View Full Version : Trump's Day One accomplishments - your predictions!
Incoming President Trump has promised to do *dozens* of specific things on Day One of his administration.
Inauguration Day is this coming Monday, 1/20. Let's be charitable and count that as Day Zero.
Which of Trump's Day One promises will be accomplished by end-of-business on Tuesday 1/21?
Pardon the Jan. 6 characters.
Close the border & start drilling.
As a point of reference, here's what he says he will do on day 1 according to a recent NBC news. I'm sure there are more, as he's made any promises.
Begin mass deportations
End birthright citizenship
Some sort of new border policy/close the border
Pardon Jan. 6 defendants
End the war in Ukraine
Implement tariffs
Cancel Biden's EV goals
Drill, drill, drill (supposedly by regulation roll backs?)
Limit trans participation in women's sports
End gender affirming care
Process of elimination gets rid of a few, but I'd expect some sort of border closing deportation show, new oil and gas regulations, and some tariff announcements.
I see where Don says he will open up Tik Tok by executive order on day one. That should be an interesting feat since the bill has already been signed into law. Could be a test of his presidential all encompassing power?
It’s a very odd situation. Biden signed the bill into law last April, but said his administration wouldn’t enforce it. I’m not clear what power Trump has to bring it back other than to refuse to enforce it in the same way Biden did.
I could be corrected, but my understanding is that Biden signed the bill into law in April, however it was not scheduled to take effect until Jan. 19?
The bill apparently had bipartisan support as a national security issue, even among the loyal Trump supporters, but then Donald found out he had millions of TikTok followers.
I could be corrected, but my understanding is that Biden signed the bill into law in April, however it was not scheduled to take effect until Jan. 19?
Not a correction, but more of an addition. The bill apparently had a provision that the President can extend the deadline by 90 days if there's a possible deal in the works.
Not a correction, but more of an addition. The bill apparently had a provision that the President can extend the deadline by 90 days if there's a possible deal in the works.
Yes, but the details are not perfectly clear to me as well as the NYT article. It doesn't sound as simple as an executive order to say the least, but he does have congress in his pocket. I wonder what would happen if he overruled the Supreme Court or if that's possible? There are probably bigger concerns for his first big day.
The new law has a provision that says a president can issue a one-time extension of 90 days to the ban, if he or she certifies to Congress that a “qualified divestiture” is underway and that it can take place during that period. But it’s not clear if he can exercise that option now that the law has taken effect. The law was passed by Congress with wide bipartisan support, signed by President Biden and now upheld by the Supreme Court. So to simply subvert it now will raise serious questions.
rosarugosa
1-20-25, 8:28am
I know what I will not be plugging in the TV to watch today, lol, despite the dubious enticement of a Kid Rock performance.
Looks like Biden is leaving the stage with a blitz of Parthian shot pardons and executive orders.
Trump has promised his own massive salvo of executive orders to reverse Biden’s executive orders.
I think this is what people talk about when they speak of the Imperial Presidency. It all seems so juvenile.
Yes, but the details are not perfectly clear to me as well as the NYT article. It doesn't sound as simple as an executive order to say the least, but he does have congress in his pocket. I wonder what would happen if he overruled the Supreme Court or if that's possible? There are probably bigger concerns for his first big day.
The new law has a provision that says a president can issue a one-time extension of 90 days to the ban, if he or she certifies to Congress that a “qualified divestiture” is underway and that it can take place during that period. But it’s not clear if he can exercise that option now that the law has taken effect. The law was passed by Congress with wide bipartisan support, signed by President Biden and now upheld by the Supreme Court. So to simply subvert it now will raise serious questions.
It’s odd how Trump was for the ban before he was against it.
gimmethesimplelife
1-20-25, 10:32am
What a dark day today is. More illegal deaths via AI denying claims fir corporate profit and the expectation to.look the other way as shareholders are more important than sick people with fully paid up/current health insurance. Want more? I could go on and on for some time but I'm having a low energy day - Thankfully I'm off - due to this country becoming more like 1938 Austria every day.
At least SO and I have places to run to and no loyalty to this country whatsover. And this last is not intended to inflame those thinking 180 from me. My point was the lack of loyalty allows us to.see what's going on coldly and clearly and make practical though to some unpopular decisions.
As a positive side note - did I end out with the right partner or what? Truly I am.blessed here. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
1-20-25, 10:43am
Forgot to add - I hope DJT stifles the Expansionist Rhetoric. The majority of the world either actively hates/dislikes/tolerates the US only for financial reasons - this Expansionist Rhetoric inflames more anti-US thought and actions. But then we are dealing with DJT - he doesn't grasp survival common sense and is surrounded by hand chosen yes stampers who will not enlighten him. I pray DJT does not lead us to nuclear war. Rob
The US tariff website has been mostly down this morning. Coincidence?
Overseas customers/agents are already asking about duty increases. I’ve told them they’re too early. He’s not in office yet!
iris lilies
1-20-25, 12:56pm
It’s odd how Trump was for the ban before he was against it.
It’s almost likeyou expect Trump to act from a place of philosophical consistency.
:)
It’s almost likeyou expect Trump to act from a place of philosophical consistency.
:)
You’re right. I should have know he couldn’t resist a Chinese brain- softening algorithm where he could rack up “likes”.
iris lilies
1-20-25, 1:02pm
I see Michelle Obama doesn’t want to go to Barack’s work thing.
The NRDC and ACLU legal staffs are going to be busy.
Pence didn’t look very happy to be there. He might have had flashbacks of being hung by the neck. Pelosi probably had an excuse for skipping.
The NRDC and ACLU legal staffs are going to be busy.
Their fundraising staffs are certainly popping the clutch.
And I see Jen Rubin is setting up shop on Reddit as the Joseph Geobbels of “the Resistance”. She even brought on Andy Borowitz, who single handedly managed to destroy a century long history of quality humor at the New Yorker.
No specific mention of tariff increases in speech.
No specific mention of tariff increases in speech.
I view that as a hopeful sign.
frugal-one
1-20-25, 5:35pm
What a dark day today is. More illegal deaths via AI denying claims fir corporate profit and the expectation to.look the other way as shareholders are more important than sick people with fully paid up/current health insurance. Want more? I could go on and on for some time but I'm having a low energy day - Thankfully I'm off - due to this country becoming more like 1938 Austria every day.
At least SO and I have places to run to and no loyalty to this country whatsover. And this last is not intended to inflame those thinking 180 from me. My point was the lack of loyalty allows us to.see what's going on coldly and clearly and make practical though to some unpopular decisions.
As a positive side note - did I end out with the right partner or what? Truly I am.blessed here. Rob
You know I am not happy about felon trump! But if life was so fantastic in Mexico, you would already be there. Quit your b-thching.
HappyHiker
1-20-25, 6:50pm
DH and I spent inaugural day hiking a trail through the maritime forest. It was just what we needed. Make American gentle again.
I'm happy about the EO forcing fed employees to go back to the office. Before covid, I could get civilian CBP employees on the phone. Since covid, they're all working at home and it takes many emails to get even an email response much of the time.
So here’s what’s happening with the tariffs. This is from a NYT article - he’s going to issue an EO instructing relevant agencies to look at free trade agreements, trade deficits with certain countries, etc. I assume increases will happen later.
iris lilies
1-20-25, 10:23pm
News media are reporting that Trump will sign (did actually sign?) executive order declaring
two “sexes “or “genders” depending on the news source will be declared the standard in our country. The problem is the news media is using terms imprecisely, they are interchanging them with CNN saying “genders “and Reuters saying “sexes.”
These two terms are not interchangeable.
Precise terms matter because legalities. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsach had conflict about what the term “ sex” really means in “ sex discrimination” of the 1964 Civil Rights Act during deliberation of the 2021 Bostock vs. Clayton County case.
tldr; I want to find the exact wording of this executive order and cannot find it Even on the whitehouse.gov website. I suppose it will be available soon.
IL, this one?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/
Here’s the link to all the EO.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/
Definitely don’t agree with withdrawing from the WHO.
I just learned that the AP is a non-profit organization and just donated there. Perhaps some of you might consider doing the same.
Aside from my local newspaper (which subscribes to AP wire services) the AP is the only news I consume. They have an app you can download for breaking news.
I even worked for the AP for a time as a student from 2002-04.
The Associated Press?
Yes.
iris lilies
1-21-25, 2:13am
[QUOTE=Tradd;442436]IL, this one?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/
thank you, yes that’s it Defending Women from Gender Ideology, Extremeism, and Restoring truth to the Federalists Government.
I guess I didn’t go deep enough into the whitehouse.gov website
I read the entire executive order and I think it’s well written and clear. Surprisingly so. I especially like this paragraph:
“… Efforts to eradicate the biological reality of sex fundamentally attack women by depriving them of their dignity, safety, and well-being. The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system. Basing Federal policy on truth is critical to scientific inquiry, public safety, morale, and trust in government itself…”
However, it seems to me the directives in this executive order are potentially in direct conflict with the Supreme Court 2021 ruling that “sex discrimination” also means discrimination against Gender identity and sexual orientation.
I do not like it when a President, any President, flaunts Supreme Court rulings even if the Supreme Court ruling is wrong. And I think this Supreme Court ruling by giving a unique interpretation to “sex” rolls back protection for women.
I guess we will just have to see how this plays out.
I see there’s an EO that we’re going back to calling it Mount McKinley again.
The end of birthright citizenship seems to violate the 14 amendment to the constitution. I imagine that will tie up our tax dollars in the courts. The pardon of the 1/6 rioters was a thumb at our judicial system. So I'd think he has not only flaunted the Supreme Court, but much more of the judicial system, plus the Constitution. I wonder if his fellow GOPer sycophants will ever speak up or if they will go along in fear of his threats or actions against our democratic systems. I assume they have taken oaths to support the constitution.
His declaration of an "energy emergency" may be legal, but based on an outright lie
Nothing unexpected for the first day of a convicted felon.
gimmethesimplelife
1-21-25, 11:09am
DH and I spent inaugural day hiking a trail through the maritime forest. It was just what we needed. Make American gentle again.Thank You....what a sane post! Indeed I believe however much longer I am in this country, being in nature when I can will help me cope. Also small acts of kindness to strangers seems to help, too. My take on nothing has changed but perhaps I'd be best served while still in the US looking for positive ways to cope instead of complaining so much, you know? Rob
Thank You....what a sane post! Indeed I believe however much longer I am in this country, being in nature when I can will help me cope. Also small acts of kindness to strangers seems to help, too. My take on nothing has changed but perhaps I'd be best served while still in the US looking for positive ways to cope instead of complaining so much, you know? Rob
It must be disappointing that the violence you kept predicting didn’t materialize. A new hobby might be in order.
iris lilies
1-21-25, 1:01pm
Executive order “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship” makes my little Free Speech heart happy. The censorial actions of the Biden administration infuriated me.
I am not sure what this executive order will actually accomplish since Congressional hearings revealed much of the Biden Administration’s shenanigans in attempting g to control speech on the major social platforms, but nice work anyway.
And I can dream that DJ Trump actually gives a shit about free speech. Yeah, dream on.
Iris! Here’s hoping a major figure in his ear preaches free speech to him even speech that is anti-Donald.
iris lilies
1-21-25, 1:04pm
Executive order “ Ending the Weaponization of the federal government” is good in theory but seems like this exec order goes in while DJ Trump exercises weaponizing himself in several areas…hmmm.
Executive order “ Ending the Weaponization of the federal government” is good in theory but seems like this exec order goes in while DJ Trump exercises weaponizing himself in several areas…hmmm.
Ya' think?
I see that Trump had Mark Milley's official portrait taken down from the Pentagon walls. How dare he.
I see that Trump had Mark Milley's official portrait taken down from the Pentagon walls. How dare he.
He also dismissed the Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Admiral Fagan.
Fagan was the first female uniformed leader of a US armed forces branch.
...
Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, has said publicly that “any General, Admiral, whatever that was involved in any of the DEI woke sh*t has got to go.”
He also dismissed the Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Admiral Fagan.
He is marking his territory in a big way, and so far, it really stinks.
And I can dream that DJ Trump actually gives a shit about free speech. Yeah, dream on.
Iris! Here’s hoping a major figure in his ear preaches free speech to him even speech that is anti-Donald.
I have the feeling that media political bias isn't going away. Donald is the king of disinformation and good at it so the pendulum will probably swing the other way, now.
I see where Judge Cannon has stopped the release of the report on Trumps secret document case. Hiding some truth? Censorship?
I thought it was interesting that Trump and Biden seemed to have a cordial tea before the inauguration as part of the tradition, then Biden sat silent and motionless during Trump's berating of the false claim that our country has been driven into decline. Without mentioning names, it was pretty obvious to me. Biden looked diminished along side the other former presidents who were looking pretty robust. Even Clinton had some color in his cheek and a spring to his step.
I guess it's a great time to be a cis white straight male in this country.
I guess it's a great time to be a cis white straight male in this country.
A *wealthy*, cis white straight male.
iris lilies
1-21-25, 2:54pm
Ya' think?
Haha, yep.
My new word for the day is “broligarchist”.
HappyHiker
1-21-25, 4:55pm
Thank You....what a sane post! Indeed I believe however much longer I am in this country, being in nature when I can will help me cope. Also small acts of kindness to strangers seems to help, too. My take on nothing has changed but perhaps I'd be best served while still in the US looking for positive ways to cope instead of complaining so much, you know? Rob
I agree. Personally, I don't believe in "my country, love it or leave it." That's giving up. This is my home.
Better, perhaps, to think (and act) on "My country, love it -- or change it."
Let's keep in mind that half our nation didn't vote for the new president. That's a large community of kindred folks to align ourselves with. Let's see if our new leader does enact policies that lower prices and makes life better for other than the uber-rich. A lot of promises were made...how many will be kept? And I hope his voters will keep track, too...
Attempted contacts with CBP civilian employees today after days with no response are once again proof they need to return to the office. Pre COVID, this department would actually answer the phone.
frugal-one
1-21-25, 6:29pm
The end of birthright citizenship seems to violate the 14 amendment to the constitution. I imagine that will tie up our tax dollars in the courts. The pardon of the 1/6 rioters was a thumb at our judicial system. So I'd think he has not only flaunted the Supreme Court, but much more of the judicial system, plus the Constitution. I wonder if his fellow GOPer sycophants will ever speak up or if they will go along in fear of his threats or actions against our democratic systems. I assume they have taken oaths to support the constitution.
His declaration of an "energy emergency" may be legal, but based on an outright lie
Nothing unexpected for the first day of a convicted felon.
Does birthright citizenship apply to trump’s son, Baron?
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2018/nov/04/blog-posting/would-trumps-own-son-be-affected-order-eliminating/
flowerseverywhere
1-22-25, 12:06pm
Attempted contacts with CBP civilian employees today after days with no response are once again proof they need to return to the office. Pre COVID, this department would actually answer the phone.
CBP was ordered to report on multiple fronts within a short period of time. I imagine many Federal agencies will have a lot of Chaos.
Some fed employees are unionized and their contracts specify work at home provisions. Should add to the Chaos.
refugees who followed all the rules and even had flights scheduled were stopped by executive order. Dealing with people who come in illegally is one thing. This class of people who followed all the rules is different.
Jan 6 protesters who assaulted police officers should have not been pardoned. They have evidence on social media and film.
And the World Health Organization. I don’t understand that one.
I've not seen any indications of the end of the war in Ukraine that was promised or any other international conflicts. Nothing about our faltering health care, affordable housing, grocery prices, drug costs, etc., which may be coming but apparently no longer a priority. Something may become of tariffs, but I'm guessing the 25% is just another bluff and it will be something much lower or with many exemptions. And I may have missed anything about tariffs with China.
I've not seen any indications of the end of the war in Ukraine that was promised or any other international conflicts. Nothing about our faltering health care, affordable housing, grocery prices, drug costs, etc., which may be coming but apparently no longer a priority. Something may become of tariffs, but I'm guessing the 25% is just another bluff and it will be something much lower or with many exemptions. And I may have missed anything about tariffs with China.
As of yesterday, proposed 10% addition China duties, on top of current 25%.
25% for Canada/MX. These are all proposed for 2/1. No EO yet.
All agencies were instructed to do whatever necessary to bring down daily necessities cost in an EO issued Monday. Suggest you actually read them.
What is an EO? Something order? Where are they available to read?
What is an EO? Something order? Where are they available to read?
Executive Order. Go read them on the White House website.
Thanks. I'll check it out.
Executive order “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship” makes my little Free Speech heart happy. The censorial actions of the Biden administration infuriated me.
It will get worse.
"The Trump administration, moving quickly to clamp down on health and science agencies, has canceled a string of scientific meetings and instructed federal health officials to refrain from all public communications, including upcoming reports focused on the nation’s escalating bird flu crisis."
"The cancellations followed a directive issued on Tuesday by the acting director of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, who prohibited the release of any public communication until it had been reviewed by a presidential appointee or designee, according to federal officials and an internal memo reviewed by The New York Times."
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/23/us/trump-news
iris lilies
1-23-25, 11:12am
It will get worse.
"The Trump administration, moving quickly to clamp down on health and science agencies, has canceled a string of scientific meetings and instructed federal health officials to refrain from all public communications, including upcoming reports focused on the nation’s escalating bird flu crisis."
"The cancellations followed a directive issued on Tuesday by the acting director of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, who prohibited the release ofany public communication until it had been reviewed by a presidential appointee or designee, according to federal officials and an internal memo reviewed by The New York Times."
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/23/us/trump-news
yep. Get rid of one viewpoint. Install another.
not good at all, but thatbisnthe big government many folks like.
Fast and furious, the new administration begins to shut down on freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A mixed bag as far as IÂ’m concerned. I donÂ’t think Trump has any more authority to revise the 14th Amendment than Biden did to create a 28th. His tariff and labor policies will almost certainly contribute to economic rot as time goes by. His pardons to date are every bit as unsavory as his predecessorÂ’s. IÂ’m concerned about his about-face on TikTok. His ideas on military reform seem more about cultural/ideological issues than responding to the evolving threat environment. His foreign policy approach seems too personal and capricious to me, but I do like Rubio at State.
On the other hand, we seem to be entering a sort of glasnost period with regard to DEI/ESG. Institutions already seem less intimidated by our self appointed social justice clerisy. He seems less interested in government trying to shape what the media can say. Shaking up sclerotic federal agencies is always in order, although IÂ’m a little concerned over the ways he may go about it. If his previous history of judicial appointments is any guide, we should see no problems there. I like the prospect of more robust immigration enforcement. ItÂ’s long overdue.
I would certainly prefer a more traditional Republican in office, but IÂ’m happy to reserve judgment for now. If anything, it will be a change from the petulant dishonesty of the past four years.
I have been checking the official White House website daily that was mentioned earlier. Pretty interesting stuff. His affordable living thing sounds pie in the sky.
HappyHiker
1-23-25, 5:05pm
Fast and furious, the new administration begins to shut down on freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Yes. It's very difficult to stay hopeful right now...we need one another more than ever to keep our balance. So sad.
Honestly I’m impressed with how quickly he’s figured out ways to kill people. Ending medical research? Brilliant! Much more creative than just letting the inevitable bird flu pandemic happen without building a stockpile of vaccines or doing anything else to prepare for it.
The other thing I’m impressed with is how he’s literally following every step of the evil Project 2025 program. We all know he lies his ass off on the regular but his claims to disavow that when campaigning but now he following it to the letter less than a week in office are impressive.
Went to the grocery store today and eggs are more expensive than ever. I wonder how long it will be before The NY Times inevitably goes to butt**** nowhere to interview some of his idiot supporters in a diner and they cry about how they still can’t afford groceries.
Eggs are expensive due to bird flu.
early morning
1-25-25, 10:01am
Eggs are expensive due to bird flu - which, apparently, the CDC is no longer allowed to warn people about, or conduct research on. Idiots. Prices overall have not plummeted as expected by the idiots in my area of the county... had to go to wally world yesterday. HATE going there, but you do hear some very interesting tidbits of idiocy. Like the woman in front of me looking at detergent, and blaming the "libs" for the prices of laundry soap. Seems "they" are "too clean" and "demand" expensive soap. WTF??
gimmethesimplelife
1-25-25, 10:42am
I am afraid of a stand off with NATO as DJT has no respect for the sovereignty of Greenland as proven by his utterly over the top and inflammatory call to the Danish PM - Denmark of course being a much much much better country that the US and it's people could learn much from.
But as a known long term dissident maybe I'll be getting deported anyway - as a GOP Senator from Georgia wishes to deport US born Marian Budde for her humanitarianism in the face of sheer evil recently. I would not be surprised (at this point) if government storm troopers raided my neighborhood not just for illegals but for dissidents such as myself who call the United States for exactly what it is.
I trust little and am ready to bolt STAT.....I for one believe raids are coming - not just yet, perhaps, but at some point. Lord am I going to love saying I told you so to so many people....Rob
gimmethesimplelife
1-25-25, 10:44am
Fast and furious, the new administration begins to shut down on freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.I'm grateful I'm not the only one here noticing this and willing to comment on this reality. Thank You, Tybee. For not pulling an Austria circa 1938 and looking the other way. Rob
I call them MAMA now - make America mean again.
What I want to know is who really is behind the scenes of these machinations. Trump can't have possibly known how to do all this so quickly because he is an idiot, as useful one at that. He's the tool. I certainly don't think its Musk either. There are some shadowy figures that got this crazy blitz of a roadmap all planned out before the get-go. What group of lawyers or "policy wonks" were/are in the back rooms drafting all these orders, following Project 2025 to a "tee?" I don't think it's any of the names we would recognize, like the Musk or Broligarchy guys because they like the spectacle and publicity too much. It's someone/someones who knows exactly how the entire government works. The Heritage Foundation people? Russell Vought (but he's not confirmed yet)?
iris lilies
1-25-25, 1:58pm
What I want to know is who really is behind the scenes of these machinations. Trump can't have possibly known how to do all this so quickly because he is an idiot, as useful one at that. He's the tool. I certainly don't think its Musk either. There are some shadowy figures that got this crazy blitz of a roadmap all planned out before the get-go. What group of lawyers or "policy wonks" were/are in the back rooms drafting all these orders, following Project 2025 to a "tee?" I don't think it's any of the names we would recognize, like the Musk or Broligarchy guys because they like the spectacle and publicity too much. It's someone/someones who knows exactly how the entire government works. The Heritage Foundation people? Russell Vought (but he's not confirmed yet)?
Oh I think Trump is perfectly capable of generating chaos.
What I want to know is who really is behind the scenes of these machinations. Trump can't have possibly known how to do all this so quickly because he is an idiot, as useful one at that. He's the tool. I certainly don't think its Musk either. There are some shadowy figures that got this crazy blitz of a roadmap all planned out before the get-go. What group of lawyers or "policy wonks" were/are in the back rooms drafting all these orders, following Project 2025 to a "tee?" I don't think it's any of the names we would recognize, like the Musk or Broligarchy guys because they like the spectacle and publicity too much. It's someone/someones who knows exactly how the entire government works. The Heritage Foundation people? Russell Vought (but he's not confirmed yet)?
Regardless of who it is, this isn't his first time in office. After their experiences first term, everyone knew how to do stuff. They've been planning since he lost last time.
iris lilies
1-25-25, 2:54pm
Regardless of who it is, this isn't his first time in office. After their experiences first term, everyone knew how to do stuff. They've been planning since he lost last time.
That’s what .i think, too.
Proud of my senator, and of Murkowski and McConnell.
catherine
1-26-25, 10:04am
So, here is an interesting proposal Trump discussed with the leaders of both Jordan and Egypt: Hey, Gaza's a mess right now, so why don't you guys absorb the Palestinians into your countries (not mine, of course) while we clean it up.
Then think back to that video where Jared Kushner spoke with a group of people about how valuable the seaside real estate is on the Gaza Strip. So now we're acting, not like a President but an opportunistic real-estate mogul--gentrifying Palestine at the expense of the true inheritants of that land. Another Trail of Tears. Let's just kick them out and turn Gaza into a place that only the rich will be able to afford.
I can’t help but believe we are in for four years of gaudy nonsense. Gullible Americans eager to enlist as proxies for the proxies for Iranian terror policy. A rhetorical rebirth of Jingoism. The California bonfire of the vanities. Gimcrack economics. A media manufactured moral panic whenever Elon Musk scratches his nose. Hysteria, hyperbole and hypocrisy as far as the eye can see.
This is what democracy looks like.
I get the impression that a lot of small businesses and everyday people, including those who voted for trump, are being scammed in order to enrich the trump realm and his broligarchs. At least that's what it looks like out of the gate. I can get some entertainment out of AOC these days, who called Trump "...the quintessential New York con man".
gimmethesimplelife
1-26-25, 2:00pm
I can’t help but believe we are in for four years of gaudy nonsense. Gullible Americans eager to enlist as proxies for the proxies for Iranian terror policy. A rhetorical rebirth of Jingoism. The California bonfire of the vanities. Gimcrack economics. A media manufactured moral panic whenever Elon Musk scratches his nose. Hysteria, hyperbole and hypocrisy as far as the eye can see.
This is what democracy looks like.Not in any civilized country - not to this extreme. Rob
I can get some entertainment out of AOC these days, who called Trump "...the quintessential New York con man".
Was she pretending to be handcuffed when she preached about fakery?
littlebittybobby
1-27-25, 1:33am
okay-----things are going well. hopefully, for awhile the usa's main export will be colombians, mexxicans, Venezualans, Guatemalans, etc., etc., who are squatters, trespassers, interlopers, invaders; here ILLEGALLY. Go back where you came from, dudes. You don't see ME going THERE, uninvited. Nope. Good Job, Don. Yup.
Was she pretending to be handcuffed when she preached about fakery?
Or is it just the usual fake news we've grown accustomed to, although putting one's hands behind the back did get attention.
“No faking here." said AOC, “Putting your hands behind your back is a best practice while detained, handcuffed or not, to avoid escalating charges like resisting arrest.”
As of yesterday, proposed 10% addition China duties, on top of current 25%.
25% for Canada/MX. These are all proposed for 2/1. No EO yet.
It is looking like tariffs are donald's go-to hammer to get international compliance. I'd probably not thought a lot about it, but I think conservatives are being mislead on who actually pays them and assume it's the country exporting. I am still thinking the Feb. 1 threats are a bluff. Government has never been totally on the up and up, but it's sad that these guys have to constantly be fact checked. The age of disinformation. Another bald-faced lie to go with the 1/6 pardons will be decided on a case by case basis.
"Former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance continue to falsely describe how one of their major policy proposals, across-the-board tariffs, would work. Trump has falsely, and repeatedly, claimed that China – not US importers – pay the tariff."
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/politics/fact-check-trump-vance-tariffs/index.html
My understanding is that an exporting country doesn't pay tariffs. When a product arrives in the US, the American importer who buys whatever product pays the sales price, plus the tariff. The tariff then goes into a government fund. Then, of course, the total cost incurred by American buyer is passed along to the consumer. The exporter is probably put at a disadvantage in the marketplace since fewer people will buy the product, in theory.
Or is it just the usual fake news we've grown accustomed to, although putting one's hands behind the back did get attention.
“No faking here." said AOC, “Putting your hands behind your back is a best practice while detained, handcuffed or not, to avoid escalating charges like resisting arrest.”
Best practice in the same sense that it’s best practice to apply makeup before going on camera.
According to the Boston Globe, the Airforce, in order to comply with Trump's directive about shutting down all DEI training, has removed its films about the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP's from WWII.
He continues to frame the narrative by removing Black people and women from history.
Kind of like the Pentagon removing Milley's portrait--he continues to dishonor our veterans.
According to the Boston Globe, the Airforce, in order to comply with Trump's directive about shutting down all DEI training, has removed its films about the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP's from WWII.
He continues to frame the narrative by removing Black people and women from history.
Kind of like the Pentagon removing Milley's portrait--he continues to dishonor our veterans.
That was an over-reaction on the Air Force's part and was immediately countermanded by executive decree. As an Air Force veteran I've been deeply disappointed in their recent inability to put mission ahead of resistance. I think whoever ordered those historical highlights to be removed from training material was attempting to undermine the current administration's focus on mission over indoctrination.
iris lilies
1-27-25, 1:14pm
That was an over-reaction on the Air Force's part and was immediately countermanded by executive decree. As an Air Force veteran I've been deeply disappointed in their recent inability to put mission ahead of resistance. I think whoever ordered those historical highlights to be removed from training material was attempting to undermine the current administration's focus on mission over indoctrination.
This action fits right in with public employees who, when asked to cut programs for cost savings, focus on cutting highly visible programs that will be noticed by the public to create hue and cry.
Another tactic of bureaucrats is to make very small changes that can be made to appear very big and to report these changes in very large words to the new overlords and then, sit tight waiting for the next administration to come along.
Trump will find it is very difficult to “drain the swamp.”
This action fits right in with public employees who, when asked to cut programs for cost savings, focus on cutting highly visible programs that will be noticed by the public to create hue and cry.
Another tactic of bureaucrats is to make very small changes that can be made to appear very big and to report these changes in very large words to the new overlords and then, sit tight waiting for the next administration to come along.
Trump will find it is very difficult to “drain the swamp.”
This is very true. I remember a County Board meeting where a member was questioning the cost effectiveness of horse patrols in County parks. When asked how many crimes were committed in the parks, the Sheriff donned his most truculent scowl, and rasped “ Even one would be too many”. “For the children” was another commonly used cliche. And “how many people have to die before you…” was used so often it began eliciting laughter.
It was a favorite tactic when faced with budget cuts to go with a simple percentage of everything rather than set priorities. Entrenched DEI bureaucracies will not go down easy.
It is looking like tariffs are donald's go-to hammer to get international compliance. I'd probably not thought a lot about it, but I think conservatives are being mislead on who actually pays them and assume it's the country exporting. I am still thinking the Feb. 1 threats are a bluff. Government has never been totally on the up and up, but it's sad that these guys have to constantly be fact checked. The age of disinformation. Another bald-faced lie to go with the 1/6 pardons will be decided on a case by case basis.
"Former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance continue to falsely describe how one of their major policy proposals, across-the-board tariffs, would work. Trump has falsely, and repeatedly, claimed that China – not US importers – pay the tariff."
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/politics/fact-check-trump-vance-tariffs/index.html
My understanding is that an exporting country doesn't pay tariffs. When a product arrives in the US, the American importer who buys whatever product pays the sales price, plus the tariff. The tariff then goes into a government fund. Then, of course, the total cost incurred by American buyer is passed along to the consumer. The exporter is probably put at a disadvantage in the marketplace since fewer people will buy the product, in theory.
There are SOME shipments where duty IS paid by the shipper. Look up incoterms, DDP. Its Delivered Duty Paid. But it’s very dependent on the negotiations on price between shipper and importer. But yes, duties are usually paid by importer.
I see that one of the J6 traitors that the anti law and order party’s leader freed has already managed to get himself killed in an altercation with the cops in Indiana. Since this country no longer holds people accountable for their actions with the law anymore I can only hope that many more of those losers follow his plan for self-immolation. The world would be a better place if that happened.
rosarugosa
1-28-25, 8:13am
I see that one of the J6 traitors that the anti law and order party’s leader freed has already managed to get himself killed in an altercation with the cops in Indiana. Since this country no longer holds people accountable for their actions with the law anymore I can only hope that many more of those losers follow his plan for self-immolation. The world would be a better place if that happened.
One down!
I see that one of the J6 traitors that the anti law and order party’s leader freed has already managed to get himself killed in an altercation with the cops in Indiana.
It's too bad that never made it into the national news as a headline, as far as I can tell. They seem to be focused on deportation. Local news says that Denver's mayor and the mayors of other sanctuary cities have been summoned to the White House on Feb. 11 and there were mentions of undefined retribution.
I'm surprised with the apparent vastness of Trump's changes that there hasn't been much meaningful resistance so far. Civil or legal. He is stepping on a lot of toes and everyone seems to be rolling over belly up, no thanks in part to the broligarchs who seem to control fake news these days. Once he has rid agencies of truth seekers and honesty above greed, it will be harder to find the truth of matters.
It's too bad that never made it into the national news as a headline, as far as I can tell. They seem to be focused on deportation.
Well, Andy Borowitz noted both news items. He reports that the president of Mexico is now building a wall to keep the Jan6 rioters out of Mexico:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-155763801
“The United States is opening its prisons and releasing its most heinous criminals,” President Claudia Sheinbaum declared. “This leaves us with no choice but to build a wall and make the United States pay for it.”
Describing the January 6 convicts, she said, “When the United States sends its people, they’re sending people who have a lot of problems. They’re sending people who riot, vandalize government property, and attack law enforcement. They’re not sending their best.”
Mexico's Sheinbaum has been a bright spot in all of this. Don is not making friends in Latin America. A little quip in my morning news, google maps has already changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico.
iris lilies
1-28-25, 10:02am
To this?
6201
haha.
I'm sorry, I just don't find this stuff funny. Lives are being destroyed right now with this latest dismantling of all the federal civil service, the Heritage Foundation has taken over writing policy, massive security breaches are occurring in the OPM, scientific research is being trashed--this is after one week. One week.
And I guess I better stop posting about this stuff, or at least try to stop. It's obviously not doing any good.
I think good satire can be one of the highest forms of political commentary. From Jonathan Swift, to Mark Twain, to Charlie Chaplin to Lenny Bruce, to Tom Wolfe... their effectiveness was in their ability to make strong points using humor.
Most recently, look at Ann Telnaes. Her cartoons were taken so seriously the WaPo wouldln't print them, so she quit.
Neither she nor Borowitz are finding this stuff funny, but they are using their talents to make some strong statements in a very effective way.
iris lilies
1-28-25, 2:47pm
I think good satire can be one of the highest forms of political commentary. From Jonathan Swift, to Mark Twain, to Charlie Chaplin to Lenny Bruce, to Tom Wolfe... their effectiveness was in their ability to make strong points using humor.
Most recently, look at Ann Telnaes. Her cartoons were taken so seriously the WaPo wouldln't print them, so she quit.
Neither she nor Borowitz are finding this stuff funny, but they are using their talents to make some strong statements in a very effective way.
Exactly.
I'm sorry, I just don't find this stuff funny. Lives are being destroyed right now with this latest dismantling of all the federal civil service, the Heritage Foundation has taken over writing policy, massive security breaches are occurring in the OPM, scientific research is being trashed--this is after one week. One week.
And I guess I better stop posting about this stuff, or at least try to stop. It's obviously not doing any good.
I can appreciate a little humor, especially when it's at Trump's expense.
For me, it helps to vent a little bit, even if it won't make any big change. It also helps to discuss things and share ideas, just to understand where others are coming from. If it's not obvious, sometimes issues come up that I'm not familiar with and have to do a fact check or research which keeps me up to date and accurate with issues, because there is a lot of misinformation floating around.
Take for example the presidential press conference today when the new spokes person, with a big gold cross on her necklace, was asked why the price of eggs was still so high. Her response was that it was because Biden order 100 million chickens be killed.
HappyHiker
1-28-25, 8:27pm
omg, you just can't make this stuff up! Biden's now the chicken slayer...??? Wow. Just wow. Sometimes it feels as though I'm watching a satire about the U.S. Hardly seems real. Wish it weren't...
Take for example the presidential press conference today when the new spokes person, with a big gold cross on her necklace, was asked why the price of eggs was still so high. Her response was that it was because Biden order 100 million chickens be killed.
For the past several days some elements of the media have been asking why if Trump campaigned on lowering inflation, after nearly a week in office why hadn't the price of eggs come down. A variant of that question was asked at the presser today. The answer, correctly stated was that the Dept of Agriculture under the previous administration ordered over 100 million chickens destroyed due to Bird Flu, which was a statement of fact. I'm curious to know how that could be considered misinformation.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/28/us-news/the-price-of-eggs-has-skyrocketed-heres-why-theyre-not-coming-down-anytime-soon/
Well, suppose in that perspective the Biden administration, not the bird flu, is the cause of the high price of eggs. Reference from your article. I suppose Biden caused the bird flu?
The bird flu outbreak that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices are up so much.
Well, suppose in that perspective the Biden administration, not the bird flu, is the cause of the high price of eggs.
LOL, I suppose that may be a satisfactory way for some to interpret it. Nonsensical, but probably satisfactory.
Personally I love that we’re all female according to the trump rule that we’re all what were at inception. I can’t imagine what that will do to my passport.
iris lilies
1-29-25, 11:07am
Personally I love that we’re all female according to the trump rule that we’re all what were at inception. I can’t imagine what that will do to my passport.
I see you have fallen for that bit of silliness promulgated all over the internets. Congratulations!
catherine
1-29-25, 11:21am
TBH, there is a lot I like about RFK, Jr. Everything except his vaccine nonsense.
TBH, there is a lot I like about RFK, Jr. Everything except his vaccine nonsense.
And the way he dresses. Is he trying to channel his father? Because those shirts and ties are straight out of the 60s!
flowerseverywhere
1-29-25, 2:44pm
Trump and the republicans bashed bashed Obama in 2016 for his use of executive orders. Funny how quickly that all changed
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-revoking-trumps-executive-orders-isnt-enough-to-undo-their-effects/
over 300 executive orders so far. Wonder how many will hold up in court? Of mind is birthright citizenship. I could be wrong, but Doesn’t that need congressional approval and possibly changing or adding to the constitution?
and some of the firings will be fought. Every president replaces some positions but to outright say he is firing his enemies seems to be overstepping. Some are protected by contracts and unions.
also, is it lawful not to fund spending that congress has approved? I guess the angst, money and time spent on lawsuits are not going to move us forward. I do fear for some who have lost their protection whom Trump continues to bash and says they are traitors who should be jailed. Like Miley and Fauci. Their are some nutcases out there who might take that as an order.
iris lilies
1-29-25, 2:50pm
Yes, the growing number of exec orders from each administration points out then growing problem of over reaching government. Doesn’t matter which party is in control. This is very bad for our country. I don’t see the genie going back in the bottle.
And do keep in mind that we are hyper aware of these many EO’s because
1) Trump is loud and proud about pushing them out
2) media is cooperating with Trumpism by bleating them everywhere and passing out a fair amount of fake news along with them but whattaya fonna do?
As for those that will be immediately taken to court—I do not like that either. At all.
I think he may be testing the limits of how much he can get away with.
The federal employee buyout will be interesting. The first to go will be the ones about to retire and the disgruntled who are skilled and highly employable elsewhere. Six months pay is not that much for jobs that are normally considered career jobs with health and pension benefits that are rare these days. His figures on the number of fed employees working from home is most likely highly inflated, as usual, but based on anecdotal observation working from home sometimes becomes a balance with child care, playing Frisbee with Fido, browsing Netflix, and work. I think it's probably a good idea to get many or most of these back into an office and team environment.
There should be plenty of job openings in agriculture and construction for displaced federal workers.
iris lilies
1-29-25, 9:19pm
TBH, there is a lot I like about RFK, Jr. Everything except his vaccine nonsense.
I have decided I can’t stand RFK Junior. I tried, I really did. I tried to get over my Kennedy phobia. I always disliked the whole passel of RFK Senior’s kids. They were around my age, the old ones anyway, and so loud and in the news and having drug overdoses and killing people and getting injured and just being reckless.
I listened to four hours of the guy in an interview with Megyn Kelly. Megyn was not easy on him, but she wasn’t antagonistic in tone towards him either. He does not debate honestly and that to me is the bottom line. He keeps changing the subject and jumps around and always invokes his uncle or his father.
But I don’t like any of the Kennedys including Caroline Kennedy who showed up on social media to dis her cousin RFKJ today.
You all on the East Coast can have all of them. Please keep them out of flyover country.
That said, RFKJ is not wrong about everything.
rosarugosa
1-30-25, 7:55am
Well even Trump is not wrong about everything, but that hardly inspires confidence.
That said, RFKJ is not wrong about everything.
Yeah, that's the bottom line for me. I agree with him about how the food system is messed up--from the ground up--I love that he wants to support all farmers, and wants to support regenerative ag. I like that he talks about processed foods and food chemicals and impact on national health. I like that he's been an environmental lawyer.
As far as his family legacy goes, I agree that the family succeeds in spinning their narrative to achieve their status as political icons but there are SO many slimy chinks in the armor going down through the generations.
flowerseverywhere
1-30-25, 2:52pm
Todays’ Tump conference on why the plane crash today happened.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/dc-plane-crash-trump-briefing-cause-b2689341.html
“He then falsely claimed that the FAA website stated that persons with conditions such as “hearing, vision, missing, extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism” were “all qualified for the position of a controller of airplanes pouring into our country” even though the requirements for controllers have long included specific physical and mental health standards.”
there are no words. I’m ashamed to hear such hate come out of his mouth.
iris lilies
1-30-25, 2:55pm
That is ridiculous, the stuff coming from Trump. It was a military helicopter involved in this crash so I’m sure the government is going to be on the hook for big lawsuit payouts.
This is so sad, all those skaters from the Boston area.
I heard a few minutes of Trump press conference on the radio at work (they broke in for it). I was like WTF? Ramble ramble ramble.
In the list of characters in Trumps cabinet line up RFKJ isn't near the top of my worries. He might be OK. My biggest concern would be that he or under Trumps influence would ignore warnings about bird flu and fail to make public any greater concerns. And the subsequent vaccines. His departments could use a good shaking up, so maybe? I'm not sure when Doug Burgum is coming up for the Dept. of Interior. He seems to want to turn a lot of our public lands out west into oil fields.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/trumps-nominee-for-leading-interior-attempted-to-rip-up-rules-governing-public-lands/
I can't watch trump's comments on the plane crash yet. I'm going to have to ease into what he might have said.
In the list of characters in Trumps cabinet line up RFKJ isn't near the top of my worries. He might be OK. My biggest concern would be that he or under Trumps influence would ignore warnings about bird flu and fail to make public any greater concerns. And the subsequent vaccines. His departments could use a good shaking up, so maybe? I'm not sure when Doug Burgum is coming up for the Dept. of Interior. He seems to want to turn a lot of our public lands out west into oil fields.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/trumps-nominee-for-leading-interior-attempted-to-rip-up-rules-governing-public-lands/
I can't watch trump's comments on the plane crash yet. I'm going to have to ease into what he might have said.
OK I won't be a spoiler, but it's a doozie.
iris lilies
1-30-25, 5:34pm
OK I won't be a spoiler, but it's a doozie.
No one has to watch it. Let Roger have some peace in his life. We a good summary from flowers.
save yourself, all!
Thanks. I got the main theme without having to watch. I try to pace myself. I did watch the interviews with Patel. That's enough for one day.
I urge everyone to take a look at the fednews subreddit on Reddit.
You will be able to see what is happening in real time from the perspective of federal workers.
They received another intimidating email last night, pushing them to resign.
They are pointing out that anyone who falls for this tactic will not get paid, as that is standard for Trump. There is also no money in the budget to pay them.
The emails are coming from a non -secure, non government server and are the product of Elon Musk and Amanda Scales.
If you care about these people at all, consider contacting your senators.
These emails are being sent at night, after normal work hours. I do not understand why this is not considered a massive security threat to our nation.
A reporter asked why Trump had not gone to the crash scene, where divers continue to work to recover the bodies of the lost souls, Trump replied thus:
"US President Donald Trump responded sarcastically to questions about whether he would be visiting the site of the deadly crash over the Potomac River in Washington D.C., asking reporters at the White House: “You want me to go swimming?”
'Want me to go swimming?': Trump raps reporter on being asked if he will visit Washington plane crash site (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/tv/want-me-to-go-swimming-trump-raps-reporter-on-being-asked-if-he-will-visit-washington-plane-crash-site/ar-AA1yaVXp?ocid=BingNewsSerp)
I am to the point I want nothing to do with anyone who supports Trump.
And this one:
They are straight up looting the treasury : r/fednews (reddit.com) (https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1ieeigm/they_are_straight_up_looting_the_treasury/)
And one more, that USAID employees have been fired based on donations and voting records:
"Miller made a point of saying on CNN the other night that the names of USAID agency employees were apparently checked against poltical candidate donations/voting records. Straight up McCarthyism right therehttps://youtu.be/thMvPd-tW6U?si=wCfeU2cLIAtH61AM"
They received another intimidating email last night, pushing them to resign.
I've been under the impression that this is a return to office notice with the option to resign with severance if they choose not to do so.
If you care about these people at all, consider contacting your senators.
What should we tell our senators? "Oh my gosh, they're treating us like non-government employees and requiring us to return to office or face consequences!"
I've been under the impression that this is a return to office notice with the option to resign with severance if they choose not to do so.
What should we tell our senators? "Oh my gosh, they're treating us like non-government employees and requiring us to return to office or face consequences!"[/COLOR]
Please, everyone, I urge you to read in this subreddit to see what is actually happening.
Read the memo from Robert Reich to all the federal workers which lays out why the email they received is deceptive and a trap, and no one should sign it.
I have contacted my senator, and posted here, it's all I can think of to do right now.
iris lilies
1-31-25, 2:31pm
And one more, that USAID employees have been fired based on donations and voting records:
"Miller made a point of saying on CNN the other night that the names of USAID agency employees were apparently checked against poltical candidate donations/voting records. Straight up McCarthyism right therehttps://youtu.be/thMvPd-tW6U?si=wCfeU2cLIAtH61AM"
What do you mean my “voting records?”
What do you mean my “voting records?”
I urge you to read this subreddit, Iris, as you are an excellent researcher and you can reach your own conclusions about what is happening.
iris lilies
1-31-25, 2:56pm
I urge you to read this subreddit, Iris, as you are an excellent researcher and you can reach your own conclusions about what is happening.
No, you tell me: how are they targeting voting records?
Please, everyone, I urge you to read in this subreddit to see what is actually happening.
Read the memo from Robert Reich to all the federal workers which lays out why the email they received is deceptive and a trap, and no one should sign it.
My recent substack from Paul Krugman says it's a scam and people risk never getting any pay while they are on "administration leave". There are also legal issues about pay for such a long period and so many without being approved by congress. Speculative, but he's no slouch either.
"There are five things you should know about this plan:
1. It’s illegal
2. It’s almost surely a scam: workers who take the offer probably won’t see the money they’ve been promised
3. To the extent that workers actually take up the offer, they’ll be the workers we can least afford to lose
4. The move will cost, not save money
5. What this really amounts to is a purge, replacing professional civil servants with political loyalists"
No, you tell me: how are they targeting voting records?
I don't know what "they" are doing in this particular case but...
In Washington State, it is very easy for anybody to see if someone else has voted, or not voted, in an election. It's a public record.
I have used this to derail several local glad-handing politicians that were running for re-election when I pointed out that even though they had loudly congratulated various local bond/levy efforts (after the effort won at the polls), they had not in fact *voted* themselves in any of the controversial elections, nor had their trad-wives.
Of course, if they had voted, there would be no way of knowing which position they took, but it's pretty clear that they consistently *didn't* vote at all in controversial elections.
iris lilies
1-31-25, 5:16pm
I don't know what "they" are doing in this particular case but...
In Washington State, it is very easy for anybody to see if someone else has voted, or not voted, in an election. It's a public record.
I have used this to derail several local glad-handing politicians that were running for re-election when I pointed out that even though they had loudly congratulated various local bond/levy efforts (after the effort won at the polls), they had not in fact *voted* themselves in any of the controversial elections, nor had their trad-wives.
Of course, if they had voted, there would be no way of knowing which position they took, but it's pretty clear that they consistently *didn't* vote at all in controversial elections.
Yes, see who is voting.That’s why I always got nonstop calls from politicians when I lived in the city because I never missed a vote but for one spring election near the time we moved.
But see WHO they are voting for? Nope.
My recent substack from Paul Krugman says it's a scam.
I also subscribe to Krugman on Substack--and it's really fun to read the unleashed version of him. I think that eventually all really good journalists will leave their mainstream media jobs and start writing on platforms like Substack, especially as mainstream media increasingly bends to certain interests.
I'm glad someone else reads Krugman. I had a few economics classes in school and enjoy his easy to understand presentations of the topic. And since his NYT days he's added some good humor. His music codas at the end are usually fun to listen to. His illustration heading in his discussion of Mexico and Canada tariffs was good:
6210
Trump's press secretary, when asked about impact of Canadian tariff with Canada, and Canadian response to tariff:
""They want you to panic, but President Trump wants you to remember Jesus didn’t have electricity either and he did just fine," Leavitt said."
Karoline Leavitt shocks as she tells press 'Jesus didn't have electricity either' - Irish Star (https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/karoline-leavitt-shocks-tells-press-34593048?int_source=nba)
About the tariffs from someone in the business:
There are LOTS of unanswered questions and details I need info on but don’t have on the implementation. For example, I’m guessing the 10% China duty will be ON TOP of current China duties. But some items aren’t subject to current China duties. Do those get to skip the 10% or not? That sort of thing.
Trump's press secretary, when asked about impact of Canadian tariff with Canada, and Canadian response to tariff:
""They want you to panic, but President Trump wants you to remember Jesus didn’t have electricity either and he did just fine," Leavitt said."
Karoline Leavitt shocks as she tells press 'Jesus didn't have electricity either' - Irish Star (https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/karoline-leavitt-shocks-tells-press-34593048?int_source=nba)
unbelievable.
gimmethesimplelife
2-1-25, 1:36pm
Even though I am emotionally checked out of this country I still worry for my neighbors as most are struggling. These tariffs on Mexican goods are going to raise prices on fruits and vegetables. I guess the good part is that realistically it won't be long until people - entirely justified - hit the streets ala a world country about to topple. It is long overdue. What are your plans for this inevitability? I'd be sorting that out before (expletive) hits the fan. And stock up on canned goods while stocking up remains possible!
In short, learn something from my Austrian ancestors and even more importantly, let it sink into your DNA that the United States is not immune from collapse, either. Rob
iris lilies
2-1-25, 9:28pm
I am trying to figure out the current state of Federally mandated ESG* investing.
I know Obama era times yielded to Trump (who got rid of some or all directives) back to Biden who liked the idea of my fiduciary considering ESG in my investing (though I do not. Thanks Joe.)
But I don’t know if Trump really has any thing to roll back because, from what I read tonight, it seems Biden simply said fiduciaries could consider ESG. if they wished. While that seems benign, I would be happier if the government didn’t say anything about ESG at all in investing.
And yes, I know there are many investment advisors who say ESG results in higher returns and that is great! Good for you! But I would like the concept to be one I do not talk about with our investment guys.
so bottom line: does Trump have anything to roll back here? If there is something to roll back, he will do it.
*ESG=Environmental, Social, Governance
I read recently* that over the past 3 years ESG funds have underperformed the stock market and that many fund managers now believe they made a mistake bowing to pressure to invest in them.
* I believe it was a piece by John Stossel a week or so ago.
I read recently* that over the past 3 years ESG funds have underperformed the stock market and that many fund managers now believe they made a mistake bowing to pressure to invest in them.
Based on my own 30+ year experience, my "portfolio of evil" outperforms ESG in rain and shine.
iris lilies
2-2-25, 12:14am
I read recently* that over the past 3 years ESG funds have underperformed the stock market and that many fund managers now believe they made a mistake bowing to pressure to invest in them.
* I believe it was a piece by John Stossel a week or so ago.
Return reports seem to be a mixed bag since I’m seeing various reports, but maybe in 2022 and 2023 ESG funds did well and in 2024 not so well.
I don’t care because I wish it was not a concept that we had to pay any attention to at all. This should be solely between the investor and her fiduciary.
But we are entering an era where that kind of crap will go by the wayside and that makes me happy .
"Trump administration (https://www.nbcnewyork.com/tag/trump-administration) officials have forced out all six of the FBI (https://www.fbi.gov/)’s most senior executives and multiple heads of FBI field offices across the country, current and former FBI officials told NBC News. "
Trump administration forces out multiple senior FBI officials – NBC New York (https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/trump-administration-forces-out-multiple-senior-fbi-officials/6131094/)
"Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll on Friday refused a Justice Department order that he assist in the firing of agents involved in January 6th riot cases, pushing back so forcefully that some FBI officials feared he would be dismissed, multiple current and former FBI officials told NBC News."
Senior FBI official forcefully resisted Trump administration firings (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/senior-fbi-official-forcefully-resisted-trump-administration-firings/ar-AA1yfAbY?ocid=BingNewsSerp)
Return reports seem to be a mixed bag since I’m seeing various reports, but maybe in 2022 and 2023 ESG funds did well and in 2024 not so well.
I don’t care because I wish it was not a concept that we had to pay any attention to at all. This should be solely between the investor and her fiduciary.
But we are entering an era where that kind of crap will go by the wayside and that makes me happy .
I think this is more what you should be concerned about right now:
"Why aren't we talking more about the treasury takover?Misc Question
(https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/?f=flair_name%3A%22Misc%20Question%22)
I'm just an outside observer of what's going down, but once the payments system is taken over, it doesn't matter what happens after. Federal employees can get their wages cut off at any time. The current regime has proven it doesn't care about legality, aren't they just going to force federal workers out by not paying them? It feels like everyone is still thinking in terms of a working system."
Why aren't we talking more about the treasury takover? : r/fednews (reddit.com) (https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1iflhh2/why_arent_we_talking_more_about_the_treasury/)
This is your social security check. Whether Trump just takes what is in your IRA. Whether Medicare is no longer funded. Not Medicaid, which he already ended last Friday, but Medicare.
I’ve read that the DOGE people have access to the information in the payment system, but have no control to stop or originate payments. The current panic seems to be similar to the furor over Musk’s awkward gestures in that people are desperate for something to hyperventilate about.
I’m a lot more worried about Trump’s dumb populist economics than Nazis hiding under my bed.
flowerseverywhere
2-2-25, 5:16pm
I've been under the impression that this is a return to office notice with the option to resign with severance if they choose not to do so.
What should we tell our senators? "Oh my gosh, they're treating us like non-government employees and requiring us to return to office or face consequences!"[/COLOR]
the notice even went to the air traffic controllers the day before the crash. They are in very short supply in big cities. Obviously they work in the office. And a friend has a daughter who works in a position required by law with specific education and skill sets and they got letters. They also returned to the office as soon as they were able.
while shrinking the government sounds good on paper, the reality of assessing performance is far more realistic to keep the high performers.
iris lilies
2-2-25, 5:22pm
I’ve read that the DOGE people have access to the information in the payment system, but have no control to stop or originate payments. The current panic seems to be similar to the furor over Musk’s awkward gestures in that people are desperate for something to hyperventilate about.
I’m a lot more worried about Trump’s dumb populist economics than Nazis hiding under my bed.
But see, this is what we get with constant hysteria. Constant. I am sick of it.
i want to understand what is really going on, but I accept that my limited ability to comprehend the huge machine of our Federal government will interfere with that. Yet I struggle on…
ToomuchStuff
2-2-25, 9:54pm
In short, learn something from my Austrian ancestors and even more importantly, let it sink into your DNA that the United States is not immune from collapse, either. Rob
Have you considered learning from your Austrian heritage?
Smart ones got out of the country, BEFORE the Nazi party shut down the borders and started sending people to camps. You seem to think the same thing is happening here, yet you're still here?
Have you considered learning from your Austrian heritage?
Smart ones got out of the country, BEFORE the Nazi party shut down the borders and started sending people to camps. You seem to think the same thing is happening here, yet you're still here?
Glad I to know I wasn’t the only one thinking this.
iris lilies
2-3-25, 4:55pm
Yeah, that's the bottom line for me. I agree with him about how the food system is messed up--from the ground up--I love that he wants to support all farmers, and wants to support regenerative ag. I like that he talks about processed foods and food chemicals and impact on national health. I like that he's been an environmental lawyer.
As far as his family legacy goes, I agree that the family succeeds in spinning their narrative to achieve their status as political icons but there are SO many slimy chinks in the armor going down through the generations.
here is what National Review said today about RFKJ and it is a good summary of how I view him:
“RFK Jr. hears things and reads things, and half-remembers them, then makes sweeping conclusions from what he misremembers, and insists he’s merely citing “the science.”
iris lilies
2-10-25, 9:32pm
Since Donald Trump is slashing and burning government regulations, I have a wish for Donald: I wish for him to roll back the automobile requirements that no longer allow small trucks to be manufactured. No, the new Ford Maverick is not a “small “truck.
This year we started babying DH’s 2009 Ford Ranger that had been” totaled” in a wreck although he fixed it and it’s been going fine ever since. He does not want a bigger truck with a higher bed. He wants a truck the size of a Ford Ranger. You can no longer get them due to government regulations. We are not driving it when we have a choice to drive something else because it’s irreplaceable, so we want to put as few miles on it as possible.
Maybe President Trump can do something about that, because there is certainly a market for the old small trucks like a Ranger.
look at the small trucks of bygone years and the things that replaced them. And if any of you make fun of owners of big trucks, please at least recognize that there isn’t much choice anymore.
6231
ToomuchStuff
2-10-25, 9:41pm
Since Donald Trump is slashing and burning government regulations, I have a wish for Donald: I wish for him to roll back the automobile requirements that no longer allow small trucks to be manufactured. No, the new Ford Maverick is not a “small “truck.
This year we started babying DH’s 2009 Ford Ranger that had been” totaled” in a wreck although he fixed it and it’s been going fine ever since. He does not want a bigger truck with a higher bed. He wants a tractor the size of a Ford Ranger. You can no longer get them due to government regulations. We are not driving it when we have a choice to drive something else because it’s irreplaceable, so we want to put as few miles on it as possible.
Maybe President Trump can do something about that, because they’re certainly a market for the old small trucks like a Ranger.
look at the small trucks of Bagon years and the things that replaced them. And if any of you make fun of owners of big trucks, please at least recognize that there isn’t much choice anymore.
6231
+ one million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
frugal-one
2-10-25, 11:48pm
DH had a Ford Ranger and loved it too! He can buy any truck he wants and has not done so either.
He wants a truck the size of a Ford Ranger. You can no longer get them due to government regulations. We are not driving it when we have a choice to drive something else because it’s irreplaceable, so we want to put as few miles on it as possible.
I was wondering why I couldn't find a small truck when last I bought one. I got a Toyota Tacoma, but it is "huge" compared to what I was looking for, and compared to the small Toyota I had in the '80s.
Subarus also seem excessively huge - when we got my now-ex-wife an Outback, we were looking for something to replace our expired Volvo wagon, and remembered Outbacks as being station wagons. Imagine our surprise on the lot to find they had ballooned into large-ish SUVs.
I'm currently on a quest to get a decent, old, diesel, Toyota HiLux - there are a few importers of such treasures now. I almost pulled the trigger on a lovely Ford Model A pickup last year, but it was way too nice for how I'd use it, and I would have felt bad.
iris lilies
2-11-25, 1:28am
I was wondering why I couldn't find a small truck when last I bought one. I got a Toyota Tacoma, but it is "huge" compared to what I was looking for, and compared to the small Toyota I had in the '80s.
Subarus also seem excessively huge - when we got my now-ex-wife an Outback, we were looking for something to replace our expired Volvo wagon, and remembered Outbacks as being station wagons. Imagine our surprise on the lot to find they had ballooned into large-ish SUVs.
I'm currently on a quest to get a decent, old, diesel, Toyota HiLux - there are a few importers of such treasures now. I almost pulled the trigger on a lovely Ford Model A pickup last year, but it was way too nice for how I'd use it, and I would have felt bad.
That’s another thing….no longer are there small station wagons although I do not know of I can blame government regulations for that.Probably not.
we wanted the small Ford station wagon to replace our larger station wagon when it went bad in 2008, but they no longer made them. Station wagon cargo areas are the right height For bulldogs to stand and see out or to sit and see out. They can’t see out in SUVs. They were making Subaru station wagon then but we didn’t want to spend that kind of money, we just wanted the plan Jane Ford.
Washington State oddly hasn't banned kei-class mini-trucks, so those seem to be flooding into at least my county recently.
https://www.nwminitrucks.com/
They are super-cheap. Parts supply apparently requires a bit of an effort, but seems to be not-impossible.
iris lilies
2-11-25, 10:37am
Washington State oddly hasn't banned kei-class mini-trucks, so those seem to be flooding into at least my county recently.
https://www.nwminitrucks.com/
They are super-cheap. Parts supply apparently requires a bit of an effort, but seems to be not-impossible.
I see one of those around here occasionally, every few years and I wondered where they came from. But they are hot house things and I have no idea how reliable they are.
I was wondering why I couldn't find a small truck when last I bought one. I got a Toyota Tacoma, but it is "huge" compared to what I was looking for, and compared to the small Toyota I had in the '80s.
Subarus also seem excessively huge - when we got my now-ex-wife an Outback, we were looking for something to replace our expired Volvo wagon, and remembered Outbacks as being station wagons. Imagine our surprise on the lot to find they had ballooned into large-ish SUVs.
I'm currently on a quest to get a decent, old, diesel, Toyota HiLux - there are a few importers of such treasures now. I almost pulled the trigger on a lovely Ford Model A pickup last year, but it was way too nice for how I'd use it, and I would have felt bad.
I've been shopping the Ford Maverick truck as a replacement for my Tacoma. Comes with a hybrid engine, relatively cheap, good reviews by Car and Driver and Consumer Reports. Rumor is that Toyota will be coming out with a smaller pickup to compete, possibly hybrid or EV this year. A bit smaller than the Tacoma and probably more zippy than my four cyl. manual. I do miss the older small Toyota pickups. Possibly my favorite car ever aside from the '57 Studebaker of my youth.
iris lilies
2-11-25, 10:46am
I've been shopping the Ford Maverick truck as a replacement for my Tacoma. Comes with a hybrid engine, relatively cheap, good reviews by Car and Driver and Consumer Reports. Rumor is that Toyota will be coming out with a smaller pickup to compete, possibly hybrid or EV this year. A bit smaller than the Tacoma and probably more zippy than my four cyl. manual. I do miss the older small Toyota pickups. Possibly my favorite car ever aside from the '57 Studebaker of my youth.
In our history of small trucks, we started with an old beat up Toyota, then got a Nisson truck, then our current Ford Ranger. That is our 35 years of small trucks.
In our history of small trucks, we started with an old beat up Toyota, then got a Nisson truck, then our current Ford Ranger. That is our 35 years of small trucks.
Before my Tacoma I've had two small Toyotas and a small Nissan. The Nissan was a dog. Seems like I have gone ten or so years per car and that's about when little things start to happen, but I'm sure the next owner got many more decent years out of them.
catherine
2-11-25, 11:08am
I do like the Tacomas. DH has a Chevy Avalanche which, according to LBB, isn't a real truck, but it's a great vehicle for small loads, and the back seat is important to us.
Unfortunately, my husband went out in a flood and his Yukon got swept away and totalled. I wish he had bought another one but he went for a Ranger instead.
It does not meet our needs as well as the Yukon did.
I used to drive one of the small Rangers and it was great.
When we were looking to rplace the 2000 GMC Sonoma in 23 it was impossible to find a smaller truck with the same "posh" interior. The Ranger was too basic. We went with a Honda Ridgeline that is very comfortable and very pleasant but was very expensive and HUGE for us. We still have the 2007 Ford Focus Wagon- it was the last year they made them. It's still running fine, fits in the garage and does nearly all we need.
ToomuchStuff
2-11-25, 7:22pm
I've been shopping the Ford Maverick truck as a replacement for my Tacoma. Comes with a hybrid engine, relatively cheap, good reviews by Car and Driver and Consumer Reports. Rumor is that Toyota will be coming out with a smaller pickup to compete, possibly hybrid or EV this year. A bit smaller than the Tacoma and probably more zippy than my four cyl. manual. I do miss the older small Toyota pickups. Possibly my favorite car ever aside from the '57 Studebaker of my youth.
The Toyota version is based on an existing hybrid (believe the RAV). So it shouldn't have as many teething problems as the Mavericks did.
That said I know several people with Mavericks and some are company trucks. I've heard said by all I have questioned, they would buy one in a second for a personal vehicle.
The Toyota version is based on an existing hybrid (believe the RAV). So it shouldn't have as many teething problems as the Mavericks did.
That said I know several people with Mavericks and some are company trucks. I've heard said by all I have questioned, they would buy one in a second for a personal vehicle.
That's good to know. Thanks. Close as I've found there's no official firm date form Toyota on their new truck offering, just speculation. I'm thinking there will be a waiting list at first.
iris lilies
4-12-25, 12:14pm
I enjoyed Bill Maher’s report of his visit to the White House last week. Maher famously said he would vote for Joe Biden‘s head in a jar of blue liquid before he would ever vote for Trump.
Maher spent a couple hours with the President and came away with a report that most liberals will see as a love paeon to the President of the United States. It is not that, but in these times, superficial opinion reigns supreme and the libs are so often way off base these days.
i’ve said it before: I increasingly look to our stage comics as the philosophers of our day. So I enjoyed Maher’s quips. He took with him to the White House a list of 60 rude and terrible things Donald Trump had said about him. He asked the President to sign that list and Trump agreeably signed. The President gave Maher a thorough tour of the Oval Office suite of rooms, including a little room off the Oval office that they termed “the blowjob room.”
of course, Maher had more serious things to say about his Trump visit. He found the president to be gracious and attentive to what Maher said, asking his opinion even about a couple of world events. Maher said it is unfortunate this is not the persona the president projects on the world stage.
the two men found common ground when they talked about people in their circle who did not want them to meet with each other, and how they both think those people are wrong.
I read the transcript out of curiosity, but it was interesting. A side to Trump that makes him almost seem human when he's out of the public eye. I think said he actually laughed an honest laugh. Of course none of which matters when he's on his vengeance rants. I'm no more sure of what a lib is these days than what the conservative GOP is. Which seems redundant, sort of like true facts.
Speaking of day one accomplishments, I have a glass half full over his China tariffs. I can remember looking at tags in stores and avoiding Made in China. Then it became too overwhelming to discriminate. Maybe people will buy fewer cheap Christmas string lights and plastic toys. Part of simple living for me has been anti-conspicuous or anti over-consumption. I actually thought it was too bad he exempted cell phones and computers, which it seems like we have plenty of and will end up in landfills. Unfortunately it will also affect poor peoples real basic needs and may sent the economy into a recession.
Maybe there are indeed two sides to Donald. Like Jekyll and Hyde?
Real life example from my job of how the China duties are biting:
Air freight from China that left yesterday. $4340 cargo value. Subject to all the multiple China duties and 125% reciprocal tariff. Total duties and fees: $5846
Multiple customers that import from China have cancelled everything. The ones in transit already have an exemption from the 125%
Maybe there are indeed two sides to Donald. Like Jekyll and Hyde?
If he could just get over himself, he'd probably be a much more suitable President, but the shameless lying, the vindictiveness, and ruthless way he rules are just things I can't get past, even though I agree with you on the Chinese tariffs.
I enjoyed Bill Maher’s report of his visit to the White House last week. Maher famously said he would vote for Joe Biden‘s head in a jar of blue liquid before he would ever vote for Trump.
Maher spent a couple hours with the President and came away with a report that most liberals will see as a love paeon to the President of the United States. It is not that, but in these times, superficial opinion reigns supreme and the libs are so often way off base these days.
i’ve said it before: I increasingly look to our stage comics as the philosophers of our day. So I enjoyed Maher’s quips. He took with him to the White House a list of 60 rude and terrible things Donald Trump had said about him. He asked the President to sign that list and Trump agreeably signed. The President gave Maher a thorough tour of the Oval Office suite of rooms, including a little room off the Oval office that they termed “the blowjob room.”
of course, Maher had more serious things to say about his Trump visit. He found the president to be gracious and attentive to what Maher said, asking his opinion even about a couple of world events. Maher said it is unfortunate this is not the persona the president projects on the world stage.
the two men found common ground when they talked about people in their circle who did not want them to meet with each other, and how they both think those people are wrong.
I just watched his report on his show on CNN. Coincidentally, I had just gotten home and turned on the TV and that's what was on--I agree with you about comics, and I do like Bill Maher because he criticizes both parties. He has a lot of credibility for that reason. He followed up his report with an interview with Steve Bannon. It's refreshing to see someone try to bridge the wide, wide gap that exists.
iris lilies
4-12-25, 9:09pm
I just watched his report on his show on CNN. Coincidentally, I had just gotten home and turned on the TV and that's what was on--I agree with you about comics, and I do like Bill Maher because he criticizes both parties. He has a lot of credibility for that reason. He followed up his report with an interview with Steve Bannon. It's refreshing to see someone try to bridge the wide, wide gap that exists.
I haven’t watched the Bannon interview clip, but I mean to do that soon.
and now there are stories from some that the Commerce Secretary said the electronics tariff reduction was temporary and "separate levies" would be placed on such items.
“(Electronics are) exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two,” Lutnick told ABC News’ “This Week” anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday.
Watched numerous economists and others this weekend and they agree that further investment in the US by others is unlikely and additional serious conflict with China is possible. When trust is destroyed, it is hard to recover.
And what about this crazy sovereign wealth fund? Sounds more like a wealth grab to get control away from any others.
and now there are stories from some that the Commerce Secretary said the electronics tariff reduction was temporary and "separate levies" would be placed on such items.
“(Electronics are) exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two,” Lutnick told ABC News’ “This Week” anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday.
Watched numerous economists and others this weekend and they agree that further investment in the US by others is unlikely and additional serious conflict with China is possible. When trust is destroyed, it is hard to recover.
And what about this crazy sovereign wealth fund? Sounds more like a wealth grab to get control away from any others.
Yeah, no idea what’s going on with that. At least I don’t have to deal with electronic shipments.
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