• 'Rats in the Kitchen'

    From JAB@21:1/5 to All on Wed Dec 11 15:19:21 2024
    'Rats in the Kitchen': McDonald's That Snitched on Luigi Mangione Is
    Bombarded With One-Star Reviews

    Google has taken down scathing reviews of the McDonald's where the
    alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was nabbed by
    cops on Monday.

    Luigi Mangione, 26, was taken into custody at one of the fast food
    chain's restaurants in Altoona, Pennsylvania after an employee spotted
    him and alerted law enforcement, police said. Soon after, the
    suspect's online supporters unleashed a flood of fake reviews.

    "This location has rats in the kitchen that will make you sick and
    your insurance isn't going to cover it," one review said.

    Most reviews went along these lines--"This McDonalds is full of
    rats"--until Google pulled them for violating its policies.

    https://www.yahoo.com/news/rats-kitchen-mcdonald-snitched-luigi-112450549.html

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to All on Wed Dec 11 22:22:34 2024
    The Internet's Obsession With Luigi Mangione Signals a Major Shift

    Luigi Mangione, currently the internet's main character, probably
    isn't who you think he is. Main characters are like that. As soon as
    someone achieves main character status, they become the screen onto
    which the world's opinions and preconceptions get projected. Mangione,
    who was arrested Monday in connection with the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, fits that bill.
    ...
    ...
    On TikTok, people performed ballads dedicated to whomever the shooter
    was. On Bluesky, they marveled over his ebike escape and the backpack
    found in Central Park full of Monopoly money that allegedly belonged
    to him. There was a look-alike contest held in New York City. On
    Spotify, there were dedicated playlists. Fanfic sprang up on Archive
    of Our Own.

    Online, fans exist for almost everything and everyone. Following the
    shooting death of Brian Thompson, a fandom emerged around his
    suspected killer that seemed unifying in a way few others have been.
    He became an avatar that anyone who'd ever struggled with a hospital
    bill could understand.

    Many of the most engaged posts on X mentioning Thompson or
    UnitedHealthcare following the shooting "expressed explicit or
    implicit support for the killing or denigrated the victim," the
    Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) wrote in a report compiled
    before Mangione's arrest. Rhetoric that was once more at home on 4chan
    or 8chan was spreading to other forums. "[T]his phenomenon was once
    largely confined to niche online subcultures," the authors wrote. "We
    are now witnessing similar dynamics emerging on mainstream platforms."

    https://www.wired.com/story/internet-culture-luigi-mangione-major-shift-fandom/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Thu Dec 12 10:12:04 2024
    On Wed, 11 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    'Rats in the Kitchen': McDonald's That Snitched on Luigi Mangione Is Bombarded With One-Star Reviews

    Google has taken down scathing reviews of the McDonald's where the
    alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was nabbed by
    cops on Monday.

    Luigi Mangione, 26, was taken into custody at one of the fast food
    chain's restaurants in Altoona, Pennsylvania after an employee spotted
    him and alerted law enforcement, police said. Soon after, the
    suspect's online supporters unleashed a flood of fake reviews.

    "This location has rats in the kitchen that will make you sick and
    your insurance isn't going to cover it," one review said.

    Most reviews went along these lines--"This McDonalds is full of
    rats"--until Google pulled them for violating its policies.

    https://www.yahoo.com/news/rats-kitchen-mcdonald-snitched-luigi-112450549.html


    Strange. It was an employee that did it, not Mc Donalds the company. That
    was just the location. People are so strange.

    But fortunately our immortal leader will be king soon, and then his swift
    and merciful justice will be done!

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Thu Dec 12 07:19:39 2024
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:12:04 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But fortunately our immortal leader will be king soon

    Speculation....he could have a stroke or fatal heart attack in the
    near future.

    It's up to the Senate to control his potential "power," btw.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Thu Dec 12 16:17:53 2024
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:12:04 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But fortunately our immortal leader will be king soon

    Speculation....he could have a stroke or fatal heart attack in the
    near future.

    It's up to the Senate to control his potential "power," btw.


    Incorrect, because if they try he will grab em by the pussy!

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to All on Thu Dec 12 21:40:26 2024
    This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text,
    while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools.

    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024, Sn!pe wrote:

    D <[email protected]> wrote:

    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:12:04 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But fortunately our immortal leader will be king soon

    Speculation....he could have a stroke or fatal heart attack in the
    near future.

    It's up to the Senate to control his potential "power," btw.

    Incorrect, because if they try he will grab em by the pussy!

    Pussy will catch those rats, meow.

    Touch�! This is scientifically proven!

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Thu Dec 12 18:56:26 2024
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:12:04 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    People are so strange.

    In the days since Luigi Mangione was charged with murder for gunning
    down a top health insurance executive, more than a thousand donations
    have poured into an online fundraiser for his legal defense, with
    messages supporting him and even celebrating the crime.

    In New York, "Wanted" posters with the faces of CEOs have appeared on
    walls. Websites are selling Mangione merchandise, including hats with
    "CEO Hunter" printed across a bullseye. And some social media users
    have swooned over his smile and six-pack abs.
    ...
    ...
    The crime he is accused of has been broadly condemned, but the Ivy
    League educated, photogenic 26-year-old has become an unsettling
    mixture of folk hero, celebrity, and online crush in certain circles.
    His support has only seemingly intensified since his arrest on Monday.

    Most of the messages on the crowd-sourced fundraising site GiveSendGo
    reflect a deep frustration shared by many Americans over the U.S.
    healthcare system - where some treatments and reimbursements can be
    denied to patients depending on their insurance coverage - as well as
    broader anger over rising income inequality and soaring executive pay.

    "Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets
    charged with that crime," one donor wrote, calling the killing a
    "justifiable homicide."

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/luigi-mangione-was-charged-with-murder-then-donations-started-pouring-2024-12-12/

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Thu Dec 12 21:26:58 2024
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:55:52 -0500, Auric Hellman
    <[email protected]> wrote:

    Making a hero out of a murderer is insane

    But, will there be political considerations?

    In 2020: Trump's AMERICA FIRST HEALTHCARE PLAN https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/America-First-Healthcare-Plan.pdf

    He says, "Affordable Health Plans" But, there are too many insurance, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, etc., feasting upon patients. Insurance
    companies should be eliminated... "Net income remained mostly
    unchanged at just under $17 billion for the first six months of 2022
    compared to the same period in the prior year. " https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/industry-analysis-report-2022-health-mid-year.pdf


    Get this: "President Trump commits to always ensure
    patients with pre-existing conditions have access to
    the care they need."

    At what price..."Affordable Health Plans"

    The affluent will always be served, but those lower on the totem pole
    with pre-existing conditions may suffer, and die sooner.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to Auric Hellman on Fri Dec 13 11:45:24 2024
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024, Auric Hellman wrote:

    On 12/12/2024 7:56 PM, JAB wrote:
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:12:04 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    People are so strange.

    In the days since Luigi Mangione was charged with murder for gunning
    down a top health insurance executive, more than a thousand donations
    have poured into an online fundraiser for his legal defense, with
    messages supporting him and even celebrating the crime.

    In New York, "Wanted" posters with the faces of CEOs have appeared on
    walls. Websites are selling Mangione merchandise, including hats with
    "CEO Hunter" printed across a bullseye. And some social media users
    have swooned over his smile and six-pack abs.
    ...
    ...
    The crime he is accused of has been broadly condemned, but the Ivy
    League educated, photogenic 26-year-old has become an unsettling
    mixture of folk hero, celebrity, and online crush in certain circles.
    His support has only seemingly intensified since his arrest on Monday.

    Most of the messages on the crowd-sourced fundraising site GiveSendGo
    reflect a deep frustration shared by many Americans over the U.S.
    healthcare system - where some treatments and reimbursements can be
    denied to patients depending on their insurance coverage - as well as
    broader anger over rising income inequality and soaring executive pay.

    "Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets
    charged with that crime," one donor wrote, calling the killing a
    "justifiable homicide."

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/luigi-mangione-was-charged-with-murder-then-donations-started-pouring-2024-12-12/


    Can't imagine why so many people are fed up living in a 'woke' society? <sarcasm> Making a hero out of a murderer is insane

    I agree! But, the fact that people are celebrating that someone lost her husband, and someone their father is an interesting fact.

    What made people this way? How did society become this way? Is it
    widespread? Can we reverse it? Can we prevent other societies from
    becoming this way?

    If this were to spread large scale, it would basically mean a return to a
    war of all against all.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Fri Dec 13 11:37:38 2024
    On Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:45:24 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But, the fact that people are celebrating that someone lost her
    husband, and someone their father is an interesting fact.

    Fact: Health insurance companies don't care if a person lives or dies,
    but they do care about shareholders' profits, very much.

    Bonus Fact: Rs stand by their "man" (health ins companies), and don't
    give a shit about "Pro Life" after they are born.

    "Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets
    charged with that crime," one donor wrote, calling the killing a
    "justifiable homicide."

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Sat Dec 14 13:14:45 2024
    On Fri, 13 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:45:24 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But, the fact that people are celebrating that someone lost her
    husband, and someone their father is an interesting fact.

    Fact: Health insurance companies don't care if a person lives or dies,
    but they do care about shareholders' profits, very much.

    Companies do not care about anything. They are not living entities, so
    cannot care. The people who work for them care, or they don't.

    But do note that in fact there can be no obligation to save anyone, since
    that would make one part of the population, slaves to the other. So
    ethically this is not possible.

    Of course, people can, and do, save people voluntarily, so this is usually
    not a problem.

    In the US, what must be done, is to deregulate and privatize the
    healthcare system, and reform the legal system, that gives rise to
    excessive damage claims, which gives rise to sky rocketing insurance
    costs, and absurd liability questions.

    Only this way will there be peace.

    But in terms of forcing people to be doctors and forcing them to give treatments, is completely unfeasible, and ethically wrong.

    Bonus Fact: Rs stand by their "man" (health ins companies), and don't
    give a shit about "Pro Life" after they are born.

    "Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets
    charged with that crime," one donor wrote, calling the killing a
    "justifiable homicide."


    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 11:12:12 2024
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 13:14:45 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    Companies do not care about anything. They are not living entities, so
    cannot care.

    SCOTUS got it wrong?

    "Yes, corporations are considered people in the United States legal
    system, a concept known as corporate personhood"

    "Dictionary Act of 1871
    This act explicitly acknowledges that corporations have legal rights
    and responsibilities, and that the words "person" and "whoever" in
    federal laws include corporations."

    In the US, what must be done, is to deregulate and privatize the
    healthcare system

    Then, profits feeds the few, and increases healthcare costs.
    Shareholders' interest are opposed to patients' interests.

    ===========================
    AI Overview

    The evidence on whether private prisons are cheaper than public
    prisons is inconclusive:

    Meta-analysis
    A meta-analysis of 33 cost-effectiveness studies found that
    private prisons are no more cost-effective than public prisons

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Sat Dec 14 19:20:01 2024
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 13:14:45 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    Companies do not care about anything. They are not living entities, so
    cannot care.

    SCOTUS got it wrong?

    "Yes, corporations are considered people in the United States legal
    system, a concept known as corporate personhood"

    "Dictionary Act of 1871
    This act explicitly acknowledges that corporations have legal rights
    and responsibilities, and that the words "person" and "whoever" in
    federal laws include corporations."

    I'm talking reality, not legal definitions. Ergo... I win! ;)

    In the US, what must be done, is to deregulate and privatize the
    healthcare system

    Then, profits feeds the few, and increases healthcare costs.
    Shareholders' interest are opposed to patients' interests.

    I recommend Johan Norbergs book the Capitalist manifesto, where he shows
    that the more capitalist and free a country, the happier the population
    and the better their quality of life.

    ===========================
    AI Overview

    The evidence on whether private prisons are cheaper than public
    prisons is inconclusive:

    Meta-analysis
    A meta-analysis of 33 cost-effectiveness studies found that
    private prisons are no more cost-effective than public prisons


    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 12:36:21 2024
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:20:01 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    I recommend Johan Norbergs book the Capitalist manifesto, where he shows
    that the more capitalist and free a country, the happier the population
    and the better their quality of life.

    Lies, damned lies, and statistics..."New York City in the late 1800s
    faced a serious pollution problem from horse manure, which was known
    as "The Big Crapple"" With government interventions, there is some
    truth to this assertion.

    I suspect medical care is better in European countries for the working
    class than in US.

    I'm not opposed to capitalism in the industrial age, but before then,
    I doubt if that assertion holds water. Consider Amish/etc... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish I suspect there quality of life
    was better than those living in cities.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 12:45:37 2024
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:20:01 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    I recommend Johan Norbergs book the Capitalist manifesto, where he shows
    that the more capitalist and free a country, the happier the population
    and the better their quality of life.


    Manure Takes Manhattan https://99percentinvisible.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/poop.png

    https://99percentinvisible.org/article/cities-paved-dung-urban-design-great-horse-manure-crisis-1894/

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Sun Dec 15 00:04:14 2024
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:20:01 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    I recommend Johan Norbergs book the Capitalist manifesto, where he shows
    that the more capitalist and free a country, the happier the population
    and the better their quality of life.

    Lies, damned lies, and statistics..."New York City in the late 1800s
    faced a serious pollution problem from horse manure, which was known
    as "The Big Crapple"" With government interventions, there is some
    truth to this assertion.

    I suspect medical care is better in European countries for the working
    class than in US.

    I'm not opposed to capitalism in the industrial age, but before then,
    I doubt if that assertion holds water. Consider Amish/etc... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish I suspect there quality of life
    was better than those living in cities.

    I'm almost tempted to buy you the book, if, and only if, you promise to
    read it and critique it. ;)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 18:12:42 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:04:14 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    I'm almost tempted to buy you the book, if, and only if, you promise to
    read it and critique it. ;)

    Here is what raw capitalism was about

    Tennessee Ernie Ford - 16 Tons
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1980WfKC0o

    One needs a historical viewpoint...Capitalists were never "friends"
    with the working class.

    I'm sure Monguors, despite not have the same standard of living as
    westerns, can have a good quality of life. ETC

    Tibetan Buddhists would disagree with that book, btw.

    Quality of life relative to what yardstick....author is biased.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Retrograde@21:1/5 to JAB on Sun Dec 15 07:32:30 2024
    On 2024-12-13, JAB <[email protected]d> wrote:
    On Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:12:04 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    People are so strange.

    In the days since Luigi Mangione was charged with murder for gunning
    down a top health insurance executive, more than a thousand donations
    have poured into an online fundraiser for his legal defense, with
    messages supporting him and even celebrating the crime.

    The crush might fade. Bloomberg was reporting Mangione wasn't even
    using United Healthcare as his provider. So he didn't gun down "his"
    insurance CEO, he just gunned down "a" CEO.

    Now he's just a dude with a gun.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Sun Dec 15 11:16:05 2024
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:04:14 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    I'm almost tempted to buy you the book, if, and only if, you promise to
    read it and critique it. ;)

    Here is what raw capitalism was about

    Tennessee Ernie Ford - 16 Tons
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1980WfKC0o

    One needs a historical viewpoint...Capitalists were never "friends"
    with the working class.

    This is history. We are all capitalists today, and so much better off due
    to it.

    I'm sure Monguors, despite not have the same standard of living as
    westerns, can have a good quality of life. ETC

    Tibetan Buddhists would disagree with that book, btw.

    Have they read it and issued a statement? I am not so sure. Actually, the politicial system which is most compatible with Buddhism is
    libertarianism, since they both share the fundamental core position of non-aggression.

    Quality of life relative to what yardstick....author is biased.

    Which author?

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sun Dec 15 06:29:12 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:16:05 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    This is history. We are all capitalists today,
    and so much better off due to it.

    Being able to patent an idea is why "we" are "so much better off due
    to it" [patents]

    Do note that capitalism brought us manure in Manhattan and other
    cities, and now brings us global warming.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sun Dec 15 06:22:46 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:32:30 -0000 (UTC), Retrograde <[email protected]d> wrote:

    Now he's just a dude with a gun.

    But politically, will Congress address loopholes in health policies.

    If all US stated banded together, they could reform insurance
    industry.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Sun Dec 15 17:39:37 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:16:05 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    This is history. We are all capitalists today,
    and so much better off due to it.

    Being able to patent an idea is why "we" are "so much better off due
    to it" [patents]

    Do note that capitalism brought us manure in Manhattan and other
    cities, and now brings us global warming.


    This is not correct. Global warming is due to natural fluctuations of the
    sun, and other factors we have yet to determine. The proof of this, is
    that we've had way higher CO2 (10x) historically than today, without any tipping points, and in the past hundreds to thousands of years, we've had enormous swings in temperature, since long before the concept of global
    warming was just a twinkle is Arrhenius eye.

    So take my word for it, you have nothing to worry about. Please go on
    enjoying life! =)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Kerr-Mudd, John@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sun Dec 15 17:43:16 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:39:37 +0100
    D <[email protected]> wrote:



    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:16:05 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    This is history. We are all capitalists today,
    and so much better off due to it.

    Being able to patent an idea is why "we" are "so much better off due
    to it" [patents]

    Do note that capitalism brought us manure in Manhattan and other
    cities, and now brings us global warming.


    This is not correct. Global warming is due to natural fluctuations of the sun, and other factors we have yet to determine. The proof of this, is
    that we've had way higher CO2 (10x) historically than today, without any tipping points, and in the past hundreds to thousands of years, we've had enormous swings in temperature, since long before the concept of global warming was just a twinkle is Arrhenius eye.

    So take my word for it, you have nothing to worry about. Please go on enjoying life! =)

    Excellent. We'll all ignore those pesky scientists. What does a bit of sea-level rise matter?, I live up a hill, so sod you.

    --
    Bah, and indeed Humbug.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Michael Trew@21:1/5 to JAB on Sun Dec 15 15:10:10 2024
    On 12/14/2024 1:45 PM, JAB wrote:
    On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:20:01 +0100, Troll wrote:

    (snipped)

    Manure Takes Manhattan https://99percentinvisible.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/poop.png

    https://99percentinvisible.org/article/cities-paved-dung-urban-design-great-horse-manure-crisis-1894/

    Can you imagine the smell, living in those homes? Good Lord...

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Michael Trew@21:1/5 to JAB on Sun Dec 15 15:07:47 2024
    On 12/15/2024 7:22 AM, JAB wrote:
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:32:30 -0000 (UTC), Retrograde <[email protected]d> wrote:

    Now he's just a dude with a gun.

    But politically, will Congress address loopholes in health policies.

    If all US stated banded together, they could reform insurance
    industry.

    That they could, but must it start with murder? The CEO had a wife and
    kids, yet so many people my age on the internet are praising the gunman!

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From D@21:1/5 to John on Sun Dec 15 23:14:14 2024
    This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text,
    while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools.

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, Kerr-Mudd, John wrote:

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:39:37 +0100
    D <[email protected]> wrote:



    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:16:05 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    This is history. We are all capitalists today,
    and so much better off due to it.

    Being able to patent an idea is why "we" are "so much better off due
    to it" [patents]

    Do note that capitalism brought us manure in Manhattan and other
    cities, and now brings us global warming.


    This is not correct. Global warming is due to natural fluctuations of the
    sun, and other factors we have yet to determine. The proof of this, is
    that we've had way higher CO2 (10x) historically than today, without any
    tipping points, and in the past hundreds to thousands of years, we've had
    enormous swings in temperature, since long before the concept of global
    warming was just a twinkle is Arrhenius eye.

    So take my word for it, you have nothing to worry about. Please go on
    enjoying life! =)

    Excellent. We'll all ignore those pesky scientists. What does a bit of sea-level rise matter?, I live up a hill, so sod you.

    Yes, we can handle sea-level rise measured in centuries. This is not a
    problem. The dutch have done it for about 2500 years.

    How Long Have the Dutch Handled Being Under Sea Level?

    The Netherlands has a long and complex history of managing its
    relationship with water, particularly due to much of the country being
    below sea level. This situation has been a defining characteristic of
    Dutch geography and society for thousands of years.

    Historical Context

    Early Inhabitants: The struggle against water in the Netherlands dates back to ancient times. The earliest known inhabitants began settling in
    the region around 500 BC, primarily attracted by fertile land created by sediment deposits from rivers and the sea. However, these early settlers
    faced significant challenges from flooding, as much of the area was marshy
    and prone to inundation.

    Development of Terpen: To combat flooding, these early communities constructed artificial dwelling hills called terpen (or wierden). These structures elevated their homes above potential floodwaters, marking one
    of the first significant adaptations to living in a low-lying area. This practice continued for centuries as populations grew and agricultural
    practices developed.

    Medieval Innovations: By the Middle Ages (around 500 AD to 1500 AD),
    more sophisticated water management techniques began to emerge. The construction of dikes became more widespread during this period, allowing communities to reclaim land from the sea and manage river flooding more effectively.

    The Delta Works: A pivotal moment in Dutch flood management occurred
    after the catastrophic North Sea Flood of 1953, which resulted in over
    1,800 deaths and extensive damage across the country. In response, the
    Dutch government initiated an ambitious engineering project known as the
    Delta Works, completed in stages from 1958 to 1997. This system includes
    dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm surge barriers designed to protect against future flooding.

    Modern Challenges: Today, approximately two-thirds of the Netherlands
    is vulnerable to flooding due to its low elevation relative to sea
    level—some areas are as much as 6 meters below sea level. The ongoing
    threat posed by climate change and rising sea levels presents new
    challenges for Dutch water management systems that have been evolving for
    over two millennia.

    In summary, the Dutch have been managing life below sea level for
    approximately 2,500 years, adapting their strategies through various
    historical periods—from early settlements using terpen to modern
    engineering marvels like the Delta Works.

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  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sun Dec 15 15:16:38 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 15:07:47 -0500, Michael Trew
    <[email protected]> wrote:

    That they could, but must it start with murder? The CEO had a wife and
    kids, yet so many people my age on the internet are praising the gunman!

    Insurance companies with a pre-existing conditions clause has
    affected millions/millions, mentally, physically, and economically.


    I knew a self-employed person with wife and grown kids who came down
    with cancer, and pulled the trigger, rather than taking chemo. I
    suspect this was the reason why: Health Care Costs Number One Cause of Bankruptcy. At the funeral, the life insurance person handed a check
    to her.

    "A recent study asserted that UnitedHealthcare denies the most claims
    of any major health insurance company, rejecting about one in every
    three claims.

    'UnitedHealthcare is the worst insurance company for paying claims,'
    concluded the study from the consumer spending analytics group,
    ValuePenguin, whose parent company is the online lending marketplace LendingTree." https://truthout.org/articles/top-5-us-health-insurers-annual-profits-jumped-230-percent-since-acas-passage/


    Trump never delivered on his wonderful health care plan.

    Btw, "As of 2023, the CEOs of the five largest health insurers made
    roughly $75 million dollars combined in annual compensation. "

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  • From D@21:1/5 to Michael Trew on Sun Dec 15 23:15:24 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, Michael Trew wrote:

    On 12/15/2024 7:22 AM, JAB wrote:
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:32:30 -0000 (UTC), Retrograde
    <[email protected]d> wrote:

    Now he's just a dude with a gun.

    But politically, will Congress address loopholes in health policies.

    If all US stated banded together, they could reform insurance
    industry.

    That they could, but must it start with murder? The CEO had a wife and kids, yet so many people my age on the internet are praising the gunman!


    This is crazy and absurd! I think they are not truly praising it, I think
    it is just social media reflex. If they would think about it for a minute,
    and put themselves in the same situation, I am 100% certain they would not praise it.

    I like to troll democrats and socialists as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I want to kill them. That's absurd!

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  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sun Dec 15 18:16:21 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:15:24 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    If they would think about it for a minute

    From which reference frame?

    From a cosmic viewpoint?

    His focus was to generate more revenue for the shareholders...and
    here's his track record.

    "A recent study asserted that UnitedHealthcare denies the most claims
    of any major health insurance company, rejecting about one in every
    three claims.

    'UnitedHealthcare is the worst insurance company for paying claims,'
    concluded the study from the consumer spending analytics group,
    ValuePenguin, whose parent company is the online lending marketplace LendingTree."

    https://truthout.org/articles/top-5-us-health-insurers-annual-profits-jumped-230-percent-since-acas-passage/

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Mon Dec 16 10:21:59 2024
    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:15:24 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    If they would think about it for a minute

    From which reference frame?

    From a cosmic viewpoint?

    His focus was to generate more revenue for the shareholders...and
    here's his track record.

    "A recent study asserted that UnitedHealthcare denies the most claims
    of any major health insurance company, rejecting about one in every
    three claims.

    'UnitedHealthcare is the worst insurance company for paying claims,' concluded the study from the consumer spending analytics group,
    ValuePenguin, whose parent company is the online lending marketplace LendingTree."

    https://truthout.org/articles/top-5-us-health-insurers-annual-profits-jumped-230-percent-since-acas-passage/


    This is witin their rights. But, the magic of the market, if a health
    insurer denies the majority of the claims, will make sure the health
    insurer goes away, because they will not get customers. Customers do not
    want health insurance that denied all claims. It is not so useful.

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  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Mon Dec 16 07:01:03 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:21:59 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    This is witin their rights. But, the magic of the market,

    I suspect this company has various policies setup, and one type is
    employer based insurance. In this case, the employee has no choice.

    Yes, all the "blame" goes to the employee for not reading the fine
    print.

    Free market here means millions suffer...their quality of life
    suffers.

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  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Mon Dec 16 10:56:35 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:21:59 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But, the magic of the market,

    "No, government health plans generally do not have pre-existing
    condition exemptions"

    But private sector employer plans may have....where most people get
    screwed by the "free market" plans.

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  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Mon Dec 16 19:53:08 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:21:59 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    But, the magic of the market,

    "No, government health plans generally do not have pre-existing
    condition exemptions"

    But private sector employer plans may have....where most people get
    screwed by the "free market" plans.

    Government health care has lack of specialists, queues, ridiculously long waiting times, unpunished and unprosecuted mistakes, negligence etc.

    Trust me... I'd take private healthcare any day of the week over socialist public one. My mother actually died due to government health care. That is
    a contributing factor to me hating the government so much.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From D@21:1/5 to JAB on Mon Dec 16 19:51:49 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:

    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:21:59 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    This is witin their rights. But, the magic of the market,

    I suspect this company has various policies setup, and one type is
    employer based insurance. In this case, the employee has no choice.

    Yes, all the "blame" goes to the employee for not reading the fine
    print.

    Companies will also eventually abandon these types of practices.

    Free market here means millions suffer...their quality of life
    suffers.

    Incorrect, since it is based on voluntary, informed consent. In the case
    of employees, they are free to change work, talk to their employer to
    switch insurance company, add private insurance on top etc.

    That's the beauty of a free world!

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  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Mon Dec 16 15:09:16 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:53:08 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    Trust me... I'd take private healthcare any day of the week over socialist >public one.

    Got it backwards....US doctors/hospitals service those on government
    paid for health policies.

    Affordable Care Act (ACA) users use what those with private insurance
    use.

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  • From JAB@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Mon Dec 16 15:04:17 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:51:49 +0100, D <[email protected]> wrote:

    That's the beauty of a free world!

    "Your sperm's in the gutter, your love's in the sink. So you ride
    yourselves over the fields, and you make all your animal deals, and
    your wise men don't know how it feels ..... To be thick as a brick" -
    Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.

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