Barackface: 2025

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

1: Islam

Grounded Greatness: The Case For Smart Surface Transit In Future Cities
The Garden Of Last Debates (novel)
Deported (novel)
Empty Country (novel)
Trump’s Default: The Mist Of Empire (novel)
The 20% Growth Revolution: Nepal’s Path to Prosperity Through Kalkiism
Rethinking Trade: A Blueprint for a Just and Thriving Global Economy
The $500 Billion Pivot: How the India-US Alliance Can Reshape Global Trade
Trump’s Trade War
Peace For Taiwan Is Possible
Formula For Peace In Ukraine
A 2T Cut
Are We Frozen in Time?: Tech Progress, Social Stagnation
The Last Age of War, The First Age of Peace: Lord Kalki, Prophecies, and the Path to Global Redemption
AOC 2028: : The Future of American Progressivism

Digital Marketing Minimum https://t.co/hki7izgVpx
CEO Functions https://t.co/siG7fuUw5V
— Paramendra Kumar Bhagat (@paramendra) July 1, 2025

STAGGERING: This new study of 133 countries is the first to estimate the impact of all USAID’s work. In 2 decades, it saved *92M* lives.

Current cuts, if not reversed, are forecast to cost *14M* lives thru 2030. https://t.co/AFVhYRKvcQ pic.twitter.com/L7V4r1QbP0
— Atul Gawande (@Atul_Gawande) July 1, 2025

At a press conference, Donald Trump called Eric Adams a ‘very good person’ and threatened to arrest Zohran Mamdani if he refused to cooperate with ICE as mayor. https://t.co/8G8uGfXjol
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) July 1, 2025

What Elon Musk's America Party could look like a revealing glimpse into what a techno-libertarian, disruption-driven party might look like. ........ around 80 percent of Americans lie outside the ideological extremes represented by Democrats and Republicans ........ In a recent poll he ran on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), an overwhelming majority of respondents supported the creation of a new party. ....... Musk's online audience tends to skew tech-friendly and libertarian, and converting viral support into real-world political power is a much steeper climb than polling on social media might suggest. ......... He has sharply criticized both parties for prioritizing legacy industries over emerging technologies and for embracing what he sees as unsustainable spending. His opposition to former ally President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful" budget legislation, which he dubbed a "disgusting abomination," appears to have catalyzed his most serious threat yet to support or launch a third party. .......... any party he launches would be based on two ideological pillars: fiscal conservatism and aggressive investment in future-oriented industries. ............. Expect the America Party to push for deficit reduction, streamlined bureaucracies, and pro-growth policies, while also championing cutting-edge tech investments in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. Musk has at times endorsed the government's role in accelerating technology, especially through early-stage funding and infrastructure, but he remains critical of bureaucratic inefficiency and regulatory capture by special interests. ........ Positioning on the Spectrum: Techno-Populist Center ......... the America Party would be less about ideology and more about reform: a center-right party on economics, a centrist or libertarian stance on social issues, and an unorthodox platform on digital rights and innovation. ........ On health care, a Musk-led party might reject expansions of government-run insurance programs in favor of market-based reforms, telemedicine, or AI-driven diagnostics, framing these as more efficient alternatives to public options. ......... skills-based training, online platforms, or decentralized learning ecosystems, like Khan Academy or Neuralink-enhanced learning, in the long term. .......... Musk champions electric vehicles and solar power, he has criticized regulatory processes that slow industrial development. His party might support aggressive decarbonization ......... a Silicon Valley techno-libertarian lens that doesn't always align with broader public needs, especially among working-class or rural voters who are less directly invested in the high-tech economy ........ Younger voters, especially Gen Z and millennials, who feel alienated from legacy institutions but are energized by tech, innovation, and authenticity. ......... Systemic barriers, such as restrictive ballot access laws, the Electoral College, first-past-the-post voting, and a lack of access to national debate stages, make it nearly impossible for a new party to gain significant ground without dismantling decades of established political infrastructure. Even with Musk's vast resources and media reach, these obstacles remain stubbornly intact. .......... "If anything, the new party would likely split the Republican vote, potentially resulting in a Democrat-dominated House of Representatives, at least in the short term, due to the winner-takes-all electoral system." ......... history is against it. The USA is a strongly two-party political system. Even though relatively small numbers of citizens are party members, around 90 percent actively identify with either the Republicans or Democrats." .......... political organization is a different beast. It requires ground game, alliances, and durable coalitions, none of which can be assembled through memes or livestreams alone. Past movements buoyed by digital charisma (see: Beto O'Rourke) have often struggled to translate their online success into offline impact. ......... At Tesla and SpaceX, he has faced lawsuits alleging retaliation against whistleblowers and employees who have been critical of his leadership. At X, the "free speech absolutism" has coexisted with bans, algorithmic manipulation, and opaque moderation policies.

This is why China and India are closely watching U.S.' trade negotiations with ASEAN: Expert
India Aims for 10% of Global 6G Patents by 2030: Dr Pemmasani
Trump says he will ‘take a look’ at deporting Musk as feud reaches new height

Your bailout is what’s offensive, Senator.

You could’ve spared Alaska and all of our other states all the pain and recklessness simply by voting no. https://t.co/HmuOsQpSIV
— David Pepper (@DavidPepper) July 1, 2025

📍Salt Marsh Nature Trail, Marine Park

Did you know NYC is home to over 4,933 acres of wetlands?

From salt marshes by the beach to freshwater streams on Staten Island, these wild, watery ecosystems help fight floods, filter water & support wildlife! 🌊 pic.twitter.com/nv3z6qud6i
— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) July 1, 2025

Ayatollah Khameini

"I'm under the flag of Hazrat Abbasع I will not go under anyone else's flag."🇮🇱 👞 pic.twitter.com/tMOSZMjAvd
— Syeda Fatimeh Huda (@SyedaFatemahuda) July 1, 2025

1: AI

Liquid Computing: The Future of Human-Tech Symbiosis
Velocity Money: Crypto, Karma, and the End of Traditional Economics
The Next Decade of Biotech: Convergence, Innovation, and Transformation
Beyond Motion: How Robots Will Redefine The Art Of Movement
ChatGPT For Business: A Workbook
Becoming an AI-First Organization
Quantum Computing: Applications And Implications
Challenges In AI Safety
AI-Era Social Network: Reimagined for Truth, Trust & Transformation

Remote Work Productivity Hacks
How to Make Money with AI Tools
AI for Beginners

Could President Trump Arrest Zohran Mamdani If Elected Mayor Of NYC?

The Mamdani Grocery Stores: Social Innovation Meets Market Efficiency
'Impossible to cover up': Trump press conference seen as 'clear sign of cognitive decline' When asked how long detainees are expected to remain at the detention center, the president replied, "I'm gonna spend a lot. This is my home state. I love it. I'll spend a lot of time here," sidestepping the actual question.
Makeup In U.S. Politics—Tracing From Nixon’s TV Debacle To Trump’s Signature Orange Visage

REPORTER: Is there an expected timeframe that detainees will stay here? Days, weeks, month?

TRUMP: I'm gonna spend a lot. This is my home state. I love it. I'll spend a lot of time here. pic.twitter.com/PnDzke4MU7
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 1, 2025

Could President Trump Arrest Zohran Mamdani if Elected Mayor of NYC? A Legal and Political Analysis

Whether President Donald Trump could order the arrest of Zohran Mamdani—if elected mayor of New York City—for refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a complex legal and constitutional question. It involves the balance of federal and local authority, the limits of executive power, and the legal protections afforded to elected officials. Below is a clear analysis based on existing laws and precedent.

1. Federal vs. Local Authority on Immigration

Federal Role: Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). ICE has the authority to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. The Supreme Court has affirmed federal supremacy in immigration matters (Arizona v. United States, 2012).
Sanctuary City Protections: New York City has long operated as a "sanctuary city," limiting cooperation with ICE, especially for civil immigration violations. Under laws like Local Law 58 of 2014, city agencies are prohibited from honoring most ICE detainer requests unless they involve serious criminal convictions.
Legal Right to Non-Cooperation: Cities can decline to assist federal immigration enforcement under the Tenth Amendment. While they cannot actively obstruct federal agents, they are not required to use local resources to support federal actions. Passive non-cooperation—such as refusing detainer requests—has been repeatedly upheld in court.

2. Can Trump Order Mamdani’s Arrest?

Lack of Legal Basis: For the president to legally order Mamdani’s arrest, there must be clear evidence of a federal crime. Simply refusing to assist ICE under city law does not constitute a violation. Courts have ruled that local jurisdictions are not obligated to help enforce immigration law (City of Chicago v. Sessions, 2018).
Executive Power Limitations: While the president can instruct federal agencies like ICE or the DOJ to investigate possible crimes, arresting an elected mayor for adhering to local policy would be legally dubious and politically explosive. Such a move would almost certainly face immediate legal challenges and be seen as federal overreach.
Rhetoric vs. Action: Trump’s statements about arresting Mamdani appear to be political in nature, aimed at criticizing sanctuary policies rather than initiating legal action. Without proof of specific criminal conduct, such threats are likely unenforceable.

3. Mamdani’s Policy Positions and Legal Exposure

Mamdani has promised to "Trump-proof" New York City by cutting ties with ICE, protecting immigrant data, and expanding legal protections for undocumented residents. His pledge to “kick ICE out of the five boroughs” refers to enforcing sanctuary laws, not to physically blocking federal agents.
Unless Mamdani engages in direct interference with ICE—such as obstructing arrests or instructing city employees to break federal laws—his actions remain legal and protected. If, however, he were to engage in active obstruction (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 or 18 U.S.C. § 111), that could potentially trigger legal consequences.

4. Deportation and Citizenship Rumors

Trump and some allies have questioned Mamdani’s citizenship, with suggestions he is "here illegally" or should be denaturalized. Mamdani, born in Uganda, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018.
Denaturalization is extremely rare and governed by 8 U.S.C. § 1451, which requires clear evidence of fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalization process. Accusations of supporting "terrorism" or being a "communist," as floated by Rep. Andy Ogles, are politically charged but unsupported by legal evidence. Without a conviction or clear proof, such claims have no legal standing.

5. Precedent and Federal Funding Threats

No Precedent for Arresting Mayors: There is no modern precedent for a U.S. president arresting a mayor for policy disagreements, including over immigration. While some local officials have been arrested (e.g., during protests), these involved civil disobedience—not policy enforcement.
Federal Funding Leverage: Trump has also threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City. While the federal government can place conditions on grants, courts have ruled against using funding as punishment for sanctuary policies (City and County of San Francisco v. Trump, 2018). Such threats would likely be challenged in court again.

6. Mamdani’s Response and Political Landscape

Mamdani has described Trump’s threats as "an attack on democracy" and an effort to intimidate voters. He maintains that his immigration stance protects working-class and immigrant communities. His upset primary victory over Andrew Cuomo—backed by endorsements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and other progressives—demonstrates strong grassroots support.

If Trump were to pursue legal or political action against Mamdani, it would likely be viewed as partisan and authoritarian, sparking public outcry and court battles. Such efforts could backfire politically.

Conclusion

President Trump does not have the legal authority to arrest Zohran Mamdani solely for enforcing New York City’s sanctuary policies. Upholding local laws that limit cooperation with ICE does not violate federal law and is constitutionally protected under the Tenth Amendment. Any arrest would require proof of direct criminal obstruction, which is not evident in Mamdani’s current proposals.

Trump’s threats of arrest and deportation appear more political than legal. If Mamdani were to exceed legal boundaries and engage in unlawful obstruction, he could face legal action—but that remains hypothetical. In the meantime, Mamdani’s stance places him at the center of a broader national debate about immigration, federalism, and democratic governance.

Sources:

At a press conference, Donald Trump called Eric Adams a ‘very good person’ and threatened to arrest Zohran Mamdani if he refused to cooperate with ICE as mayor. https://t.co/8G8uGfXjol
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) July 1, 2025

🧵 Can Trump Arrest Zohran Mamdani If He Becomes NYC Mayor?
A legal and political deep dive into Trump’s threats and what the law actually says.#Trump #Mamdani #Immigration #ICE #SanctuaryCities #Federalism #NYC
— Paramendra Kumar Bhagat (@paramendra) July 1, 2025

Could Trump Deport Elon Musk? A Legal and Political Analysis https://t.co/KMU9L9ePQu
— Paramendra Kumar Bhagat (@paramendra) July 1, 2025

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🔹 Immigration enforcement = federal job.
ICE operates under federal law.
NYC, a sanctuary city, limits local cooperation.
Supreme Court has ruled that states/localities can't block federal law, but don’t have to help.#ImmigrationLaw #SCOTUS @IlhanMN @RashidaTlaib
— Paramendra Kumar Bhagat (@paramendra) July 1, 2025

6/
🔹 Trump can’t just jail elected officials for policy positions.
It would be an abuse of power and likely ruled unconstitutional.
There’s zero precedent for arresting a mayor over immigration policy.#ChecksAndBalances #ExecutivePower
— Paramendra Kumar Bhagat (@paramendra) July 1, 2025

Makeup In U.S. Politics—Tracing From Nixon’s TV Debacle To Trump’s Signature Orange Visage

Obama and Bush Unite in Rare Move Against Trump Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have joined forces to shoot down President Trump’s “colossal mistake” to shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development. ....... The Trump administration cut around 90 percent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts during Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rampage back in February. Musk oversaw the depletion of the workforce from 10,000 to less than 300. ....... The agency will be absorbed by the state department, where it will be replaced by a new organization called America First........ Singer and activist Bono got in on the act, too. He recited a poem, specially written for the occasion, telling the crowd: “They called you crooks/When you were the best of us.” ........ a study published in The Lancet medical journal claims that USAID cuts could lead to 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030. ....... The study surmised that the agency had already prevented the deaths of more than 91 million people, many of them children.

Makeup In U.S. Politics—Tracing From Nixon’s TV Debacle To Trump’s Signature Orange Visage

🎙️ The Power of the Camera: Nixon vs. Kennedy, 1960

On September 26, 1960, Vice President Richard Nixon faced Senator John F. Kennedy in the first-ever televised presidential debate. Under bright studio lights, Nixon, freshly out of the hospital, refused makeup. The result? Pallid skin, visible sweat, and a gray suit that nearly blended into the backdrop, making him look unwell and unrelatable (doctorzebra.com, en.wikipedia.org).

Contrast that with JFK: well-composed, tanned, confident—and camera-ready. Nixon’s own mother called after the debate, worried he was ill (en.wikipedia.org).

Kennedy won the visual battle—at least among TV viewers—a critical strike in one of the closest elections in modern history (Kennedy edged Nixon by just 0.17% in the popular vote) (en.wikipedia.org). After this, the lesson was clear: in televised politics, looking the part matters—often more than what’s being said.

💄 Trump’s Signature “Orange” Look

Fast forward to the 21st century: Donald Trump’s distinctive orange‑tan has become emblematic of his public image. Observers and makeup artists speculate that he applies heavy tanning products and foundation to project energy, strength, and a healthy appearance across countless televised events and intense lighting (kansasreflector.com).

🤔 Why the heavy makeup? With over a decade in the public eye—including reality TV and political campaigns—Trump likely relies on makeup to maintain a consistent look under varied lighting, conceal signs of aging, and portray vitality (kansasreflector.com).
🧴 What does he use? According to stylists, it’s a mix of spray tan, thick foundation, and possibly on-camera makeup. Articles even reference CHI Helmet Head spray and Just For Men dye to maintain coverage and the iconic hue (thetimes.co.uk).
📸 How much? Massive—Trump’s look suggests a heavy, full-coverage routine designed to withstand studio lights, cameras, and intense scrutiny . Reddit makeup artists note it's unusually overdone and poorly matched to his natural skin tone .
🔁 Has it always been like this? The “orange” aesthetic became widely noticed during his reality show years (early 2000s), then became entrenched through the 2010s during his presidential runs (kansasreflector.com). So yes—it’s been consistent for well over a decade.

🧠 Lessons from Nixon to Trump

Appearance influences perception
Nixon’s lack of makeup cost him votes; Trump’s make-up artistry is meant to avoid that pitfall—even if it sometimes backfires visually.
Televised presence is as strategic as speech
Nixon’s makeup refusal proved disastrous under new media norms. Trump embraced—and amplified—his image, shaping a visual brand as much as a political one (time.com, civicsforlife.org).
Makeup in politics is metaphoric
Beyond aesthetics, it reflects a candidate’s understanding of stagecraft—Trump with “MAGA glam,” Nixon with his aversion. Both used image choices to send messages, whether intentionally or not.

💬 Final Takeaway

Makeup in politics isn’t superficial—it’s strategic. Nixon’s televised stumble taught campaigns that neglecting image could cost votes. Trump’s bombastic, orange tone doubles as skin-care and show-business branding, signaling youthfulness, stamina, and theatricality—at times overtly so.

Whether you think it’s vanity—or political weaponry—one thing is clear: makeup matters. And in the age of 24/7 media, the face you present often speaks louder than your words.

Curious about other political appearances or how current candidates use image strategies? Leave a comment.

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📺💄 From Nixon to Trump: The Power of Makeup in Politics
Let’s talk about how makeup—yes, makeup—has shaped U.S. presidential history, from Richard Nixon’s sweaty disaster to Donald Trump’s iconic orange hue. 🧵#PoliticalHistory #Trump #Nixon #MediaMatters
— Paramendra Kumar Bhagat (@paramendra) July 1, 2025