What do we do?
The twin phrases “we’ve never been
here before” and “we’ve never seen anything like this” are out of date almost
as soon as they are spoken or written. Think about it. In just a few weeks
here’s what we’ve seen, in no particular order.
• The US is bombing small boats and killing people in
the Caribbean suspected of, with no direct evidence, transporting drugs to the
US.
• The Trump Administration continues to order and deploy
US troops to cities across the country, mostly over the objections of local
city and state leaders and in violation of the US Constitution.
• Hundreds of US Military leaders were brought to the US
for essentially a photo op so President Trump could drone on about his
predecessors Obama and Biden.
• The Department of Defense has been renamed the
Department of War.
• Russia is regularly bombing civilians and flying
incursions into NATO with nary a word from the US.
• We’ve restored medals to the perpetrators of the
massacre of hundreds of women children at Wounded Knee.
• Healthcare prices for 2026 are starting to roll out
and the news is not good. Seniors and others are seeing increases of over 20%
due to reduction of support from the federal government.
• A grieving Christian woman, Erika Kirk, forgave the
killer of her husband and urged others to do so while leaving hate behind
because it’s commanded by Jesus in scripture and it’s “what Charlie would
want”. Immediately afterwards, a US President, at the funeral says “I
disagree”, “I hate my opponents” and “I don’t want what’s best for them”. All
the while, his supporting Christian leaders remained silent and cheered him on.
• A MAGA supporting man shot and killed numerous
worshippers and firebombed a Mormon church on the same day another man shot up
a waterfront restaurant in North Carolina.
• At the Ryder Cup golf tournament, a US announcer egged
on fans by using the F-word as they cussed at and threw beer on the wife of
European golfer Rory McIlroy. Meanwhile on the course, other US fans heckled
and abused competing golfers as they simply tried to make their shots.
• A US President is demanding a publicly held US
corporation, Microsoft, fire an executive because that person, Lisa Monaco, has
criticized him.
• The Dems continue their wilderness sojourn with no
plan, no new ideas and nothing to motivate their base, let alone gain new
supporters.
• A US Attorney General has said certain speech in the
US in not protected under the First Amendment. Few GOP political leaders spoke
up in opposition to her statement or the president’s support of her.
I’ve lived through the political
violent spasms of the 1960s, Watergate, the Reagan drubbings of the Dems, the
balanced budgets of the Clinton years, a stupid war in Iraq, a financial
meltdown in the aughts and the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic.
Never in my life have I felt our
country was coming apart at the seams, until now. And it is not just evidenced
within our political leadership. It has filtered down to the personal level as
even people with whom we converse daily have decided honorable, fair and
legitimate dialogue is no longer valuable. Instead in its place, we get
juvenile nicknames, snark, whataboutisms and few serious ideas on how to really
improve America.
Meanwhile, rather than focus on
the real issues, the US Congress and President Trump, unable to come up with a budget
plan for all America, have decided to shut down the US Government.
But hey, we're owning the other
side, and apparently, that’s what matters.
24 comments:
David, Great summary of the news that matters with one big exception. Schumer is keeping the government shut down because he is bowing to the squad and their support for Alexandria. The democrats won't sign a CR because, although it does not increase the budget by over a trillion dollars, it also doesn't fund healthcare for illegal border crosser which all of the democrats candidates support. The democrats have shut down the government as a show of unity in their hate trump agenda and the finger to the American Taxpayer.
It is difficult to find the truth because we don't have an honest media who will tell the truth so you need to dig on your own.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/yes-democrats-want-to-give-illegals-free-healthcare-here-are-the-facts
"Facts are stubborn things. And the fact is that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) imposed safeguards to stop illegal immigrants from improperly accessing federal healthcare benefits. The fact is, the Democrats’ funding bill would roll back those safeguards."
The War on Terror... Antifa... Venezuelan "terror" drug cartels... continues. Get Congress to end it. Declare the "end of the war". Make all of Trump's troop deployments Constitutionally illegitimate. Make all his NSA spying and surveillance illegitimate. Or save these "authoritarian war powers" for the next US president. JD Vance.
No Skud, the shutdown is on everybody's watch. Schumer's, Trump's, your's, mine and ours. We've decided as a country that we are unserious people.
The Dems pander to their base, the GOP theirs and Trump, his.
All the while Americans suffer, our prestige around the globe plummets and the dollar suffers as we retreat into our isolated selves.
Well Joe, you and I might agree on something, although it's hard to know because you can be pretty obtuse. I would love to limit the endless wars we find ourselves in by limiting the power of the presidency to wage war without Congress.
But I doubt we could get Congress, any Congress, to go down that road. Absent a need to respond immediately to a real danger, our military should stay in their barracks unless we get a declaration of war.
The repeal of the AUMF would be a good first step to limiting power.
"...it also doesn't fund healthcare for illegal border crosser which all of the democrats candidates support."
This is a lie. Only far-right Trumpers continue to spread this lie. You quoted The Daily Wire? REALLY?
"The Daily Wire was co-founded by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and features other prominent conservative and right-wing personalities, including Matt Walsh.
Media bias ratings: Media watchdog organizations classify The Daily Wire as having a "Right" or "Right-Wing" bias. An AllSides blind survey in 2022 confirmed its Right rating, based on how people across the political spectrum rated the outlet."
That would be like me quoting Mother Jones, which I do not do.
Stop spreading lies by the Trump propaganda machine. And try using a news outlet that's, on the whole, neutral.
USAToday:
"Do 'illegal' immigrants get free health care?
Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal health benefits, said Leo Cuello, research professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy.
They don't qualify for comprehensive Medicaid coverage, Medicare or the Children's Health Insurance Program. And they can't purchase federally subsidized health plans on exchanges backed by the Affordable Care Act."
USAToday:
"Neutrality and bias
Overall center bias: For its news reporting, USA Today is broadly placed in the center of the political spectrum.
Slight liberal leaning in opinion: Some organizations, like Media Bias/Fact Check, note a slight left-leaning bias in its editorial content. This is a common pattern among many mainstream media outlets, where news reporting is more centrist while opinion sections show a particular slant.
Endorsement policy for 2024 election: In late 2024, Gannett and USA Today made headlines for deciding not to endorse a presidential candidate. The decision was made to rebuild trust with readers who have grown increasingly skeptical of media bias."
NEWSWEEK:
"The Facts
Democrats released a budget proposal that seeks to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies before they expire at the end of the year. The plan, put forward by Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro and Washington Senator Patty Murray, also includes a reversal of Medicaid cuts made earlier this year.
The pair argues that if their proposal is not put in place, then “15 million Americans” will be kicked off their health care plans, because of the provisions made in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would see health care provisions expire in 2027, including for legal immigrants accessing ACA subsidies.
'While Republicans push America to the brink of a shutdown, Democrats are ready to negotiate a bipartisan continuing resolution and government funding bills that lower the cost of living, help working people—not just billionaires—and protect people’s health care,' DeLauro and Murray said in a joint statement.
Fact: THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT INCLUEDE FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!"
NEWSWEEK'S RATING ON RELIABILITY AS A NEWS SOURCE:
"Media bias watchdog AllSides rated Newsweek as Lean Left or Left between 2016 and 2020. However, in late 2020, following a series of editorial changes, the publication was given a "Center" rating, which was confirmed by a Blind Bias Survey in 2022.
Increased trust: According to AllSides, this shift toward the center has helped increase reader trust and website traffic, especially among conservatives."
IT IS A BLATANT LIE TO WRITE THAT THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO GIVE FREE HEALTHCARE TO ILLEGALS!
The responsibility to get Congress to end The War on Terror and Venezuelan "terror" drug cartels lies SOLELY with the Republican Party, which holds all the levers of power. Go tell your friends on the Mother Ship to write to their Congresscritters. The Democrats have no power to do what you are asking.
Either you know this and choose to pretend the Democrats have the power to do this, or you're just trolling because you have nothing else to offer.
WW III will be the result of US and Zionist Israeli ignorance, greed, and power lust.
Where were Democrats from 2009-2017? 2021-2025? The Power that comes from the 2001 WoT Congressional authorization allows the president to become a perpetual "authoritarian" (war powers). He can even tell corporations what products they have to make (remember during Covid the need to make masks and ventilators). Unfortunately, "authoritarianism" is exactly what Democrats truly desire. So they don't (and won't) take actions to limit the war powers granted in 2001.
The WoT turned America into an "Authoritarian" Republic. Get used to it. It's what you wanted. Fascism. A National Security State. Where everything is a war. Drugs/ Terror/ and now especially Domestic Enemies. The 'other' political party. The "deplorables'. The power to surveil and censor them. Only now, both political parties are using and abusing that power, not just one.
What a bunch of malarkey! The WoT was instituted by GWB. AFAIK, President Obama didn't abuse it, nor did President Biden. The masks and lockdowns were mandated by individual states. The federal government lacks the authority to enforce such mandates on states. Instead, mandates were issued by states, counties, and municipalities.
It was only when Trump came to power that the powers invested in the WoT became authoritarian abuse by Trump and his P2025 thugs.
Look to Trump and his minions you support and place your blame with them.
-FJ: "Unfortunately, "authoritarianism" is exactly what Democrats truly desire. So they don't (and won't) take actions to limit the war powers granted in 2001."
The Presidency, both branches of Congress, and the Judiciary are controlled by Trump and his P2025. It's up to them to do it. Go complain to them. They're the abusers and authoritarians in charge of America now. It's all on them, and those who foolishly voted for the corrupt who are running the country now.
Soon the feds and the Fuhrer WILL be dictating to all states. Fascism rising.
In fairness Shaw... Obama was no saint. The Obama Admin used the AUMF to claim anyone "in the vicinity" of a targeted terrorist in Iraq or Afghanistan was a terrorist as well. This included numerous non combatant women and children.
The Obama record of drone strikes of dubious need is well documented.
-FJ... I get prior admins also abused the AUMF... But there were Dems who opposed it. Think Barbara Lee. Bernie Sanders has also been a vocal critic.
Can you name any GOP members who stood with the two above or any of the other Dems who have opposed the AUMF over the years? Maybe Rand or Ron Paul?
Rand Paul (and Ron). They are strict "Federalist Papers" Libertarians. No "foreign entanglements". Back in 2001, Republicans used to call me a "Paulite". I didn't vote for GWB in 2000 or 2004. I voted for Ralph Nader.
Yeah Les, Trump REALLY LOVES the Russia-Ukraine war. And he's forcing Israel to end their Gaza genocide..... e-r-r-r-p!
2021 repeal of the 2002 Iraq War AUMF
In 2021, the House voted to repeal the 2002 Iraq War AUMF, though the bill did not advance in the Senate.
Vote result: Passed 268-161 in the House.
Republicans for repeal: 49 Republicans joined Democrats in voting to repeal the authorization. Notable names on the list included Andy Biggs, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Chip Roy.
2023 repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs
In March 2023, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to repeal both the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs.
Vote result: Passed 66-30 in the Senate.
Republicans for repeal: 18 Republican senators voted in favor of the repeal.
Republicans against repeal: 30 Republican senators voted against the repeal, arguing it could embolden Iran or be seen as a retreat from the Middle East.
2025 NDAA amendment to repeal Iraq AUMFs
In September 2025, the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq War AUMFs.
Vote result: Passed 261 to 167 in the House.
Republicans for repeal: 49 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for the repeal amendment.
Note- It keeps passing in House and Senate, but never both in the same year. Why not? The government LOVES the extra power.
ps - Don't expect Thune to raise the bill in the Senate this year. Besides, Schumer would find an excuse to block him with the filibuster if he did.
It's only going to get worse.
Ms. Shaw, You should expand your reference base because if cuts in obamacare are not reversed part of those funds go to provide taxpayer funded healthcare for illegals. Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal health benefits. It is that largely ineligible that opens the door for funding illegals.
If you review the democrat debates prior to the dnc making the selection, all of the candidates were asked if they support providing healthcare to illegals they unanimously said yes.
Senator Tim Kaine. “Reality check: Under federal law, undocumented people are not eligible to enroll in Medicare and Medicaid.
Both times -FJ? For Nader I mean...
Nope, he's simply continuing to support the horrific Zionist genocide if Hamas doesn't accept the Butcher Netanyahu's demands. tRump is a tool for the unholy Zionist State of Israel.
Life supersedes the hate of MAGAts skud. Legal or otherwise. Period. Full Stop.
Yep. Green Party in 2000 and Independent/Reform/Populist Party in 2004
Our trolls show me they are the worst of humanity. They would prefer humans die than receive health care. They ignore that one law Reagan signed into effect but venerate the man and throw his policies in our faces on the regular.
Typical.
Others have provided the facts concerning immigrants, their legal status, and the level of health care available. I verified (measure thrice cut once) the facts. 17/10 No notes.
For the record the Nazis looked to the US and our Jim Crow laws and KKK as a road map for their policies and gestapo force. It is fitting the Nazis came home as it's past time WeThePeople correct this bad behavior. We started this, we can end it.
By the way, the ONLY humans saying "illegals" get healthcare, real healthcare which is not taking oneself to the emergency room when a body is too sick to continue without medical attention, are those on the Right aka MAGA aka what was once the GOP. The spokespeople know better but their base needs some fresh hatred and a diversion from the Epstein Files so hey, easy scapegoat. skud and those like them will die on their hill that "illegals" are getting Medicaid (complicated) and/or Medicare (not even happening but hey, why let a lie get in the way of a good narrative, amirite?) at the expense of citizens.
While WeThePeople are arguing about basic human rights, specifically health care in a world where it is a necessity not a luxury, our "betters" are working to eliminate our military so it can be contracted out. Erik Prince is salivating so much a flood zone has been declared around his house. I wish I was making this up. You've no idea how much I wish this wasn't a thing. Yeah, I know, our trolls will tell me I'm hysterical or words to that effect but it's already being discussed amongst those who are in a position to know.
It is going to get worse, in fact it already is. Citizens aren't mistakenly being swept up in the ICE raids because ICE doesn't care. They have a quota to meet. That is what matters to them. Citizenship? A citizen with a Real ID was detained because that one ID which is supposed to be fool proof and impossible to counterfeit was deemed "fake" by the ICE agent on the ground. There was another citizen who presented their ID only to be told they weren't in the data base aka their ID, was obtained at their local motor vehicle office, wasn't in the database. They weren't in the database, their entire identity had been erased. DOGE, those rascals. I'm sure they thought it was funny to delete records when they were screwing around with The Peoples personal data.
We are all at risk and until the horrible happens to our trolls they will die on the hill that only "illegals" are being detained. My code prevents me from wishing harm on others but hurt? I'm good with some hurt especially if eyes are opened and hearts are softened.
Health care is a human right. Housing is a human right. Nutrition is a human right. There are no more frontiers to relocate humans who others deem undesirable. Besides, that tactic has been tried many times only for those doing the pushing to get their feels in a bunch when those pushed out thrive. I've history backing me up on this. I'll bring receipts if challenged but there are a lot of them so for now just trust they exist.
The troll who can't see the broad side of the barn is telling our blog host, the person who is impeccable with their data, facts, and research (yes, I know Shaw is not perfect but the fact she corrects herself when incorrect gives strength to my statement, not weakens it) that they need to expand their reference base. LOL They can't see their way through the Grand Canyon with a map, a flashlight, and a guide at high noon but they can tell others that they aren't 'broad' enough in their vision.
That is MAGA in a nutshell. Oh my, I'm laughing so I don't cry. Will be off again because this is just crazy.
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