cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/32389216

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The video discusses Huawei's strategy of releasing open-source AI models optimized for its Ascend AI chips and how this approach contrasts with the US's AI strategy, potentially giving China an advantage.

Key Points:

• Huawei's Open Source AI Strategy: Huawei is releasing open-source LLMs (Large Language Models) designed to work optimally with its Ascend AI chips. This aims to drive hardware sales and build a complete AI ecosystem.
• Targeted Approach: Unlike the US focus on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Huawei is focusing on specialized AI models for specific sectors like government, finance, and manufacturing.
• Hardware Optimization: Huawei's strategy involves tightly coupling its AI models with its hardware, allowing for optimized AI solutions.
• Developing Markets: Huawei's approach is likely to resonate well in developing countries where price sensitivity is a key factor.
• US Strategy Critique: The video criticizes the US's focus on attracting investors with buzzwords like AGI, arguing that it leads to less practical and useful AI products.
• Huawei's Hardware Design Philosophy: Huawei designs hardware to function in suboptimal environments, unlike Cisco, which requires clean, cooled server rooms.

Highlights:

• Huawei's open-source strategy is a key measure for its Ascend ecosystem strategy, which aims to accelerate the adoption of AI across various industries.
• The video argues that the US is hyper-focused on investors and not on building products that solve people's problems, while China is focused on building and shipping usable products.
• The speaker believes that Huawei's business proposition of less technically impressive but more focused LLMs tied to their hardware seems more appropriate than what many companies in the United States are doing.

Edit:

1. Removed unneeded nsfw tag

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/32183144

Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

Iran has just shut off GPS across its territory — and switched to China’s Beidou satellite system. Why now? What does it mean for U.S. dominance in space-based navigation and warfare? In this episode of GVS Deep Dive, Najma Minhas unpacks Iran’s bold strategic pivot — and why it may mark the beginning of the end for America’s global GPS monopoly. From WhatsApp tracking scandals and drone warfare to China’s high-precision Beidou system and Belt & Road integration, this decision carries major military and geopolitical consequences.

Watch till the end to understand: Why GPS was always a tool of U.S. soft power

How the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis pushed China to develop Beidou

What makes Beidou uniquely powerful in battlefield environments

How Iran and the Global South are quietly building independence from Western tech

Will more countries ditch GPS and align with China’s Beidou system?

#GVSDeepDive #Beidou #IranGPS #ChinaTech #Geopolitics #SatelliteWars

Do give your comments below. Subscribe and Share our video.

Najma tweets @MinhasNajma

Najma Minhas is Managing Editor, Global Village Space. She has worked with National Economic Research Associates (NERA) in New York, Lehman Brothers in London and Standard Chartered Bank in Pakistan. Before launching GVS, she worked as a consultant with World Bank, and USAID. Najma studied Economics at London School of Economics and International Relations at Columbia University, NewYork. She tweets at @MinhasNajma.

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: Iran's decision to disable GPS across its territory and adopt China's Beidou (Bato) satellite navigation system, and the implications of this shift for U.S. dominance in space and global geopolitics.

Key Points:

• Iran's Shift: Iran has disabled GPS and adopted China's Beidou, a geopolitical statement driven by concerns over cyber warfare, electronic jamming, and dependence on Western-dominated systems.
• Reasons for the Shift:
  • Rising cyber warfare threats and tensions with the US and Israel.
  • Geostrategic alignment with China, which offers technical superiority in some areas.
  • A scandal involving alleged leaks of Iranian officials' locations via WhatsApp and Instagram.
• GPS Origins and Dominance: GPS, built and controlled by the US military, became the backbone of global navigation. The US unlocked high precision for civilian access in 2000, fueling the growth of smartphones, Uber, and precision agriculture.
• China's Beidou as a Competitor: China developed Beidou after realizing its military vulnerability during the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis. Beidou now rivals GPS, with more satellites and ground stations, offering better positioning accuracy in some regions and unique features like short message communication.
• Beidou's Capabilities: Beidou offers high accuracy, anti-jamming protections, and short message communication. It powers over 1.5 billion users daily and is integrated into China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• Implications for Iran: Beidou provides Iran with a secure, independent navigation network, enhancing the precision of its military operations and strengthening its economic resilience under sanctions.
• Future Trends: China aims to make Beidou the world's go-to system by 2035. The US is upgrading its GPS system, but these upgrades offer only moderate improvements.

Highlights:

• Iran's move is not just a tech upgrade but a geopolitical realignment, signaling a shift away from Western digital hegemony.
• Beidou is becoming a first-choice alternative for countries seeking political independence.
• The US Space Force acknowledges that GPS is lagging in updates.
• Beidou's short message communication feature is a unique strategic capability not offered by GPS.
• The video poses the question of whether more countries will follow Iran's lead and adopt Beidou.

About Channel:

Deep diving into major regional and international issues to drill down an understand the how, why, what and where!

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/31160697

Skip Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Skip Timestamps:

1. 0:00.000 - 0:07.000 Intermission
2. 25:24.000 - 27:27.022 Sponsor

Generated Summary:

• Main Topic: The video discusses Palantir Technologies and its increasing role in centralizing and managing US government data, raising concerns about privacy and potential abuse of power.

• Key Points:

  • An executive order in 2025 aimed to eliminate information silos within the government, centralizing data access.
  • Palantir is heavily involved in building databases for government agencies, including immigration enforcement (Doge project), the IRS, CDC and Homeland Security.
  • The speaker draws parallels to the Patriot Act and post-9/11 surveillance expansions, arguing that justifications for data collection often lead to broader applications beyond the initial stated purpose.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of oversight and potential for misuse of centralized data by Palantir, a private company.
  • The video highlights the historical context of Palantir's founding, linking it to the "Total Information Awareness" initiative and figures like John Poindexter.
  • The speaker emphasizes the irony of a private company now holding the kind of data that caused public outcry when the NSA was revealed to be collecting it.

• Highlights:

  • The Trump administration's motto: "Everyone is converting to Palantir."
  • Palantir's involvement in managing sensitive data across multiple federal agencies, including health and financial information.
  • The connection between Palantir's founders and the "Total Information Awareness" program.
  • The comparison of Palantir's current role to the NSA's controversial data collection practices revealed by Edward Snowden.
  • The video ends with a call for more attention to Palantir's activities and its potential impact on civil liberties.

---

About Channel:

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

Skip Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Skip Timestamps:

1. 0:00.000 - 0:07.000 Intermission
2. 25:24.000 - 27:27.022 Sponsor

Generated Summary:

• Main Topic: The video discusses Palantir Technologies and its increasing role in centralizing and managing US government data, raising concerns about privacy and potential abuse of power.

• Key Points:

  • An executive order in 2025 aimed to eliminate information silos within the government, centralizing data access.
  • Palantir is heavily involved in building databases for government agencies, including immigration enforcement (Doge project), the IRS, CDC and Homeland Security.
  • The speaker draws parallels to the Patriot Act and post-9/11 surveillance expansions, arguing that justifications for data collection often lead to broader applications beyond the initial stated purpose.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of oversight and potential for misuse of centralized data by Palantir, a private company.
  • The video highlights the historical context of Palantir's founding, linking it to the "Total Information Awareness" initiative and figures like John Poindexter.
  • The speaker emphasizes the irony of a private company now holding the kind of data that caused public outcry when the NSA was revealed to be collecting it.

• Highlights:

  • The Trump administration's motto: "Everyone is converting to Palantir."
  • Palantir's involvement in managing sensitive data across multiple federal agencies, including health and financial information.
  • The connection between Palantir's founders and the "Total Information Awareness" program.
  • The comparison of Palantir's current role to the NSA's controversial data collection practices revealed by Edward Snowden.
  • The video ends with a call for more attention to Palantir's activities and its potential impact on civil liberties.

About Channel:

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/31151788

Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal and Aaron Mate discuss the 2025 Special Competitive Studies Project AI Expo in DC, and how Max got ejected for filming and attempting to question a few of the war criminals on hand.

#TheGrayzone

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone reports on the Special Competitive Studies Project AI Expo in Washington D.C., highlighting the event's focus on AI and cyber warfare, particularly in relation to China and Israel, and his experience being ejected from the conference for asking critical questions.

Key Points:

• AI Expo Focus: The conference, overseen by Eric Schmidt, brings together AI and cyber warfare contractors, military branches, and intelligence agencies, with a strong emphasis on countering China.
• Israeli and Ukrainian Presence: The Israeli and Ukrainian embassies had prominent booths, with Israel being celebrated for its AI advancements in warfare, specifically the Lavender system.
• Palantir's Role: Palantir, a data analytics company, was a major presence, showcasing its Foundry product, which is being used to centralize data on American citizens.
• Blumenthal's Ejection: Blumenthal was initially warned for filming a reporter questioning Palantir representatives. He was later ejected after questioning former Israeli military intelligence head Amos Yadlin about his role in shaping policies that led to civilian casualties in Gaza.
• Confrontation with "Holocaust Supporter": After questioning Yadlin, Blumenthal was confronted by a woman who claimed to be a Holocaust survivor and accused him of antisemitism. Blumenthal responded by accusing her of supporting a current genocide.
• Lack of Critical Journalism: Blumenthal notes the absence of critical journalists at the conference, with most reporters present being paid by the arms industry to ask softball questions.
• Security Measures: Security at the conference was reportedly concerned about protests and critical questions, discussing measures to vet attendees and search bags.
• Rhombus Power: Another major sponsor, Rhombus Power, was showcasing generative AI that they claimed could predict cataclysmic events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Highlights:

• Blumenthal's direct confrontation with Amos Yadlin and the woman who accused him of antisemitism, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who weaponize the Holocaust to defend current Israeli policies.
• The description of the AI Expo as a gathering of "AI warlords" and the lack of critical media coverage, underscoring the close relationship between the tech industry, the military, and the arms industry.
• The irony of Palantir, a company focused on restoring control and preventing social unrest, being unable to prevent protests at its own conference.

About Channel:

Independent news and investigative journalism on politics and empire.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/30825750

Skip Timestamp and Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

Award-winning investigative journalist Max Blumenthal, who has long spoken out against Israel’s genocidal war crimes in occupied Palestine, was recently detained by Customs and Border Protection officials at Washington Dulles International Airport after returning from a personal trip to Nicaragua.

The agent who stopped him mentioned catching a recent Blumenthal appearance on former judge Andrew Napolitano’s TV show.

Guest hosts Russell Dobular and Keaton Weiss discuss the experience with Blumenthal, and expand the conversation to address the harassment many others — some of whom are not even politically active — have faced when returning to the country from abroad.

Read Max's work at The Grayzone here: http://thegrayzone.com/

Follow Max on Twitter: / maxblumenthal

Follow Russell Dobular on Twitter: / russelldobular

Follow Keaton Weiss on Twitter: / thatkeaton

Due Dissidence on Substack: https://substack.com/@duedissidence

Skip Timestamp:

1. 28:47.000 - 28:59.549 Unpaid/Self Promotion

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: Increased scrutiny and harassment of travelers, particularly journalists and activists, by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), especially those returning from countries deemed "high-risk" or with dissenting political views.

Key Points:

• Max Blumenthal's Experience: Blumenthal recounts being questioned by CBP upon returning from Nicaragua and anticipating similar or worse treatment upon returning from Iran. His contacts were more concerned about his treatment by the US government upon return than about Iran itself.
• Increased Border Scrutiny: The discussion highlights a trend of CBP targeting individuals for questioning, device seizure, and intelligence gathering, even without warrants, based on their travel history, political affiliations, or even their names.
• Erosion of Constitutional Rights at the Border: The video emphasizes that constitutional rights are diminished at international borders and airports, allowing CBP greater latitude in questioning and searching travelers.
• FBI Harassment: The FBI has been approaching journalists and scholars who have traveled to Iran for interviews without warrants.
• Advice for Travelers: The video advises travelers, especially those politically active or with perceived risk factors (e.g., Arab names, travel to certain countries), to prepare for potential device seizure and questioning. Suggestions include using burner phones, backing up data to the cloud, and understanding their rights (e.g., the right to remain silent without a warrant or lawyer).
• Israeli Influence: The discussion touches on the influence of Israeli security practices and training on US border security, leading to a perception of all citizens as potential threats.
• Immigration as a Pretext: The speakers argue that the focus on immigration is being used as a pretext to expand the security state and mass surveillance capabilities, even though deportation numbers are not necessarily increasing.
• Shock and Awe Deterrence: The detention and questioning of travelers, including international students, is seen as a "shock and awe" tactic intended to deter dissent and discourage travel to or from certain countries.
• Political Motivations: The Trump administration's actions are attributed to a desire to satiate its base's desire for revenge against foreigners and to create a political power base from anti-communist expats.

Highlights:

• Blumenthal's description of the CBP agent referencing his appearance on Judge Napolitano's show, suggesting political targeting.
• The anecdote about an activist declining an award in Canada due to fear of being unable to re-enter the US.
• The recommendation to use Graphine OS for enhanced phone security.
• The discussion of the Israeli security consultant training Boston's Logan Airport staff to profile travelers.
• The argument that the focus on immigration is a pretext for building a police state.

About Channel:

"I don't criticize Democrats cuz I side with Republicans, I criticize Democrats Cuz THEY side with Republicans.

Our fight is not Left/Right anymore, it is Us vs.Them.

We have 2 corporate party's that serve Wall St/War Machine/Corporations & crush everyone else. #UniParty @0rf"^[[1] https://twitter.com/jimmy_dore/status/1559374176904814594]

#TheJimmyDoreShow is a hilarious and irreverent take on news, politics and culture featuring Jimmy Dore, a professional stand up comedian, author and podcaster. The show is also broadcast on Pacifica Radio Network stations throughout the country.

“Jimmy Dore is outrageous and outraged, bothersome and bothered. A crucial, profane, passionate voice for progressives and free-thinkers in 21st century America. Jimmy will anger you if you’re a conservative and enrage you if you’re a liberal.”—Patton Oswalt

Edit:

1. Fixed Title, From "Is What Terrified People About My Trip to Iran!" To "This Is What Terrified People About My Trip to Iran!"

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/30290268

Skip Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Skip Timestamps:

1. 2:59.750 - 4:03.421 Sponsor
2. 36:42.508 - 36:49.159 Endcards/Credits

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The video explores Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids that are currently not available in the US market, examining their features, quality, and potential impact on the American automotive industry.

Key Points:

• Prevalence of Chinese Products: The video starts by highlighting how much we rely on products made in China, from electronics to everyday items, questioning why cars are an exception.
• DARCARS Alaska Trip: The creator was invited by DARCARS to test drive several Chinese EVs in Alaska, driving on the Dalton Highway.
• Vehicle Overview: The video showcases several models, including the Fang Cheng Bao, YangWang, Wuling Bingo, Dolphin, Geely Galaxy, Way Blue Mountain, Voyah Free, Denda Zeni GT, Ido M9, and Aito, discussing their features, horsepower, range, and pricing.
• Impressive Features and Quality: The creator expresses surprise at the build quality, luxurious interiors, and advanced features like massage seats, large screens, and unique functionalities like "crab walking" (lateral movement).
• Pricing and Value: The cars are noted to be significantly cheaper than comparable American or European models, offering a lot of features for the price.
• Potential Market Disruption: The video suggests that if these cars were available in the US, they could disrupt the market due to their combination of features, quality, and affordability.
• Design Inspiration: While some designs appear to be inspired by existing models from Mercedes, Ford, and others, the Chinese manufacturers are also adding their own unique spin.
• Lifetime Warranty: Some of the vehicles offer a lifetime powertrain and battery warranty for the first owner, showcasing the manufacturer's confidence in their product.
• Corner Cutting: The video points out that some cost-cutting measures are evident, particularly in the size of the brakes.
• Import Plan: The creator jokes about importing a used Chinese car from Mexico, where they are sold, to the US.

Highlights:

• The "crab walking" feature of the YangWang U8.
• The luxurious interior and features of the Huawei Aito, including the footrest and projector.
• The significant price difference compared to similar American or European cars.
• The discussion about why these cars aren't available in the US and their potential impact on the market.
• The breakfast Whopper in Alaska.

Notable Comment:

@leonelcadet3833 | 2 months ago

DID HE SAY, 1100 hp for 57K with an electric driving range of (750-800+)? It makes me rethink everything about the U.S. car industry.

@johnkenney6995 | 2 months ago

I'm old enough to remember when they said the same thing about Japanese cars.

@dtmfab7728 | 2 months ago

The biggest problem is, once the American dealerships get ahold of it, they mark them all up to all over a hundred thousand dollars.... American greed.

@TheRealEnate | 1 month ago

That vehicle for 24k here would absolutely murder the American Car market. An rightfully so... ample space looks great and feature filled.

@rolandoq | 2 months ago

Milwaukee Tools, the company, is owned by a Hong Kong based holding. So, yeah, it’s not only the products.

@TimGray | 2 months ago

They dont want them here because the american car companies would have to actually compete. They prefer the inflated car prices as it maximizes profits.

@Sonyhamster | 2 months ago

I drive a XPENG in Europe. Seriously the technology and build quality is mind-blowing. Some of the tech is even better than top range Teslas.

@XDKX101 | 1 month ago

They didnt even let Toyota bring in their Landcruisers and Hiluxes for fear of their truck and SUV sales flatlining lol. Greatest democracy on the planet

@bigrob029 | 2 months ago

I mean ...id love to tell people how hard I drive that YangWang.

Car naming guy needs a raise!

@maaadcheddar | 2 months ago

Buying things from China results in one of two outcomes. "This is the biggest piece of shit I have ever used in my entire life" to "how the fuck could they make something this good this cheap?" There is no in-between.

@aquaboy1650 | 2 months ago

Here in Indonesia, Chinese cars have begun to be loved in recent years, they prove that even with a cheap price they do not compromise on quality and durability. That 15K Icar 03/Chery/Jaecoo J6 is my favorite, made of full aluminum body, smart IWD, cool design, top interior quality, and with 279 hp it can reach 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds

@zippo718 | 1 month ago (edited)

Chinese EV industry is hella competitive and they are in expansion mode, not profit mode. AND unlike American companies, when they get subsidized by the government they aint gonna f around with that money.

@ThatCarGuyYT | 2 months ago

I remember my dad used to tell me that when Honda came to Europe they used to say: A lawn cutting machines company that builds car??? Nah!!,look at what honda achieved

@curly4563 | 2 months ago

My wife and I did a tour of southern China last year, taking in the Guangzhou motor show, and did about 1000ks driving Zeeeker and Xpeng EVs, loved the experience so much we are doing it again in a couple of months time, this time in Shanghai. This was organised through an American/Chinese YouTube channel Wheelsboy and we were so impressed with the level of accommodation, food, infrastructure and how clean and modern China was with no graffiti or rubbish to be seen.

@sihlenkosi3341 | 2 months ago

I’m Amazed there are so many positive comments from Americans about Chinese cars! We love Chinese cars in South Africa and they flooding the car market! China is even installing Chinese charging stations at our petrol stations!

@Horology_Report | 1 month ago

They need to bring these so we can stop paying for overpriced crap. Especially the Japanese cars have gotten crazy expensive for what you get and everyone says "you're paying for reliability".

@qeki8920 | 2 months ago

The CEO of Ford says he's been driving a Xiaomi Su7 EV for the past 6 months and doesn't want to give it up.. Mind Blowing

About Channel:

Rich Rebuilds shows you how to have a good time by occasionally rebuilding cool cars and other general shenanigans.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/30283721

Skip Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

This video was conducted on behalf of Axcap Ventures Inc, and was funded by Gold Standard Media LLC and/or affiliates. For our full disclaimer, please visit: [https://archive.is/sV2cx]

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with a Russian military drone developer inside his secret workshop to talk about the future of drone warfare. From FPV kamikaze drones and fiber-optic guidance systems to jamming tactics and the rise of interceptor drones — we cover it all. We also discuss how Russia and Ukraine have become the world’s most advanced drone war laboratories, what makes Chinese tech fall short, and why the West is struggling to catch up.

Skip Timestamps:

1. 0:00.000 - 2:00.000 Preview/Recap/Hook
2. 14:43.887 - 17:42.797 Sponsor

Generated Summary:

Main Topic:

An interview with Sigay, a Russian engineer and entrepreneur developing military drones, providing insights into the current state and future trends of drone warfare, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He offers a candid perspective on the effectiveness of various drone technologies, the role of private developers, and the impact of Chinese components.

Key Points:

• Drone Warfare Advancement: Russia and Ukraine are currently the most advanced countries in drone development, with Ukraine potentially slightly ahead due to its streamlined integration of private developers.
• Effectiveness of Western Tech: The interviewee is unimpressed with the performance of Western drones in the conflict, citing the American Switchblade as "total garbage" and criticizing the build quality of the Boeing Scan Eagle.
• Role of Private Developers: Private developers are crucial for innovation in drone technology due to their flexibility and motivation, contrasting with slow, state-owned enterprises.
• Chinese Components: Russia has largely switched to Chinese components for drone production due to their affordability and availability, despite some quality differences compared to American chips.
• Evolving Drone Tactics: The conflict has seen the rise of tactics like remote mine laying, sleeper drones, and the use of fiber optic drones to counter jamming.
• Countermeasures and Limitations: Various countermeasures against drones exist, such as anti-drone rounds, nets, and lasers, but each has limitations. The best defense for infantry remains smart movement and utilizing natural cover.
• Future of Drone Technology: The future of drone technology involves increased autonomy, AI-driven target recognition, and the development of more robust, military-grade drones.
• Starlink's Impact: Starlink has been a game-changing technology for Ukraine, enabling naval drone operations and long-range remote piloting.
• Baba Yaga and Geran Drones: The Ukrainian Baba Yaga heavy agricultural drone repurposed for dropping bombs is infamous. Russian Geran drones have evolved significantly beyond their Iranian Shahed origins.

Highlights:

• The interviewee's blunt assessment of Western drone technology as ineffective in the conflict.
• The emphasis on the rapid pace of innovation and adaptation in drone warfare tactics on the battlefield.
• The discussion of the ethical considerations and technological limitations of AI-powered autonomous drones.
• The explanation of how fiber optic drones are used to overcome jamming and the counter-tactics employed against them.
• The insight into the Russian military's initial underestimation of drone warfare and its subsequent reliance on private developers.
• The discussion of the shift in Russian public perception towards the conflict and the government's efforts to avoid stirring up hatred towards Ukrainians.
• The mention of the interceptor drones and the countermeasures being developed against them.
• The explanation of the ineffectiveness of backpack jammers for infantry soldiers.

About Channel:

Real Reporter is a YouTube channel dedicated to bringing you deep dive, documentary-style videos that offer unique insights from real people's perspectives.

Amid a world increasingly polarized and sceptical of mainstream media, my mission is to deliver authentic, balanced, and unbiased content. I delve into pressing issues, giving voice to the unheard and showcasing the human element often overlooked in traditional news reporting. By focusing on individuals and their stories, this channel fosters understanding and empathy, striving to bridge the divides with every episode.

Join me and be part of a community that values truth, empathy, and understanding above all!

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/28248378

Interview about Union Workshop Event: https://lemmy.world/post/28247917

Information:

1. UNION POWER ‘25 Conference
2. OUR POWER IS IN OUR LABOR!
3. BECOMING STRIKE READY IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS!
4. Saturday, April 26, 10AM-4PM
5. O.N.E. Community Center, 20 Allen St., Burlington, VT 05401 US

Workshops On:

1. Organizing a Union!
2. Building Shop Floor Power!!
3. Bargaining To Win!!!
4. Becoming Strike Ready!!!!

Speakers On:

1. The Rise of Fascism & The Challenges Facing The Labor Movement
2. How Unions & The Working Class Must Organize To Meet These Threats & WIN

Lead Sponsors: UVM Staff United (AFT), AFSCME Local 1674, AFSCME Local 3977, UFCW Local 1459

Professional union childcare available if requested in advance. Contact: [Email, click link and scroll to this section.] The conference site is accessible.

Event by:

1. UVM Staff United (AFT), AFSCME Local 1674, AFSCME Local 3977, UFCW Local 1459

Sponsored by:

1. Green Mountain Labor Council, AFL-CIO Montpelier, VT

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27675348

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The potential for a large-scale war between the United States and Iran, and the perspectives of Scott Ritter and Larry Johnson on the situation.

Key Points:

• Imminent War Threat: Reports suggest an imminent, large-scale US attack on Iran, potentially involving tactical nuclear weapons. This is driven by Iran's possession of 60% enriched uranium, which could be quickly converted into nuclear weapons.
• Iran's Actions: Iran's accumulation of 60% enriched uranium and statements by Iranian officials suggesting a near-term nuclear weapons capability are seen as provoking the US.
• US Justification: The US government views Iran's potential nuclear weapons program as an existential threat to Israel, justifying a preemptive strike.
• Consequences of War: Both Ritter and Johnson warn of catastrophic regional consequences, including potential escalation to a wider conflict involving Russia and China. They also predict devastating consequences for the Iranian people and regime.
• Alternative Perspectives: Johnson argues that Iran has a right to nuclear weapons and that the US has a history of aggression and false justifications for war. He also questions the US's assumptions about the fragility of the Iranian regime and the likelihood of a successful regime change.
• Role of Sanctions: Ritter highlights the weakening effect of long-term sanctions on the Iranian government, potentially making it more vulnerable to internal unrest.
• US Intentions: Both analysts believe the US is not genuinely interested in negotiation and is pursuing a regime-change operation in Iran.
• Russia's Role: Russia has warned against a US attack on Iran, but is unlikely to intervene militarily. The analysts discuss the strategic relationship between Iran and Russia, and how this could influence the situation.
• Unforeseen Consequences: Both analysts warn of unpredictable and potentially disastrous consequences for the entire Middle East if the US attacks Iran, including the potential for regional instability and the collapse of the Iranian regime.

Highlights:

• The passionate and sometimes heated debate between Ritter and Johnson, highlighting their differing perspectives on the situation.
• Ritter's strong warnings about the potential for a catastrophic war and his belief that Iran's actions have made a war more likely.
• Johnson's counterarguments emphasizing the US's history of aggression and the potential for unintended consequences.
• The discussion of the complex geopolitical dynamics involving the US, Iran, Russia, China, and Israel.
• The analysts' shared concern about the potential for massive loss of life and regional instability.

About Channel:

Dedicated to dialogue and peace!

At Dialogue works, we believe there’s nothing more unstoppable than when people come together.

This group’s mission is to create a global community of diverse individuals who will support, challenge, and inspire one another by providing a platform for Dialogue.

We encourage you to share your knowledge, ask questions, participate in discussions, and become an integral part of this little community. Together we can become a better community and provide our members with a much better experience.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27512622

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27501213

Generated Summary:

This YouTube video discusses the disconnect between the tough talk of European leaders regarding military strength and their actual capabilities. The main points are:

• Europe's Military Weakness: The video argues that Europe's military is significantly weaker than its rhetoric suggests. It highlights the inability of European navies to defend against modern weaponry, as exemplified by their dependence on the US to address the Houthi crisis in the Suez Canal. This contrasts sharply with the assertive statements made by European leaders about defeating Russia and building an independent military superpower.

• Financial and Political Challenges: The video points out the financial and political obstacles to Europe's military ambitions. There's a lack of unity among EU members regarding increased military spending, with countries like Italy and Spain resisting proposals for significant increases. The economic struggles of many European nations and the popularity of anti-establishment parties further hinder efforts to boost military spending.

• The Role of Women Politicians: The video notes the irony that some of the most hawkish voices in Europe advocating for war with Russia are women politicians, particularly within the German Green Party, despite their party's platform emphasizing a feminist foreign policy focused on diplomacy.

• Kaja Kallas's Controversial Actions: The video criticizes Kaja Kallas, former Estonian Prime Minister and current EU official, for her aggressive stance towards Russia and her perceived lack of consultation with other EU members. Her actions are seen as contributing to the fracturing of unity within the EU.

• The Illusion of US Support: The video suggests that Europe's assertive foreign policy has been fueled by decades of US military and financial support. Now, facing the prospect of reduced US involvement, Europe is struggling to reconcile its ambitious rhetoric with its limited resources and political will.

Highlights:

• The stark contrast between the strong statements made by European leaders and the reality of their military capabilities.
• The internal divisions within the EU regarding military spending and foreign policy towards Russia.
• The criticism of Kaja Kallas's leadership style and her aggressive stance towards Russia.
• The underlying economic and political factors that limit Europe's ability to fulfill its military ambitions.
• The video's concluding statement that Europe's tough talk is not backed by the necessary resources or political will.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27168422

Alt. Link: https://archive.is/zOnze

BYD first announced plans for a car plant in Mexico in 2023, along with intentions to make cars in Brazil, Hungary and Indonesia. It said the Mexican plant would create 10,000 jobs and produce 150,000 vehicles a year.

Authorities feared Mexico would gain unrestricted access to BYD’s advanced technology and knowhow, they said, even possibly allowing US access to it. “The commerce ministry’s biggest concern is Mexico’s proximity to the US,” said one of the people.

Beijing is also giving preference to projects in countries that are part of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure development programme, according to the people.

Trump’s team has accused Mexico of being a “back door” for Chinese goods to enter the US duty-free through the USMCA. The Mexican government denies this but has responded to US pressure by placing tariffs on Chinese textiles and launching anti-dumping investigations into steel and aluminium products originating from China. “Mexico’s new government has taken a hostile attitude towards Chinese companies, making the situation even more challenging for BYD,” said the second person.

In November, shortly after Trump’s re-election, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was still no “firm” investment proposal from any Chinese company to set up in Mexico, despite BYD having reaffirmed its intent to invest $1bn earlier that month.

“The Mexican government obviously would like to get some of the investments [from China], but [its] trading relationship with the US is a lot more important,” said Gregor Sebastian, a senior analyst at US-based consultancy Rhodium Group.

It doesn’t “make business sense” for BYD to hasten the construction of a production facility in Mexico at the moment, Sebastian added, pointing out that the lack of a robust automotive supply chain would force BYD to import numerous components from China, subjecting them to higher tariffs.

In February last year, Li had said it would select a location for the factory by the end of 2024. BYD reported sales of more than 40,000 vehicles in Mexico last year. It has said it wants to double sales volume and open 30 new dealerships in the country in 2025.

BYD sold 4.3mn EVs and hybrids globally in 2024 and unveiled its “God’s Eye” advanced driving system in February, with plans to install it on its entire model line-up.

Earlier this month, Tesla’s main rival raised $5.6bn in a Hong Kong share sale, with the proceeds expected to help fuel its overseas expansion. But it has suffered a setback with its $1bn development in Brazil, which was delayed in December when the authorities halted construction over workers being subject to “slavery”-like conditions. BYD subsequently fired a Chinese subcontractor.