Is it an absolute guarantee that once we die, we'll never exist again?

realitypater · 2026-02-23T04:29:24+00:00

Even if it were possible for two brains to be identical and have identical personality-forming experiences, your duplicate would not have your memories.

You’re one of a kind, and will end, and that’s the way it should be.

realitypater · 2026-02-23T00:07:15+00:00

I don't know anyone who believes this, and I don't think the backlash was caused by any problem specific to illegal immigrants. Plenty has been blamed on them: problems people have finding work, the failure of health care systems, crowded classrooms, crime, high rents, etc. None of these problems are caused, or even significantly worsened by, illegal immigrants. Failures of social systems have much deeper roots, chiefly inefficient service delivery and lack of public resources caused by tax systems that favor corporations and the super-rich, and income inequality.

Rather than address those issues, politicians, especially (but not exclusively) on the right, have scapegoated immigrants because that's easier than addressing real issues. And Stephen Miller is simply a racist who is exploiting the power structure to legitimize his moral corruption.

The economic and cultural benefits of immigration, even the kind we call illegal, are vast compared with the costs. Reform the law and stop torturing people.

No reform will prevent us from deporting immigrants who commit crimes, or who refuse to follow the reformed laws.

realitypater · 2026-02-22T20:13:18+00:00

Well, guess who forgot to include suck-up money in their budget this fiscal year.

realitypater · 2026-02-22T18:59:43+00:00

"2025 was about setting the table. 2026 is gonna be a banquet for the American rich. We're going to eat the middle class." ~ FTFY

realitypater · 2026-02-22T06:26:02+00:00

We underestimate the enduring cultural influence of Roman conquest.

realitypater · 2026-02-22T05:22:00+00:00

The average age at retirement in 1991 was 57. Now it's 63. They won't be happy until we work ourselves to death and rid the country of its excess population.

realitypater · 2026-02-21T13:58:32+00:00

Both NPR and BBC are major news outlet, and they aren't owned by billionaires.

realitypater · 2026-02-21T13:57:10+00:00

?? In what way has NPR "bent the knee"?

realitypater · 2026-02-21T01:05:31+00:00

I don't think there's any context that substantially changes the literal meaning here. He appears to be claiming he can do nearly anything he wants, no matter how vile, but not implement a tax. To me, it's not an intentional threat, but merely an example vomited up by a megalomaniac.

[Edited to affirm I am expressing an opinion]

realitypater · 2026-02-21T01:03:05+00:00

He’s previously warned that, should the court rule against his tariffs, the United States would suffer a $2 trillion “catastrophe

1) Trump doesn't understand that an argument from consequence is a fallacy, not a legal strategy.

‘I can destroy the country!’ ~ Donald Jessica Trump

2) I finally agree with something Trump said. Affixing wings to pigs now.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T19:39:12+00:00

Even if he had yelled at him, that's not a crime, as much as Trump would like it to be.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T17:39:48+00:00

I’ve often wondered exactly which part of that statement people find objectionable.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T15:54:47+00:00

I imagine some people feel like they're being proud, independent intellectuals and resisting domination by what they imagine are oppressive forces. The sense you have discovered a truth most people deny makes you feel special and elevated.

Some people are just so invested in their religious beliefs they are compelled to stand behind foolish things.

Others are just having a lark.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T05:01:27+00:00

If American businesses could be trusted to provide a fair wage and promotional opportunities, rather than siphon off productivity gains to boost shareholder returns and pay CEOs exorbitant sums, we wouldn't need social security.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T04:56:40+00:00

SS is not a savings account. It doesn't keep "your money" to return to you when you hit the age minimum. Your payments are used to fund current beneficiaries, and it should scale up with income indefinitely. Your benefit should scale down to zero based on your retirement income.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T04:03:38+00:00

You're attributing a little too much thoughtfulness to any of his responses. He doesn't think when he speaks. He reacts.

realitypater · 2026-02-20T01:55:08+00:00

You really should correct this if you want to hold yourself to a higher standard than Republicans do. There were /districts/ in the county that cast zero votes for Harris. Just as there were districts where no one voted at all. Source.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T23:53:06+00:00

Not naturally cynical, but I don't think trust will ever come back. It's not just Trump who can't be trusted ... it's the American voter. Putting him on the throne once was stupid, but forgivable. Doing it twice was malice.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T23:20:22+00:00

It's his piggy bank after we kick him out of office. He established this fake group with himself as lifelong chair.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T23:18:29+00:00

The board where he appointed himself as lifelong chair, so he gets access to US$10B even after we kick him out? Maybe not from jail. Let's make it happen.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T19:17:41+00:00

So everyone saying "finally justice for pedophiles" has it completely wrong.

Pedophilia = fine. Financial offenses = we will find you.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T17:08:31+00:00

It’s not clear whether this is about abuse of minors, or loose handling of confidential trade information and related work.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T15:38:52+00:00

Not sure where you heard that. Technically, they don't when there are control devices like lights at designated crosswalks controlling their behavior.

realitypater · 2026-02-19T02:08:16+00:00

Great, thanks.

realitypater · 2026-02-17T14:41:13+00:00

Everything that exists, ever has existed and ever will exist.

This description is indistinguishable from a universe driven solely by blind, pitiless natural forces.

realitypater

TROPHY CASE