Re: The 47th POTUS - Donald J. Trump

[BurtReynolds]

Has anyone made heads or tails about the federal funding freeze… What’s actually happening?

I’m professionally downstream from a lot of this stuff. Some Federal orgs are pausing dispursements, or extending application deadlines; others are saying “everything is normal, just address DEI in your application since that’s what Congress told us to do when our program was appropriated.” I think it comes down to each agency has leeway to interpret the order, and the lay of the land, at the discretion of their leadership. We’ll see how long that lasts.

One week update: This shit is wreaking havoc on my professional and personal community. So far our household is not directly impacted but I won’t be surprised if that changes.

I wonder if we are going to see a storm of lawsuits coming out this

This is America. You might as well wonder if the sun will come up tomorrow.

[Bi_3]

Has anyone made heads or tails about the federal funding freeze… What’s actually happening?

I’m professionally downstream from a lot of this stuff. Some Federal orgs are pausing dispursements, or extending application deadlines; others are saying “everything is normal, just address DEI in your application since that’s what Congress told us to do when our program was appropriated.” I think it comes down to each agency has leeway to interpret the order, and the lay of the land, at the discretion of their leadership. We’ll see how long that lasts.

One week update: This shit is wreaking havoc on my professional and personal community. So far our household is not directly impacted but I won’t be surprised if that changes.

I wonder if we are going to see a storm of lawsuits coming out this

This is America. You might as well wonder if the sun will come up tomorrow.

With federal contracts lawsuits are very risky as you could piss off the buyer

[tragabigzanda]

FUCK ICE

[epilogue]

I guess it really comes down to time/incentive alignment for me. Who actually benefits once their proposed policies take effect?

The GOP pitches tax cuts as a win for the middle class, but the real payoff goes to the ultra-wealthy. Democrats have at least made attempts — expanding the Child Tax Credit, pushing for student debt relief, and investing in infrastructure — but these efforts typically end up being temporary, or significantly watered down by political compromises. If either party was serious about rebuilding a durable middle class, they’d focus on long-term economic mobility: housing affordability, wage growth, and a labor market that rewards skills and work instead of credentials, rather than a mix of short-term relief and corporate giveaways.

I'm very bummed out by Elon's "move fast, break things" approach to the Federal apparatus; but also think the Dems should've caught on by now that the people want change, not measured compromise (which is kind of antithetical to my whole deal, I know; but is a fair criticism of the Ds).

Literally because of Republicans!

One party is serious about all of that. But they haven't had the majority to implement it. You want that shit? VOTE FOR THEM.

First off, I have voted for them — consistently since 1998. I’ve also voted for a handful of Republicans at the state level when I felt it made sense; and the occasional independent and Green candidate way back in my early voting days.

Second, your criticism is way too simplistic. It assumes the only thing blocking real reform is Republican obstruction, when in reality, Democrats have had full control at times and still failed to deliver. Some of that is due to internal divisions, corporate influence, or just a reluctance to go all-in when they actually have leverage.

If they want to be seen as the party of real structural change, they need to stop making big campaign promises and then settling for half-measures. Voters are already ahead of them on this, and they’re getting tired of waiting.

That just isn't true. At least in the last for years. Two people got in the way. And this people claimed to be Democrats but they aren't. One of them even left the party.

Razor thin majorities coupled with special interests with get anything done.

You can't blame the party for that.

I take your point re: Sinema and Manchin's disproportionate sway in the Senate, but it's not like we can blame them for the loss of the popular vote.

Democrats get elected on big promises. They do everything in their power to make good on those promises. They pass sweeping legislation that will help people and strengthen the country. Two senators get in the way of even bigger sweeping action. Dems are forced to take half measures, because something is better than nothing, and because two senators and a Republican obstructionist House prevents the full burnt of promises kept.

Most voters don't follow this stuff. All they see is the half measures, not the reasons for those half measures. The big sweeping legislation that did pass is a slow burn without immediate results that you can show on TV. The vast right wing media ecosystem amplifies misinformation and "Dems in disarray" messaging. Mainstream media in its never changing effort to avoid accusations of bias from the worst faith actors, also blames Democrats and doesn't provide the hard explanations and proper context. But even if they did, they've lost the trust of a majority of the public, so who would listen or care anyway?

Meanwhile prices are high and people believe Dems should be doing more. They don't care why they literally can't. The executive action Biden takes (too little, too late, perhaps) is seen as overreach because a Democrat is doing it. And because Dems don't have the courts, sure enough! that stuff gets largely squashed, again presenting the public with the false perception that Dems just keep making promises on which they can't deliver.

Biden is too old. Kamala is too black and female and tied to Biden. Gaza is a thing. Prices are too high. All the stuff above. Trump promises to lower prices while also throwing red meat to his base in the form of DEI and transphobia and manufactured problems with easy solutions that make him look good for a news cycle or two.

That is what's to blame for the loss of the popular vote.

[Bi_3]

I guess it really comes down to time/incentive alignment for me. Who actually benefits once their proposed policies take effect?

The GOP pitches tax cuts as a win for the middle class, but the real payoff goes to the ultra-wealthy. Democrats have at least made attempts — expanding the Child Tax Credit, pushing for student debt relief, and investing in infrastructure — but these efforts typically end up being temporary, or significantly watered down by political compromises. If either party was serious about rebuilding a durable middle class, they’d focus on long-term economic mobility: housing affordability, wage growth, and a labor market that rewards skills and work instead of credentials, rather than a mix of short-term relief and corporate giveaways.

I'm very bummed out by Elon's "move fast, break things" approach to the Federal apparatus; but also think the Dems should've caught on by now that the people want change, not measured compromise (which is kind of antithetical to my whole deal, I know; but is a fair criticism of the Ds).

Literally because of Republicans!

One party is serious about all of that. But they haven't had the majority to implement it. You want that shit? VOTE FOR THEM.

First off, I have voted for them — consistently since 1998. I’ve also voted for a handful of Republicans at the state level when I felt it made sense; and the occasional independent and Green candidate way back in my early voting days.

Second, your criticism is way too simplistic. It assumes the only thing blocking real reform is Republican obstruction, when in reality, Democrats have had full control at times and still failed to deliver. Some of that is due to internal divisions, corporate influence, or just a reluctance to go all-in when they actually have leverage.

If they want to be seen as the party of real structural change, they need to stop making big campaign promises and then settling for half-measures. Voters are already ahead of them on this, and they’re getting tired of waiting.

That just isn't true. At least in the last for years. Two people got in the way. And this people claimed to be Democrats but they aren't. One of them even left the party.

Razor thin majorities coupled with special interests with get anything done.

You can't blame the party for that.

I take your point re: Sinema and Manchin's disproportionate sway in the Senate, but it's not like we can blame them for the loss of the popular vote.

Democrats get elected on big promises. They do everything in their power to make good on those promises. They pass sweeping legislation that will help people and strengthen the country. Two senators get in the way of even bigger sweeping action. Dems are forced to take half measures, because something is better than nothing, and because two senators and a Republican obstructionist House prevents the full burnt of promises kept.

Most voters don't follow this stuff. All they see is the half measures, not the reasons for those half measures. The big sweeping legislation that did pass is a slow burn without immediate results that you can show on TV. The vast right wing media ecosystem amplifies misinformation and "Dems in disarray" messaging. Mainstream media in its never changing effort to avoid accusations of bias from the worst faith actors, also blames Democrats and doesn't provide the hard explanations and proper context. But even if they did, they've lost the trust of a majority of the public, so who would listen or care anyway?

Meanwhile prices are high and people believe Dems should be doing more. They don't care why they literally can't. The executive action Biden takes (too little, too late, perhaps) is seen as overreach because a Democrat is doing it. And because Dems don't have the courts, sure enough! that stuff gets largely squashed, again presenting the public with the false perception that Dems just keep making promises on which they can't deliver.

Biden is too old. Kamala is too black and female and tied to Biden. Gaza is a thing. Prices are too high. All the stuff above. Trump promises to lower prices while also throwing red meat to his base in the form of DEI and transphobia and manufactured problems with easy solutions that make him look good for a news cycle or two.

That is what's to blame for the loss of the popular vote.

Entirely wrong, but can I get the list of these now?

[epilogue]

I guess it really comes down to time/incentive alignment for me. Who actually benefits once their proposed policies take effect?

The GOP pitches tax cuts as a win for the middle class, but the real payoff goes to the ultra-wealthy. Democrats have at least made attempts — expanding the Child Tax Credit, pushing for student debt relief, and investing in infrastructure — but these efforts typically end up being temporary, or significantly watered down by political compromises. If either party was serious about rebuilding a durable middle class, they’d focus on long-term economic mobility: housing affordability, wage growth, and a labor market that rewards skills and work instead of credentials, rather than a mix of short-term relief and corporate giveaways.

I'm very bummed out by Elon's "move fast, break things" approach to the Federal apparatus; but also think the Dems should've caught on by now that the people want change, not measured compromise (which is kind of antithetical to my whole deal, I know; but is a fair criticism of the Ds).

Literally because of Republicans!

One party is serious about all of that. But they haven't had the majority to implement it. You want that shit? VOTE FOR THEM.

First off, I have voted for them — consistently since 1998. I’ve also voted for a handful of Republicans at the state level when I felt it made sense; and the occasional independent and Green candidate way back in my early voting days.

Second, your criticism is way too simplistic. It assumes the only thing blocking real reform is Republican obstruction, when in reality, Democrats have had full control at times and still failed to deliver. Some of that is due to internal divisions, corporate influence, or just a reluctance to go all-in when they actually have leverage.

If they want to be seen as the party of real structural change, they need to stop making big campaign promises and then settling for half-measures. Voters are already ahead of them on this, and they’re getting tired of waiting.

That just isn't true. At least in the last for years. Two people got in the way. And this people claimed to be Democrats but they aren't. One of them even left the party.

Razor thin majorities coupled with special interests with get anything done.

You can't blame the party for that.

I take your point re: Sinema and Manchin's disproportionate sway in the Senate, but it's not like we can blame them for the loss of the popular vote.

Democrats get elected on big promises. They do everything in their power to make good on those promises. They pass sweeping legislation that will help people and strengthen the country. Two senators get in the way of even bigger sweeping action. Dems are forced to take half measures, because something is better than nothing, and because two senators and a Republican obstructionist House prevents the full burnt of promises kept.

Most voters don't follow this stuff. All they see is the half measures, not the reasons for those half measures. The big sweeping legislation that did pass is a slow burn without immediate results that you can show on TV. The vast right wing media ecosystem amplifies misinformation and "Dems in disarray" messaging. Mainstream media in its never changing effort to avoid accusations of bias from the worst faith actors, also blames Democrats and doesn't provide the hard explanations and proper context. But even if they did, they've lost the trust of a majority of the public, so who would listen or care anyway?

Meanwhile prices are high and people believe Dems should be doing more. They don't care why they literally can't. The executive action Biden takes (too little, too late, perhaps) is seen as overreach because a Democrat is doing it. And because Dems don't have the courts, sure enough! that stuff gets largely squashed, again presenting the public with the false perception that Dems just keep making promises on which they can't deliver.

Biden is too old. Kamala is too black and female and tied to Biden. Gaza is a thing. Prices are too high. All the stuff above. Trump promises to lower prices while also throwing red meat to his base in the form of DEI and transphobia and manufactured problems with easy solutions that make him look good for a news cycle or two.

That is what's to blame for the loss of the popular vote.

Entirely wrong, but can I get the list of these now?

Oh is it? My bad. I'm a pretty stupid, low information voter so what do I know? Sorry, team. I'll just delete the post.

[tragabigzanda]

FUCK ICE

[BurtReynolds]

Democrats lecturing on obstructionism is pretty rich, considering Trump's first term.

I suspect that if dems had a 10 seat majority, 11 would magically turn obstructionist overnight. Roughly the same with Republicans, as people like Lisa Murkowski or Susan Collins (or even just McConnell and Johnson) always turn up to thwart their leader's plans. We'll see how the cabinet picks go.

Makes you wonder what the real source of the obstructionism is.

[tragabigzanda]

FUCK ICE

[tragabigzanda]

FUCK ICE

[tragabigzanda]

FUCK ICE

[blueviper]

Benni throwing not very subtle threats out at the fucking president

wow, no matter how you feel about the whole Israel-Palestinian war, this gift is abhorrent.

[BurtReynolds]

And I think you know what I'm talking about...

Hell yeah, brother I know what you mean. Transdimensional Reptilian Pedophiles.

[Anders]

[Bi_3]

I guess it really comes down to time/incentive alignment for me. Who actually benefits once their proposed policies take effect?

The GOP pitches tax cuts as a win for the middle class, but the real payoff goes to the ultra-wealthy. Democrats have at least made attempts — expanding the Child Tax Credit, pushing for student debt relief, and investing in infrastructure — but these efforts typically end up being temporary, or significantly watered down by political compromises. If either party was serious about rebuilding a durable middle class, they’d focus on long-term economic mobility: housing affordability, wage growth, and a labor market that rewards skills and work instead of credentials, rather than a mix of short-term relief and corporate giveaways.

I'm very bummed out by Elon's "move fast, break things" approach to the Federal apparatus; but also think the Dems should've caught on by now that the people want change, not measured compromise (which is kind of antithetical to my whole deal, I know; but is a fair criticism of the Ds).

Literally because of Republicans!

One party is serious about all of that. But they haven't had the majority to implement it. You want that shit? VOTE FOR THEM.

First off, I have voted for them — consistently since 1998. I’ve also voted for a handful of Republicans at the state level when I felt it made sense; and the occasional independent and Green candidate way back in my early voting days.

Second, your criticism is way too simplistic. It assumes the only thing blocking real reform is Republican obstruction, when in reality, Democrats have had full control at times and still failed to deliver. Some of that is due to internal divisions, corporate influence, or just a reluctance to go all-in when they actually have leverage.

If they want to be seen as the party of real structural change, they need to stop making big campaign promises and then settling for half-measures. Voters are already ahead of them on this, and they’re getting tired of waiting.

That just isn't true. At least in the last for years. Two people got in the way. And this people claimed to be Democrats but they aren't. One of them even left the party.

Razor thin majorities coupled with special interests with get anything done.

You can't blame the party for that.

I take your point re: Sinema and Manchin's disproportionate sway in the Senate, but it's not like we can blame them for the loss of the popular vote.

Democrats get elected on big promises. They do everything in their power to make good on those promises. They pass sweeping legislation that will help people and strengthen the country. Two senators get in the way of even bigger sweeping action. Dems are forced to take half measures, because something is better than nothing, and because two senators and a Republican obstructionist House prevents the full burnt of promises kept.

Most voters don't follow this stuff. All they see is the half measures, not the reasons for those half measures. The big sweeping legislation that did pass is a slow burn without immediate results that you can show on TV. The vast right wing media ecosystem amplifies misinformation and "Dems in disarray" messaging. Mainstream media in its never changing effort to avoid accusations of bias from the worst faith actors, also blames Democrats and doesn't provide the hard explanations and proper context. But even if they did, they've lost the trust of a majority of the public, so who would listen or care anyway?

Meanwhile prices are high and people believe Dems should be doing more. They don't care why they literally can't. The executive action Biden takes (too little, too late, perhaps) is seen as overreach because a Democrat is doing it. And because Dems don't have the courts, sure enough! that stuff gets largely squashed, again presenting the public with the false perception that Dems just keep making promises on which they can't deliver.

Biden is too old. Kamala is too black and female and tied to Biden. Gaza is a thing. Prices are too high. All the stuff above. Trump promises to lower prices while also throwing red meat to his base in the form of DEI and transphobia and manufactured problems with easy solutions that make him look good for a news cycle or two.

That is what's to blame for the loss of the popular vote.

Entirely wrong, but can I get the list of these now?

Oh is it? My bad. I'm a pretty stupid, low information voter so what do I know? Sorry, team. I'll just delete the post.

[Anders]

A rare win from Donald. Hope we get those plastic straws back here as well.

[blueviper]

-US dipping out of WHO
-USAID shutting down
-RFK JR will probably be confirmed and who knows what he'll do as Secretary with the nations health concerns and agencies.


Bird flu having fun amongst birds and other animals. Just waiting for its chance to mutate...


This is Covid 2.0, but possibly much worse. And you have the same guy in office as last time.

[E.H. Ruddock]

lol are there a bunch of “HELL YEAH MURICA PLASTIC STRAWS DON’T HURT THE ENVIRONMENT” replies?

[blueviper]

I have yet to see a paper straw.

[epilogue]

I don’t disagree that outside forces — Republican obstruction, corporate influence, media narratives, plus the courts — have all played a role in making it harder for Democrats to get things done. But nor do I think it's unfair to ask whether the party has played its hand as well as it could have.

Well, sure. I don't disagree. I'm not sure there are any examples from either side throughout history where that isn't true, though.

Yes, margins were thin, and yes, Sinema and Manchin were a huge problem. But at the same time, there were moments where Dems could have pushed harder: on messaging, on executive action, on forcing tough votes that put Republican obstruction on display. Instead, they often pre-compromise, incorrectly assuming voters will reward them for playing it safe. People respond to results, not process.

What are some examples of the pre-compromise?

It’s not that they haven’t tried; it’s that they’re up against an opposition that’s willing to break every rule to win, and yet they still act like the old norms apply. If the takeaway for most voters is still "Dems talk big but don’t deliver," then I'm inclined to put the blame on them: Dems lost; Trump didn't win.

It's not like Trump won some huge landslide victory.

And I fully agree that the Dems have spent too much time adhering to outdated and inefficient norms. That's absolutely true. But they get punished when they don't, too. The right has done such a great job of creating an enduring and widely accepted double standard.

All of that said, I'm still not convinced "most voters'" takeaway is "Dems talk big but don't deliver." It's true that it's a part of the whole, but I'm not sure it's a majority view.