Luke Ford

Most of the time, I don’t look at the world in terms of good guys and bad guys. Most of the time, I try to rise above partisanship.

I don’t think people on the left are inferior to those on the right. My bias is right-wing due to my genes and my social imprinting.

Trump had his four years running the Secret Service and he didn’t leave it better than he found it. In fact, he denied Biden appropriate security after the Democrat won the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s track record at running things is terrible.

The Washington Post reports:

Secret Service said to have denied requests for more security at Trump events

Top officials repeatedly rejected requests from Trump’s security detail for more manpower and gear at events before attempted assassination, at times citing lack of resources, people familiar with the asks said.

Top officials at the U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied requests for additional resources and personnel sought by Donald Trump’s security detail in the two years leading up to his attempted assassination at a rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday, according to four people familiar with the requests.

Agents charged with protecting the former president requested magnetometers and more agents to screen attendees at sporting events and other large public gatherings Trump attended, as well as additional snipers and specialty teams at other outdoor events, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive security discussions. The requests, which have not been previously reported, were sometimes denied by senior officials at the agency, who cited various reasons, including a lack of resources at an agency that has long struggled with staffing shortages, they said.

Those rejections — in response to requests that were several times made in writing — led to long-standing tensions that pitted Trump, his top aides and his security detail against Secret Service leadership, as Trump advisers privately fretted that the vaunted security agency was not doing enough to protect the former president.

The weekend of the Butler shooting, the Secret Service had sent multiple countersniper teams and hundreds of agents to the Republican National Convention and was also securing an event by Jill Biden and a scheduled trip by President Biden to Austin the day after the shooting.

“It’s just true — we don’t have the resources to secure him [Trump] like we did when he was president,” the official said.

…But one of the denials that most concerned Trump officials came as he held a rally in South Carolina in July 2023, one of the first large-scale events of his current campaign. Trump was speaking in a downtown square in Pickens, a small town 20 miles west of Greenville, at a site surrounded by commercial and residential buildings. People familiar with the request said that Trump’s security team asked for more countersnipers to be stationed on rooftops to guard against potential shooters or other attacks.

The people said the Pickens event was one of several in which Trump’s team was denied more tactical support. Trump’s detail was told Secret Service headquarters had determined they could not provide the resources after the detail made an extensive argument for why the teams were needed, they said.

On multiple other occasions, Trump’s team asked for magnetometers and additional help to screen attendees for Trump to attend sporting events, particularly wrestling matches and college football games, people familiar with those requests said. They were told no because the events were not campaign events.

In one instance, the Secret Service argued the screening was unnecessary because Trump would be entering a stadium to watch a football game via a secure elevator and then be guided through a secure area to a private suite with controlled access, according to a Secret Service official who reviewed some of the security requests…

“He was not going through the general population,” the official said. “You don’t need to mag the entire stadium” in those circumstances.

But Trump advisers said he often moved through open-air concourses at the games, interacting with large swaths of the public. Some Trump advisers were repeatedly concerned about his safety at the sporting events as he moved through the areas, people familiar with the matter said.

People around Trump were also concerned by what they feared was an insufficient number of magnetometers and security personnel at rallies, they said, including one in 2023 in Macomb, Michigan, where some attendees jumped over bike racks to get past security and were restrained by local police, according to people close to Trump who witnessed the episode.

Several Trump advisers said the denials had been a frustration for more than a year.

The Secret Service extends the highest level of protection to current presidents and officials. Former presidents receive a significantly lesser degree of Secret Service protection, but Trump’s high profile and daily routines make him a different kind of security challenge than most former presidents, according to former Secret Service agents.

Trump is also the first former president in modern times to run for reelection, which carries additional security burdens, though candidates are not provided the same level of security as sitting presidents.

The Secret Service and Trump’s orbit also argued over planning for the Republican National Convention, particularly over how large of a security perimeter the agency would impose. The relationship grew so acrimonious that senior Republicans repeatedly sought meetings with Secret Service leadership in Washington after battling with agents on the ground over security and logistics.

01:00 Why do school shooters all look the same?
04:00 Trump Shooting an INSIDE JOB!? Special Forces Sniper Speaks Out!, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMk8CPgewM4
07:30 “Half An Inch From CIVIL WAR” Patrick Bet-David, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OGI8QvuIxg
20:00 Killer cartoon about the US Secret Service during the Trump assassination attempt
22:00 How come Joe Biden’s Secret Service is composed of white males? Where are the trans and the people of color?
25:10 Mike Benz: Secret Service Director Is a Cover-up Artist, https://rumble.com/v57b8md-mike-benz-secret-service-director-is-a-cover-up-artist-tipping-point-.html
28:30 Volunteer raised security concerns the night before the shooting of Trump
32:00 The Cyber World and Trumps Would-Be Assassin – With Mike Benz
37:20 In Conversation with David Frum: Attempted assassination of Donald Trump & JD Vance’s VP nomination, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ09yIdtmto
39:30 Mike Benz, https://rumble.com/v57g7od-guests-mike-benz-john-amanchukwu-ss-kimberly-cheatle-should-be-arrested-the.html
47:00 Tucker Carlson speaks to the RNC
48:00 The change in vibes, https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2024/07/the-changes-in-vibes-why-did-they-happen.html
50:00 The leader is the bravest man
1:01:00 Jews, populism and nationalism
1:06:20 Shots Fired, Bullets Dodged | The Roundtable Ep. 228 by The American Mind, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJUGVkEvboo
1:15:00 JD Vance, class in America, and the future of the right – with Christopher Caldwell, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DNaDQAvK-M
1:25:00 What makes Donald Trump irresistible, https://www.ft.com/content/563a6c72-d754-44aa-a35d-cb6ad6275b64
1:31:00 What’s Steve Sailer’s History With The Donald Trump Candidacy?https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=111233

01:00 Women, true crime and the facts of life, https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/crime-con-true-crime-report
12:00 Eyewitness believes there was a ‘noticeable’ difference in security at Trump’s rally, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSpsBgYn-uM
21:50 CNN: Secret Service director asked if Trump rally perimeter was too small. Hear her response, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuZqk85yvKk
23:40 WP: Secret Service was told police could not watch building used by Trump rally shooter, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/07/17/secret-service-trump-rally-shooting-homeland-security-investigation/
30:00 DISTURBING: New Information About The Assassination Attempt Emerges (Ep. 2288) – 07/17/2024, https://rumble.com/v57atk2-disturbing-new-information-about-the-assassination-attempt-emerges-ep.-2288.html
32:00 We usually don’t understand our own motives, so it is not surprising the FBI couldn’t figure out the shooter’s motives
41:00 Kip calls in about DEI
1:28:45 Why are so many acting like it’s so crazy and unthinkable or unspeakable to consider the possibility that Trump was intentionally put at risk?
1:48:00 3 paragraphs that should TERRIFY Democrats

Transcript.

Podnotes summary: A firefighter (Corey Comperatore) died shielding his family from gunfire at a Trump rally.

Would a man be just as likely to take a bullet for his wife if she was a feminist? Regularly denied him in bed? Showed him contempt? Dressed him down in front of others? If we want chivalry from men, men want some things in return.

Are liberals as likely to jump in front of bullets to save their family as conservatives? If so, what is the basis in liberalism for this? Conservatives believe in honor. Do liberals believe in honor? In which liberal texts is this extolled?

We all influence how others behave; men have bravery but won’t die for nothing. Society needs to recognize different strengths in men and women. At a true crime convention dominated by female attendees, the feminist perspective seemed unlikely to inspire male protection.

Stacy’s experience with her father’s workers shows that men are naturally drawn to women, especially during peak sexual attractiveness around age 15 – an uncomfortable truth reflecting historical male guardianship over women.

Women often don’t take as much responsibility as men do because they’ve historically had male protectors. Paying attention is crucial; Stacy remembered being ogled as a child yet protected later on by those same men when others did the same.

Men can be protective and possessive over their partners while also capable of other emotions beyond lust. Women significantly impact how they’re treated by men, just as men shape their wives’ reactions.

After age 25, most women become less sexually visible to men—a harsh reality suggesting early marriage might be advantageous for for women seeking to secure commitment during peak desirability years.

The story shifts focus onto security concerns at political rallies following an assassination attempt on President Trump. Observations reveal changes in safety measures compared to previous events—with implications about law enforcement readiness and responsibilities during such gatherings.

A controversial topic arises: would a man still shield his wife if she were undermining him? This question hints at deeper issues regarding mutual respect and understanding within relationships.

Ultimately, both sexes must navigate complex realities while striving for balance between personal empowerment and communal harmony—recognizing each other’s unique attributes without succumbing solely to primal instincts or societal pressures.

The security for former President Trump is under scrutiny due to a credible threat from Iran. Concerns were raised about the small perimeter at Saturday’s event, which didn’t include the roof of a nearby building just 150 yards from the stage.

There was confusion during an incident where a sniper team didn’t reach their designated roof post but instead positioned through a second-floor window. This misstep led to questions about overall preparedness and communication between teams.

Further complicating matters are claims of bias within the Secret Service leadership, potentially influencing security levels for political figures like Trump compared to others deemed lower risk.

Investigators remain puzzled over the motives behind an attempted attack on Trump; understanding personal motives can be inherently challenging. It’s suggested that sometimes individuals act out dramatically simply to feel significant.

Amidst these concerns, there’s also criticism of diversity equity inclusion (DEI) initiatives within government agencies like the Secret Service. Some argue DEI negatively impacts morale and standards by prioritizing factors other than merit and excellence.

In response to setbacks or adversity such as affirmative action policies affecting straight white men in corporate America, some suggest this should serve as motivation rather than an excuse for not achieving success. Opportunities exist outside traditional paths like starting one’s own business or choosing less conventional careers that don’t require adherence to DEI pledges.

Overall, while challenges exist due to systemic biases or flawed security protocols, resilience and adaptation are key traits needed for overcoming obstacles in both professional endeavors and broader societal issues.

Recently, I learned that Microsoft might be scaling back on some projects due to pushback. This could relate to people reconsidering their priorities after witnessing security measures post an assassination attempt. It’s like when Jeff Bezos bought The Washington Post – he likely aimed for positive press to stay in good favor with certain groups.

I have a question, slightly off-topic: Would a man take a bullet for his feminist wife? My guess is less likely compared to if she were traditional and respectful towards him. Men are more inclined to protect women who don’t belittle them publicly or deny intimacy. Society should encourage men’s bravery and women’s femininity rather than just focus on diversity and inclusion.

I’ve observed as Victorian values faded, society quickly shifted away from their principles. And now we’re discussing whether men would risk themselves for wives withholding affection; it seems respect is key in eliciting protective instincts.

Regarding personal experiences, my marriage changed once kids arrived; I felt relegated to just being a paycheck provider. Now divorced, I reflect on how different appreciation from my partner might have led me down another path.

In public situations where spouses act recklessly with strangers, I believe one shouldn’t put oneself at risk defending them against consequences of their actions – especially if they ignore your advice for safety.

People vary greatly; while some find joy in intellectual pursuits or solitary activities others need social interaction or physical endeavors for happiness. What matters are the fundamental truths across disciplines despite differing perspectives based on individual backgrounds or ideologies.

Finally, there’s concern about academia losing its rigor due to cultural shifts emphasizing comfort over challenge – potentially diluting the pursuit of knowledge and truth which has long been its cornerstone.

I admire Amy Wax and Charles Murray, though I don’t agree with all of their statements.

J.D. Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” describes how the Marines teach life skills many lack—like fitness, hygiene, and finances. They helped him manage money and make smart choices like getting a fair car loan instead of an overpriced one from a dealership.

Communities support members much like the Marines do; they guide you but also require humility to learn and follow group norms. Diversity statements may seem pointless but serve to filter out those unwilling to cooperate for community harmony.

The Secret Service’s recent failure raises questions about whether there was intentional neglect in protecting Donald Trump. The glaring security lapses during an assassination attempt suggest more than incompetence; it looks suspiciously orchestrated by those who could benefit from his demise.

Despite discomforting truths about society or personal biases that protect our status or relationships, some value truth over comfort—even if it means losing social standing or facing harsh realities head-on.

Lastly, we should prioritize national interests before global ones—our survival depends on it. Despite Trump surviving an attack and his contributions, he still faces challenges gaining widespread support—a reflection of divided sentiments among Americans.

Since his debate performance in Atlanta, President Biden has faced a tumultuous reelection campaign. Instead of consulting with his chief of staff or campaign leader, Biden is leaning on family and a small circle of loyalists to navigate this crisis and quell internal party dissent. Notably, he’s been advised by his son Hunter and First Lady Jill Biden.

Biden hasn’t engaged with the 500-strong team about the state of the race against Donald Trump but relies on memos and calls from Mike Donilon, a close friend and former campaign adviser. This approach raises concerns among Democrats as it diverges from relying on political professionals during a critical moment.

He also hasn’t reviewed polling data himself nor watched the full June 27th debate that damaged his standing—actions that are crucial for understanding and improving one’s strategy. With key swing states at risk and reports suggesting more “bad days,” Biden’s insular tactics could spell trouble for Democrats hoping for change ahead of potential electoral challenges in Virginia and Minnesota. These issues combined with not addressing evident problems indicate troubling signs for his candidacy.

01:00 NYT: Videos show Secret Service snipers were focused toward the gunman before the shooting. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/16/us/trump-shooting-investigation
14:40 Secret Service Director Makes UNBELIEVABLE Excuse for Lack of Snipers on the Roof
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/16/republican-platform-trump-convention/
16:20 How Leadership Failures Led to an Assassination Attempt on Trump
1:03:00 How Assassin Evaded Secret Service Security
1:18:45 Secret Service Breakdowns w/ Blackwater’s Erik Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxpJnUWHxds
1:28:00 Why does Joe Biden not trust female Secret Service officers protecting him but his administration assigns incompetent female agents to look after Donald Trump?
1:30:00 Secret Service head Kimberly Cheatle protects incompetent female agents to promote DEI
1:33:45 Is violent rhetoric to blame for the Trump assassination attempt? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD0Ldh0d368
1:38:00 Fundamental differences between left and right that go back thousands of years, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=154845
1:42:40 Elites catching up to the people in recognizing Joe Biden’s senility, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DbbyORukHQ
1:44:20 What has made Kamala Harris unpopular?
1:51:00 Dems GIVE UP On Dropping Biden After Trump Attempted Assassination, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRCQO5ERnM

Transcript.

Podnotes Summary: The Secret Service saw the shooter well before he fired eight shots but chose not to act immediately. This raises questions about whether Trump should instead rely on private security.

Videos from social media suggest that Secret Service snipers had their sights on the gunman minutes before he opened fire, yet they waited until after Trump was attacked to respond. Their inaction seems deliberate, a conscious choice not to intervene sooner.

There are also concerns regarding how law enforcement handled information post-incident, with delays in revealing the shooter’s identity despite knowing it quickly.

Considering all this, one might wonder if there was a level of intentional incompetence involved in protecting Trump – raising suspicions about whether some wanted him out of the picture without directly implicating themselves.

Shots were fired at the former president, and the Secret Service had authority to act without approval. Eight shots were fired before they responded, suggesting they could’ve acted sooner.

The Secret Service allowed the shooter to fire at Trump, raising questions about their decision-making. The Secret Service knew a threat existed for 26 minutes before the attack and yet they essentially did nothing. They abetted the assassination.

Joe Biden receives better protection than Donald Trump. Why?

Questions of gender bias surfaced with claims of incompetence among female agents and accusations against the Secret Service for lowering standards for women while maintaining an appearance of equality.

Discussions ensued about how much “Me Too” movements might affect male motivation in high-stakes professions like security services and whether such movements inadvertently hinder workplace dynamics or excellence pursuit.

It was argued that men thrive in all-male environments, especially in roles involving protection or danger. The presence of women or female leadership was said to potentially disrupt team cohesion and effectiveness.

Finally, it was suggested that both men’s natural impulses toward bravery and sacrifice require societal appreciation to foster excellence within masculine cultures.

We’ve made choices like valuing diversity over excellence, allowing unchecked immigration, and undermining masculinity in society. This has led to decreased law enforcement effectiveness, particularly against groups with high crime rates. Harsh sentences for violent crimes could drastically reduce our crime rate.

In a shooting incident analysis, the caliber of bullets used is crucial. A 55-77 grain bullet traveling at 2900 feet per second can cause significant damage even if it misses its target closely due to its speed and energy.

The Secret Service’s role is proactive protection—anticipating threats and shielding their protectee. However, there were failures during an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The Biden administration appointed the heads of Homeland Security and the Secret Service, who ultimately decide on security detail assignments for individuals like Trump.

Why did Biden’s team assign Trump incompetent women while Biden reserves for himself competent white men?

Criticism arises around physical capabilities regardless of gender in protective roles; agents must be strong enough to move their protectee or large enough to shield them effectively. There were instances where female agents did not meet expectations during an attack on Trump; they failed to adequately respond or protect him as required. They cowered while the male agents stood up.

Secret Service decisions allowed a shooter within range of Trump without intervening until after shots were fired—an apparent deliberate decision given their immediate response once they decided to act. This raises questions about accountability within the administration and whether incompetence was intentional to increase risks against political opponents like Trump.

A suspicious individual with a rangefinder wasn’t apprehended before he could fire from a rooftop near Trump—a major pre-planning failure by security forces that should have been more vigilant and prepared for such scenarios.

This event underscores serious operational flaws in presidential security protocols which need thorough examination through self-critical assessments (after-action reports) for improvement. It suggests possible deliberate negligence by those responsible for ensuring safety at high-profile events.

Desiring a hundred-yard perimeter doesn’t guarantee safety, especially with modern weaponry like rifles and drones. The Ukrainian conflict showcases frightening advancements in weapon technology that the executive protection industry isn’t prepared for. A 20-year-old utilized “dead space,” areas shielded by buildings, to approach and fire shots at former President Trump.

Despite gunfire, the Secret Service failed to react promptly. Their primary goal should have been to move Trump from the danger zone (“the X”), but some agents used him as cover instead of taking action. Confusion was evident; female agents were heard asking what to do while male agents seemed more decisive.

This incident is an embarrassment and reflects poorly on America’s overfunded bureaucracies. It wasn’t skill but luck that saved Trump – bad marksmanship and his own movements – not the Secret Service whose job is to protect him.

There are concerns about competency within the Secret Service, particularly regarding their response during this event compared to how they secure President Biden. Some suggest bias in agent assignments based on gender or connections rather than meritocracy which undermines trust in these institutions.

The RNC coordinator questioned whether diversity initiatives are appropriate when it comes to presidential security, implying a preference for male agents due to perceived competence issues with females assigned to protect Trump.

Overall, this failure highlights deep-seated problems within federal agencies where politics may overshadow qualifications and capability—an issue that demands urgent attention for the sake of national security.

During a rambling speech about chip factories in Asia and policy, Joe Biden criticized slogans like “end corporate greed” and “control guns not girls.” He mentioned the end of the Cold War order but offered no replacement ideas. This reflects a lack of vision among leaders fighting populists like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban. They fail to articulate new strategies for democratic legitimacy, risking institutional erosion.

Journalist Susan Glass from The New Yorker questioned whether Joe Biden is fit to govern for another term given his age. She suggested that elites overlook evidence due to party loyalty or concerns over Kamala Harris’s popularity. There are doubts about Biden at 85 being an effective president, yet he may remain the Democratic choice due to political unity.

The conversation shifted to Harris’s potential as a candidate if Biden steps aside. Her unpopularity might stem from her performance or biases against her identity—factors difficult to overcome politically. Meanwhile, Biden faces age-related challenges impacting his communication abilities, causing unease within the Democratic Party.

As election narratives form, questions arise about why Biden runs against Trump when he can’t compellingly answer them—a problem evident since announcing his reelection campaign with unclear messaging.

Democrats rallied around Biden in 2020 despite reservations; now there’s frustration over perceived self-interest and insular decision-making involving Hunter Biden’s counsel on campaign matters.

Finally, internal disputes surfaced during calls between President Biden and House Democrats—tense exchanges questioning his leadership effectiveness were reported alongside awkward moments suggesting disorganization within his team.

In conclusion, while some see divine intervention in Trump surviving an assassination attempt—an outlook that can foster group cohesion—others focus on practical politics where leadership strength is crucial amidst crises.