Moderator: Community Team
Don't look at ThickTok then.Pack Rat wrote: Fri Jun 26, 2026 6:34 am Are [sic] children are being poisoned by lies and corruption.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSepbrxD/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_St ... centennialCelebrations are organized by two main organizations at the federal level: the non-partisan congressional America250 Commission created in 2016 and backed by a nonprofit; and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, chaired by Donald Trump and established via an executive order in 2025.[1]
The United States Semiquincentennial,[a] also called the Sestercentennial (two and a half centuries), or the Quarter Millennium, will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities are marking various events leading up to the Declaration's anniversary on the 250th Independence Day: July 4, 2026.
Official planning for the celebrations began in 2016 with the congressional, non-partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America250). In 2025, federal resources were diverted to the president Donald Trump-aligned White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday (Freedom250) to promote and plan new events. Celebrations began with the United States Army 250th Anniversary Parade on June 14, 2025,[1] with America250 events formally starting on July 3, 2025.[3][1]
Official festivities include commemorative coinage, UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall, OpSail 2026, a Times Square Ball drop event, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall. Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held across the United States, with matches in Philadelphia and Houston on the date of the Semiquincentennial.
Background
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776.
The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted for the independence of the United Colonies by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776.[4] The Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Committee of Five member Thomas Jefferson, was proclaimed on July 4, the date on which the anniversary of independence is observed.[5] (...)
Organization
Celebrations are organized by two main organizations at the federal level: the non-partisan congressional America250 Commission created in 2016 and backed by a nonprofit; and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, chaired by Donald Trump and established via an executive order in 2025.[1]
The America 250 Civics Education Coalition will develop civics education programming to celebrate the semiquincentennial. The nonprofit America First Policy Institute will lead the coalition of more than 40 conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA, the Heritage Foundation, and Hillsdale College, with oversight from the Department of Education.[7]

The short version:jusplay4fun wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 3:40 pmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_St ... centennialCelebrations are organized by two main organizations at the federal level: the non-partisan congressional America250 Commission created in 2016 and backed by a nonprofit; and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, chaired by Donald Trump and established via an executive order in 2025.[1]
The United States Semiquincentennial,[a] also called the Sestercentennial (two and a half centuries), or the Quarter Millennium, will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities are marking various events leading up to the Declaration's anniversary on the 250th Independence Day: July 4, 2026.
Official planning for the celebrations began in 2016 with the congressional, non-partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America250). In 2025, federal resources were diverted to the president Donald Trump-aligned White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday (Freedom250) to promote and plan new events. Celebrations began with the United States Army 250th Anniversary Parade on June 14, 2025,[1] with America250 events formally starting on July 3, 2025.[3][1]
more, same source:
Official festivities include commemorative coinage, UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall, OpSail 2026, a Times Square Ball drop event, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall. Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held across the United States, with matches in Philadelphia and Houston on the date of the Semiquincentennial.
Background
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776.
The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted for the independence of the United Colonies by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776.[4] The Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Committee of Five member Thomas Jefferson, was proclaimed on July 4, the date on which the anniversary of independence is observed.[5] (...)
Organization
Celebrations are organized by two main organizations at the federal level: the non-partisan congressional America250 Commission created in 2016 and backed by a nonprofit; and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, chaired by Donald Trump and established via an executive order in 2025.[1]
The America 250 Civics Education Coalition will develop civics education programming to celebrate the semiquincentennial. The nonprofit America First Policy Institute will lead the coalition of more than 40 conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA, the Heritage Foundation, and Hillsdale College, with oversight from the Department of Education.[7]
Of course, Trump has a big ego. Tell us something new, please.Dukasaur wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 8:18 amThe short version:jusplay4fun wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 3:40 pmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_St ... centennialCelebrations are organized by two main organizations at the federal level: the non-partisan congressional America250 Commission created in 2016 and backed by a nonprofit; and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, chaired by Donald Trump and established via an executive order in 2025.[1]
The United States Semiquincentennial,[a] also called the Sestercentennial (two and a half centuries), or the Quarter Millennium, will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities are marking various events leading up to the Declaration's anniversary on the 250th Independence Day: July 4, 2026.
Official planning for the celebrations began in 2016 with the congressional, non-partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America250). In 2025, federal resources were diverted to the president Donald Trump-aligned White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday (Freedom250) to promote and plan new events. Celebrations began with the United States Army 250th Anniversary Parade on June 14, 2025,[1] with America250 events formally starting on July 3, 2025.[3][1]
more, same source:
Official festivities include commemorative coinage, UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall, OpSail 2026, a Times Square Ball drop event, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall. Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held across the United States, with matches in Philadelphia and Houston on the date of the Semiquincentennial.
Background
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776.
The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted for the independence of the United Colonies by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776.[4] The Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Committee of Five member Thomas Jefferson, was proclaimed on July 4, the date on which the anniversary of independence is observed.[5] (...)
Organization
Celebrations are organized by two main organizations at the federal level: the non-partisan congressional America250 Commission created in 2016 and backed by a nonprofit; and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, chaired by Donald Trump and established via an executive order in 2025.[1]
The America 250 Civics Education Coalition will develop civics education programming to celebrate the semiquincentennial. The nonprofit America First Policy Institute will lead the coalition of more than 40 conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA, the Heritage Foundation, and Hillsdale College, with oversight from the Department of Education.[7]
A perfectly good organization to celebrate the sesquicentennial already existed. However, because it was bipartisan, the orangutan felt it was necessary to create a competing organization, devoted primarily to feeding his ego and stroking his followers.
At some point, the big egos of Trump and Musk will clash.
by jusplay4fun
Sun Feb 09, 2025 3:42 pm
What Trump's Big Ego will not allow him to grasp is that this crowd, loud and rabid as they are, are actually a small minority of those in the USA.
by jusplay4fun » Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:32 pm
That I think Trump is a bombastic egotist? That Trump is unelectable in a general election for President? (This is something I said YEARS ago.)
And now Trump's big ego and big mouth has gotten him in LOTS of legal problems. I think these matters are covered in other threads, so I will not comment further on those issues here.
And I would say Trump starts at a HIGHER point than Biden, AND that most realize Biden is no intellect, and NEVER has been. Biden was elected as a "nice (old) guy" alternative to Trump. And Trump angered many with his wild statements, unbridled ego, and unproven allegations. Trump still today trumpets that the election was "stolen" from him with NO PROOF. None.
by jusplay4fun » Sun Jun 11, 2023 3:47 am

Senator Murphy's speech about Trump's corruption has reached 1 million views on YouTube, something of a minor record for a Senate speech.jusplay4fun wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 2:00 pm Of course, Trump has a big ego. Tell us something new, please.

We've had the House of Lords since the 14th century.jusplay4fun wrote: Tue Jun 30, 2026 11:23 pm Many Key decisions issued by the US Supreme Court these past several days. Trump won some and lost some; the Judiciary is acting as it should, as a check on Presidential actions.
This is another great thing about the USA, a BALANCE of Power, as envisioned by the Founders and by the authors of the US Constitution, mostly James Madison, a Virginian and our Fourth President.
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/uk ... rcna228773U.K.'s public health service is in crisis, threatening an institution at the center of British culture
Once touted as the envy of the world, the National Health Service is now “broken,” according to the government.
https://reason.com/2026/01/02/britons-a ... is-broken/Britons Are Beginning To Admit It: Their Beloved National Health Service Is Broken
“Free” healthcare costs a lot in personal time and taxpayer money.

Dukasaur wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 7:42 pmSenator Murphy's speech about Trump's corruption has reached 1 million views on YouTube, something of a minor record for a Senate speech.jusplay4fun wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 2:00 pm Of course, Trump has a big ego. Tell us something new, please.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaQ_95hPhu4
The game is called football, or soccer if you must.jusplay4fun wrote: Wed Jul 01, 2026 9:45 am Your House of Lords, like the Monarchy, are both anachronisms and mostly non-functional; age does not confer greatness.
Your British "empire" has been on the decline since 1918, if not sooner. Is the US hegemony, Pax Americana, on the decline, too? Ask the FIFA futbol fans visiting US cities.
Yes, it could be a hell of a lot better, it's been horribly mismanaged, but it's still free at the point of use, which it its main benefit. We don't turn people away because their insurance has lapsed. Being over 60, I get free prescriptions - wouldn't you want that?
and your healthcare? REALLY??
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/uk ... rcna228773U.K.'s public health service is in crisis, threatening an institution at the center of British culture
Once touted as the envy of the world, the National Health Service is now “broken,” according to the government.
https://reason.com/2026/01/02/britons-a ... is-broken/Britons Are Beginning To Admit It: Their Beloved National Health Service Is Broken
“Free” healthcare costs a lot in personal time and taxpayer money.
Does it matter if one calls the game soccer or football or futbol?Apatheist wrote: Wed Jul 01, 2026 1:57 pmThe game is called football, or soccer if you must.jusplay4fun wrote: Wed Jul 01, 2026 9:45 am Your House of Lords, like the Monarchy, are both anachronisms and mostly non-functional; age does not confer greatness.
Your British "empire" has been on the decline since 1918, if not sooner. Is the US hegemony, Pax Americana, on the decline, too? Ask the FIFA futbol fans visiting US cities.
I do not see them as anachronisms. If your country survives a thousand years, see how you feel about its traditions.
from AI Summary:
Popularity
Fútbol is recognized as the world's most popular ball game, both in terms of participants and spectators
(...)
Summary
Fútbol, or football, is a globally popular team sport.
It is known as soccer in the United States and Canada. Here are some key points about the game:
Basic Structure
Played between two teams of 11 players each.
The objective is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's net without using hands or arms.
Apatheist said:and your healthcare? REALLY??
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/uk ... rcna228773U.K.'s public health service is in crisis, threatening an institution at the center of British culture
Once touted as the envy of the world, the National Health Service is now “broken,” according to the government.
https://reason.com/2026/01/02/britons-a ... is-broken/Britons Are Beginning To Admit It: Their Beloved National Health Service Is Broken
“Free” healthcare costs a lot in personal time and taxpayer money.
So it isn't Great Britain?Yes, it could be a hell of a lot better, it's been horribly mismanaged, but it's still free at the point of use, which it its main benefit. We don't turn people away because their insurance has lapsed. Being over 60, I get free prescriptions - wouldn't you want that?
We also have private healthcare as an option for those who wish to pay and get quicker treatment - this is sometimes given as an employee perk at larger companies.
BTW I didn't say ours was great - just that yours isn't. I expect most Americans choose to ignore the gun debate for the sake of a peaceful life, rather than actually do anything about it.

Yes, if you believe in being accurate. The rules of the game were standardised in 1863 by the Football Association.jusplay4fun wrote: Wed Jul 01, 2026 11:39 pm Does it matter if one calls the game soccer or football or futbol?
Not entirely true - goalkeepers can use their hands and in theory can score with a really long throw; players also take throw-ins.from AI Summary:
Basic Structure
Played between two teams of 11 players each.
The objective is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's net without using hands or arms.
I appreciate the need for defence against wild animals, and a fair few farmers here have weapons to defend their livestock against predators, but are there that many in the streets of major cities? The Red Coats haven't been a threat for quite a while - I suspect the US can defend itself should Britain attempt an invasion...Guns:
Do we have too many guns and killings in the US from Guns? Yes. Is there a debate here? There is one major factor that you, Apatheist, likely do not consider: in the US, we still have dangerous wildlife (in rural areas, mostly) that may require a gun to kill. Another factor: Hunting, without excessive permits and restrictions that occurs in Scotland (and likely the rest of UK). Another factor: Second Amendment and self-defense, as in the ability to defend against British Red Coats. Ask a Scotsman about that.
andThe new report, Gun Violence in the United States 2023: Examining the Gun Suicide Epidemic, finds that guns were involved in 46,728 deaths in the U.S. in 2023—or one death every 11 minutes. For the third straight year, gun suicides reached a new high: 27,300, or 58% of all gun deaths, were suicides. And more than half of all suicides in 2023 involved a gun. The report is based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 2023, the most recent year for which finalized data is available.
The report notes that suicides accounted for the majority of all firearm deaths every year since 1995.
Total gun homicides in 2023 (17,927) fell nearly 9% from 2022 (19,651). However, gun homicides remained near-record levels in 2023, the fifth-highest total on record.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads ... in-the-us/What share of U.S. gun deaths are homicides? What share are suicides?
Suicides accounted for around 6 in 10 U.S. gun deaths in 2024
% of U.S. gun deaths, by type
Note: “Other” includes gun deaths that involved law enforcement, were accidental or had undetermined circumstances.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Though they tend to get less public attention than gun-related homicides, suicides have long accounted for the majority of U.S. gun deaths. In 2024, 62% of all gun-related deaths in the U.S. were suicides (27,593), while 35% were homicides (15,364). The rest involved law enforcement (636), were accidental (450) or had undetermined circumstances (404); each of these categories accounted for around 1% of all gun deaths, according to CDC data.
https://thegunzone.com/what-percentage- ... VyC08_z4xAThe Tangled Web: Untangling the Relationship Between Drugs and Gun Violence
Estimates vary widely, but a conservative assessment suggests that at least 25-30% of gun violence in the United States is directly or indirectly related to drug trafficking, use, or associated criminal activities. This complex connection is not merely correlational; it often reflects a causal relationship rooted in the economics, power dynamics, and inherent violence within the illicit drug market.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/art ... p_catchallPresident Donald Trump said Saturday night that he was speaking to over 150,000 people on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., after the evening's celebrations were delayed due to the weather, causing some attendees to head home.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/art ... p_catchallTrump’s speech was the penultimate portion of the “Salute to America” event on the National Mall, where a severe thunderstorm warning resulted in an evacuation of the Great American State Fair, causing chaos in the streets of Washington, D.C. Guests were later allowed back in, and packed crowds returned as he spoke and as the fireworks show began.
His speech more resembled a State of the Union address, as it was used to promote some of his legislative priorities, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act. He also took a swipe at recent victories by democratic socialist candidates, conflating their politics with communism.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tru ... p_catchallTrump invokes communism 81 times in two weeks as aides test midterms message
By Nandita Bose
Updated Wed, July 8, 2026 at 10:51 AM EDT
WASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply escalated his warnings about the dangers of communism in the past two weeks, a Reuters analysis found, as his political team tests whether the message resonates beyond his core supporters ahead of November's midterm elections.
Trump's use of the term accelerated after June 23, when a string of left-wing Democratic candidates won primary contests in New York, the analysis of his public comments and social media posts found.
Since then, Trump has invoked communism 81 times, calling some of the victorious candidates "hardcore, godless communists."
(...)
The success of democratic socialists and other progressive candidates in Democratic primaries in Colorado, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Texas and elsewhere has given Trump and his fellow Republicans a fresh line of attack: portraying Democrats as extreme rather than defending Trump's record on tackling the high cost of living.
Many of the progressive candidates argue that tackling affordability means taxing the rich, cutting military spending, opposing U.S. funding for Israel, expanding government-funded programs and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Trump – known for blunt political branding – has been swift to label supporters of those proposals as communists.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/pol ... 787786007/House Speaker Mike Johnson said June 30 that the midterms will be a “contrast election,” one he has been framing as a clash “between common sense and crazy.”
“And now you can add another line there: It's common sense versus communism,” he added.

https://nypost.com/2026/07/08/world-new ... us-report/The US strikes were in retaliation against Iran’s attacks on three ships trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz without its permission, with Tehran asserting that it maintains full control over the oil choke point as per the memorandum of understanding.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-HormuzWho owns the Strait of Hormuz?
The shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz are located primarily in Omani territorial waters, and partially in Iranian territorial waters, but they are governed by international maritime law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2026 ... s-calculusThe Strait of Hormuz is now at the centre of Iranian and US calculus
The fate of the strait is directly linked to what happens next to the world economy.
By Abdulla Banndar Al-Etaibi
On Tuesday, two tankers were attacked as they transited the Strait of Hormuz via a passage in Omani waters. Gulf countries responded by sharply condemning the attacks and blaming Iran. The United States then launched attacks on Iranian territory, to which Tehran responded by striking Bahrain and Kuwait. US President Donald Trump has now said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that Iran and the US signed is void.
This latest escalation illustrates how the Strait of Hormuz has become the central issue in the US-Israel war with Iran that began on February 28. Disagreements over the strait’s future have proven to be the hardest to resolve in the US-Iranian negotiations, as questions about Iran’s nuclear programme have been put to the side.

"Trump" and "brains" do not belong in the same sentence, unless the intervening words are "has no".Pack Rat wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 8:24 am Trump is the brains behind this latest fiasco.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ow5hw6Uzg6Y? ... hB2XN9-eht