Elon And Trump's CHAOTIC First Week | Zaid Talks

[@ZaidTabani]

EDIT: So a couple things. Number 1: People are misrepresenting what I said about Elon Musk in the comments. My point is whether or not it is HIS intention to do a zig Heil or whatever-- it doesn't matter it is egregiously bad and stupid of him to do so. I also mention the Richard Spencer stuff, specifically to talk about how during the first Trump Admin where they tried these dog whistles. Look towards the strategies used there to combat them-- because it resulted in Trump losing power and the next 3 election cycles. The doubling down on his bullshit Tweets or whatever, only serves to point out how Nazi he truly is. Number 2: If you are TRANS I am not trying to MINIMIZE what you are going through, nor am I excluding REAL people who would be impacted by these orders and policies. These are bad orders as illustrated below, and all of the information I've put in here came from Trans individuals deciphering the order like Erin Reed. There are dozens of people who are messaging me talking about self harm, and spiralling consistently and THATS who I'm speaking to. There is a LOT of conflating bad orders with conspiracy theories to distract people from things like Rubio halting foreign aid, or Trump mobilizing Ice on Sanctuary cities, or him gutting departments-- all of those are valid concerns. Mutual aid, trans legal defense funds, and multiple other organizations can do wonders in combatting some of the worst abuses of this admin and slowing down directives he puts in place. Update: Rubio just asked to freeze passport applications with X marked on the gender spot. Absolutely shitty. The reason I mark this as a culture war is because the Bush admin would target groups like Muslims or Gay people- as hedonistic dangers to your children and American society- and pressure them in ways to push up their power share. I promise you I’m not trying to downplay any of this. We’ll talk about this more Sunday, but in general I want to give you avenues to fight this stuff instead of just throw your hands up and feel hopeless. In general, I wish I would have used the media and avenues available to me during when Muslims and LGBTQ individuals were targeted previously, instead of feeling fatalist. If you shift the conversation, the speed of which their trying to make these decisions hurts them. In the meanwhile, if you’re a Trans person trying to get a passport I am so sorry. Check in with your trans or non binary friends and see what they need. Keep going

[@bradleyelsken622]

You're a good egg. Actually, you'd probably make a really good politician.

[@auberginebear]

Thanks for using coverage for trans issue from someone like Erin Reed, but state IDs are not governed by the federal government, which your coverage implies. Some states might change their policies because of this EO, and some have already have similar policies (as Erin said in her breakdown article), but state IDs can still be changed and still have an X marker if that state allows it. The reversal is currently for passports with an X gender marker on renewal, because its still unsure about whether they will change binary gender markers for those of us who have already changed both our Social Security and passport gender marker.

[@ZaidTabani]

@@auberginebear thanks for that catch!

[@omnichrome9784]

Just an additional thing about the action the Republicans are taking to try to amend the Constitution, even if it passed Congress (which I do agree isn't happening any time soon), it would still have to be radified by 38 state senates or state legislative bodies and the Rebulicans don't control enough of these for this to happen any time soon.

[@Dumpsterfiregrace]

@ZaidTabani you are definitely my number one go to now BECAUSE you can lay out the truth AND keep us calm! Sending you and Mel all my love. This is exactly what we need in times like this. If you need Anything, you let us know!!!

[@Dumpsterfiregrace]

3:44 As an autistic, I'll say the same thing we've all been saying Being Autistic doesn't make us dumb and definitely doesn't make us racist. Thats just Elon.

[@adakahless]

Facts. And I'm so tired of seeing idiots using mental illness or disorders as an excuse for inappropriate behavior.

[@NeverBetter23]

Say it louder! Ignorance doesn't come from a disability.

[@ChimeraLotietheBunny]

yes

[@darkredeemer8]

So true. I also think that I've been seeing that he isn't formally diagnosed. If that's true, considering that the main barrier to diagnosis is cost, it makes me wonder why he isn't

[@SEAZNDragon]

The only other Elon-is-not-a-racist explanation I can think is the guy is being a edgelord troll which is sad for a man in his 50s, CEO of several major companies, and government advisor.

[@ser2352-z3q]

Ty for being a reasonable voice. As a trans, disabled (not service-related) vet I feel more like a political tool than a person at times and your vids help ground me a bit.

[@ZaidTabani]

trust me I have BEEN THERE. All of the Iraq war till 2018 was that 24/7 for me. Even the last yeah-- it's the greatest hits being replayed

[@SpaceJunk07]

“Don’t drink the poison just to feel like you’re doing something” Holy shit I never needed to hear something more than I needed that right now. Thank you

[@KillhappyJenn]

Most content creators are hyping up the panic. I appreciate that Zaid cares more about his community than the clicks.

[@McDenis09]

My friends have been going DEFCON 5 over every little thing this week, and it's been exhausting trying to keep them grounded and the tinfoil off their heads. Definitely going to have to introduce them to your channel

[@DrEarthwormRobotnik]

Not to be that guy, but it's 1 you're thinking of. 5 is actually the peacetime

[@AstarionSpinnies]

@@DrEarthwormRobotnik Was gonna say this. Thank you Eggman.

[@Moon_x_sun]

Yeah im trying to keep myself grounded too. I think it helps im not American but trump is not happy with my country rn (Denmark)

[@DogsRNice]

This week has been the longest year of my life Edit: the past day (January 28th) is now the longest year of my life

[@loribroadbent8573]

Underrated comment!

[@newbe1o1]

Only rivaled by the first week/year of his first term.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

If you’re young, this is a perfectly valid statement. Me, I’ve had worse weeks, I reserve “longest week of my life” for sometime in the next 4 years 😄

[@boltdoublet]

Well, on the bright side, if the US no longer recognizes that trans people exist, they can't arrest us for fighting back >:] (Ok, but seriously, I needed this. I'm still trying to find that healthy balance between being informed & staying sane, and you provide so much more perspective. You're incredible at what you do, and I hope more people start hearing what you say.)

[@BiggerinRealLife]

Non-binary here. I was SO HAPPY to get my CA drivers’ license with an X for my gender. I cried and showed absolutely everyone for weeks. I felt so seen by my home state. Now I feel sick thinking I might have to change it back. It was a huge step for me to have it changed in the first place; going back feels unthinkable. If you’re cis you might not get it, or think it’s a small thing. It is, but it’s a small thing that to us is a big deal.

[@simonbengtsson9241]

As a Cis person from Sweden, I feel that it's a big deal: Your federal government is up in arms about a single thing about your identity, when the energy could be better spent actually doing things. I mean, he ran on lowering prices, and fixing the cost of living crisis. But he won't: It would cut into the profit of his corporate buddies, and he doesn't want that.

[@suzannederusha1370]

It is a huge deal, I’m so sorry that this is even an issue for anyone.

[@delsings]

I'm trying to get my legal changes going after finally having the money needed to save up ($450 usd). Now I will likely have to make a binary change if it can happen at all. It is very much a big deal.

[@suzannederusha1370]

@ I’m so sorry this is something you even need to think about. I hope it works out just as you want it to.

[@MirageIslander]

hey even if youre forced to change it back you are who you are, not what these people want you to be

[@Cuiasodo]

Said it before, I'll say it again: if it was a case of doing the gesture by accident, a regular person would just apologize, not try to justify it or do what Elon did and take to Twitter and make jokes about people think he's a Nazi.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

He's also a narcissist and they never apologize or admit fault. While I personally do not feel it was a salute, I also do not expect him to ever say anything close to "my bad", because those words have never left his mouth a day in his life.

[@rosenrot234]

You don't do a gesture twice on camera "accidentally"

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@@rosenrot234 You can if you're caught up in an emotional moment. I guess I see it similar to the genture of kissing your hands and blowing it to a crowd, usually that's done at least twice in a row. I think more and more, the cracks are showing just how socially odd Musk is (which has little to do with whatever form of autism he might have, he's just weird in general. His unnecessary need to lie about the video game ranking is such an example).

[@Copperyfoxx]

20:44 "Don't drink the poison just to feel like you're doing something." I really needed to hear this right now Zaid. All of it, but especially about the fear mongering. Seriously, thank you.🤟

[@LennoueArt]

I love you man. I couldn't deal at all for the past 2 weeks, but just hearing you always makes me feel like we're not alone and we're gonna get through this.

[@besthobbit]

Same! I'm glad he showed up in my feed.

[@justkittensbeingkittens5892]

Real

[@HawkOfLight1]

He raised the price of prescription drug prices for people on Medicare and Medicaid

[@TulipIris7244]

The way that gender executive order defines gender at time of conception technically means that the government considers that all Americans are now female. 😂😂 (I’m saying this as an older white woman).

[@Moon_x_sun]

Yeah I feel like way too many still don’t understand why men have nipples

[@Avrysatos]

This is not how I pictured our first female president.

[@darkredeemer8]

​@Avrysatos well technically, now all of them have been female 😂

[@Dumpsterfiregrace]

@TulipIris7244 I know. I'm crying and cracking up at the same time! 😫🤦‍♀️😂

[@delsings]

And me as a transmasc enby still hates it 😭😭😭

[@whitetyger06]

Zaid I so appreciate your approach to all this. I'm a history teacher so yes I am scared, and I know some of students are too. The way you break things down helps me feel better and helps put things in perspective so I can continue to fight for those affected by these bills. Keep it up brother, sending much love your way!

[@milkflavored]

I’m seriously so grateful that you exist. You called me out on letting anxiety take the wheel this week, and you (and my POC family) have helped me step back from the ledge

[@musashikaelin]

I swear, you are an absolute balm in these trying times. You always give me the words I need to reassure those scared around me and keep the peace. It is so much needed right now.

[@PalmelaHanderson]

The thing with Elon's [whatever] - Let's just say it wasn't a nazi salute and he really was making an awkward gesture. If any of us did that, we would be in public the very next day like "oooohhh... yeah, I can totally see how it looked like that, my bad, that wasn't intentional." Elon very much did not do that and hasn't done it. Maybe it's just him doing the billionaire thing where you can never admit you made a mistake for any reason (like when Trump misspeaks and carries on like he totally meant to say what he said) because only beta cucks make mistakes, but still... quack quack.

[@ZaidTabani]

EXACTLY. My thing is it doesn't matter what his intention was-- you're in that position you SHOULD be aware of what you're doing or you shouldn't have that position.

[@TheDoomSlayerButPettingaCat]

Elon doing THAT salute definitely was intended, also thanks for your vids Zaid.

[@stuckinawheel3336]

I really appreciate your videos. They don't sugarcoat what's happening but I think they do a great job at being reassuring and convincing while doing so. Nice video as always!

[@divinewrath3142]

I seriously only watch you & Phil for my news right now. I mean I obviously see a lot of news, because it's EVERYWHERE... I'm just not ready for talking head tv reporters yet.

[@retrofan93]

Same here honestly. I will go to Independent sources when necessary, for more information on certain topics, but mainstream news is filled with way too much doomerism and fear-mongering right now.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Same, lol. That's about all I want to intake right now.

[@GravitasZero]

"we aren't 1984, yet". It's the "yet" that's worrying

[@ZaidTabani]

I LITERALLY was going to leave out the Yet and ONLY put it in because of grammar and it making the sentence flow more easily and I was like "somebody is gonna think Yet means eventually" So yeah

[@GravitasZero]

@@ZaidTabani I understand you fully, but it doesn't stop if from being worrying. Didn't say "panicking", I said "worrying". You can't argue democratic values are eroding (even if you argue only slightly. Erosion doesn't need to make an entire cliff disappear to make it crumble on itself), making that "yet" sound foreboding in the current politcal climate Also, I don't know, but personally, it doesn't feel like the "yet" was necessary if you *really* didn't like it. if you wanted you could have gone with "we are not 1984" by putting emphasis on the "not". Can't exactly fault me for hearing the "yet" in the sentence.

[@youshouldreadmore6382]

I'm saving my energy for the inevitable trans rights fights, and possible gay marriage fight if Idaho's little stunt gains traction. Gotta protect my wife and fellow LGBTQ+ siblings. That being said, the California wildfire aid being locked under conditions is infuriating.

[@devonbocka226]

Thank you fighting game community brother, we all needed to hear that.

[@ZaidTabani]

Don’t thank me, thank Capcom for the ryu buffs

[@SilentZieth]

Our Bureaucratic system is the greatest double-edged sword in play. While it does put the favorable bills into development hell, it does the same with disliked ones. And what everyone seems to forget is that our government is actually 3 separate entities of equal power; the executive, the judicial, and the legislative. Things only get done fast if they ALL work together, which is like every 7th full-moon on a leap year.

[@cabbits7267]

You look really exhausted dude! Hope you're getting enough rest despite our current events 😢.

[@suzannederusha1370]

Keep positive people close to you, be that person who is kind.

[@cybrfriends5089]

Definitely not Reich what Elon did, and completely out of Mein Kampfort zone, sorry I have to make a joke, no telling how much Fuhrer this will go.

[@ZaidTabani]

I approve of this roasting

[@ashleyhuff2944]

I appreciate you commentary so much thank you

[@Ironeyes128]

Thank you for everything you do, Zaid. 🙌🙌🙌

[@brohiddlesby7010]

Ngl this was a breathe of fresh air for me. The whole week Ive being bouncing back and forth between nihilistic apathy to pessimistic anger and impatience. But yeah, taking in the bigger picture and finding our way through the smoke and mirrors helps give clarity and focus.

[@uncharismatick]

thank you for the reminder to rest i'm having a terrible flair up today, and my therapy appointment was canceled. instead of trying to focus my frustrations rn, i need to recover. stress makes people do stupid stuff and it makes our bodies more susceptible to illness thank you

[@IRod641]

I needed to hear this. Thanks, and keep up the great work.

[@bradleyelsken622]

Said this on your Discord as well Hey Zaid: I don't like to do the "appeal to worse problems" (What right do you have to be depressed about anything when there are children starving in Africa?) but God knows you've been there before. And I am much more sheltered and yes, privileged than you are. I want you to know I'm with you all the way and will fight for you and your community as much as I am able from my little corner of the country. We've got to take care of each other 🤜

[@nameslessone]

"When you block a hadouken, you still take chip damage." Thats actually great advice when you take it as the metaphor it is.!

[@ZaidTabani]

Quite literally when you face Sagat or guile you’re going to take chip damage. Even in Marvel when you’re down two characters you have to respect that rando super or viper beam. But look if you play your cards right, you close the distance and then it’s YOUR game.

[@jurassickaiju14]

I needed this so bad. All throughout this week I've been on an up and down rollercoaster of trying to keep myself together and keep looking up and moving forward, and just getting overwhelmed and panicked by everything. Literally last night I just sank to a place of just feeling utterly broken. This was just what I needed to help get my head back on straight and haul myself back up, for now at least, out of that pit of despair and panic. I don't know how you do it, but every time I come away from one of your videos I feel a little more grounded than I did going in. Maybe I'm being a bit sappy here, but sincerely, thank you. You've earned a subscriber both here and on BlueSky.

[@darkredeemer8]

Thank you for trying to keep everyone's head on straight, Zaid. There was a FSTN you did early last year where you said 'Don't this look familiar?' and I hum it to myself whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed with the news cycle. Love what you do here

[@delsings]

Please definitely cover how the intersex and nonbinary people with the X gender marker designations being affected by the "only male and female" signing. It's freezing us from getting/using passports, it's affecting legal paperwork. Thank you for all you do.

[@Starsaber317]

Little Kuriboh reference at the beginning was great!

[@ZaidTabani]

“Hello I knew your grandfather and I’m definitely not a villain”

[@KitrynPeppers]

Thank you Zaid, for keeping it real! 🗽✨⭐️✨

[@joshg6910]

Your videos this year have kept me from panic and grounded me in what I can do to help those I love. Thank you.

[@OrcFriedRice]

Gonna need "Log off, fill your cup!" Merch.

[@darkecofreak23]

The thing about turning horrible people in history into cartoon depictions is it makes them seem vulnerable and not impossible to beat instead of a looming threat on the horizon that we don’t know if we can win against. I recognize the difference between Hitler as a figure in history and Hitler as someone you want to see Captain America punch or Bugs Bunny blow up with a trick cigar. The problem comes when people REFUSE to acknowledge the ideals they’ve taken to heart are the same ideals the Nazis held.

[@sarahmivbudulu826]

Love your videos, man.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@hentisenti]

"the earth belongs to the living, not to the dead"

[@sonyac3268]

I'm thrilled the algorithm saw fit to put your video in my feed I've been hunting for something with substance

[@afabfemboymusic]

ty for being real about things, im incredibly frustrated with a lot of the left right now, so it's nice to see a voice of reason

[@beanbroly]

So i come here to announce that Hegseth was confirmed. But let me say this: By a Tie-Breaker! That means the senate was 50-50. While Hegseth being confirmed is not great, his job security will be very flimsy at best. You guys can influence your senators to prevent other nominations from passing or making said nominations have a rough time running the departments. Im scared but also hopeful that it is the inexperience that prevents the most bad tendacies of the upcoming administration

[@romankvapil9184]

It means that a couple of the Republicans voted against Hegseth. Which means he's got to be on his best behavior and actually do the job and not just do whatever Trump tells him to do based on what he's feeling that day or he's definitely going to be out along with other congressmen that voted him in. It also means very bad news for RFK JR and Kash.

[@melissalayson7275]

​​@@romankvapil9184And Tulsi Gabbard too. I remember Zaid talking about in one of his videos that Hegseth is basically Alberto Gonzalez 2.0.

[@buickguyENC]

Thank you!

[@KeriRojas]

On point as always. Thanks for everything you do. I appreciate your reasoned commentary.

[@tabquoise1]

I actually love that America is a mix media of different cultures, colors and creative souls. I am so F-ing tired of these rasist shite heads. I hope for us that do give a shit, to come out of this stupidity stronger! stay strong everyone and I wish for everyone's safety!

[@MirageIslander]

I just realized you were the dude that appeared in the Cowboy Bebop collab cover of the real folk blues omg

[@c.djinmyr]

I will say unless you absolutely need to do not change your gender markers for as long as you can. Do not out yourself for as long as you can. ✊🏻🏳️‍⚧️

[@ZaidTabani]

this

[@KnowhereMediaChannel]

Thank you! Love your take on everything...and your raps!

[@spookyfawn]

1. Happy to see that you spoke on the term limit thing because I see a bunch of people being like "omg he won't want to get out" and Trump going back to telling his Christian voters that they won't hsve to vote anymore. I'm pretty sure by around summer or when midterms roll around everyone would be done with him 2. Having people defend Elon doing the seig heil as "Oh he's on the spectrum he doesn't know what he's doing" is pretty ableist and disrespectful to those who are on the spectrum (btw before anyone comes for me, I have ASD as well) Elon giving the big ol heil is so cringeworthy but also incredibly concerning

[@carterblake-x3b]

yeah i wish meidas touch understands on the first part

[@GodswillUgwaJr]

your mix of facts and One Piece references is what my heart needs during this time

[@MindAndMorsels]

I needed this to snap me out of the pit I was slowly sinking into over this week. Thank you for the reminder that we can fight this. That hope is not lost 🙏

[@spacedragon4478]

People got to wake up! We have to have standards.

[@kmart1396]

I'm from MA, very rarely do I feel the need to contact my Reps simply because it feels like I'd be wasting their time fighting the good fight. Right now though, certain bills that they've set out like that dumb ass 3 terms bill and H.R. 7, I'd like to see more just news coverage about so the public can outrage about them. I can loving yell at my reps to go yell at the press about how fucked up they are, that feels like a good place to start in mitigating my fear over doomscrolling.

[@littlebadcat]

Thank you so much for being a voice of reason.

[@nab-rk4ob]

Thank you for the encouragement. I will stop the doom stuff and start encouraging

[@Rhyndrop]

Thank you❤

[@Sereniea]

Both the raven simone and shanks reference just... Just the smile i needed today aside from the rest of the show and all 💕

[@Moon_x_sun]

17:11 I would also like to add America is still apart of the UN and according to the UNs human rights, discrimination is illegal! So if anyone tries anything please go the UN and complain!

[@imberrysandy]

I also recommend the movie Animal Farm for people who is curious about the book, 1984. Animal Farm is originally a book by George Orwell if reading is more your speed.

[@mistyramsey1840]

I read both and was equally unhappy with each. Its like Orwell didnt want us to creep away from the horror that is reality for even a moment. Its not like it helped anything, like a warning could be heeded by such an erractic bunch. We doomed 😂

[@Tyrannoverse]

2:23 THANK YOU for doing what you do. Threads got me stressed the fuck out lmao!

[@MH-qb1tk]

thank you bro.

[@portmantologist]

You're way off the mark. Nazis don't deny being Nazis because they're afraid of the implications; it's because it's strategically advantageous for them. Fascists have spent the entire post-WWII period trying to sneak fascism back into the mainstream, and a major part of the strategy is rendering words like fascism, and comparisons to Hitler, Nazis and the Holocaust meaningless. They frivolously call Democrats fascists and Nazis at the same time complaining that Democrats call anybody THEY don't like a Nazi, they make ahistorical bad-faith arguments that the Nazis were left-wing, they pretend that the things they say and do don't actually mean what they very obviously and undeniably mean, and so on. The American public is very poorly educated about what fascism is, and what the Nazis believed, and that's no accident. That's the result of decades of deliberately muddying the waters. It's the same reason an embarrassingly large number of Americans think the Civil War was about "states' rights".

[@ZaidTabani]

this was quite literally the point I made in the video.

[@JohnBainbridge0]

FYI, the timestamps on this video are from the last FSTN.

[@ZaidTabani]

just tried to fix it!

[@JohnBainbridge0]

@@ZaidTabani Is fixed!

[@daometh]

thank you zaid

[@writerbyday]

Thank you for being a voice of reason in the chaos ❤. I feel empowered after watching your show and like I have energy to really focus on what I can change or fight for in this mess. It’s only January and we all need to pace ourselves and not get bowled over by their flurry of disasters and evil.

[@romankvapil9184]

It's very hard to keep focused when Trump is blitzing all of these insanely henious stuff and somehow, he's still being seen as popular for doing it even though it's going to really hurt the people supporting Trump the most in the end.

[@pf4877]

Its horrible for transgender people living abroad. I dont live in the us, but trump's order changes the sex on my passport and i cant get sex specific care with my insurance in the future. Its worse for other people who are married and living in countries that dont recognize same sex marriage. Trump is breaking those families apart becaue those governments will stop recognizing the marriage.

[@jadakis00]

Okay but like don’t forget the court doesn’t have teeth, they can say no to whatever it’s up to the president to respect their ruling

[@cozyoni1425]

Im once again here thanking Zed for helping me not spiral. At the beginning of the week I was nearly breaking down from everything my Twitter and TikTok FYP. I eventually took both of them off of my homepage so i wouldnt completely doomscroll. Sometimes i need to hear someone whos knows how this shit works say something.

[@TulipIris7244]

That third term thing is just a ruse to try and shade the fact that Trump is a lame duck.

[@melissalayson7275]

I can't believe Brian Tyler Cohen and Midias Touch fell for that ruse. Thankfully, Belle of the Ranch was smart enough not to fall for it. Seriously, Brian Tyler Cohen was going full Defcon 1 on third term ruse.

[@carterblake-x3b]

@@melissalayson7275 that's true is a good thing there's people like you

[@darksiderahb]

Feeling very worried about the military now that Hegseth has been confirmed. Will be interested to hear your take on that on FSTN.

[@melissalayson7275]

I believe Zaid said that Hegseth is basically Alberto Gonzalez 2.0. We have the playbook to deal with him too.

[@darksiderahb]

Wasn’t he Sec of State, tho?

[@melissalayson7275]

@@darksiderahb Attorney General but there are similarities between him and Hegseth. Including wanting to torture people. It was Donald Rumfeild who was in charge of the military and we have the playbook to defeat him too.

[@Wondershock]

"Don't drink the poison just to feel like you're doing something."

[@RFever]

Dude. You might potentially save my life

[@gruntsghosts3885]

I'm going to have to disagree with you on Elon. He knew what he was doing. Elon has shown public support for Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right political party in German that uses Nazi images and gestures in their ads. He's shown support for Tommy Robinson, a former member of the fascist British National Party (a party that draws inspiration from Nazis like it's paramilitary Combat 18) who is currently in prison for assaulting a police officer among other crimes. And of course Elon platforming Neo-Nazis on Twitter, like Andrew Anglin, sharing and retweeting white nationalist and far-right propaganda, and you can't see anything he's doing except as a Nazi salute.

[@ZaidTabani]

Those are fair points I guess what I’m trying to get across is there’s this very insidious disinformation campaign a lot of racists pull out to try and pretend they’re in a new costume. They make the old movement seem evil but this new movement- oh no it’s completely different! And they change the imagery but adopt the vibe. And any time they get close to the old imagery they act as if it’s insane to compare them. “Those guys are the WORST of monsters you’re going to compare me to that? You’re crazy” “I’m not the Joker! That guys insane and violent and lives by a fucked up code! I instead flip a coin to see if the person lives or dies. And I used to be the DA!” I don’t want Elon to hide behind that shit. Nor any of these assholes.

[@gruntsghosts3885]

@@ZaidTabani Yeah, that I agree with you on that. I'll even say that none of these groups and people are Nazis in the sense that they aren't card carrying members of the party are instead copy-cats mixing in Nazism and the racism of the KKK and the post-9/11 nationalism of the Bush era to create a new, more dangerous, horrible monster. If Elon didn't have a history of liking and promoting Nazi inspired people and ideas, the "we don't know what he was thinking" side of the debate might have more credit. But with all the context we have about him, we got enough information to make a sound judgement that this was a purposeful action made to signal to his Neo-Nazi, White Nationalist, and Fascist fans that they got a voice in the highest power in our nation.

[@gonzar09]

Have an autistic son. Wanna guess how many times he has ever done something like that?

[@tetric15]

Zero. Right?

[@gonzar09]

@@tetric15 Winner, winner, chicken dinner. At his age, he's more interested in earning stickers.

[@tetric15]

I definitely noticed my mental health got a bit better once I stopped watching the news.

[@NotEmiliaNatsuki]

I don't see why mentioning that this kind of stuff has happened before is supposed to make me feel better. Like, ok cool. So they have already gone this far in the past and there is president for that. Good to know it's not unusual for things to get horrible and most Americans won't care.

[@ZaidTabani]

The reason I say it’s happened in the past is because history repeats and with a playbook of what was effective you can effectively improve on your mistakes and capitalize to push the needle forward. Generationally that just tends to happen where historical trends will cycle. Every cycle you try to improve on the last and if you can effectively implement those changes so people see the benefits, the culture changes and the improvements stick. We’ve had 3 cycles of no improvements and a forced cultural arbiter in Twitter. Technology and communication have improved drastically, but not social movements and problem solving- that happens when you have media change so drastically. Trying to make the world better is a process and not a destination. It will always be work. Like I said there will most certainly be a day where Trans people are accepted wholesale into society, and tribalism is minimized significantly(while a lot of that stuff is still active, it’s been trending downward at a higher rate over the last century). But there will still be times where things are bad, where they start to backslide, where you have to rebuild. You have to love the process of taking care of your community and building community and a functional world where a majority benefits. I’m not trying to be all “sweet and hopeful” here. That’s what it takes to reverse policy and win rights against fascism. It takes recognizing that everything- reform, revolution or revival- is a process. It’s supposed to make you feel better to know your hand can be active in shaping it as opposed to powerless as they tell you

[@ZaidTabani]

Sorry for being too wordy, it’s late and my ADHD on overdrive

[@Freezezonian]

another solid and thoughtful look at the bed we've been having to lay in. I've not been the most politically active beyond trying to be careful and thoughtful with my votes. and I can't promise I'll be really stepping up to the plate but I will try to push myself to start fighting a little harder for the future we all deserve. and as an attempt to take that small step back to fill my cup, I've been making sure to take time to learn Battletech alpha strike and play videos games. Hope you've been having chances to engage with your hobbies.

[@Dude07386]

22:10 lol that made me laugh more than it should've. Personally, i'm just worried about your health because i don't wanna see you overwork yourself, and then burn out. It can be tough to find a good balance of work and relaxation, particularly for content creators because they are their own boss. As a viewer i'd rather watch 1 or 2 videos a week, for however many years you wanna make content, than watch a video 5 times a week for a year and you burnout and disappear because you can't keep up that work pacing. Just trying to make sure you have a good work/life balance that you can keep up for the long haul, because i really enjoy your content. Thank you for continuing to make videos, and still be a voice of reason. Take care of yourself Zaid.

[@0utJ4nd3r]

Sorry I had to pause the video to hear from my sister that my Dad is dying a slow painful death because his doctor denied him care. Great video, keep it up, Imma order a Luigi costume for the next meeting with the doctor.

[@cindygr8ce]

The problem is OUR LEADERs are either capitulating OR focused on the entirely wrong thing. The news should be informative not comforting. Because sometime panic might be necessary

[@cindygr8ce]

@@melissalayson7275 I guess I mean panic as in those who voted and always vote based on vibes to panic so they will listen when told they have to join us in acting to fight back. I don't watch and if the idiots in legacy media and have turned off most Internet media. The fact the Channel who spent 2o yrs calling themselves the home of progressives have dropped to their knees to maga claiming st least trump is anti war as the war is finally able to focus almost solely on the West back

[@melissalayson7275]

And I don't think they are fully capitulating just picking their battles.

[@cindygr8ce]

@@melissalayson7275 no i dint think they are. Capitulating is prob incorrect as well. I think they dont give a shit. A few do but most are agnostic at best as long as they r ok

[@melissalayson7275]

@cindygr8ce I disagree on how the panic is good. Most of the time, panic causes people to check out, and it is demoralizing as well. You are confusing panic with fear. A little fear is healthy, but not if it causes paralyzing panic. Our situation will become worse if people completely check out from this.

[@ryankelley6469]

Thanks Zaid, I'm gonna call this administration Trump #2

[@youshouldreadmore6382]

I've been calling it the Trumper Cleaveland years.

[@darthmeticulous6901]

@@youshouldreadmore6382 “Groper Cleaveland.”

[@ichasepaper954]

I live in Florida, man.. Between that and doomscrolling im just fried fr

[@temtem8110]

Brother, listening to you speak feels like holding someone’s hand and have them lead you out of a swamp. I tried to be reasonable but being trans immigrant with a target on my back did take its toll. You breaking down this mess gave me room to breathe. I can recoup and find ways to get involved. Thank you 🙏 we will get through this shitstorm

[@queenannsrevenge100]

And just think! Only 1400 more days of this kind of week! 🤪

[@Endomarru2012]

already calmed me down didn't watch it thanks zaid

[@behrmann9431]

a friday episode like this is awesome since we don't get Phil.

[@mewimewww]

You have been the only channel thats keeping me from spiraling as a trans autistic person, thank you for what you do and please keep it up!

[@lulu_TheWitchBoy]

“Fear and anxiety. They always lead the people astray” -Louis from Metaphor: ReFantazio

[@maki9396]

You know it's bad when he doesn't start by rapping 😮

[@cindygr8ce]

You MUST enjoy the Schadenfreude where you can....

[@publicspeaker4009]

16:14 I really should watch one piece ain’t no way I’m still avoiding spoilers in 2025

[@MintyAndee]

My conspiracy theory is Mr. Musk gave a nazi salute so we’d stop making fun of them for being bad at video games.

[@evergirl1231]

Nazis in germany in the past didnt like to be called nazis either

[@i-1044]

We all need to take a deep breath and mind our hot takes. Don't let them tell us what we should talk about. We decide what they need to talk about.