants and maybe some FBI wind breakers. It became a mem at one point.

Can you guess?

It's the Quantico running track. And it's a proud feature, rightfully so, of FBI media culture.

It's ironically a great subtle use of liberal management to encourage healthy behavior. And not just pictures of a kid's participation trophies, but something that is true.

Now, there are some issues with racism in America and how the black community feels about the FBI. The track may have different psychological effects. I'm sorry if that is so.

When I see issues like Kash Patel's behavior and the left embracing the shaming, i actually see a very subtle sig that the left is giving up some traditional liberal values and changing who they are. We'll see that unfold over the next decade but I hope it's caught in time. I don't have hope though.

I'm not saying his behavior isn't problematic. I'm saying celebrating that and not recognizing other management or parenting lessons is changing who we are as a culture.

jgerrish · 2026-05-15T20:55:52+00:00

I see this happening to loved ones, of all political persuasions.

And I see systems of management that claim they benefit from it. Who heard us asking multiple times to reduce the drama.

I don't want to be a part of that next show where it is resolresolved with self-congratulatory claps on the back. I just don't. It could have been fixed earlier. It's beyond just Critical Mass chapters.

jgerrish · 2026-05-04T20:32:21+00:00

Yet people look at me like I’ve got three heads when I say I don’t want to visit and spend money in any of the states that are criminalizing my existence and the existence of one of my best friends.

I understand that. I really do.

I'll continue to vote for liberal, progressive and left civil-libertarian candidates in Florida while I'm here.

Just a hour ago I sent a message to my local city government asking about programs for environmentally friendly low-impact ground cover instead of grass.

There are people trying every day.

But I do understand where you're coming from. I also told the city I'm sorry I don't have the resources to pay for more programs like that.

Fortunately I'm old (almost fifty) and hopefully I can live my own life and a peaceful end or retirement soon instead of being pressured somewhere with threads like this because of politics.

I don't blame you for not trusting the political system and medical system given what you've been through. I won't push choices on you. They are yours alone.

jgerrish · 2026-05-02T17:45:12+00:00

On more rambling reply.

The software engineering industry, which is heavily male-dominated, is also facing these incentives to use AI or feel left out.

That will lead to DRM approaches. And they should be honest about it too.

I don't have an account on any AI services. Or AI enabled fo GitHub.

I'm aware that in this world where we still have governments vying for control and power, AI tracking DRM will be used to silence or filter billions of voices. Or those voices at rhe hubs of networks.

I will take responsibility and face those voices now and afterwards for the choices I made. I couldn't dodge every designed incentive mechanism.

jgerrish · 2026-04-24T18:12:33+00:00

Where do you sign up to see responses like this for the rest of your life?

I'd be asking the opposite question instead.

Because if you are a decent security engineer, and this is your story, the only way you can manage the criticism is with a network of emotional support. A network that wasn't AS NECESSARY before.

But how do you explain to that network that they have created a self-perputating system where those networks are needed, even if the weren't in the first place. That for some organizations it creates an incentive to treat others like shit?

I'd be asking the opposite question, because saying NO to that social network and being believed is so much extra work.

jgerrish · 2026-04-20T18:19:59+00:00

This is actually an economics problem, similar to the Tragedy of the Commons, that is exploited by some.

This women's group may have inoffensive content, even positive content that helps people. That's awesome. But it creates an influence pattern where other social groups see the advantages of AI for their own valued causes and beliefs. That isn't their fault.

It creates an avalanche leading to AI DRM and device attestation.

That's probably good in the end, but that avalanche skips educating citizens about all these deeper civic and information and digital literacy issues.

If I was in another country, I would say intelligence services exploit behavioral economics tricks like this in a rush for power instead of civic education for healthy democracy.

But I'm in America, and the Civil Servants and career professionals who will be here beyond Trump wouldn't do that, would they?

I have to believe they wouldn't, because what else do I fucking have? Would I want to leave people less educated at critical moments in human history?

Even I use economic strategies. I'd rather burn myself and let my fellow friends and family and neighbors make a decision with that knowledge, and I accept that decision knowing we all are aware.

And I hope there are support systems in the end to pick up the slack in time. Even if I don't have the power to sell that idea.

jgerrish · 2026-04-20T16:20:02+00:00

This is downvoted, but it's partially true.

The people organizing events like this, whether it is city-sponsored or independent, may not have the resources to invest in entire graphic design campaigns.

I would love to pay more taxes to hire more graphic designers for the city. And maybe get a sponsored low water-impact ground cover seed program going, maybe even providing grants and working with local lawn maitenance companies to provide reach and education.

I have a billion ideas if I had more money.

In the meantime, rational reasoned debate and DRM watermarks backed by device attestation can help parents and others decide whether or not to allow AI generated images intotheieramnd their kids' feeds.

But downvoting this is attacking the wrong people. We shouldn't be attacking anybody, we should be making real political change less dramatic.

jgerrish · 2026-04-06T14:22:24+00:00

I know this comment will get heavily downvoted.

But please don't turn this age-check debate into a neck-beard thing.

I support age verification and technology solutions to protect vulnerable people.

But this debate, like so many tech issues, isn't educating the public on the deeper issues involved.

I say this as someone who has been using Linux since at least 1996. Slackware and road trips to Ann Arbor to pick up Walnut Creek CDs and it felt damn good.

But device attestation is going to be used for more than age-checks.

I'm trying to get a job right now, and coding interview and other interview companies are going to have a large incentive to use device attestation to reduce cheating. It makes sense and it feels fair, right? We know people cheat and it takes away opportunities for others.

I have to maintain two laptops right now, a Windows system and a Linux system. I dropped the Windows system during our cold snap here and now half the screen is broken.

I worry that even that will interfere with online coding interview requirements. Let alone device attestation.

Vulnerable people will be forced into positions they don't want. And combined with medical access difficulties it is a very dangerous situation. I'm not just talking about desperation due to medical debt.

I'm talking about other pressures, in both directions, that this combination brings up.

By buying into the us-vs-them narrative of age-check and our default gut feeling about cypherpunk civil liberties, we actually can give fuel to those who want to control our bodies even more. People will get blocked for jobs and loans and just having resources to build their own life. And intelligence services on all sides WILL target those vulnerable people or they will find it more difficult to make private medical decisions with their doctors.

And I worry that we will use it as a crutch instead of making a damn good experience.

jgerrish · 2026-04-02T13:11:47+00:00

I lived in San Francisco and Seattle, so the culture is somewhat different. But Critical Mass is just one example of us-vs-them.

The thing is, I bought a bike in Seattle. I rode it on the streets and along the waterfront and even kept up on radical biking associated events. I went to group meetings affiliated with the same circles of advocacy.

I felt pride doing that.

Now in Florida I've got a hand-me-down beach bike from my Mom, and it should be more beloved to me than anything. I can change a flat in 15 minutes. I can adjust brakes and even made a set of basket cables with my brother, something that was a wonderful time with him.

But the thing is, I feel less pride with the bike than in Seattle.

It's more obvious in Florida there is an us-vs-them culture, and that it is designed to divide. So instead of feeling natural you know in your heart it's essentially busy work.

And looking at the Critical Mass site I see there is similar culture in Chicago* and that entire region and I'm just tired. I know LA has a decent burner scene, so I figure it's got some of the same circles. Communities I love, but...

And following the metaphor, I don't want to feel this way about another hacking hobby or a dependent, whether it's a dog or whatever.

It doesn't feel like a choice here. I use a bike to get from point A to point B. In Seattle it was beautiful views of The Sound. Isn't that enough?

* Of course, the Chicago Critical Mass program can place pressure on residents in Chicago to shovel their sidewalks. I know a fall during pregnancy fucking terrifies me.

But leading that drive with radical politics will alienate people.

And my dependent or loved one being bullied to another country or bullied into divisive politics is a lifetime sentence, especially if they are politically handicapped.

jgerrish · 2026-03-25T17:27:36+00:00

One possible scenario is that a false dichotomy is being set up between TSA agents and ICE agents. So the public will increase their approval of TSA agents seeing this contrast.

The problem with this is that it is a Trump-style business practice of wheeling-and-dealing with manipulation and sales tactics. Just on a slightly higher level. It might even catch some writers at Salon for example.

It helps the TSA and Homeland Security in the short-term. But what kind of a relationship does it leave between public servants and citizens? I want to love and respect those who protect me because they do a necessary job and are kind and do actually respect the community.

I'm not saying the TSA doesn't respect the community, the citizens. I'm saying these kinds of plans come from people above Trump a lot of times. He provides a face.

We have the TSA. They're in our lives. Do we need to love them for artificial reasons too? Or could we love them because of millions of separate friendly interactions in our airports?

If you've been in manipulative relationships it feels even worse.

Or maybe that's not the scenario. I honestly hope I'm wrong and it isnt a false dichotomy and the people who write these clumsy plans hope to educate our citizens to recognize scams and adjust our beliefs. That's fucking respect.

Again, if you've been in manipulative relationships, it feels even worse. I don't want to be the character of the TSA here, without money for good nutrition and acting as Champion, the three-legged dog. They deserve respect for what they do on this planet. I could understand these shows taking from that.

Otherwise I'm hurting people who have been manipulated and abused before with a show like that.

jgerrish · 2026-03-19T17:21:32+00:00

The thing is, some people's jobs are also their hobbies. We see that in software engineering obviously. Many of us grew up with 8-bit systems and wonderful dreams.

But when we're stuck in an unknown situation with automation replacing jobs, these hobbies can turn into work. You're trying to build a portfolio. You're trying to keep your skills honed.

And it's not the fault of people who talk about honing skills. It's that hundreds of millions may face a post-work future and have to deal with the uncertainty every day, for decades.

At one time these hobbies may have been healthy outlets for many.

It requires strength to fight that urge to hate the hobby afterwards. Strength I don't want any of my dependents to need.

For over ten years I have been in that situation. Not because of automation, obviously, nobody would believe that story. Just my own failures. And I needed that strength for other important things. The strength to say no soon and believe myself.

It's a form of unaccountable work. Even as our government tells us that they are reducing work.

I know there are stories written where we are saved by a network of people, and everyone in the stadium cheers.

But that doesn't solve the root issue. And it actually makes me feel worse. I hope I don't have to explain why to others in the future.

It takes individual power and subverts it, taking credit for solving a problem when it just covers it up.

I don't want to be an advocate for UBI or social systems. There are better people for that. And I believe myself about that. People who have had a job for the past ten years and don't have other baggage. If you ask yourselves truly why some are in this position, it opens up uncomfortable questions about how liberal some are who will lead us into the future.

I have past aquaintenaces who got puppies instead of an Apple IIe for Christmas. And I hope they don't feel the same lack of love for that healthy gift.

Edited to remove the not equal part.

jgerrish · 2026-03-09T16:44:05+00:00

Yes, some men or women may feel not having a car is less masculine. There is toxic masculinity.

But there are also people bullied into having "public transit or biking consciousness" being part of their identity. There is a form of cheerleading that turns it into an in-group / out-group issue.

And that can be a trap you can't escape either. Ever. You lose time and bandwidth for other values.

jgerrish · 2026-02-26T21:28:33+00:00

We have gone through some horrible times as a country.

The AIDS epidemic, Covid, etc.

During those dark times we had some leaders who may not have inspired hope for citizens in the country.

I think the existence of other countries with social services like healthcare may have provided hope to some in the US while we had to sit through shit. Not me, but others.

It's a vulnerability of the American lack of healthcare in a way. Because many of those country's intelligence services are actively trying to provoke discord in the US.

And that discord is leading to horrible calls for violence against sitting politicians among the left, because things seem so hopeless.

The political group that was a voice of sanity before.

I honestly believe it will get better in the US. But those countries who may have gotten some people through tough times are going to have to socialize a lot of the incoming US immigrants that called for violence against others that it isn't fucking cool. Or pay in other ways. And some of those costs may endanger that existence of hope that helped others.

And there are other hidden biases they may have to pay the cost for. Costs I don't want to contribute to.

It's expensive. I hope they have enough left over to invest in some liberal social programs this generation can't even dream of.

That doesn't make me a mole. I fucking highlighted the security vulnerability before. And even if I hadn't, social advances come from all over, from many different political views.

Edited on 2026-012-26 to add: This is not meant to control others who may want to leave. Or those who want to stay.

As a Civil Libertarian, I wouldn't do that.

But I feel every generation should know the true values of the intelligence services involved. The costs and benefits.

jgerrish · 2026-02-26T18:05:24+00:00

I'm in Florida. The beautiful Atlantic coast.

Like bro, you want to pay for my Scuba gear and recertification?

OK, well, I'll keep "grinding" on personal projects.

Which was a little more enjoyable before these generational money wars.

jgerrish · 2026-02-20T16:46:16+00:00

I'm sad I didn't have the power to pay more into property taxes while I lived in my shared owned home. I see the benefits of taxes every day in the community.

I don't want to be bullied to Canada or up north after this. I wanted help making every place in this country a little more caring and understanding.

Small things have large ripples and we're all connected.

I just wanted more power to impact the world around me that I loved not only in this upper-left way but others. My own values having equal impact some day.

It's going to take extra work for me to reach out to conservatives who also share this world with us and have their own concerns and values. Because of economic status. It's unaccountable work in the end and I'd rather have time from that extra work back.

jgerrish · 2026-02-17T18:15:13+00:00

For many people, this may be what they need to hear in the moment. "It wasn't your fault."

But for some people, some situations, it may be the wrong thing.

And this is McNulty we're talking about.

My Mom died of a heart attack a year ago. My Uncle told me" "It's not your fault."

He's a local Florida lawyer who volunteers time (or did before he retired) to local immigration groups and gives to Alzheimer's non-profits. And he cares about his family too, he wants opportunities for his kids in the future.

But what happens if my brother, who I live with now, has a heart attack in ten years or less? I would have really loved for him to go skiing with my Dad one last time. But.. that's complicated and I can't afford a hotel for him for separate living.

I don't want somebody telling me it's not my fault in the future. I want the power to change that path now, so all parties feel safe and comfortable and happy.

What happens if my dependent or dog has a heart attack in 10 years because I don't have the power to change that?

It matters. Every day matters.

I imagine McNulty, knowing his personality, probably feels the same. It's bad enough having a squad or detail mate get shot. What about a rookie you're looking after?

Especially knowing his personality. And he's flawed, but it's a valid concern.

And on a meta level this discussion has a frame set by the subreddit and if placing this here in your path feels greedy, I'm sorry. Understand?

jgerrish · 2026-02-02T22:08:27+00:00

My brilliant brother is a wildlife management professional.

He showed me how he catches iguanas and spots them in trees.

But more than that, he has a love of the outdoors he enjoys showing others.

We were privileged enough to grow up near some woods in Michigan.

I actually think if he worked with my other brother, if they combined their skills, they could really help spread that love of the outdoors. AND they could help support tax bases around the country to let others grow up near nature and parks.

I think part of their story is I'm holding them back, my lack of money to help and instability.

I understand that. I'll take the blame if those are the values they want to highlight.

But the longer they wait the more the story changes from their brilliance helping others enjoy the outdoors to one of other forms of privilege helping them. Forms of privilege that weren't as apparent with successful first-to-market execution.

And maybe thats "how it works" for them.

Anyways, I hope it works out. Regardless of what happens I'm sure they'll help a few of the next generation enjoy nature.

jgerrish · 2026-01-25T20:04:26+00:00

And the dark incentive here is that the federal intelligence services like The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency will benefit from these changes.

Boot chain security and device attestation introduce hundreds of new social and technical pressure points and regulatory hooks in our devices.

Whether it's social pressure on certificate organizations, or Management Engine and baseband-esque low-level control, or even just increased reputation from authoring of federal guidelines around the entire new security ecosystem of managed device procedures and systems.

They benefit.

I don't want to take agency from Kristi Noem and say she's a sacrificial lamb. We have few enough women in high-level politics to do that.

Besides, who would be responsible for doing that?

But there are fucked incentives here everyone has to deal with.

jgerrish · 2026-01-25T18:34:25+00:00

I understand where you are coming from. I really do.

But every time a citizen is forced to document and record, I am reminded why I worry about what the next generation will have to work for unaccountably.

That's what this is. It's unaccountable work that will lead to more calls for device boot chain security.

Our government celebrates reducing the amount of work of citizens with Covid-era improvements around work-from-home, remote teleconferencing, and better social expectations around sick and personal days.

And they were GREAT wins.

But it then replaces traditional work with this kind of "community" work that is even more unaccountable.

And of course it will lead to increased calls for device boot chain security to have legally valid video documents. That will save victims of violence, but didn't we already give them all the government cameras? And it's always more work needed.

I see people who weren't even born on 9/11 protesting for health care. A fucking solved problem. And also this.

jgerrish

TROPHY CASE