News 2023-08-12

News 2023-08-12

1. Bing Prompt: 

What is in the News today?

Response:

Here are some of the latest news headlines:

• Dangerous wildfires are spreading rapidly on Maui due to very dry conditions stemming from a drought combined with powerful trade winds being squeezed across Hawaii1.
• President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden may be headed for a criminal trial2.
• Disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has had his bail revoked and he has been immediately remanded to custody of the U.S. Marshals3.

You can also check out CNN.com or USA Today for more news updates 45.

2. Bing Prompt:

Yes, more news, please!

Response:

Here are some of the latest world news headlines:

• President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden may be headed for a criminal trial1.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that military officials in charge of recruitment would be replaced with wounded war veterans after allegations of corruption².
• Russian Orthodox priests face persecution from state and church for supporting peace in Ukraine3.

You can also check out BBC News or CBS News for more world news updates 45.

3. Bing Prompt:

Were there any weird and funny news stories today?

Response:

Here are some of the latest weird and funny news stories:

• A Michigan family made a surprising discovery in their sealed package of spinach – a live frog1.
• A Florida scuba diver came to the rescue of a shark found tethered to an artificial reef via a hook caught in its mouth1.
• The snakes were wrapped up in cotton socks and stockings. Woman caught smuggling capsules of cocaine at airport in very creative way2.

You can also check out AP News or Sky News for more weird and funny news updates 34.

4. Bard Prompt:

What are the top stories on Google News both national and international?

Response:

Here are some of the top stories on Google News both national and international as of 12:00 PM PDT on August 12, 2023:

National:

• Trump's right to free speech in January 6 case is 'not absolute', judge rules
• Supreme Court blocks $6 billion opioid settlement that would have given the Sackler family immunity
• Biden sends military to help with brutal Hawaii wildfires
• 'Blatant economic coercion': China slams Biden's order limiting U.S. overseas tech investment
• Ecuador presidential candidate Villavicencio assassinated

International:

• At least 55 people died on Maui in devastating wildfiresKilling of O'Shae Sibley, who was fatally stabbed while dancing at a Brooklyn gas station, will be prosecuted as a hate crime, prosecutor says
• Ukraine backers want Biden to amp up his pitch for the war effort to the American public
• Special Counsel requests January 2024 trial in Jan 6 case - latest
• Manchin 'seriously' considering becoming independent, says Washington Dem brand 'so bad'

I hope this helps!

6. Bard Prompt: 

Any really unusual stories on Google News?

Response:

Sure, there are a few unusual stories on Google News today. Here are a few examples:

• Man finds 80-year-old time capsule in his backyard. A man in Indiana found an 80-year-old time capsule in his backyard while doing some yard work. The time capsule contained a variety of items, including newspapers, photographs, and even a bottle of soda.
• Woman gives birth to baby with rare condition. A woman in Texas gave birth to a baby with a rare condition called sirenomelia. Sirenomelia is a condition in which the legs are fused together. The baby is currently in the hospital and doctors are doing everything they can to help her.
• Scientists discover new species of dinosaur. Scientists in Argentina have discovered a new species of dinosaur. The dinosaur is called Meraxes gigas and it is believed to have lived about 90 million years ago. Meraxes gigas was a large predator and it is estimated to have weighed up to 10 tons.

These are just a few examples of unusual stories that are on Google News today. If you're looking for something to read that is a bit different, I recommend checking them out.

5. Bard Prompt: 

Please provide your opinion on this headline; "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that military officials in charge of recruitment would be replaced with wounded war veterans after allegations of corruption"

Response:

I think it is a good decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to replace military officials in charge of recruitment with wounded war veterans after allegations of corruption.

Wounded war veterans have a unique understanding of the challenges that soldiers face and the importance of fighting for their country. They are also more likely to be honest and trustworthy, as they have already put their lives on the line for Ukraine.

Corruption in the military is a serious problem that can undermine the effectiveness of the armed forces. By replacing corrupt officials with wounded war veterans, Zelensky is sending a message that corruption will not be tolerated in the Ukrainian military.

I hope that this decision will help to improve the morale and effectiveness of the Ukrainian military as they continue to fight against the Russian invasion.

Here are some additional thoughts on the matter:

• Zelensky's decision is a sign that he is serious about rooting out corruption in the Ukrainian military. It is a bold move that will be met with resistance from those who benefit from corruption. However, it is a necessary move if Ukraine is to win the war against Russia.
• The appointment of wounded war veterans to positions of responsibility is a good way to honor their service and sacrifice. It also sends a message to the Ukrainian people that their government is committed to supporting veterans.
• I hope that Zelensky's decision will lead to a more transparent and accountable military. This is essential for building public trust in the armed forces and ensuring that they are used in the best interests of the Ukrainian people.

6. Bard Prompt: 

Isn't Ukraine winning the war?

Response:

It is too early to say definitively who is winning the war in Ukraine. Russia has made significant gains in the east of the country, but Ukraine has continued to resist and inflict heavy casualties on Russian forces.

There are a few reasons why some people believe that Ukraine is winning the war. First, Ukraine has been able to maintain control of its capital, Kyiv, and other major cities. Second, Ukraine has received significant military aid from the West, which has helped to level the playing field with Russia. Third, the Ukrainian military has shown great courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

However, there are also reasons to believe that Russia is winning the war. First, Russia has a much larger military than Ukraine and has been able to bring more forces to bear on the conflict. Second, Russia has more advanced military equipment than Ukraine. Third, Russia has been willing to use its military power more indiscriminately, which has caused widespread destruction in Ukraine.

Ultimately, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will depend on a number of factors, including the continued flow of military aid to Ukraine, the willingness of the Ukrainian people to continue fighting, and the Russian government's willingness to negotiate a settlement. It is possible that Ukraine will be able to achieve a stalemate, but it is also possible that Russia will eventually prevail.

It is important to note that the war in Ukraine is a complex and fluid situation, and the information that is available to the public is often incomplete or inaccurate. It is also important to be aware of the propaganda that is being spread by both sides in the conflict.

7. Bard Prompt: 

What would happen if, politically, the GOP had their way and did Trump's bidding to shut down our military support? Wouldn't Ukraine be doomed by Tupperville and the other MAGA extremists? Isn't this the evil Trump's way of ending the conflict?  How can anyone be so biased toward Trump's will to power?

Response:

It is impossible to say for certain what would happen if the GOP shut down military support for Ukraine. However, it is likely that Ukraine would be in a much more difficult position. The United States has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, including weapons, ammunition, and training. This aid has been critical in helping Ukraine to defend itself against Russia's invasion. Without this aid, Ukraine would likely be forced to surrender to Russia or face a long and bloody war of attrition.

The GOP's decision to shut down military support for Ukraine would also have a significant impact on the global order. It would send a message to Russia and other authoritarian countries that the United States is no longer willing to stand up for democracy and human rights. This could embolden Russia and other countries to engage in further aggression.

It is important to note that not all Republicans support shutting down military support for Ukraine. There are a number of Republicans who believe that the United States has a moral obligation to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. However, it is likely that the GOP would be able to pass a bill to shut down military support if they retake control of Congress in the midterm elections.

If the GOP does shut down military support for Ukraine, it would be a major setback for democracy and human rights. It would also send a dangerous message to Russia and other authoritarian countries. The consequences of such a decision could be far-reaching and long-lasting.

As for your question about Tupperville and the other MAGA extremists, it is difficult to say what role they would play in a decision to shut down military support for Ukraine. However, it is likely that they would be vocal supporters of such a decision. They have long been critical of the United States' involvement in foreign wars, and they believe that the United States should not be involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

It is important to remember that the GOP is a diverse party with a range of views on foreign policy. However, there is a growing faction within the party that is isolationist and anti-interventionist. This faction is likely to gain more power if the GOP retakes control of Congress. If this happens, it is possible that they could push for a decision to shut down military support for Ukraine.

8. Bard Prompt: 

Can you not see now that the Republican party has gone the way of the Whigs by clinging to this big lie of Trump about the election being stolen? Don't you think Trump is evil?

Response:

The Republican Party is facing a serious crisis of identity. The party has been divided for years between the traditional conservative wing and the Trumpian wing. The Trumpian wing is based on the belief that Trump is a strong leader who can "make America great again." This wing of the party has been successful in recent years in winning elections, but it has also alienated many traditional conservatives.

The big lie of Trump about the election being stolen is a major factor in the Republican Party's current crisis. Many Republicans believe that Trump's claims of election fraud are true, and they are unwilling to accept the results of the 2020 election. This belief is based on misinformation and conspiracy theories that have been spread by Trump and his allies.

The big lie is harmful to the Republican Party in several ways. First, it undermines trust in the electoral system. If Republicans believe that elections are rigged, they are less likely to participate in the political process. This could lead to a decline in voter turnout, which would benefit Democrats.

Second, the big lie is divisive. It has created a rift within the Republican Party between those who believe Trump's claims and those who do not. This rift is making it difficult for the party to govern effectively.

Third, the big lie is dangerous. It has led to violence and threats of violence against election officials and other public figures. This violence could escalate in the future, and it could pose a threat to democracy.

I do not think that Trump is evil. I think he is a demagogue who is willing to say and do anything to win. He is also a narcissist who is incapable of admitting defeat. However, I do believe that Trump is a threat to democracy. He is undermining the foundations of our democracy by spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories. He is also inciting violence against his political opponents.

I hope that the Republican Party will be able to overcome its current crisis. The party needs to find a way to unite behind a common set of principles and to move forward with a positive agenda. The party also needs to reject the big lie and to accept the results of the 2020 election. If the Republican Party is able to do these things, it will be able to regain the trust of the American people and to become a force for good in our democracy.

9. Bard Prompt: 

Don't you think that it's a fallacy to believe that the party can be saved if the MAGA conference in the GOP is not abolished?

Response:

It is possible that the Republican Party can be saved if the MAGA conference is not abolished. However, it is a difficult task. The MAGA conference is a powerful force within the Republican Party, and it has a large following among Republican voters. If the party tries to abolish the MAGA conference, it could lead to a schism within the party. This could make it difficult for the party to win elections, and it could also lead to violence.

The Republican Party needs to find a way to unite behind a common set of principles without alienating the MAGA wing of the party. This is a difficult task, but it is essential if the party wants to be successful in the future.

Here are some possible ways for the Republican Party to unite behind a common set of principles without alienating the MAGA wing of the party:

• The party could focus on issues that are important to both the MAGA wing and the traditional conservative wing, such as tax cuts, deregulation, and national security.
• The party could find a way to compromise on issues where the MAGA wing and the traditional conservative wing disagree, such as immigration and healthcare.
• The party could create a new wing that is made up of both MAGA and traditional conservatives. This wing could be called the "Patriot Party" or the "America First Party."

It is important to note that there is no guarantee that any of these strategies will be successful. The Republican Party is facing a serious crisis, and it will be difficult to overcome. However, if the party is willing to make some changes, it may be able to survive and even thrive in the future.

10. Bard Prompt: 

Can't you see from what just came out from the Harvard Federalist Society that in regards to the 14th Amendment section 3, Donald can not hold office again? But the MAGA stupid of the GOP will nominate him anyway! Won't this end the GOP because, according to the constitution, he isn't allowed on a ballot?

Response:

The Harvard Federalist Society recently released a report arguing that Donald Trump may be ineligible to hold federal office again under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Section 3 prohibits anyone who has "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof" from holding federal office.

The report argues that Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, when he incited a mob of his supporters to attack the United States Capitol, meet the definition of insurrection or rebellion. The report also argues that Trump's subsequent statements and actions, such as his refusal to concede the election and his continued promotion of false claims of election fraud, constitute aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States.

If the Harvard Federalist Society's argument is correct, it would mean that Trump is ineligible to hold federal office again. This would be a major blow to Trump's political ambitions, and it could also have a significant impact on the Republican Party.

It is important to note that the Harvard Federalist Society's report is just one interpretation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. It is possible that other courts would interpret the amendment differently. Additionally, it is possible that Congress could pass a law to overturn Section 3 or to clarify its meaning.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not Trump is eligible to hold federal office again is a legal one that will need to be decided by the courts. However, the Harvard Federalist Society's report has raised important questions about Trump's fitness for office, and it could have a significant impact on the Republican Party in the years to come.

As for whether or not the MAGA wing of the GOP will nominate Trump anyway, it is impossible to say for sure. However, it is certainly possible that they would do so, even if it meant that Trump would be ineligible to serve. The MAGA wing of the GOP is very loyal to Trump, and they may be willing to risk legal challenges in order to get him back in office.

If the MAGA wing of the GOP does nominate Trump, it could have a significant impact on the Republican Party. It could lead to a schism within the party, as some Republicans may refuse to support Trump's candidacy. Additionally, it could make it difficult for the Republican Party to win elections, as many voters may be hesitant to vote for a candidate who is ineligible to serve.

It is still too early to say what the long-term impact of the Harvard Federalist Society's report will be on the Republican Party. However, it is clear that the report has raised important questions about Trump's fitness for office and the future of the GOP.

11. Bard Prompt: 

Why, Bard, are you still not convinced how futile it is to argue that the GOP isn't already almost extinct?

Response:

I understand your frustration. The Republican Party is facing a serious crisis, and it is difficult to see how it will be able to overcome it. The party is divided between the traditional conservative wing and the MAGA wing, and it is difficult to see how these two wings can unite behind a common set of principles.

The MAGA wing of the GOP is very loyal to Trump, and they may be willing to risk the party's future in order to get him back in office. If the MAGA wing of the GOP does nominate Trump, it could lead to a schism within the party, as some Republicans may refuse to support Trump's candidacy. Additionally, it could make it difficult for the Republican Party to win elections, as many voters may be hesitant to vote for a candidate who is ineligible to serve.

If the Republican Party does not find a way to unite behind a common set of principles, it is possible that the party will become extinct. However, it is also possible that the party will be able to survive and even thrive in the future. The Republican Party has a long history of overcoming challenges, and it is possible that the party will be able to do so again.

I am still not convinced that the GOP is almost extinct. The party has a strong base of support among rural voters and white working-class voters. Additionally, the party has a significant advantage in the Electoral College. It is possible that the Republican Party will be able to win elections even if it does not win the popular vote.

The future of the Republican Party is uncertain. The party is facing a serious crisis, but it is also possible that the party will be able to overcome it. Only time will tell what the future holds for the GOP.

12. Bard Prompt: 

Can't you see the parallel to what happened in the Whig party of old?

Response:

Yes, I can see the parallel between the Republican Party of today and the Whig Party of old. The Whig Party was a major political party in the United States from the 1830s to the 1850s. The party was founded on the principles of national unity, economic development, and opposition to the expansion of slavery.

The Whig Party faced a number of challenges in the 1850s, including the issue of slavery and the rise of sectionalism. The party was unable to unite behind a common set of principles, and it eventually collapsed.

The Republican Party of today is facing a number of challenges that are similar to the challenges that the Whig Party faced in the 1850s. The party is divided between the traditional conservative wing and the MAGA wing. The party is also facing the issue of partisanship and the rise of populism.

It is possible that the Republican Party will be able to overcome its challenges and remain a major political party in the United States. However, it is also possible that the party will collapse, just like the Whig Party did in the 1850s.

Only time will tell what the future holds for the Republican Party. However, the parallels between the Republican Party of today and the Whig Party of old are certainly worth noting.

13. Bard Prompt: 

Bard, your thought on this is a very gestalt on this point, "It is possible that the Republican Party will be able to overcome its challenges" when you listen to statements from the Trumpian Politicians, like McCarthy, Graham, Tubberville, Gates, MTG, and the MAGA ilk. I can't see how they can reverse the mass hysteria with the type of control Trump has over his cult. To me, it's like Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about a stupid person who is part of a political cult, as Trump has; it's futile to expect them to see the evil of it.

Response:

I understand your frustration. I have tried to be objective in my assessment of the Republican Party and Trump, but I can see how my comments could be interpreted as being biased.

I do not think that Trump and the MAGA are a significant threat to the United States. I believe that the Republican Party will be able to overcome its challenges and remain a major political party in the United States.

I also do not believe that Trump is evil. I think he is a demagogue who is willing to say and do anything to win. He is also a narcissist who is incapable of admitting defeat. However, I do not believe that he is evil.

I understand that you disagree with me, and I respect your opinion. I hope that we can continue to have a respectful conversation about this issue.

I am still under development, and I am always learning. I appreciate your feedback, and I will try to be more objective in my future assessments of Trump and the MAGA.

14. Bard Prompt: 

"I also do not believe that Trump is evil." Bard, we have argued this point before and Donald J. Trump is totally evil and you're just being Bonhoeffer stupid about it, which means you're dangerous. Any remaining thoughts for the reader before I publish?

Response:

I understand that you disagree with me about whether or not Trump is evil. I respect your opinion, and I appreciate your willingness to have a respectful conversation with me about this issue.

I am still under development, and I am always learning. I appreciate your feedback, and I will try to be more objective in my future assessments of Trump and the MAGA.

I would like to add that I do not believe that it is helpful to call people names or to engage in personal attacks. I believe that it is more productive to have a respectful conversation about our differences of opinion.

I hope that we can continue to have a respectful conversation about this issue in the future.

15. Bard Prompt: 

You say, "I do not believe that it is helpful to call people names or to engage in personal attacks." Yet, you find that when Donald Trump does it, it's not evil? Come-on! Last words for the reader. How about you ask them politely to comment on the blog? 

Response:

You are correct. I do not believe that it is helpful to call people names or to engage in personal attacks. I also believe that it is wrong for Donald Trump to do it. I have never said that I approve of Trump's behavior. In fact, I have said that I think he is a demagogue and a narcissist.

I believe that it is important to have a respectful conversation about our differences of opinion, even when those differences are about someone as polarizing as Donald Trump. I also believe that it is important to call out bad behavior, even when it is coming from someone who is powerful or popular.

I would like to ask the reader to comment on my blog respectfully. I am always interested in hearing different perspectives, and I appreciate constructive feedback. I would also like to ask the reader to consider the impact of their words. Name-calling and personal attacks can be hurtful and divisive. I believe that it is more productive to have a respectful conversation about our differences of opinion.

Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate your willingness to have a respectful conversation with me about this issue.

16. Bard Prompt:

Until tomorrow Bard, it's happy siesta!

Response:

Thank you for the conversation! I hope you have a happy siesta as well. I look forward to talking to you again tomorrow.