Professor Reich: and even now, with all their benefits, the rich and the corporations don't pay their taxes in full, which is one thing that elizabeth warren has been working on remedying, with some success.
as they say, with trickle-down economics, the only thing that trickles down is misery and shit.
Elizabeth Warren should have been President. It was rotten that she was sidelined by the DNC and the Clinton campaign, but what a reformer and smart "clean-up batter" she is! I heard her interviewed tonight and her intelligence and decency as the interviewer noted various aspects of her history, including as a former Harvard Law School professor, bring to mind the vile ways in which the coward-bully-criminal trump repeatedly tried to belittle her. He is such a little, ugly, mean, worthless criminal and all he can do to try to look big is to put on that disgustingly odd voice and call people who are his betters by miles and miles silly, moronic names.
She was our choice in the primary. She is really a champion of the people and the rich fear her righteous indignation.
But America is still not ready for a woman president. Sadly.
Of course, after Biden wins, it is statistically likely that Harris will inherit the job. I would be very comfortable with her at the helm.
All that being said, in retrospect, I definitely underestimated Biden. He has been the best president in my lifetime. Of course, most of his predecessors set the bar pretty low. Still, I am wicked proud of President Joseph Biden. 👏
How long is your lifetime? I remember LBJ, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Jimmy Carter and his environmentalism, he even put solar panels on the White House Roof, which Reagan took down on day 1.
Bill, one must have lived through and politically understand the times.
The Democratic party was being called communist, or sympathizers.
It started when JFK nixed the Bay of Pigs support. I was, then, a fervent anti communist. A right winger and proud of it.
I and others on the right accused JFK of being a commie, and the Democratic party as well. LBJ inherited that umbrage.
JFK actually had a plan to remove our troops from Vietnam, his involvement was to use special forces, even let them wear a green beret,for which they adore him to this day, gave them their own command, and they were limited to instructing the locals, government militias, Montegnards and the ARVN, after his death there was a movement to withdraw, but the war hawks, the corporations, like Exxon, then called Chevron, had other plans, but LBJ and the Democratic party were being called commie cowards, so an attack on a navy vessel in the Bay of Tonkin was fabricated.
Now lets consider what would have happened had not the Bay of Tonkin been fabricated and LBJ got us more heavily involved.
We pull out of Vietnam,or try to, and the Republicans and anti communists go ape shit. LBJ and the Democrats are called Commies.
In 1967 between deployments I lived with a Vietnamese Sgt and his family in Strategic Hamlet #5 (Ap Chien Luoc khom nom), I could read and speak, not write (too many accent marks) Vietnamese.
One day chatting with the Hamlet chief, whom I knew to be playing both sides, he told me that America will lose. I asked him why, and he showed me the Saigon Post and pointed to Sen church and the Church committee,saying more communists in America than in Vietnam.
In truth, the Viet Cong were not motivated by communism, but by liberation, first from the French, then from the Americans, because the Americans supported a corrupt Catholic class of overlords, created by the French.
LBJ signing the Civil Rights Act in Jul 1964, lit a firestorm of reaction, and only added fuel to the fire that he was a commie subversive, the Bay of Tonkin Resolution a month later threw water on that fire and enabled him to pass and sign the Voting Rights act of 1965.
The history of the world is more complex than minds looking for simple answers and filled with ideology cling to.
Remember also at the time I was a right wing extremist, and voted for Goldwater in 1964.
As a young lad, I too was obsessed with anti-communism. My high school English teacher brought two of us to a Goldwater rally at Madison Square Garden. I was too young to vote, but I had "Conscience of a Conservative" on my bedside table. AUH2O64!
It must have been Nixon who turned me into a lefty. Meeting a diverse group of guys from all over the country during basic and AIT at Ft Dix was also an eye opener. What a bubble I had grown up in.
My folks were "I like Ike" WASPs. Served in North Africa and Italy. Thought little of JFK. Mom hated him. But our entire family was in tears when he was killed.
At some point I realized that Barry was part of the oligarchal cabal along with Buckley that told lie after lie about those who were the "mudsills" I met in NJ.
William, People I know want to believe the Republican Party went off the rails with Reagan. That is not true. It has been going off the rails since the 1930s, possibly before that with Hoover not wanting to step in to do anything to keep the depression from destroying people's lives. Republicans as a group have stood against nearly everything that would actually help people: the New Deal, preparing for WWII, unions, electrifying rural areas, and on and on. Eisenhower had his positive moments like sending in troops to help the Little Rock 9 and ramping up the space program and science in the schools, but he also got us into Vietnam, permitted Joe McCarthy to go on a rampage against American citizens for no honest reason. Nixon was a part of the anti-Communist thing from before he was tapped to be vice president. The old Communist, Socialist, whatever Republicans can come up with at any moment continue to this day and all Republicans and other uninformed people have no idea what any of those terms mean and think OMG, they must be horrible when they are OK with the terrible things Trump and Kump are saying and plotting. For them, an insurrectionist seems like a patriot. Republicans are deteriorating and working hard to take us all down with them.
William, thank you for sharing your interesting and valuable experience. As to the Golf of Tonking Resolution, LBJ promised the Senate that he would not use it to expand the war. He went back on his word, and the most prominent members of his own party condemned him. Senator Fulbright later wrote The Arrogance of Power, a book all us should read and re-read time and time again.
Bill, my first presidential vote was also for McGovern, another guy who really cared for the American people. He would really be distressed to see what has happened to South Dakota since he left us.
Carter was also very high on human rights, making it a major factor in foreign policy. But he was a bad luck president, facing matters that were mostly out of his control: high inflation he inherited from Nixon/Ford, the boycott by the oil cartel & long waits at gas stations, the hostage taking by Iran & the sabotage by Reagan/Bush of Carter's negotiations with the Iranian president for the release of the hostages... I think his 2nd term would've been outstanding, but we will never know.
According to the Brookings Institute, Carters main failure was that he was a Process President a quick read worth reading.
The 1979 oil crisis was supposedly caused by the Iranian revolution, cutting off oil exports to Europe, Iran is part of OPEC and it was just a way for Saudi Arabia, and the other members of OPEC to increase their profits.
The Kingdom and the Emirates made so much money from the 1973 and 1979 "crisis" that they manufactured that Riyadh, Medina and Mecca were
modernized,
The hostage rescue operation failed at Desert One, Operation Eagle Claw, because a naval supply officer, a Lt Commander, on the aircraft carrier that carried the Sea Stallions, didn't check the length of the four refueling hoses.
They were suppose to be 100 ft long, one was 60 ft long, and couldn't reach the chopper, the chopper thenlifted off and tried to reposition, but kicked up the sand, the blades sliced into the bladder bird (A C-130 carrying a bladder of jet fuel) sliced the bladder a spark and the rest is history.
There was a team in the hills overlooking Tehran, that was providing weather reports and intel. I doubt that the operation wold have succeeded though.
too complicated, too many variables.
I don't believe there was room for landing four Sea stallions around the Embassy, the special operators would have been fast roped, the choppers then moved to the airport, meaning the airport would have to have been secured, a Sea /Stallion can carry: Up to 38 fully-equipped troops or 55 troops with centerline seats installed. The hostages and operators make their way from the Embassy through Tehran to the airport.
There were 52 hostages, two sea stallions could have carried them plus special operator escorts. one or two Sea Scallions would have carried forces needed to secure the airport.
The Question mark is making it through Tehran to the airport., as it was there were 8 casualties in Operation Eagle Claw, there would have been many more, including hostages I'm sure had the insertion succeeded.
It was a hare brained idea cooked up by Zbignew Brzrezinski, Mika's father . Joe Scarborough's wife and co host
The whole charade with Iranian oil as an excuse for the 1979 crisis, is that the west is not using Iranian oil these days, 90% of it is shipped to China.
It is just not OPEC that genefits from a reduction in supply, it is Exxon, Shell, BP, the whole oil cabal, which see profits soar as supply decreases.,and Russia does extremely well.
William, LBJ did make a lot of relaly good moves and had it not been for Vietnam, he might now be considered the "greatest" president if that title means anything. I always regretted that he was not able to finish his plans for affordable housing, better working conditions for employees, and so much more. For me, Biden is a direct descendant of the LBJ efforts toward equity.
Yes Ruth, I agree with you. Too bad Biden can't finish his march towards sanity and equity, instead we are encumbered by idiots who are all wrapped up in a culture war, invented by the ruling class.
Do you realize, Bill, that 5 of the first 10 in line of succession for the Presidency are women? Kamala Harris, Patty Murray, Janet Yellon, Deb Haaland and Gina Raimondo.
Me, too, Bill. He is doing a complicated and difficult job with grace, skill, and quietude. I am so impressed - and so hoping that November sees him still in office and with strong support in the House and the Senate.
America not being ready for a woman is a false assertion that developed just in time to discourage people from voting for Warren, the giant (corporation) slayer. Supposed assumption was that since Hillary Clinton, the DNC/corporatist establishment darling, who was under investigation when it meant something to the American people to be under suspicion of a crime, reopened just a week before the election, waged a terrible campaign & never connected with the American people at a time when 3/4 of the electorate was anti-establishment, & her favorability rating was in the high negative 20s, couldn't win the election against a clearly unfit opponent who had a favorability rating in the high negative 30s, even though she got almost 3 million more votes, then no woman could win. As Dr. Reich would say, "Rubbish!".
All that you said about HRC is true. But even with her multiple flaws, she would have been an extremely competent president. Putin probably would have refrained from invading Ukraine.
If she had been a man she would have walked away with the job. True, her campaign was poor. But she lost because she is a woman. Misogyny is in the DNA of millions of us.
I have no idea why it is, but my ability to enter a "like" with the "heart emoji" does not work anymore, leaving me, it would appear, heartless! Not so. Please imagine that there is one more "like" added because there is, just not a visible one! In other words, great post.
Presidents don't make tax laws. Congress does. Neither Biden or Trump could not implement their tax proposals without Congress voting to have them become laws and policy.
Senator Warren, who happens to be one of the Senator's from the state I live in, lost the primary. If she had won, it's anyones guess if she could have beaten Trump. One thing that would have happened the Republicans would have used the socialist meme and her progressive voting record against her. One thing progressive leaning voters forget is the U.S. is not predominately progressive. A lot of Americans when presented with progressive ideas, such as affordable healthcare and sensible baking regulations, agree that those are good ideas. However there is a disconnect with the idea and the person who wants to make those progressive policies law when running for public office.
That's the problem with the Democrats or I should say the people who vote for Democrats, they don't really hold the people they vote for accountable for what they do in Congress or the White House.
Case in point. After Obama won in 2008 Democrats went home and a vast majority of them went home and thought, great, Obama will solve all our problems. Democrats failed to show up for the elections of 2010 and 2014 and guess what happened. Jin 2010 John Boehner(R) became Speaker of the House and in 2010 Mitch McConnell took control of the Senate. The SCOTUS then became a majority Republican court and lower federal courts gained a lot of extreme right wing judges.
It's happening again as a lot of people who vote for the Democrats are saying they wont be voting in November. From what I've read about this it's about 18% of voters who lean to Democrats in most of the battleground states are planing on not voting or voting for a third party. That's enough of a margin for Trump to win.
This is on the Democrats for not having a cohesive message and I'll add for not having a primary and letting Biden run again.
Jeff , Biden is the only choice at the moment, If Trump was in jail as he should be, Biden would not seek a second term. We are not running on the person per say, but the principles of the Constitution. Biden is still the best chance we have; I hope these unfortunates who wish to throw their vote away will reconsider and open their minds instead of and opening our country to a criminal dictatorship run by murderous thugs Like Russia, China, North Korea Brazil, Turkey, Hungry etc.
The Democrats should have convinced Biden to not run for reelection over a year ago. That said, you're right he's the only choice. The future of what's left of the democratic republic is now left up to an 81 year old man who is obviously having some issues with his memory and other health issues that people of his age are prone to have. That's a problem. How do people who are not Democrats who don't want Trump to win another term in office vote for Biden? It's hard to know but judging on what's been said since the debate Biden is in deep trouble. The other thing that is disturbing about Biden is he allegedly thinks that he alone can beat Trump even though there's enough evidence to suggest just about any other Democrat has about the same chance as Biden.
This is a mess that the Democrats have laid on the nation. That's not good.
Jeff, thanks for your astute summation of the challenges Sen. Warren would have faced is she'd won. On the question of a Democratic presidential primary, I believe primary campaigns would had to at least mention Joe Biden's age and frailty, which have been fuel for opposition PR attacks. I wish there had been a viable alternative but cannot think of anyone with suitable stature to topple a sitting president, much less take on Donald.
I should have added the Democrat's primary would have been held due to Biden not running for a second term. As to someone of a suitable stature winning a primary, well that's what primaries are for. I think it would have been good for the Democratic party.
I think your point about not having a cohesive message is particularly important. And an important part of a cohesive message is Professor Reich's (and other similar data) reporting about how Republicans and most recently the pseudo-Republican Trump cause huge increases in national debt which they then blame on Democrats! Furthermore, discussions about taxation/taxes/paying taxes should be cast in CONTEXT, and the context is at least two-fold: WHY we pay taxes and HOW we want our taxes spent - and I would add that paying our taxes is a kind of patriotism and the avoidance of paying taxes is an anti-American "industry." First "rule" is one of language choice: NEVER refer to Republicans, as we now know them to actually be,
as " conservative." They are anything but."conservative." They are "conservative" with THEIR money, but PROFLIGATE with yours, and to hell with the well-being of the country in any way as long as the personal "hoard" of the "conservative" is not diminished.
It is an eternity between now and November. Undecided folks may, the more they see of Donald J Trump, decide that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and vote for Biden. And just as importantly, for Democrats all down the ballot
Biden's poll numbers are not good. Trump's re not much better if you leave out the Republican party. I don't buy the undecided angle as I think anyone who can't make up their mind at this point as probably not going to vote.
Biden is in trouble with 18 to 30 voters, Black male voters of all ages, Latino voters, and with independents he's not doing well either. There are not many incumbents have won with approval ratings below 50%. Biden's are about 37%. Lower than Trump's (43%) in 2019 going into the 2020 election. Incidentally Obama's were 43% in 2011. He won reelection in 2012 but his poll numbers before the election went up to 53% or so.
Biden needs better approval numbers to win. If Biden is below the mid to high 40's or higher he's not likely to win. Biden needs his approval rating's to go up by 10 to 13%. I don't see that happening in the next 5 months. If Israel gets into a war with Hezbollah this summer we could see Biden's poll numbers could go lower.
Pollsters have been spectacularly wrong in the last couple of cycles. I pay attention to them, but don’t consider them terribly reliable. All that one can do is to vote. If voters are apathetic, then indeed Biden may lose. After that, no one will have to worry about their choices. If voters get energized, Trump goes down to a crushing defeat. His supporters are noisy, but they’re not the majority. We’ll see what happens.
Who's assessments on the Republicans are you on about?
I've not said anything about the Republicans at length due to my focus on Biden and the Democrats not seeming to grasp what's at stake in this election as a party. Which you pointed out in your comment. The Republicans are now a Christian nationalist authoritarian party. There is no doubt. Look at Texas and Louisiana and other red states.
As to the Supreme Court, all the Catholics on the court came out of the Federalist Society and the man in charge of getting the court packed with right wing extremist is Leonard Leo, who is a Christian nationalist. What we are seeing is not by accident. It's by design and decades of planing. Something the Democrats have ignored. Which is why there's 6/3 right wing majority on the SCOTUS.
Warren would've crushed Trump in the debates. She's great at standing up to the wealthy & powerful bullies & shaming them. She's extremely sharp & energetic & very strong on the issues, having viable solutions for each one.
I totally agree Jeff. I am trying to think of one thing Obama accomplished in his 8 years besides the ACA which was a gift to and written by the Association of Health Insurance Providers lobbyists., while Rahm Emanuel gave them an open door to the White House while excluding Bernie Sanders and Single Payor advocates.
One other thing, at Joe Biden's insistence, he directed DOJ not to defend the Defense of Marriage act, which led to Obergefell.
Which shows that Biden can and has gotten involved in DOJ, contrary to present claims.
You are correct. There are only five swing states AZ, N V, MI, PA, WI, AZ and NV are basically irrelevant MI had 15 electoral votes, PA 19, WI 11. Those states were won by Biden with around 10,000 votes in 2020. Each of those states have over 100,000 Muslims, and more than that blacks, and black males are threateing to sit out the election or vote third party,.
Cornell West might get their vote in places like NC, but NC is Republican and will go for Trump, however GOP operatives are working overtime to get West on ballots.
Muslims and Blacks, and students may have an orgasm sticking it to Biden, and I hope they enjoy it, because they will not enjoy what Trump is going to do them.
Project 2025, Agenda 47 and Trumps own unregulated mouth tell the story.
BTW in 2020 GA, NC and VA were swing states, but in those states Republican legislatures have enacted voter suppression laws and procedures, and GOP governors are planning, recruiting and training 100,000 Armed poll watchers
"Muslims and Blacks, and students may have an orgasm sticking it to Biden, and I hope they enjoy it, because they will not enjoy what Trump is going to do them. Project 2025, Agenda 47 and Trumps own unregulated mouth tell the story." I think what we can do is try to reach those voting blocs and tell that story, so that Trump & Co. do not have the chance to "do them."
I don't know how I can reach out to Muslims, blacks and students, I don't have a megaphone, but less a microphone. You would think the talking heads on MSNBC, like Symone, Joy, Michael, Al, even Chris, and Rachel would make that connection, but that they don't, maybe they aren't allowed, I've watched them interview blacks and Muslims, even students who said they can't vote for Biden because of Gaza, and not one was challenged with "So then you are in essence voting for Trump". They let the declarations stand without challenge or follow up.
I wish R Hodson, but life's experience has informed me, that people are not far sighted and they make decisions based on grievances and fear.
Biden has been trying to tell people, and the Democratic party as well, what they have gained under Biden, but they don't care, they don't listen, all they see is what is in front of them, the price of a loaf of bread
We are children, just taller. You tell a child what is good for them, what they shouldn't do and they ignore you or do the opposite.
She was my top candidate for President in 2020. Also my pick for VP after Biden won. She had many well-crafted plans ready to go. Big business is deathly afraid of her.
I'm with you, Jaime, all the way. Elizabeth Warren is probably the smartest senator/member of Congress we've got going. I tried to tell my local chapter of the Dem party, back in about late 2014/early 2015, when they were already talking Hillary, that No! they should not support her. Why Elizabeth Warren deferred to Hillary and opted out of running, I would LOVE to have been a fly on the wall during THAT discussion! SO-O-O-O DISAPPOINTING! She was by far the better candidate!
As it was, and I think few people will remember this, Hillary went straight to Goldman Sachs, after winning the nomination, and other Wall Street players, and told them, "Don't worry, everything will still be the same," speeches for which she was paid $7,000,000, and for which the transcripts were never released. Hillary was as crooked as they come, and baggage, baggage, baggage all the way. I can't speak to history, we like to think she would've kicked butt with Putin, but we just don't know. Bill Clinton gave us NAFTA, after all, took down SmithFeingold, did other things that worked against us. The whole debacle over doing State Dept. business over their personal, SECURE, WELL-MAINTAINED HOME SERVER --- the State Department's computer infrastructure was so antiquated, I didn't blame her for that!
Anyway, all that is history, but I truly believe ELIZABETH WARREN would STILL make a great president! And during that time, she also wrote three books, which I read, but the titles elude me now, something about "This Fight Is Our Fight" and "Fighting Chances," maybe, and the third was a book she wrote on personal finance with her daughter, and it . . . was . . . GREAT, I learned a lot from it! (Her daughter told her that she lacked a sense of humor, and so she was able to add the lighter touch to it. Funny! [But Lord knows this country needs the seriousness of Elizabeth Warren!]) At any rate, I wrote in her name on the 2016 ballot, and I am proud of it. I just could not bring myself to vote for Hillary (who got 3 million more votes anyway). I think both Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are NATIONAL TREASURES, and the idea that "they can't win," according to DNC low-ball "thinking," is just pure bullshit pulled over the eyes of the American people!! It's DNC propaganda and lies, is all it is.
Only one Establishment threatens us with extinction: fossil fuels. Note also that every culture war trope out there ends with a denial of climate change. Should the Republicans win we will have oil-powered Christianity for decades to come.
What concerns me Victor is that I have 30 great grandhildren and on great great grandchild.
I fear for the future because we have passed the tipping point of 350ppm of co2, not to mention methane. And we see the effects as I write, and there is no concern, no alarm, life continues apace as if it were all theoretical. Even as those who call it a hoax suffer the most.
The anthropocene started in the 1950's as the world industrialized big time after WWII. The earth has gone through many epochs, the holocene gave way to the anthropocene and all of the epochs lasted hundreds of thousands if nor millions of years, save the anthropocene the shortest lived of all. a centruy at best if the most optimisitic of scientific forecasts are true.
She is one of only a handful of Senate Dems that can explain policies so regular Americans can understand them. The President NEEDS vocal support that educates voters. Yeah..she's the best!
Annie, you are right about Elizabeth Warren. I voted for her in the primaries because I know she would have been an excellent president. I have to admit Biden has done a really good job and I know that a good part of that is because he has listened to and followed advice from people like Elizabeth Warren. Unfortunately, had she been nominated for president in 2020, she would have been sabotaged just as Hillary Clinton was in 2016. Too many white men are in charge of things in this country along with a few of their female surrogates and people are still raising their girls and boys to believe girls are inferior and can't do anything in the public sphere. We need to start seriously reaching people/parents and teachers to help them see girls as true leaders, not superior, but ultimately of equal value to men and anyone else. It's time! I know there is another bunch of Elizabeth Warrens just getting ready in the wings. We need to get them into Congress and state legislatures and governorships to prepare them for the big move, maybe in 2028, if Trump is not elected this year.
I've used the phrase "Hoovering Up", referring to both vacuuming (Hoover vacuum model of by gone days) = sucking up whatever the 'device' is aimed at &&& President Herbert Hoover (great depression era) for facilitating the "Great Depression".. & IMO expresses what is going on economically in this - day and age~
Progressive taxation is a necessary part of a thriving capitalist economy. 1) It prevents the wealthy from becoming so powerful that they can distort the market upon which capitalism depends , 2) it enables infrastructure spending for the common good (roads, schools, healthcare) that are not otherwise provided by the market, and 3) It puts money in pockets that can be used for consumption, thereby stimulating the entire economy. Everybody wins, including the owners of production. But hey, don't take my word for it, it's all there in "Wealth of Nations,"
What Trump wants is to perpetuate Socialism for the Rich, for what is tax avoidance, other than government welfare? Funny how the Rich applaud this form of socialism, but decry as socialism the loaf of bread given to the common man.
The rich and greedy corporations think it's all an entitlement. No matter who wins in November, it’s highly unlikely the really rich and corporations will lose to paying more tax. They will weasel out of having to pay more. The rich and corporations are all morally corrupt, and if the choice is theirs, they will do whatever it takes to protect that wealth because they don’t care.
Which is precisely why capitalism requires strong government, as Adam Smith pointed out 248 years ago, and which the demented Reagan stood on its head 44 years ago, resulting in the current mess.
That CAN be corrected by changes to the tax code, it is not written in stone. I would propose a progressive capital gains tax, with a significant exemption that phases out based on income so small investors can cash in certain gains with little or no tax but for incomes over say $5m all gains are taxed as income. Also, I would close the ridiculous loophole that allows billionaires to live off LOANS taken against stock holdings tax free for years until they maybe cash out their stocks or "donate" them to a "charitable" trust where they remain the beneficiary.
Louise - could you explain the mechanism by which billionaires live off loans? where does the money come from to repay the loans? or are they really self-gifting? is this all just a twisted accounting gimmick?
Paul, I will take a swing at answering you. The wealthy own assets which can be used as collateral for loans. They (or any non-billionaire with the means) can set aside an asset as collateral and borrow against it. They will pay interest as a cost of in essence "borrowing from themselves", but that cost would be lower than paying tax on the income gained from those assets.
R Hodson - I get that part, but at some point don't they have to have some income to pay the interest? or do they just "make" enough in income to pay the interest? so if they "borrowed" 12 million (million per month) per year, at 5% simple interest would that be $600,000. where would that money come from? but wait, if I have interest income, what is that taxed at if that were the only income i had? so if i had 24 million, and got 5% interest, that would pay the interest on the borrowed money. right? wrong? thanks!
Louise, I like your suggestion of a progressive capital gains tax. I recommend you write to your congressperson to propose this. I have not read any legislative proposal about changing how we tax capital gains.
I am not sure government has the authority to block a loan a bank is willing to provide with stock as its security. Brokerage firms commonly loan money to investors secured by their stock. When the stock ownership is transferred to a charitable trust the borrower no longer owns it and cannot use it as security for a loan. A detailed analysis of the tax code is required to understand what can be done.
On a related matter, unless we have a new Presidential candidate on the Democratic side, I suspect Trump will win and no progressive tax policy changes will happen for the next 4 years. More likely, tax policy will be changed to benefit those who for many years have spent less than their after tax income.
Louise, I loved this, ". I would propose a progressive capital gains tax, with a significant exemption that phases out based on income so small investors can cash in certain gains with little or no tax but for incomes over say $5m all gains are taxed as income. " I also favor closing the billionaires' loan exemption loophole, possibly also on a progressive taxation basis.
The state of Washington recently imposed a State Capital Gains Tax which, while not actually progressive -- it is a flat 7% -- it has a $262k threshold and exempts certain gains, such as the sale of real estate, IRA & other. Here is a link: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/other-taxes/capital-gains-tax
Your first proposal is reasonable Louise. Suggest it to your Congressperson. I have suggested my idea to my Congressman. I am not sure about how Congress might change the law that addresses your second proposal.
Straight on Michael. The Wealth of Nations may be archaic reading, but Adam Smith was correct in 1776 and he is still correct today. REGULATED Capitalism is the best and most equal form of economics. It distributes wealth across the entire system. In societies as large as ours, you also need a touch of socialism to assure sustenance for all.
But what we have today is unregulated capitalism at its worst and socialism for the least needy - corporate America and the wealthy.
I just wish that a) Biden could get this message out, and that b) Bernie Sanders would stop call himself a socialist - he's not, he just wants an economy like that of Denmark, where billionaires exist, but they pay their fucking taxes.
I am sick and tired of people saying that Single Payer and Head Start is Socialism! When I got laid off in 2001, I had to work 2 low paying jobs with no insurance benefits! One sprained ankle cost me 2 weeks pay! The Right calls programs for the common good "big government ", but banning books. Contraceptives, IVR, abortion and several horrendous Court decisions ISN'T big government?💩💩💩💩😡😡
All one has to do to get Trumps attention is to say “ the rich will get richer” under this plan and the dufus will sign what you put in front of him - he has no thoughts or concerns about the nation, its people or its overall prosperity- Trump is a hugely flawed human without an empathy or remorse gene. Trump hates dogs, man’s best friend.
Socialism for the Rich, that's a good one! Instead of focusing on 'taxing the rich', I think it's a better argument (as you pointed out) to 'enable infrastructure spending for common goods.' Those projects are easily seen and experienced by everyone. New streets in my town! Thanks, Joe!
I agree Michael. But, our current tax policy is progressive. To make it more progressive Congress, not the POTUS, can raise the marginal rate and/or revisit the lower tax rate on capital gains. Congress proposes, the POTUS disposes according to our Constitution. POTUS can suggest but is not in charge of tax policy.
Not in Iowa; the governor is pushing for a flat income tax. She wants to eliminate the income tax altogether, figuring her low info supporters will blame the local politicians for the major increases in property taxes that will come because the State no longer helps fund localities.
Understood. My point is she's doing the same thing Trump will attempt if he takes office. It seems to me that mainly low information (and income) voters are not thinking about the down side of a flat income tax. In my opinion, a progressive income tax is the best way to keep Capitalism from becoming a form of control. Property taxes are progressive right now. In Iowa, yearly vehicle licensing fees are also.
In 1993 I moved from California to Washington State, my annual after tax income went up $900 the moment I crossed into Oregon, I left behind a state income tax
and a vehicle licensing tax structure that supported things not covered in the state budget.
Washington state funds itself via property and sales tax. Sales tax excludes food, so it doesn't harm low income, but the rich who buy expensive toys pay more,lots more.
I pay about $160 a month in sales tax, which I figure is the cost of living in a progressive, civilized state.(at least Western Washington, Eastern an Central Washington are Alabama)
Washington ranks 24 in Property taxes and the State has property tax rates below the national average of 0.99%.
No income tax, and the people will not stand for one either, tax accountants and lawyers are the biggest lobby for a state income tax (of course).
People live in Vancouver, Washington to escape the high Oregon income tax, & shop in Portland, Oregon to avoid the Washington sales tax. They might even fill up their gas tanks in Oregon in order to receive some service.
Michael, thanks for bringing us back on topic. I believe that the problem is now systemic. We are now attempting to make a system that came about during the late Middle Ages in response the “crisis of the Middle Ages” work for us now. There is only so much that can be done to tweak an ancient system that is now totally controlled by the ultra-wealthy. "Economic Democracy" is a modern three tiered system that can assure that there is plenty for all. Tier one are small capitalist businesses up to say 20 employees. As they grow the ownership changes to an employee owned cooperatives. Currently there are over 29,000 cooperatively owned businesses employing more than 2 million people and accounting for over $650 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. Utilities that are consumer owned are also popular in the United States. The third tier are large utilities and heavy manufacturing that are state owned with the profits going back into the society. The emphasis is on local production and consumption. This is NOT socialism, it is common sense.
Juist knowing Trump is out there, is taxing in itself.
When metal roofs first hit the market people were easily impressed by the idea, however the thought of living within the confines of a kettle drum had specific problems related to sound that no one had ever considered. At certain moments in our history we find our consciousness gravitating to the sounds associated with poor judgement, like the purchase of a metal roof. Listening to Donald Trump is akin to experiencing a hailstorm while living within a structure protected by that specific building material. The defending sound heard from the experience will make your ears ring but leaves you wondering, what the hell was I thinking? Trump's sick vision of this country's future is nothing more than noise, echoing from Europe during the 1930s. Cup your hands around your mouth and scream into the night, "screw you Donald Trump."
Donald, I get your drift and your analogy. I had a metal (aluminum) roof installed in 2019, but first there was an underlayment of stereofoam, which absorbs shock and noise of heavy rain and hail.. We have had hail storms and I never heard them bounce off the roof.
So not a good analogy.
However I share your opinion of Trump and up the ante with right wing retards like Tom High below.
My roof was installed over 30 years ago by a previous owner. But I did have to replace the copper gutter and downspouts on the front of the house due to ice storm damage. It cost over $ 5000! Yikes! So a copper roof is out of the question for most. But it does last almost forever if properly cared for. I read about a building that has a copper roof over 700 years old.
I have priced leaf guards and they are a rip off. The gutter covers themselves are cheap, lost less than $100 to manufacture for a house, what you are paying for is labor, and they get paid jack squat, the rest is overhead and profit for the business.
Dr. Bloxom - the republican party is a terrorist organization which promotes using violence to solve political problems. It promotes misogyny, patriarchy, white christian nationalism, theocracy (their own sick brand), bigotry, otherism, racism, classism, unregulated capitalism, and the upward shift of resources to the ultrarich. why would any sane person vote for them?
Paul - well said and accurate. Nicely done and covers it all except selfishness and greed?
What you described is what Trump, the terrorist, promotes. The Republican party acquiesces to his every desire. Therefore the Republican party is an accomplice to Trump-led crimes, bigotry, racism and all of the other things you mentioned.
That is a phenomenon beyond my comprehension other than that the Republican party must be a massive cult with Trump, a psychopath, as it's leader.
This is a sad state of affairs for our country and the world.
Yes, This is all speculation from me, but here goes: Basically Trump is a publicity hogging tool of billionaire backers. The attraction that Trump's fans have for him is frustrating and annoying, but this situation deflects us from investigating the actual "puppeteers" behind this clown. Donny's brain is likely incapable of creating the complex policies he pushes. Since he loves publicity and luxury, he probably doesn't care. We might want to focus on Donny's real backers. If DT loses and goes away, will they?
Your phrase "real backers" reminds me of the great senator Sheldon Whitehouse's ongoing investigation into a few members of the Supreme Court who are being infiltrated, influenced and swayed by big-money donors.
Big money is a big concern. Citizens United was a total disaster and we are suffering from that decision right now. Thanks for your comment.
What bothers me the most about republicans, is that red states receive a greater share of our federal tax dollars than do blue states. This is definitely a welfare state situation in the true sense of the word.
With respect, we should avoid referring to amoral and/or immoral behavior as “subhuman “, irrespective of how much we may loathe such behavior, as a) the people committing such acts are indisputably human and b) “subhuman “ denotes a term that was part of the Nazi racist lexicon. I am sure it was not your intention to give offense but that could easily be the case.
I used Webster's Dictionary definition of subhuman as - "failing to attain the level (as of morality or intelligence) associated with normal human beings". That is a direct quote from the dictionary.
So I used a factually correct word that had nothing whatsoever to do with Nazis.
Replying to my own post— one of the difficult disciplines I studied was avoidance of the vocabulary of hate speech… one of my older and wiser professors of education even went so far as to ban the use of the word “hate” from his classroom, even its casual usage such as “I hate broccoli “. As a result we learned to eschew “hate” and embrace “intensely dislike” certain members of the brassicas.
Kristy Noem was asked about this recently. As a true Republican, she evaded the question. Trump and his associates have created a delusional fantasy for suckers. Answering questions, engaging in debates might puncture the bubble.
And I’ll add to that, Biden pushing green infrastructure into red states. I understand his motives in trying to prevent their repeal, but are we are just economically rewarding bad behavior?
green infrastructure benefits the whole of he country and the world, it slows down global warming.
Just as pollution does not stay local, the water flows into the ocean, the winds circle the planet. The great Pacific garbage patch is bigger than then three Manhattans and is prove of that Of said garbage patches One in the Indian Ocean, two in the Atlantic Ocean, and two in the Pacific Ocean. Garbage patches of varying sizes are located in each gyre.
Obviously pollution does not stay local. But it’s the principle of this whole endeavor, whereby we reward the states that deny climate changes exists with financial benefits. While they do nothing.
There you go. States like Florida, the south, the midwest are blasted by the effects of global warming,from Hurricanes,Tornadoes, heat domes and polar vortex's. These are the taker states, the welfare queens that take more than they give to the federal coffers.. Yet they come hat in hand daily to Uncle Sam, begging for FEMA money. I would like to see an executive order, that FEMA has X amount of dollars to dispense and will so only in proportion to their contribution o the federal coffers.
Welfare hypocrites, but red states are full of them.
Pushing green infrastructure everywhere possible makes sens to me. In every red state there are many Democrats. In every blue state there are many Republicans. Dividing states into red and blue is too simplistic. Green infrastructure should apply to all states.
I don't know what color would result from mixing red blue and green but it would depend upon the proportions of each color in the mix.
Running for the Presidency, being (or pretending to be) President, and campaigning again to be re-elected to the Presidency constitute the greatest con-game Trump has ever run and he's run a lot of them. He's nothing but a con-man, a fraudster, a mob boss and he's raking in the money from those whom he is defrauding. He must be giddy with his discovery of this easy, easy money; "money for nothin' and the chicks for free" .... "that ain't workin'; that's the way you do it, get yer money for nothin' and the chicks for free" to quote the great Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. He is a predator, a conniving cheat. "The taxing difference" is a big one, but it's only one of the many thoroughly destructive plans this crook has in mind to transfer American treasure to his own coffers. How scammed will his enablers have to be before they realize they've been handing over their money - and our country - to the scammers? Why do we ALL have to suffer for the foolish (or perhaps more venal) actions of the con-man's marks??! You want to send your money to the con-man and his mob? Go ahead, but leave the rest of us - and our country and our future and all that is precious in them - out of your malevolent ignorant decisions!
Very well said! Out of the 8 billion people on the planet Trump is the worst person for the job. Unfortunately Joe Biden’s foreign policy is horrendous and it’s taking the US and the world down the tubes. You might be interested in taking my “course”. It’s a logical way to try to get out of the mess we’re in…
Please specify as to exactly what you mean. From my perspective, Putin and Bibi have by themselves put the U.S. in a bind. How would you suggest that we deal with both differently?
Even though it’s relatively simple, in order to wrap one’s mind around the totality of what we need to do in order to try to save ourselves from ourselves it has to be presented in a “course” because the required actions and the changes in mindset involve a bit too much to be contained in one simple theory or soundbite. But rather than go into an explanation of my “course” I’ll cut to the chase and answer your specific questions. As far as the situation in Israel is concerned my initial instincts Will and my opinion prove to be the course of action that Joe Biden should’ve taken immediately after October 8, 2023. Joe Biden should’ve gotten on worldwide television and told Benjamin Netanyahu that it was his strong opinion that Israel should not make the same mistake that the United States made after 911. Rather than lash out and retaliate against Hamas and the Palestinians, Joe Biden should’ve suggested that Israel take a six-month one year or better yet two year. Pause on doing anything other than trying to get at the root of the problem. Joe Biden should’ve made it perfectly cleared to Benjamin Netanyahu that while Israel is a sovereign country, and it can do what it wants if the advice that Joe Biden had just given, Benjamin Netanyahu was not followed, that we would not go along with the brutalization of the Palestinian people. We would cut Israeli off from offensive types of military support.
Assuming that Benjamin Netanyahu would have the sense to go along with that program, Joe Biden should have suggested that he could convene a conference and get all the interested parties involved, including China and Russia . (This would be possible if we were smart enough to be able to be talking to these people). And without spending too much political capital, Joe Biden should’ve stressed. The fact that it to state Solution is not going to work and integration of the Palestinians integrator. Israel is not going to work a continuation of the state that is currently the state of affairs is not sustainable in the long run, and so therefore the best course of action could be, the removal of the Palestinians from Israel. I know that has its own set of problems, but of all the bad choices that are available for that situation it could be the least, worst of all the bad choices. The world, including Israel, and the rich oil states should have paid the Palestinians for their real estate and reparations for having to be moved from Gaza and the West Bank. if there are 7 million Palestinians and you had to pay them each $200,000 the total bill would be $1.4 trillion. That’s a lot of money, but it’s a lot cheaper than engaging in World War III and having it result in nuclear holocaust. - I should remind you that John, Mearsheimer and Steven Walt warned us about this 15 years ago when they wrote their book The Israeli lobby
As far as the situation in Ukraine is concerned I would follow the advice of John Mearsheimer to a T…
Kevin the situation vis a vis Israel is not so simple as many believe.
The Arab states are not our (the wests) friends. First off they are Muslims, and Islam considers the non Muslim world to be kuffir (kuft) to be conquered and converted.
Most Muslim states, especially Arab, control most of the worlds oil supply. The US doesn't need Muslim oil, we actually export oil as well, but oil is the blood of international trade and finance.
If the Arabs (OPEC) twists the handle on the oil spigot clockwise, the world groans, if they shut it down, Europe is paralyzed, and since oil is an international commodity, America feels the pinch as well.
What is stopping the Arabs from holding the world hostage, like they did in 1973, what is stopping a hostile, fundamentalist regime, say the the likes of ISIS or Al Qaeda affiliated from coming to power and shutting down the oil supply?
Nothing but a land locked aircraft carrier, called the State of Israel.
Cutting off the world's oil supply may be a step towards slowing the trend to global warming,but it will also mean stopping transportation, food production, because our grains and veggies like root crops, depend on fertilizers, made from chemicals made from oil, as does plowing, sowing, watering, reaping, processing and transportation. And I have mentioned, but do now, electricity, and all of the nice little luxuries we consider necessities in our daily life, and of course jobs lost. And the heat index it is too late to turn back the clock for global warming, even if we stopped today, the world would switch to coal, which is worse. The heat index will continue to climb, and when it reaches a wet bulb of 95 degrees, that is fatal, and the only relief is indoors under air conditioning, but somebody has to go outside and work, to produce food, to transport, to repair and maintain facilities, transmission lines, communication lines, cell towers.
It is way too easy to come up with would've should've scenario's and climb upon a moral high horse, without considering all consequences.
One of the jobs that I did and did best in the military was planning, and I was good. I had to consider everything from prepping vehicles and people to loading and unloading and that requires thinking, four, five, six steps ahead.
We celebrated D Day on Jun 6th, the men who raced off the landing barges,but forgotten were he planners, who made it all possible, including construction of the temporary piers called Mulberries, and . the Fake army, the inflatable tanks and airplanes that fooled the Germans,, the preparation, training and housing of paratroopers and beach assault forces,
None of it would have happened without planners.
Point is one must look ahead, far ahead, before coming to hasty conclusions are acting on emotion.
Good comment on the problems faced by policy-makers dealing with the Arab-Israeli concerns. I think one of the problems not mentioned is the corrosive role played by domestic US political sparring, with Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian forces bitterly denouncing US politicians who do not conform to their idea of what is right.
I think Biden made a tactical error when he stated after the Hamas attack that "...the United States stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have their back.. We’ll make sure they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves."
This and Biden's subsequent pronouncements confirmed our close relationship, but unfortunately suggested that we would back the policies and military actions of the Netanyahu government no matter what. Maybe Biden thought that Israel needed this show of support to show Hamas that the US would not pressure Bibi to desist from an all-out attack. We'll probably read the inside story in 5-10 years. The fallout for the US has been enormous dissent domestically and a worldwide revulsion against Israel's tactics (and US complicity in them) on the other. There is no upside for the US at this point, other than trying to get the hostages back to ISrael and getting aid into Gaza.
You have a point R Hodson. letting Bibi think that we will stand with him regardless, the man is criminal, in more ways than one, and HAMAS pulled his bacon out of the fire, for the time \being.
I have mixed opinions on Gaza, for one I feel for the women and children that suffer, on the other I completely blame the cowardly HAMAS for using their own people as human shields, but if go into a discourse I will only evoke negative emotional replies, not necessarily from you, but from others.
I am reluctant to call it Palestine, because there has never been a nation or peoples called Palestine. What we call Israel and Palestine was prtt of the Turkish empire, and before that the Arab empire, and before that the Greco Roman Empire, before that the Egyptian empire and so on.The Romans called the region syria Palastinia.
I don't understand the emotional involvement in the conflict, unless one is a Jew or a Muslim.
It is just one of the many horrors playing out on the world scene, Somalia and Sudan are worse on the order of magnitude of 100 times worse, Millions of people are dying of rape, murder and hunger in Sudan, by religiously motivated Arabs funded by the UAE and not a fucking peep out of the bleeding hearts, because there are no Sudanese students, being financed by Arab oil, in universities that can whip the students into a fervor.
For me it is a side show, a distraction from the existential battle facing Europe and America from Trumps lover and sponsor Putin. It is no coincidence that Oct 7th was two events. HAMAS flying out of Gaza and Iran's birthday present to Putin.
The Ayatollahs and Putin have come to an accord. ..death to America.
Anyway I don't want to hear jack shit about Palestine, while the tools and fools ignore Sudan, Somalia and all of the rest of the evils going on in the world, but the other victims are not related to Islamic oil and Arab petrodollars.
William, Thank you for your well written response. You’re obviously a smart person. I’m sure you know more about many subjects than I do because I am a generalist. But because of the fact that I’m a generalist, and because of the fact that I see the human race as a species headed for big trouble, I felt compelled to come up with I see as the solution to our problems. And this solution is what I refer to as my “course”. - As far as most if not all of the world’s organized religions it’s my opinion that they are part of the problem. They are based on superstition whereas my “course” is based on rationality.
Kevin I agree with you. I am a generalist as well, addicted to reading. I cleaned out a public libraries shelves of what is consider the classics by the time I was 15,. The first book I checked out at age 8 was Homer's Odyssey. I read the Bible cover to cover at age 12, I read the labels on cans and cereal boxes while eating.
I am eclectic in my interests, and I store info, but not facts like dates, thanks to google I don't need to, but I accumulate info and found that most of it is contradicted, or censored (not officially) but self censored by those who have a POV or ideology to promote. Like the real reason behind the Boston Tea party and the revolution,or why the Virginia and Southern aristocracy even engaged.
As regards religion, I can trace most of the world's evils to religion, but religion is only a tool. Men use their god and gods as a sock puppet, to control other men, and of course there are schizophrenics who claim to speak to and hear from a god, but now a days we can identify and medicate them, a thousand, 2 thousand,3 thousand years ago they were called prophets,holy men, priests.
Ranting about Trump on this blog is a waste of time. Add a pro-Trump blog site to your review, in order to connect the power of your passion to an opportunity to convince a MAGAn to vote for Biden and a Democratic member of Congress.
In some ways you are right. A lot of this is just venting frustration. But it’s extremely hard to convince a Trump voter. I’ve been there and have had limited success. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to do so. First, you have to get them to see at least one or two obvious lies. That’s just the start. It’s a long term process that only can be done with people you know and see regularly. Going into one of their web sites is like going into a lion’s den, where they can band up on you. So even if you might begin to change someone’s mind, it will be immediately crushed by the mob and that individual will feel shamed into returning to the fold. Because, it’s become part of their identity. It’s very difficult to admit you might have been wrong. This I know all too well, given it was my own brother.
I’ll respond to this post of yours and then go back and answer your original question…. In a recent lecture at Notre Dame College John Mearsheimer made two statements that are true and I’ll throw in a third statement that he made previously. The first is the Politics is a concrete sport. The second is that war or the threat of war will not be taken off the table anytime soon. And thirdly individuals cannot agree on first principles.
The “course” that I’ve developed is designed to ameliorate each of those three phenomena. (I can go into more detail about my course later). Suffice it to say that it’s my contention that if you’re making an argument whose foundation of thought is based on logic it should lessen the contact element of the contact sport. Furthermore it emphasizes that the threat of war isn’t the problem it’s the actual engagement in war that causes the problems. And despite the fact that individuals cannot agree on first principles does not mean that there isn’t a best way forward for all things both small and big.
Kevin: From what I have seen on the battlefield of politics. Logic has no place or play in ideological commitment. M definition of ideology includes religion.
I have never seen nor heard of logic making a dent in the ideology of a true believer, and in our political landscape at least 40% f the adult population are true believes in the cause that Trump represents.
You are probably right, William, but this is a public forum (as are other comment sections), and a logical argument refuting the false claims of a right-wing (or left-wing) ideologue may very well reach people who may not be on the ideological fringe nor necessarily in any political camp but who respond positively to reason. This is where our logical arguments can have an impact. I'm pretty sure you already realize that, but I think it's worth emphasizing & reminding people of that.
I agree, but there are Trump and Putin Trolls signing on daily, and they will increase, their mission is to disrupt and detract, suck us into arguments that go nowhere and make us look like fools. It is hard not to get involved with them
I am not sure that the committed read RR's pages. Years ago I use to haunt the comment section of the Hill and Mediaite, which were dominated by right wing posters and moderators.. there was no way to break through the bubble. But it is worth a try I guess.
This is precisely the problem. An old guy once told me that you can’t reason with an ideologue. This goes along with Mark Twain’s quote “don’t try to teach a pig to sing, it’s a waste of time and it annoys the pig”. Even though both of those statements are true, it’s also true that there is a best way forward and that best way forward is best advanced by using my “course” as a guide or roadmap.
Kevin - You said, "An old guy once told me that you can’t reason with an ideologue." I'm tempted to add, "or a drunk" but that's not fair to people who over-imbibe. Try to reason with an ideologue and he will just recite all the reasons you are wrong; at least a drunk will say, "Let's have another beer and talk some more" and you'll be buddies after a few rounds.
No, not just venting! Gathering together and informing each other. We don’t need to change minds as much as gather in our majority and Vote Blue on that critical day. “ Pass it on!”
There are only three states that will determine the presidency. Michigan, Pennyslvania and Wisconsin, and Biden won those states by about 10,000 votes each.
Alas there are 100,000 or more Muslims whom have threatened to stick it To Biden, despite the fact that Trump has advertised his hostility to Muslims and his desire to deport them, then there are the black males, who have no knowledge of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights struggle and acts, that are pissed because they haven't got everything that they want, and think that by throwing in the towel with the racists that their lot will improve.
The Democrats, of course, haven't elevated them and given them all they want, but hampered by a Republican Congress, how could they, and you can't legislate respect. And fear is not respect.
there are 570 electoral votes, it takes 270 to win the presidency.
Red and red leaning states have 235
Blue and Blue leaning states 226.
All Trump needs is 35 electoral votes, Michigan as 15, Pennyslvania 19, and Wisconsin 11. If all he gets is Pennsylvnia and Michigan which have Muslim and black populations in the hundreds of thousands that is 269 electoral votes and we can only pray that Arizona or Nevada goes for Biden. But there is Wisconsin, which has a Muslim population of 100,000 and is threatening not to vote for Biden.
If there is perchance no clear cut winner, or challenges like in 2020, then the election goes to congress and each state gets one vote.
I think Florida is back in play this time, with the abortion issue on the ballot & lots of Floridians fed up with right-wing extremism, & concerned about the fate of Social Security & Medicare. There may even be more than a remote possibility of taking Texas & Ohio.
Absolutely correct and vital. In addition, the fact Trump wants to "get rid" of the income tax and shift the burden onto sales taxes means lower-income Americans will pay more taxes, not less.But how you communicate those details and their consequences to voters who "don't pay attention" in swing states or to the indoctrinated who believe "out of control"public spending and illegal immigration is responsible for a 4.3$ trillion deficit and Biden for higher interest rates, is beyond me.
To communicate with votes who "don't pay attention", add one of their web sites to your review, such as one supported by Fox News or the WSJ. Reach out to those who do not read this blog.
what saddens and infuriates me is that the repugnants are working tirelessly to steal this upcoming election. election workers are being harassed and threatened, "poll-watchers" are being "trained" by repugnant operatives to harass and intimidate voters, gerrymandering is rampant, voters are being purged from the rolls in red states, "challenges" to voter status/eligiblity in states such as georgia are in place, insurrectionist dejoy is still in charge of getting mail-in ballots to the polls on time, the groundwork for legal challenges to any result the repugants don't like is done and waiting. imagine if this terrorist organization spent half that effort on doing the peoples' work, instead of whoring for the oligarchs.
Of course this is a relevant topic; the power that the super-rich individuals and corporations derive is directly related to the the lack of taxation. More money means power to control and corrupt politicians, justices, and law enforcement. Inflation is a joke and strictly a result of the greed for ever higher profits. Abortion rights, climate change, (lack of) healthcare and education, inequality: all controlled by a powerful group of billionaires and corporations. Yes, taxation does matter.
The fact alone that extending Trump's tax cuts "would cause the federal deficit and debt to soar" is enough to send chills rippling down the spines of any political party.
The wealthy don’t care - they have an ideal situation- the country, and its well being , is not part of their concern. Greed makes your brain change and not for the good in most cases.
The analysis seems flawless to me. But there is a question: how to execute this fiscal policy? Will it bring the revenues expected, or will there be loopholes and tricks for the corporations? I feel there will be: it is close to a social revolution. The atmosphere in the U.S. seems too conservative to let this pass.
And who are Trump's economic advisors and how do they justify their quiet nights?
Yep! As with any endeavor, it’s all about execution. Talk is cheap. And in planning for such a change, one has to think carefully about what could go wrong, and plan accordingly. Problem is, most economists don’t think like an engineer, who are familiar with the costs of failure.
We have no idea how many people believe the nonsense that is parroted on right wing media empires, they exist in video, cable TV, online websites, social media postings, so there could be way less people buying into the right wing talking points than you think. Of course that doesn't mean they won't join the mob when they march on the LIBS.
Our main problem is that Americans don't learn enough logic and reasoning skills in school. If we keep on failing to educate the next generation to understand and CARE whether something is true and logical, then eventually nobody will stand up for what is right and good, and the tyrants will have their way with us when resource scarcity increases during the environmental apocalypse which is developing right in front of our eyes. More people need to be better educated to smell the proverbial bologni that the right wing fringe/establishment is selling to Americans.
Capitalism is a such a simple concept. Why then does it seem so complicated? It's because we actually have a hybrid system, composed of capitalism and feudalism, and that brings out the worst features of both. We have so much wealth and power consecrated in a few hands that competition, the one redeeming feature of capitalism, is rendered inoperable.
The persistence of these lies goes to show how corrupted the system is. Even the Dems are largely in the weeds. Or so busy fighting for their lives the big issues get sidelined. Robert, I'd love to see you talk more about externalities. I know it sounds awful, boring and academic, but it's how most costs get socialized. While profits, guess what, all accrue to the top. This is a system that blows up -- the old Republicans playbook of boom and bust. We're being unloaded on to an incredible degree. The 'system' is sick.
We came out of WWII thinking the good guys won. This is insane. Nobody won. Once this stuff happens everybody loses. And it's happening again. Also, Robert, I'd love for you to talk about circular reasoning. About how assumptions get subtly made and entrenched because, for example, the Koch crowd wants us in the weeds so we can't step back and see the big picture. Because, if we do, we'll want to kill them. Which we won't because we're Democrats but that won't keep them from killing us. Because we're in the way.
We ended up in Star Wars or a James Bond movie and we aren't seeing it. At least not enough. The air raid sirens should be going off day and night. We're living in an emergency. But it's hard to see and once Republicans trash the economy, again, we'll be too busy scrambling to survive to do anyting but that. And it's where we're heading. Maybe in a crash. Or maybe in a slow decline. Expect a crash, because Republicans excel at these. Harding and Coolidge put the economy on crack in the 20s. And it's worse now.
Yes. Eyes on the prize. Miami is falling into the sea right now! The desert is overbuilt, people built right into the fire areas of California. What are people thinking? All unsustainable already. Fossil fuels going on and on. The weather getting more violent. Our climate battle will make this year look like child’s play. The only thing good about it is all humans will end up on the same side.
Part of Reich's Wealth and Poverty class teaches that the wealthiest live off borrowed money at very low interest and claim no taxable income. Don't we owe the national debt in large part to them through interest on bonds? Don't we rely on the wealthiest and other countries to buy US bonds to keep us solvent? Will someone please explain?
One aspect of finance that drives me crazy is Wall Street buying US infrastructure from healthcare facilities ( which we taxpayers subsidized), now to rental homes , small and even large corporations, gut them, take the monies for themselves, then package them in instruments sold BACK to US in the form of pension funds, town & city investments and WE take the HIT. Elizabeth Warren & Bernie have highlighted this, and everyone else runs to hide in their second & third home ( depending on the weather).
Milking education has already started Rahm Emanuel and Betsy Devos just gave it a big push. Milton Friedman started it inthe late 190's and early 70's with his voucher idea.
Correct. One can buy 3 month U.S. Treasury bond in one's IRA. It pays more than 5%. The Federal government uses the money I loaned to it to fund its deficit, including the forgiveness of student loans. Some countries actually balance their budgets.
Balance the budget and the economy stagnates. In a fractional reserve system.such as America's, Europe's and most developed countries, all money in circulation is created out of debt. A simply equation no debt equals no money, as the debts get paid off, the money created by a book keeping entry expire.
By debts I man all debs, Government, Corporate, municipal and yours. Every time you swipe your credit card, sign a mortgage, buy a car you are engaged in the act of money creation.
Don't believe me then google Modern Money Mechanics, a free download from wikimedia commons, printed for bankers, insiders, students by the FRBNY, now out of print.
William, I think we are off the topic that Gloria raised. How is your comment relevant.? We have created a national debt because Congress spends more money than we collect in tax revenue. Those with money to lend fund the national debt and collect interest. We rely on folks with savings and other countries to buy US bonds to keep us solvent. But all the folks are not necessarily extremely wealthy. For example, Dr. Reich's pension plan provided to him by CalPERs invests in government bonds.
Not off topic at a most folk have absolutely no idea of how our money system actually works and it's relationship to debt and thus the national debt.
I don't render value judgments I leave that to others, I merely tell how it works.
Do I know how it works, yes. I have Masters in Finance and have researched and wrote a paper on the subject.
And yes the rich get richer and the poor get poorer and the middle class slides into inextricable poverty,
all true, but totally irrelevant as to the system works.
And if you want more education.
Congress authorizes the budget (spending), it is send to Treasury, Treasury prints up government securities which it sells at discount to the Association of Primary Dealers in Government Securities I could give you the website gut I doubt that you will look it up, but Google Association of Primary Dealers in Government Securities and you will get a link to Primary Dealers, click and click again on the embedded link and you will see the names of the 25 International Financial Institutions who have the right to buy government securities which they then in turn sell to the Federal Reserve, institutions , sovereign funds and other insitutions including foreign central banks.
I also receive a pension from CalPers.
But all of it irrelevant to how money is created and what happens when there is no debt, no debt, no government bonds, no municipal debt, no state debt, no corporate debt and no personal debt.. no debt means no money, no money means depression.
The rest,the morality is immaterial to the mechanics.
William. Thank you for your detailed explanation. One of the challenges with a blog like this is that writers can assume they know another writer without evidence. For example, you don't know whether or not I would look up the reference to the Association of Primary U.S. Government Bond dealers. So be careful.
I agree when credit cards are widely available, the amount of purchasing power in circulation increases. Credit cards are a form of money. More money in circulation can drive inflation, as you explain. For those who carry a credit card balance, they pay interest which is a "freeway to poverty".
If there were no government debt, money markets, govn't bonds, etc. would not be available for one to earn interest. The interest allows one with savings to make money on money. If one has accumulated enough wealth, one can live off the interest and spend time writing to people one has never met, such as William Farrar, to exchange ideas.
Journalists continue to blame the POTUS for inflation or give credit for lack thereof, which, as you point out, is not true. Yet journalists seem to think the population chooses the POTUS based on the current rate of inflation. The U.S. voters are much smarter, know the truth, and give more weight to items that matter, such as whether a POTUS supports our Constitution or would become a dictator like Hitler. I hope I am correct about our people and Trump will be remembered in history as our first and last POTUS who became a traitor to America.
I don't understand why I should be careful when mentioning the APDGS. Whether one looks it up, or takes my word, is up to them, nothing to be careful about, I gave them the source, how to verify it, and it is up to them whether they do or not.
Earned interest on government securities is peanuts, unless one holds millions of dollars in securities, then it adds up. As the interest rate (set by the Fed's Open Market committee, and approved b the Chairman, filters down, interest paid to the consumer for savings accounts (and my credit union pays interest on checking acounts as well) is peanuts.
The only people who can live off interest are billionaires, you and I can't.
Mutual funds, retirement funds, that hold hundreds of millions, billions of securities can.
My wife worked for municipalities that opted out of social security, they took the FICA out of her pay, and their own contribution,(which they call payroll tax) and invested in a fund authorized by IRS code 501(a), also 507c, where you can stash before tax income and reduce your taxable income.
The company has various plans, from high yield/.high risk to low yield/low risk.
I advised her to go for the low risk, government securities plan. she hasn't made a withdrawal yet,, but has to next year when she reaches 72., then she will pay tax.
I agree with you, the inflation as a political issue, is all hype by the media and corporations, especially financial corporations.
Nothing is an issue,until the media tells them it is an issue.
The media tells us what to think, what to worry about, what is a crisis, what is a threat. Fear, bad news, titillation, disgust sells.
We are drawn to conflict, gladiatorial games are older than Greece and Rome. People who buy season tickets and have a breakdown because they missed a game on TV are addicts. Reality TV, Survivor, elections. Presidential elections are the ultimate reality TV. Without them Steve Karnacki would be just another nerd flipping burgers.
I am trying to understand your comment. You can read about money supply: M1 through M4 on the internet. When the money supply is increased by large federal deficits, it drives inflation. Inflation began under Trump's administration and continued under Biden's. The responsible party was Congress, not the POTUS.
Here is how that works, their is short term inflation, when the money supply increases, and increases by lowering the interest rate, which increases the demand for debt.
There is long term inflation, that which drives the price of a three bedroom home with 1 bath from $9,000 to a quarter of a mill, and a care from $2,000 to $32,000
Short term inflation can be corrected by decreaseing the money supply, by raising interest rates.. in theory, but the demand for debt is now pretty much inelastic meaning it doesn't respond much to increases in interest rate.
And Inflation didn't start with Trump, it started in the 1960's,.
In the 1960's the only credit cards were gas cards, I had Gulf and Texaco. Diners Cards and American Express were out of the reach of common folk like me, we didn't have the qualifying income. Inflation was stable, there was hardly any debt, except for mortgages, car loans, and if you couldn't buy it in cash, you could get a revolving credit, as I did from Sears.
Then comes Visa and Mastercard, interest rates soared, inflation soared.
Same shit happened in Panama, I lived there from 1975 - 1978, no inflation, and no credit cards, living was cheap, then Citicard came out with a massive propaganda campaign, and everyone has a credit card, prices have gone through the roof, inflation is rampant.
My ex, who is Panamanian and also draws from CalPers, considered moving back to Panama, she has family there,but can't afford it anymore. When I was there I lived on fresh tenderloin and fresh giant prawns, fresh veggies, it was the good life, I doubt that I could afford it anymore.
As regards the responsibility. I never even insuated it was POTUS, in fact neither Trump, nor Biden nor any other President has any control over inflation, that lies with the Federal Reserve , manufacturers and middle men (the supply chain)
Gees, I don't know where people come up with these ideas. Maybe they read shit into what I say, or maybe what I am trying to explain doesn't fit with their recall of reality.
I understand the mechanics of how it works but I can't understand how it can continue indefinitely. I have read that it can because it's not like a household budget because the debt ceiling can be raised indefinitely. But resources, including labor, are exhaustable.
The government creates the money (thru the Federal Reserve and banking system), but it's the people who create the wealth (products and services). When the government increases the money supply much faster than the people increase wealth, you get inflation. Inflation ultimately shrinks the government's debt burden, so they can borrow more. And so it continues, unless inflation is allowed to get out of control, and then the economic system collapses, like Germany in the 1920s and Venezuela recently.
In order to indefinitely continue deficit spending, I assume Congress counts on higher income tax revenues from the production of new immigrants, higher GDP from American corporations, and inflation.
No deficit spending, no new money, no new money, no consumer demand,no consumer demand no jobs, no jobs,a depresssion, but I've already tried to explain this above.
You are correct Gloria and that hilights the problem that our society has. This people are like Sharks. I've used the analogy before in reference to building contractors, it is a pyramid scheme and like sharks they have to keep swimming or they suffocate and die. That's why the Peter Thiels, the Bezo's, the Jamie Dimons can't stop but have to keep trying to expand their wealth hence their power, if they stop they die.
I've seen trailers but not interested in the movie or is it a series. Defies logic.
A train traveling for ever on snow covered tracks, requires food, water and fuel
I have problems with movies that have logic gaps. like a war movie where the airplane they take off from is a C-47 and then they jump for a from a C-130, or where a dude shots 40 shots from a pistol and never misses even at 50 ft. John Wick
We Democrats need to not let the tax cut done by Trump be forgotten by the general public--I feel that it has been shoved out of the discussion. It needs to be repealed, if there is a way to do it. It was his big grift on the American people and should be brought back to public attention. Then be undone.
There is no need for repeal... Many of the cuts are due to expire in 2025. We need to make sure that they are not extended, and additional taxes on the very wealthy are implemented.
Professor Reich: and even now, with all their benefits, the rich and the corporations don't pay their taxes in full, which is one thing that elizabeth warren has been working on remedying, with some success.
as they say, with trickle-down economics, the only thing that trickles down is misery and shit.
NOTE: edited to correct a typo. my apologies.
Elizabeth Warren should have been President. It was rotten that she was sidelined by the DNC and the Clinton campaign, but what a reformer and smart "clean-up batter" she is! I heard her interviewed tonight and her intelligence and decency as the interviewer noted various aspects of her history, including as a former Harvard Law School professor, bring to mind the vile ways in which the coward-bully-criminal trump repeatedly tried to belittle her. He is such a little, ugly, mean, worthless criminal and all he can do to try to look big is to put on that disgustingly odd voice and call people who are his betters by miles and miles silly, moronic names.
She was our choice in the primary. She is really a champion of the people and the rich fear her righteous indignation.
But America is still not ready for a woman president. Sadly.
Of course, after Biden wins, it is statistically likely that Harris will inherit the job. I would be very comfortable with her at the helm.
All that being said, in retrospect, I definitely underestimated Biden. He has been the best president in my lifetime. Of course, most of his predecessors set the bar pretty low. Still, I am wicked proud of President Joseph Biden. 👏
Me too. So grateful for President Biden.
How long is your lifetime? I remember LBJ, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Jimmy Carter and his environmentalism, he even put solar panels on the White House Roof, which Reagan took down on day 1.
LBJ gets high marks for those accomplishments. But his Vietnam horrors can't be forgiven.
I don't believe in heaven. But one should be invented for Jimmy Carter. Not perfect, but pretty close.
I'm 77 and my first vote was proudly for George McGovern.
Bill, one must have lived through and politically understand the times.
The Democratic party was being called communist, or sympathizers.
It started when JFK nixed the Bay of Pigs support. I was, then, a fervent anti communist. A right winger and proud of it.
I and others on the right accused JFK of being a commie, and the Democratic party as well. LBJ inherited that umbrage.
JFK actually had a plan to remove our troops from Vietnam, his involvement was to use special forces, even let them wear a green beret,for which they adore him to this day, gave them their own command, and they were limited to instructing the locals, government militias, Montegnards and the ARVN, after his death there was a movement to withdraw, but the war hawks, the corporations, like Exxon, then called Chevron, had other plans, but LBJ and the Democratic party were being called commie cowards, so an attack on a navy vessel in the Bay of Tonkin was fabricated.
Now lets consider what would have happened had not the Bay of Tonkin been fabricated and LBJ got us more heavily involved.
We pull out of Vietnam,or try to, and the Republicans and anti communists go ape shit. LBJ and the Democrats are called Commies.
In 1967 between deployments I lived with a Vietnamese Sgt and his family in Strategic Hamlet #5 (Ap Chien Luoc khom nom), I could read and speak, not write (too many accent marks) Vietnamese.
One day chatting with the Hamlet chief, whom I knew to be playing both sides, he told me that America will lose. I asked him why, and he showed me the Saigon Post and pointed to Sen church and the Church committee,saying more communists in America than in Vietnam.
In truth, the Viet Cong were not motivated by communism, but by liberation, first from the French, then from the Americans, because the Americans supported a corrupt Catholic class of overlords, created by the French.
LBJ signing the Civil Rights Act in Jul 1964, lit a firestorm of reaction, and only added fuel to the fire that he was a commie subversive, the Bay of Tonkin Resolution a month later threw water on that fire and enabled him to pass and sign the Voting Rights act of 1965.
The history of the world is more complex than minds looking for simple answers and filled with ideology cling to.
Remember also at the time I was a right wing extremist, and voted for Goldwater in 1964.
As a young lad, I too was obsessed with anti-communism. My high school English teacher brought two of us to a Goldwater rally at Madison Square Garden. I was too young to vote, but I had "Conscience of a Conservative" on my bedside table. AUH2O64!
It must have been Nixon who turned me into a lefty. Meeting a diverse group of guys from all over the country during basic and AIT at Ft Dix was also an eye opener. What a bubble I had grown up in.
My folks were "I like Ike" WASPs. Served in North Africa and Italy. Thought little of JFK. Mom hated him. But our entire family was in tears when he was killed.
At some point I realized that Barry was part of the oligarchal cabal along with Buckley that told lie after lie about those who were the "mudsills" I met in NJ.
Thank you for your story.
How few of us break away from our bubbles, eh?
William, People I know want to believe the Republican Party went off the rails with Reagan. That is not true. It has been going off the rails since the 1930s, possibly before that with Hoover not wanting to step in to do anything to keep the depression from destroying people's lives. Republicans as a group have stood against nearly everything that would actually help people: the New Deal, preparing for WWII, unions, electrifying rural areas, and on and on. Eisenhower had his positive moments like sending in troops to help the Little Rock 9 and ramping up the space program and science in the schools, but he also got us into Vietnam, permitted Joe McCarthy to go on a rampage against American citizens for no honest reason. Nixon was a part of the anti-Communist thing from before he was tapped to be vice president. The old Communist, Socialist, whatever Republicans can come up with at any moment continue to this day and all Republicans and other uninformed people have no idea what any of those terms mean and think OMG, they must be horrible when they are OK with the terrible things Trump and Kump are saying and plotting. For them, an insurrectionist seems like a patriot. Republicans are deteriorating and working hard to take us all down with them.
William, thank you for sharing your interesting and valuable experience. As to the Golf of Tonking Resolution, LBJ promised the Senate that he would not use it to expand the war. He went back on his word, and the most prominent members of his own party condemned him. Senator Fulbright later wrote The Arrogance of Power, a book all us should read and re-read time and time again.
Bill, my first presidential vote was also for McGovern, another guy who really cared for the American people. He would really be distressed to see what has happened to South Dakota since he left us.
My 2nd presidential vote was for George McGovern. I voted for Shirley Chisholm in the primary.
Carter was also very high on human rights, making it a major factor in foreign policy. But he was a bad luck president, facing matters that were mostly out of his control: high inflation he inherited from Nixon/Ford, the boycott by the oil cartel & long waits at gas stations, the hostage taking by Iran & the sabotage by Reagan/Bush of Carter's negotiations with the Iranian president for the release of the hostages... I think his 2nd term would've been outstanding, but we will never know.
According to the Brookings Institute, Carters main failure was that he was a Process President a quick read worth reading.
The 1979 oil crisis was supposedly caused by the Iranian revolution, cutting off oil exports to Europe, Iran is part of OPEC and it was just a way for Saudi Arabia, and the other members of OPEC to increase their profits.
The Kingdom and the Emirates made so much money from the 1973 and 1979 "crisis" that they manufactured that Riyadh, Medina and Mecca were
modernized,
The hostage rescue operation failed at Desert One, Operation Eagle Claw, because a naval supply officer, a Lt Commander, on the aircraft carrier that carried the Sea Stallions, didn't check the length of the four refueling hoses.
They were suppose to be 100 ft long, one was 60 ft long, and couldn't reach the chopper, the chopper thenlifted off and tried to reposition, but kicked up the sand, the blades sliced into the bladder bird (A C-130 carrying a bladder of jet fuel) sliced the bladder a spark and the rest is history.
There was a team in the hills overlooking Tehran, that was providing weather reports and intel. I doubt that the operation wold have succeeded though.
too complicated, too many variables.
I don't believe there was room for landing four Sea stallions around the Embassy, the special operators would have been fast roped, the choppers then moved to the airport, meaning the airport would have to have been secured, a Sea /Stallion can carry: Up to 38 fully-equipped troops or 55 troops with centerline seats installed. The hostages and operators make their way from the Embassy through Tehran to the airport.
There were 52 hostages, two sea stallions could have carried them plus special operator escorts. one or two Sea Scallions would have carried forces needed to secure the airport.
The Question mark is making it through Tehran to the airport., as it was there were 8 casualties in Operation Eagle Claw, there would have been many more, including hostages I'm sure had the insertion succeeded.
It was a hare brained idea cooked up by Zbignew Brzrezinski, Mika's father . Joe Scarborough's wife and co host
The whole charade with Iranian oil as an excuse for the 1979 crisis, is that the west is not using Iranian oil these days, 90% of it is shipped to China.
It is just not OPEC that genefits from a reduction in supply, it is Exxon, Shell, BP, the whole oil cabal, which see profits soar as supply decreases.,and Russia does extremely well.
William, LBJ did make a lot of relaly good moves and had it not been for Vietnam, he might now be considered the "greatest" president if that title means anything. I always regretted that he was not able to finish his plans for affordable housing, better working conditions for employees, and so much more. For me, Biden is a direct descendant of the LBJ efforts toward equity.
Yes Ruth, I agree with you. Too bad Biden can't finish his march towards sanity and equity, instead we are encumbered by idiots who are all wrapped up in a culture war, invented by the ruling class.
Yep.
Do you realize, Bill, that 5 of the first 10 in line of succession for the Presidency are women? Kamala Harris, Patty Murray, Janet Yellon, Deb Haaland and Gina Raimondo.
Me, too, Bill. He is doing a complicated and difficult job with grace, skill, and quietude. I am so impressed - and so hoping that November sees him still in office and with strong support in the House and the Senate.
America not being ready for a woman is a false assertion that developed just in time to discourage people from voting for Warren, the giant (corporation) slayer. Supposed assumption was that since Hillary Clinton, the DNC/corporatist establishment darling, who was under investigation when it meant something to the American people to be under suspicion of a crime, reopened just a week before the election, waged a terrible campaign & never connected with the American people at a time when 3/4 of the electorate was anti-establishment, & her favorability rating was in the high negative 20s, couldn't win the election against a clearly unfit opponent who had a favorability rating in the high negative 30s, even though she got almost 3 million more votes, then no woman could win. As Dr. Reich would say, "Rubbish!".
All that you said about HRC is true. But even with her multiple flaws, she would have been an extremely competent president. Putin probably would have refrained from invading Ukraine.
If she had been a man she would have walked away with the job. True, her campaign was poor. But she lost because she is a woman. Misogyny is in the DNA of millions of us.
BTW, Warren was my first choice.
I have no idea why it is, but my ability to enter a "like" with the "heart emoji" does not work anymore, leaving me, it would appear, heartless! Not so. Please imagine that there is one more "like" added because there is, just not a visible one! In other words, great post.
Thank-you, Annie!
That seems to be happening to a lot of people, and to me now & then. Often my likes at first take then disappear.
Presidents don't make tax laws. Congress does. Neither Biden or Trump could not implement their tax proposals without Congress voting to have them become laws and policy.
Senator Warren, who happens to be one of the Senator's from the state I live in, lost the primary. If she had won, it's anyones guess if she could have beaten Trump. One thing that would have happened the Republicans would have used the socialist meme and her progressive voting record against her. One thing progressive leaning voters forget is the U.S. is not predominately progressive. A lot of Americans when presented with progressive ideas, such as affordable healthcare and sensible baking regulations, agree that those are good ideas. However there is a disconnect with the idea and the person who wants to make those progressive policies law when running for public office.
That's the problem with the Democrats or I should say the people who vote for Democrats, they don't really hold the people they vote for accountable for what they do in Congress or the White House.
Case in point. After Obama won in 2008 Democrats went home and a vast majority of them went home and thought, great, Obama will solve all our problems. Democrats failed to show up for the elections of 2010 and 2014 and guess what happened. Jin 2010 John Boehner(R) became Speaker of the House and in 2010 Mitch McConnell took control of the Senate. The SCOTUS then became a majority Republican court and lower federal courts gained a lot of extreme right wing judges.
It's happening again as a lot of people who vote for the Democrats are saying they wont be voting in November. From what I've read about this it's about 18% of voters who lean to Democrats in most of the battleground states are planing on not voting or voting for a third party. That's enough of a margin for Trump to win.
This is on the Democrats for not having a cohesive message and I'll add for not having a primary and letting Biden run again.
Jeff , Biden is the only choice at the moment, If Trump was in jail as he should be, Biden would not seek a second term. We are not running on the person per say, but the principles of the Constitution. Biden is still the best chance we have; I hope these unfortunates who wish to throw their vote away will reconsider and open their minds instead of and opening our country to a criminal dictatorship run by murderous thugs Like Russia, China, North Korea Brazil, Turkey, Hungry etc.
The Democrats should have convinced Biden to not run for reelection over a year ago. That said, you're right he's the only choice. The future of what's left of the democratic republic is now left up to an 81 year old man who is obviously having some issues with his memory and other health issues that people of his age are prone to have. That's a problem. How do people who are not Democrats who don't want Trump to win another term in office vote for Biden? It's hard to know but judging on what's been said since the debate Biden is in deep trouble. The other thing that is disturbing about Biden is he allegedly thinks that he alone can beat Trump even though there's enough evidence to suggest just about any other Democrat has about the same chance as Biden.
This is a mess that the Democrats have laid on the nation. That's not good.
Jeff, thanks for your astute summation of the challenges Sen. Warren would have faced is she'd won. On the question of a Democratic presidential primary, I believe primary campaigns would had to at least mention Joe Biden's age and frailty, which have been fuel for opposition PR attacks. I wish there had been a viable alternative but cannot think of anyone with suitable stature to topple a sitting president, much less take on Donald.
I should have added the Democrat's primary would have been held due to Biden not running for a second term. As to someone of a suitable stature winning a primary, well that's what primaries are for. I think it would have been good for the Democratic party.
I completely agree
I think your point about not having a cohesive message is particularly important. And an important part of a cohesive message is Professor Reich's (and other similar data) reporting about how Republicans and most recently the pseudo-Republican Trump cause huge increases in national debt which they then blame on Democrats! Furthermore, discussions about taxation/taxes/paying taxes should be cast in CONTEXT, and the context is at least two-fold: WHY we pay taxes and HOW we want our taxes spent - and I would add that paying our taxes is a kind of patriotism and the avoidance of paying taxes is an anti-American "industry." First "rule" is one of language choice: NEVER refer to Republicans, as we now know them to actually be,
as " conservative." They are anything but."conservative." They are "conservative" with THEIR money, but PROFLIGATE with yours, and to hell with the well-being of the country in any way as long as the personal "hoard" of the "conservative" is not diminished.
It is an eternity between now and November. Undecided folks may, the more they see of Donald J Trump, decide that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and vote for Biden. And just as importantly, for Democrats all down the ballot
🦈⚡️🦈⚡️
Jeff, you are right, and this is why women are our last hope.
Biden's poll numbers are not good. Trump's re not much better if you leave out the Republican party. I don't buy the undecided angle as I think anyone who can't make up their mind at this point as probably not going to vote.
Biden is in trouble with 18 to 30 voters, Black male voters of all ages, Latino voters, and with independents he's not doing well either. There are not many incumbents have won with approval ratings below 50%. Biden's are about 37%. Lower than Trump's (43%) in 2019 going into the 2020 election. Incidentally Obama's were 43% in 2011. He won reelection in 2012 but his poll numbers before the election went up to 53% or so.
Biden needs better approval numbers to win. If Biden is below the mid to high 40's or higher he's not likely to win. Biden needs his approval rating's to go up by 10 to 13%. I don't see that happening in the next 5 months. If Israel gets into a war with Hezbollah this summer we could see Biden's poll numbers could go lower.
Pollsters have been spectacularly wrong in the last couple of cycles. I pay attention to them, but don’t consider them terribly reliable. All that one can do is to vote. If voters are apathetic, then indeed Biden may lose. After that, no one will have to worry about their choices. If voters get energized, Trump goes down to a crushing defeat. His supporters are noisy, but they’re not the majority. We’ll see what happens.
Who's assessments on the Republicans are you on about?
I've not said anything about the Republicans at length due to my focus on Biden and the Democrats not seeming to grasp what's at stake in this election as a party. Which you pointed out in your comment. The Republicans are now a Christian nationalist authoritarian party. There is no doubt. Look at Texas and Louisiana and other red states.
As to the Supreme Court, all the Catholics on the court came out of the Federalist Society and the man in charge of getting the court packed with right wing extremist is Leonard Leo, who is a Christian nationalist. What we are seeing is not by accident. It's by design and decades of planing. Something the Democrats have ignored. Which is why there's 6/3 right wing majority on the SCOTUS.
https://www.propublica.org/article/we-dont-talk-about-leonard-leo-supreme-court-supermajority
https://jacobin.com/2023/07/leonard-leo-dark-money-abortion-lgbtq-maine-church
Warren would've crushed Trump in the debates. She's great at standing up to the wealthy & powerful bullies & shaming them. She's extremely sharp & energetic & very strong on the issues, having viable solutions for each one.
Senator Warren would have had to win a primary first. She was unable to get enough support from the Democrats to run in 2020.
I totally agree Jeff. I am trying to think of one thing Obama accomplished in his 8 years besides the ACA which was a gift to and written by the Association of Health Insurance Providers lobbyists., while Rahm Emanuel gave them an open door to the White House while excluding Bernie Sanders and Single Payor advocates.
One other thing, at Joe Biden's insistence, he directed DOJ not to defend the Defense of Marriage act, which led to Obergefell.
Which shows that Biden can and has gotten involved in DOJ, contrary to present claims.
You are correct. There are only five swing states AZ, N V, MI, PA, WI, AZ and NV are basically irrelevant MI had 15 electoral votes, PA 19, WI 11. Those states were won by Biden with around 10,000 votes in 2020. Each of those states have over 100,000 Muslims, and more than that blacks, and black males are threateing to sit out the election or vote third party,.
Cornell West might get their vote in places like NC, but NC is Republican and will go for Trump, however GOP operatives are working overtime to get West on ballots.
Muslims and Blacks, and students may have an orgasm sticking it to Biden, and I hope they enjoy it, because they will not enjoy what Trump is going to do them.
Project 2025, Agenda 47 and Trumps own unregulated mouth tell the story.
BTW in 2020 GA, NC and VA were swing states, but in those states Republican legislatures have enacted voter suppression laws and procedures, and GOP governors are planning, recruiting and training 100,000 Armed poll watchers
Add Florida. Abortion on the ballot. Marijuana. Trump won in 2020 by 3.2%. Only 2% will flip. We expect abortion will increase the vote by 20%.
William , I like what you said here.
"Muslims and Blacks, and students may have an orgasm sticking it to Biden, and I hope they enjoy it, because they will not enjoy what Trump is going to do them. Project 2025, Agenda 47 and Trumps own unregulated mouth tell the story." I think what we can do is try to reach those voting blocs and tell that story, so that Trump & Co. do not have the chance to "do them."
I don't know how I can reach out to Muslims, blacks and students, I don't have a megaphone, but less a microphone. You would think the talking heads on MSNBC, like Symone, Joy, Michael, Al, even Chris, and Rachel would make that connection, but that they don't, maybe they aren't allowed, I've watched them interview blacks and Muslims, even students who said they can't vote for Biden because of Gaza, and not one was challenged with "So then you are in essence voting for Trump". They let the declarations stand without challenge or follow up.
I wish R Hodson, but life's experience has informed me, that people are not far sighted and they make decisions based on grievances and fear.
Biden has been trying to tell people, and the Democratic party as well, what they have gained under Biden, but they don't care, they don't listen, all they see is what is in front of them, the price of a loaf of bread
We are children, just taller. You tell a child what is good for them, what they shouldn't do and they ignore you or do the opposite.
Anyone who votes third party is giving their vote to Trump
She was my top candidate for President in 2020. Also my pick for VP after Biden won. She had many well-crafted plans ready to go. Big business is deathly afraid of her.
I'm with you, Jaime, all the way. Elizabeth Warren is probably the smartest senator/member of Congress we've got going. I tried to tell my local chapter of the Dem party, back in about late 2014/early 2015, when they were already talking Hillary, that No! they should not support her. Why Elizabeth Warren deferred to Hillary and opted out of running, I would LOVE to have been a fly on the wall during THAT discussion! SO-O-O-O DISAPPOINTING! She was by far the better candidate!
As it was, and I think few people will remember this, Hillary went straight to Goldman Sachs, after winning the nomination, and other Wall Street players, and told them, "Don't worry, everything will still be the same," speeches for which she was paid $7,000,000, and for which the transcripts were never released. Hillary was as crooked as they come, and baggage, baggage, baggage all the way. I can't speak to history, we like to think she would've kicked butt with Putin, but we just don't know. Bill Clinton gave us NAFTA, after all, took down SmithFeingold, did other things that worked against us. The whole debacle over doing State Dept. business over their personal, SECURE, WELL-MAINTAINED HOME SERVER --- the State Department's computer infrastructure was so antiquated, I didn't blame her for that!
Anyway, all that is history, but I truly believe ELIZABETH WARREN would STILL make a great president! And during that time, she also wrote three books, which I read, but the titles elude me now, something about "This Fight Is Our Fight" and "Fighting Chances," maybe, and the third was a book she wrote on personal finance with her daughter, and it . . . was . . . GREAT, I learned a lot from it! (Her daughter told her that she lacked a sense of humor, and so she was able to add the lighter touch to it. Funny! [But Lord knows this country needs the seriousness of Elizabeth Warren!]) At any rate, I wrote in her name on the 2016 ballot, and I am proud of it. I just could not bring myself to vote for Hillary (who got 3 million more votes anyway). I think both Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are NATIONAL TREASURES, and the idea that "they can't win," according to DNC low-ball "thinking," is just pure bullshit pulled over the eyes of the American people!! It's DNC propaganda and lies, is all it is.
I agree Annie:. Warren scared the establishment Hillary represented the establishment.
The establishment: Financial institutions, Chamber of Commerce, Business Round table, Billionaires... in a word deep pockets
Only one Establishment threatens us with extinction: fossil fuels. Note also that every culture war trope out there ends with a denial of climate change. Should the Republicans win we will have oil-powered Christianity for decades to come.
No argument here.
What concerns me Victor is that I have 30 great grandhildren and on great great grandchild.
I fear for the future because we have passed the tipping point of 350ppm of co2, not to mention methane. And we see the effects as I write, and there is no concern, no alarm, life continues apace as if it were all theoretical. Even as those who call it a hoax suffer the most.
The anthropocene started in the 1950's as the world industrialized big time after WWII. The earth has gone through many epochs, the holocene gave way to the anthropocene and all of the epochs lasted hundreds of thousands if nor millions of years, save the anthropocene the shortest lived of all. a centruy at best if the most optimisitic of scientific forecasts are true.
Do you recall the song "Enjoy yourself it is later than you think" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kisr3daNRx0&ab_channel=LouisPrima-Topic
You are optimistic Victor. Current scientific estimates for the end of the anthropocene range from 2034 to 2100.
Well, however many decades we have left, which won't be many if they're in charge.
She is one of only a handful of Senate Dems that can explain policies so regular Americans can understand them. The President NEEDS vocal support that educates voters. Yeah..she's the best!
Annie, you are right about Elizabeth Warren. I voted for her in the primaries because I know she would have been an excellent president. I have to admit Biden has done a really good job and I know that a good part of that is because he has listened to and followed advice from people like Elizabeth Warren. Unfortunately, had she been nominated for president in 2020, she would have been sabotaged just as Hillary Clinton was in 2016. Too many white men are in charge of things in this country along with a few of their female surrogates and people are still raising their girls and boys to believe girls are inferior and can't do anything in the public sphere. We need to start seriously reaching people/parents and teachers to help them see girls as true leaders, not superior, but ultimately of equal value to men and anyone else. It's time! I know there is another bunch of Elizabeth Warrens just getting ready in the wings. We need to get them into Congress and state legislatures and governorships to prepare them for the big move, maybe in 2028, if Trump is not elected this year.
Well, We live in a world that belongs to the “Chosen People, Elizabeth Warren is not a Chosen one”. Perhaps, she needs a Dual Citizenship ?
The phrase "trickles down" should be changed to "gushes down". Trickle doesn't describe what actually happens.
Gushes UP! is more factual
I was thinking "trickles down" is a bad concept but what actually happens is worse, therefore "gush down" is worse than "trickle down".
In any case, maybe you are right. Did I get my trickles and gushes backwards?
I'm not sure. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment.
Yes, Todd, especially when jobs get offshored.
Actually I prefer "gushes up" that's what it does - it gushes from the bottom 70% of us to the top 10%
I've used the phrase "Hoovering Up", referring to both vacuuming (Hoover vacuum model of by gone days) = sucking up whatever the 'device' is aimed at &&& President Herbert Hoover (great depression era) for facilitating the "Great Depression".. & IMO expresses what is going on economically in this - day and age~
When businesses offshored jobs their incomes gushed UP.
And everyone else's went down!!!
Please see my above note/
Progressive taxation is a necessary part of a thriving capitalist economy. 1) It prevents the wealthy from becoming so powerful that they can distort the market upon which capitalism depends , 2) it enables infrastructure spending for the common good (roads, schools, healthcare) that are not otherwise provided by the market, and 3) It puts money in pockets that can be used for consumption, thereby stimulating the entire economy. Everybody wins, including the owners of production. But hey, don't take my word for it, it's all there in "Wealth of Nations,"
What Trump wants is to perpetuate Socialism for the Rich, for what is tax avoidance, other than government welfare? Funny how the Rich applaud this form of socialism, but decry as socialism the loaf of bread given to the common man.
The rich and greedy corporations think it's all an entitlement. No matter who wins in November, it’s highly unlikely the really rich and corporations will lose to paying more tax. They will weasel out of having to pay more. The rich and corporations are all morally corrupt, and if the choice is theirs, they will do whatever it takes to protect that wealth because they don’t care.
Which is precisely why capitalism requires strong government, as Adam Smith pointed out 248 years ago, and which the demented Reagan stood on its head 44 years ago, resulting in the current mess.
Register Democrats to stop trickle down oblivion.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Yes! And it’s all laid out in the book, Evil Geniuses.
To weasel out, CEOs are compensated with stock options, the gains from which, when realized, are taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income.
That CAN be corrected by changes to the tax code, it is not written in stone. I would propose a progressive capital gains tax, with a significant exemption that phases out based on income so small investors can cash in certain gains with little or no tax but for incomes over say $5m all gains are taxed as income. Also, I would close the ridiculous loophole that allows billionaires to live off LOANS taken against stock holdings tax free for years until they maybe cash out their stocks or "donate" them to a "charitable" trust where they remain the beneficiary.
Louise - could you explain the mechanism by which billionaires live off loans? where does the money come from to repay the loans? or are they really self-gifting? is this all just a twisted accounting gimmick?
Paul, I will take a swing at answering you. The wealthy own assets which can be used as collateral for loans. They (or any non-billionaire with the means) can set aside an asset as collateral and borrow against it. They will pay interest as a cost of in essence "borrowing from themselves", but that cost would be lower than paying tax on the income gained from those assets.
R Hodson - I get that part, but at some point don't they have to have some income to pay the interest? or do they just "make" enough in income to pay the interest? so if they "borrowed" 12 million (million per month) per year, at 5% simple interest would that be $600,000. where would that money come from? but wait, if I have interest income, what is that taxed at if that were the only income i had? so if i had 24 million, and got 5% interest, that would pay the interest on the borrowed money. right? wrong? thanks!
Great ideas
Louise, I like your suggestion of a progressive capital gains tax. I recommend you write to your congressperson to propose this. I have not read any legislative proposal about changing how we tax capital gains.
I am not sure government has the authority to block a loan a bank is willing to provide with stock as its security. Brokerage firms commonly loan money to investors secured by their stock. When the stock ownership is transferred to a charitable trust the borrower no longer owns it and cannot use it as security for a loan. A detailed analysis of the tax code is required to understand what can be done.
On a related matter, unless we have a new Presidential candidate on the Democratic side, I suspect Trump will win and no progressive tax policy changes will happen for the next 4 years. More likely, tax policy will be changed to benefit those who for many years have spent less than their after tax income.
Louise, I loved this, ". I would propose a progressive capital gains tax, with a significant exemption that phases out based on income so small investors can cash in certain gains with little or no tax but for incomes over say $5m all gains are taxed as income. " I also favor closing the billionaires' loan exemption loophole, possibly also on a progressive taxation basis.
The state of Washington recently imposed a State Capital Gains Tax which, while not actually progressive -- it is a flat 7% -- it has a $262k threshold and exempts certain gains, such as the sale of real estate, IRA & other. Here is a link: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/other-taxes/capital-gains-tax
Your first proposal is reasonable Louise. Suggest it to your Congressperson. I have suggested my idea to my Congressman. I am not sure about how Congress might change the law that addresses your second proposal.
My congressperson is a Trump sycophant- and I live in a BLUE state.
The irony has to hurt as much as the sting of paying them to legislate against your best interests.
thank you for that information!
Straight on Michael. The Wealth of Nations may be archaic reading, but Adam Smith was correct in 1776 and he is still correct today. REGULATED Capitalism is the best and most equal form of economics. It distributes wealth across the entire system. In societies as large as ours, you also need a touch of socialism to assure sustenance for all.
But what we have today is unregulated capitalism at its worst and socialism for the least needy - corporate America and the wealthy.
I just wish that a) Biden could get this message out, and that b) Bernie Sanders would stop call himself a socialist - he's not, he just wants an economy like that of Denmark, where billionaires exist, but they pay their fucking taxes.
I am sick and tired of people saying that Single Payer and Head Start is Socialism! When I got laid off in 2001, I had to work 2 low paying jobs with no insurance benefits! One sprained ankle cost me 2 weeks pay! The Right calls programs for the common good "big government ", but banning books. Contraceptives, IVR, abortion and several horrendous Court decisions ISN'T big government?💩💩💩💩😡😡
Yes! Perfectly said!
All one has to do to get Trumps attention is to say “ the rich will get richer” under this plan and the dufus will sign what you put in front of him - he has no thoughts or concerns about the nation, its people or its overall prosperity- Trump is a hugely flawed human without an empathy or remorse gene. Trump hates dogs, man’s best friend.
I can’t imagine that any dog could love Trump. Dogs are smarter than that. The man exudes evil and would bite them if he could.
Get visceral.
Every time you see a pet ad, a pet or animal charity on Facebook or other social media, say the magic words, "Trump hates dogs."
On military and history sites "Not suckers or losers."
On charity sites: "Trump stole from kids with cancer.
Socialism for the Rich, that's a good one! Instead of focusing on 'taxing the rich', I think it's a better argument (as you pointed out) to 'enable infrastructure spending for common goods.' Those projects are easily seen and experienced by everyone. New streets in my town! Thanks, Joe!
Mine, too! Streets we can actually drive down safely, with sidewalks, something this town has largely not had, since its incorporation back in 1799!!
I agree Michael. But, our current tax policy is progressive. To make it more progressive Congress, not the POTUS, can raise the marginal rate and/or revisit the lower tax rate on capital gains. Congress proposes, the POTUS disposes according to our Constitution. POTUS can suggest but is not in charge of tax policy.
That's why it's important to expect Biden AND a Democratic House.
Not in Iowa; the governor is pushing for a flat income tax. She wants to eliminate the income tax altogether, figuring her low info supporters will blame the local politicians for the major increases in property taxes that will come because the State no longer helps fund localities.
Urge her to support a carbon tax. We desperately need this.
State tax issues are not federal
Understood. My point is she's doing the same thing Trump will attempt if he takes office. It seems to me that mainly low information (and income) voters are not thinking about the down side of a flat income tax. In my opinion, a progressive income tax is the best way to keep Capitalism from becoming a form of control. Property taxes are progressive right now. In Iowa, yearly vehicle licensing fees are also.
Understood.
In 1993 I moved from California to Washington State, my annual after tax income went up $900 the moment I crossed into Oregon, I left behind a state income tax
and a vehicle licensing tax structure that supported things not covered in the state budget.
Washington state funds itself via property and sales tax. Sales tax excludes food, so it doesn't harm low income, but the rich who buy expensive toys pay more,lots more.
I pay about $160 a month in sales tax, which I figure is the cost of living in a progressive, civilized state.(at least Western Washington, Eastern an Central Washington are Alabama)
Washington ranks 24 in Property taxes and the State has property tax rates below the national average of 0.99%.
No income tax, and the people will not stand for one either, tax accountants and lawyers are the biggest lobby for a state income tax (of course).
People live in Vancouver, Washington to escape the high Oregon income tax, & shop in Portland, Oregon to avoid the Washington sales tax. They might even fill up their gas tanks in Oregon in order to receive some service.
LOL. I am familar, I know. One place they can't escape the Washington Sales tax is on line shopping.
The Prez doesn't write tax policy, but the bully pulpit is a grerat place to preach it.
Michael, thanks for bringing us back on topic. I believe that the problem is now systemic. We are now attempting to make a system that came about during the late Middle Ages in response the “crisis of the Middle Ages” work for us now. There is only so much that can be done to tweak an ancient system that is now totally controlled by the ultra-wealthy. "Economic Democracy" is a modern three tiered system that can assure that there is plenty for all. Tier one are small capitalist businesses up to say 20 employees. As they grow the ownership changes to an employee owned cooperatives. Currently there are over 29,000 cooperatively owned businesses employing more than 2 million people and accounting for over $650 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. Utilities that are consumer owned are also popular in the United States. The third tier are large utilities and heavy manufacturing that are state owned with the profits going back into the society. The emphasis is on local production and consumption. This is NOT socialism, it is common sense.
Bingo!
Well said.
Nailed it, Michael.
Is this what our founding fathers expected from a government by and for the people? Was Lincoln's view also naive?
How about we start from the premise that there is no Creator. Life becomes much simpler, no?
Juist knowing Trump is out there, is taxing in itself.
When metal roofs first hit the market people were easily impressed by the idea, however the thought of living within the confines of a kettle drum had specific problems related to sound that no one had ever considered. At certain moments in our history we find our consciousness gravitating to the sounds associated with poor judgement, like the purchase of a metal roof. Listening to Donald Trump is akin to experiencing a hailstorm while living within a structure protected by that specific building material. The defending sound heard from the experience will make your ears ring but leaves you wondering, what the hell was I thinking? Trump's sick vision of this country's future is nothing more than noise, echoing from Europe during the 1930s. Cup your hands around your mouth and scream into the night, "screw you Donald Trump."
Dear me…those sounds…the poor judgment. Indeed, what have 30% of us embraced?
Donald, I get your drift and your analogy. I had a metal (aluminum) roof installed in 2019, but first there was an underlayment of stereofoam, which absorbs shock and noise of heavy rain and hail.. We have had hail storms and I never heard them bounce off the roof.
So not a good analogy.
However I share your opinion of Trump and up the ante with right wing retards like Tom High below.
I thought you had relatives that were special Olympians and the “R” word made you feel sad? Maybe it’s you. Go for the gold billy.
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Such foul language from a lady. Or a sailor who likes to dress like a lady and argue with AI bots. Incoming Sargent numbnuts!!!
Are you training for the Olympics? Don’t forget your helmet!
William Farrar
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Ditto here. My copper roof is beautiful to look at and will last over 100 years. The sound of rain on the roof is wonderful and not deafening at all!
Tim - what did a copper roof cost?
My roof was installed over 30 years ago by a previous owner. But I did have to replace the copper gutter and downspouts on the front of the house due to ice storm damage. It cost over $ 5000! Yikes! So a copper roof is out of the question for most. But it does last almost forever if properly cared for. I read about a building that has a copper roof over 700 years old.
You said ‘yikes’. Ever price leaf guard gutters? They can cost that or more and they don’t come in copper.
I have priced leaf guards and they are a rip off. The gutter covers themselves are cheap, lost less than $100 to manufacture for a house, what you are paying for is labor, and they get paid jack squat, the rest is overhead and profit for the business.
But hearing rain on your tent is much more soothing 😮.
Unless you have to pee.
Unless you find out that you pitched your tent in a low lying spot!
😉. A wise camper knows not to. I’ve literally seen a group flushed out of their tent after choosing poorly.
Tom, did you attend Woodstock ‘69?
Love it! Thank you!
Republicans promote tax cuts but never what services disappear as a result.
Republicans are the party of selfishness.
Democrats are the party of helpfulness.
Dr. Bloxom - the republican party is a terrorist organization which promotes using violence to solve political problems. It promotes misogyny, patriarchy, white christian nationalism, theocracy (their own sick brand), bigotry, otherism, racism, classism, unregulated capitalism, and the upward shift of resources to the ultrarich. why would any sane person vote for them?
Paul - well said and accurate. Nicely done and covers it all except selfishness and greed?
What you described is what Trump, the terrorist, promotes. The Republican party acquiesces to his every desire. Therefore the Republican party is an accomplice to Trump-led crimes, bigotry, racism and all of the other things you mentioned.
That is a phenomenon beyond my comprehension other than that the Republican party must be a massive cult with Trump, a psychopath, as it's leader.
This is a sad state of affairs for our country and the world.
Yes, This is all speculation from me, but here goes: Basically Trump is a publicity hogging tool of billionaire backers. The attraction that Trump's fans have for him is frustrating and annoying, but this situation deflects us from investigating the actual "puppeteers" behind this clown. Donny's brain is likely incapable of creating the complex policies he pushes. Since he loves publicity and luxury, he probably doesn't care. We might want to focus on Donny's real backers. If DT loses and goes away, will they?
Margaret, I agree with everything you said.
Your phrase "real backers" reminds me of the great senator Sheldon Whitehouse's ongoing investigation into a few members of the Supreme Court who are being infiltrated, influenced and swayed by big-money donors.
Big money is a big concern. Citizens United was a total disaster and we are suffering from that decision right now. Thanks for your comment.
No reason, but apparently many Americans are insane.
Possibly being brainwashed preceded then caused apparent insanity?
What bothers me the most about republicans, is that red states receive a greater share of our federal tax dollars than do blue states. This is definitely a welfare state situation in the true sense of the word.
What bothers me the most about Republicans is taking credit for Biden's infrastructure projects they voted against. That is subhuman behavior.
Nah, it's just typical sleazy politician talk.
Sleazy political talk is a subset of subhuman behavior. It is nothing to minimize by saying "just".
With respect, we should avoid referring to amoral and/or immoral behavior as “subhuman “, irrespective of how much we may loathe such behavior, as a) the people committing such acts are indisputably human and b) “subhuman “ denotes a term that was part of the Nazi racist lexicon. I am sure it was not your intention to give offense but that could easily be the case.
I used Webster's Dictionary definition of subhuman as - "failing to attain the level (as of morality or intelligence) associated with normal human beings". That is a direct quote from the dictionary.
So I used a factually correct word that had nothing whatsoever to do with Nazis.
Replying to my own post— one of the difficult disciplines I studied was avoidance of the vocabulary of hate speech… one of my older and wiser professors of education even went so far as to ban the use of the word “hate” from his classroom, even its casual usage such as “I hate broccoli “. As a result we learned to eschew “hate” and embrace “intensely dislike” certain members of the brassicas.
Kristy Noem was asked about this recently. As a true Republican, she evaded the question. Trump and his associates have created a delusional fantasy for suckers. Answering questions, engaging in debates might puncture the bubble.
Where you been doctor? I get your point and agree but, they been doing that for decades.
WTF Mike, why are you taunting the Doc, You have serve no interest but Trump's by taunting an ally.
William, thank you for the backup. I agree - WTF was that all about?
And I’ll add to that, Biden pushing green infrastructure into red states. I understand his motives in trying to prevent their repeal, but are we are just economically rewarding bad behavior?
green infrastructure benefits the whole of he country and the world, it slows down global warming.
Just as pollution does not stay local, the water flows into the ocean, the winds circle the planet. The great Pacific garbage patch is bigger than then three Manhattans and is prove of that Of said garbage patches One in the Indian Ocean, two in the Atlantic Ocean, and two in the Pacific Ocean. Garbage patches of varying sizes are located in each gyre.
The Sargasso sea is now plastic not seaweed.
Obviously pollution does not stay local. But it’s the principle of this whole endeavor, whereby we reward the states that deny climate changes exists with financial benefits. While they do nothing.
There you go. States like Florida, the south, the midwest are blasted by the effects of global warming,from Hurricanes,Tornadoes, heat domes and polar vortex's. These are the taker states, the welfare queens that take more than they give to the federal coffers.. Yet they come hat in hand daily to Uncle Sam, begging for FEMA money. I would like to see an executive order, that FEMA has X amount of dollars to dispense and will so only in proportion to their contribution o the federal coffers.
Welfare hypocrites, but red states are full of them.
No, I don't think so. Biden has it right.
Pushing green infrastructure everywhere possible makes sens to me. In every red state there are many Democrats. In every blue state there are many Republicans. Dividing states into red and blue is too simplistic. Green infrastructure should apply to all states.
I don't know what color would result from mixing red blue and green but it would depend upon the proportions of each color in the mix.
blue, red, green mixed is brown, the color of feces. I would avoid that comparison.
Brown is a nice color. I don't think the millions of people who dye their hair brown think they are making their hair the color of feces.
Yes, that is also true and needs to be pointed out routinely.
Absolutely. I would also like to see that topic come up in this week's presidential debate but that is unlikely to happen.
But they always run on Small Government!
Running for the Presidency, being (or pretending to be) President, and campaigning again to be re-elected to the Presidency constitute the greatest con-game Trump has ever run and he's run a lot of them. He's nothing but a con-man, a fraudster, a mob boss and he's raking in the money from those whom he is defrauding. He must be giddy with his discovery of this easy, easy money; "money for nothin' and the chicks for free" .... "that ain't workin'; that's the way you do it, get yer money for nothin' and the chicks for free" to quote the great Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. He is a predator, a conniving cheat. "The taxing difference" is a big one, but it's only one of the many thoroughly destructive plans this crook has in mind to transfer American treasure to his own coffers. How scammed will his enablers have to be before they realize they've been handing over their money - and our country - to the scammers? Why do we ALL have to suffer for the foolish (or perhaps more venal) actions of the con-man's marks??! You want to send your money to the con-man and his mob? Go ahead, but leave the rest of us - and our country and our future and all that is precious in them - out of your malevolent ignorant decisions!
Very well said! Out of the 8 billion people on the planet Trump is the worst person for the job. Unfortunately Joe Biden’s foreign policy is horrendous and it’s taking the US and the world down the tubes. You might be interested in taking my “course”. It’s a logical way to try to get out of the mess we’re in…
Please specify as to exactly what you mean. From my perspective, Putin and Bibi have by themselves put the U.S. in a bind. How would you suggest that we deal with both differently?
Even though it’s relatively simple, in order to wrap one’s mind around the totality of what we need to do in order to try to save ourselves from ourselves it has to be presented in a “course” because the required actions and the changes in mindset involve a bit too much to be contained in one simple theory or soundbite. But rather than go into an explanation of my “course” I’ll cut to the chase and answer your specific questions. As far as the situation in Israel is concerned my initial instincts Will and my opinion prove to be the course of action that Joe Biden should’ve taken immediately after October 8, 2023. Joe Biden should’ve gotten on worldwide television and told Benjamin Netanyahu that it was his strong opinion that Israel should not make the same mistake that the United States made after 911. Rather than lash out and retaliate against Hamas and the Palestinians, Joe Biden should’ve suggested that Israel take a six-month one year or better yet two year. Pause on doing anything other than trying to get at the root of the problem. Joe Biden should’ve made it perfectly cleared to Benjamin Netanyahu that while Israel is a sovereign country, and it can do what it wants if the advice that Joe Biden had just given, Benjamin Netanyahu was not followed, that we would not go along with the brutalization of the Palestinian people. We would cut Israeli off from offensive types of military support.
Assuming that Benjamin Netanyahu would have the sense to go along with that program, Joe Biden should have suggested that he could convene a conference and get all the interested parties involved, including China and Russia . (This would be possible if we were smart enough to be able to be talking to these people). And without spending too much political capital, Joe Biden should’ve stressed. The fact that it to state Solution is not going to work and integration of the Palestinians integrator. Israel is not going to work a continuation of the state that is currently the state of affairs is not sustainable in the long run, and so therefore the best course of action could be, the removal of the Palestinians from Israel. I know that has its own set of problems, but of all the bad choices that are available for that situation it could be the least, worst of all the bad choices. The world, including Israel, and the rich oil states should have paid the Palestinians for their real estate and reparations for having to be moved from Gaza and the West Bank. if there are 7 million Palestinians and you had to pay them each $200,000 the total bill would be $1.4 trillion. That’s a lot of money, but it’s a lot cheaper than engaging in World War III and having it result in nuclear holocaust. - I should remind you that John, Mearsheimer and Steven Walt warned us about this 15 years ago when they wrote their book The Israeli lobby
As far as the situation in Ukraine is concerned I would follow the advice of John Mearsheimer to a T…
Kevin the situation vis a vis Israel is not so simple as many believe.
The Arab states are not our (the wests) friends. First off they are Muslims, and Islam considers the non Muslim world to be kuffir (kuft) to be conquered and converted.
Most Muslim states, especially Arab, control most of the worlds oil supply. The US doesn't need Muslim oil, we actually export oil as well, but oil is the blood of international trade and finance.
If the Arabs (OPEC) twists the handle on the oil spigot clockwise, the world groans, if they shut it down, Europe is paralyzed, and since oil is an international commodity, America feels the pinch as well.
What is stopping the Arabs from holding the world hostage, like they did in 1973, what is stopping a hostile, fundamentalist regime, say the the likes of ISIS or Al Qaeda affiliated from coming to power and shutting down the oil supply?
Nothing but a land locked aircraft carrier, called the State of Israel.
Cutting off the world's oil supply may be a step towards slowing the trend to global warming,but it will also mean stopping transportation, food production, because our grains and veggies like root crops, depend on fertilizers, made from chemicals made from oil, as does plowing, sowing, watering, reaping, processing and transportation. And I have mentioned, but do now, electricity, and all of the nice little luxuries we consider necessities in our daily life, and of course jobs lost. And the heat index it is too late to turn back the clock for global warming, even if we stopped today, the world would switch to coal, which is worse. The heat index will continue to climb, and when it reaches a wet bulb of 95 degrees, that is fatal, and the only relief is indoors under air conditioning, but somebody has to go outside and work, to produce food, to transport, to repair and maintain facilities, transmission lines, communication lines, cell towers.
It is way too easy to come up with would've should've scenario's and climb upon a moral high horse, without considering all consequences.
One of the jobs that I did and did best in the military was planning, and I was good. I had to consider everything from prepping vehicles and people to loading and unloading and that requires thinking, four, five, six steps ahead.
We celebrated D Day on Jun 6th, the men who raced off the landing barges,but forgotten were he planners, who made it all possible, including construction of the temporary piers called Mulberries, and . the Fake army, the inflatable tanks and airplanes that fooled the Germans,, the preparation, training and housing of paratroopers and beach assault forces,
None of it would have happened without planners.
Point is one must look ahead, far ahead, before coming to hasty conclusions are acting on emotion.
Good comment on the problems faced by policy-makers dealing with the Arab-Israeli concerns. I think one of the problems not mentioned is the corrosive role played by domestic US political sparring, with Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian forces bitterly denouncing US politicians who do not conform to their idea of what is right.
I think Biden made a tactical error when he stated after the Hamas attack that "...the United States stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have their back.. We’ll make sure they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves."
This and Biden's subsequent pronouncements confirmed our close relationship, but unfortunately suggested that we would back the policies and military actions of the Netanyahu government no matter what. Maybe Biden thought that Israel needed this show of support to show Hamas that the US would not pressure Bibi to desist from an all-out attack. We'll probably read the inside story in 5-10 years. The fallout for the US has been enormous dissent domestically and a worldwide revulsion against Israel's tactics (and US complicity in them) on the other. There is no upside for the US at this point, other than trying to get the hostages back to ISrael and getting aid into Gaza.
You have a point R Hodson. letting Bibi think that we will stand with him regardless, the man is criminal, in more ways than one, and HAMAS pulled his bacon out of the fire, for the time \being.
I have mixed opinions on Gaza, for one I feel for the women and children that suffer, on the other I completely blame the cowardly HAMAS for using their own people as human shields, but if go into a discourse I will only evoke negative emotional replies, not necessarily from you, but from others.
I am reluctant to call it Palestine, because there has never been a nation or peoples called Palestine. What we call Israel and Palestine was prtt of the Turkish empire, and before that the Arab empire, and before that the Greco Roman Empire, before that the Egyptian empire and so on.The Romans called the region syria Palastinia.
I don't understand the emotional involvement in the conflict, unless one is a Jew or a Muslim.
It is just one of the many horrors playing out on the world scene, Somalia and Sudan are worse on the order of magnitude of 100 times worse, Millions of people are dying of rape, murder and hunger in Sudan, by religiously motivated Arabs funded by the UAE and not a fucking peep out of the bleeding hearts, because there are no Sudanese students, being financed by Arab oil, in universities that can whip the students into a fervor.
For me it is a side show, a distraction from the existential battle facing Europe and America from Trumps lover and sponsor Putin. It is no coincidence that Oct 7th was two events. HAMAS flying out of Gaza and Iran's birthday present to Putin.
The Ayatollahs and Putin have come to an accord. ..death to America.
Anyway I don't want to hear jack shit about Palestine, while the tools and fools ignore Sudan, Somalia and all of the rest of the evils going on in the world, but the other victims are not related to Islamic oil and Arab petrodollars.
William, Thank you for your well written response. You’re obviously a smart person. I’m sure you know more about many subjects than I do because I am a generalist. But because of the fact that I’m a generalist, and because of the fact that I see the human race as a species headed for big trouble, I felt compelled to come up with I see as the solution to our problems. And this solution is what I refer to as my “course”. - As far as most if not all of the world’s organized religions it’s my opinion that they are part of the problem. They are based on superstition whereas my “course” is based on rationality.
Kevin I agree with you. I am a generalist as well, addicted to reading. I cleaned out a public libraries shelves of what is consider the classics by the time I was 15,. The first book I checked out at age 8 was Homer's Odyssey. I read the Bible cover to cover at age 12, I read the labels on cans and cereal boxes while eating.
I am eclectic in my interests, and I store info, but not facts like dates, thanks to google I don't need to, but I accumulate info and found that most of it is contradicted, or censored (not officially) but self censored by those who have a POV or ideology to promote. Like the real reason behind the Boston Tea party and the revolution,or why the Virginia and Southern aristocracy even engaged.
As regards religion, I can trace most of the world's evils to religion, but religion is only a tool. Men use their god and gods as a sock puppet, to control other men, and of course there are schizophrenics who claim to speak to and hear from a god, but now a days we can identify and medicate them, a thousand, 2 thousand,3 thousand years ago they were called prophets,holy men, priests.
Annie, as Bill Clinton used to say in that raspy, heartbreaking voice of his, "Ah feel yore pain." But you are preachin' to the choir, gal.
Gosh, Annie, you should have your own column that we can read every day! Brilliant, great cultural references, right on the money! Keep it coming!
Ranting about Trump on this blog is a waste of time. Add a pro-Trump blog site to your review, in order to connect the power of your passion to an opportunity to convince a MAGAn to vote for Biden and a Democratic member of Congress.
In some ways you are right. A lot of this is just venting frustration. But it’s extremely hard to convince a Trump voter. I’ve been there and have had limited success. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to do so. First, you have to get them to see at least one or two obvious lies. That’s just the start. It’s a long term process that only can be done with people you know and see regularly. Going into one of their web sites is like going into a lion’s den, where they can band up on you. So even if you might begin to change someone’s mind, it will be immediately crushed by the mob and that individual will feel shamed into returning to the fold. Because, it’s become part of their identity. It’s very difficult to admit you might have been wrong. This I know all too well, given it was my own brother.
John - The name for the process you describe is "de-programming."
I’ll respond to this post of yours and then go back and answer your original question…. In a recent lecture at Notre Dame College John Mearsheimer made two statements that are true and I’ll throw in a third statement that he made previously. The first is the Politics is a concrete sport. The second is that war or the threat of war will not be taken off the table anytime soon. And thirdly individuals cannot agree on first principles.
The “course” that I’ve developed is designed to ameliorate each of those three phenomena. (I can go into more detail about my course later). Suffice it to say that it’s my contention that if you’re making an argument whose foundation of thought is based on logic it should lessen the contact element of the contact sport. Furthermore it emphasizes that the threat of war isn’t the problem it’s the actual engagement in war that causes the problems. And despite the fact that individuals cannot agree on first principles does not mean that there isn’t a best way forward for all things both small and big.
Kevin: From what I have seen on the battlefield of politics. Logic has no place or play in ideological commitment. M definition of ideology includes religion.
I have never seen nor heard of logic making a dent in the ideology of a true believer, and in our political landscape at least 40% f the adult population are true believes in the cause that Trump represents.
Am I wrong?
You are probably right, William, but this is a public forum (as are other comment sections), and a logical argument refuting the false claims of a right-wing (or left-wing) ideologue may very well reach people who may not be on the ideological fringe nor necessarily in any political camp but who respond positively to reason. This is where our logical arguments can have an impact. I'm pretty sure you already realize that, but I think it's worth emphasizing & reminding people of that.
I agree, but there are Trump and Putin Trolls signing on daily, and they will increase, their mission is to disrupt and detract, suck us into arguments that go nowhere and make us look like fools. It is hard not to get involved with them
I am not sure that the committed read RR's pages. Years ago I use to haunt the comment section of the Hill and Mediaite, which were dominated by right wing posters and moderators.. there was no way to break through the bubble. But it is worth a try I guess.
This is precisely the problem. An old guy once told me that you can’t reason with an ideologue. This goes along with Mark Twain’s quote “don’t try to teach a pig to sing, it’s a waste of time and it annoys the pig”. Even though both of those statements are true, it’s also true that there is a best way forward and that best way forward is best advanced by using my “course” as a guide or roadmap.
Kevin - You said, "An old guy once told me that you can’t reason with an ideologue." I'm tempted to add, "or a drunk" but that's not fair to people who over-imbibe. Try to reason with an ideologue and he will just recite all the reasons you are wrong; at least a drunk will say, "Let's have another beer and talk some more" and you'll be buddies after a few rounds.
No, not just venting! Gathering together and informing each other. We don’t need to change minds as much as gather in our majority and Vote Blue on that critical day. “ Pass it on!”
Which States with a majority matters due to the electoral college.
There are only three states that will determine the presidency. Michigan, Pennyslvania and Wisconsin, and Biden won those states by about 10,000 votes each.
Alas there are 100,000 or more Muslims whom have threatened to stick it To Biden, despite the fact that Trump has advertised his hostility to Muslims and his desire to deport them, then there are the black males, who have no knowledge of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights struggle and acts, that are pissed because they haven't got everything that they want, and think that by throwing in the towel with the racists that their lot will improve.
The Democrats, of course, haven't elevated them and given them all they want, but hampered by a Republican Congress, how could they, and you can't legislate respect. And fear is not respect.
there are 570 electoral votes, it takes 270 to win the presidency.
Red and red leaning states have 235
Blue and Blue leaning states 226.
All Trump needs is 35 electoral votes, Michigan as 15, Pennyslvania 19, and Wisconsin 11. If all he gets is Pennsylvnia and Michigan which have Muslim and black populations in the hundreds of thousands that is 269 electoral votes and we can only pray that Arizona or Nevada goes for Biden. But there is Wisconsin, which has a Muslim population of 100,000 and is threatening not to vote for Biden.
If there is perchance no clear cut winner, or challenges like in 2020, then the election goes to congress and each state gets one vote.
There are more red states than blue states.
I think Florida is back in play this time, with the abortion issue on the ballot & lots of Floridians fed up with right-wing extremism, & concerned about the fate of Social Security & Medicare. There may even be more than a remote possibility of taking Texas & Ohio.
The Electoral college is what accounts for the "science" part of political science -- it's a math requirement for humanities majors.
Absolutely correct and vital. In addition, the fact Trump wants to "get rid" of the income tax and shift the burden onto sales taxes means lower-income Americans will pay more taxes, not less.But how you communicate those details and their consequences to voters who "don't pay attention" in swing states or to the indoctrinated who believe "out of control"public spending and illegal immigration is responsible for a 4.3$ trillion deficit and Biden for higher interest rates, is beyond me.
To communicate with votes who "don't pay attention", add one of their web sites to your review, such as one supported by Fox News or the WSJ. Reach out to those who do not read this blog.
What drives me nuts, tho it’s very consistent, is how Maga accuses the left of doing exactly what they are doing —- STOP THE STEAL!
what saddens and infuriates me is that the repugnants are working tirelessly to steal this upcoming election. election workers are being harassed and threatened, "poll-watchers" are being "trained" by repugnant operatives to harass and intimidate voters, gerrymandering is rampant, voters are being purged from the rolls in red states, "challenges" to voter status/eligiblity in states such as georgia are in place, insurrectionist dejoy is still in charge of getting mail-in ballots to the polls on time, the groundwork for legal challenges to any result the repugants don't like is done and waiting. imagine if this terrorist organization spent half that effort on doing the peoples' work, instead of whoring for the oligarchs.
This is what happens when there are no repercussions for foul behaviors. It almost worked too.
Of course this is a relevant topic; the power that the super-rich individuals and corporations derive is directly related to the the lack of taxation. More money means power to control and corrupt politicians, justices, and law enforcement. Inflation is a joke and strictly a result of the greed for ever higher profits. Abortion rights, climate change, (lack of) healthcare and education, inequality: all controlled by a powerful group of billionaires and corporations. Yes, taxation does matter.
Well said!!!!
Robert Reich has given us good information for our letter or op-ed to the newspaper.
Did you know the federal deficit reached an historic high under Trump?
The deficit is the gap between government income and expenditures for a given year.
Did you know every budget Trump offered in his bizarre term in office had substantial cuts to social security and medicare?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2024/03/12/former-president-trumps-history-of-proposing-cuts-in-medicare-spending/
The fact alone that extending Trump's tax cuts "would cause the federal deficit and debt to soar" is enough to send chills rippling down the spines of any political party.
The wealthy don’t care - they have an ideal situation- the country, and its well being , is not part of their concern. Greed makes your brain change and not for the good in most cases.
The analysis seems flawless to me. But there is a question: how to execute this fiscal policy? Will it bring the revenues expected, or will there be loopholes and tricks for the corporations? I feel there will be: it is close to a social revolution. The atmosphere in the U.S. seems too conservative to let this pass.
And who are Trump's economic advisors and how do they justify their quiet nights?
Yep! As with any endeavor, it’s all about execution. Talk is cheap. And in planning for such a change, one has to think carefully about what could go wrong, and plan accordingly. Problem is, most economists don’t think like an engineer, who are familiar with the costs of failure.
We have no idea how many people believe the nonsense that is parroted on right wing media empires, they exist in video, cable TV, online websites, social media postings, so there could be way less people buying into the right wing talking points than you think. Of course that doesn't mean they won't join the mob when they march on the LIBS.
Our main problem is that Americans don't learn enough logic and reasoning skills in school. If we keep on failing to educate the next generation to understand and CARE whether something is true and logical, then eventually nobody will stand up for what is right and good, and the tyrants will have their way with us when resource scarcity increases during the environmental apocalypse which is developing right in front of our eyes. More people need to be better educated to smell the proverbial bologni that the right wing fringe/establishment is selling to Americans.
From your mouth to Jake Tapper’s ears ~
Capitalism is a such a simple concept. Why then does it seem so complicated? It's because we actually have a hybrid system, composed of capitalism and feudalism, and that brings out the worst features of both. We have so much wealth and power consecrated in a few hands that competition, the one redeeming feature of capitalism, is rendered inoperable.
The persistence of these lies goes to show how corrupted the system is. Even the Dems are largely in the weeds. Or so busy fighting for their lives the big issues get sidelined. Robert, I'd love to see you talk more about externalities. I know it sounds awful, boring and academic, but it's how most costs get socialized. While profits, guess what, all accrue to the top. This is a system that blows up -- the old Republicans playbook of boom and bust. We're being unloaded on to an incredible degree. The 'system' is sick.
We came out of WWII thinking the good guys won. This is insane. Nobody won. Once this stuff happens everybody loses. And it's happening again. Also, Robert, I'd love for you to talk about circular reasoning. About how assumptions get subtly made and entrenched because, for example, the Koch crowd wants us in the weeds so we can't step back and see the big picture. Because, if we do, we'll want to kill them. Which we won't because we're Democrats but that won't keep them from killing us. Because we're in the way.
We ended up in Star Wars or a James Bond movie and we aren't seeing it. At least not enough. The air raid sirens should be going off day and night. We're living in an emergency. But it's hard to see and once Republicans trash the economy, again, we'll be too busy scrambling to survive to do anyting but that. And it's where we're heading. Maybe in a crash. Or maybe in a slow decline. Expect a crash, because Republicans excel at these. Harding and Coolidge put the economy on crack in the 20s. And it's worse now.
climate. It's all around you,
Yes. Eyes on the prize. Miami is falling into the sea right now! The desert is overbuilt, people built right into the fire areas of California. What are people thinking? All unsustainable already. Fossil fuels going on and on. The weather getting more violent. Our climate battle will make this year look like child’s play. The only thing good about it is all humans will end up on the same side.
I don’t really “like” that. I hate that. But I agree with that.
Part of Reich's Wealth and Poverty class teaches that the wealthiest live off borrowed money at very low interest and claim no taxable income. Don't we owe the national debt in large part to them through interest on bonds? Don't we rely on the wealthiest and other countries to buy US bonds to keep us solvent? Will someone please explain?
Gloria,
One aspect of finance that drives me crazy is Wall Street buying US infrastructure from healthcare facilities ( which we taxpayers subsidized), now to rental homes , small and even large corporations, gut them, take the monies for themselves, then package them in instruments sold BACK to US in the form of pension funds, town & city investments and WE take the HIT. Elizabeth Warren & Bernie have highlighted this, and everyone else runs to hide in their second & third home ( depending on the weather).
Now Wall Street has to milk the healthcare infrastructure and housing. What could be next?
education ?
Bingo! Look at the real estate of public school districts and look at the privatizing of public education part of the 2025 project.
Milking education has already started Rahm Emanuel and Betsy Devos just gave it a big push. Milton Friedman started it inthe late 190's and early 70's with his voucher idea.
Trust in the system must be what keeps financialization building on itself.
Correct. One can buy 3 month U.S. Treasury bond in one's IRA. It pays more than 5%. The Federal government uses the money I loaned to it to fund its deficit, including the forgiveness of student loans. Some countries actually balance their budgets.
Balance the budget and the economy stagnates. In a fractional reserve system.such as America's, Europe's and most developed countries, all money in circulation is created out of debt. A simply equation no debt equals no money, as the debts get paid off, the money created by a book keeping entry expire.
By debts I man all debs, Government, Corporate, municipal and yours. Every time you swipe your credit card, sign a mortgage, buy a car you are engaged in the act of money creation.
Don't believe me then google Modern Money Mechanics, a free download from wikimedia commons, printed for bankers, insiders, students by the FRBNY, now out of print.
William, I think we are off the topic that Gloria raised. How is your comment relevant.? We have created a national debt because Congress spends more money than we collect in tax revenue. Those with money to lend fund the national debt and collect interest. We rely on folks with savings and other countries to buy US bonds to keep us solvent. But all the folks are not necessarily extremely wealthy. For example, Dr. Reich's pension plan provided to him by CalPERs invests in government bonds.
Not off topic at a most folk have absolutely no idea of how our money system actually works and it's relationship to debt and thus the national debt.
I don't render value judgments I leave that to others, I merely tell how it works.
Do I know how it works, yes. I have Masters in Finance and have researched and wrote a paper on the subject.
And yes the rich get richer and the poor get poorer and the middle class slides into inextricable poverty,
all true, but totally irrelevant as to the system works.
And if you want more education.
Congress authorizes the budget (spending), it is send to Treasury, Treasury prints up government securities which it sells at discount to the Association of Primary Dealers in Government Securities I could give you the website gut I doubt that you will look it up, but Google Association of Primary Dealers in Government Securities and you will get a link to Primary Dealers, click and click again on the embedded link and you will see the names of the 25 International Financial Institutions who have the right to buy government securities which they then in turn sell to the Federal Reserve, institutions , sovereign funds and other insitutions including foreign central banks.
I also receive a pension from CalPers.
But all of it irrelevant to how money is created and what happens when there is no debt, no debt, no government bonds, no municipal debt, no state debt, no corporate debt and no personal debt.. no debt means no money, no money means depression.
The rest,the morality is immaterial to the mechanics.
William. Thank you for your detailed explanation. One of the challenges with a blog like this is that writers can assume they know another writer without evidence. For example, you don't know whether or not I would look up the reference to the Association of Primary U.S. Government Bond dealers. So be careful.
I agree when credit cards are widely available, the amount of purchasing power in circulation increases. Credit cards are a form of money. More money in circulation can drive inflation, as you explain. For those who carry a credit card balance, they pay interest which is a "freeway to poverty".
If there were no government debt, money markets, govn't bonds, etc. would not be available for one to earn interest. The interest allows one with savings to make money on money. If one has accumulated enough wealth, one can live off the interest and spend time writing to people one has never met, such as William Farrar, to exchange ideas.
Journalists continue to blame the POTUS for inflation or give credit for lack thereof, which, as you point out, is not true. Yet journalists seem to think the population chooses the POTUS based on the current rate of inflation. The U.S. voters are much smarter, know the truth, and give more weight to items that matter, such as whether a POTUS supports our Constitution or would become a dictator like Hitler. I hope I am correct about our people and Trump will be remembered in history as our first and last POTUS who became a traitor to America.
I don't understand why I should be careful when mentioning the APDGS. Whether one looks it up, or takes my word, is up to them, nothing to be careful about, I gave them the source, how to verify it, and it is up to them whether they do or not.
Earned interest on government securities is peanuts, unless one holds millions of dollars in securities, then it adds up. As the interest rate (set by the Fed's Open Market committee, and approved b the Chairman, filters down, interest paid to the consumer for savings accounts (and my credit union pays interest on checking acounts as well) is peanuts.
The only people who can live off interest are billionaires, you and I can't.
Mutual funds, retirement funds, that hold hundreds of millions, billions of securities can.
My wife worked for municipalities that opted out of social security, they took the FICA out of her pay, and their own contribution,(which they call payroll tax) and invested in a fund authorized by IRS code 501(a), also 507c, where you can stash before tax income and reduce your taxable income.
The company has various plans, from high yield/.high risk to low yield/low risk.
I advised her to go for the low risk, government securities plan. she hasn't made a withdrawal yet,, but has to next year when she reaches 72., then she will pay tax.
I agree with you, the inflation as a political issue, is all hype by the media and corporations, especially financial corporations.
Nothing is an issue,until the media tells them it is an issue.
The media tells us what to think, what to worry about, what is a crisis, what is a threat. Fear, bad news, titillation, disgust sells.
We are drawn to conflict, gladiatorial games are older than Greece and Rome. People who buy season tickets and have a breakdown because they missed a game on TV are addicts. Reality TV, Survivor, elections. Presidential elections are the ultimate reality TV. Without them Steve Karnacki would be just another nerd flipping burgers.
I am trying to understand your comment. You can read about money supply: M1 through M4 on the internet. When the money supply is increased by large federal deficits, it drives inflation. Inflation began under Trump's administration and continued under Biden's. The responsible party was Congress, not the POTUS.
Here is how that works, their is short term inflation, when the money supply increases, and increases by lowering the interest rate, which increases the demand for debt.
There is long term inflation, that which drives the price of a three bedroom home with 1 bath from $9,000 to a quarter of a mill, and a care from $2,000 to $32,000
Short term inflation can be corrected by decreaseing the money supply, by raising interest rates.. in theory, but the demand for debt is now pretty much inelastic meaning it doesn't respond much to increases in interest rate.
And Inflation didn't start with Trump, it started in the 1960's,.
In the 1960's the only credit cards were gas cards, I had Gulf and Texaco. Diners Cards and American Express were out of the reach of common folk like me, we didn't have the qualifying income. Inflation was stable, there was hardly any debt, except for mortgages, car loans, and if you couldn't buy it in cash, you could get a revolving credit, as I did from Sears.
Then comes Visa and Mastercard, interest rates soared, inflation soared.
Same shit happened in Panama, I lived there from 1975 - 1978, no inflation, and no credit cards, living was cheap, then Citicard came out with a massive propaganda campaign, and everyone has a credit card, prices have gone through the roof, inflation is rampant.
My ex, who is Panamanian and also draws from CalPers, considered moving back to Panama, she has family there,but can't afford it anymore. When I was there I lived on fresh tenderloin and fresh giant prawns, fresh veggies, it was the good life, I doubt that I could afford it anymore.
As regards the responsibility. I never even insuated it was POTUS, in fact neither Trump, nor Biden nor any other President has any control over inflation, that lies with the Federal Reserve , manufacturers and middle men (the supply chain)
Gees, I don't know where people come up with these ideas. Maybe they read shit into what I say, or maybe what I am trying to explain doesn't fit with their recall of reality.
Could be you’re a feeble old jack ass, Sarge. Stop bloviating about mustangs and things you know nothing about.
This commenter, Chuck, is an AI Bot.
I understand the mechanics of how it works but I can't understand how it can continue indefinitely. I have read that it can because it's not like a household budget because the debt ceiling can be raised indefinitely. But resources, including labor, are exhaustable.
The government creates the money (thru the Federal Reserve and banking system), but it's the people who create the wealth (products and services). When the government increases the money supply much faster than the people increase wealth, you get inflation. Inflation ultimately shrinks the government's debt burden, so they can borrow more. And so it continues, unless inflation is allowed to get out of control, and then the economic system collapses, like Germany in the 1920s and Venezuela recently.
In order to indefinitely continue deficit spending, I assume Congress counts on higher income tax revenues from the production of new immigrants, higher GDP from American corporations, and inflation.
No deficit spending, no new money, no new money, no consumer demand,no consumer demand no jobs, no jobs,a depresssion, but I've already tried to explain this above.
You are correct Gloria and that hilights the problem that our society has. This people are like Sharks. I've used the analogy before in reference to building contractors, it is a pyramid scheme and like sharks they have to keep swimming or they suffocate and die. That's why the Peter Thiels, the Bezo's, the Jamie Dimons can't stop but have to keep trying to expand their wealth hence their power, if they stop they die.
I've seen trailers but not interested in the movie or is it a series. Defies logic.
A train traveling for ever on snow covered tracks, requires food, water and fuel
I have problems with movies that have logic gaps. like a war movie where the airplane they take off from is a C-47 and then they jump for a from a C-130, or where a dude shots 40 shots from a pistol and never misses even at 50 ft. John Wick
We Democrats need to not let the tax cut done by Trump be forgotten by the general public--I feel that it has been shoved out of the discussion. It needs to be repealed, if there is a way to do it. It was his big grift on the American people and should be brought back to public attention. Then be undone.
There is no need for repeal... Many of the cuts are due to expire in 2025. We need to make sure that they are not extended, and additional taxes on the very wealthy are implemented.
Most people ( voters) are unaware of how this impacts there well being.
💯 instead we have been making him into a martyr with banana republic style court proceedings.