#211 Weekend Reads – are you ready for crazy times?

On Tuesday, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as President of the United States for the second time. Yes, I’m still in shock too. We’ve already had a preview of what his second administration will look like, and it’s not filling me with any hope. I expect I’m not alone.

He’s surrounded by loyalists who will do whatever he asks, very few checks and balances are in place this time to curb his recklessness, Christian Nationalists will be more powerful than ever, and of course, the broligarchy, led by Elon Musk, is at play too.

I don’t know if I can watch his inauguration speech this time round. His speech in 2020 was so angry, hostile and full of grievances, it was painful to watch. Here it is again if you can’t remember it. Horrid. Have you noticed how winning doesn’t seem to bring any joy to Trump or his MAGA supporters?

Some predictions I have for this administration

1. It will be crazier than any of us can imagine, and it will create long-lasting damage to democracy in the US and potentially around the world. War and the risk of nuclear war is now much higher, and it was already high. This is a time of chaos, and out of chaos a new world will emerge, eventually. Let’s hope we wake up to it sooner rather than later, because the world being proposed is not one I want anything to do with
2. Many world leaders will be sycophants to Trump, and I really hope it’s the opposite. I am confident the EU will not take it lying down, because it’s not their style, but there are many geopolitical fractures in this region right now, so that won’t help. There is power in uniting against him/his administration, especially when it comes to the sovereignty of other nations – i.e. Canada, Greenland and Panama
3. There will be sickening scenes of suffering, and it will be hard to watch. Women’s rights and minority rights will suffer enormously. People of Muslim faith will be targeted; Jewish people and the Chinese can expect a very rough run too; however, it will be the Latina’s that really face the wrath. Indian’s are also at risk, although the broligarchy will do all it can to protect them, especially if they are professionals. No matter what, it won’t stop racists from going after them. Racism towards Black Americans will also continue to be a massive issue. Everyone needs to protect themselves
4. Extreme weather events are going to continue to hammer the US (and the world) but denial will still be full throated. The suffering will also be much higher than it needs to be, because the country is unable to unite in emergencies, as we’re seeing in LA – watch this
5. Trump will die or he will be replaced by Vance, and the South African broligarchs will get exactly what they want. The idea that Musk will fall out of favour is not something I see happening. Trump will tow the line, or he won’t be leader. The 25^th Amendment will come in handy in that case. This, of course, opens up the real possibility of violence in America, as his MAGA supporters are loyal to him, not Vance and certainly not Musk
6. Musk’s popularity will continue to decline and I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a Howard Hughes situation, but none of us can underestimate this man. We must keep our eyes wide open when it comes to what he is planning, but more broadly, we need to keep an eye on the South African Five – Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, David Sacks, Joel Pollak and Patrick Soon-Shiong. Eyes wide open OK?

I could continue, there’s a lot coming at us, but would love to know if you agree with the above, or if you have predictions of your own?

Here’s a reminder of the ‘Day One’ Dictator – get ready indeed.

Some other stories doing the rounds

Elon Musk can’t help himself when it comes to Sam Harris. Here is Sam’s response to why their friendship fell apart.

Crowd size at the inauguration might not be such an issue as it’s going to be moved indoors because an Arctic blast is going to hit Washington DC next week. Or is it something to do with local police departments refusing to help?

The mis- and disinformation about the LA fires has been relentless, here’s a round up – Media reaction: The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the role of climate change – Carbon Brief

I know it’s very early into 2025 but calling this for ‘headline of the year.’ Then again, I expect we’re going to see a lot of fine subediting work this year in the crazy headline department – I knew one day I’d have to watch powerful men burn the world down – I just didn’t expect them to be such losers | Rebecca Shaw | The Guardian.

Although bummed to have missed being listed here. I’d love a Poke listing! This writer’s brutally funny article and headline about powerful men being “such losers” is going viral – 20 winning reactions – The Poke

The Tik Tok ban is coming into effect in the US on Sunday and it’s been an enlightening story. Calling themselves Tik Tok refugees, Americans are moving to the Chinese version of Tik Tok, which is called Xiaohongshu, or RedNote. The exchange between the Chinese and Americans is a story in its own right, adding to a very interesting cultural dynamic. Check it out, but here’s an overview of what’s going on and why.

More information on this story is here TikTok Refugees Get Wry Welcome on RedNote, Another Chinese App – The New York Times

To give you a break from the serious stuff, super cool finds coming out of Pompeii – Pompeii: Spectacular new discoveries unearthed include private spa

If this isn’t a story of our time in history, I don’t know what is – She Is in Love With ChatGPT – The New York Times. Yikes!

What we’re up against – Global economy could face 50% loss in GDP between 2070 and 2090 from climate shocks, say actuaries | Climate crisis | The Guardian.

But, you know, this is what we decide to do instead – Mark Zuckerberg Signals the End of ‘Making the World a Better Place’ – Bloomberg.

The WEF Global Risk Report for 2025 – Global Risks Report 2025 | World Economic Forum

And Ian Bremmer’s top 10 risks for 2025

Finally, a VERY important read by a woman I admire tremendously, Carole Cadwalladr – Total information collapse. Subscribe to her newsletter, you won’t regret it.

Before you go, if you’re feeling hopeless, watch this and listen to all the philosophers. They understand the deep transformation required.

I know it’s not an easy time, but Ww keep looking forward, we work on ourselves, and we step into this moment in time, fighting for the future we want for ourselves and our children. Never ever give up! Click below and dig into the reads.

Favorite visual

Fair?

And more commentary on the state of the US! It’s going to be hard to stand witness. Get ready.

Dig into the news

Plenty more to read, listen to or watch, so do click through to the reads at the image below, and a reminder, this platform has articles going back weeks, so have a scan and read/watch/listen to whatever jumps out at you.

Let me know what caught your attention? Or share with me what has your attention now? There’s a lot going on, which means none of us can cover everything. Besides, it’s always great to get feedback so I know I’m delivering something of value.

Cheers

Andrea

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18 Steps to an All-Star LinkedIn Profile 

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