With so much happening today—the 100th anniversary of the start of Italian Fascism, Elon Musk buying Twitter, and the terrible attack on Paul Pelosi, which was intended for Nancy Pelosi, —I am doubly sorry we are not together today to discuss it all.
Thank you, Ruth. If a tweet from Donald Trump earlier today sent to Musk is accurate it shows which way Musk is oriented. After Musk fired the Twitter executive responsible for security and truthful content and booted Trump from Twitter several years ago, a message supposedly from Trump on Twitter read, “Thank you, Elon.”
I have read where several people have called Musk a sociopath. This could easily be, since sociopaths tend to be far right politically. He sure has the callousness to be one.
Yes, narcissism is a characteristic of sociopathy. My fear with Musk is that he also could have Machiavellianism and sadism, which commonly accompany sociopathy. Trump has this.
Agree, Diane. to keep dialoguing, keep talking to each other on our streets and in our neighborhoods. May kind words & authentic politeness/ empathy be in our marketplaces. May those communications of calmness flow and flourish crossing all borders in these difficult times.
Thank you Ruth for writing today on this difficult day. Your comment about not abandoning twitter preventively, reminds me of the Lucid discussion to remember that the flag belongs to all of us and we should claim it as such. Anything less is surrender, the American flag belongs to us all. Prayers for Mr Pelosi and family tonight. Prayers that fellow Americans will pause -- and give thought to where we want to be. And to act with intention, to support us getting back there.
The flag is a physical object, that we can each produce/buy and claim as our own.
Twitter is a virtual space that Musk has 100% control of the algorithms. He can boost what he wants and hide what he wants. After 6 very active years, I am leaving Twitter and will help end it's reputation as the "public square". It is now, in fact, Musk's toybox and we play at his whim.
I disagree. At heart, the issue is a monopoly/cartel of the "virtual public square" controlled by Twitter (maybe also Facebook). Lots of other players, but the market power of those two is unique. And there is definitely a playbook to dealing with cartels. Standard Oil, US Steel, AT&T - America once busted up trusts.
The Hebrew meaning of Ruth is “friend, friendship, and compassionate friend.” She represents faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. Her traits are bravery, hard work and taking care of those around her.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s parents prophetically selected the name that would describe their daughter perfectly. I hope they are proud of their daughter’s accomplishments, for she stands courageously against tyranny and continues to do so even as threats of authoritarians grow louder every day.
Hello! Yes, I'm a new Subscriber as of today!! I'm so very grateful I found you!! Being new, and having read about your upcoming Q&A events, I'm wondering how one gets into these special 'happenings' (lol). Is there anything I should do or know to take advantage of and join in to these events and any special way to get to them? I would really appreciate someone letting me know what is to be done to join in, basically where these events happen (on Twitter?). Thanks in advance. ~Maddy
Thank you, Ruth! Spot on like you always are. I had a chance to listen to your interview with Preet and it was also great. A phenomenal podcast episode of his show that should be listened to by everyone in the country. And really around the World. Your knowledge and training are so invaluable at this time b/c you always lay out it out in precise form. Love that Tara is going to be a guest. She is incredible and a rational truth seeking voice.
So sorry about the social media pile on. It happens more and more and is getting scary. Where did these awful examples of the worst of humankind come from? Have they always been here?
I'm not leaving Twitter. I've been careful about the people I choose to follow and just block the trolls (already blocked Musk). I visit every evening just to get some strokes from "my" people and remind myself that not all is lost.
Thanks for your great work - and for calling out Musk.
But I disagree on quitting Twitter. After 6 active years, I've started the process of downloading my data and deactivating. Musk controls the algorithm. He can boost what he wants and hide what he doesn't. There is no ceding the space to him, because he quite literally controls everything about the space. I've concluded that all we can do is remove users from Twitter and end it's reputation as a "public square".
If decent users leave, decent advertisers leave, and he's bought himself a $44B Parler.
I intend to remain on Twitter. In part for the reason you state. But also because I follow many investigative journalists, as well as politicians, individuals and organizations who do good work and have ideas I want to be exposed to. The hateful aspects must not be allowed to drive the rest of us out of a huge platform.
I have far too many journalist, political and world connections on Twitter to dump it/them. This is the only social media site I’ve been on since the likes of Zuckerberg’s information gathering machine is worse than Google, Amazon et al!
Grateful for your posture on leaving @Twitter. Conflicted by the pause from MSM.
Thank you, Ruth. If a tweet from Donald Trump earlier today sent to Musk is accurate it shows which way Musk is oriented. After Musk fired the Twitter executive responsible for security and truthful content and booted Trump from Twitter several years ago, a message supposedly from Trump on Twitter read, “Thank you, Elon.”
It could be, sociopaths of a feather, flock together..... Trump and Musk.
I see Musk as a slimy reptile.
Thank you for your clear view and warning about this. I hope your views will be widely broadcasted.
I have read where several people have called Musk a sociopath. This could easily be, since sociopaths tend to be far right politically. He sure has the callousness to be one.
Yes, narcissism is a characteristic of sociopathy. My fear with Musk is that he also could have Machiavellianism and sadism, which commonly accompany sociopathy. Trump has this.
Everyone please stay safe, stay strong, stay active, and keep on fighting!!!!!
Agree, Diane. to keep dialoguing, keep talking to each other on our streets and in our neighborhoods. May kind words & authentic politeness/ empathy be in our marketplaces. May those communications of calmness flow and flourish crossing all borders in these difficult times.
Thank you Ruth. Your insights are always a light in the darkness of deception!
Thanks Ruth, I rely on your perspective to keep me sane.
Thank you Ruth for writing today on this difficult day. Your comment about not abandoning twitter preventively, reminds me of the Lucid discussion to remember that the flag belongs to all of us and we should claim it as such. Anything less is surrender, the American flag belongs to us all. Prayers for Mr Pelosi and family tonight. Prayers that fellow Americans will pause -- and give thought to where we want to be. And to act with intention, to support us getting back there.
The flag is a physical object, that we can each produce/buy and claim as our own.
Twitter is a virtual space that Musk has 100% control of the algorithms. He can boost what he wants and hide what he wants. After 6 very active years, I am leaving Twitter and will help end it's reputation as the "public square". It is now, in fact, Musk's toybox and we play at his whim.
It is devastating that he has acquired it. There is no playbook for this.
I disagree. At heart, the issue is a monopoly/cartel of the "virtual public square" controlled by Twitter (maybe also Facebook). Lots of other players, but the market power of those two is unique. And there is definitely a playbook to dealing with cartels. Standard Oil, US Steel, AT&T - America once busted up trusts.
"America once busted up trusts." That stopped with the rise of Fascism. It is all of one cloth.
The Hebrew meaning of Ruth is “friend, friendship, and compassionate friend.” She represents faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. Her traits are bravery, hard work and taking care of those around her.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s parents prophetically selected the name that would describe their daughter perfectly. I hope they are proud of their daughter’s accomplishments, for she stands courageously against tyranny and continues to do so even as threats of authoritarians grow louder every day.
We all thank you Ruth.
Maddy
48 min ago
Hello! Yes, I'm a new Subscriber as of today!! I'm so very grateful I found you!! Being new, and having read about your upcoming Q&A events, I'm wondering how one gets into these special 'happenings' (lol). Is there anything I should do or know to take advantage of and join in to these events and any special way to get to them? I would really appreciate someone letting me know what is to be done to join in, basically where these events happen (on Twitter?). Thanks in advance. ~Maddy
Ruth will issue you the information right here, members have the opportunity to be directly involved Maddy...
You're very kind for having replied to me Patrick. I will keep an eye out for the information you refer to. Thanks a lot!
Thank you, Ruth! Spot on like you always are. I had a chance to listen to your interview with Preet and it was also great. A phenomenal podcast episode of his show that should be listened to by everyone in the country. And really around the World. Your knowledge and training are so invaluable at this time b/c you always lay out it out in precise form. Love that Tara is going to be a guest. She is incredible and a rational truth seeking voice.
So sorry about the social media pile on. It happens more and more and is getting scary. Where did these awful examples of the worst of humankind come from? Have they always been here?
I'm not leaving Twitter. I've been careful about the people I choose to follow and just block the trolls (already blocked Musk). I visit every evening just to get some strokes from "my" people and remind myself that not all is lost.
Thanks for your great work - and for calling out Musk.
But I disagree on quitting Twitter. After 6 active years, I've started the process of downloading my data and deactivating. Musk controls the algorithm. He can boost what he wants and hide what he doesn't. There is no ceding the space to him, because he quite literally controls everything about the space. I've concluded that all we can do is remove users from Twitter and end it's reputation as a "public square".
If decent users leave, decent advertisers leave, and he's bought himself a $44B Parler.
I intend to remain on Twitter. In part for the reason you state. But also because I follow many investigative journalists, as well as politicians, individuals and organizations who do good work and have ideas I want to be exposed to. The hateful aspects must not be allowed to drive the rest of us out of a huge platform.
I have far too many journalist, political and world connections on Twitter to dump it/them. This is the only social media site I’ve been on since the likes of Zuckerberg’s information gathering machine is worse than Google, Amazon et al!
It amazes me Ruth that rocket boy answered you!!
Way to go Ruth. responding to your tweet with a 2 nickel misdirection! Ha Ha.
When I see this kind of dopery I just respond: "Is that your final answer?
Why is it that sentient hight school AP History class kids could call him out for such flab? Can't wait for more Lucidification!