The Morning Rant: Minimalist Edition

Fiscal Responsibility is a quaint phrase that is bandied about by mendacious politicians to get votes from Low Information Voters who like the way it sounds. But it is nonexistent in the corridors of power, and there will be a reckoning eventually. At some point the debt service of the federal government is going to overwhelm every other demand for our tax dollars, and cuts will be made. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, defense, Tax credits, veterans programs and many more will be on the chopping block. Not federal pensions of course, because we are not savages, and the maintenance of the standard of living of our dedicated federal civil servants is the most important function of the federal government (need I say it?).

There are some rational ways to manage the monstrous federal debt (currently sitting at $35 trillion). The first of course is to stop spending. The first step would be an across-the-board halt to any budget increases. 0% growth of the federal government. Considering the ridiculous growth over the last several years has bloated every budget, that should be easy. But that won't fix the yearly deficit, which currently sits at about $2 trillion. Sure, we can grow ourselves out of that, but it will take a long while. Even assuming a decrease in that deficit in the coming years, the increase in the total federal debt will remain significant for many years.

Shockingly, there are a few positive developments on the horizon! Imagine Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy with authority over a few of the most bloated departments! Or RFK busily cutting divisions at the FDA! Or for that matter a few fighting generals controlling the defense establishment and refocusing our defense spending to actual fighting ability rather than teaching the Marines how to walk in 4" heels and a little black cocktail dress.

The opportunities for savings are literally everywhere, and all it will take is a president who is focused on the budget as a real, possibly existential issue for America. I do not think that Donald Trump is that man, especially since he has been successful in an industry that is dependent on and comfortable with large amounts of debt. But there is some spending that can be cut in service of his declared mandate to end much of the insanity of the federal government. That will be a good start, and hopefully he will get a taste for cutting!

[Crossposted at CutJibNewsletter]

Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (+sD5M)

2 #Winning

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (+sD5M)

3 There are some rational ways to manage the monstrous federal debt (currently sitting at $35 trillion). The first of course is to stop spending. The first step would be an across-the-board halt to any budget increases. 0% growth of the federal government. Considering the ridiculous growth over the last several years has bloated every budget, that should be easy. But that won't fix the yearly deficit, which currently sits at about $2 trillion. Sure, we can grow ourselves out of that, but it will take a long while. Even assuming a decrease in that deficit in the coming years, the increase in the total federal debt will remain significant for many years.

=======

I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

Maybe we can find out?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (GBKbO)

4 Will go get 'em.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:01 AM (+sD5M)

5 Defunding everyone who is getting money to feed and house illegals will help.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:01 AM (jvJvP)

6 2 #Winning
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (+sD5M)

There is so much, and not tired of it yet.

Posted by: Roy at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (z+ik4)

7 Want the next four years to be the vengeance ride of Donald John Trump.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (8RXzl)

8 I've seen ONE real attempt at fiscal responsibility in my lifetime.

The establishment did everything they could to destroy Newt Gingrich for it.

I'm not sanguine about our chances today.

Posted by: Illinois at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (N1DT3)

9 There are some rational ways to manage the monstrous federal debt (currently sitting at $35 trillion). The first of course is to stop

taxing citizens and just print the f'n money like you do now.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (fs3Ts)

10 >>There are some rational ways to manage the monstrous federal debt (currently sitting at $35 trillion).

Mostly magic tricks, just do a standard 30 year amortization of the debt, it's largely impossible to materially dent the debt without using words like, presto changeo and abracadabra, and distracting hand movements as one had goes behind it's back with 34T and the other comes out with something that is not 34T.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (XV/Pl)

11 Willowed:

600 Again, we're not dealing with Bond villains here.

We are dealing with mediocrities who have gotten their positions because of who they know.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at November 07, 2024 11:01 AM (uxCna)

Friend of mine made a great comparison: Frank Grimes from The Simpsons.

Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (7kSOl)

12 I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (GBKbO)

Go to any assisted living facility or nursing home and you will see how much waste there is. As for fraud? My bet is that there is more than anyone imagines.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (d9fT1)

13 The only way to realistically reduce spending is to cut SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. I wonder if even Trump has the testicles for that.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

14 Trump to fed agencies...."You want new spending/program?/...cut 10."

hey...a fella can dream.

Posted by: BignJames at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (Yj6Os)

15 12 Go to any assisted living facility or nursing home and you will see how much waste there is. As for fraud? My bet is that there is more than anyone imagines.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (d9fT1)

======

I mean...it's a trillion dollar hole in the federal budget that Congress "can't" touch.

And it's been around for decades.

I'd suspect it's mostly waste and fraud.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (GBKbO)

16 A Sponge first is an auspicious omen.

As Glenn Reynolds pointed out this morning, echoing a sentiment I've seen here repeatedly, a hundred years from now, those looking back may recognize Elon being unleashed to take us to space as the real positive outcome from the 2024 election.

Posted by: Ham Biscuits at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (+6nsO)

17 I've seen ONE real attempt at fiscal responsibility in my lifetime.

The establishment did everything they could to destroy Newt Gingrich for it.

I'm not sanguine about our chances today.

There was also Bush IIs attempt to allow people to opt out of SS. He was pilloried for it, of course.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

18 T34 > 34T

Posted by: SFGoth at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (KAi1n)

19 Two words: Trillion Dollar Coins

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (aD39U)

20 I want Trump to have a fleet of gold-painted garbage trucks parade by during his inauguration, like the rooskies always did
with their missiles on commie labor day. Take out the trash in DC.

Posted by: Roy at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (z+ik4)

21 14 Trump to fed agencies...."You want new spending/program?/...cut 10."

hey...a fella can dream.
Posted by: BignJames at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (Yj6Os)

======

Vivek has been advocating for a 5% cut across all government agencies.

I think it bypasses civil service laws because it's uniform.

Worth a try!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (GBKbO)

22 I find it interesting that Big Pharma is gathering for meetings immediately after Trump won.

VERY telling. They KNOW they have things to hide and RFK Jr. has been open about what he wants to achieve with his MAHA agenda.

May they burn........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (+sD5M)

23 Fiscal Responsibility

Release the Elon!

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (nBStl)

24 Notsothoreau posted about Joel Salatin yesterday:
https://shorturl.at/uOpKH

"I've been contacted by the Trump transition team to hold some sort of position within the USDA and have accepted one of the six 'Advisor to the Secretary' spots. My favorite congressman, Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture."

(but read the whole thing)

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (zlGo9)

25 No president can “cut the budget” without Congress. And, the votes won’t be there. Until they are, the only real solution is new sources of revenue - for which there are also zero votes.

Posted by: Going deep. Out. at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (i5B/J)

26 Willowed: Again, we're not dealing with Bond villains here.

We are dealing with mediocrities who have gotten their positions because of who they know.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at November 07, 2024

***
As I had Mr. Waverly say in one of my Man From U.N.C.L.E. fan stories: "We are fortunate that our enemies are so rarely super-geniuses."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (J2vNu)

27 You can repudiate the debt, or inflate it away. I know which the government will chose.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (aD39U)

28 17 There was also Bush IIs attempt to allow people to opt out of SS. He was pilloried for it, of course.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

========

There was also sequestration which the right was instructed to hate because it slightly shaved the Pentagon's budget.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (GBKbO)

29 Cut all 'entitlements' to zero. They only them 'entitlements' to make people think they re entitled.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (/lPRQ)

30 >>> 23 Fiscal Responsibility

Release the Elon!
Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (nBStl)

Still loving the meme with him and Ron Paul as the two Bobs.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (zlGo9)

31 I'd suspect it's mostly waste and fraud.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (GBKbO)

87,000 HHS agents. Armed.

Show us your books, or everyone on your payroll goes into the paddy wagon.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (VoAdT)

32 Two words: Trillion Dollar Coins
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (aD39U)

Didn't Owebama suggest that?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (+sD5M)

33 The only way to realistically reduce spending is to cut SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. I wonder if even Trump has the testicles for that.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

Social Security isn't that big of a hole fiscally. And there are ways to reduce expenditure for Medicare or Medicaid without attacking the programs directly.

Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (jGGMD)

34 Who do we pay debt interest to?

Couldn't we just bomb them and eliminate the threat to our national economy and the interests of the American people?

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (vvyZK)

35 Trump appoints Dave Ramsey to oversee the budget. Each agency gets an envelope with cash for the month...

Posted by: Moron Analyst at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (JxaW4)

36 No president can “cut the budget” without Congress. And, the votes won’t be there. Until they are, the only real solution is new sources of revenue - for which there are also zero votes.
Posted by: Going deep. Out. at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (i5B/J)

Veto every spending bill, barely an inconvenience.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (CIS44)

37 Put Musk and Vance in charge of it. Vance because Musk will need both political support and counsel. I believe Musk will come up with ways to reduce spending that don't hurt the entitlements.

Posted by: Ordinary American at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (h/ffs)

38 33 Social Security isn't that big of a hole fiscally. And there are ways to reduce expenditure for Medicare or Medicaid without attacking the programs directly.
Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (jGGMD)

=======

Counter:

They should be attacked on principle because welfare programs from the federal government are inherently unAmerican.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

39 Just veto every spending bill that hits the desk

I know- unrealistic

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (/7KEl)

40 Looking forward to Musk/Lutnick cutting $1T in annual spending. That helps in reducing inflation, reducing new debt additions and in forcing some small concept of fiscal responsibility on the Congress.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (2EUgy)

41 There was also Bush IIs attempt to allow people to opt out of SS. He was pilloried for it, of course.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

Was it opting out or giving them chance to have it invested in a 401k type manner?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (+sD5M)

42 Willowed, as usual...

Is that "Dank" Brandon (and that's how it was being pronounced) real?

Posted by: creeper at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (M6moH)

43 34 Who do we pay debt interest to?

Couldn't we just bomb them and eliminate the threat to our national economy and the interests of the American people?
Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (vvyZK)

=======

For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (GBKbO)

44 Go to any assisted living facility or nursing home and you will see how much waste there is. As for fraud? My bet is that there is more than anyone imagines.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (d9fT1)

My sis is in one 'cause she's an addict...waited on hand and foot...and still gets dope.

Posted by: BignJames at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (Yj6Os)

45 T34 > 34T
Posted by: SFGoth at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (KAi1n)

AoSHQ - come for the boobs, stay for the tank jokes.

Posted by: spindrift at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (OguvZ)

46 I'd suspect it's mostly waste and fraud.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (GBKbO)

Don't exaggerate. Probably no more than 75%!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (d9fT1)

47 PDT mentioned one way to reduce leverage is to grow the economy.

There is no doubt cuts can be made but, putting together an actual budget with across the board cuts, no matter how small, plus growing the economy would be a huge step in the right direction.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (tT6L1)

48 38 33 Social Security isn't that big of a hole fiscally. And there are ways to reduce expenditure for Medicare or Medicaid without attacking the programs directly.
Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (jGGMD)

=======

Counter:

They should be attacked on principle because welfare programs from the federal government are inherently unAmerican.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

It's also only not that big a hole using cash accounting. The accumulating liability is a lot larger.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (eYoxG)

49 27 You can repudiate the debt, or inflate it away. I know which the government will chose.
Posted by: G'rump928(c)

$5,000,000,000,000 bills with Obama’s face, here we come!

Posted by: Moron Analyst at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (JxaW4)

50 Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture."

can we afford to lose a Congressman ?

Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (IyPmt)

51 46 I'd suspect it's mostly waste and fraud.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (GBKbO)

Don't exaggerate. Probably no more than 75%!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (d9fT1)

======

Sorry...my emotions got away from me!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (GBKbO)

52 The only way to realistically reduce spending is to cut SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. I wonder if even Trump has the testicles for that.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024

***
Cut foreign aid to countries which hate us.

Make up some of that with hefty fines of companies who knowingly or unknowingly hire illegals, and confiscate the assets of their CEOs.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (J2vNu)

53 Two words: Trillion Dollar Coins
Posted by: G'rump928(c)

If you hyphenate it (as it should be), it actually is two words: "trillion-dollar coin."

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (v6JzV)

54 Lauren Hitt@LaurenHitt
A template text for your campaign friends:
Thank you so much for everything you did.
Can I buy you a drink? Can I help you move?
No need to respond right now, just want you to know I’m thinking of you.
**Do not ask what happened. It’s not the day. Neither is Thanksgiving.

-
I'm going with "Just how stupid are you f*cks?"

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (L/fGl)

55 I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (GBKbO)

Go to any assisted living facility or nursing home and you will see how much waste there is. As for fraud? My bet is that there is more than anyone imagines.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM

The GAO estimates are all over the place on medicare/medicaid fraud but most estimates put the fraud at over $100 BILLION each year out of $850 billion spent in the programs.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (QNSds)

56 For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.

How do you charge yourself interest on money you owe yourself?

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (vvyZK)

57 No president can “cut the budget” without Congress. And, the votes won’t be there. Until they are, the only real solution is new sources of revenue - for which there are also zero votes.
Posted by: Going deep. Out. at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (i5B/J)

Pish.

Presidents can write bills.

Pass this bill, or nothing crosses my desk ever again.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (VoAdT)

58 Don't exaggerate. Probably no more than 75%!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (d9fT1)
--------------

Oh, look at Mr. Optimist!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (tT6L1)

59 PDT mentioned one way to reduce leverage is to grow the economy.

There is no doubt cuts can be made but, putting together an actual budget with across the board cuts, no matter how small, plus growing the economy would be a huge step in the right direction.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (tT6L1)

Unleash the Frackin'!

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (CIS44)

60 >>VERY telling. They KNOW they have things to hide and RFK Jr. has been open about what he wants to achieve with his MAHA agenda.

May they burn........

YESSSSSSSS!
Get the kids of Ritalin and antidepressants, slash the childhood vax regimen back to bare minimum, destroy the kiddie hormone blockers business, and on and on!

And seize all of Fauci's records and put him on trial.
NO FUNDING GAIN OF FUNCTION OVERSEAS!

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (scDBq)

61 >>> 42 Willowed, as usual...

Is that "Dank" Brandon (and that's how it was being pronounced) real?
Posted by: creeper at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (M6moH)

It was as real as the video released when they first replaced him. So no.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (zlGo9)

62 No one is going to cut government spending. There is way to much money flowing. Who do you think profits off the "waste and fraud" and duplicative departments and whatever?

That's right. Politicians in both parties and voters in both parties.

They're spread the corruption around enough that no one is going to seriously advocate for slowing it down. Because even if it doesn't affect that Congressman specifically, it will affect enough of his colleagues that they will target whatever his scam is.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (Evo1G)

63 I would be happy to accept a role as Commissioner of Hemp and Lamp Posts.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (U1w17)

64 Oh, and this is the perfect time for Trump to implement my super-secret anti-RINO Senator plan:

Fill the cabinet with RINO senators. Work with their governors to replace them with MAGA senators.

Fire the entire cabinet.

Go!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (GBKbO)

65 Social Security isn't that big of a hole fiscally. And there are ways to reduce expenditure for Medicare or Medicaid without attacking the programs directly.

And yet, SS benefits will be cut in the not too distant future for people like me. I'd be fine with that if I knew the cuts would actually go to paying down the debt instead of more goodies for Dem constituencies.

As to MC and MA, you have to pay the people providing the services, and many already refuse to take new MC/MA patients because the government pays much less than market value.

It does nobody any favors to pretend the cuts wouldn't hurt. They would, but we just can't afford this any more.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (xCA6C)

66 >>> 43 34 Who do we pay debt interest to?

Couldn't we just bomb them and eliminate the threat to our national economy and the interests of the American people?
Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (vvyZK)

=======

For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (GBKbO)

So, that means we should bomb dee cee?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (zlGo9)

67 Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture."

can we afford to lose a Congressman ?
Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (IyPmt)

It's KY, wont lose the seat

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

68 Counter:

They should be attacked on principle because welfare programs from the federal government are inherently unAmerican.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

No arguments here.

But even Trump doesn't have infinite political capital. I'd like to see him use it in ways that have maximum impact, rather than wage a philosophical battle that, frankly, he's not the best at.

If he could get Medicare under control at least, that would not only stabilize the economy but allow Republicans to reclaim the label of "party of good government," and that would yield a lot of long-term benefits.

Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (jGGMD)

69 One of my biggest disappointments about #45 Trump was the lack of fiscal responsibility pre covid and paying down the debt. I appreciate the long form interviews he did (see Kamala they work!) where he explained they had to tackle covid, but also had set things up pre covid to start paying down debt in his second term. Hopefully #47 Trump can get things righted economically in the first 2-3 years of his term? And then the last year is just doing massive pay downs of debt.

Increased tariffs, manufacturing coming back to US, and drilling baby drilling will help set that up.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (wcIbG)

70 56 For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.

How do you charge yourself interest on money you owe yourself?
Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (vvyZK)

========

Accounting?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (GBKbO)

71 Fiscal responsibility is an argument that has been well and truly lost.

"Balanced budget" and all that will get a candidate beaten. For 40 years we have heard the deficit is going to destroy us and here we are.

I am not arguing that it doesn't matter. I am arguing that it doesn't matter to voters.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (QfvaV)

72 Couldn't we just bomb them and eliminate the threat to our national economy and the interests of the American people?

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (vvyZK)

I think about 30% of our debt is foreign owned. The rest is us!

I guess you could bomb D.C... that might work.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (d9fT1)

73 Was it Dave in Fla who mentioned money which is allocated doesn't have to be spent and that's one way to cut spending, no matter what Congress does?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (tT6L1)

74 NO FUNDING GAIN OF FUNCTION OVERSEAS!
Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (scDBq)

GoF should be banned globally and anyone caught doing it tactically nuked to destroy everything they've worked on.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (+sD5M)

75 Spending other people's money is fun and addicting. Sadly, Trump enjoyed it a great deal in his first term. I don't think much will be different this time around but one can hope. The real onus is on the congress which has almost no incentive, nor innate desire, to cut anything.

Posted by: Earl Schlobodowicz at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (P7Iz+)

76 Getting the cost of energy down to a dollar/gal equivalent would be extremely deflationary.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (aD39U)

77 I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:00 AM (GBKbO)

Go to any assisted living facility or nursing home and you will see how much waste there is. As for fraud? My bet is that there is more than anyone imagines.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:02 AM (d9fT1)

*Saul Goodman at Sandpiper Crossing has entered the chat*

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (N0dT2)

78 Oh, and this is the perfect time for Trump to implement my super-secret anti-RINO Senator plan:

Fill the cabinet with RINO senators. Work with their governors to replace them with MAGA senators.

Fire the entire cabinet.

Go!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (GBKbO)

It moved.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (CIS44)

79 >>No president can “cut the budget” without Congress.

Hey, here's a thought: stop spending on all the crap things like immigration resettlement. He can control how the money is spent.

Funny how Trump can't undo all the things Biden and Obama did -- why is that?

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (scDBq)

80 For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.

How do you charge yourself interest on money you owe yourself?
Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (vvyZK)

It's called monetizing the debt. Government issues the debt, government and central bank buy the debt.

It works until it doesn't.

The reason we're not seeing Weimar-level runaway inflation is because we are the world reserve currency. And every other country is doing the same thing as us and also benefiting from it. For now.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (Evo1G)

81
It's KY, wont lose the seat
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

So they have an election the Gov. doesn't chose ?

Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (IyPmt)

82 Couldn't we just bomb them and eliminate the threat to our national economy and the interests of the American people?
Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (vvyZK)

=======

For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (GBKbO)

Sooooo.... yes?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (VoAdT)

83 41 There was also Bush IIs attempt to allow people to opt out of SS. He was pilloried for it, of course.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

Was it opting out or giving them chance to have it invested in a 401k type manner?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (+sD5M)

According to (I think) Randi Rhodes on Air America, it was that seniors would be forced to put their money in the stock market, and then after the market inevitable crashes, they’d be forced to rely on faith-based (read: icky icky Christian) charities.

To this day I still mock some of the insane BlueAnon conspiracy theories she and Janeamd Garofalo peddled on Air America…

Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (7kSOl)

84 75 Spending other people's money is fun and addicting. Sadly, Trump enjoyed it a great deal in his first term. I don't think much will be different this time around but one can hope. The real onus is on the congress which has almost no incentive, nor innate desire, to cut anything.
Posted by: Earl Schlobodowicz at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (P7Iz+)

======

Trump shut down the government in a budget fight with the GOP for a whole month in his first term trying to get them to implement cuts.

Everyone's forgotten this.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (GBKbO)

85 30 >>> 23 Fiscal Responsibility

Release the Elon!
Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (nBStl)

Still loving the meme with him and Ron Paul as the two Bobs.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (zlGo9)

I could totally see Elon poring over hundreds of spreadsheets on 8 screens for 22 hours straight and coming back with "I found $800B in redundant spending, $1.5T in general bullshit, and another $250B in savings from shopping around," and then Dr. Paul comes in with "Hold my beer."

Posted by: NJ Class Traitor at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (XfoBK)

86 For a long while, more than a decade, it's been us.

The Treasury owns most of our debt.

How do you charge yourself interest on money you owe yourself?

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM

The treasury issues bonds to cover the debt and they pay interest to people who buy those bonds, a ridiculous amount of interest.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (QNSds)

87 Aren't they just renewing the continuing resolution that keeps funding all the boondoggles from the Owebama administration since they're too f*cking lazy to submit an actual budget?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (+sD5M)

88 The only way to realistically reduce spending is to cut SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. I wonder if even Trump has the testicles for that.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

How about cutting out all the redundancy in government first. Then see about Medicare/SS. It's all the extra/sub/add-on/extension offices that eat up so much of this country's largess.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (g8Ew8)

89 >> I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

More than you could possibly imagine.

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (scDBq)

90 End Wokeness@EndWokeness
The View: We must censor social media to prevent this from happening again

-
Their love of democracy knows no limit.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (L/fGl)

91 81
It's KY, wont lose the seat
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

So they have an election the Gov. doesn't chose ?
Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (IyPmt)

======

Representatives are always replaced by special election. It's in the constitution.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (GBKbO)

92 50 Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture."

can we afford to lose a Congressman ?
Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (IyPmt)

If the replacement is appointed by a solid republican governor, yes.

Posted by: Just Lily at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (XqWaa)

93 I would be happy to accept a role as Commissioner of Hemp and Lamp Posts.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (U1w17)
------------

Would you, perchance, need a department of gibbeting? Because I'd like to run it, please.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (tT6L1)

94 Fiscal responsibility is an argument that has been well and truly lost.

"Balanced budget" and all that will get a candidate beaten. For 40 years we have heard the deficit is going to destroy us and here we are.

I am not arguing that it doesn't matter. I am arguing that it doesn't matter to voters.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (QfvaV)

Your comment is reminding me of El Rushbo and his "deficit spending awareness ribbon"

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (N0dT2)

95 73 Was it Dave in Fla who mentioned money which is allocated doesn't have to be spent and that's one way to cut spending, no matter what Congress does?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (tT6L1)

Its called impoundment. BUT:

The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA) reasserted Congress' power of the purse. Specifically, Title X of the Act – "Impoundment Control" – established procedures to prevent the President and other government officials from unilaterally substituting their own funding decisions for those of the Congress. The Act also created the House and Senate Budget Committees and the Congressional Budget Office.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (QfvaV)

96 89 >> I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

More than you could possibly imagine.
Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (scDBq)

======

I don't know. I can imagine quite a bit.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (GBKbO)

97 It's KY, wont lose the seat
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

So they have an election the Gov. doesn't chose ?
Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (IyPmt)

Special election

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (CIS44)

98 They should be attacked on principle because welfare programs from the federal government are inherently unAmerican.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

Anyone retiring after 2012 or so has put more money into the Social Security system than they will get out of it, on average.

If you are going to reform it, do what Chile did - switch to a mandatory private investment system, but only for people born after a certain date.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (uxCna)

99 Fiscal responsibility is an argument that has been well and truly lost.

"Balanced budget" and all that will get a candidate beaten. For 40 years we have heard the deficit is going to destroy us and here we are.

I am not arguing that it doesn't matter. I am arguing that it doesn't matter to voters.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (QfvaV)

Correct.

Candidate A: "I want to reign in the debt and balance the budget"

Candidate B: "My opponent has promised to reduce food stamps, cut social security, and reduce government services like air traffic controllers."

Voter: "Durr, I like social security and I don't want planes crashing! I can't vote for an extremist like Candidate A!!"

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (Evo1G)

100 There was also Bush IIs attempt to allow people to opt out of SS. He was pilloried for it, of course.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

Was it opting out or giving them chance to have it invested in a 401k type manner?

It amounts to the same thing: less money for people who didn't earn it.

Cut foreign aid to countries which hate us.

Make up some of that with hefty fines of companies who knowingly or unknowingly hire illegals, and confiscate the assets of their CEOs.

All that is nice, but it won't make a bit of difference in our overall trajectory. Like I said, the deficit is largely driven by entitlements. If we don't solve that problem, nothing else really matters.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (xCA6C)

101 49 27 You can repudiate the debt, or inflate it away. I know which the government will chose.
Posted by: G'rump928(c)

$5,000,000,000,000 bills with Obama’s face, here we come!
Posted by: Moron Analyst at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (JxaW4)

Only if the Obamas, Clintons, Bidens, Pelosis, Schumers, Emhoffs, Bushs, Cheneys, and McConnells are required to purchase one each at face value from the Treasury. Oh, look, that's 45T right there! Budget is balanced!

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (VNX3d)

102 destroy Newt Gingrich for it.

Newt the flute? Toot toot!

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at November 07, 2024 11:13 AM (8RXzl)

103
To this day I still mock some of the insane BlueAnon conspiracy theories she and Janeamd Garofalo peddled on Air America…
Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (7kSOl)

Well, they're INCREDIBLY ignorant, so........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:13 AM (+sD5M)

104 >>> 50 Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture."
==
can we afford to lose a Congressman ?
Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (IyPmt)

iirc the KY governor is a D and I don't know if they are one of the states that has a law requiring a replacement from the same party.
"buuuuuut"
I believe there is a decent R majority in the House, especially after Tuesday, and Massie is the right guy for this job. I think he could accomplish WAY more as USDA pruner.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:13 AM (zlGo9)

105 56

How do you charge yourself interest on money you owe yourself?
Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (vvyZK)

A lot of it is Social Security related.

It's overall very screwy from an accounting perspective, we should be looking at the present value of all liabilities to assess things.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at November 07, 2024 11:13 AM (eYoxG)

106 Ha, I see of course THE HORDE KNOWS!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:13 AM (zlGo9)

107 More than you could possibly imagine.
Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (scDBq)

======

I don't know. I can imagine quite a bit.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (GBKbO)

I understood this reference!!

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (N0dT2)

108 "They only them 'entitlements' to make people think they re entitled."

...what?

Posted by: look whats not at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (nakGR)

109 If the replacement is appointed by a solid republican governor, yes.
Posted by: Just Lily
========
All House elections are filled by a special election within 60 days unless close to an election.

No role for appointments there--every member has to be elected.

Senators used to be chosen by the state and that is why most states allow appointments by governors (with some restrictions) to that position to fill it until the next general election (or in a few states a special election) to fill the seat.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (ctrM5)

110 32 Two words: Trillion Dollar Coins
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (aD39U)

Didn't Owebama suggest that?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (+sD5M)

Yes, but I thought they wanted to mint only 1 coin.

See, here in Canada, our leaders realise that they can just spend and spend and the budget will balance itself. It's going great.

Hey, Trump should invade.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (jvJvP)

111 >>I could totally see Elon poring over hundreds of spreadsheets on 8 screens for 22 hours straight and coming back with "I found $800B in redundant spending, $1.5T in general bullshit, and another $250B in savings from shopping around," and then Dr. Paul comes in with "Hold my beer."

Hire this guy to ID what gets cut on day one:

https://x.com/RandoLand_us

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (scDBq)

112 87 Aren't they just renewing the continuing resolution that keeps funding all the boondoggles from the Owebama administration since they're too f*cking lazy to submit an actual budget?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:11 AM (+sD5M)

It's not laziness, it's plausible deniability.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (Evo1G)

113 I'd like to see PDTS do at least two things on day 1:

Pardon all the J6ers currently under charge or prosecution, and incarcerated.

Completely shut down ALL non-essential government until we have a budget passed by congress, and tell them that under no circumstances will he sign any CR between then and the time it's passed.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead...Wearing Pants and Working at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (luW68)

114 The first step would be an across-the-board halt to any budget increases. 0% growth of the federal government. Considering the ridiculous growth over the last several years has bloated every budget, that should be easy. But that won't fix the yearly deficit, which currently sits at about $2 trillion.

Are the various instantiations of "emergency" spending still rolled into every CR? Seems like a pretty easy place to start.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (ExV1e)

115 On the topic of the debt, sometimes I think a single Year of Jubilee one a century or so is worth more than just a cursory look.

Posted by: Ham Biscuits at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (+6nsO)

116 I don't know. I can imagine quite a bit.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (GBKbO)

I understood this reference!!
Posted by: Doof

One of the best lines in the movie.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (v6JzV)

117 >>> 52
==
***
Cut foreign aid to countries which hate us.

Make up some of that with hefty fines of companies who knowingly or unknowingly hire illegals, and confiscate the assets of their CEOs.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (J2vNu)

Ok, maybe keep a *few* on the list, but it should be a single-digit list, not every fcking one on the planet.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (zlGo9)

118 iirc the KY governor is a D and I don't know if they are one of the states that has a law requiring a replacement from the same party.
"buuuuuut"
I believe there is a decent R majority in the House, especially after Tuesday, and Massie is the right guy for this job. I think he could accomplish WAY more as USDA pruner.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:13 AM (zlGo9)

He's a massive POS D, but reps are always special elections as TJM said it's in that paper thingy. Senate is dependent on states, since you know they were supposed to be appointed by the states.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (CIS44)

119 The United States was founded on tariffs. It is literally one of the first things Congress did when it was formed. There was no income tax, the funding for the government came from tariffs. And it was wildly successful.

Trump's tariffs on China in his first term not only helped tame China's criminal trade behavior it brought in 10s of billions from China. The left has managed to make tariffs sound like some sort of evil, economy killing boogieman when the truth is if implemented properly they can make trade more free and fair and also bring in lots of revenue.

Make Tariffs Great Again

Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (LkLld)

120 > iirc the KY governor is a D and I don't know if they are one of the states that has a law requiring a replacement from the same party.
"buuuuuut"
I believe there is a decent R majority in the House, especially after Tuesday, and Massie is the right guy for this job. I think he could accomplish WAY more as USDA pruner.
---------
Our leftist governor has said that the current law requiring him to select a candidate from a list supplied by the Republican Party is un-constitutional (state) and will fight it.

This came up with concerns over McConnell's health earlier in the year.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (Q4IgG)

121 The people on Reddit are not disappointing today:

R/UnethicalLifeProTips
ULPT request: I have a neighbor who's a huge MAGA fan. He is Mexican-American and his two parents are here illegally and live with him. How would I go about reporting him and get them deported? I live in Florida.

My thoughts:
1. He might be surprised how willing neighbor is to get his parents out of his house, lol. You never know.
2. This was ALWAYS the unspoken thing for libs about illegals. We want you here, but only if you serve our agenda and agree to be chattel slaves. But step out of line....

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (wcIbG)

122
Fill the cabinet with RINO senators. Work with their governors to replace them with MAGA senators.

Fire the entire cabinet.

I endorse this plan. Of course, cabinet secretaries don't do anything but stand in front of microphones and read statements, so keeping them in office and prohibiting their usual graft avenues might be better than firing them for spite.

Posted by: Auspex at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (j4U/Z)

123 I imagine it would have to survive a court challenge but I like Vivek's idea that you can't choose whom to fire on an individual basis* but you can fire them on a totally arbitrary basis as long as it's fair. For example, you could roll a D10 and then fire everybody at the State Dept whose SSN ends in, say, 7. Repeat until the budget balances. It would make for must-see TV.

* Without cause. You could totally choose to fire somebody for embezzlement or whatever.

Posted by: Oddbob at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (/y8xj)

124 50% of our country have zero coping skills. None. Nada.

Posted by: Piper at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (pZEOD)

125
It's not laziness, it's plausible deniability.
Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (Evo1G)

Valid.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (+sD5M)

126 See, here in Canada, our leaders realise that they can just spend and spend and the budget will balance itself. It's going great.

Hey, Trump should invade.
Posted by: Stateless

He'd definitely raze all the poutine places.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (v6JzV)

127 Would you, perchance, need a department of gibbeting? Because I'd like to run it, please.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (tT6L1)
-------------
Gibbets would be very welcome. And traditional. I'm all about tradition.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (U1w17)

128 I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

The interesting thing will be when they start saying "why should Americans pay $20/pill for a drug developed in the US if Europe, for example, only pays $1/pill?"

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (ExV1e)

129 Completely shut down ALL non-essential government until we have a budget passed by congress, and tell them that under no circumstances will he sign any CR between then and the time it's passed.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead...Wearing Pants and Working at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (luW6

That's what I want.

Go line by line through the budget and keep sending it back.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (jvJvP)

130 Thanks for the appointment/special election knowledge folks.

This really is a smart military blog!

Posted by: Just Lily at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (XqWaa)

131
Department of Education needs axed.

Posted by: Frank Barone at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (+oR7L)

132 >>> 72 Couldn't we just bomb them and eliminate the threat to our national economy and the interests of the American people?

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (vvyZK)

I think about 30% of our debt is foreign owned. The rest is us!

I guess you could bomb D.C... that might work.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (d9fT1)

Let's try it and see what happens!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (zlGo9)

133 And now, a little disco.

https://is.gd/vVhCoG

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (L/fGl)

134 24 Notsothoreau posted about Joel Salatin yesterday:
https://shorturl.at/uOpKH

"I've been contacted by the Trump transition team to hold some sort of position within the USDA and have accepted one of the six 'Advisor to the Secretary' spots. My favorite congressman, Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture."

(but read the whole thing)
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (zlGo9)

I just heard about Salatin this morning, watching a video from Dr Ken Berry.

It's GREAT news. Salatin is my hero (yes, my husband knows). It's news like this that encourages me, that maybe, just maybe, things will actually get done in the Trumpening.

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (Rbu5d)

135 Aw, shoot. Thanks, Helena. Whoever made that video was a master.

Posted by: creeper at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (M6moH)

136 Media: Newsom now seen as the man who will lead the democrat resistance against Trump

Me: WOOOOOOOOOHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA

*breathes*

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (M7vhK)

137 The idea of Musk and the DOGE is at least something that voters are starting to find intereting. I think it is poorly named but that's probably just me. We have had lots of "government efficiency" plans like Al Gore and his good government initiative. Like, actually, I don't want the DOJ to be more efficient at what they do!

He's got the right idea saying that we could cut 2 or 3 trillion dollars from the budget. That is what we would have to do. I think if you combine all of the medical spending the government does that is the largest proportion of spending. If we can focus on health v medical care then cutting a trillion out of there isn't killing seniors. If we can make them more healthy they need less health care.

BUT - a lot of health issues are the result of poor choices, and freedom of choice allows for poor choices. I don't know how to cut that baby in half.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (QfvaV)

138 122 I endorse this plan. Of course, cabinet secretaries don't do anything but stand in front of microphones and read statements, so keeping them in office and prohibiting their usual graft avenues might be better than firing them for spite.
Posted by: Auspex at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (j4U/Z)

=======

Nah. They're managers who direct the movement of the department within the bounds of the law.

They need to be on Team Trump, not undermining him by doing things like elevating antagonistic personnel, pushing policies that go against America's interests, or generally just hiding activities.

Firing is the only way.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (GBKbO)

139 Just write it off

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (/7KEl)

140 A lot of it is Social Security related.

It's overall very screwy from an accounting perspective, we should be looking at the present value of all liabilities to assess things.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
=======
Social security can be fixed relatively easy--move the retirement date forward in one month increments starting now. Removing the stupid tax on earnings after a ceiling is reached while collecting SS would probably help as well.

Medicare and Medicaid are what is driving about one trillion dollars of the current deficit. Add in direct welfare and transfer payments, many to illegals, you get probably another trillion or so.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (ctrM5)

141 Roll back every spending increase post 2008 to pre 2008 levels adjusted for inflation.
1) it’s sure to mainly hurt democrats
2) no one can credibly argue that a 2008 level of welfare and healthcare aren’t good enough.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (jbnUc)

142 I guess you could bomb D.C... that might work.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (d9fT1)

Let's try it and see what happens!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (zlGo9)

It's the only way to be sure.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (aD39U)

143 How would I go about reporting him and get them deported? I live in Florida.

even during the Trump admin, only the criminals and malefactors were getting deported

he didn't go after the landscapers and bodega owners

Posted by: kallisto at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (dCxaZ)

144 >>Cut foreign aid to countries which hate us.

Yes!

And cut aid to any country that dumps their people on us (e.g. Venezuela). You want any aid? Then take back every one of your undesirables sent here first.

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (scDBq)

145 Commenting present

Posted by: Skip at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (A0HU0)

146 There was also Bush IIs attempt to allow people to opt out of SS. He was pilloried for it, of course.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

I wonder if Trump could get Musk & Ramaswamy to agitate for it. If they could get the chirruns onboard.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (ExV1e)

147 You know who else had a taste for cutting...

Posted by: Truck Monkey at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (1FWWQ)

148 Fill the cabinet with RINO senators. Work with their governors to replace them with MAGA senators.

Fire the entire cabinet.

I think the word is engorged.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (QfvaV)

149 I guess you could bomb D.C... that might work.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (d9fT1)

Let's try it and see what happens!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (zlGo9)

we've replaced DC with a smoking crater. Let's see if anyone notices.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (CIS44)

150 140 A lot of it is Social Security related.

It's overall very screwy from an accounting perspective, we should be looking at the present value of all liabilities to assess things.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
=======
Social security can be fixed relatively easy--move the retirement date forward in one month increments starting now. Removing the stupid tax on earnings after a ceiling is reached while collecting SS would probably help as well.

Medicare and Medicaid are what is driving about one trillion dollars of the current deficit. Add in direct welfare and transfer payments, many to illegals, you get probably another trillion or so.
Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (ctrM5)

That was about intragovernmental debt. SSA is owed a bunch of money by the Treasury which results in a partial measurement of its liabilities.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (eYoxG)

151 The name "Salatin" is a little too close to "Stalin" for my comfort, especially in the USDA.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (v6JzV)

152 I could totally see Elon poring over hundreds of spreadsheets on 8 screens for 22 hours straight and coming back with "I found $800B in redundant spending, $1.5T in general bullshit, and another $250B in savings from shopping around," and then Dr. Paul comes in with "Hold my beer."

To quote Andrew Jackson:
Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.

Without Congressional buy-in, all Elon can do is make suggestions. We know what needs to be done, we just lack the will to do it.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (xCA6C)

153 103
To this day I still mock some of the insane BlueAnon conspiracy theories she and Janeamd Garofalo peddled on Air America…
Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (7kSOl)

What happened to Garofalo?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (kTd/k)

154
The interesting thing will be when they start saying "why should Americans pay $20/pill for a drug developed in the US if Europe, for example, only pays $1/pill?"
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (ExV1e)
-----------------

yeah, the American taxpayer subsidizing the socialized medicine of the world needs to stop.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (tT6L1)

155 Hello, Horde! First visit with my oncologist later this afternoon. Pulled him up on the website - looks like an extremely competent doctor, but I don't think his training wheels are off yet! Poor thing isn't going to know what hit him.... 🤣🤣🤣

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (SRRAx)

156 But there is some spending that can be cut in service of his declared mandate to end much of the insanity of the federal government. That will be a good start, and hopefully he will get a taste for cutting!
Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

I sincerely hope he's able to begin making deep cuts. Our great great grandchildren need it to start as soon as possible.

Posted by: BifBewalski at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (MsrgL)

157 Firing is the only way.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=======
I toyed with the idea that Lindsay Graham should be appointed Sec. of Defense just to get his ass out of the Senate. Then fire him for the inevitable insubordination and replace him with someone reliable.

McMasters in SC would get to appoint Lady Lindsay's replacement.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (ctrM5)

158 Willowed:

Serious Answer - stealing the 2020 election. And thats the irony of it all. They can't even publicly revel in it.

A funny thing is happening. BlueAnon has latched onto the number of votes being radically lower than Joe's 81 million (good) and come to the wrong conclusion: that Trump cheated in 2024 to suppress the vote (LOL). Their Rosetta Stone is that he said at a rally that he and Mike Johnson have a secret plan.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (2ocoG)

159
Make Tariffs Great Again
Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (LkLld)

It really comes down to how you measure "economic benefit"

If we look at it purely from a GDP view (government + business + consumer spending), tariffs are harmful. They are implementing a cost that will increase the costs of goods, lowering consumer spending.

If we look at it from a more wholistic "whole of society" view -- tariffs make a lot of sense. There is obviously a benefit to Chinese goods becoming more cost competitive with American goods, as it keeps the money in the US economy and keeps Americans employed.

Add off-shoring and massive immigration to the story, and tariffs are a no-brainer.

Otherwise we're exporting blue collar jobs, importing white collar workers, importing all of our goods, and even though GDP is growing, American citizens standard of living is collapsing. Which is arguably what we're seeing now.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (Evo1G)

160 Are the various instantiations of "emergency" spending still rolled into every CR? Seems like a pretty easy place to start.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM

Yep we are still funding "emergency" stuff from 9/11 in all of these CR's. It's zombie like stuff at this point.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (QNSds)

161 116 I don't know. I can imagine quite a bit.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:12 AM (GBKbO)

I understood this reference!!
Posted by: Doof

One of the best lines in the movie.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:15 AM (v6JzV)

Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz’s uncredited script-polish on Star Wars gave us some of the most memorable dialogue ever.

(And for those who say that’s a point against Lucas, he was the one who asked them to. I assume they mutually agreed on no credit because it was still George’s script and they only doctored it. Doctors don’t usually get credit, even if they contribute the best lines in the movie. Sort of like how several of the most quotable movie lines of the 90s were secretly written by the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Joss Whedon, etc. for movies they doctored/punched up.)

Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (7kSOl)

162 36 No president can “cut the budget” without Congress. And, the votes won’t be there. Until they are, the only real solution is new sources of revenue - for which there are also zero votes.
Posted by: Going deep. Out. at November 07, 2024 11:04 AM (i5B/J)

Veto every spending bill, barely an inconvenience.
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:06 AM (CIS44)

And the bully pulpit - a campaign-style roadshow of rallies across the country pointing out all the asinine things we spend on, including aid to foreign countries who either A) hate us, B) sponge of us, C) have values increasingly at odds with our own.

Would also like to see Elon crowdsource budget cut recommendations on Twitter while he's reviewing the budget with Vance. I might actually pay for that.

Posted by: NJ Class Traitor at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (XfoBK)

163 I guess you could bomb D.C... that might work.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (d9fT1)

Blow up the White House and I'll blow you.

Posted by: Madonna at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (+sD5M)

164 What happened to Garofalo?
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (kTd/k)
--------------

It started with the tattoos. Things sort of spiraled out of control from there.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (tT6L1)

165 Lame duck hated President who owes nobody nothing except a good ass whuppin'. Put the autistic genius in charge of cuts and reduce the leviathan by 80%. How many people do we need in the FDA to rubber stamp what ever Pfizer wants.
The only people who would be impacted by the cuts are the make work employees themselves; and most are in MD, VA, and DC, so fuck em all.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (wBaIH)

166 Good morning good people.

Now that I think of it, we are now striking fear into the hearts of our enemies simply by being alive.

It is good.

Posted by: Tonypete at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (WXNFJ)

167 Stop funding the UN and kick them out of NYC.

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (scDBq)

168 > And now, a little disco.
---

you see that guy? He was wearing brown shoes with a blue suit

says it all

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (/7KEl)

169 Can't Trump order every illegal alien in prison to be deported instantly on Day One? That has to be several hundred thousand right there.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (aD39U)

170 >>>The people on Reddit are not disappointing today:

R/UnethicalLifeProTips
ULPT request: I have a neighbor who's a huge MAGA fan. He is Mexican-American and his two parents are here illegally and live with him. How would I go about reporting him and get them deported? I live in Florida.

Cope harder, losers.

Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (jGGMD)

171 124 50% of our country have zero coping skills. None. Nada.
Posted by: Piper at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (pZEOD)

I wonder how much of this is virtue signaling induced drama.

I know some people who have posted hysterics online but seem to be acting normally in person.

It's weird. Like Tim Waltz weird.

Posted by: Just Lily at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (XqWaa)

172 More than you could possibly imagine.
Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024

***
I can imagine quite a lot!

Posted by: Han Solo at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (J2vNu)

173 There are paralels between healthcare and college education.

Prices are ridiculous because of decades of "free" funny money getting pumped in.

If some kid's parents are on the hook for a degree or an appendectomy, there's only so much the school our hospital can plausibly charge. If uncle sugar is paying the bill, the sky is the limit.

Friedman probably said it better somewhere.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (VoAdT)

174 And now, a little disco.

https://is.gd/vVhCoG
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (L/fGl)

That is an insult to disco!

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (N0dT2)

175 I guess you could bomb D.C... that might work.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at November 07, 2024 11:10 AM (d9fT1)

Let's try it and see what happens!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (zlGo9)

we've replaced DC with a smoking crater. Let's see if anyone notices.
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (CIS44)

As long as the Morons who work there are out of range before we begin, I'd be OK with it. Otherwise, the only loss would be the museums and monuments.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (VNX3d)

176 The GAO estimates are all over the place on medicare/medicaid fraud but most estimates put the fraud at over $100 BILLION each year out of $850 billion spent in the programs.
Posted by: Mister Scott

It's Medicare enrollment season. The most frequent ad on TV is from Humana Insurance. If you qualify for Medicare and Medicaid you might not be receiving all the benefits you are ' entitled ' to. They will ' help ' you get more free stuff, just sign up for one of their plans.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (nBStl)

177 I just saw a stupid Facebook post warning about women dying after miscarriages because of???
Where's the misinformation patrol?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (kTd/k)

178
Was it opting out or giving them chance to have it invested in a 401k type manner?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (+sD5M)
================
Patterned after the Chilean system, I think Bush proposed these concepts tied together. Young people could opt out and, instead, invest in a private scheme approved by the government for retirement purposes.

Tremendously successful in Chile.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (kdh3E)

179 130 Thanks for the appointment/special election knowledge folks.

This really is a smart military blog!
Posted by: Just Lily at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM (XqWaa)

Yes. I knew if I asked I'd get the answer

Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (IyPmt)

180 52... Cut foreign aid to countries which hate us.

Make up some of that with hefty fines of companies who knowingly or unknowingly hire illegals, and confiscate the assets of their CEOs.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 11:08 AM (J2vNu)

Cut foreign aid to countries. Period.
Hey, I'm an introvert, so isolationism comes naturally to me...

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (Rbu5d)

181 Trump appoints Dave Ramsey to oversee the budget. Each agency gets an envelope with cash for the month...
Posted by: Moron Analyst

Trump appoints Jim Kramer and instructs each agency to do the exact opposite of the advice given.

Posted by: Stu Podaso at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (PqDi1)

182 157 I toyed with the idea that Lindsay Graham should be appointed Sec. of Defense just to get his ass out of the Senate. Then fire him for the inevitable insubordination and replace him with someone reliable.

McMasters in SC would get to appoint Lady Lindsay's replacement.
Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (ctrM5)

=======

McMaster is machine. Graham owns the machine.

McMaster would need to be...influenced.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (GBKbO)

183 I wonder if Trump could get Musk & Ramaswamy to agitate for it. If they could get the chirruns onboard.

I can't speak for the chirruns, but most Gen Xers have assumed our entire lives that Social Security is gonna go tits up and we've planned accordingly. A lot of us have had or are starting to have the experience of taking care of our older parents, which has only reinforced that belief.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (2ocoG)

184
33 The only way to realistically reduce spending is to cut SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. I wonder if even Trump has the testicles for that.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:03 AM (xCA6C)

Social Security isn't that big of a hole fiscally. And there are ways to reduce expenditure for Medicare or Medicaid without attacking the programs directly.

We need to cut Medicaid and Medicare to illegals, stop incentivizing, get citizenship info if they come to ER’s, Florida did that and they stopped coming

Stop spending trillions on wars like Ukraine… stop all the hand outs, keep the hand ups

Help countries to help themselves to their treasure, not the cartels, shut down the border and start the massive deportations

And kick the crooked UN out of America and stop supporting it and all climate and DEI bs

UN actually admitted to misplacing 30 bolt its collected, from IS only no doubt, from Climate Change scams

Posted by: Gonzotx at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (YjECI)

185 167 Stop funding the UN and kick them out of NYC.
Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (scDBq)

Maybe we can move the headquarters to Mexico City

Posted by: NJ Class Traitor at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (XfoBK)

186 158 A funny thing is happening. BlueAnon has latched onto the number of votes being radically lower than Joe's 81 million (good) and come to the wrong conclusion: that Trump cheated in 2024 to suppress the vote (LOL). Their Rosetta Stone is that he said at a rally that he and Mike Johnson have a secret plan.
Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (2ocoG)

========

I want to know the specifics of this vote suppression.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (GBKbO)

187 What happened to Garofalo?
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (kTd/k)
--------------

It started with the tattoos. Things sort of spiraled out of control from there.
Posted by: blake

I thought she was really cute in the 90s. Pity what she's turned into.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (v6JzV)

188 That is an insult to disco!
Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (N0dT2)
------------

Yeah, needs disco lights glinting off a well coiffed dome.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (tT6L1)

189 Even if Congress appropriates $$$$$$$$$ for a shitass program, does it have to be spent? Can the Department Sec hold it up?

Posted by: Tonypete at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (WXNFJ)

190 even during the Trump admin, only the criminals and malefactors were getting deported

he didn't go after the landscapers and bodega owners

1. Deport criminal illegal aliens.

2. Make all social welfare programs dependent on legal residence.

3. Self-deportation follows.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (uxCna)

191 153 What happened to Garofalo?
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (kTd/k)

I think she regenerated into Sarah Silverman.

Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (7kSOl)

192 There's a kind of hush
All over the world

>>@PeterSweden7

>>HUGE NEWS

>>The German Socialist government has COLLAPSED and there are now talks about a snap election.

Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (LkLld)

193 >>> 135 Aw, shoot. Thanks, Helena. Whoever made that video was a master.
Posted by: creeper at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (M6moH)

It's still funny!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (zlGo9)

194 I thought she was really cute in the 90s. Pity what she's turned into.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (v6JzV)
-----------

Same.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (tT6L1)

195 A funny thing is happening. BlueAnon has latched onto the number of votes being radically lower than Joe's 81 million (good) and come to the wrong conclusion: that Trump cheated in 2024 to suppress the vote (LOL). Their Rosetta Stone is that he said at a rally that he and Mike Johnson have a secret plan.
Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (2ocoG)

That's fine, complete top to bottom audit of 2020 and 2024.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (CIS44)

196 Young people could opt out and, instead, invest in a private scheme approved by the government for retirement purposes.

Tremendously successful in Chile.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (kdh3E)

But they were pissed off because the slush fund of SS would go away because they couldn't touch the investment fund, right?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (+sD5M)

197 (Willowed) 395 357 I promised myself that I would celebrate Trump's victory by getting my butt back into a pew.

But I was raised Methodist, and after their split a few years back, I'm not sure it is going to be a good fit. I really don't want to be listening to wokism, since that will just drive me away again.

Obviously most of the main line denominations are liberal and not for me. Also not raised Catholic.

We have a number of the large non-denominationals around, but those always made me nervous, I'm not the bible thumper type.

Any advice?
Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 07, 2024 10:30 AM (G/A+i)

You don't have to be raised Catholic to attend a Catholic mass. You don't have to even become Catholic to continue going. My best female friend was raised Protestant (I think some form of Baptist) and spent years just going to Catholic Mass and attending Moms Groups with fellow Catholic moms. She didn't convert for about a decade.

For anyone there, you can always enter a Catholic Church and will always be welcome. No one will pressure you to join. They'll just answer if you ask.

Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (exHjb)

198 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

-
She means, "Unbrainwashed white men ~~without college degrees~~ are going to ruin this country"

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (L/fGl)

199 Did Robert Francis O'Rourke make any type of appearance?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (kTd/k)

200 Was it opting out or giving them chance to have it invested in a 401k type manner?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:07 AM (+sD5M)

IIRC, technically, it was a bit of both. You could choose to remain in with the same rules as always or you could take half your taxes (the other half went to fund people who took option 1) and put it in what is, effectively, a Roth IRA. No taxes on withdrawal after 59.5 and you control where your money is located. They also talked about making the IRA have a defined set of funds for you to pick.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (ExV1e)

201 @159

I generally dislike tariffs, but used as weapons of coercion, they have their place. You don't want them long term, but they can be persuasive in encouraging better behavior by people who abuse the free trade regimen. I have no doubt Trump understands this.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (xCA6C)

202 In a way I'm glad that the adults are going to be in charge again, but I'm astonished at the lack of interest in this topic, all across the board. Not just the Tic Tok cryers, who only saw abortion as a reason to vote for someone, but Congress is either going to get off their arses and address fiscal responsibility, or there's nothing an administration can do, no matter how committed they are.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (dGCAG)

203 156 But there is some spending that can be cut in service of his declared mandate to end much of the insanity of the federal government. That will be a good start, and hopefully he will get a taste for cutting!
Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

I sincerely hope he's able to begin making deep cuts. Our great great grandchildren need it to start as soon as possible.
Posted by: BifBewalski
=========
The low hanging fruit is removing every financial incentive from fedgov for illegals and refugees. No housing, no welfare, and no medical care, plus a huge tax on any remittances they send of state money given to them.

Another is repeal a lot of the incentives for the Green Nude Eel that have not been spent (will need that revenue for tax cuts for tips, removing the tax on retiree Soc. Security while continuing to work, etc.

Then go after Big Pharma and its outsized effect on bloating government spending on medications.
No more price discrimination where the US gov pays more for meds than pharma sells them for in foreign lands.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (ctrM5)

204 192 There's a kind of hush
All over the world

>>@PeterSweden7

>>HUGE NEWS

>>The German Socialist government has COLLAPSED and there are now talks about a snap election.
Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (LkLld)

======

The left told us for years that Trump was a dark sorcerer who could will evil things into happening based on his own whims.

And they just kept fighting him anyway!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (GBKbO)

205 @PeterSweden7

>>HUGE NEWS

>>The German Socialist government has COLLAPSED and there are now talks about a snap election.
Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (LkLld)

The Trump Effect grows.........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (+sD5M)

206 It is always pointed out that there is little "discretionary" spending. We have entitlements and defense and interest on the debt.

Entitlement reform always sounds awesome and this way leads to electoral death.

Find someone who would cut defense in the face of "you don't support the troops!"

Interest on the debt is a Consitutional requirement.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (QfvaV)

207 For those on the question of tariffs, no "information based economy" thrives for any length of time.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (wBaIH)

208 He is Mexican-American and his two parents are here illegally and live with him

*******************

lol Im sure he somehow looked up their immigration status and would know this for a fact

cope harder fuckhead

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (M7vhK)

209 I thought she was really cute in the 90s. Pity what she's turned into.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (v6JzV)
-----------

Same.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (tT6L1)

My very first post here was about her, back in 2006 or so, prehash days anyway.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (aD39U)

210 As glorious as the Trump win was I can't help noticing it was not a landslide and not a complete PV wipe out. Yes, the left lost ground everywhere but the cackler still is getting around 48% of the popular vote. This will not in anyway cause the Dems to move to the center or be more cooperative. They will double down and cling to their hate and stupidity and keep attacking MAGA, norms and this country relentlessly. They have learned nothing and forgotten nothing.

Not that give I or anybody should give a shit what the Dems think but making any real changes is going difficult, to say the least.

Posted by: Ripley at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (GUOwU)

211 203 The low hanging fruit is removing every financial incentive from fedgov for illegals and refugees. No housing, no welfare, and no medical care, plus a huge tax on any remittances they send of state money given to them.

Another is repeal a lot of the incentives for the Green Nude Eel that have not been spent (will need that revenue for tax cuts for tips, removing the tax on retiree Soc. Security while continuing to work, etc.

Then go after Big Pharma and its outsized effect on bloating government spending on medications.
No more price discrimination where the US gov pays more for meds than pharma sells them for in foreign lands.
Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (ctrM5)

======

How much of that funding is explicit in statute?

I bet a lot of it could be gotten rid of by simply citing Loper. Lawsuits in response could be fun to watch.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (GBKbO)

212 What happened to Garofalo?
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (kTd/k)
--------------

It started with the tattoos. Things sort of spiraled out of control from there.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:19 AM (tT6L1)
----------
She was super-cute in the '90s, but years of being a lefty scold has taken a toll.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (U1w17)

213 >>> I've always wondered how much actual waste and fraud is in Medicare...

I found out, to my sadness, an elderly relative of mine on retirement has been kicked off their SS and their Medicare. They've been struggling in the Biden economy, and were trying to work part time. Were fitting in more part time hours than they should have and got busted. Medicare and SS has been pulled.

The problem is they are on a lot of expensive drugs to keep them going, especially their heart. I don't see how they can afford their meds now. It feels like a death sentence for them.

I hate it. I hate they broke the law, but I get why they felt desperate enough to do it. I don't know what to do to help them. I can't afford to pay their meds.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (wcIbG)

214 169 Can't Trump order every illegal alien in prison to be deported instantly on Day One? That has to be several hundred thousand right there.
Posted by: G'rump928(c)

Ha ha ha ha!!! Oh, man....that's a good one.

Posted by: Hawaiian Judge at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (JxaW4)

215 Turd biting Biden on TV.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (8RXzl)

216 Commenting present
Posted by: Skip at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (A0HU0)

Howdy Skip!

Not sure if anyone shared this with you -- funny moment on the rifle range at the recent Tx MoMe. Someone came out to the range and told us it was time to eat. In your honor, someone said "It can be lunch time".

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (N0dT2)

217 Hey, CBS just interrupted the Price is Right.

Biden has been wheeled out and talking now.

Ohhh grandaughter comment.
Joe's still got it.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (jvJvP)

218 Did Biden speak at 11? Say anything useful?

Posted by: Piper at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (pZEOD)

219 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (vO42M)

220 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

Your hypocrisy will be apparent when you become incredibly wealthy under a Trump economy. Stupid.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (+sD5M)

221 140

low-hanging fruit:

federal hiring freeze; buyouts

Posted by: mnw at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (NLIak)

222 >>> 151 The name "Salatin" is a little too close to "Stalin" for my comfort, especially in the USDA.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (v6JzV)

Umm... go do some reading, starting with the link I posted, and get a clue about this guy.

(My preference would be not to have USDA *at all*, or any other feralgov agency not in the Constitution, but this is a great start.)

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (zlGo9)

223 Map of the current status of house elections. Dems are a regional party, mostly concentrated in a few disfunctional urban areas. Link to X -

https://tinyurl.com/23yy37by

Posted by: Chuck Martel at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (fs1hN)

224 Awww, here's Joe Biden with a dumpster fireside chat.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (pIfcn)

225 Biden blathering. Sounds angry, as usual.

Posted by: Ripley at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (GUOwU)

226 You don't have to be raised Catholic to attend a Catholic mass. You don't have to even become Catholic to continue going. My best female friend was raised Protestant (I think some form of Baptist) and spent years just going to Catholic Mass and attending Moms Groups with fellow Catholic moms. She didn't convert for about a decade.

For anyone there, you can always enter a Catholic Church and will always be welcome. No one will pressure you to join. They'll just answer if you ask.

You can't take Communion, though.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

227 19 Two words: Trillion Dollar Coins
Posted by: G'rump928(c)

See, George Clooney and a bunch of Hollywood heist guys plan and execute a brilliant scam, steal the coins, and Trump ends up with orange pudding all over him in the end. Lots of cameos from cool 80 year old screen sex symbols.

Whatta you think, sirs?

Posted by: Auspex at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (j4U/Z)

228 169 Can't Trump order every illegal alien in prison to be deported instantly on Day One? That has to be several hundred thousand right there.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (aD39U)

Well, yes and no.

Technically they're all supposed to get deported. But the Deep State is just slow walking everything.

What needs to happen is everyone involved needs to be fired and new people who are not trying to work against the will of american citizens and the law need to be put in their places.

Immigration hearings for deportation could happen very quickly and efficiently. If the people involved wanted them to. Really should just be a rubber stamp. "Here illegally?" "yes" "okay, deported. Next!"

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (Evo1G)

229 198 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

-
She means, "Unbrainwashed white men without college degrees are going to ruin this country"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:23 AM (L/fGl)

This is nothing new. Read “The Revolt Against the Masses” by Fred Siegel (RIP). This is standard boilerplate lefty expertocracy claptrap.

Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (7kSOl)

230 Dave in Fla,
Sorry I missed you in the last thread. As far as picking a church goes, you need to ask yourself what you need from a church. Community? Worship? Happy clappy? Reverence? Tradition?

Try going to a Latin Mass. it's ok you won't really understand what's going on, but the reverence and mysticism and tradition are moving. Good luck!

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (eFOjr)

231 >>@PeterSweden7

>>HUGE NEWS

>>The German Socialist government has COLLAPSED and there are now talks about a snap election.
Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (LkLld)

That's what happens when you bomb Pearl Harbor

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (N0dT2)

232 It's KY, wont lose the seat
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

Except for the time between resignation and special election. How do they do special elections? Would the Democrat Governor be involved in the timing?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (ExV1e)

233 She was super-cute in the '90s, but years of being a lefty scold has taken a toll.
Posted by: Captain Obvious

Of course, the 90s were three decades ago...that's not going to help.

Posted by: Moron Analyst at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (JxaW4)

234 She was super-cute in the '90s, but years of being a lefty scold has taken a toll.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (U1w17)

Leftism seems to harm looks. Maybe it's the constant rage.

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (kTd/k)

235 She means, "Unbrainwashed white men without college degrees are going to ruin this country"

No, she means "Unbrainwashed white men are going to make women accountable for their choices".

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (2ocoG)

236 >>Not that give I or anybody should give a shit what the Dems think but making any real changes is going difficult, to say the least.

And yet Biden made a lot of real changes with no one stopping him.

Why is it the Democrats can go gangbusters but when Trump is elected it's all "Oh no, people will stop him, shouldn't get your hopes up."

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (scDBq)

237 It is really not hard to fix this. The hard part is resisting all the sob stories. FYNQ works well here.

Posted by: Tech Sgt. Chen at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (Z8Yh2)

238 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.

Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (exHjb)

239
Try going to a Latin Mass. it's ok you won't really understand what's going on, but the reverence and mysticism and tradition are moving. Good luck!
Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (eFOjr)

Agreed .. I always loved the Latin Mass

Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (IyPmt)

240 Social Security isn't that big of a hole fiscally. And there are ways to reduce expenditure for Medicare or Medicaid without attacking the programs directly.
Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:05 AM (jGGMD)

=======

Counter:

They should be attacked on principle because welfare programs from the federal government are inherently unAmerican.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Re-counter:
SS was taken from my paycheck at gunpoint.
It IS NOT welfare or an entitlement program.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (fs3Ts)

241 What do politicians want?

Power.

How do they get it?

Money.

No financial reform will ever happen. The only cure is bankruptcy.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (egtzA)

242 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

Completely missing the fact that this is why you got more Trump.

Stupid.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (+sD5M)

243 >>> 175
==
As long as the Morons who work there are out of range before we begin, I'd be OK with it. Otherwise, the only loss would be the museums and monuments.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (VNX3d)

They will be On Vacation, maybe a little bird will tell them when to travel...

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (zlGo9)

244 238 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.
Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (exHjb)

That's a shame. (You decide)

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (KbCG3)

245 Except for the time between resignation and special election. How do they do special elections? Would the Democrat Governor be involved in the timing?
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (ExV1e)

It's generally put on the next vote in the state as long as it falls outside a certain timeframe. for campaigning. But I do believe it varies.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (CIS44)

246 DiF mine got willard too:

Dave its not weird and let me be the first to say "Welcome Home" even if you haven't yet chosen one that you are deciding is a good sign.

Don't know what your family or cultural background is, or what your specific feelings are about how church is presented, but those things matter. If you think contemporary church music is blasphemy then don't go to a church that has it! If you want to have a familiar liturgical rhythm then look for a church with that.

People will say none of that matters but I don't agree. If you are just new to it all and aren't even sure what to look for, then do some church shopping. See what's close to home.

But I will strongly recommend whatever else with the church you look at, a strong children's program is important even if it is not something you need or will take advantage of. To me it is a sign of health for the church. It means that it is VITAL.

My two cents.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (QfvaV)

247 As glorious as the Trump win was I can't help noticing it was not a landslide and not a complete PV wipe out. Yes, the left lost ground everywhere but the cackler still is getting around 48% of the popular vote. This will not in anyway cause the Dems to move to the center or be more cooperative. They will double down and cling to their hate and stupidity and keep attacking MAGA, norms and this country relentlessly. They have learned nothing and forgotten nothing.

I think you are correct.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (xCA6C)

248 Social security can be fixed relatively easy--move the retirement date forward in one month increments starting now.

It used to be that one could start drawing full benefits at 65. Several years ago, that date was changed to 67. If you keep pushing that date out one month at a time, in 5 years the retirement age would be 72; in 10 years it would be 77; 15 years it would be 82; and in 20 years it would be 87.

Which means that people will have to work their entire lives, pay into the system all that time, and -realistically - never see one penny of all of the money that they (and their employer) contributed all their lives.

Might as well just call it what it is - another tax.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (SRRAx)

249 I don't think anyone can put down on paper what we owe and what we spend and defend it with foresnic evidence.

Any discussion of budgets and spending is just argle bargle until a couple of things occur. First we'd need to audit the treasury to determine how much money is actually available and what the actual debt is. Then you have a baseline to plan with. Second, identify by account, what is required to be funded to run required government tasks.

And no congressional accounts get funded until that happens.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead...Wearing Pants and Working at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (luW68)

250 Today, it feels like September 13, 2001, or November 4, 2004.

The day after 9/11, we were unified and cohesive. By the following day, the attacks and recriminations started as the Dems were terrified that Bush surged in popularity.

After the 2004 election, I felt pretty good and pretty magnanimous toward the left. The despondent videos started to trickle out, and I genuinely felt sympathetic toward Kerry voters. By the following day, it was clear they were going to sabotage his second term by any means.

Yesterday, I felt pretty happy about the outcome on Tuesday. Now I see that they're busy stealing Senate seats while the mayor of Chicago is declaring war on the administration.

I don't know why I go through afterglow after the rare political victory, but every time I'm brought back to reality within a day. And I know Trump is ready for the fight starting now.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (YIxO9)

251 124 50% of our country have zero coping skills. None. Nada.
Posted by: Piper at November 07, 2024 11:16 AM

These children raised in the mid 2000's have been living a simulation of "nobody loses" & "How does it make you feel?" and thinking they are all winners and you feelings trump reality.

Life is full of loss and pain and disappointment and struggle with periods joy greatness and gain. They're reality has been warped.

Posted by: Frank Barone at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (+oR7L)

252 226 You can't take Communion, though.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

=======

Well, you can...you'll just burn in Hell for it!

Some of the most awkward things I've seen at masses are church ladies zeroing in on non-Catholics who don't know that they're not supposed to take the Eucharist and snatching it out of their hands.

I saw it happen once where the girl obviously was just curious about mass, probably invited by her male companion (boyfriend, I guess), and she became a muddle of tears after that. She was so embarrassed.

I mean...she shouldn't have taken it, but embarrassing the girl like that probably drove her from the Church forever. There were better ways to deal with that.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (GBKbO)

253 My sis is in one 'cause she's an addict...waited on hand and foot...and still gets dope.

I want in on that!

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (8RXzl)

254 You can't take Communion, though.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

Yes. But a lot of Catholics even don't each week (state of mortal sin), so you aren't gonna stick out.

And if you want to join the line to get a blessing, just cross your arms over your chest when you get up to the priest/deacon.

Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (exHjb)

255 "Do Not Despair, Kamala Tells Celebrating Nation"

The Babylon Bee (of course)

Posted by: Huck Follywood at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (PFF1h)

256 219

Sounds too good to be twue. I suspect the Post is misunderestimating the mendacity and vindictiveness of Merchan... and James & Willis too.

Posted by: mnw at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (NLIak)

257 SS is taken from people. It is then by law invested into government securities. Government then takes that money and spends the shit out of it.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (egtzA)

258 242 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

Completely missing the fact that this is why you got more Trump.

Stupid.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (+sD5M)

Completely missing the fact that it's people with degrees running this country. Which a vast majority agrees is on the wrong track.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (KbCG3)

259 240 Re-counter:
SS was taken from my paycheck at gunpoint.
It IS NOT welfare or an entitlement program.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (fs3Ts)

======

It was a tax, not an investment. SS is by definition a welfare program. You just believed a lie that it wasn't.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (GBKbO)

260 What needs to happen is everyone involved needs to be fired and new people who are not trying to work against the will of american citizens and the law need to be put in their places.

People mocked Romney for his "self deport" talk, but it's true. If conditions are unfavorable for illegals, they'll leave. Besides deporting them directly, reducing benefits, going after employers, heavily taxing money sent out of country, etc could all be done fairly easily.

Posted by: Moron Analyst at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (JxaW4)

261 It's Medicare enrollment season. The most frequent ad on TV is from Humana Insurance. If you qualify for Medicare and Medicaid you might not be receiving all the benefits you are ' entitled ' to. They will ' help ' you get more free stuff, just sign up for one of their plans.
Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (nBStl)

I am looking at having to enroll in Medicare next year. I asked my pharmacist, who is a great gal and whom I trust completely to give me the straight scoop on what plan to go with for supplemental.

She said to ignore all the Humana propaganda because the hospitals here don't even accept it.

YMMV

So be forewarned.

Posted by: Just Lily at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (XqWaa)

262 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.
Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (exHjb)

That's a shame. (You decide)
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (KbCG3)

Might be karma, but still. F*CK cancer.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (+sD5M)

263 We need to cut Medicaid and Medicare to illegals, stop incentivizing, get citizenship info if they come to ER’s, Florida did that and they stopped coming

Stop spending trillions on wars like Ukraine… stop all the hand outs, keep the hand ups

Help countries to help themselves to their treasure, not the cartels, shut down the border and start the massive deportations

And kick the crooked UN out of America and stop supporting it and all climate and DEI bs

UN actually admitted to misplacing 30 bolt its collected, from IS only no doubt, from Climate Change scams

Posted by: Gonzotx at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM

Here in Texas there are signs in both english and spanish in every ER that say you can't be refused treatment even if you are an illegal and/or you can't pay. They give a phone number for you to call if you didn't get the treatment you think you deserve. IIRC that came from obamacare.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (QNSds)

264 Karl Denninger at Market-Ticker has a solution of sorts for Medicare and the like:

Start bringing felony charges under 15 USC, Ch 1, "against any hospital, physician or drug firm (including distributors and pharmacies) that violates these clauses [regarding the inflation of expenses]," a law that's already on the books and has been upheld by the courts for decades. It just isn't enforced.

It would avoid a major political battle over these programs, since it wouldn't require the passing of any new laws.

Posted by: Dr. T at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (jGGMD)

265 Oh my -- A Jeanine Garafalo reference AND an Air America reference?? Both rightly belong in the dustbin of history.

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (N0dT2)

266 This is nothing new. Read “The Revolt Against the Masses” by Fred Siegel (RIP).

Excellent book. Highly recommended.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (xCA6C)

267 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.

They (not just Merchan) took multiple shots at the king and missed. And now they're fucked and they know it.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (2ocoG)

268 312 ev's

Who won the bourbon?

Posted by: Secret Squirrel at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (hirWM)

269 262 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.
Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (exHjb)

That's a shame. (You decide)
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (KbCG3)

Might be karma, but still. F*CK cancer.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (+sD5M)

I don't want him to die. He should probably resign and focus on his health.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (KbCG3)

270 >>If we look at it purely from a GDP view (government + business + consumer spending), tariffs are harmful. They are implementing a cost that will increase the costs of goods, lowering consumer spending.

That's actually not true. Again, this country was founded on tariffs and it helped make the US rise of a collection of colonies into and economic powerhouse. Federal income taxes didn't come into existence for years down the road but once they did it became accepted wisdom that the only way we could survive was by taxing the shit out of citizens.

I've spent a lot of years in international business and the idea that free and fair trade exists is a myth that needs to die. US companies are routinely abused trying to sell our goods around the world and not just by China but equally by our allies. You don't see that many Chevys in Paris or Frankfurt and it's not because Europeans uniformly make better vehicles. They tariff the hell out of our products.

Tariffs can be both a carrot and a stick. If countries don't want us to tariff them they can remove their tariffs, stop product dumping and treat us fairly. Otherwise, Embargo On!

Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (LkLld)

271 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (vO42M)

It's kind of funny to watch, isn't it? This was a naked power move, with no basis in anything other than the political motivation for it.

So now that they have no political power over Trump, they just walk away with their tails between their legs?

Banana Republic stuff.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (dGCAG)

272 >>

Ooh, which ones? Which lines? Did not know this.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (wcIbG)

273 Of course, the 90s were three decades ago...that's not going to help.
Posted by: Moron Analyst at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (JxaW4)
-----------
No, but the accumulation of frown lines doesn't, either.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (U1w17)

274 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

-
How about, "F*ck you, Babs"?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (L/fGl)

275 Biden speaking ,,,,he's a mess

Posted by: Big Alfredo at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (Vdukr)

276 >>Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

"That a fact, babe?"
-- Your Plumber, A/C Repairman, etc.

Ally needs to watch a few episodes of "Dirty Jobs" to fully appreciate how much "white men without college degrees" (and non-credentialed Americans of other ethnicities) make her comfy life possible.

Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (scDBq)

277 274 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

-
How about, "F*ck you, Babs"?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (L/fGl)

======

I could accept, "I am surrendering my US passport and my citizenship to live in North Korea."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (GBKbO)

278 Listening to mushhead, I'd like Trump to do the angry whispering speeches from the dark Brandon set just to freak the Dems out.

Our friends took adorable cat Snowflake to get neutered today.

She'll be back here tonight so I'll have a hobby for the next few weeks.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (jvJvP)

279 275 Biden speaking ,,,,he's a mess
Posted by: Big Alfredo at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (Vdukr)

Really instills confidence doesn't it...

Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:32 AM (IyPmt)

280 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

If only.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 07, 2024 11:32 AM (aD39U)

281 >>> 180
==
Cut foreign aid to countries. Period.
Hey, I'm an introvert, so isolationism comes naturally to me...
Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 11:21 AM (Rbu5d)

I am a Moron, that was supposed to have been a strikethrough in my earlier quote.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:32 AM (zlGo9)

282 >>> Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

The best response I saw to that was basically "white men without college degrees BUILT this country, you moron." Using language much more colorful than moron.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:32 AM (wcIbG)

283 Start bringing felony charges under 15 USC, Ch 1, "against any hospital, physician or drug firm (including distributors and pharmacies) that violates these clauses [regarding the inflation of expenses]," a law that's already on the books and has been upheld by the courts for decades. It just isn't enforced.

The other way: have Medicare stop setting official pricing for procedures. That would reduce prices for non-Medicare too because currently hospitals just charge what Medicare says it is, and Medicare's set prices are usually very high.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (2ocoG)

284 RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (UgTrv)

285 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

When ya leavin?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (+sD5M)

286 95 73
‘ Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974’
Yes, Nixon withheld some programs from being funded that he didn’t like.
It’s one of the things the ‘Rats were impeaching him for.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (jbnUc)

287 And if you want to join the line to get a blessing, just cross your arms over your chest when you get up to the priest/deacon.

In the Episcopal Church, all baptized are welcome. Those that don't want communion, but do want a blessing, do the arms crossed thing. I think that's a better way to go. In fact, I'd just say "if you want communion, you are welcome". That's just me.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (xCA6C)

288 3 My sis is in one 'cause she's an addict...waited on hand and foot...and still gets dope.

I want in on that!

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (8RXzl)

It's supposed to be a re-hab facility...she's been "re-habbing" about 8 years now.

Posted by: BignJames at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (Yj6Os)

289 The fun part is the horrified press stories about how much money this is all going to cost.

Yeah. Don't care. Slash it until it bleeds then keep slashing.

Posted by: NR Pax at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (lXoJ5)

290 You forgot about Ron Paul. The Fed has to be audited and then abolished and flushed down the toilet of history!

Posted by: Guillermo at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (558mO)

291 Feds are actually unable to spend the allocated budgets. This is why all the grants to NGOs are happening. They lose funding if budget is returned to the treasury.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (8TPM0)

292 There has to be structural reform before any cuts to Medicare, because an immediate 5% cut will be targeted by the companies that own nursing homes/assisted living against the most fragile and pretty much defenseless people. have you seen the nursing home food? or who works there, especially after COVID ? they will not cut the board salaries, but they will cut services and support, and then they will tell them how R want to starve and kill old people.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (V13WU)

293 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.
====

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that these are not the last words we hear/read from Babs.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (CIS44)

294 FJB is speaking

Not hyperbole!
Soul of the Nation!
Much of what we've done will be felt in the future! The bill spends money over the nest 10 years. Building roads, bridges, yada yada yada.
We leave bhind the greatest economy in the world!
Look folks...
As my mother said...
You can't love your country only when you win (if only his party believed it)

74 days more of FJB

Posted by: Gref at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (aBgBM)

295 I'm Protestant to the bone. Can't do Catholic services. I mean, I've gone to services (weddings, first communions) for my Catholic nieces and nephews, but that's family.

When my niece got married in a Catholic church, the officiant mentioned that he had a wife. I asked my sister-in-law about it afterwards, and she said that he was a deacon? (or something), which meant that he could perform weddings, but didn't have to be celibate.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (v6JzV)

296 274 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

Very funny.

Posted by: Zombie Marcel Marceau at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (PiwSw)

297 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.

They (not just Merchan) took multiple shots at the king and missed. And now they're fucked and they know it.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM

I honestly don't see how they can make it go away. Trump has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The judge can't just wave his hand and just make the trial disappear. The same goes for the civil cases against Trump that have already been completed, those are done deals and are both are being appealed.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (QNSds)

298 290 You forgot about Ron Paul. The Fed has to be audited and then abolished and flushed down the toilet of history!
Posted by: Guillermo at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (558mO)

=======

Paul has apparently been approached to work on federal spending.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (GBKbO)

299 198 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

Good luck trying to run the world without electricians, plumbers, HVAC repairmen,Tesla repairmen, dockworkers, factory workers, farmers, grocery clerks, textile workers, travel agents, and so many more, sweetheart.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (SRRAx)

300 It used to be that one could start drawing full benefits at 65. Several years ago, that date was changed to 67. If you keep pushing that date out one month at a time, in 5 years the retirement age would be 72; in 10 years it would be 77; 15 years it would be 82; and in 20 years it would be 87.

Which means that people will have to work their entire lives, pay into the system all that time, and -realistically - never see one penny of all of the money that they (and their employer) contributed all their lives.

Might as well just call it what it is - another tax.
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (SRRAx)

Welllllll... the number of people drawing OUT of SS now, who never paid a dime in is staggering.

And many of them are nowhere near 65 or 65 or older. It's a catchall for the derelicts and disabled. But just like everything else the government does, it's not real money, as long as they can just print more, so the "why not" attitude will continue.

SS won't be fixed.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (dGCAG)

301 Ain't no party like a Biden party
'Cause a Biden party don't stop!

Posted by: Joe and DOCTOR Jill, Partying Away! at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (uxCna)

302 Looks like the market is pretty happy about Trump and the Republicans winning...

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (oZhjI)

303 269 262 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.
Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (exHjb)
---------------
This shit can kill you real quick.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (AdHga)

304 Yeah it makes you think our enemies know that have a little 2 month window to act before Trump takes over . China or a terrorist attack is a very real possibility.

Posted by: Big Alfredo at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (Vdukr)

305 Any advice?
Posted by: Dave in Fla
=====
World Methodist Church is the non woke version and likely to have a church near you.

Some like Orthodox Christianity as an alternative to Catholicism. Equally long pedigree there and a more decentralized and often ethnic focus to its various churches.

On denominations--you get a wide gamut of types.
LDS, for example, is very family focused and an interesting mix of modern and ancient beliefs.

Personally, I had to study a lot of denominational practices and beliefs back in the 00's as part of a large state by state study of abortion laws (we were looking at religious accommodations, etc in state laws regarding the practice and regulation of it). Personally, I believe every sect has parts of their beliefs that are false (induced error by fallible humans) and parts that are true.

What matters more is what calls to you and your heart--not the age of the church, not the goodies offered, not the various esoteric doctrines and sect disputes about being the 'true' religion, nor the social class attending it.

Visit a lot of them, you will learn how bigotry in its original definition is mainly from our own preconceptions.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (ctrM5)

306 SSDI needs to be investigated for fraud. Billions are being squandered.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (/U5Yz)

307 "White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country."

She should put this on her door mat and a bumper sticker, so every plumber and mechanic can see it when she needs help.

Stupid bint.

Posted by: PabloD at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (BZSZ7)

308 185 167 Stop funding the UN and kick them out of NYC.
Posted by: Lizzy at November 07, 2024 11:20 AM (scDBq)

Maybe we can move the headquarters to Mexico City
Posted by: NJ Class Traitor at November 07, 2024 11:22 AM (XfoBK)

Leave the UN, end the visas for ambassadors and their staffs, and "suggest" they move to Tehran.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (VNX3d)

309 Might be karma, but still. F*CK cancer.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (+sD5M)

I don't want him to die. He should probably resign and focus on his health.

That is a healthy attitude. Hate kills the hater.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (xCA6C)

310 My only social media is LinkedIn.

The posts today are...revealing.

In essence, they all pretty much feel that the country should be held hostage in service to abortion.

I would almost like to see Trump propose the most pro-abortion agenda on this earth just to see what they would do.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (KbCG3)

311 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

When ya leavin?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (+sD5M)

There simply HAS to be a place named Malibu in the Yukon Territory.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (AiZBA)

312 274 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

-
How about, "F*ck you, Babs"?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (L/fGl)

Oh thank you, GOD

Posted by: James Brolin at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (pIfcn)

313
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that these are not the last words we hear/read from Babs.
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (CIS44)

I just want her Xcrement feed full of "When ya leavin? You promised you'd LEAVE!"

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (+sD5M)

314 >>> A Jeanine Garafalo reference AND an Air America reference?? Both rightly belong in the dustbin of history.

She was cute and charming, even crush worthy, in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" and "Reality Bites." I don't know what happened, but she turned bitter and self-important and scoldy, and that's never a good look.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (wcIbG)

315 Paul has apparently been approached to work on federal spending.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM

It's just going to be four years of morning wood this time around.....I hope.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (jvJvP)

316 262 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.
Posted by: Nova Local
======
Eh, wish cancer on no one. Impaling maybe but not cancer.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (ctrM5)

317 Why is it the Democrats can go gangbusters but when Trump is elected it's all "Oh no, people will stop him, shouldn't get your hopes up."

Posted by: Lizzy

Maby DJT should add Dana White to the fiscal responsibility team. No holds barred cage matches. Thunderdome.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (nBStl)

318 RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.

This is what will have the biggest effect in the long run. Get government out of everyone's business, so they can go about actually building an economy.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (xCA6C)

319 Something somewhere needs to be cut, but they need to understand what is going on first. I would send Vivek to Ohio to be a Senator. He is a very good bloviator, so will be perfect for the job.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (V13WU)

320 I just want her Xcrement feed full of "When ya leavin? You promised you'd LEAVE!"
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (+sD5M)

WHY WON'T YOU JUST LEAVE ALREADY?!?!

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (CIS44)

321 How many of those Nork soldiers in Ukraine are gonna make a run for it?

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (/7KEl)

322 319 Something somewhere needs to be cut, but they need to understand what is going on first. I would send Vivek to Ohio to be a Senator. He is a very good bloviator, so will be perfect for the job.
Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (V13WU)

========

He's talked about running for governor of Ohio in 2026.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (GBKbO)

323 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country

Another clueless urbanite who thinks the food in whole food markets just magically appears.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (D6PGr)

324 Any advice?
Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 07, 2024 10:30 AM (G/A+i)

just pray to the Lord and He will guide you

Posted by: kallisto at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (dCxaZ)

325 299 198 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country
---------------
Mmm, white men without college degrees built this country. They also threw the largest globalist empire out of this country, as well. Now tell me what trannies have done for this country.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (AdHga)

326 I would send Vivek to Ohio to be a Senator. He is a very good bloviator, so will be perfect for the job.

Agreed

Posted by: It's me donna at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (IyPmt)

327 She was super-cute in the '90s, but years of being a lefty scold has taken a toll.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:25 AM (U1w17)

Garofalo was a gas station 4 at her peak. Basically a thin but equally vulgar version of Roseanne. Just from photos, you could smell the trailer park she came from.

Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (V9cMX)

328 But there is some spending that can be cut in service of his declared mandate to end much of the insanity of the federal government. That will be a good start, and hopefully he will get a taste for cutting!

-------------

Make Decimation Great Again!

Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (MpEy/)

329 There has to be structural reform before any cuts to Medicare, because an immediate 5% cut will be targeted by the companies that own nursing homes/assisted living against the most fragile and pretty much defenseless people. have you seen the nursing home food? or who works there, especially after COVID ? they will not cut the board salaries, but they will cut services and support, and then they will tell them how R want to starve and kill old people.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM

Medicare doesn't pay anything for nursing home care except in some very small specific short term situations.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (QNSds)

330 You forgot about Ron Paul. The Fed has to be audited and then abolished and flushed down the toilet of history!
Posted by: Guillermo at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (558mO)

Paul has apparently been approached to work on federal spending.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (GBKbO)

I will say this as many times as I have to: One of the stupider stances I have ever taken politically was to ridicule Ron Paul.

He was and is, right about damn near everything. But many of us were infected with Gope, to one extent or another, so we thought we were clever by mocking this man.

How wrong were were/are.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (dGCAG)

331 Y'know how they say, no matter how hot a woman is, somewhere there's a guy who's sick and tired of her BS? Now imagine it's not a hot woman it's Barbara Streisand.

Posted by: James Brolin at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (pIfcn)

332 In Spain a conservative Governor or maybe a PM cut disaster services, probably because of massive fraud. And then Spain was deluged with rain and floods. And guess who they are blaming ?

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (V13WU)

333 330 I will say this as many times as I have to: One of the stupider stances I have ever taken politically was to ridicule Ron Paul.

He was and is, right about damn near everything. But many of us were infected with Gope, to one extent or another, so we thought we were clever by mocking this man.

How wrong were were/are.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (dGCAG)

=======

Eh. I still think his take on a border wall is a bit nutty.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)

334 I've spent a lot of years in international business and the idea that free and fair trade exists is a myth that needs to die. US companies are routinely abused trying to sell our goods around the world and not just by China but equally by our allies. You don't see that many Chevys in Paris or Frankfurt and it's not because Europeans uniformly make better vehicles. They tariff the hell out of our products.

Tariffs can be both a carrot and a stick. If countries don't want us to tariff them they can remove their tariffs, stop product dumping and treat us fairly. Otherwise, Embargo On!
Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (LkLld)

I agree with your general point, my argument is that I don't care if tariffs will slightly decrease our rate of increase on our GDP.

As you say, every other country in the world makes that decision. Would cars be cheaper in the EU if they allowed Chinese and American cars to compete without any tariffs? Yeah, probably. But you'd put your own manufacturers under a lot of financial stress, potentially costing jobs, and you'd be eroding your own manufacturing base.

Politically and socially tariffs make a lot more sense than an income tax.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (Evo1G)

335 "We need to cut Medicaid and Medicare to illegals, stop incentivizing, get citizenship info if they come to ER’s, Florida did that and they stopped coming

Posted by: Gonzotx"

End emergency medicaid program accessed by hospitals to pay for illegal's anchor babies. I learned about this and saw it going on when my kids were born, hospitals were fully enabling the illegals with all the paperwork ready and translators and counselors. You don't have insurance then pay cash. No more free babies.

Posted by: Ripley at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (GUOwU)

336 Hate kills the hater.

Meh, I'm gonna die anyone so I may as well die hating.

Are we seriously talking about Social Security as if it were anything but another withholding on the paycheck?

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (YIxO9)

337 Paul has apparently been approached to work on federal spending

---

Will he be able to keep his earmarks?

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (egtzA)

338 RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.

This is what will have the biggest effect in the long run. Get government out of everyone's business, so they can go about actually building an economy.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (xCA6C)

It's also why they already said he will not be in a position that requires confirmation.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (CIS44)

339 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.

They (not just Merchan) took multiple shots at the king and missed. And now they're fucked and they know it.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM

My first thought - what do he and his ultra-Democrat daughter have to hide from the new DoJ?

Posted by: Gref at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (aBgBM)

340 303 269 262 Breaking from a few hours ago: Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.
Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:27 AM (exHjb)
---------------
This shit can kill you real quick.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (AdHga)

I wonder about his jab status.

It can kill even quicker these days.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (jvJvP)

341 No president can “cut the budget” without Congress. And, the votes won’t be there. Until they are, the only real solution is new sources of revenue - for which there are also zero votes.
Posted by: Going deep. Out
----
Untrue. Congress sets how much can be spent, but can't force agencies to spend those funds.

Unspent funds return to the Treasury.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (8TPM0)

342 >>> RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.

He specifically mentioned ending the demonization of ivermectin and hydroxychloriquine in recent remarks. Letting people have more say over therapeutics. Hopefully that means they will be easier to get and cheaper? I've been wanting to get ivermectin but can't find it affordable, doctors won't prescribe it, and I don't know what online sites to trust.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (wcIbG)

343 >White men without college degrees ~~are going to ruin~~ BUILT this country

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (/7KEl)

344 337 Will he be able to keep his earmarks?
Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (egtzA)

=======

Bazinga!

Yes, he was terrible with earmarks while voting against the bill he knew would pass with moral superiority.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)

345 Feds are actually unable to spend the allocated budgets. This is why all the grants to NGOs are happening. They lose funding if budget is returned to the treasury.

Incentivize the government's managerial class. For every dollar you send back, you get a penny increase in your salary.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (xCA6C)

346 294 74 days more of FJB

maybe. if they push him out now, the democrats can still be the party that gave us a historic first female president.

Posted by: anachronda at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (sGtp+)

347 She was cute and charming, even crush worthy, in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs"

Yep. More attractive, IMHO, than Cameron Diaz.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

348 It's also why they already said he will not be in a position that requires confirmation.
Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (CIS44)

DOESNT, damn fingers

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (CIS44)

349 >>> 284 RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 07, 2024 11:33 AM (UgTrv)

Shit, I'm going to have to budget for daily fireworks and booze.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (zlGo9)

350 Been watching RFK videos on YT, seeing him happy makes me happy

It was all for good though, he needed to see the democrats ruin his life to get to this point, even his family wont talk to him anymore

thats ok hes got a MAGA family now

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (M7vhK)

351 Medicare doesn't pay anything for nursing home care except in some very small specific short term situations.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (QNSds)

They pay for assisted living (in a nursing home) for a short time in some cases.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (V13WU)

352 She was cute and charming, even crush worthy, in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" and "Reality Bites." I don't know what happened, but she turned bitter and self-important and scoldy, and that's never a good look.
Posted by: LizLem
=====
Agree. Her personality turned before her looks did. But Hollywood and its fake and gay business and social scene breaks a lot of people. They can become isolated from all that is real and subject to very bad behavior by their own peers.

They also almost universally acquire handlers for their PR and they eventually move toward whatever the handler are putting out in their name.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (ctrM5)

353 White men without college degrees are going to ruin BUILT this country

and are still supporting the infrastructure

Posted by: kallisto at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (dCxaZ)

354 Kill the EBT cards.
That will spur any layabouts to be productive.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (Dbedt)

355 I will say this as many times as I have to: One of the stupider stances I have ever taken politically was to ridicule Ron Paul.

He was and is, right about damn near everything. But many of us were infected with Gope, to one extent or another, so we thought we were clever by mocking this man.

How wrong were were/are.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (dGCAG)

I appreciate you saying that. I now think Ron Paul was right in most things, but his solutions are semi-retarded.

That said, I was on the Ron Paul train in 2008 (or 2012, I don't remember. A while ago), and I remember the vitriol here at the 'hq for anyone who was even slightly Paul-curious.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (Evo1G)

356 More exciting, younger, and more communist than AOC and co.? That kinda scares me. I’m imagining a hybrid of Robespierre, Jim Jones, Greta and Trigglypuff…
Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 10:55 AM (7kSOl)

LOL Well I honestly think they're going to try and emulate Trump with someone.

So much of their hate of Trump is envy that he's ours. They know what a force he would be on their side. The whole world would be a gulag if they could find a Trump.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (ksjMr)

357 Now that AZ has been called for Trump, is Lake still in play or is that over and she lost?

Still boggles the mind. Vote Trump overwhelmingly and Democrat in congress.

Schizophrenic voting practices.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (+sD5M)

358 mostly
unless I'm wrong
in which case you'll tell me

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (/7KEl)

359 155
‘ First visit with my oncologist later this afternoon’

I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. Maybe the young oncologist is a prodigy and will hit a home run on his first at bay.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (jbnUc)

360 252 226 You can't take Communion, though.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison

The Church of Gretchen Whitmer serves Doritos to everyone.

Posted by: Auspex at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (j4U/Z)

361 151 The name "Salatin" is a little too close to "Stalin" for my comfort, especially in the USDA.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:18 AM (v6JzV)

Salatin is the one without the mustache...

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (Rbu5d)

362 I don't think anyone can put down on paper what we owe and what we spend and defend it with foresnic evidence.

Any discussion of budgets and spending is just argle bargle until a couple of things occur. First we'd need to audit the treasury to determine how much money is actually available and what the actual debt is. Then you have a baseline to plan with. Second, identify by account, what is required to be funded to run required government tasks.

And no congressional accounts get funded until that happens.
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead

1st thing we need to do is stop that stupid thought process of "If we don't spend our entire budget, we'll lose it next year!" bullshit.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (fs3Ts)

363 >>> 297 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.

They (not just Merchan) took multiple shots at the king and missed. And now they're fucked and they know it.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM

I honestly don't see how they can make it go away. Trump has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The judge can't just wave his hand and just make the trial disappear. The same goes for the civil cases against Trump that have already been completed, those are done deals and are both are being appealed.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (QNSds)

What if Merchan voluntarily disappears himself?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (zlGo9)

364 LOL Well I honestly think they're going to try and emulate Trump with someone.

So much of their hate of Trump is envy that he's ours. They know what a force he would be on their side. The whole world would be a gulag if they could find a Trump.
Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (ksjMr)

They had their Trump, his name was Bernie, they stole the nomination from him.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (CIS44)

365 350 Been watching RFK videos on YT, seeing him happy makes me happy

It was all for good though, he needed to see the democrats ruin his life to get to this point, even his family wont talk to him anymore

thats ok hes got a MAGA family now
Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (M7vhK)

One of their biggest unforced errors was working feverishly to silence him.

All they had to do was let him mount his little primary challenge. He would've gotten smoked, but he would've felt heard.

Instead, they told him to go fuck himself and he said, "Fine. I'm out and I'm taking Tulsi with me."

Oops.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (KbCG3)

366 357 Now that AZ has been called for Trump, is Lake still in play or is that over and she lost?

Still boggles the mind. Vote Trump overwhelmingly and Democrat in congress.

Schizophrenic voting practices.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (+sD5M)

=======

The senate race hasn't been called, and there's a chance Lake pulls it out. I saw a tweet from some Republican operative who said she had 60-70% chance of winning.

I dunno. I'm not that hopeful.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (GBKbO)

367 Ain't no party like a Biden party
'Cause a Biden party don't stop!

Posted by: Joe and DOCTOR Jill, Partying Away! at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (uxCna)

--------------

Until Hunter loses the cocaine in the White House Library ... again.

Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (MpEy/)

368 What college degree did Washington have again? Jackson? Lincoln?

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (v6JzV)

369 I'll stake out my position now: the senate will, in bipartisan fashion, refuse to confirm RFK Jr. for any position that will have oversight of the FDA. Barring that, they'll straightjacket the agency with laws and eliminate its ability to make undesired rules. The public is about to get an object lesson in who runs this country, and when it comes to drugs that would be the drug companies.

Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (V9cMX)

370 Why not just make Maya Rudolph president until inauguration?

Posted by: Who would know? at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (DobEs)

371 "I honestly don't see how they can make it go away. Trump has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The judge can't just wave his hand and just make the trial disappear. The same goes for the civil cases against Trump that have already been completed, those are done deals and are both are being appealed."

Some old news here.

The paperwork for the convictions has not been filed yet and wont be until the sentence is handed down. No sentence, no convictions, so yes, he can just wave his hand and make it go away.

Posted by: Maybe someday i'll choose a nick and stick with it! Certified dangerous radical at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (89Sog)

372 Eh. I still think his take on a border wall is a bit nutty.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)

I don't know what his take was/is, but I doubt he's an open border guy. Probably more of a "let's not worry too much about workers being paid under the table" kind of guy. Which is reasonable.

A real libertarian position would be: Don't give them anything, if they are here, working, earning a living, so be it. But no tax dollars to pay for anything they're doing.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (dGCAG)

373 @357 ... because the Dems are stealing it. No other reason. Not schizophrenic, actually quite logical for the local political machine.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (YIxO9)

374 He specifically mentioned ending the demonization of ivermectin and hydroxychloriquine in recent remarks. Letting people have more say over therapeutics. Hopefully that means they will be easier to get and cheaper? I've been wanting to get ivermectin but can't find it affordable, doctors won't prescribe it, and I don't know what online sites to trust.
Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (wcIbG)

We bought some "horse paste" from local feed stores.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (AiZBA)

375 Judges have more power than you realize, especially when it comes to a dismissal.

“I honestly don't see how they can make it go away. Trump has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The judge can't just wave his hand and just make the trial disappear.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:34 AM (QNSds)”

Yes, he can . He can find there was error and inadmissible evidence given to the jury and vacate the entire trial.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 07, 2024 11:42 AM (O22gz)

376 369 I'll stake out my position now: the senate will, in bipartisan fashion, refuse to confirm RFK Jr. for any position that will have oversight of the FDA. Barring that, they'll straightjacket the agency with laws and eliminate its ability to make undesired rules. The public is about to get an object lesson in who runs this country, and when it comes to drugs that would be the drug companies.
Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (V9cMX)

======

I've read that Trump's team knows that RFK won't pass a Senate vote, so they're eyeing positions for him that don't require Senate approval.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:42 AM (GBKbO)

377 re Biden's speech

I hate that he and Kamala are trying to take an imaginary high road, by saying "see, we're not contesting the election! There's no problem with our election integrity!"

No dingus, you aren't contesting it because we didn't stop the count at 3am and stuff thousands of fake ballots into the system to eek out a narrow win in a handful of states. We won becuase you didn't have the means to do that...like you did in the election we contested.

Posted by: Shenanigans at November 07, 2024 11:42 AM (pZ0Mr)

378 372 I don't know what his take was/is, but I doubt he's an open border guy. Probably more of a "let's not worry too much about workers being paid under the table" kind of guy. Which is reasonable.

A real libertarian position would be: Don't give them anything, if they are here, working, earning a living, so be it. But no tax dollars to pay for anything they're doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (dGCAG)

=======

It was that border walls were for keeping the populace in, not the world out.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:42 AM (GBKbO)

379 So what will end up happening, they will cut that short time, and limited services, and already limited hospital stays to nothing , and then force people on fixed income to buy more private insurance. It will make Insurance industry very happy. But not an 80 year old who is already paying a huge chunk of his/her SS to private insurance.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:42 AM (V13WU)

380 I'll stake out my position now: the senate will, in bipartisan fashion, refuse to confirm RFK Jr. for any position that will have oversight of the FDA. Barring that, they'll straightjacket the agency with laws and eliminate its ability to make undesired rules. The public is about to get an object lesson in who runs this country, and when it comes to drugs that would be the drug companies.
Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (V9cMX)

I mistyped it upthread, but the transition team has said he will not be in a position that requires confirmation for this reason.

Posted by: BruceWayne at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (CIS44)

381 >>> It's also why they already said he will not be in a position that requires confirmation.

Ah, Trump is learning!

I liked the part in Trump's acceptance speech where he was crediting everyone and their dog for his win, where he told RFK to "stay away from the liquid gold!", but he could go to town on America's health. I LOL'd.

It's gonna be a fun four years, if you hate big guv as much as I do! I can't wait.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (wcIbG)

382 Biden speaking ,,,,he's a mess
Posted by: Big Alfredo at November 07, 2024 11:31 AM (Vdukr)

What's worse is that he'll be president until January 20th.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (g8Ew8)

383 Western Lensman@WesternLensman
NEW: Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson predicted that Trump would get “WRECKED” in the upcoming election.
Hang this one in the Louvre immediately:
"Number one, Trump's going to lose. He's gonna lose badly. He's going to be he's going to be wrecked. I don't know what the Electoral College count is going to be at the end of this, but it's going to get loud and it's going to get hard for him. Their panic is extraordinary. Their events in Georgia and North Carolina are basically about as well attended as a Pokemon card trading convention and in Ass Crack, Alabama."
"This is a campaign in freefall. It's really, really f*cked up. And I have from a reliable source inside the Trump campaign that Chris Savino was thrown off the Trump travel plane by Corey Lewandowski yesterday. He's denying it to reporters, but it's true. And we've got a you got a campaign ending in chaos, and you got another campaign that was able to deploy 90,000 volunteers to knock on 3 million doors, guys."
"The better campaign is going to win this one."

-
Well, he’s right about the better campaign winning this one.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (L/fGl)

384 272 >>

Ooh, which ones? Which lines? Did not know this.
Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM (wcIbG)

“Let the Wookiee win” for one thing.

As far as the 90s stuff I mentioned, the one I know offhand is The Rock. Tarantino, Aaron Sorkin and Jonathan Hensleigh all contributed memorable lines to the final script. I had heard Tarantino wrote “Winners go home and fuck the prom queen” but apparently it was Hensleigh.

Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (7kSOl)

385 I can't speak for the chirruns, but most Gen Xers have assumed our entire lives that Social Security is gonna go tits up and we've planned accordingly.

Depending on where you place the cutoff I'm either early GenX or very late Boomer. When I first started working with my CFP I told him, never include SS in estimates of how I'm doing. He's say "oh, SS won't go away" and I'd reply "then it'll be a bonus".

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (ExV1e)

386 Let's cut and then see what happens is not a solution. Create an alternative and then cut, that is the solution.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (V13WU)

387 Yep. More attractive, IMHO, than Cameron Diaz.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

Her introduction scene in the bank at the beginning of "The Mask" was pretty much her peak.

Posted by: Auspex at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (j4U/Z)

388 332 In Spain a conservative Governor or maybe a PM cut disaster services, probably because of massive fraud. And then Spain was deluged with rain and floods. And guess who they are blaming ?

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (V13WU)

I read on DailyMail or Insty that recent disastrous flooding across Europe is mainly due to governments removing lots of dams so rivers can return to their natural Gaia-blessed flow paths.

Environmentalists hate humans.

Posted by: Gref at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (aBgBM)

389 Feds are actually unable to spend the allocated budgets. This is why all the grants to NGOs are happening. They lose funding if budget is returned to the treasury.
/i]

This is a big problem at both the federal and state level - almost every department is so awash in cash that they can't even just waste the money more on hiring relatives and friends - they have to to blow the money doing things that make life worse for everyone else

That's how you end up with an Environment assault team in NYS raiding someone's house to kill their pets.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (oZhjI)

390 369 I'll stake out my position now: the senate will, in bipartisan fashion, refuse to confirm RFK Jr. for any position that will have oversight of the FDA. Barring that, they'll straightjacket the agency with laws and eliminate its ability to make undesired rules. The public is about to get an object lesson in who runs this country, and when it comes to drugs that would be the drug companies.
Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (V9cMX)

I agree with your cynical take. RFK will do some speeches, probably be some kind of informal advisor, maybe get some mild changes around the fringes made, and everything will march on.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (Evo1G)

391 351 Medicare doesn't pay anything for nursing home care except in some very small specific short term situations.
Posted by: Mister Scott

They pay for assisted living (in a nursing home) for a short time in some cases.
Posted by: runner
-----
Skilled nursing, usually rehab after a medical event where the person cannot care for themselves temporarily.

I also think annual respite care for caregivers may be covered.

Went through all that with FIL a couple of years ago until he went into assisted living.

2021, in a relatively cheap state, nursing home care is about 100k per year. We did private pay for a week before he could be transported to his assisted living from the skilled nursing home.

Was almost 2500 bucks for that week.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (ctrM5)

392 >I honestly don't see how they can make it go away. Trump has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The judge can't just wave his hand and just make the trial disappear.
---

he can sentence probation

unless I'm wrong
in which case y'all will tell me

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (/7KEl)

393 >>> 342 >>> RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.

He specifically mentioned ending the demonization of ivermectin and hydroxychloriquine in recent remarks. Letting people have more say over therapeutics. Hopefully that means they will be easier to get and cheaper? I've been wanting to get ivermectin but can't find it affordable, doctors won't prescribe it, and I don't know what online sites to trust.
Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (wcIbG)

Valley Vet online, Tractor Supply or a local feed store for retail.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (zlGo9)

394 339 The NY Post is reporting that Judge Merchan is looking to make the phony Trump hush money criminal trial he lorded over go away. Imagine that. Like the two Jack Smith persecutions the second they failed at their intended purpose, destroying Trump's shot at the presidency, these phony cases became irrelevant.

They (not just Merchan) took multiple shots at the king and missed. And now they're fucked and they know it.

Posted by: Ian S. at November 07, 2024 11:30 AM
------------

The DOJ folded its tent. Merchan will have to fold as well.

Posted by: WisRich at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (G0vdT)

395 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (AdHga)

396 Ron Paul had some good ideas but many were the kind of ideas that get your side steamrolled by the activist contingent on the other side.

My biggest political mistake - and this is going back to the early 2000's - was ever believing there was anyone with any power in government that was actually trying to do the shit they said they were trying to do.

I believed some of the Republicans were "patriots". I believed, again a long time ago, much further back than that dummy Hannity, that there were "good" men in black.

It was easy to gravitate to Republicans when the other choice was out and proud terrorist loving communists. That was the real problem. But it was all a stage play. Still is.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (ksjMr)

397 The senate race hasn't been called, and there's a chance Lake pulls it out. I saw a tweet from some Republican operative who said she had 60-70% chance of winning.

I dunno. I'm not that hopeful.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (GBKbO)

Neither am I. Best I can reason the discrepancy between Trump and Lake, Gallego got more hispanic vote, and he WAS talking like a tough guy on the border. Really, he ran as a conservative Democrat, if such a thing exists. We'll see how he votes, if he wins.

There might also be some residual Mccane effect in place. The Mccane wing HAAAATES her. Or they did. I don't know how much pull they still have.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (dGCAG)

398 He specifically mentioned ending the demonization of ivermectin and hydroxychloriquine in recent remarks. Letting people have more say over therapeutics. Hopefully that means they will be easier to get and cheaper? I've been wanting to get ivermectin but can't find it affordable, doctors won't prescribe it, and I don't know what online sites to trust.
Posted by: LizLem

Tractor Supply. Amazon.
Pony paste.

You push out a dab from the tube based on your weight, put it on a Ritz cracker and you are good to go. And you really can't od on pony paste. Even if you eat the whole 1200 lb horse tube at once.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (fs3Ts)

399 74 days more of FJB
Posted by: Gref

74 very dangerous days. Do not let your guard down. Head on a swivel attitude.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (nBStl)

400 Garofalo was a gas station 4 at her peak. Basically a thin but equally vulgar version of Roseanne. Just from photos, you could smell the trailer park she came from.
Posted by: Magnets! How do they work?

I know her type well. You drag a $100 bill through the trailer park, and you can have dates for Bill lined up for a week!

Posted by: James Carville at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (JxaW4)

401 The DOJ folded its tent. Merchan will have to fold as well.
-----------------
Lap dogs have to find new purchase once the master stands up.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (AdHga)

402 Now that AZ has been called for Trump, is Lake still in play or is that over and she lost?

Still boggles the mind. Vote Trump overwhelmingly and Democrat in congress.

Schizophrenic voting practices.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (+sD5M)

=======

The senate race hasn't been called, and there's a chance Lake pulls it out. I saw a tweet from some Republican operative who said she had 60-70% chance of winning.

I dunno. I'm not that hopeful.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (GBKbO)

-------------

Yesterday, whig mentioned something I'd not heard of; something like back in the late 19th century, people just grabbed (and presumably voted) either a straight elephant or donkey ballot/ticket?

Seems that would put an end to this idiotic schizophrenic split-ticket voting ...

Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (MpEy/)

403 Instead, they told him to go fuck himself and he said, "Fine. I'm out and I'm taking Tulsi with me."

***********************

The deep state going after Tulsi was shocking. These people are lunatics

so now she's also "radicalized" lol

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (M7vhK)

404 They told us he'd be a Fascist!

Target now has signs that say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" any everyone is talking about it 👀

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (L/fGl)

405 Shit, I'm going to have to budget for daily fireworks and booze.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (zlGo9)
-------------

Umm, don't you mean "increase your budget for fireworks and booze?"

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (tT6L1)

406 We should make sure that most of these NT types made sure Trump would win by laying out the case that he was going to do horrible, unthinkable things like sending illegals home and cutting government spending.

Without you guys we couldn't have gotten the message out and the low propensity voters wouldn't have turned out for him.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (oZhjI)

407 318 RFK Jr is already planning to close multiple divisions in the FDA.

This is what will have the biggest effect in the long run. Get government out of everyone's business, so they can go about actually building an economy.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:36 AM (xCA6C)

Now do the CDC

Any chance we can take a look at the division that sent money to the Wuhan bat virus lab? asking for a few billion friends.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (pIfcn)

408 make it so NGOs cannot receive government funds
you wanna change the world? raise your own funds

I mean, 'non-government' is right there in the name

unless I'm wrong

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (/7KEl)

409 How many of those Nork soldiers in Ukraine are gonna make a run for it?
Posted by: Don Black

Ukraine just has to promise to feed them and they'll surrender.

Posted by: Stu Podaso at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (PqDi1)

410 The German Socialist government has COLLAPSED and there are now talks about a snap election.

It would be fucking hilarious if AfD got an outright majority.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (ExV1e)

411 397
Neither am I. Best I can reason the discrepancy between Trump and Lake, Gallego got more hispanic vote, and he WAS talking like a tough guy on the border. Really, he ran as a conservative Democrat, if such a thing exists. We'll see how he votes, if he wins.

There might also be some residual Mccane effect in place. The Mccane wing HAAAATES her. Or they did. I don't know how much pull they still have.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (dGCAG)

========

There's another underlying problem:

Trump is punk rock. The GOP is bad jazz your square friend insists is actually awesome but you can't stand to listen to.

The GOP still has a massive brand problem with a lot of people.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (GBKbO)

412 I had heard Tarantino wrote “Winners go home and fuck the prom queen” but apparently it was Hensleigh.
Posted by: He learned almost too late that Moron is a feeling creature at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (7kSOl)
------------
I love that exchange!

Mason: Losers whine about "their best." Winners go home and fuck the prom queen!

Goodspeed: Carla was the prom queen.

Mason: (faintlly impressed) Really?

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (U1w17)

413 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead

It is. Ask Ben Had. Tractor Supply and Amazon.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (fs3Ts)

414
I bet a lot of it could be gotten rid of by simply citing Loper. Lawsuits in response could be fun to watch.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison

=====

In the use of Loper, PDT should follow the example of one Eric Cartman receiving a tourette's diagnosis.

It's a golden ticket. Use it and abuse it.

Posted by: 2009Refugee at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (8AONa)

415 he can sentence probation

unless I'm wrong
in which case y'all will tell me
Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (/7KEl)

Whatever the lower court does, I always expected the thing to get tossed on appeal.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (dGCAG)

416 It was that border walls were for keeping the populace in, not the world out.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:42 AM (GBKbO)

I remember that well. It was during a debate where all of the RINO's were out macho guying each other on who would build a bigger, better, wall and Ron Paul said something like "my fear is that this will become another berlin wall. Not there to keep people out, but there to keep people in." or something.

Which ... eh. Not my favorite line from him.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (Evo1G)

417 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (AdHga)

It would cure so many issues, Big Pharma would disappear.

can't have that. Cures are bad for business.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (+sD5M)

418 312 ev's

Who won the bourbon?
----
CBD won, I was too bullish on Maine. 😂

Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (8TPM0)

419 And you really can't od on pony paste. Even if you eat the whole 1200 lb horse tube at once.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices

No need to brag...I've tried several times, but haven't suppressed my gag reflex enough.

Posted by: Pete Buttigieg at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (JxaW4)

420 197 (Willowed) 395 357 I promised myself that I would celebrate Trump's victory by getting my butt back into a pew.

But I was raised Methodist, and after their split a few years back, I'm not sure it is going to be a good fit. I really don't want to be listening to wokism, since that will just drive me away again.

Obviously most of the main line denominations are liberal and not for me. Also not raised Catholic.

We have a number of the large non-denominationals around, but those always made me nervous, I'm not the bible thumper type.

Any advice?
Posted by: Dave in Fla
--------
Find a good Christian Church by picking one a week and seeing how it goes. As a pastor friend told me a while ago, "if you are always looking for that perfect church, or that perfect sermon, or that perfect worship team, you will always be looking."

Pick one recommended by a friend and start there. That's what we did after the 2020 election (I was a heathen and the missus was a buddhist) and we both have ended up coming to Christ. Its absolutely amazing to know that we have eternal salvation by simply accepted a free gift that He chased me for mumbly mumbly years to give me but here we are.

Posted by: NALNAMSAM at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (T8o53)

421
The senate race hasn't been called, and there's a chance Lake pulls it out. I saw a tweet from some Republican operative who said she had 60-70% chance of winning.

What I've heard is most of the remaining votes are from red areas - they intentionally started only counting blue areas hoping to set the expectation she would lose.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (oZhjI)

422 I always yell at the TV in Presidential debates when the question is asked about raised about increasting the age of social security from 65 and they always say no

In 1983 the age was increased in just the manner described - a month at a time. My mother born in January 1941 was in the first cohort to get age moved up I think.

My age cohort is ALREADY 67 years old for full benefit. Most people alive today it is already 67.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (QfvaV)

423 How many of those Nork soldiers in Ukraine are gonna make a run for it?
Posted by: Don Black

I hear they're getting hooked on porn, so I doubt they're going anywhere.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (v6JzV)

424 186
‘ I want to know the specifics of this vote suppression’

Only for entertainment purposes.
I would just reject whatever their argument is out of hand.
And tell them they’re a filthy insurrectionist that’s trying to destroy democracy.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (jbnUc)

425 416 I remember that well. It was during a debate where all of the RINO's were out macho guying each other on who would build a bigger, better, wall and Ron Paul said something like "my fear is that this will become another berlin wall. Not there to keep people out, but there to keep people in." or something.

Which ... eh. Not my favorite line from him.
Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (Evo1G)

========

I like Rand more than Ron.

Ron was more like a gadfly than a serious legislator. Rand is a serious legislator who is also a gadfly.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (GBKbO)

426 403 Instead, they told him to go fuck himself and he said, "Fine. I'm out and I'm taking Tulsi with me."

***********************

The deep state going after Tulsi was shocking. These people are lunatics

so now she's also "radicalized" lol
Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (M7vhK)

They could've done what Trump did: incorporate them strategically.

That they didn't is telling in so many ways.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (KbCG3)

427 As I said, we need to create a working, efficient alternative to the current system, before we start destroying.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (V13WU)

428 395 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (AdHga)

It is.

In Brazil.

Posted by: Emmie at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (Sf2cq)

429
BUT - a lot of health issues are the result of poor choices, and freedom of choice allows for poor choices. I don't know how to cut that baby in half.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:17 AM (QfvaV)

My wife and I have been carnivore for over two years.

Our n=2 study says that the bullshit guidance points sold to us over my entire lifetime as "best choices" have been the poorest of poor choices.

Everything I was ever taught about meat, veggies, fiber, vitamins, exercise, saturated vs. unsaturated fats, salt, etc. is entirely upside down and backwards.

Posted by: biteme at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (xWS9V)

430 421
The senate race hasn't been called, and there's a chance Lake pulls it out. I saw a tweet from some Republican operative who said she had 60-70% chance of winning.

What I've heard is most of the remaining votes are from red areas - they intentionally started only counting blue areas hoping to set the expectation she would lose.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (oZhjI)

If she was a good candidate she would've won those blue areas and we wouldn't need the red areas!!!!!!!!

(Sarc)

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (KbCG3)

431 Mrs Meanie and Little Meanie went to morning mass on Tuesday. You guys need to send a little appreciation toward us Papists.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (YIxO9)

432 Trump dismantled both parties almost singlehandedly. I explained in early to mid 2016 - one day I might go find my comments - that he was going to do just that. When I saw what he was doing and what he was capable of.

While they were busy using all of Trump's strengths against him, he was busy doing the same thing back.

They brought the full force of everything against him because they quickly realized what they were up against. Long before they let on that they knew.

But Trump backed them into corner after corner after corner, and I detailed a lot of it as it was going on. With many on our side bitching and moaning about him constantly, insulting his supporters and even fighting him directly. Meanwhile he has changed this country immeasurably for the better by forcing BOTH parties to expose themselves and rebuild.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (ksjMr)

433 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (AdHga)
-----------
Dosage is by weight of the patient. That's probably the reason.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (U1w17)

434 >>> She was cute and charming, even crush worthy, in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs"
Yep. More attractive, IMHO, than Cameron Diaz.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

She got the guy instead of an Uma Thurman near her peak, and you believe it! I might have to rewatch that one soon. One of my fave rom coms because it's not completely cloying and cookie cutter. Also a remake of Cyrano and I'm a sucker for that.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (wcIbG)

435
Yesterday, whig mentioned something I'd not heard of; something like back in the late 19th century, people just grabbed (and presumably voted) either a straight elephant or donkey ballot/ticket?

Seems that would put an end to this idiotic schizophrenic split-ticket voting ...
Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (MpEy/)

Texas USED to have straight party voting, but that went away for some reason.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (+sD5M)

436 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

==

Barbara, no one asked you.

Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (V13WU)

437 This short video posted by an immigrant to X crying over the election of DJT will brighten your morning....

https://tinyurl.com/5xt3c4s6

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (vvyZK)

438 >>> 404 They told us he'd be a Fascist!

Target now has signs that say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" any everyone is talking about it 👀
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (L/fGl)

Do they still have tranny bathrooms? Nice try, tar-zhey.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (zlGo9)

439 Yep. More attractive, IMHO, than Cameron Diaz.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

Her introduction scene in the bank at the beginning of "The Mask" was pretty much her peak.
Posted by: Auspex at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (j4U/Z)

And that was a damn good peak.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (g8Ew8)

440 Mason: Losers whine about "their best." Winners go home and fuck the prom queen!

But...my prom queen had a dick.

Mason: what are you, a trans-phobe!?!?

Posted by: Modern Adaptation at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (JxaW4)

441 OMG noooooooo!

Viral video: European feminists show support for their "American sisters" by standing around, glowering

https://is.gd/rFVxX2

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (L/fGl)

442 There's another underlying problem:

Trump is punk rock. The GOP is bad jazz your square friend insists is actually awesome but you can't stand to listen to.

The GOP still has a massive brand problem with a lot of people.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (GBKbO)

Sure, but the question is, why would someone vote for Trump and Gallego. Or Trump and nobody, instead of Lake.

Those are the only two things that make sense, Gallego talked tough, and he's got an hispanic last name. Lake's a girl, and rubs some people the wrong way, for reasons I don't understand, but I'm not a douchebag, so how would I understand that.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (dGCAG)

443 366 357 Now that AZ has been called for Trump, is Lake still in play or is that over and she lost?

Still boggles the mind. Vote Trump overwhelmingly and Democrat in congress.

Schizophrenic voting practices.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:40 AM (+sD5M)

=======

The senate race hasn't been called, and there's a chance Lake pulls it out. I saw a tweet from some Republican operative who said she had 60-70% chance of winning.

I dunno. I'm not that hopeful.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (GBKbO)

No matter who ends up with the lead in the final count, she will lose bigly if there is a recount.

Posted by: Gref at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (aBgBM)

444

There might also be some residual Mccane effect in place. The Mccane wing HAAAATES her. Or they did. I don't know how much pull they still have.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (dGCAG)
--------------
The McCain wing loathes PDT and anyone PDT adjacent. And, it wouldn't surprise me if there are receipts being used to bend the McCain machine to the will of Democrats, because the Machine was heavily involved in the cheat of 2020 and 2022.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (tT6L1)

445 413 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead

It is. Ask Ben Had. Tractor Supply and Amazon.
------------
Yeah, I know. But it should be next to Aspirin in a drug store.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (AdHga)

446 My wife and I have been carnivore for over two years.

Our n=2 study says that the bullshit guidance points sold to us over my entire lifetime as "best choices" have been the poorest of poor choices.

Everything I was ever taught about meat, veggies, fiber, vitamins, exercise, saturated vs. unsaturated fats, salt, etc. is entirely upside down and backwards.
Posted by: biteme at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (xWS9V)

Been doing it for four months now. Waiting on my blood work to see my levels but ultimately, I feel no change but have seen increases in muscle development.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (KbCG3)

447 Ron was more like a gadfly than a serious legislator.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

I've heard that he does a killer Walter Brennan impression, though.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (v6JzV)

448 Goodspeed: Carla was the prom queen.

Vanessa Marcil in her prime? Yeah I'd go fight...err...angry special forces operatives trying to get funding for widows and orphans...to take her to prom.

Wait...were the special forces guys really the baddies here? I mean they were just going to hit San Fran with some chemical weapon right?

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (oZhjI)

449 Which ... eh. Not my favorite line from him.
Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (Evo1G)

He's 100% right. When Democrats start talking up the Wall again and really doing something about it, move.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (ksjMr)

450 442 Sure, but the question is, why would someone vote for Trump and Gallego. Or Trump and nobody, instead of Lake.

Those are the only two things that make sense, Gallego talked tough, and he's got an hispanic last name. Lake's a girl, and rubs some people the wrong way, for reasons I don't understand, but I'm not a douchebag, so how would I understand that.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (dGCAG)

=======

I suspect there's also an issue of people just voting for Trump at the top of the ticket and leaving everything else blank.

These people will not show up in the midterms.

Obama had this problem, too.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (GBKbO)

451 Trump could announce "We'll be ending all welfare for illegals, so start your trip back to your home country now. That free stuff includes food, housing, medical, and the generous walking around money."

Not sure how many legal requirements there are for those that now have court dates for 2032, but certainly the gangs and shoplifters get an express ticket out.

Posted by: illiniwek at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (Cus5s)

452 Has anyone seen mr Lysenkoism lately? If you, would you please ask him Steiners current location is.

Wo ist Wenck? Wo ist Steiner? Die angriff Steiner war befehl! WAR BEFEHL!!!!

Posted by: Maybe someday i'll choose a nick and stick with it! Certified dangerous radical at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (89Sog)

453 Everything I was ever taught about meat, veggies, fiber, vitamins, exercise, saturated vs. unsaturated fats, salt, etc. is entirely upside down and backwards.
Posted by: biteme at November 07, 2024 11:48 AM (xWS9V)
---------------
Lard is good food.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (AdHga)

454 Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (ksjMr)

----------------

Belatedly saw you reply to my comment yesterday (that "I nearly fell asleep on my knees") -- that it was "One of Kamala's rejected slogans" -- and had a big, hearty laugh ...

Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (MpEy/)

455 With many on our side bitching and moaning about him constantly, insulting his supporters and even fighting him directly.

Posted by: ...

The election's over. Let it go.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (xCA6C)

456
My age cohort is ALREADY 67 years old for full benefit. Most people alive today it is already 67.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (QfvaV)

When SS actually used to send me documents about my status, the last one I got told me if I wanted to get FULL benefit, I had to wait to 72 to claim.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (+sD5M)

457 Mason: Losers whine about "their best." Winners go home and fuck the prom queen!

Goodspeed: Carla was the prom queen.

Mason: (faintlly impressed) Really?
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM (U1w17)

Whatever happened to Vanessa Marcil?

Posted by: spindrift at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (OguvZ)

458 You can't take Communion, though.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

I thought Lutherans could. Something JP2 did.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (ExV1e)

459 395 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (AdHga)

Because it's a controlled medication. Like all prescription drugs.

For humans, at least.

You can buy the animal version of many human drugs easily. Same drug, just different packaging.

That's where the "aquarium cleaner" and "horse dewormer" talking points came from.

They sell various antibiotics in dissolving pill form for your fish, and anti-virals like ivermectin are sold for animals -- the ones for horses / cows are easy enough to adjust the dosage for human sized.

Of course, they are primarily human drugs. That's just a little "loop hole" as it were. I was first alerted to it by a prepper friend back in the early '00s, who kept massive stores of fish antibiotics in his garage (in case his family ever needed antibiotics). A bit weird, but hey.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (Evo1G)

460 In Ron Paul's defense (sort of), an awful lot of threads here have included discussions about where to be an expat if things continue to degrade here. And CA has tried to tax people fleeing its jurisdiction after they left. Paul's scenario: a malevolent government trying to prevent its tax units from leaving is not really science fiction.

We need to build the wall cause we have a bigger immediate problem. But Ron is always less crazy than advertised.

Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (V9cMX)

461 Wait...were the special forces guys really the baddies here? I mean they were just going to hit San Fran with some chemical weapon right?
Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (oZhjI)
-----------
They were rogue Marines. The SpecFor guys got massacred in the second act.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (U1w17)

462 451 Trump could announce "We'll be ending all welfare for illegals, so start your trip back to your home country now. That free stuff includes food, housing, medical, and the generous walking around money."

Not sure how many legal requirements there are for those that now have court dates for 2032, but certainly the gangs and shoplifters get an express ticket out.
Posted by: illiniwek at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (Cus5s)

Include free college money - tax all colleges for the amount they give out in scholarships to illegals...

Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (exHjb)

463 Sure, but the question is, why would someone vote for Trump and Gallego

This one I don't get. I understand LIVs not voting because "they are all the same" but if you decide to go vote for Trump wouldn't you vote at least for the Senator most closely associated with him?

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (oZhjI)

464 Defunding everyone who is getting money to feed and house illegals will help.

Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:01 AM (jvJvP)

More things to defund: catering to "homeless" bums (not decent people suddenly rendered homeless by events); abortion services, wherever provided; transing children or adults; any services provided for gays; any organizations celebrating ethnicity.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (FtRie)

465 Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (dGCAG)

You and others are looking at it backwards. Basically, how did Trump get Gallego voters to vote for Trump?

It's because of the way he talks to people and convinces them.

Many people aren't political at all, they are just emotional. They aren't making a political decision so their choices make no sense to us.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (ksjMr)

466 As far as picking a church goes, you need to ask yourself what you need from a church.

It'd be nice if the Lord were welcome.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (ExV1e)

467 >White men without college degrees are going to ruin BUILT this country
Posted by: Don Black

And fought, gave their blood and lives in all our wars.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (nBStl)

468 Arizona Senate race -- they're cheating. There's nothing more to it than that.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (YIxO9)

469 I explained yesterday what is going on with Lake in AZ. Richter is purposely screwing with her.

I have a tweet up about it.

Don't blame Lake, she is doing as well if not better than all the other Senate candidates.

I call it 50/50 right now, but it is going to take a week while Richter tortures us, hoping to change the numbers by letting Democrats (and only Democrats) cure ballots.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (8TPM0)

470 >>> 445 413 Why does ivermectin even require a prescription? It should be over the counter.
Posted by: Pudinhead

It is. Ask Ben Had. Tractor Supply and Amazon.
------------
Yeah, I know. But it should be next to Aspirin in a drug store.
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (AdHga)

Agreed. And give me back my %)#(&)(^ sudafed!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (zlGo9)

471 Trump could announce "We'll be ending all welfare for illegals, so start your trip back to your home country now. That free stuff includes food, housing, medical, and the generous walking around money."

Not sure how many legal requirements there are for those that now have court dates for 2032, but certainly the gangs and shoplifters get an express ticket out.

The Trump campaign was VERY careful in the wording they used during the campaign. They called for "mass deportations" but only ever specified criminals. Everyone (well, not Dems) favors that. The real crux of the biscuit will be what to do about the 50M other illegals. My guess is that they'll never leave.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (xCA6C)

472 What the Left did with RFK, Gabbard and maybe Others is proof to me that they are a rigid religion where orthodoxy is Everything.. they paid for their conviction.

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (PCK5/)

473 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

==

Barbara, no one asked you.
Posted by: runner at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (V13WU)

Well thank fuck, maybe she'll clam the hell up finally.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (VoAdT)

474 Agreed. And give me back my %)#(&)(^ sudafed!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (zlGo9)
------------
YES!!!!!!!

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (U1w17)

475 Listening to Ron Paul is like eating a bowl of delicious vanilla ice cream and then finding a turd in it.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (egtzA)

476 That's where the "aquarium cleaner" and "horse dewormer" talking points came from.

It is amazing how many people don't realize that most, though certainly not all, medicines work the same across our fellow mammals - you just have to get the dosage right.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (oZhjI)

477 Yep. More attractive, IMHO, than Cameron Diaz.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

Garafalo is the type that expects you to try to impress her but would keep moving the goalpost on you. Probably a dead fish in bed once she allows you the privilege of getting there.

Diaz is fun loving and happy and wants everyone to have a good time. Probably quite fun between the sheets.

Advantage -- Diaz

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (N0dT2)

478 For those worried about losing Massie, the Dems were so demoralized that they didn't even oppose him this election. He deserves a promotion, and while I was hoping it would be to McConnell's seat, this'll do.

Posted by: American Hawkman at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (9VDxG)

479 > Trump could announce "We'll be ending all welfare for illegals, so start your trip back to your home country now.
--------
They've been provided ATM / Debit cards with anywhere from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars on them.

Cancel them.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (Q4IgG)

480 Well, he’s right about the better campaign winning this one.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
=====
pRick Wilson was an ad placement guy rather than a GOTV guy. People like him grifted from their ad commission money instead of building a better combined approach.

Turning Point honcho, Charlie Kirk's streaming show is a interesting insight in how the Trump campaign functioned on the ground this time and how they combined effective outreach with getting ballots in from key places like PA and AZ.

Also interesting how the Trump campaign used ads in those states--they did a crescendo of ad buys during the last couple of weeks while Kamala aiming at early vote and absentee spent money way earlier to keep those people motivated to turn out and vote.

The key was that Marc Elias had the FEC change its rules and allow coordination from SuperPACs in GOTV in May. That happened because labor union rank and file refused to to GOTV anymore in key states like the Upper Midwest. So, that allowed it on the right as well.

Interesting insight on how the Trump campaign out maneuvered the left in those states via Charlie's roundtable discussion of it.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:54 AM (ctrM5)

481 458 You can't take Communion, though.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

I thought Lutherans could. Something JP2 did.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (ExV1e)

Orthodox can. Dunno about Lutherans.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at November 07, 2024 11:54 AM (eYoxG)

482 Ally Sammarco@Ally_Sammarco
White men without college degrees are going to ruin this country
======
Completely missing the fact that this is why you got more Trump.

Stupid.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:28 AM (+sD5M)

Apparently she was MAGA and went hard left... after having a kid. I suspect traumatic brain injury.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:54 AM (ExV1e)

483 Not sure how many legal requirements there are for those that now have court dates for 2032, but certainly the gangs and shoplifters get an express ticket out.
Posted by: illiniwek at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (Cus5s)

If they wanted to, they could easily get through the backlog in a manner of months, and issue bench warrants for those that choose not to appear.

Shit, I'll volunteer to work, without pay, as an immigration ALJ. I'm sure they could find many lawyers who would.

Instead, the careerers are slow walking as much as possible and the govt is not hiring more people or telling the existing people to do their fucking jobs expeditiously.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:54 AM (Evo1G)

484 Trump could announce "We'll be ending all welfare for illegals, so start your trip back to your home country now. That free stuff includes food, housing, medical, and the generous walking around money."

I'd like to see him start by having bureaucrats giving them any form of aid arrested. START this way. In most cases this is already a crime.

If you remove the bennies the illegals will mostly go home on their own.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (oZhjI)

485
Words you never heard 25 years ago:

Cured ballots

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (EsZUh)

486 481 458 You can't take Communion, though.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

I thought Lutherans could. Something JP2 did.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (ExV1e)

Orthodox can. Dunno about Lutherans.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at November 07, 2024 11:54 AM (eYoxG)

I was at a Catholic wedding maybe 15 years ago or so. They were adamant that Lutherans could not.

Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (V9cMX)

487 The election's over. Let it go.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (xCA6C)

I don't get this at all. Other than as some kind of dick power move where you somehow get to tell me what to do.

The only people "letting it go" are people don't want to learn, in which case the same mistakes will be made again and again. I like to learn from what I saw right and what I saw wrong. I am always curious where my blind spots are.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (ksjMr)

488 My age cohort is ALREADY 67 years old for full benefit. Most people alive today it is already 67.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 07, 2024 11:47 AM (QfvaV)

When SS actually used to send me documents about my status, the last one I got told me if I wanted to get FULL benefit, I had to wait to 72 to claim.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden

Do the math. I started collecting at 63 1/2. My crossover point is 81 years old.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (nBStl)

489 whig, a question -

With majorities in House and Senate, the Republicans can run budget reconciliation bills through, no filibuster applies, as long as they are revenue positive or neutral, yes? Two per Congressional session?

If so, that's gotta terrify the DeepState.

Posted by: Gref at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (aBgBM)

490 What the Left did with RFK, Gabbard and maybe Others is proof to me that they are a rigid religion where orthodoxy is Everything.. they paid for their conviction.

Nobody expects the Democrat Inquisition!

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (xCA6C)

491
Agreed. And give me back my %)#(&)(^ sudafed!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (zlGo9)

Methheads ruined that.

NE Tx had signs in the grocery and convenience stores: METHWATCH!!! See something, say something type stuff.

It was BAD in rural Texas for a while.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (+sD5M)

492 In Spain a conservative Governor or maybe a PM cut disaster services, probably because of massive fraud. And then Spain was deluged with rain and floods. And guess who they are blaming ?
Posted by: runner

Trump?

Posted by: Stu Podaso at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (PqDi1)

493 238
‘ Gerry Connolly (D) has esophageal cancer but will continue serving in Congress.’

He’s almost a good democrat.
But not quite.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (jbnUc)

494 Remove the ability for illegals to send money back to family in their former country.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (egtzA)

495 As far as picking a church goes, you need to ask yourself what you need from a church.

Mmm...

I'm not sure that's a good measuring stick.

Suppose he needed Pride Month, a water-slide baptistery, an hippie singing kumbaya and a lesbian pastor? That really wouldn't be a good way to pick a church.

I'd suggest maybe looking more into whether the church teaches heresy and contains the full truth of the revealed will of God.

But that's just me.

Posted by: Enemies Closer at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (vvyZK)

496 Listening to Ron Paul is like eating a bowl of delicious vanilla ice cream and then finding a turd in it.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (egtzA)

Damn that's true

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (ksjMr)

497 Been doing it for four months now. Waiting on my blood work to see my levels but ultimately, I feel no change but have seen increases in muscle development.

*********************

I do keto or carnivore, dont let them scare you if your LDL is higher, thats normal on a meat heavy diet, especially since the standard doesnt differentiate between the fluffy and Trumpian safe LDL and the hardened like a Coconut Harris LDL

I confused my doc when he saw I had high LDL but also very high HDL so my ratio was in the top range of green, also my trigs were almost nonexistent, which really confused the hell out of him, lol

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (M7vhK)

498 The real crux of the biscuit will be what to do about the 50M other illegals. My guess is that they'll never leave.
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
No money, they will leave. And make the ngos sponsoring refugees financially responsible for their feed and care. Not one damn dime of fed money can go to them.

That will shortly break them financially as they relied of fedgov and state money for their literal ops.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (ctrM5)

499 >>> 66 357 Now that AZ has been called for Trump, is Lake still in play or is that over and she lost?

The McCain machine and the McConnell backstab made what should have been an easy win a harder one. Supposedly they are still counting day of ballots in the redder areas, so ballots should break more for Lake, it's why she's not backing down.

Fingers crossed she pulls it off. If not, it might feel like a step down but she'd be an amazing press secretary.

Supposedly people are joking on X that Alex Jones or Roseanne should be press secretary. Roseanne joked to Alex they could tag team the job. I kind of want it!

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (wcIbG)

500
Do the math. I started collecting at 63 1/2. My crossover point is 81 years old.
Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (nBStl)

No. Math is illegal in these parts......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (+sD5M)

501 498 No money, they will leave. And make the ngos sponsoring refugees financially responsible for their feed and care. Not one damn dime of fed money can go to them.

That will shortly break them financially as they relied of fedgov and state money for their literal ops.
Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (ctrM5)

=======

And then massive military incursions into Mexico to take out the cartel infrastructure that funds a lot of the movement of illegals.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:57 AM (GBKbO)

502 I suspect there's also an issue of people just voting for Trump at the top of the ticket and leaving everything else blank.

These people will not show up in the midterms.

Obama had this problem, too.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (GBKbO)

This is what Charlie Kirk has been talking about on his show post-election. Basically they turned out a bunch of first-time "non" voters, who were largely a-political, but knew they needed Trump. So they grabbed a ballot, marked Trump, and turned it in.

He said they will be working hard in battleground mid-term states to increase the GOP's vote. Going to be hard work, but they're ready for it.

Posted by: Shenanigans at November 07, 2024 11:57 AM (pZ0Mr)

503 Agreed. And give me back my %)#(&)(^ sudafed!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (zlGo9)

Methheads ruined that.

It amazes me that New England has mostly legalized drugs and yet won't let me buy cold medicine without verification I'm not a druggie.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:57 AM (oZhjI)

504 >>> 501 498 No money, they will leave. And make the ngos sponsoring refugees financially responsible for their feed and care. Not one damn dime of fed money can go to them.

That will shortly break them financially as they relied of fedgov and state money for their literal ops.
Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (ctrM5)

=======

And then massive military incursions into Mexico to take out the cartel infrastructure that funds a lot of the movement of illegals.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:57 AM (GBKbO)

We can still have a canal, right? It would be the biggest, most luxurious, the best canal.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (zlGo9)

505 Here in Texas there are signs in both english and spanish in every ER that say you can't be refused treatment even if you are an illegal and/or you can't pay. They give a phone number for you to call if you didn't get the treatment you think you deserve. IIRC that came from obamacare.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at November 07, 2024 11:29 AM (QNSds)

Nope. That came about during Reagan. I don't recall what the name of the law is.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (ExV1e)

506 483 Not sure how many legal requirements there are for those that now have court dates for 2032, but certainly the gangs and shoplifters get an express ticket out.
Posted by: illiniwek at November 07, 2024 11:50 AM (Cus5s)

If they wanted to, they could easily get through the backlog in a manner of months, and issue bench warrants for those that choose not to appear.

Shit, I'll volunteer to work, without pay, as an immigration ALJ. I'm sure they could find many lawyers who would.

Instead, the careerers are slow walking as much as possible and the govt is not hiring more people or telling the existing people to do their fucking jobs expeditiously.
Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:54 AM (Evo1G)

Yes, this could easily be done...

Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (exHjb)

507 "When SS actually used to send me documents about my status, the last one I got told me if I wanted to get FULL benefit, I had to wait to 72 to claim."

I was thinking 70, but it was probably adjusted, idk. I'm considering starting to take it now (not quite 70) because if cuts are coming, I might as well start earlier. And it takes maybe 10-15 years for the FULL benefit to catch up with a couple years of extra payment anyway.

For us old people, required minimum distribution on retirement accounts is now 72, moving to 75 for the younger ones.

Posted by: illiniwek at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (Cus5s)

508 Aren't they just renewing the continuing resolution that keeps funding all the boondoggles from the Owebama administration since they're too f*cking lazy to submit an actual budget?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden

I don't know how it used to be done, when Congress actually passed budgets, but it seems to me that the best place to start is as Department or Bureau level.

Look at their actual expenditures for the last 10 years or so, cut everything that goes to foreign countries, cut everything that they can't or won't produce receipts for, and submit what remains to Congress as their budget request.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (hB7mE)

509 The real crux of the biscuit will be what to do about the 50M other illegals. My guess is that they'll never leave.
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
No money, they will leave.

I hear that a lot, but I don't think it's true. Why on earth would they return to some 3rd world hellhole. The poor in America live like kings compared to most of the 3rd world.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (xCA6C)

510 someone comfortable with debt (i.e. Trump) doesn't mean he is comfortable with deficits (he isn't) ... you are confused about the difference ...

Posted by: The Dark Lord at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (DBAaD)

511 The Trump campaign was VERY careful in the wording they used during the campaign. They called for "mass deportations" but only ever specified criminals. Everyone (well, not Dems) favors that. The real crux of the biscuit will be what to do about the 50M other illegals. My guess is that they'll never leave.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:53 AM (xCA6C)

Not only do I want all 50+ million illegals deported ASAP, I think we should pause all new legal immigration with very rare exceptions, and audit all of the visa applications processed for the last 5 years for fraud.

And criminally charge anyone who is here "out of status" (ie: visa overstays.) Give a 3 months heads up that they will go to prison THEN be deported if they don't find their own way out.

Let them self-deport.

It will never happen though. We're stuck with these 100 million immigrants now. (50 million foreign born people legally living in the US right now, plus 50+ million illegals here)

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (Evo1G)

512 314 She was cute and charming, even crush worthy, in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" and "Reality Bites." I don't know what happened, but she turned bitter and self-important and scoldy, and that's never a good look.
Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:35 AM (wcIbG)

She, like every other leftist, lost her marbles due to the 2000 election.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (DTX3h)

513 If your church is considered "in communion", you can take communion in an RC mass. I think most Orthodox, some of the more disparate non- catholic middle eastern rites (anything with some form of "Syrian" in the name), maybe a couple others

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (VoAdT)

514 Listening to Ron Paul is like eating a bowl of delicious vanilla ice cream and then finding a turd in it.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
=======
Not everyone is verbally gifted and that should never be conflated with intelligence.

Political speeches are almost inevitably dull and useless except in rare occasions and by rare individuals. Most of them have the same checklists that a grocery list has for shopping.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (ctrM5)

515 281...I am a Moron, that was supposed to have been a strikethrough in my earlier quote.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:32 AM (zlGo9)

I wanted to do a strikeout, but I knew I would botch it, so wrote what I did, instead!

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (Rbu5d)

516 502 This is what Charlie Kirk has been talking about on his show post-election. Basically they turned out a bunch of first-time "non" voters, who were largely a-political, but knew they needed Trump. So they grabbed a ballot, marked Trump, and turned it in.

He said they will be working hard in battleground mid-term states to increase the GOP's vote. Going to be hard work, but they're ready for it.
Posted by: Shenanigans at November 07, 2024 11:57 AM (pZ0Mr)

=========

The RNC under Whatley and Lara Trump has proven it's capable and willing to win.

Fingers crossed that they have a post-2024 plan and are already trying to implement it.

We should be able to pick off senate seats in GA and MI if they're on the ball in 2026.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (GBKbO)

517 505

Nope. That came about during Reagan. I don't recall what the name of the law is.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (ExV1e)

Bad, I think…

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (PCK5/)

518 Yeah, about that trail/persecution buffoonery with Merchan in NY....

Fuck those people in particular. Make an example of them. I hope PDTS sues them for everything their worth.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead...Wearing Pants and Working at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (luW68)

519 I've been wanting to get ivermectin but can't find it affordable, doctors won't prescribe it, and I don't know what online sites to trust.
Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024

***
I got mine, the tubes of paste that is, from Tractor Supply or a similar feed-and-grain, farm supply store, online. The paste is the same stuff; it comes with a measuring syringe and you squeeze out what you need according to your body weight. I used to mix it with peanut butter on toast.

Posted by: Han Solo at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (J2vNu)

520 We can still have a canal, right? It would be the biggest, most luxurious, the best canal.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (zlGo9)

---

Can there be sharks?

I like sharks.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (egtzA)

521 I hear that a lot, but I don't think it's true. Why on earth would they return to some 3rd world hellhole. The poor in America live like kings compared to most of the 3rd world.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (xCA6C)

Correct. Even if they make minimal money, their standard of living is much higher here than back at home.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (Evo1G)

522 Words you never heard 25 years ago:

Cured ballots

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (EsZUh)

---------------

Does that imply they were first diseased?

Dimpled Chads > Cured Ballots

Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (MpEy/)

523 Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:49 AM (dGCAG)

You and others are looking at it backwards. Basically, how did Trump get Gallego voters to vote for Trump?

It's because of the way he talks to people and convinces them.

Many people aren't political at all, they are just emotional. They aren't making a political decision so their choices make no sense to us.
Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:52 AM (ksjMr)

I wouldn't say LOOKING at it backwards, but sure, said it backwards, perhaps.

Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (dGCAG)

524 Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (MpEy/)

What I'm here for.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (ksjMr)

525 Tax the heck out of remittances going out of the country if it isn't for your own benefit. That would cover expats living overseas.

Posted by: lin-duh at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (SaTo/)

526 I hear that a lot, but I don't think it's true. Why on earth would they return to some 3rd world hellhole. The poor in America live like kings compared to most of the 3rd world.

No welfare and anyone that hires you go to prison and serves real time.

They'll have no choice but to leave.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (oZhjI)

527 LizLem, that No. 519 about ivermectin was from me.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (J2vNu)

528 Trump just won huge percentages of minority votes so . . .

End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

529 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

What are the odds she's going to manage to find a few more words?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (kTd/k)

530 >>Feds are actually unable to spend the allocated budgets. This is why all the grants to NGOs are happening. They lose funding if budget is returned to the treasury.

Well that's one reason. Another reason is much more sinister.

Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (LkLld)

531 Nope. That came about during Reagan. I don't recall what the name of the law is.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (ExV1e)

EMTALA.

One of the ettes was on the warpath about it yesterday.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (VoAdT)

532 526 No welfare and anyone that hires you go to prison and serves real time.

They'll have no choice but to leave.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (oZhjI)

=======

Nah, they will still have a choice.

Rich progressive AWFLs will welcome them into their homes.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (GBKbO)

533 >>> 528 Trump just won huge percentages of minority votes so . . .

End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

"It's OUR Precious Democracy! OURS!!!!!" -- also Madcow

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (zlGo9)

534 I'd like to see him start by having bureaucrats giving them any form of aid arrested. START this way. In most cases this is already a crime.

If you remove the bennies the illegals will mostly go home on their own.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 11:55 AM (oZhjI)

Hell. I'd even approve of buying their tickets home.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (g8Ew8)

535 528 Trump just won huge percentages of minority votes so . . .

End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

I think that was like Prop 8 in my state.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (KbCG3)

536 The election's over. Let it go.
Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 11:51 AM (xCA6C)

Every time I see that phrase I think of a Robot Chicken clip with Darth Vader talking to Princess Leia, and he says in his best James Earl Jones voice “So, you still mad about that whole Alderan thing? Let it Goooo!”

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (O22gz)

537 End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

Yes. Yes we did. We instead voted for a non racial, universal republic.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (VoAdT)

538 Then again Bernie sounds great sometimes too.

It's only when you take into account that he's completely full of shit AND that he is required to insert every leftist talking point that he doesn't even believe into every speech, that you find the turd.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (ksjMr)

539 529 Barbra Streisand@BarbraStreisand
There are no words left.

What are the odds she's going to manage to find a few more words?
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (kTd/k)

All that money and never fixed that Schnozz..

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (PCK5/)

540 Political speeches are almost inevitably dull and useless except in rare occasions and by rare individuals. Most of them have the same checklists that a grocery list has for shopping.
Posted by: whig

I find it damn near impossible to listen to any political speech to the end, even from politicians I like.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (v6JzV)

541 513 If your church is considered "in communion", you can take communion in an RC mass. I think most Orthodox, some of the more disparate non- catholic middle eastern rites (anything with some form of "Syrian" in the name), maybe a couple others
Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (VoAdT)

In communion(with Rome) means subscribing to the Papacy(so under the banner of Catholicism). The distinction here appears to be whether they believe in the real presence, so Protestant denominations generally out and the Eastern denominations in.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (eYoxG)

542 And then massive military incursions into Mexico to take out the cartel infrastructure that funds a lot of the movement of illegals.
-------------------
Yeah, this. This is the fucking War Department's number one job. It should be an Army affair from top to bottom. The Marines can play some sort of amphibious function if they want to.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (AdHga)

543 It will never happen though. We're stuck with these 100 million immigrants now. (50 million foreign born people legally living in the US right now, plus 50+ million illegals here)

Sadly, I think that's correct. The illegal tsunami is probably irreversible.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (xCA6C)

544 Josh Brolin, James's son -- is Streisand his mother, or was Josh a child of a previous marriage by James?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (J2vNu)

545
End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."

Let's suppose Trump and the Reps are serious and effective this time and roll the government back to what we had in....2008. Or hell a man can dream...1992. Is that the fascism these people keep ranting about?

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (oZhjI)

546 538 Then again Bernie sounds great sometimes too.

It's only when you take into account that he's completely full of shit AND that he is required to insert every leftist talking point that he doesn't even believe into every speech, that you find the turd.
Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (ksjMr)

======

My YouTube is 100% free of politics. It's short comedy and movies.

Over the past few weeks, I've had two Bernie Sanders videos pushed to me. It's weird.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (GBKbO)

547 I have had good results buying refurb Macs on ebay. There are many legit computer shops there. I saw refurb s at $400 for I7 and 500 GB SSD's.

Posted by: free tibet at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (1wtUm)

548 Merchan should be in prison for life for bribery.
Then his corpse deported.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (/lPRQ)

549 Sadly, I think that's correct. The illegal tsunami is probably irreversible.

It is the ultimate FU from the Biden administration, and we'll be dealing with the consequences from here on.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (xCA6C)

550 I say this as a supply-side Republican who doesn't vote for 'd's:

Don't touch my social security. I paid for that all my working life.

Don't touch my medi-care either.

Everything else is on the table.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (QGaXH)

551 Trump just won huge percentages of minority votes so . . .

End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)
------------------

The reality these people inhabit should require extended stays in a rubber room with copious amounts of thorazine.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (tT6L1)

552 wouldn't say LOOKING at it backwards, but sure, said it backwards, perhaps.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 07, 2024 11:59 AM (dGCAG)

I couldn't think of a nice way to put what I was trying to say. You know I respect you a lot.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (ksjMr)

553 End Wokeness@EndWokeness
Maddow: "Americans just voted to end our multi-racial pluralistic democracy."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

STILL not grasping THIS is why you got more Trump.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (+sD5M)

554 No. Math is illegal in these parts......
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden

Probably never going to rise above the apprentice level.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Peanut at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (nBStl)

555 Madcow makes like $40,000 a night to spout her fucking nonsense

but yeah this is a horrible country lol go fuck yourself you diuretic hack

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger - Ready to Dip in Trump Branded Pudding, Classy and Luxurious at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (M7vhK)

556 Nope. That came about during Reagan. I don't recall what the name of the law is.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:58 AM (ExV1e)

EMTALA from '86.

The fact that King Canute was trying to make a point when he ordered the tide not to come in went "Whoosh" right over these dumbasses heads.

Posted by: biteme at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (xWS9V)

557 That was about intragovernmental debt. SSA is owed a bunch of money by the Treasury which results in a partial measurement of its liabilities.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
========
Eh, really more of just an accounting measure. SSA since the 60's has really been PayGo and probably a good thing. If that money had been invested by gubmint, the inevitable problem would be that gubmint would control private industry directly as the largest shareholder.

Calpers among other state pension agencies is a perfect example of how leftists maneuver to get control over private companies and then require them to do unwise investments becuz politics.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (ctrM5)

558 534 Hell. I'd even approve of buying their tickets home.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (g8Ew

Imagine the GoFundMe: You'd have a fleet of private jets ready to fly out illegals in comfort within the hour.

Posted by: NR Pax at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (lXoJ5)

559 Puddinhead, about lard... I find it hilarious that Sheldon's mom on big bang theory tells the gang that one day they'll say we're not getting enough of it. It was clearly a throwaway joke by the liberal, probably vegan writing team. But the mom has been proven to be correct!

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (wcIbG)

560 All that money and never fixed that Schnozz..
Posted by: tubal

I think she's publicly stated that she would never have a nose job because it would affect her singing voice.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (v6JzV)

561 >>> 550 I say this as a supply-side Republican who doesn't vote for 'd's:

Don't touch my social security. I paid for that all my working life.

Don't touch my medi-care either.

Everything else is on the table.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (QGaXH)

I've seen it suggested for a while now that we could make changes less threatening by phasing them in by age groups.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (zlGo9)

562 The immigration problem is really 3 problems:

1) illegal border crossers
2) visa overstayers
3) the massive number of "legal" immigrants we let in.

I think a lot of R's disagree with me on 3, but let me just say this (as someone who is close to it) -- they're nearly universally anti-american, spent their entire lives stewing in our own CNN International propaganda, and think America is a horrible racist place where you can get rich off fucking people over (that's what they think capitalism is) and because of DEI / diversity quotas, are disproportionally displacing American citizens from the white collar job force.

Oh, and most of them fake / exaggerate their "resumes" they submit to the US government.

Now, is there a use for people in category 3? Sure. But the system is so rife with fraud, I think it needs to be stopped until we can try to find a way to fix it.

Posted by: Harry Paratestes at November 07, 2024 12:04 PM (Evo1G)

563 re Immigration

I suspect what most do, that the primary thrust will be illegals who have committed (additional) felonies. that'll be what Trump focuses on in terms of media awareness.

I do NOT, however, think he's going to turn ICE into a giant gestapo, going from house to house looking for illegals.

Instead, the policy will be, if anyone is found to be illegal (such as in a traffic stop, etc), they will be deported with haste, etc.

That, plus a dozen little things, like ending sanctuary cities, killing the app, signing the order to finish the wall, ending catch-and-release. All the things they can do with a stroke of a pen, will be done asap.

Posted by: Shenanigans at November 07, 2024 12:04 PM (pZ0Mr)

564 Ivermectin is showing great promise as a tool against cancer.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief at November 07, 2024 12:04 PM (SRRAx)

565
Rich progressive AWFLs will welcome them into their homes.

Well, so far they haven't - remember when DeSantis sent a small group of illegals to Martha's Vineyard and Mass called out its NG to round them up and send them to a concentration camp?

But hey if they want to cosplay Miep Gies with Jose The Rapist in their attic...go ahead.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 12:04 PM (oZhjI)

566 Where has Streisand moved to? Can she see Rob Reiner burning from there?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:04 PM (kTd/k)

567 There's a great deal that can be cut because the Executive Branch has become largely just one colossal administrative operation, dependent on "stakeholders," contractors, partnerships, grants - many NOT well monitored at all - to do the actual work 'on the ground,' 'in the field,' and so on.

Years ago, the feds held closely to preventing waste, fraud, theft and mismanagement but programs have so expanded outside of agencies, accountability becomes difficult - if not impossible - in some/many instances.

>"Samples" of agencies engaged in prevention follow:
Office of Justice Programs, Preventing Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Mismanagement

Office of Justice Programs (.gov)
As an OJP grantee, you are responsible for providing adequate safeguards to prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds. Proper management ...
3 pages (not attached, interesting read)

And the OIG, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud

So, the OIGs and GAO do try as they operate programs to report abuse and investigation and corrective action, if deemed necessary, can take place.

But as with C19 funds, a lot "escapes" to the detriment of taxpayers.

Posted by: L - If they'll do it with you, they'll do it to you, too at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (NFX2v)

568 In as far as Fed pensions, since the early to mid-80s now it's FERS. A1 but accurate: "The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is a retirement plan for federal employees that provides benefits from three sources: Social Security, Basic Benefit Plan, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). FERS was established by Congress in 1986 and became effective in 1987. It's designed to provide financial security for federal employees and their families."

>Don't tax SS in retirement and ALL feds under that program will also benefit in the future. The last of the older 'strictly' (no social security benefit) pensioners, with less valuable pensions are taxed. (Mom lost her home while under the old pension system. She had had 29+ years of federal svc.) So, that's a quandry.

>SSA dot gov has a list of all COLAs since 1975. Note bigger %'s when administrations are changing, but Congress & The Biden went crazy and we'll all pay for it.

>Federal Register: Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles, A Rule by the Personnel Management Office on 04/09/2024. Effective May 9, 2024.

OPM was among the very best in federal civil service but it, too, must follow orders.

Posted by: L - If they'll do it with you, they'll do it to you, too at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (NFX2v)

569 Garofalo was a gas station 4 at her peak. Basically a thin but equally vulgar version of Roseanne. Just from photos, you could smell the trailer park she came from.
Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (V9cMX)

I was raised in trailer parks, or worse. Not everyone is born into luxury.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (ExV1e)

570 Over the past few weeks, I've had two Bernie Sanders videos pushed to me. It's weird.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, finding suspense, madness, and humanity with Michael Powell at November 07, 2024 12:02 PM (GBKbO)

Democrats are about to try and become a populist party. It's going to be weird and creepy. Kind of like seeing Obama do a Steppin Fetchit routine.

Posted by: ... at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (ksjMr)

571 The only realistic retirement strategy is to assume SS will not be there for you.

And this has been the strategy for as long as I can remember. SS is a pyramid scheme and GenX is most likely the ones who will be stuck with it.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (egtzA)

572 560 All that money and never fixed that Schnozz..
Posted by: tubal

I think she's publicly stated that she would never have a nose job because it would affect her singing voice.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 12:03 PM (v6JzV)

It may have affected her acting career…

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (PCK5/)

573 All that money and never fixed that Schnozz..
------------------
That would entail a major expedition. Lives could be lost.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (AdHga)

574 Good morning, good people, from this much relieved Adirondack paradise.
I disagree with part of CBD's diagnosis about the spending proclivities of the President. I'm convinced that he has an excellent understanding of what debt to keep and how much spending plus where to spend it.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (hKoQL)

575 Fun fact: Streisand never got a nose job because she was told it might change her singing voice

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (/7KEl)

576 When is Bono's Snake Canyon jump scheduled?

Posted by: spindrift at November 07, 2024 12:06 PM (OguvZ)

577 Josh Brolin, James's son -- is Streisand his mother, or was Josh a child of a previous marriage by James?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

Previous one, I think. The one before Jan Smithers.

Can you imagine going from Jan Smithers to Babs?

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 12:06 PM (v6JzV)

578 333
‘ I still think his take on a border wall is a bit nutty.’

Just like this coffee!

Posted by: Austin Powers at November 07, 2024 12:06 PM (jbnUc)

579 Any attempts to balance the budget are going to have to start with seizing wealth from leftists and left leaning NGOs. Until I see NGO leaders in jail for running their NGO as a scam to launder federal dollars...tax free!...I don't want to hear a word about SS reform.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 12:06 PM (oZhjI)

580 >>> 576 When is Bono's Snake Canyon jump scheduled?
Posted by: spindrift at November 07, 2024 12:06 PM (OguvZ)

Would it be bad if a zillion people started twatting him with nothing more than "JUMP!" ?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (zlGo9)

581 Seeing rumors that Trump may consider bringing Pompeo back into the fold. Please God NO.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (/U5Yz)

582 fwiw I think those types are asshoe, but Bono is way bigger asshoe

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (zlGo9)

583 I do NOT, however, think he's going to turn ICE into a giant gestapo, going from house to house looking for illegals.

It would be awesome if they could get Christoph Waltz as the front man.

Posted by: Archimedes at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (xCA6C)

584 569 Garofalo was a gas station 4 at her peak. Basically a thin but equally vulgar version of Roseanne. Just from photos, you could smell the trailer park she came from.
Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 11:37 AM (V9cMX)

I was raised in trailer parks, or worse. Not everyone is born into luxury.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 12:05 PM (ExV1e)

Me too.

I aspire to a higher quality of life and women.

Posted by: Magnets! How do they work? at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (V9cMX)

585 I know she had some sorta sex scene in some movie, and I kept thinking “ what’s the matter with her faaaace!!

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (PCK5/)

586 Josh Brolin, James's son -- is Streisand his mother, or was Josh a child of a previous marriage by James?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:01 PM (J2vNu)

No idea. I generally loathe the guy as an actor. But he was still really good in the Dune movies i thought.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:07 PM (VoAdT)

587 Would it be bad if a zillion people started twatting him with nothing more than "JUMP!" ?

Was it...Biden?...that at one point ran across someone threatening to jump off a height and yelled for him to do it?

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 12:08 PM (oZhjI)

588 The Mexican Drug Cartels. If the Israelis can take out the Hezbo leaders...

Posted by: davidt at November 07, 2024 12:08 PM (i0F8b)

589 Thanks for all the ivermectin advice! I'm taking notes. Love the Horde mind, it's a treasure trove on all things useful (and sometimes useless, ha!)

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 12:08 PM (wcIbG)

590 Intern killer says what?

Joe Scarborough Blames Black And Hispanic Voters for Harris Loss

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:08 PM (L/fGl)

591 You'll love this! It's a little piece I call "We're Losing Our Democracy."

https://tinyurl.com/9n4un5dc

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (w6EFb)

592 Josh Brolin

Parents

James Brolin (father)
Jane Cameron Agee (1939–1995) (mother)

Relatives Barbra Streisand (stepmother)

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (oZhjI)

593 Would it be bad if a zillion people started twatting him with nothing more than "JUMP!" ?
-----------
Isn't Jump a Van Halen song?

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (AdHga)

594 LizLem, also this:
https://www.barnhardt.biz
/ivermectin/

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (zlGo9)

595 Isn't Jump a Van Halen song?
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (AdHga)

AHEM!

- Pointer Sisters

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (N0dT2)

596 550 I say this as a supply-side Republican who doesn't vote for 'd's:

Don't touch my social security. I paid for that all my working life.

Don't touch my medi-care either.

Everything else is on the table.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan
========
Medicare is one of the main drivers in the burgeoning deficit. There are several things that can be done to lessen it with relatively little impact.

One is allow retirees to stay on private plans while getting social security benefits until 67 or whatever the newly increased (not retroactive) increase in the retirement age will be.

Another is that Medicare taxes will have to go up or Medicare costs and copays have to go up.

Feds (and have been) spending about 7 bucks for every one buck raised by current Medicare taxes.

Not sustainable. If you have a morbid curiosity, all of this is clearly laid out by Social Security Admin's annual reports. No one wants to do anything about it because current workers will resent new taxes on them at the scale necessary to pay for medicare benefits and recipients will resent any cuts in service and higher copays, deductibles, etc.

Something is gonna give here.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (ctrM5)

597 James Brolin is the Burned Taint Man, yes? Or was that his Daddy?

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (PCK5/)

598 Has David French the Apostate commented yet?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:10 PM (kTd/k)

599 What the... I hear a lawn mower somewhere outside.

Posted by: davidt at November 07, 2024 12:10 PM (i0F8b)

600 If you want to get to the bottom of who is running the massive network that brings millions of illegals into the US start with NGOs.

If you want to end color revolutions in the US start with NGOs.

NGOs are a tool of the deep state created for the sole purpose of carrying out missions the government wants to have no direct ties to. NGOs should be illegal in the US.

Posted by: JackStraw at November 07, 2024 12:10 PM (LkLld)

601 576 When is Bono's Snake Canyon jump scheduled?
Posted by: spindrift

Put Harrison Ford in as the pilot.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at November 07, 2024 12:10 PM (/U5Yz)

602 590 Intern killer says what?

Joe Scarborough Blames Black And Hispanic Voters for Harris Loss

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:08 PM (L/fGl)

Of course. Members of the Democrat-Media Complex ain't gonna ever blame themselves. No matter how much blame they should shoulder.

Posted by: Gref at November 07, 2024 12:10 PM (aBgBM)

603 I hate they broke the law, but I get why they felt desperate enough to do it.
Posted by: LizLem

I hate that the law forbids people from working.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (hB7mE)

604 >>> 595 Isn't Jump a Van Halen song?
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (AdHga)

AHEM!

- Pointer Sisters
Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (N0dT2)

Shouldn't you have posted as Disco Doof???

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (zlGo9)

605 James Brolin is the Burned Taint Man, yes? Or was that his Daddy?
Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12

The Burning Taint is that huge new age weirdo festival, isn't it?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (kTd/k)

606 Medicare is one of the main drivers in the burgeoning deficit. There are several things that can be done to lessen it with relatively little impact.

One is allow retirees to stay on private plans while getting social security benefits until 67 or whatever the newly increased (not retroactive) increase in the retirement age will be.

Another is that Medicare taxes will have to go up or Medicare costs and copays have to go up.

Feds (and have been) spending about 7 bucks for every one buck raised by current Medicare taxes.

Not sustainable. If you have a morbid curiosity, all of this is clearly laid out by Social Security Admin's annual reports. No one wants to do anything about it because current workers will resent new taxes on them at the scale necessary to pay for medicare benefits and recipients will resent any cuts in service and higher copays, deductibles, etc.

Something is gonna give here.
Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (ctrM5)

3rd option was to kill all the old people...dem governors tried that option in Covid - it just wan't lethal enough...

Posted by: Nova Local at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (exHjb)

607 Something is gonna give here.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (ctrM5)

didn't Obamacare totally mess up Medicare and make it more expensive??

Posted by: kallisto at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (dCxaZ)

608 Remove the ability for illegals to send money back to family in their former country.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at November 07, 2024 11:56 AM (egtzA)

take away the write off for wages paid for employees that have bad match between DOB, SSN and Name; take away the that write off also for H1A and H1B employees too.

Posted by: Kindltot at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (D7oie)

609 Oh and getting government out of healthcare as much as you can is a necessary step.

Giving illegals free MRIs and the like isn't JUST ballooning costs for everyone else, it also is why you have to wait months to see specialists and get more involved tests...

Posted by: 18-1 at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (oZhjI)

610 I really like Josh Brolin in No Country for Old Men.

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (AdHga)

611 AHEM!

- Pointer Sisters
Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 12:09 PM (N0dT2)

Shouldn't you have posted as Disco Doof???
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (zlGo9)

*hangs head in shame*

Yes. Good catch

Posted by: Doof at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (N0dT2)

612 385...When I first started working with my CFP I told him, never include SS in estimates of how I'm doing. He's say "oh, SS won't go away" and I'd reply "then it'll be a bonus".
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 11:43 AM (ExV1e)

That's what we say...

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (Rbu5d)

613 581 Seeing rumors that Trump may consider bringing Pompeo back into the fold. Please God NO.
Posted by: Maj. Healey
========
I think that was started by Pompeo and his friends on Capitol Hill rather than by Trump insiders.

You get that shit in DC trying to make something happen like Darlin' Nikki into a thing.

Wait until anything official is announced rather than having kittens about rumors.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (ctrM5)

614 Jane Cameron Agee was Josh Brolin's mother

never heard of her

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (/7KEl)

615 I just saw a fun meme:

President 45: a new hope
President 46: the empire strikes back
President 47: return of the Jedi

Not wrong!

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (wcIbG)

616
The Mexican Drug Cartels. If the Israelis can take out the Hezbo leaders...
Posted by: davidt at November 07, 2024 12:08 PM (i0F8b)

__________

The Cartels are far more intelligent.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (EsZUh)

617 "Medicare is one of the main drivers in the burgeoning deficit. There are several things that can be done to lessen it with relatively little impact."

If RFK Jr is as effective as I think he will be, we'll save a ton of money if people's health improves.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (w6EFb)

618 I honestly don't see how they can make it go away. Trump has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The judge can't just wave his hand and just make the trial disappear.

IIRC, there is even a specific appeal defendants can make after a verdict is returned to have the judge say "this is bullshit, case dismissed". I am, however, not a lawyer.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (ExV1e)

619 Along with every Federal Agency, I want FEMA raked over the coals. As an Emergency Manager, their tepid and untimely response and declaration of 'not enough money' is bullshit. If reports are true, they are sitting on millions if not more in reserve. Opening those books will be eye opening. Mayorkas needs to be sent adrift on a slow canoe to China.

Posted by: Cheri at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (oiNtH)

620 Ivermectin is showing great promise as a tool against cancer.
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief at November 07, 2024 12:04 PM (SRRAx)

First Lady had a friend that had some sort of digestive tract cancer. She was riddled with it. She started the chemo treatments and all that, but her husband worked for a vet clinic and started her on an Ivermectin regimen. Her cancer had lessened with the treatments, but disappeared after the Ivermectin. Dr's were baffled, but pissed off when she told them she was doing that.

One Dr. HIGHLY recommended the covid vax as her immune system had her vulnerable. She did, then was dead from turbo cancer in less than a year.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (+sD5M)

621 614 Jane Cameron Agee was Josh Brolin's mother

never heard of her
Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (/7KEl)

An extra in Titanic and Avatar, I think.

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:13 PM (PCK5/)

622 take away the write off for wages paid for employees that have bad match between DOB, SSN and Name; take away the that write off also for H1A and H1B employees too.
Posted by: Kindltot
=======
Heh. Can we appoint you as IRS Inquisitor and Commissioner?

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:13 PM (ctrM5)

623 >>> 608
==
take away the write off for wages paid for employees that have bad match between DOB, SSN and Name; take away the that write off also for H1A and H1B employees too.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 07, 2024 12:11 PM (D7oie)

There's a fcking write-off for that shit? Oh yeah *that* trash needs dumping.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:13 PM (zlGo9)

624 Wait until anything official is announced rather than having kittens about rumors.
Posted by: whig

This is sage advice. Panties extinguished.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at November 07, 2024 12:13 PM (/U5Yz)

625 MSNBC Panelist Admits the Left Is Out of Touch ~~Regarding Transgender Issues~~

-
Fixed that for ya.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:13 PM (L/fGl)

626 James Brolin is the Burned Taint Man, yes? Or was that his Daddy?
Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024

***
I think the story was that it was Josh, James's son.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (J2vNu)

627 Has anyone asked a Democrat what they plan on doing now that Trump (the man they said would cancel elections if he wins) has won?

Posted by: Shenanigans at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (pZ0Mr)

628 I've often heard people say that we need rich businessmen in politics because they're less susceptible to payoffs and know how manage big organizations.

This is a bullshit argument. Most of those guys are interested in politics because they've topped out on the power money can buy, and they still want more - IOW, the most corrupt kind of human being.

What you need are rich guys who just have a vendetta and a dream. Guys like Trump, and probably Musk, and maybe Ramaswamy.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (7oYYI)

629 Yesterday, whig mentioned something I'd not heard of; something like back in the late 19th century, people just grabbed (and presumably voted) either a straight elephant or donkey ballot/ticket?

Seems that would put an end to this idiotic schizophrenic split-ticket voting ...
Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (MpEy/)

The politicians got rid of it because some people will just vote for President and leave. They don't want to get splashed.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (ExV1e)

630 The Cartels are far more intelligent.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (EsZUh)

No, they are just not directly subsidized by the UN and USAID (so far), so they have to be more canny.

Posted by: Kindltot at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (D7oie)

631 619 Along with every Federal Agency, I want FEMA raked over the coals. As an Emergency Manager, their tepid and untimely response and declaration of 'not enough money' is bullshit. If reports are true, they are sitting on millions if not more in reserve. Opening those books will be eye opening. Mayorkas needs to be sent adrift on a slow canoe to China.
Posted by: Cheri
======
Those reserves are just accounting entries really but you can think of it more as a pre-authorized ability to charge on the government credit card.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (ctrM5)

632 >>> 619 Along with every Federal Agency, I want FEMA raked over the coals. As an Emergency Manager, their tepid and untimely response and declaration of 'not enough money' is bullshit. If reports are true, they are sitting on millions if not more in reserve. Opening those books will be eye opening. Mayorkas needs to be sent adrift on a slow canoe to China.
Posted by: Cheri at November 07, 2024 12:12 PM (oiNtH)

Get rid of FEMA entirely. It was another of Carter's stupid adds and its name is misleading at best.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (zlGo9)

633 Has anyone asked a Democrat what they plan on doing now that Trump (the man they said would cancel elections if he wins) has won?
Posted by: Shenanigans at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (pZ0Mr)

Get jobs?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (kTd/k)

634 I got my Brolin’s confused… never confuse your Brolin’s…

Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (PCK5/)

635 393...Valley Vet online, Tractor Supply or a local feed store for retail.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:44 AM (zlGo9)

During the coof years, retail stores moved the ivm behind locked doors.

We found Valley Vet was good. Ann Barnhardt has the dosing on her site. Of course, you take it orally.

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (Rbu5d)

636 okay someone else got it first

it's snowing here so I have little to do

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (/7KEl)

637 Seen on teh Twatters:

Got called a Nazi for four years. Still haven't received my discount from Hugo Boss.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (W5ArC)

638 at one time you just voted for the party, and their candidates. That is what the primary was supposed to be about.

that is why it was called a "slate"

Posted by: Kindltot at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (D7oie)

639 I really like Josh Brolin in No Country for Old Men.
Posted by: Pudinhead at November 07, 2024

***
As cool as that movie and novel leave me, yes, the casting of Brolin and Javier Bardem was excellent.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (J2vNu)

640
AWFLs are self-deporting. Thank goodness.

https://tinyurl.com/2a92wsxk

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (EsZUh)

641 I got my Brolin’s confused… never confuse your Brolin’s…
Posted by: tubal at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (PCK5/)

And don't EVER, under ANY circumstance, grab 'em by the Brolin.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (+sD5M)

642 Where's ATC?

OMG! A Racoon fell through the ceiling at LaGuardia Airport.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (IG4Id)

643 A point to remember:

We've been called nazis a while lot longer than four, or even eight, years.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (VoAdT)

644 >An extra in Titanic and Avatar, I think.
---

nah
innerneck says she passed in 1995

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (/7KEl)

645 Remove (or imprison) the illegal gangs first, then those drug dealers and sex slaves that support the foreign gangs now operating in America. Treat them like Islam treated non-Muslims ... they must pay a tax, don't have certain rights, etc.

Many will leave, maybe hand each one $1K as they cross the border out, but they can never come back, unless through the legal process started from abroad.

Posted by: illiniwek at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (Cus5s)

646 >>> 635
==
During the coof years, retail stores moved the ivm behind locked doors.

We found Valley Vet was good. Ann Barnhardt has the dosing on her site. Of course, you take it orally.
Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024 12:15 PM (Rbu5d)

Tractor Supply locked it up, and posted warnings about OMG not for human consumption REE! Feed stores didn't change anything around here, but I live in the sticks.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (zlGo9)

647 What you need are rich guys who just have a vendetta and a dream. Guys like Trump, and probably Musk, and maybe Ramaswamy.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice
=======
I would rate that as true. That has been the problem for the GOP for generations. Either they pick pols that are readily compromised by donors or they pick people with money to run that simply want to make even more money.

Contra to Gordon Gecko as a distortion of Adam Smith, Greed is not good when it is the motivation for your politicians.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (ctrM5)

648 We found Valley Vet was good. Ann Barnhardt has the dosing on her site. Of course, you take it orally.
Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at November 07, 2024

***
I'm still getting emails from Valley Vet; so I guess that was where I bought my ivermectin. I still have a tube in the kitchen cabinet. For a while I was taking a dose once a month just to be on the safe side.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (J2vNu)

649
OMG! A Racoon fell through the ceiling at LaGuardia Airport.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (IG4Id)

The possession of Fred.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (+sD5M)

650 629 Yesterday, whig mentioned something I'd not heard of; something like back in the late 19th century, people just grabbed (and presumably voted) either a straight elephant or donkey ballot/ticket?

Seems that would put an end to this idiotic schizophrenic split-ticket voting ...
Posted by: ShainS -- In Trump's America, Garbage Throws Out YOU! at November 07, 2024 11:45 AM (MpEy/)

The politicians got rid of it because some people will just vote for President and leave. They don't want to get splashed.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at November 07, 2024 12:14 PM (ExV1e)

We had straight ticket voting in Iowa within the last decade. Not sure when or what arguments were made against it.

If the D’s stopped running full blown woke commies for senate, I’d have split my ticket to get Grassley out.

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (FGFJD)

651 The only thing I've seen James Brolin in was that Hotel TV series with Connie Selleca (mmmmmmmmm...).

Never seen Josh in anything.

Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (v6JzV)

652 Tractor Supply locked it up, and posted warnings about OMG not for human consumption REE! Feed stores didn't change anything around here, but I live in the sticks.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
=======
Lucky you.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (ctrM5)

653 Start by eliminating the Dept of Education! Ever since Jimmah Cawtah split it off from HEW, test scores and performance has gone way down. They have failed miserably, they should be punished with elimination.
Let's not forget that nowhere in the Constitution does it give the federal govt any authority over education, therefore under the 10th it is in the absolute purview of the states.

Posted by: Bonecrusher at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (JNTt1)

654 The possession of Fred.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (+sD5M)

The Hills Have Cute Little Human Hands

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (VoAdT)

655 >>> 642 Where's ATC?

OMG! A Racoon fell through the ceiling at LaGuardia Airport.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (IG4Id)

REVENGE!!!

Posted by: Fred the Raccoon at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (zlGo9)

656 >>> Where has Streisand moved to? Can she see Rob Reiner burning from there?

Daily Mail had a peek in one of her homes (the infamous one of the Streisand Effect I think) and the entire basement is a massive fake town full of "stores" she can shop in, and hold all her dolls and weird collectible stuff she's obsessed with. It's like a fifth Avenue goodwill, populated solely by childless cat ladies, threw up chins and lace in there. Celebs have more money than sense.

Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 12:18 PM (wcIbG)

657 Seen on teh Twatters:

Got called a Nazi for four years. Still haven't received my discount from Hugo Boss.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia

====

45% still think you are the Nazi and are still planning on putting you in a camp despite Trump's win.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at November 07, 2024 12:19 PM (/lPRQ)

658 AWFLs are self-deporting. Thank goodness.

https://tinyurl.com/2a92wsxk
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (EsZUh)
___

Let them go to Europe and get raped by Muslims. I'll laugh at them.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at November 07, 2024 12:19 PM (iFTx/)

659 OMG! A Racoon fell through the ceiling at LaGuardia Airport.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 07, 2024 12:16 PM (IG4Id)

Did he rappel to the floor carrying an automatic weapon

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:19 PM (kTd/k)

660 .
NOOD

It Begins: Biden Advisors Tell the Press That the Defeat Was Caused by "Obama Advisors" Who Pushed Biden Out and Then Began Running "Outdated Obama-Era Playbooks"

NOOD!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at November 07, 2024 12:20 PM (O7YUW)

661 You'll love this! It's a little piece I call "We're Losing Our Democracy."

https://tinyurl.com/9n4un5dc
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist

Talk about heavy metal!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at November 07, 2024 12:20 PM (L/fGl)

662 Where has Streisand moved to? Can she see Rob Reiner burning from there?
------------
Burning Rob Reiner could be seen from low Earth orbit.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at November 07, 2024 12:20 PM (U1w17)

663 Would a raccoon need eye black?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:20 PM (kTd/k)

664 The only thing I've seen James Brolin in was that Hotel TV series with Connie Selleca (mmmmmmmmm...).

Never seen Josh in anything.
Posted by: Bulg at November 07, 2024

***
James first came to prominence as Robert Young's medical partner on Marcus Welby, M.D. back in the late Sixties and early Seventies. Hotel was where he met Jan Smithers.

Josh does fine work in No Country for Old Men.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 07, 2024 12:20 PM (J2vNu)

665 >Never seen Josh in anything.

Posted by: Bulg
----

you didn't see the True Grit remake?

Posted by: Don Black at November 07, 2024 12:20 PM (/7KEl)

666 I have no problem with ticket splitting.

Don't force me to vote for a slate of scumbag crook GOP bastards just for the privilege of voting for who i want for president.

Every single one of you fucks has to earn my vote. Or at least not actively piss me off from it.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:21 PM (VoAdT)

667 210 As glorious as the Trump win was I can't help noticing it was not a landslide and not a complete PV wipe out. Yes, the left lost ground everywhere but the cackler still is getting around 48% of the popular vote.

Posted by: Ripley at November 07, 2024 11:24 AM (GUOwU)
----
Do the Math: about 30% of voters are Ds come Hell or high water. Add 20% who believe the spin and thus 'hate Trump' and there's your numbers. Look at a map of counties and you'll have a different perspective.

Posted by: Ciampino - No Ispettore, ho gia mangiato at November 07, 2024 12:21 PM (i0xsb)

668 J.D. Vance should run a series of seminars for all Trump appointees on how to handle the media.

Draft title: "How to rip out a deceitful interviewer's tongue, and lash him or her with it!"

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at November 07, 2024 12:21 PM (gfztU)

669 We've been called nazis a while lot longer than four, or even eight, years.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at November 07, 2024 12:17 PM (VoAdT)

Oh for sure. I've been a racist, fascist monster since I was in middle school and started making fun of Marxist orthodoxy.

Just ask my batty old Marxist aunts. I've still got four of these biddies on speed dial. They can tell you what a racist, fascist monster I still am after lo these many years.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at November 07, 2024 12:21 PM (7oYYI)

670 Wait, three. One of the Commie crones died awhile back.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at November 07, 2024 12:22 PM (7oYYI)

671 If RFK Jr is as effective as I think he will be, we'll save a ton of money if people's health improves.
Posted by: Miley

Twill take some time for health to rebound as it is a truly massive network of all sorts of private interests and investments tangled up.

Medical industry is probably now the largest industry as a share of gdp in the US--something like 17-18 percent. That is roughly one out of every 5 bucks is spent on the entire medical industry (including med insurance) in the US.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:22 PM (ctrM5)

672 Has that Horst Wiessel song been rewritten for the Trump era?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at November 07, 2024 12:23 PM (kTd/k)

673 Again, there's a NOOD

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at November 07, 2024 12:23 PM (O7YUW)

674 Hey, Trump should invade.
Posted by: Stateless at November 07, 2024 11:14 AM (jvJvP)

Coffee's on!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 07, 2024 12:23 PM (EElO8)

675 210 As glorious as the Trump win was I can't help noticing it was not a landslide and not a complete PV wipe out. Yes, the left lost ground everywhere but the cackler still is getting around 48% of the popular vote.

Posted by: Ripley
=======
I would put it more at what Biden's final approval rating was before the election. About 41 percent. Some are investor class that have done very well surfing on inflationary times. Some are gubmint employees and contractors, and some are the government welfare clients.

Pretty much true in every modern nation now and aging populations make it worse as productivity has to jump tremendously in order to pay for an aging society cost.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:25 PM (ctrM5)

676 With majorities in House and Senate, the Republicans can run budget reconciliation bills through, no filibuster applies, as long as they are revenue positive or neutral, yes? Two per Congressional session?

If so, that's gotta terrify the DeepState.
Posted by: Gref
======
Missed that. Yes, they get two I think per session. That rule applies to the Senate though and not the house as there is no filibuster in the House.

Posted by: whig at November 07, 2024 12:27 PM (ctrM5)

677 Now that I think of it, we are now striking fear into the hearts of our enemies simply by being alive.

It is good.

Well, it's good until they decide to try and rectify that situation, and then it'll be ugly.

Posted by: GMan at November 07, 2024 12:28 PM (GfWuY)

678 Arizona is corrupt. Ask Razorfist. He lays it all out well. Shit, check your memory. Bottom line is the McCain GOP is the problem.

Posted by: Tech Sgt. Chen at November 07, 2024 12:32 PM (Z8Yh2)

679 I've been wanting to get ivermectin but can't find it affordable, doctors won't prescribe it, and I don't know what online sites to trust.
Posted by: LizLem at November 07, 2024 11:38 AM (wcIbG)

Fly to Yuma, AZ for a winter break. Enjoy the sunshine! Drive 8 miles to the Casino parking lot. Walk across the border to Los Algodones, Mexico. Get your teeth fixed. Get new eyeglasses, buy some tourist swag, have a few Margaritas in a nice patio restaurant. Hit the pharmacy (there are many) and buy Ivermectin, HCQ, and many other meds you need (no narcotics!!!) without a scrip. Walk back across the border.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 07, 2024 12:55 PM (uu02c)

680 What if Merchan voluntarily disappears himself?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 07, 2024 11:41 AM (zlGo9)

What if it's NOT "voluntarily"?

Posted by: Frankie Boombatz - Vinnie's brother at November 07, 2024 01:02 PM (iODuv)

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