(Feb 6, 2025 09:14 AM)Spikkeljuan Wrote:  No. Someone working in the public sector should always be able to be found through public records.
How else would you for example do any research on effectiveness, corruption and other issues as i.e. a journalist.

(Feb 6, 2025 09:19 AM)nodes Wrote:  Not quite sure

Musk demanded transparency so he could focus on efficiency

But also now he refuses to be transparent, threatening to arrest people who release these names.

It’s an egregious violation of first amendment rights, and the right of the people & Congress to have checks and balances on branches of government.

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I am not advocating for the harassment of these people or any action to be taken. Do not interfere with government employees or operations. That would be highly illegal.

I hope it is clear to all that I am expressing my first amendment right of freedom of speech, and ensuring we have a transparent government in the states.

Quote:Elon Musk has a long history of making statements or taking actions that contradict his previous claims, often being called hypocritical by critics. Here are some notable examples:

1. Free Speech vs. Censorship on X (Twitter)
Musk claimed to be a "free speech absolutist" when acquiring Twitter, saying he would allow all legal speech.
However, after taking over, he banned journalists who were critical of him, suspended accounts tracking his jet, and censored content in certain countries (e.g., Turkey before elections).
He also implemented content moderation policies similar to the ones he criticized under previous Twitter leadership.
2. Against Subsidies but Takes Billions in Government Aid
Musk frequently criticizes government subsidies, calling them harmful to the free market.
Meanwhile, Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity have collectively received billions of dollars in government subsidies.
In 2021, Tesla sold $1.5 billion in regulatory credits to competitors—credits that exist only due to government mandates.
3. Criticizing Remote Work but Working Remotely
Musk has repeatedly attacked remote work, saying it's "morally wrong" and that employees should be in the office.
However, reports indicate that he often works remotely himself, traveling between Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures instead of being present full-time at one location.
4. Promises of Full Self-Driving (FSD) That Never Arrive
Musk has repeatedly claimed that Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) would be available "next year" since 2016.
Despite these promises, Tesla's FSD still requires driver supervision, and no Tesla has achieved full autonomy.
Meanwhile, Tesla has charged customers thousands of dollars for FSD over the years without fully delivering on its promise.
5. Against AI Regulation but Also Calls for It
Musk has warned about the dangers of AI, calling it a threat to humanity and signing a letter calling for a pause on AI development.
Yet, he has actively pushed AI development at Tesla, started xAI (his own AI company), and even criticized OpenAI for allegedly not being "open" enough while pursuing his own closed-source AI.
6. Criticizing Short Sellers but Shorting Stocks Himself
Musk has frequently attacked short sellers, calling them "evil" and lobbying for restrictions on short selling Tesla stock.
However, reports show that he has shorted other stocks himself, including shorting Dogecoin despite publicly hyping it.
7. Criticizing Media Bias While Manipulating Media Himself
Musk constantly criticizes mainstream media for being biased and misleading.
However, he has used Twitter/X to manipulate public narratives, amplifying misinformation and using selective censorship.
8. Green Energy Push While Expanding Fossil Fuel Ventures
Tesla markets itself as a clean energy company.
However, Musk's SpaceX relies heavily on fossil fuels, and Tesla has made deals with mining companies accused of environmental damage.
9. Anti-Union Stance Despite Supporting Workers' Rights
Musk has often claimed to support workers but has actively worked against Tesla workers' unionization efforts.
Tesla has been found guilty of violating labor laws, firing union supporters, and threatening workers over organizing.
10. Hyperloop as a Distraction
Musk proposed the Hyperloop as a revolutionary new transportation system.
Many experts believe it was never a serious project but rather a deliberate distraction to derail California’s high-speed rail project, which could compete with Tesla’s business.
Musk is an expert at controlling narratives, often contradicting himself when it suits his interests. Would you like me to expand on any of these points?

(Feb 6, 2025 09:26 AM)Spikkeljuan Wrote:  In my eyes he's just another politician trying to exert his power globally.

(Feb 6, 2025 09:38 AM)Kaleb Wrote:  No.

I think DOGE needs a clear and defined mission statement. I think its members need to be publicly disclosed. So far I am very unsatisfied with how this has seemingly been a department for the wealthiest man in the world to just do literally whatever he wants to exert influence in the federal government. No idea why MAGA glazes this. It's fucking crazy. I cannot BEGIN to imagine how they'd react if Bill Gates had some department in government with no clearly defined role / mission.