TPM is now reporting that House Republicans want to pass a series of "clean" debt limit suspension bills that brings the debt default crisis to coincide with the new fiscal year, to create a mega crisis of default/government shutdown, and that they will then be putting the most egregious of their spending bills up for votes over the summ…
TPM is now reporting that House Republicans want to pass a series of "clean" debt limit suspension bills that brings the debt default crisis to coincide with the new fiscal year, to create a mega crisis of default/government shutdown, and that they will then be putting the most egregious of their spending bills up for votes over the summer before the mega crisis arrives. Interestingly, this will benefit Democrats if they do this, since the Democrats will be able to point to all the egregious cuts the crazies want. Also, enough Republicans have now stated they do not intend to touch Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare or Defense that McCarthy does not have a majority to push those cuts, leaving them very few places they would have to cut heavily to achieve their goals.
In other words, the wheels are coming off the clown car already. Who could have expected that? I ask you!
Those wheels will be coming off this great nation of ours, if it happens. Yet, people like McCarthy and Greene (to name just two) find all this to be quite amusing. There are no words to describe my anger, my fury and my frustration adequately.
Very apt. I can't resist calling them thug nuts and wing nuts. I had to explain the latter some years ago to our guide when on a trip to the Balkans. And no, not surprised that they are already falling apart. Keystone is making a mess and Jeffries is clearly up to the task of making things more difficult for him.
Their goal is never substance, only chaos. It’s the “Amarosa” Caucus. “It’s the crisis stupid”, as Bill might say. Keep escalating the crisis to maintain engagement across all channels, keep the clicks a comin’ gotta get that cash.
Absolutely! They are entirely devoid of integrity and without a moral compass. They are in this for the camera shots and the power. They have no intention of working for their constituents and completely lack the ability and intelligence to legislate. Its embarrassing and appalling that these buffoons are in Congress. Hopefully they will self destruct before they do irreparable harm
Hopes and wishes just won't get it done Karen. Please keep your operational status on full go until we see evidence of their complete annihilation. jmho - Your actions are still needed for all our sakes.
Go for it Karen RN! I wore myself out last year! It isn't easy...and when you are called a baby killer that really hurts! They are so ignorant and there is nothing you can say to change their minds. We have to keep fighting!
And their constituents keep voting for them....those that vote have no idea what they are voting for or who.....they just push the Republican button...and leave the polling site. And they are so proud they pushed that button...they get to keep their guns and control their women!
They keep voting for them because they have been conned by the QOP into believing the QOP have their back and are doing the best things for them, moving the country in a direction that helps them the most.
But in truth they are getting screwed over by the QOP.
They have no idea they are voting against their own best interest. And sadly when they come to the slightest realization they’ve been getting screwed over the QOP propaganda machine kicks in and convinces them it was the left, those “socialist Democrats” that screwed them over. Until a sliver of the truth gets through the dark clouds of propaganda the QOP puts out there is little hope those voting against their own self interest will see what’s been going on, will realize they’ve been voting against their own best interest, that they have been getting screwed over by the QOP.
Thanks for that QOP thing. I'm going to borrow it George as that 'is what it is.' For me, I have to consider those so effected (affected ? Get that wrong sometimes). Ahh, the sweet sounding, convincing promises of the narcissistic autocrat and autocrat wanna' be's.... promises of effective expedience over the seeming too slow grind of democratic governing and justice. Etc., etc. - ad nauseum. In all, it's a frightening wake up call to look back through history and see so many recent examples of just this specter and realize, 'my god, we too' are falling for this" in some / any collective way, enough so that numbers, any numbers are getting elected to high office ? (!!!) To name just 2, enough numbers in Italy and Germany fell for the 'siren songs' - and enough numbers to invite Authoritarianism and the utter disasters that wrought on their country and the entire world at large ! OMG ! Did we opposed slumber to long and too late ? (!) I do know that the major party opposed slumbered far too long and have failed us (I despise having to say that !) But, I feel so strongly that it's a truth worthy of confronting. I personally have been trying and failing in my reach out to more than one elected official and in particular, of my political persuasion, for 10 - ten + years and get zero satisfaction. How exactly does one square that in their heart and mind ? Please, offer your thoughts - I'd welcome them.
Media should be more responsible. Journalist aren’t calling their absurd bluff enough as unpatriotic and crazytown as government shutdowns go. Why? The major outlets play it safe, to avoid the wrath of Jordan, Greene, TFG, etc.Because you don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Gotta keep the blanket warm so the advertising sales guys can close deals for the next election cycle.
Question: during the progressive era there were powerful newspaper editors, but there were hundreds of them around the country. Competition was different for newspapers because you had your local or regional area, but not national to compete with. So the big newspapers, New York LA, Chicago, San Francisco these were like little fiefdoms. Today with everything digital even newspapers, everything is national, everything is hyper competitive. This leads to political parties with leverage over the major outlets, they are easier to control when there are less of them. threats of regulation keep them in line as well, or just threaten to pull all ads and give the entire budget to Facebook. TFG used his campaign money more effectively, exploiting consumers on Facebook and Instagram because it was cheaper, and being unregulated, easier to manipulate voters, and with the help of Putin and Pergozin’s Internet Research Agency. Buckle up buttercup’s. There will be 100 million+ fake American accounts beating the former guys drum on Facebook all the way to November 2024. Divisional topics will explode on phones first, streets second. Advertisers will not say a damn thing about it either.
And Faux Noise has been allowed to completely brainwashed these people.
I have great hope for the Dominion lawsuit to destroy their BS machine. They've been especially strident and obvious recently (Hannity, Tucky the F**ky).
Agree! The both sideism” just rings hollow when crazy talk blows out of the republicans side of the house. When it comes to reporting about seditious conspiracy, a case in point is yesterday’s WAPO report on the Proud Boy PB) trial. Then happened to catch Colbert reading from the PB “hand book” (pages were shown on screen) the audience roared. It was cringe worthy. The corporate media will never reveal this evidence. But this would certainly shame these child-men who need violence to feel noticed. (trying to say this politely).
... Citizens United, for one thing. "Things" to big to fail", like our banks, corporations, etc. - anti trust enforcement. It's my feeling that these are the major obstacles we have to focus collectively on. Now, how to get a majority singing the same songs ? Even here, on this like minded space, could we achieve just that smallish bit ?
Oh yeah, I saw it Michelle. The empty suit marionette is restoring integrity to the Intelligence Committee by removing the integrity of Adam Schiff and Eric Swallwell. He is the lowest of low.
Exactly Ted. They can not govern, is the point I push; neither do they even display that they'd even care to with any seriousness appropriate to the state of the community at large, the country. They are tuned out, and only tuned in to their own self affirming echo chamber. They are even hostile to any notion of a "more perfect union."
'George Santos Reveals That He Is an M1 Abrams Battle Tank'
'Large military tank drives down a paved road.'
'WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—In a speech to the House of Representatives, George Santos disclosed that he is an M1 Abrams battle tank'.
'Representative Santos apologized for not previously including his battle-tank status on his résumé, calling the omission a “careless error.”
'Describing his many outstanding features, Santos said that he is equipped with two six-barrel smoke-grenade launchers and an AN/VLQ-6 Missile Countermeasure Device.'
“The Ukrainians have called battle tanks the punching fist of democracy,” Santos said. “I, George Santos, am that fist.”
'In recognition of Santos’s career as an M1 Abrams battle tank, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy named him the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.' (satire,NewYorker)
TC, As someone who closely follows the 18 Republican Representatives from Biden-won districts, I understand that the Problem Solvers Caucus co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is preparing to convene bipartisan talks over a compromise proposal that would entail some commitment for fiscal constraint as a precursor to raising the nation’s credit limit. An alternative, also under consideration, entails a short-term clean increase in the debt ceiling followed by a so-called comprehensive, good faith bipartisan review of all federal spending.
Make no mistake. I stand with Biden who maintains a hard-line stance—no conditions or concessions. In other words, he claims he won’t bend to avoid the first-ever debt default without any conditions attached. I imagine he learned in 2011 that there is little upside in giving in to any of the GOP demands to impose spending cuts on domestic programs.
To be clear, I decided to write, hoping anyone reading this reply would find my clearest understanding of the ongoing dispute over raising the national debt ceiling useful.
Btw, I probably should note that the MAGA extremist Freedom Caucus has announced their refusal to raise the debt limit regardless of negotiated spending cuts, however steep.
We have the modern tools to combat inflation, so the Freedom Caucus argument about the national debt isn’t a valid one. But even they know this. It isn’t spending they seek to reduce or control. Their goal is chaos, and more of it. Their goal is obstruction, so that they can complain and make a Rukus, “Government can not work”. Apathy towards the process, wear voters out so they drop out of the process. It’s a form of taking citizens to the deep waters of voter suppression.
Ted, From my perspective, Democrats have a role to play in pressing the message of unity vs. chaos, with a constant drumbeat of Republican extremism. Additionally, Republicans must be held accountable for every single concession made, everything that appeared in the rule package they voted for, and every one of McCarthy’s future disastrous actions.
This is so true Ted! Make the headlines so outrageous the ordinary, hardworking American doesn’t want to believe anything the government does is going to help his situation. “Why vote? “ “My vote doesn’t count.” “They are all crooks.”
I do hope the messaging from Biden and the elected Democrats gets through to the majority. I hope they feel it in their paychecks and see the infrastructure being improved. The local Republicans may toot their horns trying to take credit for it but hopefully most people will know the GOP voted against all the actions Biden got passed!
The message I see most often from elected officials is "We need more money to combat the evil GOP, please rush us ..." Nothing on accomplishments, goals or anything else. This Newsletter, the associated comments and a few others are the best sources of good news I've found.
Yes…when Biden went to KY with Mitch and Sherrod Brown was the last time I recall the main stream news talking about any good things being done for our country from some of the bills Biden got passed.
I might be a little confused. My own perception is that, in the PAST, congress has passed spending bills for which the money was not present to actually use for spending.
Now? In order to fund those programs ALREADY passed, we must raise the debt ceiling and borrow or raise taxes or both.
So, although we do need to reduce spending going forward, reducing spending NOW and forward will NOT solve the problem of having overspent in the past??
So, talking or even doing something about spending right now will NOT solve the problem with the debt ceiling. Is this correct??
Mike, I beg to differ. We don't need to reduce spending. We need to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations that enjoy their lavish lifestyles and infrastructure benefits of the nation that hosts them. There is plenty of money in them thar hills. We just got to take it.
In fact, I have a rather long list of areas where we need to spend MORE money. And the net result would actually lead to a more balanced spreadsheet. I would start with healthcare where we could cut the costs by half and deliver MUCH better results.
Bill, While I agree, “We don’t need to reduce spending,” and would add that your entire analysis is pitch- perfect, speaking for myself, I answered Mike as I did to reinforce that his thinking about the debt ceiling was entirely correct.
Understood. We are dealing with GQP idiots who are throwing a wrench into the mechanics instead working on machine design years ago. Your answer is perfect. This issue right now has nothing to do with spending. It is about honoring debt.
It's as if I were to say to the mortgage company that I refuse to make payments because I no longer like the style of the house!
Good simile Bill. We're talking about the difference between spending and investing, a distinction that not many in the business world and even fewer politicians trouble themselves to understand.
Right you are, Bill. The "T" word so intimidates the Republicans they would rather burn their clothes than buy clean underwear. (That's an awful comparison, but I hope it illustrates their obstinacy.) Ever since Daddy Bush raised taxes and lost reelection, they have been in anti taxation lockstep to their peril.
Mike, Of course you’re correct. Republicans regularly pull this stunt only when Democrats occupy the White House. Republicans bank on people’s ignorance, on their not understanding that raising the debt ceiling doesn’t give the government permission to borrow more money; it gives government the permission to pay back the money we’ve already borrowed.
Becky, Precisely, and likely why, contrary to Obama in 2011, the more seasoned Biden has refused to acquiesce to GOP demands to negotiate. I would add, that while the GOP could succeed with laypersons in pinning the blame on Biden for the economic calamity that would ensue, said ploy would not work with plutocrats.
JennSH, While your comment is not addressed to me, I would note that the opposing party invariably would challenge a President who invoked the 14th to raise the debt ceiling. The litigation, then, would make its way through the courts as opposing parties disputed the interpretation of the requisite clause.
That said, it should be noted, as with other governments, Congress could vote to suspend the debt ceiling,
Janet, My apologies for this delayed response. My work schedule these past several days has been unusually packed.
As for the priorities the Democratically-controlled Congress established for its final session, while prophylactically raising or suspending the debt ceiling was among them (Elizabeth Warren was among its leading proponents), the 2 preceding priorities were passing the Electoral Count Reform Act and passing a clean 2023 budget to fund the government. Despite the tens of thousands of letters and phone calls urging Congress to work through the holidays to prophylactically resolve the debt ceiling matter, Congress adjourned before Christmas and didn’t return until Jan. 3rd. Hence, we face a major challenge—disrupting efforts by Republicans to further confuse a largely ignorant population by conflating raising the debt ceiling with spending money we don’t have.
After a couple of readings, yes, you are correct about both the genesis of the problem and the available solutions. We must first raise or remove the debt ceiling in order to cover current cash flow needs. Then there must be both increased taxes and a moderation of spending to avoid a fiscal calamity. No other major economy has a debt/GDP ratio of 130% for the very good reason that it isn't sustainable. Whether Congress chooses to act or not is, as always, problematical.
Actually, Biden's shedding of supply side economic policies has produced not only the first actual lowering of the National Debt since Bill Clinton, but in just two years has confounded all these younger economists, who have never ever known a non supply side economy since it was an invention of Reagan. The economy keeps growing, and employment keeps growing, and for those at the bottom of the economic ladder, their incomes vs. inflation has grown. All while core inflation is going down monthly. It is now at 6.5% I think. Meanwhile the first bill the Republicans in the House is to cut the new funding for the IRS agents who were authorized specifically to be able to audit complex tax returns of the very rich and multinational corporations. While leaking that Social Security and Medicare are on their chopping block! I hope I have made things clearer for you. This is just proof that they are totally beholden to their fascist megadonors. Don't get me wrong, not all the wealthy Americans are in this cabal, but it is obvious that they are taking their base of white working class voters for a intellectual ride so to speak!
No, they don't do that. Please go google "What is the Debt Limit." Thank you for doing one thing that is important - you have just shown that an intelligent, engaged person can get it wrong about this, which shows how confusing it is, and why the Republicans are able to do their scam on those not so intelligent and engaged.
Oh thank you for your watchful eyes and ears. I hope you keep us all posted. I find I am following too much and trying to do too much. This is the second night in a row that I have commented all through the night and now it is almost 6:00AM. Last night it was the New York Times!
Louise, Because I periodically contact these Biden-won district Republicans in an effort to peel off votes, I gladly will keep everyone posted. On another matter, while I imagine we’re all doing too much, we also need to take care of ourselves.
Your commentaries are invariably useful Barbara and much appreciated. It will be interesting to see what the Republicans propose if/when they get specific about cuts.
Dave, Thank you for your kind words. As for Republicans’ specific cuts, our job, in my view, will be to hold them accountable, as we should for every single concession they extracted and everything that appeared in the rules package they voted for.
Absolutely. Thus far, all McC has said is that Social Security and Medicare need to be cut. The definition and extent of the cuts is what will provide information to hold people accountable.
The bills that are owed must be paid. A prudent House would realize this and negotiate only on future spending after the bills are paid. Looks like paying the bills requires raising the ceiling. The Biden Administration will negotiate on future spending. They say they will not negotiate on the possibility of default of what is already owed.
Jan, Every Congressional member has as clear an understanding as you. Regrettably, Republicans screw around with the debt ceiling only when Democrats hold the White House.
Barbara, I question your assessment of Congressional understanding. I'm not confident that most of the current crop, especially in the House, understand double entry bookkeeping, let alone the economics of debt, deficit and budgeting.
A marvelously stupid thing to argue about at this juncture. One hopes that the congruency of policy positions will keep the group together as a voting block without regard to the name they use for fundraising.
Barbara, this is a little off-topic, but where have the GOP members of the Problem Solvers Caucus been over these last months?? They appear to vote the party line every time.
Ellen, The last time I witnessed the GOP members of the Problem Solvers Caucus authentically working across the aisle was when they were engaged in an honest effort to come up with a compromise that led to the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Solving the problem of getting re-elected I suspect. They've taken a page from the Ben Sasse manual on political survival. Rule #1: Forgo all ethical and moral standards.
With a fair tax code, everyone paying their fair share, a growing middle class, manufacturing our own goods…PROSPERITY is no accident and we can even pay off the entire debt, like Bill Clinton did do, and I think Nixion too. This debt crisis narrative is as manufactured as TFG’s ridiculous haircut!
Yin and yang (or 陰 and 陽 in traditional Chinese characters) represent duality, or the idea that two opposite characteristics can actually exist in harmony and complement each other.
HARMONY?!
What do we have in America if not Ying and Yang?
What do the American people have who elected Trump and Santos and DeSantis and Abbott and Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy and Paul Gosar and Scott Perry and Ken Buck and Kevin McCarthy and... ?
FERN! Imagine a Balance Scale! ( Supreme Court..maybe?) ....repubs on one side.... Democrats on the Other....The Counter Weight ( Center of Gravity)... HAS Broken the SCALE! The SITUATION..... is Very GRAVE!! Keep the FAITH!!
The scary part is that today's GOP is controlled by a group that want the wheels to fall off. Their heroes, like Steve Bannon, have convinced them that if the USA crashes and burns, they will come out of it with more power. They know they will not have power if the USA continues to evolve and become more diverse and equitable.
They would rather be in power in a USA that is a shell of its current self than to be the minority party in the strongest country in the world.
The House Republicans need to put out a plan which they have not done probably because among themselves they can’t formulate one. It will be interesting to see if the minority MAGA in the House will continue to call the shots. It will be interesting to see if those Republicans who don’t ID as supposed MAGAs will do something intelligent like reaching out to the Democrats to get things done. So far they seem pretty spineless. I guess the thought that they might lose their jobs in the House scares them. And they have plenty to worry about: McCarthy is a pathetic Speaker who has capitulated to the extreme minority for the sake of the gavel.
Onward, thanks to the Freedom Caucus; it is back to Colonialism!
'Freedom Caucus likely to play a bigger role in new GOP-led House. So who are they?'
'Nearly all of the 20 or so Republican House members who threatened to torpedo Kevin McCarthy’s speakership bid belong to the Freedom Caucus or are closely aligned with it (though more than half of caucus members and allies did back McCarthy from the start).' (PewResearchCenter) See link below.
But we can be sure that this bunch of political perverts will come up with even more perverse proposals for national economic suicide. Or rather, murder.
Even if they were all to align their policies with those of a more stable, less intellectually challenged narcissistic pervert like the Governor of Florida, economic suicide would be guaranteed. The man's King of the Straight Line...
One of those clowns in the Senate is leaving and it a want-a-be governor of Indiana. We have enough clowns in state government that we don't need to add another one. Education is on the line currently in Indiana along with women's healthcare!
TPM is now reporting that House Republicans want to pass a series of "clean" debt limit suspension bills that brings the debt default crisis to coincide with the new fiscal year, to create a mega crisis of default/government shutdown, and that they will then be putting the most egregious of their spending bills up for votes over the summer before the mega crisis arrives. Interestingly, this will benefit Democrats if they do this, since the Democrats will be able to point to all the egregious cuts the crazies want. Also, enough Republicans have now stated they do not intend to touch Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare or Defense that McCarthy does not have a majority to push those cuts, leaving them very few places they would have to cut heavily to achieve their goals.
In other words, the wheels are coming off the clown car already. Who could have expected that? I ask you!
Since all of the clowns have a few loose lug nuts it shouldn’t surprise anyone the wheels are coming off.
I think you're gonna need a bigger car...
Funny you should mention that
https://youtu.be/HP3SczZmsIg
🤣🤣🤣 love this!
😹😹
They severely underestimated the size of the wrench in admin hands.
Lug nuts. Ha! So apt.
Salud, Karen.
🗽
lol Karen !
Those wheels will be coming off this great nation of ours, if it happens. Yet, people like McCarthy and Greene (to name just two) find all this to be quite amusing. There are no words to describe my anger, my fury and my frustration adequately.
Very apt. I can't resist calling them thug nuts and wing nuts. I had to explain the latter some years ago to our guide when on a trip to the Balkans. And no, not surprised that they are already falling apart. Keystone is making a mess and Jeffries is clearly up to the task of making things more difficult for him.
😹😹
Their goal is never substance, only chaos. It’s the “Amarosa” Caucus. “It’s the crisis stupid”, as Bill might say. Keep escalating the crisis to maintain engagement across all channels, keep the clicks a comin’ gotta get that cash.
Absolutely! They are entirely devoid of integrity and without a moral compass. They are in this for the camera shots and the power. They have no intention of working for their constituents and completely lack the ability and intelligence to legislate. Its embarrassing and appalling that these buffoons are in Congress. Hopefully they will self destruct before they do irreparable harm
Hopes and wishes just won't get it done Karen. Please keep your operational status on full go until we see evidence of their complete annihilation. jmho - Your actions are still needed for all our sakes.
Don’t worry, I’m not just hoping. I’m fully operational and actively working on their defeat.
Go for it Karen RN! I wore myself out last year! It isn't easy...and when you are called a baby killer that really hurts! They are so ignorant and there is nothing you can say to change their minds. We have to keep fighting!
We don't need to and cannot change the MAGA minds; we can hopefully find common ground with moderate Republicans and Independents.
And their constituents keep voting for them....those that vote have no idea what they are voting for or who.....they just push the Republican button...and leave the polling site. And they are so proud they pushed that button...they get to keep their guns and control their women!
They keep voting for them because they have been conned by the QOP into believing the QOP have their back and are doing the best things for them, moving the country in a direction that helps them the most.
But in truth they are getting screwed over by the QOP.
They have no idea they are voting against their own best interest. And sadly when they come to the slightest realization they’ve been getting screwed over the QOP propaganda machine kicks in and convinces them it was the left, those “socialist Democrats” that screwed them over. Until a sliver of the truth gets through the dark clouds of propaganda the QOP puts out there is little hope those voting against their own self interest will see what’s been going on, will realize they’ve been voting against their own best interest, that they have been getting screwed over by the QOP.
Hopefully, with Biden and his team flooding the country and explaining their work, some Repubs will become enlightened.
Thanks for that QOP thing. I'm going to borrow it George as that 'is what it is.' For me, I have to consider those so effected (affected ? Get that wrong sometimes). Ahh, the sweet sounding, convincing promises of the narcissistic autocrat and autocrat wanna' be's.... promises of effective expedience over the seeming too slow grind of democratic governing and justice. Etc., etc. - ad nauseum. In all, it's a frightening wake up call to look back through history and see so many recent examples of just this specter and realize, 'my god, we too' are falling for this" in some / any collective way, enough so that numbers, any numbers are getting elected to high office ? (!!!) To name just 2, enough numbers in Italy and Germany fell for the 'siren songs' - and enough numbers to invite Authoritarianism and the utter disasters that wrought on their country and the entire world at large ! OMG ! Did we opposed slumber to long and too late ? (!) I do know that the major party opposed slumbered far too long and have failed us (I despise having to say that !) But, I feel so strongly that it's a truth worthy of confronting. I personally have been trying and failing in my reach out to more than one elected official and in particular, of my political persuasion, for 10 - ten + years and get zero satisfaction. How exactly does one square that in their heart and mind ? Please, offer your thoughts - I'd welcome them.
Media should be more responsible. Journalist aren’t calling their absurd bluff enough as unpatriotic and crazytown as government shutdowns go. Why? The major outlets play it safe, to avoid the wrath of Jordan, Greene, TFG, etc.Because you don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Gotta keep the blanket warm so the advertising sales guys can close deals for the next election cycle.
Question: during the progressive era there were powerful newspaper editors, but there were hundreds of them around the country. Competition was different for newspapers because you had your local or regional area, but not national to compete with. So the big newspapers, New York LA, Chicago, San Francisco these were like little fiefdoms. Today with everything digital even newspapers, everything is national, everything is hyper competitive. This leads to political parties with leverage over the major outlets, they are easier to control when there are less of them. threats of regulation keep them in line as well, or just threaten to pull all ads and give the entire budget to Facebook. TFG used his campaign money more effectively, exploiting consumers on Facebook and Instagram because it was cheaper, and being unregulated, easier to manipulate voters, and with the help of Putin and Pergozin’s Internet Research Agency. Buckle up buttercup’s. There will be 100 million+ fake American accounts beating the former guys drum on Facebook all the way to November 2024. Divisional topics will explode on phones first, streets second. Advertisers will not say a damn thing about it either.
I agree.
And Faux Noise has been allowed to completely brainwashed these people.
I have great hope for the Dominion lawsuit to destroy their BS machine. They've been especially strident and obvious recently (Hannity, Tucky the F**ky).
Agree! The both sideism” just rings hollow when crazy talk blows out of the republicans side of the house. When it comes to reporting about seditious conspiracy, a case in point is yesterday’s WAPO report on the Proud Boy PB) trial. Then happened to catch Colbert reading from the PB “hand book” (pages were shown on screen) the audience roared. It was cringe worthy. The corporate media will never reveal this evidence. But this would certainly shame these child-men who need violence to feel noticed. (trying to say this politely).
So sad! Hopefully we aren't doomed!
... Citizens United, for one thing. "Things" to big to fail", like our banks, corporations, etc. - anti trust enforcement. It's my feeling that these are the major obstacles we have to focus collectively on. Now, how to get a majority singing the same songs ? Even here, on this like minded space, could we achieve just that smallish bit ?
Gosh, Karen, didn't you see Keystone saying it was about integrity. Keystone shows his hypocrisy on a daily basis.
Oh yeah, I saw it Michelle. The empty suit marionette is restoring integrity to the Intelligence Committee by removing the integrity of Adam Schiff and Eric Swallwell. He is the lowest of low.
Exactly Ted. They can not govern, is the point I push; neither do they even display that they'd even care to with any seriousness appropriate to the state of the community at large, the country. They are tuned out, and only tuned in to their own self affirming echo chamber. They are even hostile to any notion of a "more perfect union."
“Zombification”
'George Santos Reveals That He Is an M1 Abrams Battle Tank'
'Large military tank drives down a paved road.'
'WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—In a speech to the House of Representatives, George Santos disclosed that he is an M1 Abrams battle tank'.
'Representative Santos apologized for not previously including his battle-tank status on his résumé, calling the omission a “careless error.”
'Describing his many outstanding features, Santos said that he is equipped with two six-barrel smoke-grenade launchers and an AN/VLQ-6 Missile Countermeasure Device.'
“The Ukrainians have called battle tanks the punching fist of democracy,” Santos said. “I, George Santos, am that fist.”
'In recognition of Santos’s career as an M1 Abrams battle tank, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy named him the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.' (satire,NewYorker)
I can't wait for the Borowitz report on the Santis - Santos campaign.
Great duo for humor and death, Jay. I have mixed feelings.
It is a dark sort of humor. Not meant to encourage You Know Coup and his fans though of course.
lol Fern
…and make them wickedly smart.
Me too
TC, As someone who closely follows the 18 Republican Representatives from Biden-won districts, I understand that the Problem Solvers Caucus co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is preparing to convene bipartisan talks over a compromise proposal that would entail some commitment for fiscal constraint as a precursor to raising the nation’s credit limit. An alternative, also under consideration, entails a short-term clean increase in the debt ceiling followed by a so-called comprehensive, good faith bipartisan review of all federal spending.
Make no mistake. I stand with Biden who maintains a hard-line stance—no conditions or concessions. In other words, he claims he won’t bend to avoid the first-ever debt default without any conditions attached. I imagine he learned in 2011 that there is little upside in giving in to any of the GOP demands to impose spending cuts on domestic programs.
To be clear, I decided to write, hoping anyone reading this reply would find my clearest understanding of the ongoing dispute over raising the national debt ceiling useful.
Btw, I probably should note that the MAGA extremist Freedom Caucus has announced their refusal to raise the debt limit regardless of negotiated spending cuts, however steep.
We have the modern tools to combat inflation, so the Freedom Caucus argument about the national debt isn’t a valid one. But even they know this. It isn’t spending they seek to reduce or control. Their goal is chaos, and more of it. Their goal is obstruction, so that they can complain and make a Rukus, “Government can not work”. Apathy towards the process, wear voters out so they drop out of the process. It’s a form of taking citizens to the deep waters of voter suppression.
Ted, From my perspective, Democrats have a role to play in pressing the message of unity vs. chaos, with a constant drumbeat of Republican extremism. Additionally, Republicans must be held accountable for every single concession made, everything that appeared in the rule package they voted for, and every one of McCarthy’s future disastrous actions.
This is so true Ted! Make the headlines so outrageous the ordinary, hardworking American doesn’t want to believe anything the government does is going to help his situation. “Why vote? “ “My vote doesn’t count.” “They are all crooks.”
I do hope the messaging from Biden and the elected Democrats gets through to the majority. I hope they feel it in their paychecks and see the infrastructure being improved. The local Republicans may toot their horns trying to take credit for it but hopefully most people will know the GOP voted against all the actions Biden got passed!
The message I see most often from elected officials is "We need more money to combat the evil GOP, please rush us ..." Nothing on accomplishments, goals or anything else. This Newsletter, the associated comments and a few others are the best sources of good news I've found.
Yes…when Biden went to KY with Mitch and Sherrod Brown was the last time I recall the main stream news talking about any good things being done for our country from some of the bills Biden got passed.
MOST Agreed !!
My finger is sore from hitting the block and delete buttons.
Barbara,
I might be a little confused. My own perception is that, in the PAST, congress has passed spending bills for which the money was not present to actually use for spending.
Now? In order to fund those programs ALREADY passed, we must raise the debt ceiling and borrow or raise taxes or both.
So, although we do need to reduce spending going forward, reducing spending NOW and forward will NOT solve the problem of having overspent in the past??
So, talking or even doing something about spending right now will NOT solve the problem with the debt ceiling. Is this correct??
Mike
Mike, I beg to differ. We don't need to reduce spending. We need to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations that enjoy their lavish lifestyles and infrastructure benefits of the nation that hosts them. There is plenty of money in them thar hills. We just got to take it.
In fact, I have a rather long list of areas where we need to spend MORE money. And the net result would actually lead to a more balanced spreadsheet. I would start with healthcare where we could cut the costs by half and deliver MUCH better results.
Bill, While I agree, “We don’t need to reduce spending,” and would add that your entire analysis is pitch- perfect, speaking for myself, I answered Mike as I did to reinforce that his thinking about the debt ceiling was entirely correct.
Understood. We are dealing with GQP idiots who are throwing a wrench into the mechanics instead working on machine design years ago. Your answer is perfect. This issue right now has nothing to do with spending. It is about honoring debt.
It's as if I were to say to the mortgage company that I refuse to make payments because I no longer like the style of the house!
Good simile Bill. We're talking about the difference between spending and investing, a distinction that not many in the business world and even fewer politicians trouble themselves to understand.
Bill,
This is what I was trying to say but you said it MUCH more clearly!!
Right you are, Bill. The "T" word so intimidates the Republicans they would rather burn their clothes than buy clean underwear. (That's an awful comparison, but I hope it illustrates their obstinacy.) Ever since Daddy Bush raised taxes and lost reelection, they have been in anti taxation lockstep to their peril.
HOPE....! you HIT the NAIL! ...ON THE HEAD!!
Bill,
I completely agree with your analysis, of course.
I was attempting, poorly, to point out something that is orthogonal to the tax rates and that is the already passed spending bills that need funded.
But, I wrote poorly.
Mike, Of course you’re correct. Republicans regularly pull this stunt only when Democrats occupy the White House. Republicans bank on people’s ignorance, on their not understanding that raising the debt ceiling doesn’t give the government permission to borrow more money; it gives government the permission to pay back the money we’ve already borrowed.
I would think that the oligarchs who finance the R's would put a stop to the going over the cliff part b/c it would cost them loads of cash, no?
Becky, Precisely, and likely why, contrary to Obama in 2011, the more seasoned Biden has refused to acquiesce to GOP demands to negotiate. I would add, that while the GOP could succeed with laypersons in pinning the blame on Biden for the economic calamity that would ensue, said ploy would not work with plutocrats.
They believe themselves to be insulated against any collapse by the money and power they think they hold.
Dave, Prior to seeing your reply to Becky, I posted a different response. Frankly, I believe you provided the better answer.
If the 14th amendment says that the validity of the public debt shall not be questioned, what's the purpose of the debt ceiling ?
JennSH, While your comment is not addressed to me, I would note that the opposing party invariably would challenge a President who invoked the 14th to raise the debt ceiling. The litigation, then, would make its way through the courts as opposing parties disputed the interpretation of the requisite clause.
That said, it should be noted, as with other governments, Congress could vote to suspend the debt ceiling,
Janet, My apologies for this delayed response. My work schedule these past several days has been unusually packed.
As for the priorities the Democratically-controlled Congress established for its final session, while prophylactically raising or suspending the debt ceiling was among them (Elizabeth Warren was among its leading proponents), the 2 preceding priorities were passing the Electoral Count Reform Act and passing a clean 2023 budget to fund the government. Despite the tens of thousands of letters and phone calls urging Congress to work through the holidays to prophylactically resolve the debt ceiling matter, Congress adjourned before Christmas and didn’t return until Jan. 3rd. Hence, we face a major challenge—disrupting efforts by Republicans to further confuse a largely ignorant population by conflating raising the debt ceiling with spending money we don’t have.
After a couple of readings, yes, you are correct about both the genesis of the problem and the available solutions. We must first raise or remove the debt ceiling in order to cover current cash flow needs. Then there must be both increased taxes and a moderation of spending to avoid a fiscal calamity. No other major economy has a debt/GDP ratio of 130% for the very good reason that it isn't sustainable. Whether Congress chooses to act or not is, as always, problematical.
Actually, Biden's shedding of supply side economic policies has produced not only the first actual lowering of the National Debt since Bill Clinton, but in just two years has confounded all these younger economists, who have never ever known a non supply side economy since it was an invention of Reagan. The economy keeps growing, and employment keeps growing, and for those at the bottom of the economic ladder, their incomes vs. inflation has grown. All while core inflation is going down monthly. It is now at 6.5% I think. Meanwhile the first bill the Republicans in the House is to cut the new funding for the IRS agents who were authorized specifically to be able to audit complex tax returns of the very rich and multinational corporations. While leaking that Social Security and Medicare are on their chopping block! I hope I have made things clearer for you. This is just proof that they are totally beholden to their fascist megadonors. Don't get me wrong, not all the wealthy Americans are in this cabal, but it is obvious that they are taking their base of white working class voters for a intellectual ride so to speak!
There is not a spending problem, there is a revenue problem. Those Americans and corporations who are not paying their fair share need t do so.
No, they don't do that. Please go google "What is the Debt Limit." Thank you for doing one thing that is important - you have just shown that an intelligent, engaged person can get it wrong about this, which shows how confusing it is, and why the Republicans are able to do their scam on those not so intelligent and engaged.
Oh thank you for your watchful eyes and ears. I hope you keep us all posted. I find I am following too much and trying to do too much. This is the second night in a row that I have commented all through the night and now it is almost 6:00AM. Last night it was the New York Times!
Louise, Because I periodically contact these Biden-won district Republicans in an effort to peel off votes, I gladly will keep everyone posted. On another matter, while I imagine we’re all doing too much, we also need to take care of ourselves.
Your commentaries are invariably useful Barbara and much appreciated. It will be interesting to see what the Republicans propose if/when they get specific about cuts.
Dave, Thank you for your kind words. As for Republicans’ specific cuts, our job, in my view, will be to hold them accountable, as we should for every single concession they extracted and everything that appeared in the rules package they voted for.
Absolutely. Thus far, all McC has said is that Social Security and Medicare need to be cut. The definition and extent of the cuts is what will provide information to hold people accountable.
Axios just reported that McCarthy said no to touching SoSec and Medicare via the 30% sales tax route.
https://www.axios.com/2023/01/25/mccarthy-national-sales-tax-bill-shot-down-republicans
The bills that are owed must be paid. A prudent House would realize this and negotiate only on future spending after the bills are paid. Looks like paying the bills requires raising the ceiling. The Biden Administration will negotiate on future spending. They say they will not negotiate on the possibility of default of what is already owed.
Jan, Every Congressional member has as clear an understanding as you. Regrettably, Republicans screw around with the debt ceiling only when Democrats hold the White House.
Barbara, I question your assessment of Congressional understanding. I'm not confident that most of the current crop, especially in the House, understand double entry bookkeeping, let alone the economics of debt, deficit and budgeting.
Dave, While you might have a point, as a body, Republicans know enough only to screw with the debt ceiling when Democrats hold the White House.
Looks like the Blue Dogs, failing an attempt at rebranding, have lost 7 members. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/24/democrats-departing-blue-dog-coalition-00079113
Gail, I appreciate the link and will review it when I return home this evening.
A marvelously stupid thing to argue about at this juncture. One hopes that the congruency of policy positions will keep the group together as a voting block without regard to the name they use for fundraising.
This wasn’t about a name change. It was about policy and scope change.
Barbara, this is a little off-topic, but where have the GOP members of the Problem Solvers Caucus been over these last months?? They appear to vote the party line every time.
Ellen, The last time I witnessed the GOP members of the Problem Solvers Caucus authentically working across the aisle was when they were engaged in an honest effort to come up with a compromise that led to the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Solving the problem of getting re-elected I suspect. They've taken a page from the Ben Sasse manual on political survival. Rule #1: Forgo all ethical and moral standards.
Of course those traitors would do that.
Janet, You are spot on. I merely would add that Biden must deliver the speech in prime time and be prepared to speak more than once as events warrant.
And very carefully scripted.
With a fair tax code, everyone paying their fair share, a growing middle class, manufacturing our own goods…PROSPERITY is no accident and we can even pay off the entire debt, like Bill Clinton did do, and I think Nixion too. This debt crisis narrative is as manufactured as TFG’s ridiculous haircut!
Biden v Trump. They are not Yin and Yang.
Santos v. Schiff . They are not Yin and Yang
What is the true meaning of yin and yang?
Yin and yang (or 陰 and 陽 in traditional Chinese characters) represent duality, or the idea that two opposite characteristics can actually exist in harmony and complement each other.
HARMONY?!
What do we have in America if not Ying and Yang?
What do the American people have who elected Trump and Santos and DeSantis and Abbott and Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy and Paul Gosar and Scott Perry and Ken Buck and Kevin McCarthy and... ?
FERN! Imagine a Balance Scale! ( Supreme Court..maybe?) ....repubs on one side.... Democrats on the Other....The Counter Weight ( Center of Gravity)... HAS Broken the SCALE! The SITUATION..... is Very GRAVE!! Keep the FAITH!!
I love your update. But I don't know and can't figure out what entity is TPM?
Talking Points Memo, correct me if I’m wrong TC
(Ed McMahon voice) You are correct, ma'am! :-)
lol TC
Thank you, thank you! That question was bothering me, too!
and me!
Talking Points Memo
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/
The scary part is that today's GOP is controlled by a group that want the wheels to fall off. Their heroes, like Steve Bannon, have convinced them that if the USA crashes and burns, they will come out of it with more power. They know they will not have power if the USA continues to evolve and become more diverse and equitable.
They would rather be in power in a USA that is a shell of its current self than to be the minority party in the strongest country in the world.
The House Republicans need to put out a plan which they have not done probably because among themselves they can’t formulate one. It will be interesting to see if the minority MAGA in the House will continue to call the shots. It will be interesting to see if those Republicans who don’t ID as supposed MAGAs will do something intelligent like reaching out to the Democrats to get things done. So far they seem pretty spineless. I guess the thought that they might lose their jobs in the House scares them. And they have plenty to worry about: McCarthy is a pathetic Speaker who has capitulated to the extreme minority for the sake of the gavel.
I’m thinking that it hasn’t yet occurred to them that they need a financial plan. Creating chaos so far, has been enough of a challenge for them
https://youtu.be/HP3SczZmsIg
Ha!
Not home grown, Dave. Are you importing from the mother country?
Ha! Free trade.
Salud, Fern.
🗽
Onward, thanks to the Freedom Caucus; it is back to Colonialism!
'Freedom Caucus likely to play a bigger role in new GOP-led House. So who are they?'
'Nearly all of the 20 or so Republican House members who threatened to torpedo Kevin McCarthy’s speakership bid belong to the Freedom Caucus or are closely aligned with it (though more than half of caucus members and allies did back McCarthy from the start).' (PewResearchCenter) See link below.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2023/01/23/freedom-caucus-likely-to-play-a-bigger-role-in-new-gop-led-house-so-who-are-they/
Origin was not considered
“Its the thought that counts”✌️
Besides, Subaru and Toyota put that “Made in America” thing to bed
I'm not surprised that you are defensive and stickin to 'it', Dave.🛌🏻 💤
Seriously? Did you not see the the ✌️
You took exception to the “origin” of a goofy clown car video that fit the narrative and you ‘re calling me out as being defensive?
I think you’re trying too hard
Lighten up
This is not a competition
I won't try humor if there is a next time, and please don't wake me up again.
But we can be sure that this bunch of political perverts will come up with even more perverse proposals for national economic suicide. Or rather, murder.
Even if they were all to align their policies with those of a more stable, less intellectually challenged narcissistic pervert like the Governor of Florida, economic suicide would be guaranteed. The man's King of the Straight Line...
You've right. I can see it now... Santis & Santos
🙋🏻♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏾♀️🙋🏿♀️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏼♂️🙋🏽♂️🙋🏾♂️
Sizzlin, TC. Sizzlin’.
🗽
One of those clowns in the Senate is leaving and it a want-a-be governor of Indiana. We have enough clowns in state government that we don't need to add another one. Education is on the line currently in Indiana along with women's healthcare!
Good possibility of that as they are driving down the Road to Extinction.