This is more to what you’ll speak of next than what you said here but I’d like your thoughts on two topics: first, the legality of Trump bombing Iran without getting congressional approval and second, the senate parliamentarian’s recent rulings striking down of the provisions of the BBB, specifically trying to take away the ability for the court to hold the administration in contempt and the various immigrations provisions.
With respect to what you said here, while I don’t disagree in principal, our excellent healthcare system is out of financial reach for many of us. Our higher ed is also increasingly unaffordable for many or comes with massive debt in the way of student loans. Our supply chain is fragile, a point driven home by TACO and his tariff threats. That doesn’t mean I think it’s bad, just flawed.
Exactly, and as one who is supposed to be covered by insurance through my well-paying job, at the moment, for reasons known only to the insurance company, I am not covered - after being employed for 20 years, and cannot afford my multiple medications, so I've been without them for 2 weeks now - thanks to my local, (I have been a proud union member also), my insurance was reinstated, but as of this moment, still shows inactive in the medical, dental, and pharmacy areas... I'm paying MY share, so how do the billion dollar companies get away with this crap??
Been there with the insurance mess. Now I'm on Medicare and it's been working so far. Hopefully Trump won't destroy it. But he's trying damn hard.
Medical care in America is just way too expensive, and insurance is a complete mess.
I'm still very glad to have been born in the United States and even though Trump is making my current state of affairs really stressful, i'm still happy to be here.
I do believe in being positive, however all of the points made by Sioux Fleming are very important. It's what's led to the attitude that the private sector is better than the gov't. Of course it isn't: it's as expensive as anything, and companies tend to go out of business when they can't make ends meet.
In an ideal world, we'd grow up making wise decisions. We'd be taught by loving, caring and themselves wise, adults. We'd be forgiven for making mistakes and learn from them. That doesn't mean that tragedy doesn't strike, that circumstances beyond our control don't occur. If there is no family that can afford to help us, then a kind and loving society should do that. And part of that society is gov't. An important part of society.
Sadly gov't values mirror society's values and right now it doesn't look very good. Perhaps we need another Depression to learn, at our cost, how to pull together. Sad that it would have to come to that. But that's what I learned from my own parents who lived through two world wars and the big Depressions as well as little ones.
Sounds like people are discouraged right now and I see why. I dream of the revolution from maga and greedy powerful corporations where we choose leaders who help us get money out of politics, influence out of the judiciary and end corruption and bribery in all sectors. This might just be the time to use our 350 billion size to get some huge changes made.
I do believe in being positive, however all of the points made by Sioux Fleming are very important. It's what's led to the attitude that the private sector is better than the gov't. Of course it isn't: it's as expensive as anything, and companies tend to go out of business when they can't make ends meet.
In an ideal world, we'd grow up making wise decisions. We'd be taught by loving, caring and themselves wise, adults. We'd be forgiven for making mistakes and learn from them. That doesn't mean that tragedy doesn't strike, that circumstances beyond our control don't occur. If there is no family that can afford to help us, then a kind and loving society should do that. And part of that society is gov't. An important part of society.
Sadly gov't values mirror society's values and right now it doesn't look very good. Perhaps we need another Depression to learn, at our cost, how to pull together. Sad that it would have to come to that. But that's what I learned from my own parents who lived through two world wars and the big Depressions as well as little ones.
The thing is, Adam... it is impossible to talk to these crazed Trumpeters. I have been trying for 10 years--ever more so in recent years.
They are so unbelievably brainwashed they never engage in calm & capable conversation. Any point is ALWAYS met with "whataboutism", and every genuine question goes unanswered. Because that requires facing the truth and they just can't do it.
You have family that are Trumpeters--have they changed? Do they realize who and what they are actually supporting? Have you been able to have any breakthrough conversations with them?
I will never understand the hold he has over people. He is an idiot and is an evil megalomaniac.
My whole family EXCEPT ME are MAGA. Disgusting. I have argued with them many times and I get the response whatabout this and whatabout that. Recently, they have gone silent when I shove the truth about the many destructive things Trump has done in their face. What got them was the Iran war, the lousy economy, the needless expensive Trump parade, and the Trump regime's constant barrage of destruction. They can't deny what he has done is wrong. They are finally getting tired of instability in government with unqualified, silly and dangerous leaders. They've had enough. I don't think they will vote MAGA again, especially not vote for Trump, but most of them will continue to vote Republican, except me of course. Maybe I convinced one other person to vote Democratic in the next election. At least I convinced one person to see the light.
You’re a better person than me. I have no desire to have anything to do with anyone who supports that evil thing. Who support what is going on. There is zero justification for it. “But…they’re still my faaamily…” is not good enough for me. The man tried to turn over an election and instigated an INSURRECTION for god’s sake. That THAT wasn’t enough is mind blowing.
I have realized what “smart” phones and SM has done to us. Made us grotesquely ignorant. Of course it truly started with “reality TV” 30 years ago. *sigh*
There's a new trend now- 'dumb' phones. Phones that only have the ability to make and receive calls and texts. No internet. People are tired of always hearing that 'bing!' from their phones at all hours of the day.
I think this is a great thing for parents to reign in their SM addicted kids. And they should STOP being on them so much themselves. It’s called setting the example.
It sickens me to see babies getting addicted to these things damn near right out of the womb.
You can directly blame Jack Dorsey for giving us Trump. When you give hate a platform…and then you sell out to an even bigger crazed, hateful, nasty piece of evil garbage.
It was started before that- the late 90's started with AOL- AIM chat. Then it was Zuckerberg in 2004- He started Facebook in his dorm at Harvard. Was just for IVY league and big colleges - you had to prove you were a college student to join. My daughter was at Boston U when it started and she joined and told me about these guys who started it! Then came Twitter- it was basically that whole era of tech bros in college at the time.
Yes, I know the timeline of events. But Twitter gave Rump a huge platform. And remember, only 140 characters originally, perfect for the megalomaniac with the attention span of a gnat.
Good for you. By the time we vote again, they may see a lot more and not want to be part of maga. Depends on who will be running, I guess, and what they stand for. I suspect, that a lot of people will question the next ones running for president, since this one lied so much while he was campaigning. (And has lied ever since.)
So they won’t vote? I mean, there won’t be a non-MAGA Republican on the ballot. The party is overtaken and one of Taco’s kids was laughing about getting RINO’s out.
My Trumpeters family have not changed. If I say something they tell me that's not true or quit being so stupid. Then there is Biden to blame for everything they say. I love them dearly, but they make me sick with their stupid remarks and blaming Biden for what tRump is doing. One brother has a Mexican daughter-in-law, four biracial grandchildren and a biracial great granddaughter. I pray for them every day that they don't get picked up by ice. They are citizens of the US, but we know that doesn't mean anything. I was able to leave the Republican party when tRump was in office the first time. The handwriting was on the wall. Why could I see it and they can't?
It’s so difficult because their cult is harming all of us, not just them. People were appalled by the Jim Jones deaths via koolaid but it was only the people in the cult.
I too have tried to talk to friends and family. It makes me want to Scream... "Well all politicians are corrupt.: "Elon Musk is a genius." "Both sides need to meet in the middle." I really think that they are all closet Bigots.
No kidding!! Trump has been saying this for years ridiculously claiming that he, and he alone, can fix it. What an ego!! Very dangerous because he actually knows nothing!!!!!
I agree that the USA is stronger than 47 will ever admit to and certainly we are stronger without him. However for most people there is so much fear particularly if you are not White and Christian. My Jewish friends are terrified, my immigrant friends, my Black friends, friends with Transgender children are ALL terrified.
They are speaking out and they have a Wars Powers Resolution they introduced in the Senate that must be debated and voted on- apparently not allowed to be shut down by the majority leader.
In the heat of the moment it seems that any Dem response is not being amplified as much as Trump & cabinet, Netanyahoo etc. There has been Dem response but I haven’t gotten to it yet. Bernie Sanders was mid-speech somewhere when the bombing began, but I missed that too — I’m sure he wasn’t on board tho!
they have a Wars Powers Resolution they introduced in the Senate that must be debated and voted on- apparently not allowed to be shut down by the majority leader. And they have been on all the shows tonight speaking on the whole issue
What is frightening is how much of our military is onboard with what’s happening. I do not trust them to not shoot Americans for this insane turd. Just like the ICE clowns doing blatantly illegal activities. When you know very large factions of the military and police force support this madness? Will do his bidding?? We are lost. And that is a day I never thought I would see here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Of course, I was kidding myself about a lot of things. 🥺
But what do we do about the tyranny of the minority? For example, California has more people than 10 states combined, yet California has two senators, and the other 10 have 20 U.S. senators.
The two houses were meant to balance each other—an equal number of senators from every state and the number of state representatives growing or shrinking with the state’s population. That doesn’t need to change. What needs to change is the partisan way districts are redrawn with every census change.
I agree, but to no end? Think about the complexities involved with all that. This SHOULD have been addressed over a hundred years ago as our population was growing.
I’m sure something could be worked out. A hundred years ago, not so much. They didn’t have the technology we have now to help all the computations out. The problem now is more about not wanting to bother with it. Just my opinion.
Interesting that the things you are highlighting are the things that are being torn apart. Examples: Education, research, economy...
Another huge issue to me is the selling off of 130 million acres of wild lands to whoever has a "development" plan. Do MAGA folks in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, eastern California, etc, etc really want big development as their neighbors? Do we all want "Oh beautiful for spacious skies...and purple mountain majesties..." sold to the highest bidder? We can't get them back once gone and We The People own them.
Adam, America is broken and will be until the Felon, the criminal, the nobody, leaves office. It's so great that you think that America isn't broken as you constantly think positively. You are teaching all of us to think positively.
I do love America, just not what is going on right now that we have to stop. It is worth fighting for. For not just 7 months ago, I’m going before the election, everything was great. At that’s what we have to strive for, but better, so this can never happen again and this inequality of billionaires to poor people, shouldn’t be allowed to be. Top their healthcare for all should be mandatory. It should have been a requisite. And term limits for judges and congress is a must. There’s a lot of things that need to be done, just throwing a few out there.
Adam - one question which keeps plaguing me is why the masks for the so-called ICE agents. Are they even actually ICE or a group of wanna-be Proud Boys "recruited" by ICE/Trump/Stephen Miller and getting their kicks roughing up everyone they collect? Legit police and security people aren't going to hide their faces but ICE does. Why?
This is more to what you’ll speak of next than what you said here but I’d like your thoughts on two topics: first, the legality of Trump bombing Iran without getting congressional approval and second, the senate parliamentarian’s recent rulings striking down of the provisions of the BBB, specifically trying to take away the ability for the court to hold the administration in contempt and the various immigrations provisions.
With respect to what you said here, while I don’t disagree in principal, our excellent healthcare system is out of financial reach for many of us. Our higher ed is also increasingly unaffordable for many or comes with massive debt in the way of student loans. Our supply chain is fragile, a point driven home by TACO and his tariff threats. That doesn’t mean I think it’s bad, just flawed.
Exactly, and as one who is supposed to be covered by insurance through my well-paying job, at the moment, for reasons known only to the insurance company, I am not covered - after being employed for 20 years, and cannot afford my multiple medications, so I've been without them for 2 weeks now - thanks to my local, (I have been a proud union member also), my insurance was reinstated, but as of this moment, still shows inactive in the medical, dental, and pharmacy areas... I'm paying MY share, so how do the billion dollar companies get away with this crap??
Been there with the insurance mess. Now I'm on Medicare and it's been working so far. Hopefully Trump won't destroy it. But he's trying damn hard.
Medical care in America is just way too expensive, and insurance is a complete mess.
I'm still very glad to have been born in the United States and even though Trump is making my current state of affairs really stressful, i'm still happy to be here.
Also, I think there’s much to be done to improve LOWER education
I do believe in being positive, however all of the points made by Sioux Fleming are very important. It's what's led to the attitude that the private sector is better than the gov't. Of course it isn't: it's as expensive as anything, and companies tend to go out of business when they can't make ends meet.
In an ideal world, we'd grow up making wise decisions. We'd be taught by loving, caring and themselves wise, adults. We'd be forgiven for making mistakes and learn from them. That doesn't mean that tragedy doesn't strike, that circumstances beyond our control don't occur. If there is no family that can afford to help us, then a kind and loving society should do that. And part of that society is gov't. An important part of society.
Sadly gov't values mirror society's values and right now it doesn't look very good. Perhaps we need another Depression to learn, at our cost, how to pull together. Sad that it would have to come to that. But that's what I learned from my own parents who lived through two world wars and the big Depressions as well as little ones.
Sounds like people are discouraged right now and I see why. I dream of the revolution from maga and greedy powerful corporations where we choose leaders who help us get money out of politics, influence out of the judiciary and end corruption and bribery in all sectors. This might just be the time to use our 350 billion size to get some huge changes made.
I do believe in being positive, however all of the points made by Sioux Fleming are very important. It's what's led to the attitude that the private sector is better than the gov't. Of course it isn't: it's as expensive as anything, and companies tend to go out of business when they can't make ends meet.
In an ideal world, we'd grow up making wise decisions. We'd be taught by loving, caring and themselves wise, adults. We'd be forgiven for making mistakes and learn from them. That doesn't mean that tragedy doesn't strike, that circumstances beyond our control don't occur. If there is no family that can afford to help us, then a kind and loving society should do that. And part of that society is gov't. An important part of society.
Sadly gov't values mirror society's values and right now it doesn't look very good. Perhaps we need another Depression to learn, at our cost, how to pull together. Sad that it would have to come to that. But that's what I learned from my own parents who lived through two world wars and the big Depressions as well as little ones.
Nice to have a positive message to start off the week.
The thing is, Adam... it is impossible to talk to these crazed Trumpeters. I have been trying for 10 years--ever more so in recent years.
They are so unbelievably brainwashed they never engage in calm & capable conversation. Any point is ALWAYS met with "whataboutism", and every genuine question goes unanswered. Because that requires facing the truth and they just can't do it.
You have family that are Trumpeters--have they changed? Do they realize who and what they are actually supporting? Have you been able to have any breakthrough conversations with them?
I will never understand the hold he has over people. He is an idiot and is an evil megalomaniac.
My whole family EXCEPT ME are MAGA. Disgusting. I have argued with them many times and I get the response whatabout this and whatabout that. Recently, they have gone silent when I shove the truth about the many destructive things Trump has done in their face. What got them was the Iran war, the lousy economy, the needless expensive Trump parade, and the Trump regime's constant barrage of destruction. They can't deny what he has done is wrong. They are finally getting tired of instability in government with unqualified, silly and dangerous leaders. They've had enough. I don't think they will vote MAGA again, especially not vote for Trump, but most of them will continue to vote Republican, except me of course. Maybe I convinced one other person to vote Democratic in the next election. At least I convinced one person to see the light.
You’re a better person than me. I have no desire to have anything to do with anyone who supports that evil thing. Who support what is going on. There is zero justification for it. “But…they’re still my faaamily…” is not good enough for me. The man tried to turn over an election and instigated an INSURRECTION for god’s sake. That THAT wasn’t enough is mind blowing.
I have realized what “smart” phones and SM has done to us. Made us grotesquely ignorant. Of course it truly started with “reality TV” 30 years ago. *sigh*
OMG! I agree completely with your ideas of smart phones and reality tv. I have hated social media from the beginning.
There's a new trend now- 'dumb' phones. Phones that only have the ability to make and receive calls and texts. No internet. People are tired of always hearing that 'bing!' from their phones at all hours of the day.
I think this is a great thing for parents to reign in their SM addicted kids. And they should STOP being on them so much themselves. It’s called setting the example.
It sickens me to see babies getting addicted to these things damn near right out of the womb.
Parents use them to keep their kids entertained and quiet so they can "take a call".
Thanks yeah I’m headed in that direction. I always tell my kids that people used to be paid to be “on call.”
And night
You can directly blame Jack Dorsey for giving us Trump. When you give hate a platform…and then you sell out to an even bigger crazed, hateful, nasty piece of evil garbage.
(And of course, NBC with “The Apprentice” 🙄 )
It was started before that- the late 90's started with AOL- AIM chat. Then it was Zuckerberg in 2004- He started Facebook in his dorm at Harvard. Was just for IVY league and big colleges - you had to prove you were a college student to join. My daughter was at Boston U when it started and she joined and told me about these guys who started it! Then came Twitter- it was basically that whole era of tech bros in college at the time.
Yes, I know the timeline of events. But Twitter gave Rump a huge platform. And remember, only 140 characters originally, perfect for the megalomaniac with the attention span of a gnat.
But you are using it!
Actually it started with the repealing of the Fairness Doctrine under Reagan.
Good for you. By the time we vote again, they may see a lot more and not want to be part of maga. Depends on who will be running, I guess, and what they stand for. I suspect, that a lot of people will question the next ones running for president, since this one lied so much while he was campaigning. (And has lied ever since.)
So they won’t vote? I mean, there won’t be a non-MAGA Republican on the ballot. The party is overtaken and one of Taco’s kids was laughing about getting RINO’s out.
I think some Republicans hope a non MAGA Republican will run. If not, I'd encourage them not to vote at all instead of voting for MAGA.
That party is dead and buried. I will never trust it again. Not that I was a fan for the past 50 years.
not voting will not work- they must vote Dem if the other person is maga.
WE MUST VOTE!
That would be great except they'd never do it.
It's a cult. Criticism of a cult leader is unacceptable in the eyes of its members, no matter the level of crazy.
Yes, I realize this. There in lies the rub.
My Trumpeters family have not changed. If I say something they tell me that's not true or quit being so stupid. Then there is Biden to blame for everything they say. I love them dearly, but they make me sick with their stupid remarks and blaming Biden for what tRump is doing. One brother has a Mexican daughter-in-law, four biracial grandchildren and a biracial great granddaughter. I pray for them every day that they don't get picked up by ice. They are citizens of the US, but we know that doesn't mean anything. I was able to leave the Republican party when tRump was in office the first time. The handwriting was on the wall. Why could I see it and they can't?
It is beyond frustrating. Especially when they are good, god fearing, "Christians". And some of the best people you once knew.
I remind myself they are sucked into a cult, but it is such a cult of evil, lawbreaking, outrageous lies and hate it is beyond comprehension.
Then of course, there's the blatant hypocrisy. 🥺 💔
It’s so difficult because their cult is harming all of us, not just them. People were appalled by the Jim Jones deaths via koolaid but it was only the people in the cult.
Exactly right. The comparisons to Hitler are very accurate. He just hasn’t murdered people…yet.
I too have tried to talk to friends and family. It makes me want to Scream... "Well all politicians are corrupt.: "Elon Musk is a genius." "Both sides need to meet in the middle." I really think that they are all closet Bigots.
Absolutely. "It's horrible" is Trump's tag line. But most noise coming from him, written or spoken is a lie.
No kidding!! Trump has been saying this for years ridiculously claiming that he, and he alone, can fix it. What an ego!! Very dangerous because he actually knows nothing!!!!!
He creates chaos and problems, and then "fixes" them.
He doesn’t fix them. He makes them worse!!!
Yep, that's why "fixes" is in quotes.
except he doesnt fix them.
He knows one important thing, that he can operate with impunity, and he's proven that many times. So dangerous for the country....
You can thank a spineless Republican Party and a blatantly corrupt SCOTUS 6.
he just did it again with this bombing- he alone can fix it- he maybe sort of pushed back a problem he made worse by pulling us out of JCPOA.
Now he is "ordering" Iran and Israel to stop bombing! That's rich.
I agree that the USA is stronger than 47 will ever admit to and certainly we are stronger without him. However for most people there is so much fear particularly if you are not White and Christian. My Jewish friends are terrified, my immigrant friends, my Black friends, friends with Transgender children are ALL terrified.
Where is the outrage by Democrats at bypassing Congress to bomb Iran?
They are speaking out and they have a Wars Powers Resolution they introduced in the Senate that must be debated and voted on- apparently not allowed to be shut down by the majority leader.
Also, Trump informs the Repub. in Congress ahead of time but not the Dems. Isn't he supposed to be a president for ALL the people?
Trump is very blatant about not being a president for Dem states.
— he’s hardly a president for even red states or MAGA voters.
🪱 Totally transactional.
In the heat of the moment it seems that any Dem response is not being amplified as much as Trump & cabinet, Netanyahoo etc. There has been Dem response but I haven’t gotten to it yet. Bernie Sanders was mid-speech somewhere when the bombing began, but I missed that too — I’m sure he wasn’t on board tho!
they have a Wars Powers Resolution they introduced in the Senate that must be debated and voted on- apparently not allowed to be shut down by the majority leader. And they have been on all the shows tonight speaking on the whole issue
This is inspiring and helpful, Adam. Thank you.
I hope all military veterans protest! On another note, where are the voices of the Democrats shouting outrage publicly!?
💪💙💯🇺🇸
What is frightening is how much of our military is onboard with what’s happening. I do not trust them to not shoot Americans for this insane turd. Just like the ICE clowns doing blatantly illegal activities. When you know very large factions of the military and police force support this madness? Will do his bidding?? We are lost. And that is a day I never thought I would see here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Of course, I was kidding myself about a lot of things. 🥺
But what do we do about the tyranny of the minority? For example, California has more people than 10 states combined, yet California has two senators, and the other 10 have 20 U.S. senators.
So the majority has 1/10th the representation.
The two houses were meant to balance each other—an equal number of senators from every state and the number of state representatives growing or shrinking with the state’s population. That doesn’t need to change. What needs to change is the partisan way districts are redrawn with every census change.
Doesn't affect the senate at all though.
That is such an unbelievable joke. Then I think what's the answer? More senators? They are definitely needed but how big does Congress need to get?
As big as needed for each State. As the population grows, it’s common sense that additional Reps & Senators are added.
I agree, but to no end? Think about the complexities involved with all that. This SHOULD have been addressed over a hundred years ago as our population was growing.
I’m sure something could be worked out. A hundred years ago, not so much. They didn’t have the technology we have now to help all the computations out. The problem now is more about not wanting to bother with it. Just my opinion.
Good point, Mari and I don't have that answer. I would be okay with 102 senators if we gave DC statehood.
Thank you 😊
Interesting that the things you are highlighting are the things that are being torn apart. Examples: Education, research, economy...
Another huge issue to me is the selling off of 130 million acres of wild lands to whoever has a "development" plan. Do MAGA folks in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, eastern California, etc, etc really want big development as their neighbors? Do we all want "Oh beautiful for spacious skies...and purple mountain majesties..." sold to the highest bidder? We can't get them back once gone and We The People own them.
Adam, America is broken and will be until the Felon, the criminal, the nobody, leaves office. It's so great that you think that America isn't broken as you constantly think positively. You are teaching all of us to think positively.
Hey Adam…where’s the audio? Lol.
I do love America, just not what is going on right now that we have to stop. It is worth fighting for. For not just 7 months ago, I’m going before the election, everything was great. At that’s what we have to strive for, but better, so this can never happen again and this inequality of billionaires to poor people, shouldn’t be allowed to be. Top their healthcare for all should be mandatory. It should have been a requisite. And term limits for judges and congress is a must. There’s a lot of things that need to be done, just throwing a few out there.
So Disgusted by the lump of Trump and his deadly Lies!
Adam - one question which keeps plaguing me is why the masks for the so-called ICE agents. Are they even actually ICE or a group of wanna-be Proud Boys "recruited" by ICE/Trump/Stephen Miller and getting their kicks roughing up everyone they collect? Legit police and security people aren't going to hide their faces but ICE does. Why?