Decline of the DNC V

[81usaf92]

A fair point, to be sure, but I doubt I need to remind you just how quickly MAGA took over the Rep party with an eye-popping speed. This thing happening in NY could very easily catch fire and spread, albeit more slowly if it does happen. I still remember skeptical pundits reassuring the establishment on both sides that this MAGA thing will fizzle out just like the Tea Party movement did and things can go back to normal. Needless to say, that hasn't happened.



So silence no longer equals consent? Seems I heard that phrase a lot not very long ago. Establishment Reps were taking a beating in the media and message boards for not standing up to Trump and here we are. Who is to say that the same thing won't happen on the left? Yes, the establishment Dems have shown some restraint and maybe that's the problem: restraint isn't cutting it anymore. Perhaps it's time to denounce the far left? Maybe, but I don't see it happening. Just look what they are trying to do to Fetterman.......



Well, I agree that it hasn't been hijacked and I said as much, but my reason why is a bit different than yours. I don't know if the Dems have opened Pandora's Box or if they are developing a containment strategy. I guess we'll know soon enough. When the last of the boomers are gone, I can't help but wonder what either party is going to look and sound like.

The Republican Party only cares about winning elections. They really don’t have any central belief system outside of”conservative” and “winning”. They will abandon Trumpism when it starts losing like they abandoned the neocons, neoliberals, and Anti Red movement before them.

 

[bamacpa]

Well, it's shoved in their faces constantly. Trump's prattling about his luxury plane, while saying he didn't care about housing. Today's super rich's ostentation approaches that of the French royalty before their fall. It's really a small wonder...

My sons and their friends are in their late 20s. I understand their anger and lack of faith in government. I'm not saying they will storm the castle, but I am considering opening a torch and pitchfork store in my retirement years.

 

[CrimsonJazz]

The Republican Party only cares about winning elections.

And Dems aren't exactly the same?

They really don’t have any central belief system outside of”conservative” and “winning”.

You mean like Dems do with progressivism and winning?

They will abandon Trumpism when it starts losing like they abandoned the neocons, neoliberals, and Anti Red movement before them.

Like the Dems abandoned classical liberal values like free speech and meritocracy? I agree comrade.

I look at both parties and for the longest time, I was more or less like, "flip a coin, they're both losers." Lately however, I'm starting to see both as dangerous threats to our republic. Voting isn't going to fix this.

 

[arthurdawg]

The Republican Party only cares about grifting for more money. They really don’t have any central belief system outside of”conservative” and “winning”. They will abandon Trumpism when it starts losing like they abandoned the neocons, neoliberals, and Anti Red movement before them.

ftfy

 

[JDCrimson]

And Dems aren't exactly the same?


You mean like Dems do with progressivism and winning?


Like the Dems abandoned classical liberal values like free speech and meritocracy? I agree comrade.

I look at both parties and for the longest time, I was more or less like, "flip a coin, they're both losers." Lately however, I'm starting to see both as dangerous threats to our republic. Voting isn't going to fix this.

I see you are out of solutions and attempts to fix the problems. Expert at spotting all the weaknesses. One more opinion I need to disregard.

The imbalance of socio-economic upheaval between the Republicans and Democrats tilts heavily toward the Republicans over the last 40 years. And its not even close. Just get everybody focused on Little Johnny wanting to wear a dress while we loot middle America.

 

[81usaf92]

And Dems aren't exactly the same?


You mean like Dems do with progressivism and winning?


Like the Dems abandoned classical liberal values like free speech and meritocracy? I agree comrade.

I look at both parties and for the longest time, I was more or less like, "flip a coin, they're both losers." Lately however, I'm starting to see both as dangerous threats to our republic. Voting isn't going to fix this.

When has the Democrats ever allowed a true far lefter go in a general election? That’s really the point. They try to prevent the chaos candidate from winning the primary. The Republicans are far more open to it.

 

[Huckleberry]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2070529584135647581

Incredible.

A liberal coalition is finally forming to push back against both the far right and the far left.

This week, they launched @thepromise2026, a public pledge with 13 sitting Congressmembers and candidates signing on, openly breaking with the DSA wing while refusing to be lumped in with MAGA.

Their commitments:
"We are capitalist, not socialist."
"We want safety, not lawlessness."
"We are responsible, not reckless."
"Government should solve problems, not create them."
"We are mainstream, not extreme."
"We are proud, not ashamed of America."

This is the kind of pro-America, anti-authoritarian coalition American politics desperately needs.

More of this, please.

 

[CrimsonJazz]

I see you are out of solutions and attempts to fix the problems. Expert at spotting all the weaknesses. One more opinion I need to disregard.

Hmmmm. I have thoroughly read your stated solutions here and have decided that this is the way. Well done!

The imbalance of socio-economic upheaval between the Republicans and Democrats tilts heavily toward the Republicans over the last 40 years. And its not even close. Just get everybody focused on Little Johnny wanting to wear a dress while we loot middle America.

The last 40 years has little to do with what is happening right now; I'm watching what's happening to the Dem party in real time and what I see is frightening. I don't want them to take the knee to progressivism and socialism; I like the idea of having an actual choice on election day. (I'm old-fashioned that way.) I'm guessing the liberals have surrendered; even Bill Maher sounded defeated the other night.

 

[selmaborntidefan]

The Republican Party only cares about winning elections.

The funny thing is, this is exactly what politics is about.

If I may simplify:
Democrats focus on winning ARGUMENTS.
Republicans focus on winning ELECTIONS.

I know it was before your time, but a lot of what is going on in the GOP now - to a lesser extent as far as the "absolute crazy" - was the typical outcome for the Democratic Party's nomination process when they turned it over to "the people" in the aftermath of the 1968 Democratic Convention. (Since my verbiage is confusing, I'm saying that though some of the outcomes were the same, the REPUBLICANS today are FAR CRAZIER about it than most of the bad outcomes with the Democrats).

 

[selmaborntidefan]

The imbalance of socio-economic upheaval between the Republicans and Democrats tilts heavily toward the Republicans over the last 40 years. And its not even close. Just get everybody focused on Little Johnny wanting to wear a dress while we loot middle America.

"The last 40 years," another "Ronald Reagan screwed the country" argument.

OK, I'll buy that. Fine.

Problem I have is this: we've had six Presidents since Reagan, three from each party. At NO TIME in that period did the Democrats (who had trifectas in the first two years of all 3 of their Presidents) try to push the tax rate back up to the 70% only on the rich despite me constantly hearing even from mainstream candidates like Hillary that "it used to be that way."

I'm fine if you wanna blame the guy who was somehow simultaneously a dumb simpleton AND ALSO AT THE SAME TIME a clever, devious, Dr. Frankenstein of voodoo economics creator.

But it's amazing to me that he's to blame for the six Presidents who followed him. That's about like blaming Reagan for something Truman did.

Clinton raised taxes in the 1993 budget deal. He nudged the top rate from 36 to 39%, a 1% increase in the corporate tax, and oh yeah - after burying Paul Tsongas for proposing an increase in the federal gas tax, Clinton increased the federal gas tax. He also increased the amount of SS benefits that could be taxed from 50% to 85%, supposedly only on "the wealthy."

Fortunately, only rich people ever use gasoline.

 

[JDCrimson]

"The last 40 years," another "Ronald Reagan screwed the country" argument.

OK, I'll buy that. Fine.

Problem I have is this: we've had six Presidents since Reagan, three from each party. At NO TIME in that period did the Democrats (who had trifectas in the first two years of all 3 of their Presidents) try to push the tax rate back up to the 70% only on the rich despite me constantly hearing even from mainstream candidates like Hillary that "it used to be that way."

I'm fine if you wanna blame the guy who was somehow simultaneously a dumb simpleton AND ALSO AT THE SAME TIME a clever, devious, Dr. Frankenstein of voodoo economics creator.

But it's amazing to me that he's to blame for the six Presidents who followed him. That's about like blaming Reagan for something Truman did.

Clinton raised taxes in the 1993 budget deal. He nudged the top rate from 36 to 39%, a 1% increase in the corporate tax, and oh yeah - after burying Paul Tsongas for proposing an increase in the federal gas tax, Clinton increased the federal gas tax. He also increased the amount of SS benefits that could be taxed from 50% to 85%, supposedly only on "the wealthy."

Fortunately, only rich people ever use gasoline.

No, I really think its a mechanism of Congress more than Presidents. We have adopted an anti-tax society which indirectly makes the wealthy richer and the working class poorer. We have as a nation decided to let inflation takeover as the main mechanism to manage our economy, the hidden tax.

Republicans have successfully indoctrinated the country that taxes are bad. Democrats are afraid to mess with it because they lose elections. Then Republicans cut them again. Meanwhile, more wealth is shifted to the upper class.

The wealth inequality has reached absurd levels harkening back to the 1920's, maybe worse.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

No, I really think its a mechanism of Congress more than Presidents. We have adopted an anti-tax society which indirectly makes the wealthy richer and the working class poorer. We have as a nation decided to let inflation takeover as the main mechanism to manage our economy, the hidden tax.

Republicans have successfully indoctrinated the country that taxes are bad. Democrats are afraid to mess with it because they lose elections. Then Republicans cut them again. Meanwhile, more wealth is shifted to the upper class.

The wealth inequality has reached absurd levels harkening back to the 1920's, maybe worse.

It is the main threat to the fabric of our society right now. The problem is that we have so many bought and paid for "representatives" in Congress, that it will be ignored until it's impossible to do so further...

 

[crimsonaudio]

Laotian national Tou Lue Vang was convicted of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in Minnesota. He was set to be deported until @GovTimWalz issued him a pardon.Then, I revoked his legal status. @ICEgov has removed him from the U.S. and he will never endanger another American.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2075567815856177323

 

[Bodhisattva]

Laotian national Tou Lue Vang was convicted of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in Minnesota. He was set to be deported until @GovTimWalz issued him a pardon.Then, I revoked his legal status. @ICEgov has removed him from the U.S. and he will never endanger another American.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2075567815856177323

If the accusation is that leftist politicians (and judges) hate America so much that they eagerly release illegal rapists and murderers back into civilized society, this would seem to be Exhibit 1.

 

[92tide]

Graham Platner officially withdraws from the Maine Senate race

Democrats have already set off a mad dash to find a new candidate, with a July 27 deadline to submit a replacement nominee to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November election.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[4Q Basket Case]

I see you are out of solutions and attempts to fix the problems. Expert at spotting all the weaknesses. One more opinion I need to disregard.

The imbalance of socio-economic upheaval between the Republicans and Democrats tilts heavily toward the Republicans over the last 40 years. And its not even close. Just get everybody focused on Little Johnny wanting to wear a dress while we loot middle America.

While I in no way defend Trump's graft, I see the cause of economic resentment a little differently, JD.

A huge driver of the gap in wealth and a big cause of economic resentment is the gap in homeownership and the price of renting.

But look at the most out-of-reach home prices in the country, and outside of specific enclaves (as in, neighborhoods, not metro areas -- think Turtle Creek in Miami or University Park in Dallas), the significant majority are deep, deep blue. That's happened largely because of (1) restrictions on construction and requirements that jack up the cost of new construction that does get approved, and (2) rent controls and other requirements that likewise restrict the supply of rental property AND cause landlords to ignore upkeep. As in, why should I keep my property up when I'm not making any money as it is, and I will get nothing if I invest more. Good money after bad.

I'm not saying that unfettered growth and no requirements for landlords is the answer. I'm saying that the answer is increasing the supply of livable housing to the point that the free market can do the rest. Thing is, blue policies don't do that. Quite the opposite.

As I mentioned above, the metro areas and states that are the most expensive to live in are also the bluest. That is not random happenstance. Why would we not think that doubling down on those economic policies would only exacerbate, not solve, the problem?

 

[92tide]

Mamdani more popular than Netanyahu among U.S. Jews, new poll shows

The Associated Press survey found growing dissatisfaction with Israel's wartime leadership, even as the New York mayor remains divisive over his views on Israel

forward.com

 

[JDCrimson]

While I in no way defend Trump's graft, I see the cause of economic resentment a little differently, JD.

A huge driver of the gap in wealth and a big cause of economic resentment is the gap in homeownership and the price of renting.

But look at the most out-of-reach home prices in the country, and outside of specific enclaves (as in, neighborhoods, not metro areas -- think Turtle Creek in Miami or University Park in Dallas), the significant majority are deep, deep blue. That's happened largely because of (1) restrictions on construction and requirements that jack up the cost of new construction that does get approved, and (2) rent controls and other requirements that likewise restrict the supply of rental property AND cause landlords to ignore upkeep. As in, why should I keep my property up when I'm not making any money as it is, and I will get nothing if I invest more. Good money after bad.

I'm not saying that unfettered growth and no requirements for landlords is the answer. I'm saying that the answer is increasing the supply of livable housing to the point that the free market can do the rest. Thing is, blue policies don't do that. Quite the opposite.

As I mentioned above, the metro areas and states that are the most expensive to live in are also the bluest. That is not random happenstance. Why would we think that doubling down on those economic policies would not exacerbate, let alone solve, the problem?

Its not just pushing homeownership out of reach. Its the pushing of pricing any asset to such a degree that it has to be purchased with credit. You cant pay cash for a car anymore. We purchase our cell phones on payments through our cell vendor.

Consumers cant build any equity in anything any more. The last vestige of wealth creation was homeownership and that is slowly being pushed beyond where new homeowners cant afford the monthly mortgage payments. I know many people who are in the single family and multi family home rental business who getting filthy rich and keep pushing rents higher and higher.

If your wage cant support a home and living expenses how can you afford to set aside money in the stock market? I sorry state of affairs when the highlight of young middle class living is going to Starbucks for an expensive coffee...

 

[selmaborntidefan]

No, I really think its a mechanism of Congress more than Presidents.

Then I'm not sure how you can possibly say that the imbalance is HEAVILY the fault of the GOP given in the last 46 years (going back to the election of Reagan, who is always the bogeyman in this "everything changed" point) as the GOP has had the House for 24 years and the Dems for 22.

We have adopted an anti-tax society which indirectly makes the wealthy richer and the working class poorer.

We were founded as an anti-tax society when reasonable white dudes dressed up as Indians and threw tea into the harbor.

We have as a nation decided to let inflation takeover as the main mechanism to manage our economy, the hidden tax.

Inflation is less now than it was when the last guy was in office. For some reason, the Democratic trifecta didn't turn things around on a dime. Yeah, I know it's a lot more complicated than that - it's also a lot more complicated than "but this party/that party."

Republicans have successfully indoctrinated the country that taxes are bad.

That's right. Nobody ever opposed taxes until Republicans came along. I hear tax collectors in the Bible were quite popular people.

Democrats are afraid to mess with it because they lose elections.

It would be a whole lot easier to believe Democrats actually do loathe "the rich" like they tell us if there weren't so many rich Democrats and Democratic donors. Believe it or not while the average voter might be clueless about a lot, very few are dumb enough to believe when they see a Bill Gates or Mark Cuban or even a John Kerry on TV saying that they themselves "should be paying more in taxes" that they actually mean it. Hell, Bruce Springsteen - you know, the guy who is still singing new songs today about the town he told us 30 years ago was dead has, uh, just died (!) - has a long history of tax evasion and playing cute with the rules, but he's a blue collar Democratic hero, something something.

NOBODY believes any of these people who say this, and it ain't because Republicans told them to hate taxes. Kerry docked his yacht in Rhode Island to avoid 1/2 million in taxes in Massachusetts - this AFTER running for President and telling us all he thought people like him should pay more.

Bernie Sanders rants incessantly about "billionaires" and affordability - and has 3 houses.


It's almost like the entire game is: "There are more poor voters than rich ones and we know they resent them because they resent us so LET'S PLAY ON THEIR RESENTMENT and get elected to office so we can get even richer!"

Then Republicans cut them again. Meanwhile, more wealth is shifted to the upper class.

No spending ever gets "cut" except (one rare occasions, usually coming off a huge war) defense.
They'll rant about "cuts" but what they mean is, "Last year we increased X by 3% and this year we're only INCREASING it by 2%." Ironically, it was (wait for it) REAGAN'S budget director (David Stockman) who learned when he got to town that 90% of the federal budget cannot be touched at all without incurring the wrath of some powerful caucus of activists.

The wealth inequality has reached absurd levels harkening back to the 1920's, maybe worse.

Then maybe the John Kerrys of the world should be "paying their fare share" and not hiding behind tax loopholes. Bruce Springsteen, too.

Maybe Bernie Sanders shouldn't have three houses.

If they really believe all that nonsense they pretend to believe about that 70% pre-Reagan tax rates that would solve our problems LET THEM PAY IT FIRST!!! Let them set the example for the rest of us. "Hey, Federal Government, here's 70% of what I made last year. I'm good, I can live on $300K."

 

[selmaborntidefan]

If the accusation is that leftist politicians (and judges) hate America so much that they eagerly release illegal rapists and murderers back into civilized society, this would seem to be Exhibit 1.

It's more like exhibit 500.
Followed by "that's racist."