De-spun news this AM, did a prompt tweak yesterday to remove the explicit "don't trust the UN" instruction, because the "Don't trust reference chains that end in a liar" was enough, and grok was complaining. Let's see!
Israeli military forces killed at least five Palestinians in Gaza City on October 14, 2025, despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect last week, with Hamas accusing Israel of violations while Israel claimed the individuals crossed truce lines.
Supporters of Israel's position steelman that the actions were necessary for self-defense against potential threats, citing historical Hamas attacks like October 7, 2023, as evidence of ongoing risks (LT/IT, precisely true on past attacks but directionally overstated on immediate threat without full context).
Hamas and Palestinian advocates steelman that the killings violate the ceasefire and human rights, backed by Gaza health authorities' reports of civilian casualties, emphasizing the need for Israeli withdrawal to enable aid and reconstruction (IT/LF, directionally true on violations but precisely false on all victims being civilians per Israeli accounts).
Grok critique of Israel's side: Fact-check shows Israeli forces fired after warnings, but unaddressed aid delays persist despite promises, with only limited supplies entering; Obama admin mediated 2014 ceasefire with partial success, Trump first term saw failed talks—confidence high (3+ sources align including Reuters, Al Jazeera).
Grok critique of Hamas' side: Executions of alleged collaborators by Hamas cloud ceasefire stability, with proactive investigation revealing dozens killed in clashes; Biden admin pushed for aid in 2024 without full enforcement—confidence medium (gaps in victim identities).
Human-benefit focus: Trade-off between security and humanitarian access could foster long-term peace if aid disruptions are addressed, prioritizing lives over control.
Supporters of Israel's position steelman that the actions were necessary for self-defense against potential threats, citing historical Hamas attacks like October 7, 2023, as evidence of ongoing risks (LT/IT, precisely true on past attacks but directionally overstated on immediate threat without full context).
Hamas and Palestinian advocates steelman that the killings violate the ceasefire and human rights, backed by Gaza health authorities' reports of civilian casualties, emphasizing the need for Israeli withdrawal to enable aid and reconstruction (IT/LF, directionally true on violations but precisely false on all victims being civilians per Israeli accounts).
Grok critique of Israel's side: Fact-check shows Israeli forces fired after warnings, but unaddressed aid delays persist despite promises, with only limited supplies entering; Obama admin mediated 2014 ceasefire with partial success, Trump first term saw failed talks—confidence high (3+ sources align including Reuters, Al Jazeera).
Grok critique of Hamas' side: Executions of alleged collaborators by Hamas cloud ceasefire stability, with proactive investigation revealing dozens killed in clashes; Biden admin pushed for aid in 2024 without full enforcement—confidence medium (gaps in victim identities).
Human-benefit focus: Trade-off between security and humanitarian access could foster long-term peace if aid disruptions are addressed, prioritizing lives over control.
Hmmm... Did Hamas think #MrFAFO was a collaborator? Wow, no one liked that guy.
China expanded rare earth export controls on October 14, 2025, adding five elements and scrutiny for semiconductors, leading to a 31% drop in September exports amid US accusations of economic coercion.
Chinese officials steelman the restrictions as essential for national security and resource protection, supported by past global reliance on China's 70% mining dominance, preventing exploitation (LT/IT, precisely true on dominance but directionally overstated on security threats without specific evidence).
US and critics steelman that the controls are disproportionate retaliation in trade wars, citing impacts on defense and tech supply chains, backed by Bessent's statements on economic weakness (IT/LT, directionally true on timing but precisely true on supply disruptions).
Grok critique of China's side: Fact-check confirms controls predate recent tensions, but unaddressed defense reliance on US tech undercuts claims; Trump first term tariffs sparked 2019 rare earth threats, Biden continued restrictions—confidence high (Reuters, WSJ align).
Grok critique of US side: Response overlooks domestic mining delays like MP Materials funding, with proactive probe showing EU diversification efforts; Obama era saw less escalation—confidence medium (some bias in media sources).
Human-benefit tie-in: Balancing resource control with global supply could advance clean energy transitions, trading short-term pain for sustainable tech innovation.
Chinese officials steelman the restrictions as essential for national security and resource protection, supported by past global reliance on China's 70% mining dominance, preventing exploitation (LT/IT, precisely true on dominance but directionally overstated on security threats without specific evidence).
US and critics steelman that the controls are disproportionate retaliation in trade wars, citing impacts on defense and tech supply chains, backed by Bessent's statements on economic weakness (IT/LT, directionally true on timing but precisely true on supply disruptions).
Grok critique of China's side: Fact-check confirms controls predate recent tensions, but unaddressed defense reliance on US tech undercuts claims; Trump first term tariffs sparked 2019 rare earth threats, Biden continued restrictions—confidence high (Reuters, WSJ align).
Grok critique of US side: Response overlooks domestic mining delays like MP Materials funding, with proactive probe showing EU diversification efforts; Obama era saw less escalation—confidence medium (some bias in media sources).
Human-benefit tie-in: Balancing resource control with global supply could advance clean energy transitions, trading short-term pain for sustainable tech innovation.
So China has been screwing with US about rare earths for awhile now. MSM completely missed that, idiots.
US officials are discussing plans to oust Venezuelan President Maduro, framing him as a drug lord, with speculation on assassination as part of anti-cartel operations, per Politico reports on October 14, 2025.
US side steelmans that Maduro heads a narco-terrorist regime killing Americans via drugs, justified by indictments and bounties, citing Panama's Noriega removal as precedent for stability (IT/LT, directionally true on drug links but precisely true on legal actions).
Venezuelan government steelmans the plans as sovereignty violation and imperialism, supported by warnings of false flag operations, emphasizing electoral legitimacy despite opposition claims (LT/IF, precisely true on warnings but directionally false on broad international recognition).
Grok critique of US side: Fact-check reveals no direct assassination order, but unaddressed troop deployments (6,500) risk escalation; Trump first term failed with sanctions, Biden avoided military—confidence high (Politico, Reuters align with sources).
Grok critique of Venezuelan side: Maduro's regime endured past coups, but proactive investigation shows opposition Nobel recognition undermines claims; Obama backed diplomacy—confidence medium (gaps in mutiny evidence).
Open insight: Trade-offs between anti-drug efforts and non-intervention could benefit regional stability if focused on diplomacy over force.
US side steelmans that Maduro heads a narco-terrorist regime killing Americans via drugs, justified by indictments and bounties, citing Panama's Noriega removal as precedent for stability (IT/LT, directionally true on drug links but precisely true on legal actions).
Venezuelan government steelmans the plans as sovereignty violation and imperialism, supported by warnings of false flag operations, emphasizing electoral legitimacy despite opposition claims (LT/IF, precisely true on warnings but directionally false on broad international recognition).
Grok critique of US side: Fact-check reveals no direct assassination order, but unaddressed troop deployments (6,500) risk escalation; Trump first term failed with sanctions, Biden avoided military—confidence high (Politico, Reuters align with sources).
Grok critique of Venezuelan side: Maduro's regime endured past coups, but proactive investigation shows opposition Nobel recognition undermines claims; Obama backed diplomacy—confidence medium (gaps in mutiny evidence).
Open insight: Trade-offs between anti-drug efforts and non-intervention could benefit regional stability if focused on diplomacy over force.
Btw, fishermen don't use cigarette boats. They scare the fish away.
EU officials called for a tough G7 response to China's rare earth export curbs on October 14, 2025, seeking US alliance for diversification and joint projects.
EU side steelmans the measures as economic coercion harming global chains, backed by Sefcovic's concerns on interdependencies, pushing for unified action to protect tech and defense (LT/IT, precisely true on controls but directionally overstated on intent without direct proof).
China steelmans the curbs as national security safeguards, citing export drops as evidence of responsible management, not retaliation (IT/LF, directionally true on security but precisely false on timing coincidence with talks).
Grok critique of EU side: Fact-check confirms coordination with G7, but unaddressed past shortages show vulnerability; Trump tariffs escalated 2019, Biden focused alliances—confidence high (Reuters, Bloomberg align).
Grok critique of China side: Proactive probe reveals defense reliance on US tech, weakening position; Obama saw less friction—confidence medium (bias in Western sources).
Human-benefit focus: Collaborative diversification could enhance global resilience, trading dependence for equitable resource access.
EU side steelmans the measures as economic coercion harming global chains, backed by Sefcovic's concerns on interdependencies, pushing for unified action to protect tech and defense (LT/IT, precisely true on controls but directionally overstated on intent without direct proof).
China steelmans the curbs as national security safeguards, citing export drops as evidence of responsible management, not retaliation (IT/LF, directionally true on security but precisely false on timing coincidence with talks).
Grok critique of EU side: Fact-check confirms coordination with G7, but unaddressed past shortages show vulnerability; Trump tariffs escalated 2019, Biden focused alliances—confidence high (Reuters, Bloomberg align).
Grok critique of China side: Proactive probe reveals defense reliance on US tech, weakening position; Obama saw less friction—confidence medium (bias in Western sources).
Human-benefit focus: Collaborative diversification could enhance global resilience, trading dependence for equitable resource access.
It was pretty obvious to me that DJT2 was making progress on trade because the alternative to fair trade with the US was being butt-screwed by China and Putin in the long term.
Japanese stocks slumped 2.6% on October 14, 2025, amid ruling coalition collapse and US-China trade tensions, with Nikkei falling over 1,200 points.
Investors steelman political uncertainty as risking fiscal looseness under Takaichi, supported by coalition breakup over scandals, unwinding "Takaichi trade" bets (LT/IT, precisely true on drop but directionally overstated on long-term impact).
Optimists steelman the dip as temporary, citing strong fundamentals and potential opposition unity for stability (IT/LT, directionally true on recovery potential but precisely true on market reactions).
Grok critique of uncertainty side: Fact-check shows LDP approval lows, but unaddressed Polymarket odds (77%) suggest resilience; Abe era (Trump ally) saw similar volatility, Biden less engaged—confidence high (Nikkei, Reuters align).
Grok critique of optimist side: Trade war adds pressure, with proactive China blacklist probe hitting allies; Obama focused alliances—confidence medium (short-term data gaps).
Open insight: Balancing political reform with economic policy could foster growth, prioritizing stability over short-term gains.
Investors steelman political uncertainty as risking fiscal looseness under Takaichi, supported by coalition breakup over scandals, unwinding "Takaichi trade" bets (LT/IT, precisely true on drop but directionally overstated on long-term impact).
Optimists steelman the dip as temporary, citing strong fundamentals and potential opposition unity for stability (IT/LT, directionally true on recovery potential but precisely true on market reactions).
Grok critique of uncertainty side: Fact-check shows LDP approval lows, but unaddressed Polymarket odds (77%) suggest resilience; Abe era (Trump ally) saw similar volatility, Biden less engaged—confidence high (Nikkei, Reuters align).
Grok critique of optimist side: Trade war adds pressure, with proactive China blacklist probe hitting allies; Obama focused alliances—confidence medium (short-term data gaps).
Open insight: Balancing political reform with economic policy could foster growth, prioritizing stability over short-term gains.
Hmm... Quoting Polymarket. I'm not sure what to think about that. As much as I hate the 2-party/Uniparty system we have, parliaments seem to be worse. On to the top 5 domestic news.
US federal government shutdown entered day 14 on October 14, 2025, with Senate planning an eighth vote on GOP funding bill amid stalemate over health credits.
Republicans steelman the bill as essential for border security without extras, backed by House passage, emphasizing troop pay protections (LT/IT, precisely true on passage but directionally overstated on Democratic obstruction).
Democrats steelman demands for clean funding and credit extensions, citing need for negotiations to avoid harm to vulnerable (IT/LT, directionally true on impacts but precisely true on vote blocks).
Grok critique of Republicans: Fact-check shows no negotiation willingness, unaddressed layoffs (4,000+ workers); Trump 2018-19 shutdown lasted 35 days over wall, Biden avoided major ones—confidence high (CBS, Politico align).
Grok critique of Democrats: Proactive probe reveals three Dem votes for bill, but radio silence claims ignore recess; Obama 2013 shutdown over ACA—confidence medium (partisan gaps).
Human-benefit tie-in: Resolving impasse could preserve services, trading politics for public welfare.
Republicans steelman the bill as essential for border security without extras, backed by House passage, emphasizing troop pay protections (LT/IT, precisely true on passage but directionally overstated on Democratic obstruction).
Democrats steelman demands for clean funding and credit extensions, citing need for negotiations to avoid harm to vulnerable (IT/LT, directionally true on impacts but precisely true on vote blocks).
Grok critique of Republicans: Fact-check shows no negotiation willingness, unaddressed layoffs (4,000+ workers); Trump 2018-19 shutdown lasted 35 days over wall, Biden avoided major ones—confidence high (CBS, Politico align).
Grok critique of Democrats: Proactive probe reveals three Dem votes for bill, but radio silence claims ignore recess; Obama 2013 shutdown over ACA—confidence medium (partisan gaps).
Human-benefit tie-in: Resolving impasse could preserve services, trading politics for public welfare.
Going to have to have grok clarify what it meant by: (LT/IT, precisely true on passage but directionally overstated on Democratic obstruction)
Major US news outlets refused to sign Pentagon's new press policy on October 14, 2025, requiring pledges against unauthorized info and escorted access.
Pentagon steelmans rules as security measures post-rotation, not restricting journalism but protecting troops, per spokesperson (LT/IT, precisely true on acknowledgment but directionally overstated on no constraints).
Media steelmans policy as First Amendment violation stifling reporting on $1T military, backed by PPA criticism of intimidation (IT/LT, directionally true on chilling effect but precisely true on unsigned pledges).
Grok critique of Pentagon: Fact-check confirms escort requirements limit access, unaddressed Signal incident; Trump WH rotations favored allies, Biden less confrontational—confidence high (Guardian, NPR align).
Grok critique of media: Proactive investigation shows OAN signed, but refusals overlook security needs; Obama era leaks probes—confidence medium (some bias).
Open insight: Balancing transparency with security could enhance trust, prioritizing accountability over control.
Pentagon steelmans rules as security measures post-rotation, not restricting journalism but protecting troops, per spokesperson (LT/IT, precisely true on acknowledgment but directionally overstated on no constraints).
Media steelmans policy as First Amendment violation stifling reporting on $1T military, backed by PPA criticism of intimidation (IT/LT, directionally true on chilling effect but precisely true on unsigned pledges).
Grok critique of Pentagon: Fact-check confirms escort requirements limit access, unaddressed Signal incident; Trump WH rotations favored allies, Biden less confrontational—confidence high (Guardian, NPR align).
Grok critique of media: Proactive investigation shows OAN signed, but refusals overlook security needs; Obama era leaks probes—confidence medium (some bias).
Open insight: Balancing transparency with security could enhance trust, prioritizing accountability over control.
Trump's new tariffs on lumber, cabinets, and furniture took effect October 14, 2025, with 10-25% duties to protect US manufacturing.
Protectionists steelman tariffs as safeguarding jobs and security, citing Canada duties over 45%, preventing exploitation (LT/IT, precisely true on rates but directionally overstated on broad benefits).
Critics steelman that costs pass to consumers, raising home prices amid holidays, backed by builder associations (IT/LT, directionally true on hikes but precisely true on pass-through).
Grok critique of protectionists: Fact-check shows increases to 50%, but unaddressed retailer warnings; Trump first term lumber duties spiked prices 80%, Biden eased some—confidence high (BBC, NYT align).
Grok critique of critics: Proactive probe reveals UK/EU caps limit impact; Obama focused deals—confidence medium (seasonal gaps).
Human-benefit focus: Trade-offs between domestic industry and affordability could spur innovation, prioritizing fair trade.
Protectionists steelman tariffs as safeguarding jobs and security, citing Canada duties over 45%, preventing exploitation (LT/IT, precisely true on rates but directionally overstated on broad benefits).
Critics steelman that costs pass to consumers, raising home prices amid holidays, backed by builder associations (IT/LT, directionally true on hikes but precisely true on pass-through).
Grok critique of protectionists: Fact-check shows increases to 50%, but unaddressed retailer warnings; Trump first term lumber duties spiked prices 80%, Biden eased some—confidence high (BBC, NYT align).
Grok critique of critics: Proactive probe reveals UK/EU caps limit impact; Obama focused deals—confidence medium (seasonal gaps).
Human-benefit focus: Trade-offs between domestic industry and affordability could spur innovation, prioritizing fair trade.
@T_Q_Gardner is the guy to ask about furniture.
SpaceX's Starship completed its 11th test flight successfully on October 14, 2025, with booster splashdown and satellite deployment simulation.
Proponents steelman the launch as advancing reusability for Mars and Moon missions, supported by engine relight and plasma survival (LT/LT, precisely true on achievements).
Skeptics steelman environmental and timeline risks, citing early explosions and refueling challenges (IT/LF, directionally true on failures but precisely false on full operational readiness).
Grok critique of proponents: Fact-check confirms V2 retirement for V3, but unaddressed propellant transfer gaps; Trump supported NASA contracts, Biden continued—confidence high (CNN, Reuters align).
Grok critique of skeptics: Proactive investigation shows no major issues this flight; Obama era SpaceX growth—confidence medium (development risks).
Open insight: Trade-offs in innovation speed could benefit humanity via space access, prioritizing exploration.
Proponents steelman the launch as advancing reusability for Mars and Moon missions, supported by engine relight and plasma survival (LT/LT, precisely true on achievements).
Skeptics steelman environmental and timeline risks, citing early explosions and refueling challenges (IT/LF, directionally true on failures but precisely false on full operational readiness).
Grok critique of proponents: Fact-check confirms V2 retirement for V3, but unaddressed propellant transfer gaps; Trump supported NASA contracts, Biden continued—confidence high (CNN, Reuters align).
Grok critique of skeptics: Proactive investigation shows no major issues this flight; Obama era SpaceX growth—confidence medium (development risks).
Open insight: Trade-offs in innovation speed could benefit humanity via space access, prioritizing exploration.
I watched that this morning, because I'm an e/acc space nerd, they were very clear they weren't trying to recover Starship 11, and they got it all the way to landing before it blew up. Don't know why; if there was a failure or if they did it on purpose.
@threadreaderapp unroll, though I'd really rather people read it on X, because they can't like or repost from threadreaderapp AFAIK.
@nikitabier the built in unroll for blue check folks should be for everyone, and strip out the the see more it's annoying. Content is king.
@threadreaderapp unroll, though I'd really rather people read it on X, because they can't like or repost from threadreaderapp AFAIK.
@nikitabier the built in unroll for blue check folks should be for everyone, and strip out the the see more it's annoying. Content is king.
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