James Varney: Budget Negotiations Are Poisoned by Democrats' Insistence on Paying Out Billions in Obamacare Fraud

No transgender cultism -- just endless graft for all its dependent criminals.

At issue are the generous subsidies the Biden administration created for Affordable Care Act policies, sweeteners that are slated to expire in December. Making healthcare essentially free for millions of Americans, those policies have skyrocketed enrollment in Obamacare plans. But a recent study found they have also sparked a curious phenomenon: an estimated 12 million enrollees "without a single claim -- no doctor visit, lab test, or prescription filled" in 2024.
The Paragon Health Institute study reports that this is triple the number of no-claim policyholders before the Biden sweeteners were put in place. "Among those now eligible for zero-premium plans with low or no deductible," the study found, "that number increased nearly sevenfold. ... A whopping 40 percent of enrollees in fully subsidized plans had no claims in 2024. In 2024 alone, taxpayers sent at least $35 billion to insurers for people who paid no premiums and never used their plan," the report said.
...

Critics say they underscore the findings of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has highlighted a lack of accountability in massive government spending programs at a time when the federal government is struggling to corral massive deficits and debt. They say the Biden sweeteners also illustrate how and why government spending keeps increasing: Once a subsidy is put in place, it is hard to take it away from voters.

The Biden "sweeteners" were supposed to be temporary "emergency" relief during Covid. Of course "temporary emergency relief" is always Democrat-Media-Antifa Party code for "stealing money from Non-Democrats to give to Democrats forever until the very end of days."

The Obamacare expansion at issue came about through legislation and regulations during Biden's term and was often cast as a response to the COVID pandemic. First, the scope of who was eligible for subsidies was broadened, making it available to households with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty line -- making a family of four earning up to $160,000 eligible for subsidized plans. Also, increased subsidies made Obamacare free for those with incomes between 100% and 150% of the poverty line, and longer enrollment periods were created.
The cost for this, on the other hand, is borne by taxpayers.
"Biden's COVID credits didn't reduce health care costs -- they just shifted them to taxpayers while padding insurer and enrollment intermediary profits," Paragon President Brian Blase said.
Like all gigantic markets and massive government programs, the Affordable Care Act and what people pay each month have become a very complicated thing, varying by age, state, level of plan, and other factors. But the figures for the Obamacare "reference plan" (silver level) reveal what has happened since the COVID pandemic.
In 2021, when Biden was inaugurated, that basic plan cost an individual $27 a month if they reported income along the federal poverty line, which stood around $14,500 a year. For those making 50% more, the "reference plan" cost $75 a month, and so on up to $152 a month for someone making more than $30,000. Those monthly payment figures were constant regardless of what the insurers charged, with taxpayers making up the difference.
Through legislation Biden pushed through by narrow majorities or via reconciliation, the amount someone would pay each month in the first two categories dropped to zero. And as Obamacare became essentially free, millions signed up -- enrolling at rates the plan had never seen since its inception in 2013.
The overall figures reflect this explosion. Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 8.5 million people signed up for a subsidized Obamacare policy each year, and in none of those years did the figure equal 9 million, according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In 2021, however, the subsidized total topped 10 million, and by 2024 it had nearly doubled to 19.5 million, CMS figures show.
"It's all counter-intuitive, that when enrollment isn't being publicized, no one is out beating the bushes to get people enrolled like we had in the early years of Obamacare," said Ed Haislmaier, a healthcare expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation. "Amazing, that a product's sales would go through the roof when nobody was talking about it."
Some analysts believe the numbers indicate rampant fraud. Blase claimed in a letter to the Wall Street Journal that the expansion has created an explosion of phantom patients -- including 6.4 million of them so far in 2025. "The problem isn't real people with coverage they don't use -- it's fraudulent sign-ups who never should have been subsidized."
...
Paragon is not the only group voicing concerns. It often seems like fraud is endemic in federal programs, and government healthcare appears to offer a rich vein for such activity.
...
Opponents of expanded subsidies note that when the government makes a deep pool of money available, as has happened with the ACA, fraud is sure to follow. In June, Bloomberg did a deep dive on the phenomenon, describing a rat's nest of unscrupulous call centers, primarily based in Florida, that have lured people in with various gimmicks and then signed them up for subsidized plans.
What's more, those licensed to sell plans had access to Obamacare exchange databases, which allowed them to change both the "agent of record" (thereby making themselves recipient of whatever bonus insurers paid for new signups), or the plan a person was enrolled in (thereby increasing their commission and the taxpayers' bill), according to Gabrielle Kalisz, one of the authors of Paragon's report.
Consequently, millions of Americans may be unaware that they own a subsidized Obamacare policy, and horror stories abound of unsuspecting people hit with tax bills seeking to recoup the subsidies.
...
Nor are the so-called "phantom enrollees" the only issue. For example, the numbers don't add up when percentages of state populations according to census data are measured against the Obamacare subsidies. Fourteen states have more people enrolled at up to 150% of the federal poverty line than they do residents who fit that category, and Florida's total is five times what census data shows it could be.
...
Republicans, including some who got fabulously wealthy through the healthcare system, like Florida's Sen. Rick Scott, have said extending the subsidies is ruinously expensive and foolhardy, given what has happened since they were introduced.
"COVID opened the door for massive waste, fraud, and abuse of government programs, like the billions in fraud and abuse allowed by the 'temporary COVID' enhanced Obamacare subsidies," Scott posted last week. "Americans don't want their tax dollars lining the pockets of insurance companies -- it's time to end this clear abuse of YOUR dollars."
...

Whatever the outcome, large subsidies that have always been part of Obamacare will continue. For all the hue and cry about rising costs, the elimination of Biden-era sweeteners would simply return the system to the way it was operating before 2021, Kalisz said.
"It's crony math, a kind of corporate welfare," she told RealClearInvestigations. "Why are the insurers now making it seem like all the subsidies are going away? It's a form of scaring and spooking the public."

Posted by: Ace at 05:35 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Not Blade

Posted by: garrett at October 02, 2025 05:37 PM (+2Z9P)

2 Thanx to the Democrats, DOGE has become a reality !!!!

I want to thank Cluck Schumer and Hakeen Jefferies for supporting the MAGA agenda

Posted by: Jackson at October 02, 2025 05:38 PM (X7dyz)

3 Me neither...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 02, 2025 05:38 PM (nbLIj)

4 I feel like with Trump 1.0, Jared Kushner would be pleading with him to fold and he would. I don't get that sense at all with Trump 2.0.

Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 05:38 PM (eIzlH)

5 spooking the public."

Boo

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (j3WeW)

6
Allll riiiiggght, another chance to get this figured out.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (4U88C)

7 Crap, I coulda been a first contender but I read the content. A huge rookie-type mistake.

Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (5rh/l)

8 Keep it shutdown.

Posted by: steevy at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (YwEeS)

9 >>...when the government makes a deep pool of money available, as has happened with the ACA, fraud is sure to follow

You don't say?

Posted by: Solyndra at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (+2Z9P)

10 James Varney: Budget Negotiations Are Poisoned by Democrats' Insistence on Paying Out Billions in Obamacare Fraud

—Ace
---
Knowwutimean?

Posted by: Axeman at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (krQz2)

11
I cued it up, Gutfeld style:

Mr. Miller what is the current status of the Memphis crime bullshit, sir?

https://is.gd/oEedKH

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:39 PM (kzqB1)

12 Immigrants are their constituents

Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2025 05:40 PM (4tZdZ)

13 All hail John McCain. Thanks, John.

Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 05:40 PM (UjdFS)

14 >>I coulda been a first contender but I read the content.

What has reading the content ever done for you?

Posted by: garrett at October 02, 2025 05:40 PM (+2Z9P)

15 They should tear down the Department of Agriculture buildings before they sign a deal.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 05:40 PM (JR6y3)

16 Whatever the outcome, large subsidies that have always been part of Obamacare will continue.
-
Which will continue to push prices higher, like anything that's subsidized.

Posted by: Methos at October 02, 2025 05:41 PM (vSvIl)

17 Fucking duh.

Posted by: All fraud and graft all the time at October 02, 2025 05:41 PM (TbWk/)

18 I really liked James Varney in all those Ernest movies, you know like Ernest Scared Stupid, and Ernest Saves Christmas...

What? Oh.

Never mind.

Posted by: Emily Litella at October 02, 2025 05:41 PM (PiwSw)

19 This is fine.

It gives President Trump and Doge 2.0mtime to work their magic.

Posted by: Posted by: Stateless - VERY GRATEFUL, BLESSED, LOVED AND HAPPY! -- - New Life Creation - 18.1% at October 02, 2025 05:41 PM (Sco7b)

20 Okay, NOW let's talk about grift and graft.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 05:42 PM (g8Ew8)

21 "Sweetener" sounds like mob-talk for beating the shit out of you to make you hand over the family business to them.

"I think he still needs a little convincing... let's sweeten the deal a little for him, huh?"

thwump.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 05:42 PM (06Hmj)

22
Gee, who knew the Democrat party was entirely reliant on Vote Buying & Laundering.

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:43 PM (kzqB1)

23 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 05:44 PM (Zz0t1)

24 Gee, who knew the Democrat party was entirely reliant on Vote Buying & Laundering.
____

*looks around, nervously*

Posted by: GOPe at October 02, 2025 05:44 PM (Dv3i1)

25 >>I coulda been a first contender but I read the content.

What has reading the content ever done for you?
Posted by: garrett

You get to see Ace's cruelty before someone comments on it?

Second-hand cruelty isn't best cruelty.

Posted by: mikeski at October 02, 2025 05:44 PM (nhCoE)

26 LOL, so the bullshit that the left is going on about "people losing their health care" that they claim is this huge bomb that will explode on the Republican in December? And destroy them in the midterms?

It's people getting it for free?

And they think that's going to be a massive, huge, giant issue in 2026?

"I couldn't afford most anything due to the inflation of 2020-2024, prices started going down when Trump was elected--but F the Rs: If other people can't get FREE health insurance, while I'm PAYING out the nose for mine--I'm voting for the Democrat."

yeah. Please campaign on that.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at October 02, 2025 05:44 PM (vDfjn)

27 "Spoiled Rotten" by Jay Cost is an excellent history of how the Democrats got this way.

There are a lot of waypoints, but the FDR model of cobbling together an unwieldy coalition who all want disparate things is a big part of it. Endless graft is the only logical response.

Posted by: the lower depths at October 02, 2025 05:45 PM (+b4rY)

28 >>...when the government makes a deep pool of money available, as has happened with the ACA, fraud is sure to follow

The ACA, Affordable Care Act, is correctly named. The key word is Act. Democrats are actors, acting the affordable care part.

Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 05:45 PM (5rh/l)

29
According to the Daily Mail, Trump has "declared war" on the cartels. Even with the govt. shutdown, apparently. :-)

Trump has declared that the US is now in "non-international armed conflict". Also, cartel members are now "unlawful combatants".

This is apparently setting the legal framework, such as it is, to blow 'em up good, real good.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (w6EFb) at October 02, 2025 05:45 PM (w6EFb)

30 Damn conservatives are getting into my rice bowl!
- The Uniparty

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:46 PM (L/fGl)

31
In case you missed it, President Trump referred to Russ Vought today in a Truthie as "Russ Vought of Project 2025 fame."

He Don't Give A Fuck.

Democrats & Fake News & Cucks don't get it. He ran out of Fucks to give the day YOU NAZIS put a bullet in his head in July 2024.

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:47 PM (kzqB1)

32 Did Ace ever end up showing everyone his pies? I see it was teased in an earlier post but I don't want to start digging for ace's pie pics now just to end up with no pies.

Top 3 pies I predict Ace would like:
1: Pot Pie, of course. Because that's a great use for leftover hobo meat. And it has veggies.
2. Mincemeat, Why? I can't say for certain, but I think Ace is a Mince Meat kind of guy. Also, see #1 wrt leftover hobo suet.
3. Rhubarb, because it is basically strawberry pie, which is great but even fancier.

Posted by: banana Dream at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (3uBP9)

33 Jeez.
How much lower should my taxes really be???

Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

34 publius. What's the word on your Mom?

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (kurEY)

35 Ahhhh, yes, I remember Project 2025.

The main planks were "blow up cartel drug boats" and "sign a unilateral defense treaty with Qatar". Right? I don't know, my memory sucks. But that sounds familiar.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (06Hmj)

36 Let's see... $37T in debt...

Sure, let's spend more!

Posted by: man at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (tubbA)

37 IMO, Peak Yes.

-
What I learned yesterday. "Peaked" and "piqued" are two separate words that sound alike but are spelled differently. "His career peaked with the release of his second album." "His proposal piqued my interest."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (L/fGl)

38 obamaczre without subsidies is DIW.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (0N4FZ)

39 To be fair the bullet was only 'in his head' for the briefest if moments.

And do we count being in the ear as being in the head?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (zZu0s)

40
The ACA, Affordable Care Act, is correctly named. The key word is Act. Democrats are actors, acting the affordable care part.

If the Republicans can control the House and have 60 in the Senate or some complacent Dems, Then Obamacare could RIP.

This would end the mystic about how great Obama was and kill what ever legacy he/it/them/they had...

Posted by: Jackson at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (X7dyz)

41
It's all about "costs" now, you guys!

Local Fake News is fake-concerned about how much it will "cost" to take criminals off the street. It will "cost" a lot to "house" the arrestees, viewers. That's bad. Very bad.

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (kzqB1)

42 Like all gigantic markets and massive government programs, the Affordable Care Act and what people pay each month have become a very complicated thing, varying by age, state, level of plan, and other factors.

---
It's gotta be complicated, otherwise your eyes could follow the shell with the ball under it.

Posted by: Axeman at October 02, 2025 05:50 PM (krQz2)

43 There are a lot of waypoints, but the FDR model of cobbling together an unwieldy coalition who all want disparate things is a big part of it. Endless graft is the only logical response.
Posted by: the lower depths
======
That describes teh Euro welfare state as well.

Except now the bills are coming due soon with not enough tax money coming in to pay the debt service. So the cruel choice is to inflate the debt away or default.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 05:50 PM (WDjG6)

44
And do we count being in the ear as being in the head?
Posted by: Aetius451AD

Where is your right ear, on your arse? Mine's on me head.

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:50 PM (kzqB1)

45 Day 2............ Do we have a CNN Death Count yet ????

Posted by: Jackson at October 02, 2025 05:50 PM (X7dyz)

46 32 Did Ace ever end up showing everyone his pies? I see it was teased in an earlier post but I don't want to start digging for ace's pie pics now just to end up with no pies.

Top 3 pies I predict Ace would like:
1: Pot Pie, of course. Because that's a great use for leftover hobo meat. And it has veggies.
2. Mincemeat, Why? I can't say for certain, but I think Ace is a Mince Meat kind of guy. Also, see #1 wrt leftover hobo suet.
3. Rhubarb, because it is basically strawberry pie, which is great but even fancier.

Posted by: banana Dream at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (3uBP9)

Rhubarb pie. I love it. Strawberry-rhubarb, too. But they must have been invented by a sugar company.

Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (5rh/l)

47 >>> 33 Jeez.
How much lower should my taxes really be???
Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

At this point I'm wondering if there really *will* be a "DOGE" dividend from all this fcking theft. eg Tank Abrams got $2billion; did she spend all of it already?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (ULPxl)

48 I feel like with Trump 1.0, Jared Kushner would be pleading with him to fold and he would. I don't get that sense at all with Trump 2.0.
Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 05:38 PM (eIzlH)

I'm wondering... has there ever been an actual, verified report of any policy issue on which Kushner may have tried to sway Trump? Or is it just something that talking heads all just said? And, if it's the latter, why Kushner - why single him out for ire? Surely there's something about him that makes him the perfect target.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (ExV1e)

49 >> What's the word on your Mom?

They're going to discharge her tomorrow some time. She's doing well -- we got her there in time before the pneumonia really took hold, and the IV antibiotics knocked it out, looks like.

She's had venous insufficiency for some time, over 10 years, and her legs have really swelled up with fluid -- it got worse over the past couple of days. She doesn't like to elevate her legs, but the doc told us we're going to have to get tough with her and make her do it.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (w6EFb) at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (w6EFb)

50 The GOPe either participated in or allowed this expansion so they could get their taste of the action. They will be the first to cave after whimpering. Hold fast and let the Dems forn circular firing squads. Over at Twitchy there's a post about Pocahontas screeching. Keep screeching you fraud

Posted by: Smell the Glove at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (A2I8b)

51 AW welcome.to the English language

Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (4tZdZ)

52 "Local Fake News is fake-concerned about how much it will "cost" to take criminals off the street."

It doesn't cost anything to leave them on the street. They just write it off.

Posted by: fd at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (vFG9F)

53 Tank Abrams got $2billion; did she spend all of it already?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (ULPxl)

She has a Taco Bell AND a Golden Corral in her home.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (Zz0t1)

54 >>> Rhubarb pie. I love it. Strawberry-rhubarb, too. But they must have been invented by a sugar company.
Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (5rh/l)

Yeah, basically these days I could eat one piece of pie a month. No more sugar for me.

Posted by: banana Dream at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (3uBP9)

55
https://is.gd/oEedKH
Posted by: Soothsayer

============

Does anyone in Memphis have a private sector job that they use to support their families? Or is it all cops locking up shoplifters?

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (4U88C)

56 If you dig deeper, these "sweeteners" are basically a joke. NPR gave an example of someone that was paying like $60 a month will now be paying $105 month without the Covid relief.

Can you imagine someone getting their health insurance for $100 a month complaining because it went up $40? It's still free healthcare as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (eIzlH)

57 47 >>> 33 Jeez.
How much lower should my taxes really be???
Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

At this point I'm wondering if there really *will* be a "DOGE" dividend from all this fcking theft. eg Tank Abrams got $2billion; did she spend all of it already?

Yes, she did... It lasted one week based on her visits to the "Golden Corral" Buffet Records...

Posted by: Jackson at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (X7dyz)

58
So ALL the Fake News cable channels put up a permanent Shutdown Clock, including CSpam.

Did Fox News, too?

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:52 PM (kzqB1)

59 Like all gigantic markets and massive government programs, the Affordable Care Act and what people pay each month have become a very complicated thing, varying by age, state, level of plan, and other factors.

---
It's gotta be complicated, otherwise your eyes could follow the shell with the ball under it.
Posted by: Axeman at October 02, 2025 05:50 PM (krQz2)

Some of us knew from the beginning that there was no ball at all.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 05:53 PM (g8Ew8)

60 It's all about "costs" now, you guys"

Always is. Tax cuts are a "cost". Not funding midnight basketball is a "cost"...

Posted by: man at October 02, 2025 05:53 PM (tubbA)

61 She's had venous insufficiency for some time, over 10 years, and her legs have really swelled up with fluid -- it got worse over the past couple of days. She doesn't like to elevate her legs, but the doc told us we're going to have to get tough with her and make her do it.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (w6EFb) at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (w6EFb)

Prayers up.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 05:53 PM (Zz0t1)

62 Obamacare is so convoluted a cynical person might suspect that it is designed to facilitate fraud and abuse.

But isn't utter ruin a small price to pay for the government to take care of our health?

Posted by: Minuteman at October 02, 2025 05:53 PM (47/pr)

63 At this point I'm wondering if there really *will* be a "DOGE" dividend from all this fcking theft. eg Tank Abrams got $2billion; did she spend all of it already?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
======
Nope. Money not disbursed and if Tank wants it, she will have to start in US Court of Claims system.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 05:53 PM (WDjG6)

64 37 IMO, Peak Yes.

-
What I learned yesterday. "Peaked" and "piqued" are two separate words that sound alike but are spelled differently. "His career peaked with the release of his second album." "His proposal piqued my interest."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (L/fGl)

Here's one for you.

Wheel and weal

Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 05:54 PM (5rh/l)

65
Does anyone in Memphis have a private sector job that they use to support their families? Or is it all cops locking up shoplifters?
Posted by: Blonde Morticia

I believe the entire Memphis economy has three occupations:

1. Police officer
2. Municipal Employee
3. Welfare recipient/Criminal

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:54 PM (kzqB1)

66
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (ExV1e)

===============

I've been wondering about this for some time. People demonize Ivanka, too. I'd like to know what she did.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (4U88C)

67 People people people. Pecan pie. Cherry pie a la mode. Lemon meringue pie.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (L/fGl)

68 Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at October 02, 2025 05:44 PM (vDfjn)

Imagine if Trump's Secretary of HHS - or whoever can do this - said that people could buy policies that didn't cover transing, or that older people - or men, could buy policies that didn't cover pregnancy. Imagine if you could buy a policy that would only cover the things that you might need coverage for. Imagine what would happen to people's premiums.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (ExV1e)

69 I believe the entire Memphis economy has three occupations:

1. Police officer
2. Municipal Employee
3. Welfare recipient/Criminal
Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 05:54 PM (kzqB1)

Some people I used to work with that lived there called it "Memfrica."

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (Zz0t1)

70
Obamacare is so convoluted a cynical person might suspect that it is designed to facilitate fraud and abuse.

It is designed to make the people cry out for "single payer."

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (63Dwl)

71
I believe the entire Memphis economy has three occupations:

1. Police officer
2. Municipal Employee
3. Welfare recipient/Criminal
Posted by: Soothsayer

==============

Ah, I forgot #2.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (4U88C)

72 Lemon Meringey.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 05:56 PM (JR6y3)

73 People who retire before Medicare eligibility are pretty much stuck going to these Obamacare exchanges, right?

Posted by: Chuck Martel at October 02, 2025 05:56 PM (Dv3i1)

74 entire Memphis economy has three occupations:"

What about us?

/Dept. of Ed

Posted by: man at October 02, 2025 05:56 PM (tubbA)

75 Obamacare is so convoluted a cynical person might suspect that it is designed to facilitate fraud and abuse.

It is designed to make the people cry out for "single payer."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (63Dwl)

Owebama illegally made changes to the law after it was passed, granting immunity to fiancial backers (GE) and carving out exception after exception.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (Zz0t1)

76 Rhubarb, because it is basically strawberry pie, which is great but even fancier.

Posted by: banana Dream at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (3uBP9)

Strawberry? Mammaw always made it with cinnamon imperials. Yes, there was sugar.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (zZu0s)

77
Imagine if Trump's Secretary of HHS - or whoever can do this - said that people could buy policies that didn't cover transing, or that older people - or men, could buy policies that didn't cover pregnancy. Imagine if you could buy a policy that would only cover the things that you might need coverage for. Imagine what would happen to people's premiums.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic

===============

Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (4U88C)

78 My wife is always, "but but I have a friend and her husband has great health insurance, nothing like our crappy one (sad face)" And every time friend's husband is in one of the few cutouts that Barky gave his buddies and yes their special, anecdotal insurance is spectacular, great for them.

Posted by: banana Dream at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (3uBP9)

79 why Kushner - why single him out for ire? Surely there's something about him that makes him the perfect target.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic

===

Being a Democrat mega donor might be part of it. Are you disputing Kushner didn't have an outsized influence in Trump's first term and is now completely shut out?

Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (eIzlH)

80 It is designed to make the people cry out for "single payer."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (63Dwl)
---
Now you cry - give me single payer
You scream but no one listens
Again you cry - give me single payer
Until the end I'll fight and die, to be free
Oh! No single payer

Posted by: Axeman at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (krQz2)

81 >>> 68
==
Imagine if Trump's Secretary of HHS - or whoever can do this - said that people could buy policies that didn't cover transing, or that older people - or men, could buy policies that didn't cover pregnancy. Imagine if you could buy a policy that would only cover the things that you might need coverage for. Imagine what would happen to people's premiums.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (ExV1e)

How about a %#)(& policy I *don't* have to buy through work with a reasonable premium, and/or a policy that covers catastrophic costs but not routine checkups (which I ought to be able to pay for using cash).

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (ULPxl)

82 Does anyone in Memphis have a private sector job that they use to support their families? Or is it all cops locking up shoplifters?
Posted by: Blonde Morticia

You have to head to the east of Memphis to places like Germantown or south to Mississippi now. Memphis shopping and malls are shells of what they were E.g. Oak Court used to be a premium mall for example with Goldsmiths (owned by Maceys) ruling the roost.

Once Memphis shut down its housing projects, with Section 8, crime spread all across the city devastating previously safe areas there. Brave U of Memphis professor documented the effects of this starting in the 90's.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (WDjG6)

83 We've spent trillions "improving the healthcare system" and yet wait times have multiplied, finding a doctor is hard, and getting good treatment is a coin flip...

The problem isn't Fedgov spending too little money

Posted by: 18-1 at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (sKqQm)

84 And do we count being in the ear as being in the head?
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 05:49 PM (zZu0s)

Where do you keep your ears?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 05:58 PM (ExV1e)

85 >> I feel like with Trump 1.0, Jared Kushner would be pleading with him to fold and he would. I don't get that sense at all with Trump 2.0.

I remember the shut down fight Trump faced in his first term where he had Chuck and Nancy in the Oval Office with all the media assembled and he told Chuck to go ahead and shut it down and blame him.

Trump hasn't changed. Circumstances have.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 02, 2025 05:58 PM (viF8m)

86 Where do they source the imperials? Endor?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 05:58 PM (JR6y3)

87 Since you get more of whatever you subsidize....

Posted by: ....Subsidize Boobs! at October 02, 2025 05:58 PM (oftw2)

88 Obamacare is so convoluted a cynical person might suspect that it is designed to facilitate fraud and abuse.

It is designed to make the people cry out for "single payer."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (63Dwl)

I seem to remember thinking this a long long time ago. The whole thing was designed to fail. It was supposed to be a great big "Gee we tried now let's nationalize this bitch" maneuver.

But between Conservative Conservatives Conserving Conservatism, and America being such dumb stubborn brutes that we'll suffer through damn near anything so long as not too many people are physically shooting at us at the moment, the whole damn disgusting wreck of a system just continues shambling on through the ages like a gigantic putrid green mummy wrapped in sheets of uncut Benjamins.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (06Hmj)

89 Mmmmm......boobs......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (Zz0t1)

90 I tried pecan pie for the first time about a month ago. It was not good. It is like a lake of table syrup with a skim of pecans.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (zZu0s)

91 73 People who retire before Medicare eligibility are pretty much stuck going to these Obamacare exchanges, right?
Posted by: Chuck Martel
=====
Depends on whether your employer offers retiree health care to bridge the gap until Medicare at 65.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (WDjG6)

92 Tank Abrams got $2billion; did she spend all of it already?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket

Pie is not cheap.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (L/fGl)

93 All routine care should be fee-for-service. Insurance only for emergent and catastrophic care.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (XvL8K)

94
And I keep seeing John McCain walking up to the Senate Podium giving the deciding vote with a Thumbs up which saved ObamaCare.

That sob.

Posted by: Frank Barone at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (IifOV)

95 https://is.gd/JycV0V

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (Zz0t1)

96 Since you get more of whatever you subsidize....
Posted by: ....Subsidize Boobs! at October 02, 2025 05:58 PM (oftw2)

Comes the moment,
Comes the man.

*claps wildly*

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (zZu0s)

97 >>> 77

===============

Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (4U88C)

For anyone who misses the old "DOOM" posts, there's this guy:
market-ticker.org
He is all over the *structural* problems you raised.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (ULPxl)

98

I meant Thumbs down to repealing ObamaCare.

Posted by: Frank Barone at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (IifOV)

99
Trump hasn't changed. Circumstances have.
Posted by: JackStraw

==

Completely disagree with that. Trump is a much different President this time around. It's a very positive evolution.

He thought he could charm DC and the Deep State and figured out too late he couldn't.

Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (eIzlH)

100 A whopping 40 percent of enrollees in fully subsidized plans had no claims in 2024. In 2024 alone, taxpayers sent at least $35 billion to insurers for people who paid no premiums and never used their plan," the report said.

------------

DeathCare is the USAID of Act Blues of Clinton Foundations.

Posted by: ShainS -- The Sombrero Memes Will Continue Until Morality Improves! at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (inpra)

101 Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (4U88C)

All RFKjr is managing to do is become another food nazi.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (g8Ew8)

102 How much lower should my taxes really be???
Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

Lower taxes? What are you, some kind of fascist?

Posted by: Lower taxes and smaller government are fascist tenets at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (TbWk/)

103 90 I tried pecan pie for the first time about a month ago. It was not good. It is like a lake of table syrup with a skim of pecans.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
=====
Pecan pie very similar to a chess pie simply with added pecans. I don't care for it myself for the same reason. Prefer fruit pies.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (WDjG6)

104 I thought taxes were 'investments'

Posted by: Zeera , Damn Right I voted for all of this! at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (5sYbz)

105 I've been wondering about this for some time. People demonize Ivanka, too. I'd like to know what she did.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (4U88C)

If I had to guess, and it really is just a guess, her crime was converting to Judaism when she married Kushner.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (ExV1e)

106 I meant Thumbs down to repealing ObamaCare.
Posted by: Frank Barone at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (IifOV)

McCain was always a cynical, worthless spoiled piece of shit.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (zZu0s)

107 Germantown is a nice area of Memphis. It used to be okay around Southaven/Olive Branch, MS (south of Memphis). Memphis is not overall a place I love to visit.

Posted by: ScaryMary at October 02, 2025 06:02 PM (Hvd9a)

108 Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (4U88C)
---
He went from Phoenix Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, LA.

Posted by: Axeman at October 02, 2025 06:02 PM (krQz2)

109 >>> 102 How much lower should my taxes really be???
Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2025 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

Lower taxes? What are you, some kind of fascist?
Posted by: Lower taxes and smaller government are fascist tenets at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (TbWk/)

That's what *I* said!!!

Posted by: Joy Reid, SMAHHHRRRT podcaster at October 02, 2025 06:02 PM (ULPxl)

110 If I had to guess, and it really is just a guess, her crime was converting to Judaism when she married Kushner.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (ExV1e)

It's just Abby Shapiro stans who want her to have the hottest Jewish tits.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:03 PM (zZu0s)

111 Is Germantown actually German?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:03 PM (JR6y3)

112 >>> People people people. Pecan pie. Cherry pie a la mode. Lemon meringue pie.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (L/fGl)

yeah I know, But the challenge was, if you were Ace, what pies would you have pictures of? Different answers then. Deep philosophically consequential answers that probably cut to the very core of our understanding of this universe we inhabit and our place in it.

Posted by: banana Dream at October 02, 2025 06:03 PM (3uBP9)

113 111 Is Germantown actually German?
Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:03 PM (JR6y3)

Hard G, I think.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 06:03 PM (06Hmj)

114 Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (4U88C)

Like I said before there are too many multi-billion dollar corporations with a vested interest in preventing structural reform. Hospital systems, large physician groups, health insurers, PBMs, private equity groups - they want that government teat big, fat and lactating.

Posted by: 80+ years in the making at October 02, 2025 06:04 PM (TbWk/)

115 People who retire before Medicare eligibility are pretty much stuck going to these Obamacare exchanges, right?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at October 02, 2025 05:56 PM (Dv3i1)

I'm going to be on COBRA for ~13 months - which is ungodly expensive - and then I'll have to do Obamacare - which, for me, will be pretty expensive.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:04 PM (ExV1e)

116 101 Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (4U88C)

All RFKjr is managing to do is become another food nazi.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (g8Ew

He's done a good job of shaking up the CBC - almost all of the top people are out now.

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:04 PM (uWKK8)

117 Yeah, earlier today I was lamenting that RFK, Jr. seems more focused on MAHA than structural reform. Maybe Steve Miller will elbow his way in.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia

To be fair, MAHA treats the demand side of health care. It is possible that health care demand will decrease if A) we see decrease in the rate of diabetes diagnosis, B) expensive treatments for autism are reduced, C) obesity and related heart problems due to food additives, etc. drop, and D) Cancer rates caused by food or other environmental issues can be reduced.

Fixing Obamacare, Medicare, and Medicaid is more up to Congress because it will take statutory changes.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:04 PM (WDjG6)

118 People people people. Pecan pie. Cherry pie a la mode. Lemon meringue pie.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 05:55 PM (L/fGl)

Oh, and AW, you ignorant slut: Key Lime Pie.

Heaven with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:05 PM (zZu0s)

119 He's got a post highlighted even:

The Bill To Permanently Fix Health Care For All
https://shorturl.at/y1Xoy
Market Ticker

Starts with price transparency (REEEEE!!!) and goes from there.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:05 PM (ULPxl)

120 "
All RFKjr is managing to do is become another food nazi.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (g8Ew

"

There are several things he has done that make it worth it already, and any number that might be incoming.

Health care and food regulation in the US is a fucking disaster.

Posted by: heya at October 02, 2025 06:06 PM (K6SBR)

121 Pie is bad, mkay.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:06 PM (JR6y3)

122 Abraham Accords ring a bell? Headed and negotiated by Kushner.

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:06 PM (kurEY)

123 It will cost less to get them off the streets than the cost of mayhem.

Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2025 06:06 PM (4tZdZ)

124 >>Completely disagree with that. Trump is a much different President this time around. It's a very positive evolution.

>>He thought he could charm DC and the Deep State and figured out too late he couldn't.

Are your forgetting that not only were they spying on him during the campaign and through the first year of his presidency he also had a Special Counsel crawling up his all and had almost as little support from his own party as he did Democrats? He was accused, and believed by at least half the country if not more, to be working with Putin.

Now Trump is the undisputed leader of not just the Republican Party but the government. There are no more Special Counsels, no more Russia hoaxes, no more Ukraine phone call hoaxes and so far no more plagues caused by the Deep State.

It's a completely different environment. It's the one most of us who voted for Trump in 2016 thought we were going to get then.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 02, 2025 06:06 PM (viF8m)

125 >> Imagine if Trump's Secretary of HHS - or whoever can do this - said that people could buy policies that didn't cover transing, or that older people - or men, could buy policies that didn't cover pregnancy. Imagine if you could buy a policy that would only cover the things that you might need coverage for. Imagine what would happen to people's premiums.

Let Lutnick handle it. We also need to get rid of the 50 state markets that keep individuals and small businesses from shopping across state lines. I always ask folks, all day every day you see car insurance, life insurance, home insurance commercials, but do you ever see a health insurance company competing for your dollar, promising you they'll take care of you no matter what the way State Farm or Allstate do? Nope, because they largely have captive or near monopoly markets in most states. No competition means prices keep going up.

Posted by: the dandy at October 02, 2025 06:06 PM (8l8nW)

126 111 Is Germantown actually German?
Posted by: Boss Moss
=======
Was a very long time ago when it was far from Memphis city limits. Then it became a tony suburb of Memphis. Now it is getting a lot of spillover from criminal disorder in Memphis. As a result, people are getting out of Shelby County (containing Memphis) entirely. To teh East, a few to the North, and more to the South across the Mississippi state line.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:07 PM (WDjG6)

127 Are you disputing Kushner didn't have an outsized influence in Trump's first term and is now completely shut out?
Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (eIzlH)

I am disputing nothing as I do not know the facts.

I know a lot of people CLAIMED that Kushner had an outsized influence in Trump's first term. Please note that this is not the same as saying that Kushner DID HAVE an outsized influence in Trump's first term.

If you are privy to actual information, and not just online snark, then I'd be happy to hear it.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:07 PM (ExV1e)

128 Thats because of mcarren ferguson

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at October 02, 2025 06:08 PM (bXbFr)

129 Wifey and I have refused to participate in DeathCare from Day One and refused to pay any punishment ~~penalties~~ Benedict Roberts taxes.

And we have no health insurance through work (she's retired and I'm a 1099 independent contractor). Thank God we're healthy and all medical expenses have been paid in cash.

Repeal all that socialist crap and go back to a free market ...

Posted by: ShainS -- The Sombrero Memes Will Continue Until Morality Improves! at October 02, 2025 06:08 PM (inpra)

130
Let Lutnick handle it. We also need to get rid of the 50 state markets that keep individuals and small businesses from shopping across state lines. I always ask folks, all day every day you see car insurance, life insurance, home insurance commercials, but do you ever see a health insurance company competing for your dollar, promising you they'll take care of you no matter what the way State Farm or Allstate do? Nope, because they largely have captive or near monopoly markets in most states. No competition means prices keep going up.

Posted by: the dandy
-------
McCarran Act says no. Congress can use the commerce clause to take on all heath insurance regulation from states but existing law does not permit that aside from Medicare, Medicaid, and Obamacare.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (WDjG6)

131 How about a %#)(& policy I *don't* have to buy through work with a reasonable premium, and/or a policy that covers catastrophic costs but not routine checkups (which I ought to be able to pay for using cash).
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 05:57 PM (ULPxl)

I think that:

- both of those suggestions are reasonable
- both of those suggestions are prevented by government regulations which should get the fuck out of the way

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (ExV1e)

132 Does anyone in Memphis have a private sector job that they use to support their families? Or is it all cops locking up shoplifters?
Posted by: Blonde Morticia

If you can find a phone book, look at the edge. If the blue page section is bigger than either the white page or yellow page sections, you're screwed. If it is bigger than both, you are really screwed.

Posted by: Diogenes at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (2WIwB)

133 Iowahawk tears into the Des Moines school superintendent.

https://is.gd/aoLhTo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (L/fGl)

134 There is not Health Care problem.

The problem is that the same cabal of civilization wrecking psychopaths run the same play for every facet of adult life and play the same game with it. "How do we give this to people for free so they will support us, and make the people who hate us pay for it". Or, more accurately, "how do we make people believe they have a positive absolute right to this, and that if they don't have it, it's because someone stole it from them?"

Education. Healthcare. Cell phones. Whatever it is.

Take an absurdity, make it an obligation, and then pretend it's your enemy's fault for not meeting that obligation.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (06Hmj)

135 We know the abraham accords who some of the correspondents are working on the plan for hamas

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (bXbFr)

136 >> To be fair, MAHA treats the demand side of health care. It is possible that health care demand will decrease if A) we see decrease in the rate of diabetes diagnosis, B) expensive treatments for autism are reduced, C) obesity and related heart problems due to food additives, etc. drop, and D) Cancer rates caused by food or other environmental issues can be reduced.

Here's a big issue relative to the linked piece ... if the insurance industry is getting paid for 12 million people who never even put in a claim, how can they justify jacking premiums?

Posted by: the dandy at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (8l8nW)

137 So Germantown is bow basically Minas Morgul now?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:09 PM (JR6y3)

138 129 Wifey and I have refused to participate in DeathCare from Day One and refused to pay any punishment penalties Benedict Roberts taxes.

And we have no health insurance through work (she's retired and I'm a 1099 independent contractor). Thank God we're healthy and all medical expenses have been paid in cash.

Repeal all that socialist crap and go back to a free market ...
Posted by: ShainS
======
I think BBB has set the penalty now on Obamacare to zero.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:10 PM (WDjG6)

139 I tried pecan pie for the first time about a month ago. It was not good. It is like a lake of table syrup with a skim of pecans.
——-

Yeah, they can’t be made commercially, for sure. I tried buying them at a grocery, and it’s flavorless corn syrup, standard crap crust, etc. Horrid. They just phone it in.

Find some Tennessee gal that knows what she’s doing. A good Pecan pie will curl your toes.

Posted by: Common Tater at October 02, 2025 06:10 PM (oDIDz)

140 The reason Trump hired Kushner, the reason he hired a lot of people in his first term, is because nobody would work for him.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 02, 2025 06:10 PM (viF8m)

141 137 So Germantown is bow basically Minas Morgul now?
Posted by: Boss Moss
=======
Minas Tirith under siege.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:10 PM (WDjG6)

142 New York Post@nypost
Hamas military chief rejects Trump’s cease-fire plan, aims to keep fighting

-
Well, he blew his chance for a Peace Prize.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 06:11 PM (L/fGl)

143 Leftist outlets in the UK have been claiming that the man who attacked the Synagogue in Manchester was part of the right wing in England. Authorities just released his name..
Jihad Al-Shamie.
It's like reality is trying to troll Keir Starmer.

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:12 PM (uWKK8)

144
Oh noes! Chyron on the local newscast: "Day Two of Government Shutdown. Trump is Considering Mass Firings of Federal Workers"

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:12 PM (tgvbd)

145 I seem to remember thinking this a long long time ago. The whole thing was designed to fail. It was supposed to be a great big "Gee we tried now let's nationalize this bitch" maneuver.

My wife will be going on Medicare next year so I have spent many hours watching videos to understand the intricacies of the system so that we can make the choices which suit her best. One thing I've noted about these videos is that there is ALWAYS a comment saying that Trump is just making billionaires richer, Republicans are taking away healthcare, and - most importantly, healthcare should be free.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:12 PM (ExV1e)

146 Chocolate bourbon pecan pie
You're welcome

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:12 PM (kurEY)

147 [Related scam racket I've posted a couple times previously today:]

Wall Street Apes
@WallStreetApes

Elon Musk exposed California NGOs are receiving nearly $1 million dollars PER HOMELESS PERSON, per year

The City of Los Angeles data shows Democrats spending $900,000 per homeless person per year

People getting filthy rich is why the problem will never be solved. It’s a racket

Posted by: ShainS -- The Sombrero Memes Will Continue Until Morality Improves! at October 02, 2025 06:12 PM (inpra)

148 Well, he blew his chance for a Peace Prize.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 06:11 PM (L/fGl)

Oh he's gonna get a prize, all right.

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (uWKK8)

149
Before Any of Us Were Born Trivia!

What Year did General Mills introduce Honey Nut Cheerios?

a) 1988
b) 1979
c) 1983

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (kzqB1)

150 Did someone mention Ben Shapiro's sister's Ashkenazi breasts?

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (wBaIH)

151 Find some Tennessee gal that knows what she’s doing. A good Pecan pie will curl your toes.
Posted by: Common Tater at October 02, 2025 06:10 PM (oDIDz)

And I will still hate it. I'll have her bake me a cherry pie instead.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 06:14 PM (g8Ew8)

152 There is no point in having the government open if it's not going to transfer your wealth into our pockets! There is literally no other purpose for a goverhment.

Posted by: Dems at October 02, 2025 06:14 PM (dfgzq)

153 I tried pecan pie for the first time about a month ago. It was not good. It is like a lake of table syrup with a skim of pecans.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 05:59 PM (zZu0s)

They are very sweet. Before you give up on them, though, you should try one made with bourbon - or spicy pecans... mmmm, that cayenne really makes it pop.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:14 PM (ExV1e)

154 >>> 149
Before Any of Us Were Born Trivia!

What Year did General Mills introduce Honey Nut Cheerios?

a) 1988
b) 1979
c) 1983
Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (kzqB1)

Not the bee!!!

Posted by: Nicholas Cage at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (ULPxl)

155 One thing I've noted about these videos is that there is ALWAYS a comment saying that Trump is just making billionaires richer, Republicans are taking away healthcare, and - most importantly, healthcare should be free.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic
===
Gimmedats and paid trolling.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (WDjG6)

156
I tried pecan pie for the first time about a month ago. It was not good. It is like a lake of table syrup with a skim of pecans.

___________

So I'm not alone. Pecan pie is just too sweet for my taste. In a fruit pie the acids balance the sugar but there's no such moderator in pecan pie.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (tgvbd)

157 New York Post@nypost
Hamas military chief rejects Trump’s cease-fire plan, aims to keep ~~fighting~~ dying

Corrected for accuracy.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (Zz0t1)

158
If you are privy to actual information, and not just online snark, then I'd be happy to hear it.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic

===

Yes, he was influential, feel free to do a deep dive yourself if you have doubts he wasn't part of the inner circle. They also clearly had a falling out.

Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (eIzlH)

159 >Chocolate bourbon pecan pie
You're welcome

------
That sounds wonderful..

For the doubters, pecan pie can be delicious. It needs to be made by a Southern MawMaw or lady skilled in that tradition.

Posted by: ScaryMary at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (Hvd9a)

160 https://is.gd/JycV0V
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:00 PM (Zz0t1)

Seriously should have thrown a NSFW tag on that since it includes actual porn.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:16 PM (ExV1e)

161 I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing the Dems trot out their usual Empathy Terrorism and it's not working.

That we can't cut or reduce this or that program, can't reform it, can't hold it accountable or anything but throw endless buckets of money at it--or else people will die, get sick, starve, be homeless, etc.

All that endless litany of stupid bullshit horrors that will befall all these other people.
And you're an evil, awful, un-Chrisitan, horrible, fascist, Nazi, etc., etc., if you don't pay their ransom.

And America--led by Trump--is shrugging their shoulders.
"oh well. If they die, they die."

And the left is sputtering in anger.
Because the passive aggressive Empathy Terrorism is all they have.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at October 02, 2025 06:16 PM (vDfjn)

162 We're just shy of nine months into this Trump administration. He's gotten rid of USAID , over 100k government workers, PBS and has the Dems in nervous breakdowns. A lot of other things have been accomplished, already more than any Republican administration in our lifetimes. The institutional rot in the FBI, DoJ , HHS and every other agency is huge. The resistance to change is huge. Just keep pounding away, it is breaking but it will take time

Posted by: Smell the Glove at October 02, 2025 06:16 PM (A2I8b)

163 I had no W-2 income except SS ( not on Medicare) and that's the income I provided to the Obamacare exchange and they subsidized my policy almost 90%. At the end of the year I had to pay them back $7500 because they count SS and investment income so the investment income (CDs, Stock Dividends) took away most of the subsidy .

Posted by: the way I see it at October 02, 2025 06:16 PM (EYmYM)

164 https://www.justpiestyler.com/

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:17 PM (ULPxl)

165
3I/Atlas is due to make it's closest approach to Mars tomorrow (periareion). They're turning the instruments on many of the current Mars orbiters to image it and collect other data.

NASA has stopped updating its website and feeds because of the shutdown, and the usual types are complaining about that. This will not interfere with the orbiter operations or anything.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (w6EFb) at October 02, 2025 06:17 PM (w6EFb)

166 Before Any of Us Were Born Trivia!

What Year did General Mills introduce Honey Nut Cheerios?

a) 1988
b) 1979
c) 1983

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (kzqB1)

I'm thinking '79, because I was still in school when they came out.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at October 02, 2025 06:17 PM (snZF9)

167 Seriously should have thrown a NSFW tag on that since it includes actual porn.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:16 PM (ExV1e)

Ooh...damn. My bad. It was supposed to only go to one specific image.

Sorry 'bout that.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:17 PM (Zz0t1)

168 139 I tried pecan pie for the first time about a month ago. It was not good. It is like a lake of table syrup with a skim of pecans.
——-

Yeah, they can’t be made commercially, for sure. I tried buying them at a grocery, and it’s flavorless corn syrup, standard crap crust, etc. Horrid. They just phone it in.

Find some Tennessee gal that knows what she’s doing. A good Pecan pie will curl your toes.

Posted by: Common Tater at October 02, 2025 06:10 PM (oDIDz)

There's a Cajun restaurant near Casa Gref that bakes pies and cakes. Expensive but mega-ultra-tasty stuff. They bake more types of pecan pie than I can remember. They make a couple different varieties every week, in rotation. Yummmmmm.

Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 06:17 PM (5rh/l)

169
Did someone mention Ben Shapiro's sister's Ashkenazi breasts?
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (wBaIH)

____________

In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

170 I thought Indians were supposed to be stoic but Big Chief Speaks With Forked Tongue goes on the warpath.

https://is.gd/K1GGWo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (L/fGl)

171 I can't remember back that far. Regular Cheerios did suck though.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (JR6y3)

172 All RFKjr is managing to do is become another food nazi.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 06:01 PM (g8Ew

It's been 6 months. They've publicized a possible link between acetaminophen and autism. They're trying to pull some chemicals out of the food supply.

What did you mean by food nazi?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:19 PM (ExV1e)

173 Let's say I ran an insurance company under Obamacare....and I wanted to make a LOT of money...wouldn't it behoove me to create a lot of people who don't pay premium and never use my care? That way I can charge the government for insurance that never pays out, i.e. the payments for the insurance are pure profit.

Posted by: El Mariachi - Attorney at Law at October 02, 2025 06:19 PM (gDhA9)

174 >>> 169
Did someone mention Ben Shapiro's sister's Ashkenazi breasts?
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (wBaIH)

____________

In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

"Only notskis like BOOBS!" -- leftists, still triggered by Sydney Sweeney

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:19 PM (ULPxl)

175 In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

Cars used to have hood ornaments because they were cool.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at October 02, 2025 06:19 PM (snZF9)

176 They used to grow pecans in my area. Now all the trees are just abandoned. Where are pecans coming from now?

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at October 02, 2025 06:19 PM (1a7X7)

177 The hysteria of 2006 onwards was nearly conclusive, the existence of either Obama or McCain as nominees was conclusive, O-care and everything about it including the legislative and judicial collapse was simply the universe making sure anyone with a civic IQ above 70 knew the US was a collapsed culture.

Should add the GOP's refusal to do anything about it since is also worth noting.

AND the current refusal to use the unbelievable power and discretion of HHS under the ridiculous law, to eviscerate the system, is yet another head-shaker.

Oh well.

Posted by: rhomboid at October 02, 2025 06:20 PM (U/Byj)

178 Did someone mention Ben Shapiro's sister's Ashkenazi breasts?
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (wBaIH)

Yes. I did.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:20 PM (zZu0s)

179 They are on the bake aisle.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:20 PM (JR6y3)

180 In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

No matter what you say, I like tits.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 02, 2025 06:21 PM (g8Ew8)

181 I missed the last thread due to a meeting. Nice that the Labour party cut Farage's security by 75%. Sounds familiar, as they are hoping for violence, and their party is the party of violence.

It reminds me of the reason Biden dropped out of the race: the assassination attempts failed.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 02, 2025 06:21 PM (0U5gm)

182 @169

>>in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?

I take a balanced approach, I like butts and bazoombahs.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at October 02, 2025 06:21 PM (RyVmU)

183 sniffybigtoe. There are three big pecan processing places here in this small Texas town

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:21 PM (kurEY)

184 I'm wondering... has there ever been an actual, verified report of any policy issue on which Kushner may have tried to sway Trump? Or is it just something that talking heads all just said? And, if it's the latter, why Kushner - why single him out for ire? Surely there's something about him that makes him the perfect target.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 05:51 PM (ExV1e)

I believe its that he converted to Judaism that sticks in their craw.

Posted by: Oldcat at October 02, 2025 06:22 PM (8avO+)

185 "Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh"

I don't think that's anything new.

Posted by: fd at October 02, 2025 06:22 PM (vFG9F)

186 Cars used to have hood ornaments because they were cool."

Dagmars, baby!

Posted by: man at October 02, 2025 06:22 PM (tubbA)

187 "Only notskis like BOOBS!" -- leftists, still triggered by Sydney Sweeney
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:19 PM (ULPxl)

If loving huge tits is Nazi...

Then we need to figure out how to get rid of the antisemitism from the movement...

Also the racial stuff.

Keep the uniforms.

Pick one tank and stick with it.

Same for planes.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:22 PM (zZu0s)

188 Seems Greta self video asking for her release from Israel forces and asking people to contact Sweden to work on her release.

She hasn't been captured yet, it's a pre- capture video

Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2025 06:22 PM (4tZdZ)

189 There are pecan orchards in central/east TX. They grow a lot of Pecans in southwest Georgia, although many trees were damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018. . I was surprised to learn how many are grown in southern New Mexico.

Posted by: ScaryMary at October 02, 2025 06:23 PM (Hvd9a)

190 Hey Ben Had did you ever get those videos I emailed you?

Posted by: JackStraw at October 02, 2025 06:23 PM (viF8m)

191
"Day Two of Government Shutdown. Trump is Considering Mass Firings of Federal Workers"
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

===============

What's he waiting for?! I thought this already happened.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 06:23 PM (4U88C)

192 They are on the bake aisle."

Boobs? I'm taking up baking...

Posted by: man at October 02, 2025 06:23 PM (tubbA)

193 David J Harris Jr.'s Post
David J Harris Jr.
July 1
·
Whoopi Goldberg wants to know: “If I don't go to the hospital for a whole year, where is my money? Why don't you give me the money back?" Thoughts?

---
Clearly, it's them, not us.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at October 02, 2025 06:24 PM (NFX2v)

194 We have pecan trees in the yard and Mrs fd makes an excellent pecan pie and it's mine, all mine!

Posted by: fd at October 02, 2025 06:24 PM (vFG9F)

195 Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

I won't sit here and let you badmouthing the united states of America.

GOOD DAY, SIR!

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:24 PM (zZu0s)

196 "A whopping 40 percent of enrollees in fully subsidized plans had no claims in 2024. In 2024 alone, taxpayers sent at least $35 billion to insurers for people who paid no premiums and never used their plan," the report said."

If there are fraudulent plans out there, that's fine, but generally speaking, I would hope at least 40% of the population are healthy, and never had to use their medical insurance last year. Certainly, this year, I haven't spent a dime on medical care for myself. One can argue that there may be a more efficient way to provide healthcare for people on low incomes or multiple jobs, but usually it's a good thing when people have insurance and don't use it.

Posted by: Exiled2Texas at October 02, 2025 06:24 PM (YINx+)

197 I believe the entire Memphis economy has three occupations:

1. Police officer
2. Municipal Employee
3. Welfare recipient/Criminal
Posted by: Soothsayer

You forgot BBQ restaurants.

Posted by: MkY at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (cPGH3)

198 Posted by: ShainS -- The Sombrero Memes Will Continue Until Morality Improves! at October 02, 2025 06:08 PM (inpra)

Agree but you should use it while it exists. Your tax dollars are funding it . I don't like the SS system but I'm not going to refuse the SS benefit.

Posted by: the way I see it at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (EYmYM)

199 If they don't like Farage, they are really not going to like what happens when Farage is no longer holding the English spirit back.
I believe the Christian term is τὸ κατέχον.

Posted by: gKWVE at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (gKWVE)

200 Anybody knows what Presdent Obamar thinks about Trump illegally close the Geve r ment?

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, Vt at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (th3pr)

201
Drive down US 59 between Rosenburg and Victoria and you'll see every mile or two a roadside stand selling pecans.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:26 PM (tgvbd)

202 Anybody knows what Presdent Obamar thinks about Trump illegally close the Geve r ment?
Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, Vt at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (th3pr)

You can bet he's agin it, Mary.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:26 PM (zZu0s)

203 Pecan zone is rather large.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:26 PM (JR6y3)

204 They used to grow pecans in my area. Now all the trees are just abandoned. Where are pecans coming from now?
Posted by: sniffybigtoe
......

Toucans. They produce twice as much.

Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 06:26 PM (UjdFS)

205 People getting filthy rich is why the problem will never be solved. It’s a racket
Posted by: ShainS -- The Sombrero Memes Will Continue Until Morality Improves! at October 02, 2025 06:12 PM (inpra)

Its kinda been solved in the valley in the usual way, rounding them up and dumping them somewhere, possibly a garbage dump. No doubt the money still flows into the right people's pockets.

Posted by: Oldcat at October 02, 2025 06:27 PM (8avO+)

206 Mmmmmmm. Key lime pie.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 06:27 PM (L/fGl)

207 JackStraw, I owe you a thank you for those and the other
note. Please accept my apologies for not responding yet. I have been meeting myself coming and going for the last month.

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:27 PM (kurEY)

208
You forgot BBQ restaurants.
Posted by: MkY at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (cPGH3)

There used to be a place called Corky's BBQ. The dry rub ribs were damn good and they made a good pecan pie for dessert.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:27 PM (Zz0t1)

209 Just to encourage Moron dessert cooking Key Lime pie is very easy to make. juice, sweetened condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, graham cracker crust from the elves.

Posted by: DaveA at October 02, 2025 06:27 PM (FhXTo)

210 "Eschaton" would be a great name for a handgun in a ridiculous caliber.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (06Hmj)

211 Anybody knows what Presdent Obamar thinks about Trump illegally close the Geve r ment?
Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, Vt at October 02, 2025 06:25 PM (th3pr)

But it was fine when he did it, right Mary?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (Zz0t1)

212 How far would Marc Cohn get if he were walking in Memphis today?

Posted by: Smell the Glove at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (A2I8b)

213 I hate elves.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (JR6y3)

214 "Eschaton" would be a great name for a handgun in a ridiculous caliber.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (06Hmj)

Punt gun.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (Zz0t1)

215 Yes, he was influential, feel free to do a deep dive yourself if you have doubts he wasn't part of the inner circle. They also clearly had a falling out.
Posted by: Leupold at October 02, 2025 06:15 PM (eIzlH)

I find it amusing that there are a few people who will make a statement and, when asked for supporting evidence, will say something to the effect of "google it".

Here's what I get:

- He was the primary architect of the Middle East peace efforts, authoring the Trump peace plan and facilitating the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
- Kushner also led the administration's efforts on criminal justice reform, playing a key role in the passage of the First Step Act in 2018.
- Additionally, he was involved in trade negotiations, notably helping broker the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, and participated in the administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he reportedly advised that the media was exaggerating the threat.

Really, only one thing to potentially complain about.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (ExV1e)

216 Holy fucking shit. And no indictments at the very least right? Because immunity for government run corruption. Obama/Soros need the Mussolini treatment. By that I mean pasta dishes, upside down.

Posted by: Hempstead at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (BR0ny)

217 When I was little I would pickup pecans for my grandmother in south Georgia and she would give me a quarter for a grocery sack full. They had a dozen or so huge old trees that are now gone.

We lost several pecan trees when the tornado came thru the yard. One of the surviving ones still has a distinctive lean.

Posted by: fd at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (vFG9F)

218 No worries Ben Had. Those were just some background info. It's way better.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (viF8m)

219 174 >>> 169
Did someone mention Ben Shapiro's sister's Ashkenazi breasts?
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (wBaIH)

____________

In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

IAMMMMW!

Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (5rh/l)

220 A proper pecan pie should taste like diabetes.

Posted by: the way I see it at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (EYmYM)

221
What Year did General Mills introduce Honey Nut Cheerios?

a) 1988
b) 1979
c) 1983

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 06:13 PM (kzqB1)

I'm thinking '79, because I was still in school when they came out.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division

Correct.

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (kzqB1)

222 There used to be a place called Corky's BBQ. The dry rub ribs were damn good and they made a good pecan pie for dessert.
Posted by: Sponge -

Exactly the one I was thinking of. They got us very interested in fresh paprika. We grow our own now!

Posted by: MkY at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (cPGH3)

223 "Day Two of Government Shutdown. Trump is Considering Mass Firings of Federal Workers"
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

===============

What's he waiting for?! I thought this already happened.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 06:23 PM (4U88C)

Well the ones who signed up for the easy out are officially gone now. That actually happened. I think the pondering is to go take down another 100K people or so

Posted by: Oldcat at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (8avO+)

224 I hate elves.
Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:28 PM (JR6y3)

Light, Dark or Keebler?

Posted by: Bobo at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (rbvCR)

225 Might be ok without the sugar.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:30 PM (JR6y3)

226 Anybody knows what Presdent Obamar thinks about Trump illegally close the Geve r ment?
Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, Vt
......

He's been kinda busy with his divorce attorney.

Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 06:30 PM (UjdFS)

227 "I hate elves.
Posted by: Boss Moss"

Where do you stand on Sprites?

Posted by: Coily the Spring Sprite at October 02, 2025 06:30 PM (vFG9F)

228 In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:18 PM (tgvbd)

So... you're an ass man, then?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:30 PM (ExV1e)

229 189 There are pecan orchards in central/east TX. They grow a lot of Pecans in southwest Georgia, although many trees were damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018. . I was surprised to learn how many are grown in southern New Mexico.
Posted by: ScaryMary
=======
Pecan tree can grow across the Southern US, I think they are a variant of hickory trees or have a common ancestor. Nonetheless, grandparents had about 30-40 large pecan trees on their property in northern Arkansas and the grandkids had to pick them up so Grandpa could mow. Got burned out on pecans when I was a kid as a result.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:31 PM (WDjG6)

230
Exactly the one I was thinking of. They got us very interested in fresh paprika. We grow our own now!
Posted by: MkY at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (cPGH3)

Nice......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:31 PM (Zz0t1)

231 The ones in Skyrim. You bump inyo them and they get cranky.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:31 PM (JR6y3)

232 Whoopi Goldberg wants to know: “If I don't go to the hospital for a whole year, where is my money? Why don't you give me the money back?"

-
They're fascists, Whoops. That's also why they won't cover costs if you buy insurance after an accident.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 02, 2025 06:31 PM (L/fGl)

233 ===============

What's he waiting for?! I thought this already happened.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia
-------------

Media part unsaid last week was talk of people who took the furlough. Media misrepresented it. But the Donald was/is talking about another 100k. Do it. But maybe he rattling the bushes for more or something else.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 02, 2025 06:31 PM (GNu/9)

234 228 In all my time in this wretched, godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all is this preposterous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh
======
Could be worse, Dems will have infotainment focusing on man boobs if they can get their way.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:32 PM (WDjG6)

235 Pecan wood for BBQ.

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:32 PM (kurEY)

236 I hate elves.
Posted by: Boss Moss
......

Me too. Well, except for Arwen.

Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 06:32 PM (UjdFS)

237
I swear I can't believe this, but I'm almost feeling sorry for Barky, having to deal with that woman. My Lord, she hates his guts. Seems like it's at the point where she hates everything he does, including how he chews his food (dog?).

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (w6EFb) at October 02, 2025 06:32 PM (w6EFb)

238 >>> 207 JackStraw, I owe you a thank you for those and the other
note. Please accept my apologies for not responding yet. I have been meeting myself coming and going for the last month.
Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:27 PM (kurEY)

"Time to ~~make the donuts~~ prepare for the TX MoMee!"

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (ULPxl)

239 I've got a big pecan tree in my back yard, but it supports way too many squirrels for me to ever get any good pecans off it.

Wood is very pleasant smelling when burned, not surprising when you realize it's just a hickory with a really big and tasty nut.

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (uWKK8)

240 There used to be a place in Memphis called the North End. Near the Pyramid. They had good food. It was my first date with Mr. Scary. Saw a rat in there the size of a chihuahua. Good times.

Posted by: ScaryMary at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (Hvd9a)

241 Wood or High elves?

Posted by: Skip at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (4tZdZ)

242
IAMMMMW!
Posted by: Gref at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (5rh/l)

_________

Well done! Please accept one (1) restroom token.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (tgvbd)

243 Me too. Well, except for Arwen.
Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 06:32 PM (UjdFS)

Legalos...

Posted by: It's me donna at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (VE6XX)

244 Pee-con

or

pa -con

or

Pee-can

Posted by: the way I see it at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (EYmYM)

245 I believe its that he converted to Judaism that sticks in their craw.
Posted by: Oldcat at October 02, 2025 06:22 PM (8avO+)

I have also suspected that this was the case and, since I am not - myself - Jewish, I cannot be accused of having thin Joo skin on the matter.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (ExV1e)

246 "I really liked James Varney in all those Ernest movies, you know like Ernest Scared Stupid, and Ernest Saves Christmas... What? Oh."

No, James was the power hitter for the Times-Picayune team at a small bar in Metairie (where I ran a little v-ball league. David Duke territory, btw ... heh). Too bad I was between phases at the time, or I could have learned a lot from him and friends over beers.

I'm not clear exactly whom James works for now, or if he is still in New Orleans, but I like his more aggressive works, as I've seen them here at AoS.

Posted by: illiniwek at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (vbXSk)

247 Where do you stand on Sprites?
Posted by: Coily the Spring Sprite
.....

Not bad, but my new fave is Pepsi Zero.

Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (UjdFS)

248 There used to be a place called Corky's BBQ. The dry rub ribs were damn good and they made a good pecan pie for dessert.
Posted by: Sponge
--------
Still there, minor chain in TN and AR. Rendezvous is also still there which is also famous for its ribs.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (WDjG6)

249 Hmmm....I guess in a slight twist of karma, my step-sister is a civilian contractor for the Army Corps of Engineers.

I think the shutdown means she's not getting paid at the moment. Sure, she'll get back pay when the shutdown ends, but her not collecting a paycheck while living in Germany would require a heart of stone not to laugh just a little.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (Zz0t1)

250 You’ll be shocked to know that Thune and even the Vice President has said we can “talk” about the Obamacare COVID subsidies when the shutdown is over and that bill is being raised.

Posted by: Marcus T at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (O1nHK)

251
Oldest son works for the Forest Service. He said he is still waiting on directives on employee furlough.

Posted by: fourseasons at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (3ek7K)

252 Still there, minor chain in TN and AR. Rendezvous is also still there which is also famous for its ribs.
Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (WDjG6)

The one I would frequent while there closed, I know. I wasn't sure if the other one in downtown survived.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (Zz0t1)

253 250 You’ll be shocked to know that Thune and even the Vice President has said we can “talk” about the Obamacare COVID subsidies when the shutdown is over and that bill is being raised.
Posted by: Marcus T at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (O1nHK)

Sure.. And tell you hell no...

Posted by: It's me donna at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (VE6XX)

254 Wood is very pleasant smelling when burned, not surprising when you realize it's just a hickory with a really big and tasty nut.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM (uWKK

*watches pitch lazily sail toward the plate*

*checks watch*

*looks back, still hasn't made it there yet*

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (zZu0s)

255 216 Holy fucking shit. And no indictments at the very least right? Because immunity for government run corruption. Obama/Soros need the Mussolini treatment. By that I mean pasta dishes, upside down.

Posted by: Hempstead at October 02, 2025 06:29 PM (BR0ny)

When our kid aged out of our insurance, she had an obamacare, since that's all you could get. she was assigned a doctor, and could only make appointments with that doctor. Except that doctor did not exist. The address was a residence that had been vacant for years. Trying to get her a real doctor (mind you, she had and has severe medical issues with her heart, lungs, kidneys) was impossible. We finally paid five hundred out of pocket every month just so she could get her meds, which she didn't get for a year because - no freaking doctor. Now this makes sense.

Posted by: moki at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (wLjpr)

256 I like Coke Zero. Do the diet ones still taste like crap?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (JR6y3)

257 OT:

Walking past a TV set that was set on MSNBC nEWz. According to pollz, the majority blame Trump and Republicans for the shut down. I didn't stop to see who was polled because it was obvious who was polled. Anyway, LOL!!

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (naiw2)

258 A place here is doing deep fried ribs but you need a second mortgage to buy them.

Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (kurEY)

259 251
Oldest son works for the Forest Service. He said he is still waiting on directives on employee furlough.

Posted by: fourseasons at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (3ek7K)

So much wood, so little time.

Posted by: More like fir-lough, amiright? at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (TbWk/)

260
Not bad, but my new fave is Pepsi Zero.
Posted by: wth at October 02, 2025 06:34 PM (UjdFS)

__________

A&W Root Beer Zero Sugar.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (tgvbd)

261 Coke Zero>>>Diet Coke

Posted by: ScaryMary at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (Hvd9a)

262 Pecan and Peekin' sound identically the same and if it doesn't you're talking wrong and you sound dumb and you really need to work on that because we're trying to have a civilization here.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (06Hmj)

263 240 There used to be a place in Memphis called the North End. Near the Pyramid. They had good food. It was my first date with Mr. Scary. Saw a rat in there the size of a chihuahua. Good times.
Posted by: ScaryMary
======
Been there. The Pyramid is now a giant Bass Pro Shop. That and St. Judes have anchored the North End to where it is still tolerable and some folks like in condos on the island right next to the Pyramid--controlled access by bridge makes them safer than normal in Memphis. On the other hand, Beale Street has slid due to gangbanging activity.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (WDjG6)

264
the ones who signed up for the easy out are officially gone now. That actually happened.

Posted by: Oldcat

=============

Oh, that's right, the ones the MSM said he fired who weren't actually fired.

Well, I'm looking forward to another 100k!

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (4U88C)

265 258 A place here is doing deep fried ribs but you need a second mortgage to buy them.
Posted by: Ben Had at October 02, 2025 06:35 PM (kurEY)

You don't have to acquire the restaurant just purchase some ribs.

Posted by: It's a lot easier and cheaper at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (TbWk/)

266
Wood is very pleasant smelling when burned, not surprising when you realize it's just a hickory with a really big and tasty nut.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM

Smoking meats with pecan wood is a good thing.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (Zz0t1)

267 Pee-con

or

pa -con

or

Pee-can : The second is appropriate, the first acceptable, the third is what men carry on road trips when they have prostate problems.

Posted by: moki at October 02, 2025 06:37 PM (wLjpr)

268 Wood is very pleasant smelling when burned, not surprising when you realize it's just a hickory with a really big and tasty nut.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 02, 2025 06:33 PM

Smoking meats with pecan wood is a good thing.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at October 02, 2025 06:36 PM (Zz0t1)

I got a big tasty nut for you if you smoke my meat.

Posted by: High hanging curveball over the plate at October 02, 2025 06:37 PM (TbWk/)

269 The one I would frequent while there closed, I know. I wasn't sure if the other one in downtown survived.
======
Nope. Midtown on Poplar Avenue.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:38 PM (WDjG6)

270 Nood. Something about CBS.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at October 02, 2025 06:39 PM (ExV1e)

271 Color commentary guy on the Cubs/Padres game is irritating: he bloviates nonsensically with a southern twang.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at October 02, 2025 06:39 PM (mb1PW)

272 Whig, I forgot they turned the Pyramid into a Bass Pro. Beale street used to be okay in the daytime. Used to go to Memphis for family reasons, but that has been years. Sounds like it is worse than it used to be.

Posted by: ScaryMary at October 02, 2025 06:39 PM (Hvd9a)

273 Healthcaredive dot com:
House lawmakers scrutinize nonprofit hospitals’ tax-exempt status
Republicans pushed for more oversight, or complete removal, of nonprofits’ tax-exempt status. Democrats warned restrictions could cause hospital closures.
Published Sept. 17, 2025
---
Nonprofit hospitals obligated to offer discounted health care; some patients slip through cracks

May 12, 2025
A CBS News analysis of IRS data found some nonprofit hospitals in Philadelphia and across the country attempt to collect hundreds of millions of dollars a year from low-income patients.

What's new?
NBC News, Jan. 28, 2005
Are nonprofit hospitals gouging the poor?
Nonprofit hospitals — often flush with cash, opulent buildings and high-paid executives — are the target of 46 lawsuits alleging the tax-exempt institutions are gouging the poor.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at October 02, 2025 06:39 PM (NFX2v)

274 NOOD

see (slightly less?) BS

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 02, 2025 06:40 PM (ULPxl)

275 Jim Varney gets a bad rap. But I liked him. He was nicely understated as Jed Clampet in the movie version of The Beverly Hillbillies.

He seemed liked a guy I could hang out with.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Totes Intelleckshul and Stuff at October 02, 2025 06:40 PM (0aYVJ)

276 LAST!!

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Totes Intelleckshul and Stuff at October 02, 2025 06:41 PM (0aYVJ)

277 Pepsi has always been a kind of shit soda.

It's like the cola difference between coke and Pepsi is like between orange crush and sunkist. They are roughly the same, but the small details make so much difference.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at October 02, 2025 06:41 PM (zZu0s)

278 272 Whig, I forgot they turned the Pyramid into a Bass Pro. Beale street used to be okay in the daytime. Used to go to Memphis for family reasons, but that has been years. Sounds like it is worse than it used to be.
Posted by: ScaryMary

I drive through Memphis to check on kinfolk about every year or so. Place took a real dive after about late 90's to 2000 in part due to widespread crime forcing people out. Tunica also has seen better days as a casino town with the old dog track in West Memphis Arkansas now converted to a very large casino.

Getting through and around Memphis though is better with new I55 interchange and I269 to get around from I55 to the eastern exurbs of Memphis and I40.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:43 PM (WDjG6)

279 jared is working with steve witkoff on the hams deal

Posted by: cherries in season at October 02, 2025 06:43 PM (8ocT3)

280 258 A place here is doing deep fried ribs but you need a second mortgage to buy them.
Posted by: Ben Had
=======
Sounds about like how Britain likes to batter dip and fry Mars Bars.

Prefer brisket in Texas anyway as they ain't the best state to get ribs either pork or beef. Carolina has the best mustard sauces or white bbq, and Arkansas through TN, MS, GA, and AL have better standard pork bbq. Some places even still have the really old pit style bbq which cannot be duplicated if run by a master bbq guy.

Posted by: whig at October 02, 2025 06:46 PM (WDjG6)

281 >>> 4 I feel like with Trump 1.0, Jared Kushner would be pleading with him to fold and he would. I don't get that sense at all with Trump 2.0.

Yes. Trump 2.0 will ignore him and just post more pendejo temu Obama sombrero memes. And blast the mariachi music louder.

When and why did the sombrero meme evolve into including JD Vance? I missed that evolution step. I like in the memes he looks a lot more like the mini-me, tattoo from fantasy island version of JD that was Invented by the South Park guys.

And I like how chill JD is about it. That's how you handle a joke, Hakeem. Not crying and acting like Trump jammed a stick up your butt.

Posted by: LizLem at October 02, 2025 06:48 PM (gWBY1)

282 bams and big mike are calling it quits?

Posted by: Somewhere South of I-80 at October 02, 2025 06:54 PM (89Sog)

283 282 bams and big mike are calling it quits?

Who gives a sh*t.

Posted by: Nelly at October 02, 2025 07:03 PM (cHLus)

284 chocolate pie

peanut butter pie

chocolate peanutbutter pie

Posted by: yoeman at October 02, 2025 07:05 PM (r2U0A)

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