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aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com CBD: cbd at cutjibnewsletter.com Buck: buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com joe mannix: mannix2024 at proton.me MisHum: petmorons at gee mail.com J.J. Sefton: sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com | Speaker Johnson Lays Down for Chuck Schumer on the BudgetHere's how I view this: There is no point in becoming angry about things you don't have the capacity to change. That's why the left experiences so much more mental illness than non-leftists: They are indoctrinated to be angry and upset about everything, even... the weather. There is zero chance that a Republican will ever take a risk on a shutdown before an election. Zero point zero zero percent chance. So, Johnson made a deal. We all knew this would happen, we all know there is nothing we can do or say to put some backbone into these people, so there's no point becoming emotionally invested in this Planned Failure. Just lodge one's objection and move on. Not because they deserve leniency, but because we all deserve to be mentally healthy.
GOP fiscal hawks are castigating Johnson. Barely related: Barclays predicts a strengthening of the buying power of a dollar by 3% if Trump is re-elected for the second time. In a recent note to clients, strategists from Barclays Plc, including Themistoklis Fiotakis, have analyzed the potential financial implications of a second term for former President Donald Trump. The key takeaway: a robust 3% rally in the US dollar. The forecast is rooted in Trump's policy leanings, particularly in trade, fiscal matters, and international relations. One of Trump's hallmark policies, the imposition of tariffs, especially on Chinese imports, is a central factor in this projection. Barclays suggests that Trump's approach, including extending tax cuts from his first term and contemplating reduced support for NATO, signals a significant shift from traditional policies. This could, in turn, bolster the dollar. The strategists highlight a scenario where a 10% tariff on all goods entering the US, if unreciprocated, could lead to a 2-3% increase in the dollar's effective exchange rate. Additionally, Barclays anticipates a 1-1.5% rise in the dollar for every additional 1% increase in US GDP. The forecast also suggests that a weaker commitment to NATO could result in a stronger dollar due to increased risk premiums in other currencies, particularly in Europe. Comments(Jump to bottom of comments)1
1st
Posted by: GF at March 21, 2024 03:15 PM (aJxr8) 2
I remember the bloated $2T budgets under Clinton.
And of course since then the Rs have controlled congress/presidency about half the time and yet here we are with a budget 3X or 4X that... Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:16 PM (ibTVg) 3
He doesn't have the votes to shut it down, nor the stones.
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at March 21, 2024 03:16 PM (YRsIm) 4
Hmmmm
Posted by: lin-duh at March 21, 2024 03:16 PM (pVjQs) 5
There is no political coalition to cut spending.
Republicans are just mouthing off when they say they will. Democrats don't even bother lying anymore. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:17 PM (yikga) 6
Read the post, rookie mistake.
Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:17 PM (xaFKb) 7
It's who they are
Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 03:17 PM (N1tpc) 8
It sucks, but I don't see how Johnson had any choice. The budget conservatives in the house aren't even a majority on the Republican side, and with only a 2 vote margin, Johnson has no leeway to stand tough on anything that his own side isn't overwhelmingly behind.
He's playing a very weak hand, and I'm just gratified he had enough support to block the Ukraine funding bill. As you say, Ace, there was no way this budget bill wasn't going to pass. Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2024 03:17 PM (i9ffA) 9
Disappointing but not surprising.
Posted by: Jordan61 at March 21, 2024 03:18 PM (DRSnL) 10
Yes, Johnson was eventually gonna cave to avoid a shutdown during an election year. That was as much a given as a male feminist being a toxic rapist or Obama's dead chef knowing what Obama's dick looks like.
But did Johnson do anything to try to improve his negotiating position? Did he get any concessions at all from Democraps? I suspect the answers are "no" and that's why conservatives are pissed. Posted by: Elric Blade at March 21, 2024 03:18 PM (iFTx/) 11
More, with no time to look, how much silly crap is in this bill?
Things like... oh... the already passed shut off switch for you cars? Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (xaFKb) Posted by: Anna Puma at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (G0qF2) 13
Again at any point the party that controls the house can slash the budget. Send a spending bill per department and wait until the ones you don't care about funding like HUD or DoE and then cut their budgets in half.
Then the Senate/President can have half the budget for that department or none of the budget their choice. Of course at this point I know the Speaker doesn't have the votes and no R is going to take this risk right before an election. Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (ibTVg) 14
He doesn't have the votes to shut it down, nor the stones.
He has a minuscule vote margin. Yeah, I can't imagine why he didn't go to the mattresses. Posted by: Archimedes at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (CsUN+) 15
The only thing more naive than a conservative voting for a "moral" candidate is a conservative voting for a candidate because they said they'll cut spending.
The first is just ignorance. The second is willful ignorance. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (yikga) 16
Waiting at doctors to have a test injection in my lumbar (L5) and they are starting with the coofvid questionnaire again. ...it's spring in Texas., aka peak allergy season.
Posted by: lin-duh at March 21, 2024 03:20 PM (pVjQs) 17
I'll go even further; there's no point being a "fiscal hawk" anymore. The deals done, the debt is going to balloon, it's 30 years too late to do any fucking thing about it. Accept it's all going to collapse and spend as much as you can till the bad day comes.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2024 03:20 PM (i9ffA) 18
Re-elected for a third time, you mean.
Posted by: JSchuler at March 21, 2024 03:20 PM (l6eKM) 19
The writing is so great
"a critical juncture in the intricate dance of American politics, especially under the looming shadow" I weep at its sheer majesty. Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 03:20 PM (ogTiX) 20
There is zero chance that a Republican will ever take a risk on a shutdown before an election. Zero point zero zero percent chance.
So, Johnson made a deal. We all knew this would happen, we all know there is nothing we can do or say to put some backbone into these people, so there's no point becoming emotionally invested in this Planned Failure. ----------------------------------------- That's why the Republicans always lose on these budget deals. The Democomies know they have no balls Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:21 PM (A5THL) 21
A looming shadow called Inverness?
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 21, 2024 03:21 PM (G0qF2) 22
14 He doesn't have the votes to shut it down, nor the stones.
He has a minuscule vote margin. Yeah, I can't imagine why he didn't go to the mattresses. Posted by: Archimedes at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (CsUN+) I think he has a 2 person margin... I'm not gonna fault him on this one.. The other "Bipartisan" bill with the border crap in it... I will blame him if it goes through Posted by: It's me donna at March 21, 2024 03:21 PM (Akjoo) 23
BOHICA
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at March 21, 2024 03:21 PM (R4t5M) 24
... calling on their GOP colleagues to reject the appropriations package if it lacks conservative border security policy that hard-liners have pushed for all Congress.
------------- It's amazing how no "hard-liners" have EVER existed on The Left. Of course, the MDM-NSM gaslighting will continue until morale improves ... Posted by: ShainS -- Blood-Bath-and-Beyond angel investor at March 21, 2024 03:22 PM (UCiQg) 25
There is zero chance that a Republican will ever take a risk on a shutdown before an election. Zero point zero zero percent chance.
So, Johnson made a deal. We all knew this would happen, we all know there is nothing we can do or say to put some backbone into these people, so there's no point becoming emotionally invested in this Planned Failure. Just lodge one's objection and move on. Not because they deserve leniency, but because we all deserve to be mentally healthy. ++++ This is basically where I am. This sucker's going down and there is nothing I can do to stop it. I am just going to try to enjoy the decline. Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at March 21, 2024 03:22 PM (HnUIn) 26
*MDM-MSM
Posted by: ShainS -- Blood-Bath-and-Beyond angel investor at March 21, 2024 03:22 PM (UCiQg) 27
...so, it's a clever trap that Biden, Shumer and the other villains just walked into? Cunning on our part. 3%! Who do I send my matching Republican Bloodbath Fund contribution to now that Ronna and the girls aren't in charge anymore? Posted by: Auspex at March 21, 2024 03:22 PM (j4U/Z) 28
The strategists highlight a scenario where a 10% tariff on all goods entering the US, if unreciprocated, could lead to a 2-3% increase in the dollar's effective exchange rate. China wants to send unassembled battery powered car parts to Mexico to avoid tariffs. Trump has promised a 100% tariff on them if they enter the USA. That's a shitload of money. Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (RKVpM) 29
MDM = Mentally Deficient Midwits?
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (G0qF2) Posted by: nurse ratched at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (z94BK) 31
There is no political coalition to cut spending.
Republicans are just mouthing off when they say they will. Democrats don't even bother lying anymore. IMO the answer is targeted cuts. There is no coalition you can build for broad cuts because every interest group will rally to stop you. So pick crap that ONLY goes to leftists and zero that out. No its not enough to fix our spending addition, but it isn't about that...its about taking funding away from your enemy. Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (ibTVg) Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (nFnyb) 33
17 I'll go even further; there's no point being a "fiscal hawk" anymore. The deals done, the debt is going to balloon, it's 30 years too late to do any fucking thing about it. Accept it's all going to collapse and spend as much as you can till the bad day comes.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2024 03:20 PM (i9ffA) Like being a libertarian, or small government conservative, or federalist. With rare (judicially imposed) exceptions, all those fights have been decisively lost. Absent a complete collapse, we're not going back to any of that. Posted by: The fat lady has sung at March 21, 2024 03:24 PM (q7MKs) 34
There is no point in becoming angry about things you don't have the capacity to change.
There is, however, reason to file that incident away - so as to not support the same bunch that consistently pisses down my back and tells me its raining. Nope, I can't stop the GOP from being the GOP. I can, however, not support them. I can also call bullshit on those who keep telling me "binary choice". Nope, a lot of times its a false choice. Like betting on the outcome of Hulk Hogan vs. Greg Valentine. Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:24 PM (qCepf) 35
We DO all deserve to be mentally healthy.
The harder they try to fvck us over, the harder we should prep. Don't waste energy on fretting. Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at March 21, 2024 03:24 PM (w6EFb) 36
Naked Jello Twister > The Twist > The Mashed Potato > The intricate dance of American politics
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (DeFcY) 37
And it seems there's ALWAYS an election coming up. I know it won't cure us of this, but if we repealed the 17th Amendment, we'd have substantially less of this terror of the dumbshit voter.
Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (DWqKI) 38
>>>Just lodge one's objection and move on. Not because they deserve leniency, but because we all deserve to be mentally healthy.
====== How I feel everytime I see a story about our open borders. I just pass it by, because there is no point in letting myself get worked up about it. Posted by: Turn 2 at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (JfxgE) 39
32
The Twist > The Mashed Potato > The intricate dance of American politics Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (nFnyb) the intricate dance of American Politics = $20, same as in town. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (ynpvh) 40
If what you're saying is, don't get a case of the vapors because the Republican Party is a fraud, I agree.
I already know they're a fraud. I expect them to do shitty things, because they're shitty people. I didn't expect Johnson to be anything other than what he is: a slightly less shitty Republican than a lot of the other Republicans. Budgets? Nah, those are for chumps. And by "chumps" we mean our great great great great great great great great grandchildren. It's your problem, suckas. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (dGCAG) 41
Blame the American public. For whatever reason shutdowns work against the party in charge. So you get the best deal that can pass and move on, hoping that if you win the senate and house, you can really move on priorities. Which by the way, Republicans failed to do last time.
However, I will say the fact that Johnson has done zero on the border except talk about it makes me think he's a coward. Our country doesn't have 8 months at the status quo. Posted by: Truthbomb at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (XYrRT) 42
21 A looming shadow called Inverness?
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 21, 2024 03:21 PM (G0qF2) I am Arch-Foe of the Questlords of Inverness Posted by: Zargothrax at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (tczCu) 43
And there is a direct line to here from all the "social liberal, but fiscal conservative" that the GOPe demanded be the only candidates because they were "electable."
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (yikga) 44
There is zero chance that a Republican will ever take a risk on a shutdown before an election. Zero point zero zero percent chance.
======= Because they buy into the spin that if FDA inspectors aren't funded fully 100% of the time, then the voters will blame the GOP, so they must cede ground at all time. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (GBKbO) 45
He's playing a very weak hand, and I'm just gratified he had enough support to block the Ukraine funding bill. As you say, Ace, there was no way this budget bill wasn't going to pass.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2024 03:17 PM (i9ffA) Our rulers are evil. And those that are at least marginally on the side of the people are far outbalanced. Shorter: We're screwed. Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (N1tpc) 46
He has a minuscule vote margin. Yeah, I can't imagine why he didn't go to the mattresses.
Posted by: Archimedes at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (CsUN+) When they have double-digit margins they never go the mattress. I've noticed - they've never, even when controlling the House, Senate, and White House ... never cut a dime from Planned Parenthood. Or a dime from NPR. Not even a symbolic cut. So what are we supposed to do ? Run out and give them a bigger margin so they can not do the same shit they've never done ? Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (qCepf) 47
Notably, the agreement sidesteps the contentious issue of foreign security aid, including critical funding for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
--------------- It's amazing how there's NEVER similar "critical funding" needed for, say, Israel ... or the Border Wall ... or ... ad infinitum. Of course, the MDM-MSM gaslighting will continue until morale improves ... Posted by: ShainS -- Blood-Bath-and-Beyond angel investor at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (UCiQg) 48
Barely related: Barclays predicts a strengthening of the buying power of a dollar by 3% if Trump is re-elected for the second time.
========= "This is proof that corporations are all in on Republicans and Biden should use the power of the state to destroy them." - Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (GBKbO) 49
I don't really care about the number attached to the budget. What concrete thing does this compromise give to the Dems?
Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (fKIdX) 50
44 There is zero chance that a Republican will ever take a risk on a shutdown before an election. Zero point zero zero percent chance.
======= Because they buy into the spin that if FDA inspectors aren't funded fully 100% of the time, then the voters will blame the GOP, so they must cede ground at all time. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:26 PM (GBKbO) Repubs wave the white flag more often than the French. Prove me wrong. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (ynpvh) 51
Yup, thanks Ace. It's the GOP. It's all totally predictable. Nothing to get worked up about.
Accept it, and move on. Getting mad about them isn't gonna change these polesmokers, because they hate you, and when you get mad at them all they do is laugh. Once people figure that out, they can figure out the next step - to quit voting Republican. They won't be laughing then. Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (0FoWg) Posted by: Doof at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (c4G2h) 53
Because they buy into the spin that if FDA inspectors aren't funded fully 100% of the time, then the voters will blame the GOP, so they must cede ground at all time.
In the town next door they went on a spending orgy and now they want to raise property taxes by 25%. Watching the debate is fascinating. For example, they can't instead fire their new Sustainability Officer, but if they don't get their tax increase they will lay off a bunch of teachers. Funny how that works isn't it? Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (ibTVg) 54
Note to self: increase holdings of gold, long shelf-life food, brass.
Posted by: Paco at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (njExo) 55
52 Johnson is Flaccid on Budget
Posted by: Doof at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (c4G2h) ======= I don't get it. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (GBKbO) 56
A real opposition Party would be elated at the prospect of shutting down the government. Forever.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (0FoWg) 57
Since this post is pointless, I'll comment on the prior post - any chance a 2nd Biden admin will extradite US citizens who run afoul of the new Scottish wrongthink laws?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (nGTx5) 58
Johnson is Flaccid on Budget
Posted by: Doof at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (c4G2h) ======= I don't get it. He's saying he thought being speaker would be harder Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (ibTVg) 59
Of course at this point I know the Speaker doesn't have the votes and no R is going to take this risk right before an election.
Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:19 PM (ibTVg) Honestly, I don't even think elections have anything to do with it. The R Party just isn't interested in fiscal responsibility. When they say they are, they're lying. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (dGCAG) 60
52"Speaker Johnson Lays Down on Budget"
In other words... Johnson is Flaccid on Budget Posted by: Doof at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (c4G2h) So...is that saying he made his bed and now he's sleeping on it? Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (ynpvh) 61
How many reincarnations would it take for one to count to a trillion?
Also how many virgins does a Hamas fighter get when he dies? Maybe inflation affects those sex slaves. Posted by: Humphreyrobot at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (J8LnB) 62
53 In the town next door they went on a spending orgy and now they want to raise property taxes by 25%. Watching the debate is fascinating. For example, they can't instead fire their new Sustainability Officer, but if they don't get their tax increase they will lay off a bunch of teachers.
Funny how that works isn't it? Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (ibTVg) ======== We're seeing this behavior in universities as well. "We don't like your use of DEI. We're going to decrease your budget by the number of dollars that you spend on DEI." "Okay. We're keeping DEI, and we're cutting student services instead." Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (GBKbO) 63
Since this post is pointless, I'll comment on the prior post - any chance a 2nd Biden admin will extradite US citizens who run afoul of the new Scottish wrongthink laws?
He sent a family that fled the current National Socialists in Germany back so...yeah. Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (ibTVg) 64
Shutting down the government is more popular than people think.
Especially when the government is solely to blame for just about everything. In fact, caving tells voters "What's the difference" And they are right, there is no difference. Posted by: RealityMain at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (xsWV3) 65
And it seems there's ALWAYS an election coming up. I know it won't cure us of this, but if we repealed the 17th Amendment, we'd have substantially less of this terror of the dumbshit voter.
Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:25 PM (DWqKI) Also 16th and 19th. And parts of the 14th and 15th, at least as applied. But it doesn't matter anyway. Remedial measures are futile at this point. We are completely, thorough, utterly, and proper fucked. Posted by: It became a murder-suicide pact at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (tczCu) 66
57 Since this post is pointless, I'll comment on the prior post - any chance a 2nd Biden admin will extradite US citizens who run afoul of the new Scottish wrongthink laws?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (nGTx5) It'll be the Scottish Rendition of Americans. Which is to say, rendition, CIA style. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (ynpvh) 67
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) says he will hold up a $1 trillion “minibus” spending package that needs to pass by the end of the day Friday to avoid triggering a partial government shutdown.
“I will hold it up primarily because we’re bankrupt, and it’s a terrible idea to keep spending money at this rate,” Paul told The Hill on Wednesday. Always the stinker. Always the asshole. Now he just wants the spotlight without doing any work. I guess Putin gave him his marching orders to hold up the budget. I so wish someone opens the door and exposes these unamercian Russian agents! His neighbor should be appointed Sergeant at arms in the Senate. And the lying asshole never said a peep when Trump added 8 trillion to the US debt. Tells you all you need to know about the partisan hack. We need to get rid of congressional rules that allow one person to shut things down. That sounds like the opposite of Democracy to me. The national debt is $34.5 trillion, you say? Which president was it that made most of that debt, Randy? But you're going to make the rest of us pay for that, by golly! Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (JCZqz) 68
Senate Rs laid down on the budget and said they wouldn't support the House.
The House has 100 R Uniparty members. Johnson has a 2 vote majority, so there actually more than 2/3rds of the House against him. Any bill can be released with 2/3rd of the House, so he couldn't EVER stop this. He got a bill that gives us SOMETHING (cutting off funding to the UNWRA is a win, even if a tiny win) and stuck to the same topline budget number. I'm happy with him. He made the best of a bad situation, and didn't get in the way of Trump's run... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (exHjb) 69
Johnson is Flaccid on Budget
Posted by: Doof at March 21, 2024 03:27 PM (c4G2h) ======= I don't get it. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (GBKbO) Nobody gets any when there's a flaccid ding-a-ling Posted by: Doof at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (c4G2h) 70
17 I'll go even further; there's no point being a "fiscal hawk" anymore. The deals done, the debt is going to balloon, it's 30 years too late to do any fucking thing about it. Accept it's all going to collapse and spend as much as you can till the bad day comes.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2024 03:20 PM (i9ffA) ———- Once Gingrich was forced out, fiscal responsibility was gone. I’m just recalling Graham Rudman, the Concord Coalition and all those other efforts and I’m having a good belly laugh right now. Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (++4z6) 71
Democrats are evil.
Republicans are useless. Posted by: Glenn John at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (nvKZ7) 72
Also how many virgins does a Hamas fighter get when he dies?
Maybe inflation affects those sex slaves. I don't understand Mr...Satan?...is it? Why are you handing me these 72 raisins? Posted by: Some Jihadi after exploding at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (ibTVg) 73
61 How many reincarnations would it take for one to count to a trillion?
Also how many virgins does a Hamas fighter get when he dies? Maybe inflation affects those sex slaves. Posted by: Humphreyrobot at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (J8LnB) It takes longer and longer as the numbers get bigger and bigger to say each number (with obvious exceptions). Hamas fighters get plenty of virgins, all of them OTHER hamas fighters. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (ynpvh) 74
"Speaker Johnson Lays Down on Budget"
I don't wanna be the obnoxious language Nazi two days in a row, so I'm gonna leave it to someone else to point out the usage error in this headline. Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (9yWhg) 75
Again, blame the American public. Nobody wants to give up their slice of government cheese. Of Republicans were smart they'd just declare a % cut across the entire budget. Everybody feels the pain. The only change I want is to defund the ATF, EPA and set the DoJ and FBI budget to $5.
Posted by: Truthbomb at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (XYrRT) 76
>>>"Okay. We're keeping DEI, and we're cutting student services instead."
Anyone notice that RDS and the FL GOP structured their bill so that Florida universities can't play that game? Or no, because we had to have Trump and we're not supposed to notice another DeSantis "W". Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (DWqKI) 77
Wtf are we calling these budgets? Budgets are plans to spend money you have. The way the debt is going up, this is just a plan for what to put on the credit card.
Posted by: sniffybigtoe at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (JTwsP) 78
I am not being contrarian I hope you will see, but what would happen if if a deal were not made? Would there be that great of a benefit? Honest question here for the Horde…
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (PCK5/) 79
67 And the lying asshole never said a peep when Trump added 8 trillion to the US debt. Tells you all you need to know about the partisan hack.
We need to get rid of congressional rules that allow one person to shut things down. That sounds like the opposite of Democracy to me. The national debt is $34.5 trillion, you say? Which president was it that made most of that debt, Randy? But you're going to make the rest of us pay for that, by golly! Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (JCZqz) ======== 1. I suspect Rand did say a bunch about it at the time. He gets ignored a lot. 2. Mr Smith Goes to Washington is insurrection. 3. Trump is responsible for a lot, but it's not most. Not even close. Biden has done more than that by himself. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (GBKbO) 80
Since this post is pointless, I'll comment on the prior post - any chance a 2nd Biden admin will extradite US citizens who run afoul of the new Scottish wrongthink laws?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (nGTx5) I'll answer your question with a question: Is there any chance whatsoever Julian Assange is going to avoid getting extradited to the U.S., and imprisoned for the rest of his life? Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (dGCAG) 81
Speaker Johnson Lays Down on Budget, wiggles around a little, tenses his body, sighs, gets up to wipe off his crotch with Congressional toilet tissue, embarrassed by stain on slacks for the rest of the day. Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (nFnyb) Posted by: J.J. Sefton at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (x0n13) 83
56 A real opposition Party would be elated at the prospect of shutting down the government. Forever.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice Problem with that is all the wrong people are punished. The politicians get a paid vacation and get to plant themselves in front of the cameras and grandstand and bloviate. Posted by: nurse ratched at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (z94BK) 84
For funsies, calculate how long it'll take to pay off the national debt if you paid $1,000,000 a day, no interest, no additional borrowing.
We've been on a mafia "bust out" operation since Obama. And even they are shocked at how much they have been able to loot. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (yikga) 85
62 53 In the town next door they went on a spending orgy and now they want to raise property taxes by 25%. Watching the debate is fascinating. For example, they can't instead fire their new Sustainability Officer, but if they don't get their tax increase they will lay off a bunch of teachers.
Funny how that works isn't it? Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (ibTVg) ======== We're seeing this behavior in universities as well. "We don't like your use of DEI. We're going to decrease your budget by the number of dollars that you spend on DEI." "Okay. We're keeping DEI, and we're cutting student services instead." Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:29 PM (GBKbO) They should start by eliminating the salaries of town leaders who caused this mess. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (ynpvh) 86
76 >>>"Okay. We're keeping DEI, and we're cutting student services instead."
Anyone notice that RDS and the FL GOP structured their bill so that Florida universities can't play that game? Or no, because we had to have Trump and we're not supposed to notice another DeSantis "W". Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (DWqKI) ======== Man, you are living in primary times. We're well past that. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (GBKbO) 87
Senate Rs laid down on the budget and said they wouldn't support the House. The House has 100 R Uniparty members.
Johnson has a 2 vote majority, so there actually more than 2/3rds of the House against him. Any bill can be released with 2/3rd of the House, so he couldn't EVER stop this. Thank you for agreeing - the GOP is worse than useless, they're in on the fraud. So tell me again, why should I give a shit about their nominal leader in one chamber ? After all, your words, they're rotten to the core. Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (qCepf) 88
Note to self: increase holdings of gold, long shelf-life food, brass.
Posted by: Paco And booze. For use in barter. Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (9yWhg) 89
Boys, if you just contribute a little more to the RNC, they can increase their margin, and get around to
Posted by: Fairy Tales for the Especially Stupid at March 21, 2024 03:33 PM (q7MKs) 90
In the town next door they went on a spending orgy and now they want to raise property taxes by 25%. Watching the debate is fascinating. For example, they can't instead fire their new Sustainability Officer, but if they don't get their tax increase they will lay off a bunch of teachers.
Funny how that works isn't it? They always lay off teachers or cops. The citizens should pass an ordinance that council members the first be laid off in these circumstances. Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:33 PM (A5THL) 91
They should start by eliminating the salaries of town leaders who caused this mess.
I suspect anyone who made such a proposal in public would find that they were in violation of some law or other and the police officers who were getting paid would make sure to enforce that law to the letter and beyond... Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:33 PM (ibTVg) 92
87 Thank you for agreeing - the GOP is worse than useless, they're in on the fraud. So tell me again, why should I give a shit about their nominal leader in one chamber ? After all, your words, they're rotten to the core.
Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (qCepf) ======== And they can get what they want no matter what theater we get. But support Dan Crenshaw. We need all of Team Red to win! Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:33 PM (GBKbO) 93
31 There is no political coalition to cut spending.
Republicans are just mouthing off when they say they will. Democrats don't even bother lying anymore. IMO the answer is targeted cuts. There is no coalition you can build for broad cuts because every interest group will rally to stop you. So pick crap that ONLY goes to leftists and zero that out. No its not enough to fix our spending addition, but it isn't about that...its about taking funding away from your enemy. Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (ibTVg) Since Trump is a big spender, that's what he should do. Rand Paul as Senate leader will find it all, and the discretionary budget becomes much easier to actually reduce - entitlements and interest still go way up, so we're still screwed, but we kick the can a few yards. Biggest thing to fix entitlements is to limit to US citizens only and to increase Medicare age to match Social Security minimum age. The 2nd thing will end up with Rs never being elected again, but it would fix stuff. I'd suggest the former be tried 1st. Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:34 PM (exHjb) 94
I don't wanna be the obnoxious language Nazi two days in a row, so I'm gonna leave it to someone else to point out the usage error in this headline. - Bulgaroctonus
Just go lie down until you feel better. Posted by: Paco at March 21, 2024 03:34 PM (njExo) 95
I am not being contrarian I hope you will see, but what would happen if if a deal were not made? Would there be that great of a benefit? Honest question here for the Horde…
A big benefit. The same as if you're in a hole and simply stop digging. Oh, but it'd be painful. Some people would complain. Can't have that. What the Hell do we expect ? A Republican to make a hard choice ? Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:34 PM (qCepf) 96
I am not being contrarian I hope you will see, but what would happen if if a deal were not made? Would there be that great of a benefit? Honest question here for the Horde…
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (PCK5/) In this world, the one we live in? Of course not. One of the things that often doesn't get talked about is how damn near impossible fiscal responsibility is at this point. If you make the kinds of cuts that would be necessary to halt runaway deficits, the economy WOULD come to a grinding halt, people would die of cold and starvation in this country, and the nation would probably fall. Not an exaggeration. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (dGCAG) Posted by: Barack Obama laying down on a bench naked and face down at Man's Country at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (ibTVg) Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (9yWhg) 99
Does everyone understand that spending is locked in and will never decrease? Once you approach the problem from that perspective it makes it much easier to understand the madness.
We literally can't cut anything and we will never be able to. And to the people who persist in claiming that we can balance the budget they are living fantasy land. The only thing we can do is figure out what our personal priorities are and brace for impact. We may have 10 years left of deficit spending before it all crashes hard or it may be a bit more or less, but it is gonna crash and it is gonna crash hard. Think the lost decade in Japan. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (QNSds) 100
94 I don't wanna be the obnoxious language Nazi two days in a row, so I'm gonna leave it to someone else to point out the usage error in this headline. - Bulgaroctonus
Just go lie down until you feel better. Posted by: Paco at March 21, 2024 03:34 PM (njExo) It ain't a problem we can't handle. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (ynpvh) 101
I guess Putin gave him his marching orders to hold up the budget. I so wish someone opens the door and exposes these unamercian Russian agents Can we get them committed for paranoia? Because this Russian thing is crazy. Posted by: Piper at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (ZdaMQ) 102
87 Senate Rs laid down on the budget and said they wouldn't support the House. The House has 100 R Uniparty members.
Johnson has a 2 vote majority, so there actually more than 2/3rds of the House against him. Any bill can be released with 2/3rd of the House, so he couldn't EVER stop this. Thank you for agreeing - the GOP is worse than useless, they're in on the fraud. So tell me again, why should I give a shit about their nominal leader in one chamber ? After all, your words, they're rotten to the core. Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (qCepf) B/c there are 100 members who aren't Uniparty, and we have a chance to send a LOT more this election with Trump at the top. So many Uniparty Rs are retiring to try and give the Dems 26 state delegations in the House, so we FINALLY have a chance to swing this. This is the time. Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (exHjb) 103
>>>Man, you are living in primary times. We're well past that.
"You" are well past that. Some of us get our noses rubbed in it every day and we are definitely not "past that". Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (DWqKI) 104
Afternoon.
"warning of the potential for future generations to be burdened with federal debt." lolololololol sob sob sob sob Posted by: Robert at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (Ks/jN) Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (9yWhg) 106
100 94 I don't wanna be the obnoxious language Nazi two days in a row, so I'm gonna leave it to someone else to point out the usage error in this headline. - Bulgaroctonus
Just go lie down until you feel better. Posted by: Paco at March 21, 2024 03:34 PM (njExo) It ain't a problem we can't handle. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (ynpvh) better: It ain't no problem we can't handle. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (ynpvh) 107
Can we get them committed for paranoia? Because this Russian thing is crazy.
You know what would be funny? Go get some quotes from people like McCarthy in the 50s and ask modern leftists if they agree with them Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (ibTVg) 108
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
John 16:13 Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (a1CRn) 109
I think of all the things that have happened this last 15 years, the most telling of all to me were two in particular - and they might not be what you think:
1. The CDC saying you had to stay inside and couldn't visit people in the hospital or have funerals, but looting and rioting were each necessary for "public health" 2. During a shutdown, the Obama admin blocking the view of Mt Rushmore Posted by: ... at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (mf7Zu) 110
103 >>>Man, you are living in primary times. We're well past that.
"You" are well past that. Some of us get our noses rubbed in it every day and we are definitely not "past that". Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (DWqKI) ======== I'm here A LOT...and I see none of it here. None at all. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (GBKbO) 111
They always lay off teachers or cops.
Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:33 PM (A5THL) ===== And firemen. Because they want you to be scared your house will burn down with you and your family and your pets in it if you don't agree to pay more. Posted by: Jordan61 at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (DRSnL) 112
One of the things that often doesn't get talked about is how damn near impossible fiscal responsibility is at this point. If you make the kinds of cuts that would be necessary to halt runaway deficits, the economy WOULD come to a grinding halt, people would die of cold and starvation in this country, and the nation would probably fall.
Well there you go. We can't stop it, we can't even slow it down, or it'll crash. And if we do nothing, it'll crash. But maybe it'll crash on our grand-kids instead of us. That, my friends, has been the attitude of a certain generation or two for the last twenty years. Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (qCepf) 113
Problem with that is all the wrong people are punished. The politicians get a paid vacation and get to plant themselves in front of the cameras and grandstand and bloviate.
Posted by: nurse ratched at March 21, 2024 03:32 PM (z94BK) I don't think you're thinking of the same type of shutdown I'm thinking of. Punishment would be part of it. Fearsome punishment. Harrowing. Bone-chilling. Unspeakable. Rape dogs would be involved. Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (0FoWg) 114
They fellow from King Harvey's got a horrified look on his face because he's looking at. that gross advertisement just below him..
Posted by: Braenyard at March 21, 2024 03:38 PM (uxOXQ) 115
107 You know what would be funny? Go get some quotes from people like McCarthy in the 50s and ask modern leftists if they agree with them
Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:36 Yes! How do we do this? Posted by: Piper at March 21, 2024 03:38 PM (ZdaMQ) 116
He bravely surrendered
Posted by: Erebus- ex-killer whale at March 21, 2024 03:38 PM (51phj) Posted by: That gay couple that gave MPV to their adopted kids ands their dog at March 21, 2024 03:38 PM (ibTVg) 118
B/c there are 100 members who aren't Uniparty
-------- There are? I'd say it's probably more like 10. At a push. Even the ones that aren't have a LOT of potential. For example I don't think Sessions was Uniparty - I think he was "nudged" there. Posted by: ... at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (mf7Zu) 119
Speaker Johnson Lays Down on Budget, wiggles around a little, tenses his body, sighs, gets up to wipe off his crotch with Congressional toilet tissue, embarrassed by stain on slacks for the rest of the day.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (nFnyb) I'm old enough to remember when I was excoriated on this here very webzine for suggesting what was needed was a wartime consiglieri, and that Johnson ain't it. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (dGCAG) 120
Mike Johnson is Kevin McCarthy's mini me.
Squeaker masquerading as Speaker. If you vote at all-- after all what is there to vote For beyond the Orange Man ?-- vote against all incumbents. Posted by: Beyond Norman Parameters at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (zE1wq) 121
I don't think you're thinking of the same type of shutdown I'm thinking of. Punishment would be part of it. Fearsome punishment. Harrowing. Bone-chilling. Unspeakable. Rape dogs would be involved.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (0FoWg) Those poor dogs did nothing to deserve such humiliating defilement. Posted by: Leave those poor mutts out of it. The dogs, I mean. at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (tczCu) 122
112 Well there you go. We can't stop it, we can't even slow it down, or it'll crash. And if we do nothing, it'll crash. But maybe it'll crash on our grand-kids instead of us.
That, my friends, has been the attitude of a certain generation or two for the last twenty years. Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (qCepf) ======= I'd forgo every single program (including both SS and Medicare) and tax break in exchange for a balanced budget that must be adhered to for 100 years. But, I'm not representative of much. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (GBKbO) 123
Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
You find a way to fix that before your start bitching about not cutting spending. And every Republican that demands spending cuts without fixing that first is a grandstanding liar. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (yikga) 124
My impression is cities like to pay for the junk no one wants with income tax while paying for fire, police, schools and parks via the property tax.
Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (ogTiX) 125
If you make the kinds of cuts that would be necessary to halt runaway deficits, the economy WOULD come to a grinding halt, people would die of cold and starvation in this country, and the nation would probably fall.
Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (dGCAG) Watch and learn, gringo. Posted by: Javier Milei at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (Ks/jN) 126
123 Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
You find a way to fix that before your start bitching about not cutting spending. And every Republican that demands spending cuts without fixing that first is a grandstanding liar. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (yikga) ======== Telling them that they believed the lies of Ponzi Schemers doesn't work. Even though it's true. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (GBKbO) 127
God told you the world was full of frauds and false prophets. What did you think he meant?
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (a1CRn) 128
110 103 >>>Man, you are living in primary times. We're well past that.
"You" are well past that. Some of us get our noses rubbed in it every day and we are definitely not "past that". Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (DWqKI) ======== I'm here A LOT...and I see none of it here. None at all. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, Concur. Things were a little heated during the early primary season, but the Trump/DeSantis wars have seemed dead to me for quite some time. Posted by: Moron Analyst at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (JCZqz) 129
110 103 >>>Man, you are living in primary times. We're well past that.
"You" are well past that. Some of us get our noses rubbed in it every day and we are definitely not "past that". Posted by: spongeworthy at March 21, 2024 03:36 PM (DWqKI) ======== I'm here A LOT...and I see none of it here. None at all. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM (GBKbO) In 2016, I was rooting for Ted Cruz and was miffed at Trump for calling him "Lyin' Ted"...I got over it and voted for Trump. Those who supported Ron probably feel the same way, but when the time comes to vote, who ya gonna vote for? Biden? Ron? No rubbing noses in anything, just plain pragmatism. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (ynpvh) 130
Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
I look at it the other way to be honest. You can't in good conscience tell some retiree you need to cut SS when the government is paying welfare to illegals, paying to cut kids sex organs off, or giving money to Hamas. Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:41 PM (ibTVg) 131
129 Those who supported Ron probably feel the same way, but when the time comes to vote, who ya gonna vote for? Biden? Ron? No rubbing noses in anything, just plain pragmatism.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (ynpvh) ======== I was going to vote for Gary Johnson again, but then I got lost on my way to Aleppo. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:41 PM (GBKbO) 132
Currently watching my campus' Faculty Senate meeting.
Time for the Budget! Seems fairly decent for a university budget. We are not nearly in the same dire financial straits as many other schools. Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (7fElN) 133
A 3% increase in the dollar's strength if Trump's re-elected? Well, we'll probably burn through that before the inauguration party!
Posted by: Octochicken at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (oCS0o) 134
123 Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
You find a way to fix that before your start bitching about not cutting spending. And every Republican that demands spending cuts without fixing that first is a grandstanding liar. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (yikga) Once again I may come off as a contrarian, so I apologize, but what happens to the less affluent old people? Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (PCK5/) 135
Just go lie down until you feel better.
Posted by: Paco Hah! You win. Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (9yWhg) My problem is, then I'd prolly never get up. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (dGCAG) 136
1. The CDC saying you had to stay inside and couldn't visit people in the hospital or have funerals, but looting and rioting were each necessary for "public health"
2. During a shutdown, the Obama admin blocking the view of Mt Rushmore Posted by: ... 3. NPS OT to put barriers up at the Mall which is normally open 24/7. Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (cOq4q) 137
123 Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
You find a way to fix that before your start bitching about not cutting spending. And every Republican that demands spending cuts without fixing that first is a grandstanding liar. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (yikga) Thus, my suggestion to start by limiting all entitlements to US citizens only...this is finally politically viable, I think... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (exHjb) 138
Democrats are evil.
Republicans are useless. Posted by: Glenn John at March 21, 2024 03:30 PM (nvKZ7) HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY A lot of those Republicans are also evil. Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (N1tpc) 139
96 I am not being contrarian I hope you will see, but what would happen if if a deal were not made? Would there be that great of a benefit? Honest question here for the Horde…
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 03:31 PM (PCK5/) In this world, the one we live in? Of course not. One of the things that often doesn't get talked about is how damn near impossible fiscal responsibility is at this point. If you make the kinds of cuts that would be necessary to halt runaway deficits, the economy WOULD come to a grinding halt, people would die of cold and starvation in this country, and the nation would probably fall. Not an exaggeration. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (dGCAG) Accept all of this for argument's sake. The GOP could still make targeted cuts so that the budget reflects conservative policy priorities and defunds various leftist causes. Conservative Leviathan would be rather different than Progressive Leviathan. But the GOP won't even fight for that. Posted by: There's Only 1 Team in D.C. at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (q7MKs) Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (cOq4q) 141
Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
I look at it the other way to be honest. You can't in good conscience tell some retiree you need to cut SS when the government is paying welfare to illegals, paying to cut kids sex organs off, or giving money to Hamas. Exactly so. If there were a way to implement an ironclad agreement whereby EVERYONE takes a haircut, and any money saved would go to reducing the debt, I'd accept a cut in my SS. After all, I'm going to get one soon whether that happens or not. Posted by: Archimedes at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (CsUN+) 142
131 129 Those who supported Ron probably feel the same way, but when the time comes to vote, who ya gonna vote for? Biden? Ron? No rubbing noses in anything, just plain pragmatism.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (ynpvh) ======== I was going to vote for Gary Johnson again, but then I got lost on my way to Aleppo. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:41 PM (GBKbO) He shouldn't have made that left turn at Albuqueque... Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (ynpvh) 143
One of the things that often doesn't get talked about is how damn near impossible fiscal responsibility is at this point. If you make the kinds of cuts that would be necessary to halt runaway deficits, the economy WOULD come to a grinding halt, people would die of cold and starvation in this country, and the nation would probably fall.
Well there you go. We can't stop it, we can't even slow it down, or it'll crash. And if we do nothing, it'll crash. But maybe it'll crash on our grand-kids instead of us. That, my friends, has been the attitude of a certain generation or two for the last twenty years. Posted by: Factoids at March 21, 2024 03:37 PM We literally can't stop it. It took over $600 BILLION in Federal deficit spending in the 4th quarter to coax $400 BILLION in growth in the US Economy for that quarter. If we turn off that money spigot everything comes crashing down. We are fvcked. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (QNSds) 144
139 Accept all of this for argument's sake.
The GOP could still make targeted cuts so that the budget reflects conservative policy priorities and defunds various leftist causes. Conservative Leviathan would be rather different than Progressive Leviathan. But the GOP won't even fight for that. Posted by: There's Only 1 Team in D.C. at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (q7MKs) ======= One line outlawing tax withholding would be interesting. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (GBKbO) 145
Oh and that town next door? One of the arguments the pro-tax people are making is, "You got the benefit of fully funded schools but now you won't pay to make sure the next generation gets the same benefit?"
Of course that budget is 10X now but its all the same right? Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (ibTVg) 146
Let’s reduce the deficit by confiscating all assets of a members of Congress after their sixth year of service. I know it won’t put a dent in things but who cares?
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:44 PM (++4z6) 147
135 Just go lie down until you feel better.
Posted by: Paco Hah! You win. Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (9yWhg) My problem is, then I'd prolly never get up. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (dGCAG) That's what Life Alert™ is for. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:44 PM (ynpvh) 148
> Barely related: Barclays predicts a strengthening of the buying power of a dollar by 3% if Trump is re-elected for the second time.
I'm getting the impression that Big Bank (USA chapter) is shifting to Trump. Adding Barclay is confirmation. NY Dems hounding Trump without mercy or commonsense will go down in political history as the biggest own-goal evah. Posted by: mrp at March 21, 2024 03:44 PM (rj6Yv) 149
Watch and learn, gringo.
Posted by: Javier Milei at March 21, 2024 03:40 PM (Ks/jN) I hope it does work there. Of course, Argentina ain't the U.S. of A. if the world isn't interested in doing business in Argentinian pesos, you aren't going to have the same problems we would. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:45 PM (dGCAG) 150
145 Oh and that town next door? One of the arguments the pro-tax people are making is, "You got the benefit of fully funded schools but now you won't pay to make sure the next generation gets the same benefit?"
Of course that budget is 10X now but its all the same right? Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (ibTVg) No, I don't want to pay for illegal immigrants to get free meals from schools... things my children never got. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:45 PM (xaFKb) 151
136 1. The CDC saying you had to stay inside and couldn't visit people in the hospital or have funerals, but looting and rioting were each necessary for "public health"
2. During a shutdown, the Obama admin blocking the view of Mt Rushmore Posted by: ... 3. NPS OT to put barriers up at the Mall which is normally open 24/7. Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (cOq4q) In Kali, you couldn't go to church or synagogue, but topless and nudie clubs were safe. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:45 PM (ynpvh) 152
That's what Life Alert™ is for.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at March 21, 2024 03:44 PM (ynpvh) Assuming I have the strength to push the button. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:45 PM (dGCAG) 153
We never win.
Thank I just signed my contract today to help an outside contractor to the Military. I be the subject matter expert you are always hearing about. At least now I can continue buying food and shit in biden's America Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 21, 2024 03:46 PM (PQ4m2) Posted by: ... at March 21, 2024 03:46 PM (mf7Zu) 155
Thus, my suggestion to start by limiting all entitlements to US citizens only...this is finally politically viable, I think...
Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (exHjb) ——- Also no SS payment if you do not reside in the USA. Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (++4z6) 156
Look at the spending sometime. Take a good hard look at where it goes. There is no "cutting" our way out of this mess. Maybe 50 years ago we could have. Maybe.
Posted by: ... at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (mf7Zu) 157
At least now I can continue buying food and shit in biden's America
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 21, 2024 03:46 PM (PQ4m2) --- Hmmm. How much are you willing to pay for gray market shit? I might know a guy... Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (7fElN) 158
123 Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
You find a way to fix that before your start bitching about not cutting spending. And every Republican that demands spending cuts without fixing that first is a grandstanding liar. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (yikga) Really don't understand how it is that Congress can create rules that don't kick in for 10 years (looking at you, EPA!) but can't write a bill that changes Social Security or Medicare benefits at some point in the future that lets people prepare for it. Posted by: Octochicken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (oCS0o) 159
2. During a shutdown, the Obama admin blocking the view of Mt Rushmore
Posted by: ... Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (cOq4q) Well of course he did, he couldn't get those damn Ex Presidents to wear a mask! Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (xaFKb) 160
Eenteresting. Yeah, yeah, polls are meaningless.
Well-regarded Selzer poll (likely voters reached by phone), has Trump up +7 over Biden https://tinyurl.com/yr9xat26 Posted by: Archimedes at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (CsUN+) 161
No, I don't want to pay for illegal immigrants to get free meals from schools... things my children never got.
Posted by: Romeo13 That reminds me of the common Dem talking points...just because you paid off your unfair and horrible student loans doesn't mean we can't progress, and let the next generation avoid that terrible and unfair burden. Same with the human right of free health care! Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (JCZqz) 162
155 Thus, my suggestion to start by limiting all entitlements to US citizens only...this is finally politically viable, I think...
Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (exHjb) ——- Also no SS payment if you do not reside in the USA. Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (++4z6) Expats in Costa Rica hardest hit… Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (PCK5/) 163
If you want fix SS then halt the deduction tax and tell the people that were still paying that they will not get it.. then people who now collect SS if they did not pay into into it don't get a Nickle. The people who did pay into it continue to collect with no raises.
Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (A5THL) 164
In the end it's about ordered priorities. The welfare state has become too profligate, to the point it creates dependency. There are far too many people sucking off the taxpayers. There is no control over these programs and their budgets increase each year. We've wasted billions of dollars on NGO's who are assisting the breaking of our immigration laws. I've yet to see a single Republican suggest or even state these organizations will be barred from any government spending either now or in the future. Cutting social security is stupid. You want to restructure it to exclude people who are not citizens, especially SSDI which has become one giant fraud thanks to Congress, I'm listening. Especially the part where Congress allowed people to put their foreign born parents on it, who never paid a dime into it.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (a1CRn) 165
155 Thus, my suggestion to start by limiting all entitlements to US citizens only...this is finally politically viable, I think...
Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (exHjb) ——- Also no SS payment if you do not reside in the USA. Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (++4z6) Agree on both. Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (exHjb) 166
The GOP could still make targeted cuts so that the budget reflects conservative policy priorities and defunds various leftist causes. Conservative Leviathan would be rather different than Progressive Leviathan. But the GOP won't even fight for that.
Posted by: There's Only 1 Team in D.C. at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (q7MKs) Of course. What I would hope should be patently obvious though, is that the R Party isn't interested in fiscal responsibility. And haven't been for a long long time. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (dGCAG) 167
A lot of those Republicans are also evil.
Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 03:42 PM (N1tpc) I agree. George W Bush for one. John Cornyn for two. Both from my state. Posted by: Glenn John at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (nvKZ7) 168
I'm getting the impression that Big Bank (USA chapter) is shifting to Trump. Adding Barclay is confirmation. NY Dems hounding Trump without mercy or commonsense will go down in political history as the biggest own-goal evah.
Posted by: mrp at March 21, 2024 03:44 PM (rj6Yv) I note that as Trump climbs in the polls, the DOW keeps getting higher... may hit 40K today. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (xaFKb) 169
156 Look at the spending sometime. Take a good hard look at where it goes. There is no "cutting" our way out of this mess. Maybe 50 years ago we could have. Maybe.
Posted by: ... at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (mf7Zu ======== Our last chance might have been the Oregon Medicaid study. No better health results for people on the program than no insurance. No better financial outcome either. There was a small effect in terms of "feeling better about my healthcare". Huge study. Perfectly run. Showed that Medicaid didn't actually help people. Did any Republican ever use it as an excuse to try and dismantle it? Of course not. Because to propose such a thing is to hate poor people. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (GBKbO) 170
When they cast the biopic. I think Stormy Danials in a black wig could work as Nancy Pelosi. Posted by: Auspex at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (j4U/Z) 171
After all my historical reading, the Marxists are trying to break the economy to crash Capitalism
Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (fwDg9) 172
Current law provides that social security benefits will only be paid to the extent the trust fund and current OASDI tax receipts are sufficient to cover them.
Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (ogTiX) 173
I was going to vote for Gary Johnson again, but then I got lost on my way to Aleppo.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:41 PM (GBKbO) Reason actually had a funny video when they made fun of Johnson for that gaffe. Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (N1tpc) 174
Even the most rock-ribbed conservative retiree becomes a blue-belly communist once anyone suggests cutting their social security "they paid for."
You find a way to fix that before your start bitching about not cutting spending. And every Republican that demands spending cuts without fixing that first is a grandstanding liar. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (yikga) Nah. Won't work. Cut every single thing other than Soc Sec you can cut first, there is a lot of that, and maybe you'll get some agreement. But...people on SocSec were promised SocSec if they handed over their own money to the gov't for their entire working life. That's a very tough hump to get over no matter how much you hate Granny and Gramps. You understand nothing about human beings if you don't understand that. Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (nFnyb) 175
I'm old enough to remember when I was excoriated on this here very webzine for suggesting what was needed was a wartime consiglieri, and that Johnson ain't it.
Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (dGCAG) You were definitely prescient. Johnson is dogshit. Johnson is an insidious little worm who does not know who or what he really is. Bubble indeed. Posted by: Beyond Norman Parameters at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (zE1wq) 176
it's 30 years too late to do any fucking thing about it. Accept it's all going to collapse
"Barber Shop Conservatives." Boo hoo doom, all is lost. And you've shit yourselves again. You never once had any intention of doing anything about it. You're listing your excuses for being a League of Losers. The face at the end of the bar at the end of the world. Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (zdLoL) 177
171 After all my historical reading, the Marxists are trying to break the economy to crash Capitalism
Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (fwDg9) ======= Why does capitalism need crashing if it's inherently unworkable? Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (GBKbO) 178
That reminds me of the common Dem talking points...just because you paid off your unfair and horrible student loans doesn't mean we can't progress, and let the next generation avoid that terrible and unfair burden. Same with the human right of free health care!
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (JCZqz) Yeah, I could not afford College way back when, so I joined the US Navy.... FUCK them. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (xaFKb) 179
--
Hmmm. How much are you willing to pay for gray market shit? I might know a guy... Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (7fElN) Hey I am not a bigot...Did it fall off a truck? Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (PQ4m2) 180
There is a path out that is some pain but not "total collapse" pain that is the path we're on.
1) limit all entitlements and/or raise the age. Cut it back to only those eligible as originally drafted. 2) allow inflation to hold at 5%+ 3) massive investment and expansion of energy and manufacturing But we're on Max Pain, so F it all. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:51 PM (yikga) 181
Really don't understand how it is that Congress can create rules that don't kick in for 10 years (looking at you, EPA!) but can't write a bill that changes Social Security or Medicare benefits at some point in the future that lets people prepare for it.
Posted by: Octochicken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (oCS0o) B/c we're going bankrupt right now...and we just passed a Medicare drug policy that's going into effect this year and next that is gonna bankrupt us more...you can't kick the can... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:51 PM (exHjb) 182
You're welcome
Posted by: Mass retirement 'republicans' at March 21, 2024 03:51 PM (/6GbT) 183
I can't imagine going $1,000 further in debt every 100 days much less going 1,000 billion dollars further in debt in the same time frame. Gradually, then suddenly the inevitable approached on a dark and foggy night - the fog as thick as pea soup. She looked behind her as they approached, all in black hoodies and face coverings. / end bad Hemingway Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 03:51 PM (RKVpM) 184
And by the way, I'm tired of seeing Tunnel to Towers, a private organization, begging for money so veterans and first responders families, many who paid a high price, begging for money while these little shitbags from foreign countries go on social media and laugh about how Democrats are giving them everything they need. Oh yeah, and they are going to take peoples houses. I say fucking bring it. There are plenty of people who have been fighting wars for the last 20+ years with lots of skills. It'll be fun, like old times.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:52 PM (a1CRn) 185
I remember when we weren't allowed to drill for oil because "it's going to take 7 years". That was 50 years ago. Fucking leftard commie fucks.
Posted by: ... at March 21, 2024 03:52 PM (mf7Zu) 186
If you want fix SS then halt the deduction tax and tell the people that were still paying that they will not get it.. then people who now collect SS if they did not pay into into it don't get a Nickle. The people who did pay into it continue to collect with no raises.
Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (A5THL) As it is now, the average SSI payout is about $800 a month. The average SSDI payout is about $1500. I would assume most retirement payouts are around that amount, but vary greatly. Inflation has already rendered these programs damn near useless, if it is the only source of income for the people collecting. So... we're back to people dying of starvation and hypothermia. A fiscally "conservative" approach would have never had them be dependent on the government in the first place. Now that they are, the grinding halt so many people on the right clamor for, isn't going to be pretty. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (dGCAG) 187
Some years back here at the HQ the term “ Free Shit Army” was a constant, but seems to have fallen out of usage. In my opinion that phrase pretty much summarizes the Lefts strategy for overthrowing the country… and that Army is pretty much not native born, increasingly.
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (PCK5/) 188
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (GBKbO)
Funny.... I turn 65 next month, and just found out I was already signed up for Medicare. Luckily I had not thrown the card away as junkmail.... as I'd gotten LOTZ of 'sign up for Medicare' ads. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (xaFKb) 189
That nice looking economics professor at Stoney Brook says the government can just print as much money as it needs. From watching how government is acting, they are counting on her as being correct.
Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (ogTiX) 190
Current law provides that social security benefits will only be paid to the extent the trust fund and current OASDI tax receipts are sufficient to cover them.
Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM Yep and currently no one in congress is gonna touch that third rail with a 10 foot pole. So it will go on auto pilot and everyone drawing a check will get a 20% haircut all at the same time. Estimates are all over the place but based on current projections from the SS checks will be cut starting in 2033. I suspect that will happen sooner and I am planning accordingly. We are scrimping and saving to make out 30 year mortgage into a ten year mortgage to beat the rush as it were. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (QNSds) 191
After all my historical reading, the Marxists are trying to break the economy to crash Capitalism
Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 03:49 PM (fwDg9) --------------- "Just like the Great Depression was caused by capitalism & capitalists -- and then made even worse for years by that severe capitalist FDR's well-known.capitalist solutions, h8r!" Posted by: ShainS -- Blood-Bath-and-Beyond angel investor at March 21, 2024 03:54 PM (X8zAb) 192
188 Funny.... I turn 65 next month, and just found out I was already signed up for Medicare.
Luckily I had not thrown the card away as junkmail.... as I'd gotten LOTZ of 'sign up for Medicare' ads. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (xaFKb) ======= To be fair, the study was about Medicaid, the poor people program. It'd probably be the easiest to cut out completely of the three because it, again, doesn't actually benefit people in the aggregate, and you don't have the whole, "I paid into it" angle that members of the program can use. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:54 PM (GBKbO) 193
There are plenty of people who have been fighting wars for the last 20+ years with lots of skills. It'll be fun, like old times.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:52 PM (a1CRn) --- That one little factoid alone should keep TPTB awake at night... If and when those people ever decide to exercise those skills against TPTB, they are well and truly screwed. Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2024 03:54 PM (7fElN) 194
Also no SS payment if you do not reside in the USA.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (++4z6) Expats in Costa Rica hardest hit… ----------- Dittos - Israel, Mexico, Philippines, Guam, Thailand, Vietnam, and any other place we have or had military. Posted by: Pudinhead at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (FmapG) 195
Yep and currently no one in congress is gonna touch that third rail with a 10 foot pole. So it will go on auto pilot and everyone drawing a check will get a 20% haircut all at the same time. Estimates are all over the place but based on current projections from the SS checks will be cut starting in 2033.
I suspect that will happen sooner and I am planning accordingly. We are scrimping and saving to make out 30 year mortgage into a ten year mortgage to beat the rush as it were. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (QNSds) Yup, right when Gen X retirements start to peak...this is why Gen X has always been conservative. We know every generation has screwed us over, top and bottom... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (exHjb) 196
Republicans are always begging Dems to slam it to them hard and fast
Posted by: Grand Old Punks at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (pAy3l) 197
They fellow from King Harvey's got a horrified look on his face because he's looking at. that gross advertisement just below him..
Posted by: Braenyard at March 21, 2024 03:38 PM (uxOXQ) The worms coming out of the soles of someone's feet? Nightmare inducing stuff. Posted by: Lady Who Always Has a Burning Question at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (JCLJi) 198
There are plenty of people who have been fighting wars for the last 20+ years with lots of skills. It'll be fun, like old times.
Posted by: Marcus T ___ Heh. Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (TTcqD) 199
B/c we're going bankrupt right now...and we just passed a Medicare drug policy that's going into effect this year and next that is gonna bankrupt us more...you can't kick the can...
As a lot of people have said, there's no voting bloc for balanced federal budgets. Most of the well-over-29s here probably get Social Security and don't want to jeopardize it. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (2ocoG) 200
164 In the end it's about ordered priorities. The welfare state has become too profligate, to the point it creates dependency. There are far too many people sucking off the taxpayers.
The fuck!?!? Now I KNOW I'm not getting everything I'm entitled to, because there's NO ONE sucking THIS taxpayer off!!! Posted by: Moron Analyst at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (JCZqz) 201
To be fair, the study was about Medicaid, the poor people program.
It'd probably be the easiest to cut out completely of the three because it, again, doesn't actually benefit people in the aggregate, and you don't have the whole, "I paid into it" angle that members of the program can use. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:54 PM (GBKbO) Hospitals would all bankrupt...unless you let them turn away uninsured... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (exHjb) 202
Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:39 PM (dGCAG)
You were definitely prescient. Johnson is dogshit. Johnson is an insidious little worm who does not know who or what he really is. Bubble indeed. Posted by: Beyond Norman Parameters at March 21, 2024 03:50 PM (zE1wq) I probably deserved some of the pushback I got, I tend to use colorful language that isn't always very nice. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (dGCAG) 203
Funny.... I turn 65 next month, and just found out I was already signed up for Medicare.
Luckily I had not thrown the card away as junkmail.... as I'd gotten LOTZ of 'sign up for Medicare' ads. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM It's automatic unless you opt out. If you don't want Medicare Part B you have to sign and send in that card that came with your package. If you do opt out they will call you and make you physically go to a SS office to confirm your choice. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (QNSds) 204
>>> 186
== So... we're back to people dying of starvation and hypothermia. A fiscally "conservative" approach would have never had them be dependent on the government in the first place. Now that they are, the grinding halt so many people on the right clamor for, isn't going to be pretty. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 03:53 PM (dGCAG) But then how would you have hooked grandma and grandpa, even before you got all the stronk independent whammen hooked on big sugar daddy gubmint? I hope FDR is very hot where he is... Posted by: Helena Handbasket at March 21, 2024 03:57 PM (llON8) 205
164 In the end it's about ordered priorities. The welfare state has become too profligate, to the point it creates dependency. There are far too many people sucking off the taxpayers.
The fuck!?!? Now I KNOW I'm not getting everything I'm entitled to, because there's NO ONE sucking THIS taxpayer off!!! Posted by: Moron Analyst at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (JCZqz) --- Do we have to fill out a web form to get this government service? How often can we take advantage of this benefit? Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2024 03:57 PM (7fElN) 206
Huge study. Perfectly run. Showed that Medicaid didn't actually help people. Did any Republican ever use it as an excuse to try and dismantle it? Of course not. Because to propose such a thing is to hate poor people.
--- And Head Start. But we live in Retard Clown World PS: I'll bet good money the reason no Republicans touched that study is med insurance industry donations-- they get to offload the expensive part of the human life they've been extracting premiums from for decades onto the state. Win-win. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:57 PM (yikga) 207
199 B/c we're going bankrupt right now...and we just passed a Medicare drug policy that's going into effect this year and next that is gonna bankrupt us more...you can't kick the can...
As a lot of people have said, there's no voting bloc for balanced federal budgets. Most of the well-over-29s here probably get Social Security and don't want to jeopardize it. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (2ocoG) The last chance we had to get a balanced budget was killed by the folks who worked hard to convince everyone that Ross Perot was a Loon when he said his family had been threatened. You know... like the threats we constantly hear today? Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (xaFKb) 208
The ccomiecrats turned SS into just another welfare program when they changed to law to allow people who never paid a Nickle into the program to collect it.
Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (A5THL) 209
TJM how is it unworkable?
It survived well from 17u6 to tje depression when Socialism started to take root Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (fwDg9) 210
206 PS: I'll bet good money the reason no Republicans touched that study is med insurance industry donations-- they get to offload the expensive part of the human life they've been extracting premiums from for decades onto the state. Win-win.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 03:57 PM (yikga) ======== Paul Ryan will listen. He's a fiscal hawk. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (GBKbO) 211
"Heh.
Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (TTcqD)" That includes you. How you doing? Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (a1CRn) 212
199 B/c we're going bankrupt right now...and we just passed a Medicare drug policy that's going into effect this year and next that is gonna bankrupt us more...you can't kick the can...
As a lot of people have said, there's no voting bloc for balanced federal budgets. Most of the well-over-29s here probably get Social Security and don't want to jeopardize it. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 03:55 PM (2ocoG) Yup, whereas, I, a Gen-Xer as is my spouse, are already planning to not retire until...never...maybe 70s, if my spouse needs to. We see no healthcare from Medicare coming...nor any SS...and a LOT of inflation or a collapse (which would also screw us after all those saving years, but our kids, just starting out, would be okay)... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (exHjb) Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (TTcqD) 214
209 TJM how is it unworkable?
It survived well from 17u6 to tje depression when Socialism started to take root Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (fwDg9) ======== Much like your spelling of the, it's a joke. Be merry! Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (GBKbO) 215
It's all smoke and mirrors, dog and pony, flim flam budgetary made up bush league psych out horseshit.
The federal government is broke, busted and out of money and out of luck. Posted by: Hairyback Guy at March 21, 2024 03:59 PM (MHhQj) 216
I just saw the video of migrant camps in NY at ZH. Holy Cow. That's bigger than most FOB's I've seen.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:59 PM (a1CRn) 217
"How are you doing?
Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (TTcqD)" Doing all I can ma'am. God is good. Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 04:00 PM (a1CRn) 218
Paul Ryan will listen.
He's a fiscal hawk. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (GBKbO) Ah yes, Fiscal Hawk Ryan, whose only accomplishment was reconfiguring the Military Retirement system... which saved the Government money, meaning retirees got less. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (xaFKb) 219
216 I just saw the video of migrant camps in NY at ZH. Holy Cow. That's bigger than most FOB's I've seen.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:59 PM (a1CRn) ======== It's what the people of NY want. Good and hard. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (GBKbO) Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (n+4am) 221
Yup, whereas, I, a Gen-Xer as is my spouse, are already planning to not retire until...never...maybe 70s, if my spouse needs to.
I'm also Gen Xer with no plans to retire, and I have saved and invested a ton on the theory that government benefits will be fake and gay by the time I retire, whenever that is. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (2ocoG) 222
216 I just saw the video of migrant camps in NY at ZH. Holy Cow. That's bigger than most FOB's I've seen.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 03:59 PM (a1CRn) And of course those poor people are on their own to fend for themselves without any government aid or assistance at all… right? Right??? Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (PCK5/) Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (TTcqD) 224
The fuck!?!? Now I KNOW I'm not getting everything I'm entitled to, because there's NO ONE sucking THIS taxpayer off!!!
Posted by: Moron Analyst at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (JCZqz) I've heard you can call the Vice President's residence to sign up for that benefit. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:02 PM (2ocoG) 225
Not a whole lot we can do, and Johnson is dong his best considering. He held the line on the shitty border bill.
Posted by: Jeff Weimer at March 21, 2024 04:02 PM (cdY9j) 226
The ccomiecrats turned SS into just another welfare program when they changed to law to allow people who never paid a Nickle into the program to collect it.
Posted by: vic at March 21, 2024 03:58 PM (A5THL) Concur. What they need to do next is Means Test everyone that gets a check. All good welfare programs have a Means Test. Posted by: Hairyback Guy at March 21, 2024 04:02 PM (MHhQj) 227
The only change I want is to defund the ATF, EPA and set the DoJ and FBI budget to $5.
_____ $5 ? What far left commie f*ckery is this? It should be $1 Posted by: Overton Window at March 21, 2024 04:02 PM (nGTx5) 228
90% of my grift these days is in rubles, yuan and dinar.
Posted by: Joe B at March 21, 2024 04:03 PM (9kaNj) 229
Means Testing.. now there’s an idea that gets buried from several angles PDQ….
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 04:03 PM (PCK5/) 230
The ccomiecrats turned SS into just another welfare program when they changed to law to allow people who never paid a Nickle into the program to collect it.
To be fair, the concept that you'd get out what you put in was always bullshit fantasy. Money is fungible, and never moreso than when Democrats are involved. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:03 PM (2ocoG) 231
Decrepit Joe continued buying/shoring-up the yutes vote today, 'forgiving' another $6 Bn of college student loans. By October he'll be promising to cancel every dime of student loans if re-elected. Along with making college free for anyone breathing, with no HS degree, SAT score minimum, or any other entry requirement. The real and promised goodies are coming almost daily now. By October Decrepit Joe will be promising free marrywanna for every citizen and illegal in the country, canceling 50% of everyone's credit card, home, and auto loan amounts, and free apartment rental for everyone making less than $100,000.
Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (5fDan) 232
ep and currently no one in congress is gonna touch that third rail with a 10 foot pole. Why so short a pole? Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (n+4am) 233
I hope FDR is very hot where he is...
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at March 21, 2024 03:57 PM (llON ![]() Hopefully there's a cure for polio in hell. Then FDR can go through the long recovery process, do physical therapy to get the use of his legs back... and then have Satan give him polio all over again. Sorry, Frank, no wheelchairs down here, you gotta crawl to the chow hall. What's for lunch? Same as yesterday, shit sammiches. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (dGCAG) 234
One way to take an immediate saving to the US budget
Completely dismantle the entire military. All of it. No exceptions. The military hasn't served We The People in nearly a century, but has served only the interests of the MIC. There is no enemy on the face of the Earth that is so violent, hate-filled and destructive to our way of life than Babylon DC and all of its inhabitants, working day and night to undermine every tenet of the Founding Fathers, plundering, enslaving and humiliating We The People. And on the day that a coup d'etat was receiving the finishing touches? They erected a wall against the traitors and aimed their guns at We The People. Who needs to underwrite a military when there is nothing to defend except the comfort and power of the kleptoligarchy? Posted by: Unknown Drip Under Pressure at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (TfEvu) 235
The ccomiecrats turned SS into just another welfare program when they changed to law to allow people who never paid a Nickle into the program to collect it.
Social Security has always been a Ponzi scheme. There were recipients as soon as it was passed, the same time people started paying. It was set at 65 (IIRC) because back then, that was the average America life expectancy. Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (l8gTz) 236
>>>and currently no one in congress is gonna touch that third rail with a 10 foot pole.
Why so short a pole? Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (n+4am) Kamala ran off with all of the longer poles. Not sure why. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (2ocoG) 237
China wants to send unassembled battery powered car parts to Mexico to avoid tariffs. Trump has promised a 100% tariff on them if they enter the USA. That's a shitload of money.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (RKVpM) The best thing about that, is the tariffs would be paid primarily by the urban Leftards who want electric cars, and not by Trump's base. Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (tkR6S) 238
"Yes He is.
Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (TTcqD)" Praise Jesus. May He continue to keep us safe. He is all we need. Posted by: Marcus T at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (a1CRn) 239
221 Yup, whereas, I, a Gen-Xer as is my spouse, are already planning to not retire until...never...maybe 70s, if my spouse needs to.
I'm also Gen Xer with no plans to retire, and I have saved and invested a ton on the theory that government benefits will be fake and gay by the time I retire, whenever that is. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (2ocoG) I'm a GenXer who never really counted on SS, so my retirement will be okay without it. With it, thumbs up, even at the projected 25% cut projected in 2035. I started early. Posted by: Jeff Weimer at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (cdY9j) 240
Outside of SS I’m worried about the 401ks.
If that American Thinker article is correct we don’t actually own the funds in the 401k. And security instruments in there are leveraged to the hilt by the investment houses. What happens when the GenXers start withdrawing in large numbers? Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (++4z6) 241
I'm also Gen Xer with no plans to retire, and I have saved and invested a ton on the theory that government benefits will be fake and gay by the time I retire, whenever that is.
Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:01 PM (2ocoG) ===== Same. Posted by: Jordan61 at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (DRSnL) 242
I really suck typing on my phone, the keyboard is 1/2 the size of my tablet
And having trouble posting here Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (fwDg9) 243
Fuck that 'means test' right to hell. They start at billionaires, drop it down to millionaires the next year, then middle class in a heartbeat. Pretty soon the only people getting SS are the people who never worked a day in their lives. Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (RKVpM) 244
I have a feeling none of them will be sentenced to 20 years in prison:
@CollinRugg · 30m NEW: Riot breaks out at the Southern Border as 100 migrants rush the border, knock down guards and rip through the razor wire. The incident happened in El Paso, Texas. Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (IG4Id) 245
229 Means Testing.. now there’s an idea that gets buried from several angles PDQ….
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 04:03 PM (PCK5/) +++++ Means testing is the quintessential US Government approach - if you scrimped and saved for retirement, the means test says you'll get nothing and like it. But your counterpart who spent every penny gets the full amount. Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (ogTiX) 246
231 Decrepit Joe continued buying/shoring-up the yutes vote today, 'forgiving' another $6 Bn of college student loans. By October he'll be promising to cancel every dime of student loans if re-elected. Along with making college free for anyone breathing, with no HS degree, SAT score minimum, or any other entry requirement. The real and promised goodies are coming almost daily now. By October Decrepit Joe will be promising free marrywanna for every citizen and illegal in the country, canceling 50% of everyone's credit card, home, and auto loan amounts, and free apartment rental for everyone making less than $100,000.
Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (5fDan) What about my free Ukrainian hot bride? Posted by: Auspex at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (j4U/Z) 247
I'm also Gen Xer with no plans to retire, and I have saved and invested a ton on the theory that government benefits will be fake and gay by the time I retire, whenever that is.
--' Yup. And setting up where I'll be officially retired, for whatever SS is left (and I've already gamed that for the requisite quarters to get the max allowed) while income from cash and other non-reportable investments are the rest. Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (yikga) 248
If you ever watch old movies, say pre-WWII, one thing that leaps out at you is all the multigenerational households. Apparently, that was the norm or pretty damn close to it. And families members tended to live near one another. Neither is true now. To eliminate SocSec, I suspect that the multigenration home would probably have to make a comeback. And I doubt most people would see that as an optimum solution either. Next stop....Carousel!!! Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (nFnyb) 249
235 Social Security has always been a Ponzi scheme. There were recipients as soon as it was passed, the same time people started paying.
It was set at 65 (IIRC) because back then, that was the average America life expectancy. Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (l8gTz) ======= First recipient was 3 years after the start of the program, Ida May Fuller. She paid $24.75 into the program total in those three years. She received $22,888.92 over her retirement. But sure, it was originally totally about return on investment. You really need a government program for basic return on investment. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:07 PM (GBKbO) 250
224 The fuck!?!? Now I KNOW I'm not getting everything I'm entitled to, because there's NO ONE sucking THIS taxpayer off!!!
Posted by: Moron Analyst at March 21, 2024 03:56 PM (JCZqz) I've heard you can call the Vice President's residence to sign up for that benefit. Posted by: Ian S If I lied and told Madonna I voted for Hillary in 2016, she promised blow jobs...but I'd have to get a blowjob from Granny Madonna. And say I voted for Hillary. How humiliating. Posted by: Admiral Ackbar at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (JCZqz) 251
Yeah.
NPR - Biden cancels nearly $6 billion in student debt for public service workers UPDATED MARCH 21, 2024 3:13 PM ET 1 hour ago, WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - Foreign policy provisions in the $1.2 trillion spending plan unveiled by U.S. congressional leaders on Thursday included billions of dollars in military spending, concessions to Israel and a long-awaited extension of PEPFAR, a life-saving program to fight AIDS. Posted by: L - Ever defining their rope-a-dope tactics & evil at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (GshMh) 252
242 I really suck typing on my phone, the keyboard is 1/2 the size of my tablet
And having trouble posting here Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (fwDg9) ======= I hope you don't take the occasional poke of fun at your misspellings to heart. It's all just good fun. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (GBKbO) 253
Keep getting errors and can't handle requests
Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (fwDg9) 254
Outside of SS I’m worried about the 401ks.
If that American Thinker article is correct we don’t actually own the funds in the 401k. And security instruments in there are leveraged to the hilt by the investment houses. What happens when the GenXers start withdrawing in large numbers? Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM Our 401k is with the Federal government. We earned it during Civil Service time, it's called TSP but it is a 401k and if the government ever gets frisky about seizing 401k's ours will be the first to go. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (QNSds) 255
Posted by: naturalfake at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (nFnyb)
Going to Denver next week to get my Son... rents are so high he can no longer make it so he's moving back in with me for awhile. Out of the 12 Houses on my block, that will make it 7 Houses that have multi generational ADULTS living there. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (xaFKb) 256
Social Security has always been a Ponzi scheme. There were recipients as soon as it was passed, the same time people started paying.
Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:05 PM (l8gTz) ===== Here in WA we have a lovely new long term care program that went into effect this year. You pay 0.58% of your paycheck, and supposedly need to pay in for 10 years before collecting. But you also can apply to access the benefit starting July 2026. Which makes zero sense. Posted by: Jordan61 at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (DRSnL) 257
Thus, my suggestion to start by limiting all entitlements to US citizens only...this is finally politically viable, I think...
Posted by: Nova Local I'm a legal permanent resident, married to an American citizen for 24 yrs in April. My husband didn't want me to work, so I didn't. I recently turned 65 and I don't qualify for either pension or medicare. Other than illegals there are restrictions on some entitlements that are enforced. Posted by: old chick at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (sOete) 258
254 Our 401k is with the Federal government. We earned it during Civil Service time, it's called TSP but it is a 401k and if the government ever gets frisky about seizing 401k's ours will be the first to go.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (QNSds) ======= Wouldn't it be a 403(b)? Essentially the same as a 401(k) but for government workers. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (GBKbO) 259
If I lied and told Madonna I voted for Hillary in 2016, she promised blow jobs...but I'd have to get a blowjob from Granny Madonna. And say I voted for Hillary. How humiliating.
Right. If you can borrow Ace's time machine and get the beejer from 1984 Madonna that would be great, but current Madonna that looks like Skeletor with a hangover? No way. Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (2ocoG) 260
One thing for sure, we can all agree on is that we of the Horde are pretty much pissed off and fed up with DC… hopefully the masses will catch up…
Posted by: tubal at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (PCK5/) 261
Means testing is the quintessential US Government approach - if you scrimped and saved for retirement, the means test says you'll get nothing and like it. But your counterpart who spent every penny gets the full amount.
Posted by: Oglebay Didn't you read the story of the Grasshopper and the Ant? That poor grasshopper, and the heartless ant!!! If I were in charge, I'd make that ant share with the poor grasshopper!!! Posted by: Retarded Leftist Kids that miss the point at March 21, 2024 04:10 PM (JCZqz) 262
This is more than likely one, if not the primary, of the reasons our 'Speaker' took down his office's contact email address once he was installed. Like Billy Preston told us in song: "Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin' ... "
Posted by: Dr_No at March 21, 2024 04:10 PM (ayRl+) 263
Decrepit Joe continued buying/shoring-up the yutes vote today, 'forgiving' another $6 Bn of college student loans. Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (5fDan) The thing is, the yute vote is already lock-step Donk. He's not buying anything that the commies don't already own. So I'm wondering what kind of fiscal fuckery is going on, based on student loan issues. Like maybe some sort of stealth bond issue based on incoming student loan money. Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 21, 2024 04:11 PM (n+4am) 264
First recipient was 3 years after the start of the program, Ida May Fuller.
She paid $24.75 into the program total in those three years. She received $22,888.92 over her retirement. But sure, it was originally totally about return on investment. You really need a government program for basic return on investment. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:07 PM (GBKbO) Ponzi schemes are illegal, unless you are the Government! Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:11 PM (xaFKb) 265
257 Thus, my suggestion to start by limiting all entitlements to US citizens only...this is finally politically viable, I think...
Posted by: Nova Local I'm a legal permanent resident, married to an American citizen for 24 yrs in April. My husband didn't want me to work, so I didn't. I recently turned 65 and I don't qualify for either pension or medicare. Other than illegals there are restrictions on some entitlements that are enforced. Posted by: old chick at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (sOete) Some, but not many - there's a long list non-citizens can get, especially if they have the disability or poor card to play... Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 04:11 PM (exHjb) 266
246 231 Decrepit Joe continued buying/shoring-up the yutes vote today, 'forgiving' another $6 Bn of college student loans. By October he'll be promising to cancel every dime of student loans if re-elected. Along with making college free for anyone breathing, with no HS degree, SAT score minimum, or any other entry requirement. The real and promised goodies are coming almost daily now. By October Decrepit Joe will be promising free marrywanna for every citizen and illegal in the country, canceling 50% of everyone's credit card, home, and auto loan amounts, and free apartment rental for everyone making less than $100,000.
Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:04 PM (5fDan) What about my free Ukrainian hot bride? Posted by: Auspex at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (j4U/Z) I forgot that goodie. Joe will promise you one of those, who will be accompanied by a 20-year old Venezuelan gang member you have to house and feed or go to jail for life. Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:11 PM (5fDan) 267
T.J I might be the worst spelling on this website, especially from phone
Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 04:11 PM (fwDg9) 268
Multigenerational households have been the norm for almost all cultures from time immemorial, save for the elites (and even many of them did) Our culture is the one that is so historically odd.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2024 04:11 PM (Dr78c) 269
Do I give a shit that Bill Gates will get a $2,500 a month SS check? Not one shit to give. He can send it back. 'Means testing' turns SS into a welfare program for the people who never paid into it. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul' is the leftist method to get votes. Don't fall for it. Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 04:13 PM (RKVpM) 270
Wouldn't it be a 403(b)?
Essentially the same as a 401(k) but for government workers. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (GBKbO) ===== Husband is a federal worker and has a TSP. I was a local government worker and had a 403(b). Posted by: Jordan61 at March 21, 2024 04:13 PM (DRSnL) 271
268 Multigenerational households have been the norm for almost all cultures from time immemorial, save for the elites (and even many of them did) Our culture is the one that is so historically odd.
we have that now - my mom lives with us - and it's great! it's a good thing anyway italian-americans still think so. lots of my cousins do the same. maybe going back to this would be BETTER for people! it's better for the older people, better for moms who have help, better for the kids too Posted by: BlackOrchid at March 21, 2024 04:14 PM (AcWfM) 272
In the town next door they went on a spending orgy and now they want to raise property taxes by 25%. Watching the debate is fascinating. For example, they can't instead fire their new Sustainability Officer, but if they don't get their tax increase they will lay off a bunch of teachers.
Funny how that works isn't it? Posted by: 18-1 at March 21, 2024 03:28 PM (ibTVg) When I was growing up the cut was always the football team....never the thousands of admin flacks or teacher aides that sit in the back of the class and do nothing. Posted by: Oldcat at March 21, 2024 04:14 PM (eoQWY) 273
First recipient was 3 years after the start of the program, Ida May Fuller.
I stand corrected. I rate my claim as Fake but Accurate. Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (l8gTz) 274
272 When I was growing up the cut was always the football team....never the thousands of admin flacks or teacher aides that sit in the back of the class and do nothing.
Posted by: Oldcat at March 21, 2024 04:14 PM (eoQWY) ======= Texas? Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (GBKbO) 275
I'm a legal permanent resident, married to an American citizen for 24 yrs in April. My husband didn't want me to work, so I didn't. I recently turned 65 and I don't qualify for either pension or medicare.
Other than illegals there are restrictions on some entitlements that are enforced. Posted by: old chick at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (sOete) What happens if you become a citizen, isn't there a Minimum Soc Sec you would receive even without working? Look up 'spousal benefits'. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (xaFKb) 276
the richest family I ever had the pleasure of knowing lived on a farm here, 5 generations of them!
even some nouveau riche, they will build their own houses but adjacent, like a little compound Posted by: BlackOrchid at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (AcWfM) 277
Speaking of Biden, things are not going well on the border either. Or maybe this is what he wanted?
https://tinyurl.com/mrrhm4s7 Posted by: PJ at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (G1dq6) 278
We literally can't stop it. It took over $600 BILLION in Federal deficit spending in the 4th quarter to coax $400 BILLION in growth in the US Economy for that quarter. If we turn off that money spigot everything comes crashing down.
We are fvcked. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 03:43 PM (QNSds) Yes we can. It didn't take that much to grow the US economy. It took that much to game the GDP measures. The US economy shrunk and government spending made it look like it didn't. Take the jackboot of regulation off of our industries, stop the massive import of a foreign invasion, DEPORT that invasion (and all who came before) and there'd be actual growth. We "need" the spending because the government is throttling fossil fuels, foods, etc... Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (N1tpc) 279
273 First recipient was 3 years after the start of the program, Ida May Fuller.
I stand corrected. I rate my claim as Fake but Accurate. Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (l8gTz) ====== I desired to correct, but also to support your argument. Paying less than $25 into a government program and getting more than $22,000 in return is welfare. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (GBKbO) 280
Give weak sister Johnson the big cowboy boot in the keister.
Posted by: Maj. Healey at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (eYF7X) 281
To eliminate SocSec, I suspect that the multigenration home would probably have to make a comeback.
Already happening...except the younger adults one would normally expect to see paying for things are cut off at the knees starting out, so it's one generation paying for above and below. I'm sure that will work out just ducky. Posted by: Brother Tim sez Nick Saban for President! at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (OUMaO) 282
When I was growing up the cut was always the football team....never the thousands of admin flacks or teacher aides that sit in the back of the class and do nothing.
Posted by: Oldcat at March 21, 2024 04:14 PM (eoQWY) +++++ Yep, sports and transportation were going to be eliminated if the district residents didn't approve the levy. Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (ogTiX) 283
254 Our 401k is with the Federal government. We earned it during Civil Service time, it's called TSP but it is a 401k and if the government ever gets frisky about seizing 401k's ours will be the first to go.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (QNSds) Yes. This is why when I retired I withdrew every penny from my TSP account and transferred the entire amount to a private IRA account, through my financial advisor. Not completely FedGov theft-proof but more than in TSP. Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (5fDan) 284
we have that now - my mom lives with us - and it's great! it's a good thing anyway italian-americans still think so. lots of my cousins do the same.
Posted by: BlackOrchid at March 21, 2024 04:14 PM (AcWfM) ===== My mom lives with us, and...it's not so great. It reminded me of why I got married and left at 19. Posted by: Jordan61 at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (DRSnL) 285
269
Do I give a shit that Bill Gates will get a $2,500 a month SS check? Not one shit to give. He can send it back. 'Means testing' turns SS into a welfare program for the people who never paid into it. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul' is the leftist method to get votes. Don't fall for it. Posted by: Divide by Zero I general, I agree, and that's how European countries do it...they tax EVERYONE heavily, but everyone gets the same basic benefits. Of course, they do it to get buy-in from the rich that still end up paying more (Not as a percentage, but as a raw amount) and don't really need to benefit. So, from a purely political angle, I want means testing, to break the system. Posted by: Moron Analyst at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM (JCZqz) 286
Right. If you can borrow Ace's time machine and get the beejer from 1984 Madonna that would be great, but current Madonna that looks like Skeletor with a hangover? No way.
Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (2ocoG) I remember seeing a nude photo of her, taken when she was about 19 or so. Without all the dolling up, she wasn't very pretty, and frankly she looked like a chick who smells bad. Posted by: BurtTC at March 21, 2024 04:17 PM (dGCAG) 287
They're trying to provoke the National Guard into firing on the "poor helpless migrant children". taking a page out of Hamas's book.
Posted by: Gunnery Sgt. Hartman at March 21, 2024 04:17 PM (N30d6) 288
Pretty soon the only people getting SS are the people who never worked a day in their lives.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (RKVpM) That's why we vote democrat! Posted by: Moochers, Layabouts and Wine Moms at March 21, 2024 04:17 PM (MHhQj) 289
My mom lives with us, and...it's not so great. It reminded me of why I got married and left at 19.
well if it was like that, she'd be living with her Beloved Son ![]() Posted by: BlackOrchid at March 21, 2024 04:17 PM (AcWfM) 290
F*^% Ken Buck
Posted by: Lizzy at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (Hkcdp) 291
I still remember a long ago boss telling the company meeting about 401 that I doubted I would ever see it.
Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (fwDg9) 292
>>> 252 242 I really suck typing on my phone, the keyboard is 1/2 the size of my tablet
And having trouble posting here Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2024 04:06 PM (fwDg9) ======= I hope you don't take the occasional poke of fun at your misspellings to heart. It's all just good fun. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (GBKbO) It's not like Skip ever killed anyone with a typo. Posted by: Helena Handbasket at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (llON8) 293
When I was growing up the cut was always the football team....never the thousands of admin flacks or teacher aides that sit in the back of the class and do nothing.
Posted by: Oldcat at March 21, 2024 04:14 PM (eoQWY) +++++ Yep, sports and transportation were going to be eliminated if the district residents didn't approve the levy. Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 04:16 PM Around here it is always the free food programs that will be cut first if we don't approve yet another $10 million bond. Wont you think of the children? They will be starving if we don't feed them free breakfast, lunch and after school snacks. Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (QNSds) 294
292 I hope you don't take the occasional poke of fun at your misspellings to heart. It's all just good fun.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (GBKbO) It's not like Skip ever killed anyone with a typo. Posted by: Helena Handbasket at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (llON ![]() ======= Well, there was Todd... Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (GBKbO) 295
I'm also Gen Xer with no plans to retire, and I have saved and invested a ton on the theory that government benefits will be fake and gay by the time I retire, whenever that is.
--' HAHAHAHAHAHA You think the government isn't going to steal your retirement assets when the government benefits fail!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (N1tpc) 296
I desired to correct, but also to support your argument.
Paying less than $25 into a government program and getting more than $22,000 in return is welfare. I'm not bitter. Who said I was bitter? Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (l8gTz) 297
the site is acting weird
Posted by: BlackOrchid at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (AcWfM) 298
Right. If you can borrow Ace's time machine and get the beejer from 1984 Madonna that would be great, but current Madonna that looks like Skeletor with a hangover? No way.
Posted by: Ian S. at March 21, 2024 04:09 PM (2ocoG) I remember seeing a nude photo of her, taken when she was about 19 or so. Without all the dolling up, she wasn't very pretty, and frankly she looked like a chick who smells bad. Posted by: BurtTC I never thought Madonna was even remotely attractive. Good voice, but not good looks at all. Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (9yWhg) 299
Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (N1tpc)
Yep, GDP growth is still less than the actual rate of inflation... which means are spending more dollars to buy less stuff. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (xaFKb) 300
Can we get them committed for paranoia? Because this Russian thing is crazy.
Posted by: Piper at March 21, 2024 03:35 PM (ZdaMQ) The Left hates Putin because he blocked the adoption of Russian orphans by gay-married fags. No more, no less. Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (tkR6S) 301
296 I'm not bitter. Who said I was bitter?
Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (l8gTz) ======== Cannibal Bob made mention of it. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (GBKbO) 302
Speaking of Biden, things are not going well on the border either. Or maybe this is what he wanted?
https://tinyurl.com/mrrhm4s7 Posted by: PJ ___ Reckon their RoE involves no ammo in their weapons. Posted by: SMH at what's coming at March 21, 2024 04:20 PM (TTcqD) 303
I figure a VAT will be implemented the day I finish converting my pre-tax savings to Roth.
Posted by: Oglebay at March 21, 2024 04:20 PM (ogTiX) 304
5 things every woman should know about social security, such as:
A wife with no work record or low benefit entitlement on her own work record is eligible for between one-third and one-half of her spouse’s Social Security benefit. ssa dot gov Publication EN-05-10044 Posted by: L - Ever defining their rope-a-dope tactics & evil at March 21, 2024 04:20 PM (GshMh) 305
If the Venezuelan gang member is a shapely young female model/dancer who can work with her Ukrainian sister to provide a happy home for me then I am ready to join a mostly peaceful Biden re-election rally today! Just let me know where they dropping off the bricks. Posted by: Auspex at March 21, 2024 04:20 PM (j4U/Z) 306
the site is acting weird
Posted by: BlackOrchid Pixy's having some sort of labor dispute with the hamsters. Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at March 21, 2024 04:20 PM (9yWhg) 307
290 F*^% Ken Buck
Posted by: Lizzy a[/i Yes, with with a barbed wire wrapped pineapple soaked in gasoline. Posted by: Maj. Healey at March 21, 2024 04:21 PM (eYF7X) Posted by: Maj. Healey at March 21, 2024 04:21 PM (eYF7X) 309
nood
Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:21 PM (l8gTz) 310
I hope you don't take the occasional poke of fun at your misspellings to heart. It's all just good fun.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:08 PM (GBKbO) It's not like Skip ever killed anyone with a typo. Posted by: Helena Handbasket And here I'd thought FenSpoke was actually going to live that down... Posted by: Brother Tim sez Nick Saban for President! at March 21, 2024 04:21 PM (OUMaO) 311
The hamsters want meth
Posted by: Erebus- ex-killer whale at March 21, 2024 04:21 PM (51phj) 312
Some, but not many - there's a long list non-citizens can get, especially if they have the disability or poor card to play...
Posted by: Nova Local Legal non-citizens? As in went thru years, forms, $, etc to be granted status. If so I question how they were admitted to begin with if they didn't have means to support themselves. Posted by: old chick at March 21, 2024 04:21 PM (sOete) 313
301 296 I'm not bitter. Who said I was bitter?
Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 21, 2024 04:18 PM (l8gTz) ======== Cannibal Bob made mention of it. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting zombies with George A. Romero at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (GBKbO) Oh, Bob got internet in Haiti? Kewl... Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:22 PM (xaFKb) 314
>Speaker Johnson Lays Down for Chuck Schumer on the Budget
---- Did he get kissed? Most Republicans like to get kissed when they're being f***ed Posted by: Don Black at March 21, 2024 04:22 PM (oCjPU) 315
299 Posted by: Formerly Virginian at March 21, 2024 04:15 PM (N1tpc)
Yep, GDP growth is still less than the actual rate of inflation... which means are spending more dollars to buy less stuff. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 21, 2024 04:19 PM (xaFKb) Annual interest payment on the National Debt reached One Trillion Dollars not long ago. Posted by: Gref at March 21, 2024 04:23 PM (5fDan) 316
If you really want to 'means test' Social Security then you raise the limit on income susceptible to the SS tax to a billion. Not try to take away Bill Gate's $2,500 a month SS check. Do the math. (Despite discouraged) Posted by: Divide by Zero at March 21, 2024 04:24 PM (RKVpM) 317
Woo-hoo, I got thru to the 'speaker's orifice. If you need the number, it's the switchboard at the White House - it forwards your call to his office. Obviously we knuckle-draggers are way too uninformed and illegiterate to be entrusted with his 'speaker' phone number. Anyhow: If you wanna call, it's: 202-224-3121. Good luck ...
Posted by: Dr_No at March 21, 2024 04:25 PM (ayRl+) 318
And Biden is emailing thousands of other debtors to tell them they will be forgiven of debt too in two years. So like "vote for me and I'll do it, and that other guy won't."
Posted by: PJ at March 21, 2024 04:28 PM (G1dq6) 319
What happens if you become a citizen, isn't there a Minimum Soc Sec you would receive even without working? Look up 'spousal benefits'.
Posted by: Romeo13 If my husband passes before me I'd receive app $465 of his pension. If I return to Canada after he passes, after 6 months residence my pension and healthcare would be restored. Becoming a citizen would be lovely but I'd have no means to support myself if I was left without him. Posted by: old chick at March 21, 2024 04:28 PM (sOete) 320
Also no SS payment if you do not reside in the USA.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 21, 2024 03:47 PM (++4z6) Agree on both. Posted by: Nova Local at March 21, 2024 03:48 PM (exHjb) If expats can live comfortably in Costa Rica on SS payments alone, let them. They aren't then consuming any other taxpayer-funded services. If they were home in the USA, and SS alone could not keep them in comfort, then they'd be using Section 8 housing, and food stamps, and Medicare, and costing a whole lot more. Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 21, 2024 04:31 PM (tkR6S) 321
SpaceX - Falcon 9 - CRS SPX-30 - launch is scheduled for 4:55 p.m. EDT https://tinyurl.com/bdhsfc2d T - 24 minutes Posted by: Ciampino - Is it a go? at March 21, 2024 04:31 PM (qfLjt) 322
>The bill increases the number of ICE detention beds at the southern border and also funds 22,000 border patrol agents.
Thousands come a day, millions upon millions are here. How many beds are 'more ICE detention beds' and for whom and where will they be located? Also, we need another 22,000 full time federal employees FOREVER to mind the borders? Hope their going to throw 20,000+ sitting home (since the beginning of the administration) out to balance their keep. ha, ha, ha GOP negotiators also secured funding cuts to NGOs. Can't wait to see that, too. Never the Quakers, etc. so would that be the Catholic, white supremacists or plain white, Bible thumping, supremacists? Posted by: L - Ever defining their rope-a-dope tactics & evil at March 21, 2024 04:36 PM (GshMh) 323
And if Spongeworthy were a thinking man, he'd realise that it's better for DeSantis to be Governor right now. And I'm not exactly sure what he expects Trump to do out of office.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 21, 2024 04:42 PM (yeEu9) 324
I don't care.
https://tinyurl.com/34cj55ys Posted by: nurse ratched at March 21, 2024 03:23 PM (z94BK) I really don't care... https://tinyurl.com/564sh3b8 Posted by: thatcrazyjersetguy now with twice the crazy at March 21, 2024 05:40 PM (iODuv) 325
My sanity is floundering!
Posted by: Sanitybreak2 at March 21, 2024 05:48 PM (b8PLz) 326
>>>There is no point in becoming angry about things you don't have the capacity to change.
Amen. Posted by: m at March 21, 2024 06:10 PM (o3SCB) 327
Pre emptive surrender by the GOPe as usual.
Posted by: Fred at March 21, 2024 07:05 PM (bXvrr) 328
Ace, thank you for the mental health reminder, I have been really getting upset w/Squishy Johnson and his invertebrate allies. I guess I was actually disappointed because Squishy had had some good fiery moments in the Congress against Mayorkas, and so I thought he'd continue in that line. But by now the optimism has been beaten out of me, and I need to take advantage of that by enjoying mental calm.
Posted by: Jewish Odysseus at March 21, 2024 09:56 PM (bvp+i) Processing 0.06, elapsed 0.0674 seconds. |
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