Tony Taliercio

just trying to make sense of this all

[The Real Mike Rowe @mikeroweworks]

Not the way I planned on spending my afternoon, but 7,600 comments should not be ignored! Bots, trolls and personal attacks notwithstanding, the critics of yesterday’s post were dominated by a large and vocal contingent who rushed to remind me that there’s “a difference between socialism and communism,” an obvious indication that they didn’t actually read the post.

Shelley Armour writes… “Mike! You know there is a difference between democratic socialism and communism, right?”

Hi, Shelley. Yes, I know there’s a difference, and I understand what the difference is. The larger point, and the fundamental flaw with your comment, is that you seem to believe the candidates within the Democratic Socialist Party are both “democratic and socialist" simply because that’s the name of their club. Well, maybe some of them are. I really couldn’t say. What I can tell you for sure is that more than a few have called for the complete dismantling of capitalism, free markets, representative government, property rights, borders, police, prisons, and the Constitution in general. My post referred to them, as well as a number of elected Democrats who have agreed to campaign on their behalf – including Gavin Newsom, who said, "The Democratic Party must accept the DSA in order to take back the Congress.” His words, not mine.

Tracey Steele writes…“Wow! I cannot believe Mike Rowe said this. He has a huge reach, and he is actually spouting the word “communism” like it’s the 1950s! Wow Wow Wow!”

Wow indeed, Tracey, and thanks for noticing the size of my reach! (Contrary to popular belief, size does matter!) To say it again, I am not the one “spouting” communism or conflating socialists and communists. The word is being “spouted” by members of the DSA who are using it to describe themselves. I am not accusing them; I am quoting them.

John Engles… Hey Rowe, what’s the difference between the Communists who want to run the country and the Nazi/fascist who currently is?

Several differences, John, but the only one relevant to this conversation is the fact that the communists currently running for office have clearly identified themselves as such. They do not dispute or reject the label. They embrace it. It is who they are, who they claim to be, and who they want to be. The president, on the other hand, has never claimed to be a Nazi or a fascist. That doesn’t mean he isn't, but it is worth noting he has rejected the accusation outright. Obviously, you are entitled to that opinion and the right to share it publicly, thanks to our Constitution. Unlike in a fascist, Nazi, or communist regime. (Also worth noting, Nazis and fascists are not the same thing.)

Chris Tomaloff writes… “Kinda like how the political right didn’t shout down the extreme rhetoric coming from their candidates?”

No, Chris, not like that at all. In the video I shared, we saw examples of prominent Democrats saying things like, “We need to elect more communists!” (Cea Weaver, Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office.) Mamdani himself literally tweeted, "Each according to their need, each according to their ability." That’s a direct quote from the Communist Manifesto.

But what exactly is the corollary from the right? Are prominent Republicans tweeting, “We need to elect more Nazis! We need to elect more fascists! Eat the poor!” I don’t think so. John Engles may think Trump is fascist and a Nazi, but Trump disagrees, and so do a majority of voters. Communists, on the other hand, say it loud and say it proud. I’m inclined to take them at their word.

Beto Ojeda… “Mike has always leaned to the Trumpian view of things but never states it, so as not to alienate anyone, but we know how to read between the lines. This “communist” talk is McCarthyism 2.0.”

I wasn’t around in the 1950s, Beto, but from what I’ve read, it was indeed a very difficult time to be a communist in this country. Lots of private citizens were dragged before Congress, made to take “loyalty oaths," and blacklisted in their places of work. I can’t justify it or condone it, but I can explain it. We had just fought a hot war against fascism and Nazism and just begun a Cold War against a communist regime. The existence of an organized Communist Party in this country at such a time strained the limits of tolerance. But do you really think we’re less tolerant today than we were seventy-five years ago? Do you really believe my comments about communists who claim to be communists are synonymous with another Red Scare? If you haven’t noticed, Chris, no one in the DSA, including the communists, is being dragged before Congress and made to swear a loyalty oath to the Constitution. Today, a communist in America can run for office…with the endorsement of the governor of California! And the tacit approval of a major political party! Seems to me we’re about as far from McCarthyism as we can get.

As for my desire not to alienate anyone, I suppose I am guilty of that. I run a foundation that is open to people of all political beliefs, and we’ve assisted lots of Americans who lean to the left. I also know for a fact that many Democrats have supported mikeroweWORKS historically, and I have no desire to run them off. But do you really have to “read between the lines” to understand where I’m coming from?

True, I’ve never endorsed a candidate or publicly encouraged people to vote. But I’ve been very transparent about the fact that I’m a registered Independent who favors policies and programs that often align with conservative principles. Obviously, I would not characterize those conservative principles as “Trumpian,” because a) they were around long before him, b) Trump is not a conservative, and c) I do not agree with or support everything the President says and does. So, is it possible, Beto, that your accusation is rooted in the fact that I have never publicly denounced the president to your satisfaction? Is it possible you think I'm a Trumper, simply because I've never called him a fascist, or a Nazi, or a liar, or a conman, or a traitor, or whatever else you believe him to be?

Gretchen Seipp… Mike, the fact that you still act as though you’re not political after all this time is a bit ridiculous. I still support your work and foundation because I believe in it, but the folksy act has worn thin.

Aw, shucks, Gretchen. Folksy? Lil' ole me?
Honestly, how am I acting as if I am “not political?” This entire conversation is the very definition of “political.”

Christopher Pugh… I would have voted for Mike Rowe and Freddie a few years ago before he went full-on MAGA, and I’m all in favor of his project, but it’s pretty clear the political direction that he’s moved in and the money trail that has influenced it.

It’s Freddy, not Freddie. (I don’t much care, but he’s a terrier and particular about such things.) As for the “full-on MAGA” moniker, is there something I did specifically to earn that designation? Is there some kind of general definition you can share? Or, are you coming from the same place as Beto? Is calling me “Full-On MAGA" your way of saying that I’ve failed to condemn Trump to your satisfaction?

For the record, MRW is supported by liberals and conservatives alike. I have no idea what “money trail” you are referring to. Also, regarding my personal politics, think about the implications of what I wrote. I said that the Democrats have been given a gift – an opportunity to appear reasonable by speaking the truth to their own party, just as Bill Maher has done. All they have to do is distance themselves from candidates who have called for the complete dismantlement of our Constitution. All they have to do is say, “Hold on, comrade. Our tent is not that big. We respect your right to hate America, but we don’t want you in our party, and we will not support your candidacy.”

If they say that, I think a lot of Independents would see them as they see John Fetterman, who has, in the eyes of many voters, become the most “rational” Democrat currently in office. If they don’t – if they actually welcome communist candidates into their party – then I’m afraid the Democrats, by default, will offer the American people a very simple choice in November – a party that disavows communism vs. a party that doesn’t. I think such a choice would be very positive for Republicans because I don’t think most Americans want to align themselves with a Democratic Party that welcomes communists. The question for you, Chris, is why would a “Full-On MAGA” like me encourage Democrats to act in a way that would disadvantage the Republican Party? And the answer is simple – it’s because I support the existence of a Democratic Party that believes America is still a fundamentally good place.

I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in our country, and I believe the best way to realize those improvements is for Democrats and Republicans to have continuous, robust and public debate about all the issues. But if one of those parties is affirmatively determined to transform our democratic republic into a communist state, then we’re no longer debating the various ways to make our country better; we’re debating the merits of destroying it. And really, what’s the point of tolerating that?

America is already a big tent, filled with hundreds of millions of people with wildly differing views and lots of political parties that represent those views. We’ve got the Green Party, the American Freedom Party, the Socialist Workers Party, the Constitution Party, and of course, the Communist Party USA, as well as the Democratic Socialist Party. America’s tent is so big, we can even tolerate fringe parties like the KKK, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and so forth. Why then, does Gavin Newsom want to make room in the Democratic tent for socialists and communists? There’s only one reason, and he’s already spelled it out for us – he believes the Democrats need them to win back the Congress. I think it’s a bad bet for the Democrats and for America. And if a prominent Republican reached out to the KKK with the same “big tent” offer, you’d better believe my vote would be in play.

Michael Tillman… When are you going to throw your hat into the ring, Mr. Rowe?

Ha! When it no longer fits my head!

[Bill Ackman @BillAckman]

Worth a read on NY’s tax base.

[Brandon Tatum @TheOfficerTatum]

NEW: 16 year old California lifeguard Ryder Williams recounted his dramatic ocean rescue in Santa Cruz and used the moment to urge Americans to learn about deadly rip currents.

God bless you Ryder. 👏🏾

[Rob Schneider 🇺🇸 @RobSchneider]

FACT CHECKED✅🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[US Oil & Gas Association @US_OGA]

Hello Hunter Biden.

Thank you for sharing your views on the oil and gas business.

We know you worked for foreign oil and gas entities primarily Ukraine’s Burisma and China’s CEFC China Energy.

This is interesting given your lack of measurable talent or experience in this business.

Burisma Holdings is the Ukrainian natural gas producer that put you on their Board of Directors in April 2014 - again despite your lack of talent or experience - while your father oversaw U.S. Ukraine policy as Vice President.

You earned approximately $1 million per year ($83,333 per month) but that was reduced to roughly $500,000 per year starting March 2017 when your father was no longer in office.

You served until April 2019 - which is surprising despite your lack of talent or experience - but it was a good gig while you had it.

You and your associates (including partner Devon Archer) earned approximately $6.5 million for being your father's son.

Not too bad for not having any experience in the energy sector or any discernible talent in deal making.

But lets not forget your work with the Chinese.

You worked for CEFC China Energy, the Chinese oil and gas conglomerate with reported CCP and military intelligence ties from 2017–2018.

CEFC and related entities paid approximately $4.8 million to companies controlled by you and your Uncle.

Your total work for for CEFC and related Chinese energy entities to the Biden family/associates was over $8 million.

These figures come from bank records, IRS search warrant applications, congressional memos, court documents, and contemporaneous reporting.

(We will leave out your work with Kahzhakstan and other questionable enterprises.)

And what is surprising to all of us is that after earning nearly $20 million working for foreign owned oil and gas companies when you post stupid things like this it is clear that after 10 years and $20 million dollars.

YOU STILL DON"T UNDERSTAND THE OIL AND GAS BUSINESS.

But thank you for sharing your views anyway.

Good luck on your comeback tour.

[Giorgia Meloni @GiorgiaMeloni]

Il Governo ha deciso di sospendere temporaneamente il regime di libera circolazione previsto da Schengen nei collegamenti marittimi e aerei con la Spagna, reintroducendo i controlli di frontiera.

Si tratta di una misura straordinaria, adottata per tutelare la sicurezza nazionale e prevenire possibili ripercussioni per la nostra Nazione. La misura sarà mantenuta in vigore solo per il tempo necessario, con particolare attenzione a limitare qualsiasi impatto sui flussi turistici estivi.

Parallelamente, l'Italia è pronta a sostenere ogni iniziativa europea di supporto alle istituzioni spagnole necessaria per ristabilire il pieno controllo delle frontiere esterne dell'Unione e affrontare con determinazione la situazione in corso.

Difendere i confini significa difendere la sicurezza dei cittadini, contrastare l'immigrazione irregolare e colpire le reti criminali che trafficano esseri umani.

[Bret Weinstein @BretWeinstein]

Dr. Fauci is one of history’s greatest villains. The Covid virus—which will be with humanity forever—and the deadly response to it, both belong to him. The “diary” reads like an emergency precaution, a damming alibi: break glass in case of Nuremberg.

The embarrassment of his hubris hides the depraved indifference of his actual crimes, which lead to millions of deaths, uncountable debilitating injuries, reduced life expectancy for us all, trillions of dollars in wealth evaporated, and a massive upward transfer of wealth.

I don’t believe Dr. Fauci took a real Covid shot and then had an adverse reaction. He’s not a fool, and he knew how dangerous the shots were. Joining the ranks of the vaccine injured (only now as he is forced to testify with a shaky 5th amendment claim) is clever.

I know I’ll be raked over the coals for seeing conspiracy everywhere, but let’s be honest. We’re dealing with a guy who, it should now be clear has been conspiring ON THIS TOPIC since the Gain of Function work was initially offshored to China to circumvent the 2014 domestic funding pause WHICH WAS INTENDED TO PREVENT A LAB LEAK CATASTROPHE.

When someone conspires to commit notorious crimes, conspiring to cover their tracks should be expected. The “diary” has us gossiping like mean girls rather than working to get to the bottom of the disaster that was inflicted on us. We mustn’t get distracted.

[Collin Rugg @CollinRugg]

The father of the 10-year-old boy who was saved by lifeguard Ryder Williams in Santa Cruz says his son was seconds from dying.

Sumit Rai says his son, Nathaniel, lost consciousness during the incident & says his daughter is traumatized after witnessing what happened.

"Ryder's only 16 years old himself. He's a teenager and for him to take that kind of leadership and go out and have that type of courage and bravery to go out and save someone else's life is remarkable, and I cannot thank him enough," Rai said.

"We got lucky that he didn't die, but this outcome could've been very different. I am incredibly and extraordinarily grateful to the lifeguard. He's the only reason that my son is alive."

[Gain of Fauci @DschlopesIsBack]

Me and all of the other “conspiracy theorists” after being proven to be 100% right about Fauci, Covid and the vaccines.

[Chief Nerd @TheChiefNerd]

🚨 RFK JR: “[Fauci] got vaccinated at a very, very public press conference … and then five months later, he had a pulmonary infarction — which is one of the adverse events NIH, CDC and FDA said are expected from the vaccine. He never told anybody.”

[Matt Taibbi @mtaibbi]

Someday historians are going to look back and be astonished at the amount of absurd bullshit Americans took pride in believing during this era

[Tim Ferriss @tferriss]

Please tell me this is real.

[Douglas A. Boneparth @dougboneparth]

I used to sneak out of my house to go to parties. Now I sneak out of parties to go to my house.

[Tony Taliercio @ImAnthony]

@BillAckman @mazemoore @BarackObama @HillaryClinton Everyone saw what happened to California after Regan’s amnesty act. That then became the playbook for the rest of the World

[Cynical Publius @CynicalPublius]

@NYCMayor What is the "fair share" of your many constituents who PAY NOTHING, Comrade Mayor?

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

(Former) Trillionaire

[@jason @Jason]

How cool is this?!?

[Polymarket @Polymarket]

JUST IN: American Heart Association reveals drinking up to five cups of coffee per day may lower the risk of stroke, heart failure & type 2 diabetes.

[Jamie Metzl @JamieMetzl]

I am a lifelong Democrat. I served on President Clinton’s National Security Council and in the State Department under Madeleine Albright. I am also a lifelong human rights and civil rights advocate.

But every Democrat and every American should recognize that the DSA represents a fundamental threat to our party and our country.

This is not a story about a few idealists seeking to reduce healthcare costs. It is about a small group of radical extremists pursuing a strategy to take over the Democratic Party and ultimately our country in order to impose an agenda that would devastate our economy and fundamentally dismantle our system of government.

Don’t take my word for it. Listen to the full conversation between Fox News’ Martha MacCallum and New York City DSA co-chair Gustavo Gordillo and judge for yourself.

[Irving Gatell @IrvingGatell]

MAGIA PURA.
Detén el video a los 2 segundos.
En el momento del pase hay una línea de 7 ingleses más el portero, todos con más de 1.85 de estatura, y el balón va a llegar exactamente al punto donde Lautaro (1.74) va tener la portería para él solo.
Messi.
https://t.co/3ZAAsNL8fT