[Stormsmith]

With an increasing number of baby boomers reaching 50 plus years, it's likely that you can reinstate health care properly in 2020.

[jimjam]

Donald is doing all the easy shit now. Signing papers and proclamations and whatnot. This is going to be fun

PHILADELPHIA — Republican lawmakers aired sharp concerns about their party’s quick push to repeal the Affordable Care Act at a closed-door meeting Thursday, according to a recording of the session obtained by The Washington Post.

The recording reveals a GOP that appears to be filled with doubts about how to make good on a long-standing promise to get rid of Obamacare without explicit guidance from President Trump or his administration. The thorny issues with which lawmakers grapple on the tape — including who may end up either losing coverage or paying more under a revamped system — highlight the financial and political challenges that flow from upending the current law.

Senators and House members expressed a range of concerns about the task ahead: how to prepare a replacement plan that can be ready to launch at the time of repeal; how to avoid deep damage to the health insurance market; how to keep premiums affordable for middle-class families; even how to avoid the political consequences of defunding Planned Parenthood, the women’s health-care organization, as many Republicans hope to do with the repeal of the ACA.

[jimjam]

“No one who has coverage because of Obamacare today will lose that coverage,” Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, said on Jan. 10.

A spokeswoman for Ms. McMorris Rodgers later tried to clarify what she had said. The congresswoman “didn’t deliver her remarks exactly as prepared,” the spokeswoman said.

The quagmire has begun

[Drlee]

They are seriously screwed on this issue. My guess is that they will simply repeal Obamacare and punt for four years until after the 2020 elections. I would expect the same on Social Security and Medicare.

Watching The news cycle sees formerly conservative folks in a virtual panic about TPP and Mexico. How are they on the polls?

Fucked.

55% of Americans oppose the wall. Think about that. President Trump's signature program could cost the republicans dearly in the mid terms not to mention the next Presidential election.

Immigration? 60% of Americans believe illegals should stay with a path to citizenship. Only 25% think they should be deported.

Trump's own staff is torn over the dream act. Notice he has not repealed that yet.

Even the almost laughingly partisan Rasmussan polling could only find 51% who favored the wall.

I am hopeful that President Trump will wake up shortly and see that his actions (and that of a virtually rogue senate) are nearing the tipping point. Even Bright Red Forbes magazine carried an article beginning like this:

The GOP is on a roll this week, as they hurry to ram through ill-planned legislation and cabinet appointments without adequate debate and oversight. By scheduling multiple Senate confirmation hearings on the same day, for example, they clearly illustrate that their intent is not fiscal conservatism or sound governance, but rather a display of (momentarily) unbridled power.

Though democrats can be counted on to wimp out on just about every issue the rumor is that they will use every trick in the book to thwart this nonsense. So far they have tried nothing. They are virtually silent.

If what they have done in the Senate alone were to stand as is they will see about 10% of Americans lose their health insurance entirely or have it priced completely out of reach.

Even seriously conservative authorities are balking at his tax cuts coupled with increased spending on defense and infrastructure.

What about taxes on imports. That is going to hit the middle class between the eyes. I am not talking televisions.

...an estimated 15 percent of the U.S. food supply is imported, including 50 percent of fresh fruits, 20 percent of fresh vegetables and 80 percent of seafood (FDA)

President Trump has picked a fight with Mexico over....what? The miniscule number of Mexicans trying to come to the US? Even the number of Mexican illegals living in the US has been falling for some time now. So lets see what that means:

The US does 1/2 trillion dollars in trade with Mexico. The imbalance is a pittance. Less than 10%. But here is who we are fucking with:

•Mexico was the United States' 2nd largest goods export market in 2015.

•U.S. goods exports to Mexico in 2015 were $236 billion, down 1.6% ($3.9 billion) from 2014 but up 97% from 2005. U.S. exports to Mexico are up 468% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA). U.S. exports to Mexico account for 15.7% of overall U.S. exports in 2015.

•The top export categories (2-digit HS) in 2015 were: machinery ($42 billion), electrical machinery ($41 billion), vehicles ($22 billion), mineral fuels ($19 billion), and plastics ($17 billion).

•U.S. exports of agricultural products to Mexico totaled $18 billion in 2015, our 3th largest agricultural export market. Leading categories include: corn ($2.3 billion), soybeans ($1.4 billion), dairy products ($1.3 billion), pork & pork products ($1.3 billion), and beef & beef products ($1.1 billion).

•U.S. exports of services to Mexico were an estimated $30.8 billion in 2015, 2.7% ($807 million) more than 2014, and 36.7% greater than 2005 levels. It was up roughly 196% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA). Based on 2014, leading services exports from the U.S. to Mexico were in the travel, transportation, and intellectual property (computer software) sectors.

That's right. Let's risk a trade war with the good guys. The trade imbalance with the EU is FAR worse.

To put this into perspective for our UK friends, we export to Mexico alone about 1/2 of the goods and services you export period. For our Australian trolls, we export to Mexico just about half again what you export to the entire world.

I have no idea what my party (republican) will do. I sincerely hope they wake up very soon. One day after the inauguration they witnessed the largest protests in US history. One in 100 people in the US took to the streets. Consider that. Just let it sink in.

Where is the republican leadership? Where is McCain? Graham? Cruz? Ayotte? Murkowski?

This is more than a quagmire. It is an approaching waterfall. With one in 100 Americans taking to the street they could peacefully march to Washington and dictate terms on the capital steps.

[AFAIK]

The top export categories (2-digit HS) in 2015 were: machinery ($42 billion), electrical machinery ($41 billion), vehicles ($22 billion), mineral fuels ($19 billion), and plastics ($17 billion)

Is this counting genuine trade only or is it counting anything that moves across the border? If GM manufactures car engines in USA, then ships them to an assembly plant in Mexico and then sells the finished vehicles in USA no trade has occurred. All the cross border movements occurred solely within GM.

[XogGyux]

They are seriously screwed on this issue. My guess is that they will simply repeal Obamacare and punt for four years until after the 2020 elections. I would expect the same on Social Security and Medicare.

Watching The news cycle sees formerly conservative folks in a virtual panic about TPP and Mexico. How are they on the polls?

Fucked.

55% of Americans oppose the wall. Think about that. President Trump's signature program could cost the republicans dearly in the mid terms not to mention the next Presidential election.

Immigration? 60% of Americans believe illegals should stay with a path to citizenship. Only 25% think they should be deported.

Trump's own staff is torn over the dream act. Notice he has not repealed that yet.

Even the almost laughingly partisan Rasmussan polling could only find 51% who favored the wall.

I am hopeful that President Trump will wake up shortly and see that his actions (and that of a virtually rogue senate) are nearing the tipping point. Even Bright Red Forbes magazine carried an article beginning like this:



Though democrats can be counted on to wimp out on just about every issue the rumor is that they will use every trick in the book to thwart this nonsense. So far they have tried nothing. They are virtually silent.

If what they have done in the Senate alone were to stand as is they will see about 10% of Americans lose their health insurance entirely or have it priced completely out of reach.

Even seriously conservative authorities are balking at his tax cuts coupled with increased spending on defense and infrastructure.

What about taxes on imports. That is going to hit the middle class between the eyes. I am not talking televisions.



President Trump has picked a fight with Mexico over....what? The miniscule number of Mexicans trying to come to the US? Even the number of Mexican illegals living in the US has been falling for some time now. So lets see what that means:

The US does 1/2 trillion dollars in trade with Mexico. The imbalance is a pittance. Less than 10%. But here is who we are fucking with:



That's right. Let's risk a trade war with the good guys. The trade imbalance with the EU is FAR worse.

To put this into perspective for our UK friends, we export to Mexico alone about 1/2 of the goods and services you export period. For our Australian trolls, we export to Mexico just about half again what you export to the entire world.

I have no idea what my party (republican) will do. I sincerely hope they wake up very soon. One day after the inauguration they witnessed the largest protests in US history. One in 100 people in the US took to the streets. Consider that. Just let it sink in.

Where is the republican leadership? Where is McCain? Graham? Cruz? Ayotte? Murkowski?

This is more than a quagmire. It is an approaching waterfall. With one in 100 Americans taking to the street they could peacefully march to Washington and dictate terms on the capital steps.

I agree with most of what you said (shocker I know). But this might be less of an issue than what you are saying if you consider party politics. Yes he is a very shitty person/candidate/politician but he has his base of ignorant grabbed by the balls and for as long as that is the case the rest of republicans with some brain matter will continue to vote along party lines. It is disgusting how the same people that repudiated this guy turned back and started to lick his ass the second he won. This in combination with a very unpopular democratic nominee is what made it possible for this guy to be elected. Also we keep lowering the bar for him, making it so easy for him to pass it with flying colors.

[One Degree]

This is more than a quagmire. It is an approaching waterfall. With one in 100 Americans taking to the street they could peacefully march to Washington and dictate terms on the capital steps.

This is exactly what got the Democrats thrown out. Conservatives do not believe in democracy through lobbying which includes protest marches. That is what they actually are. An attempt to overthrow the will of the majority through lobbying. This is why the current protest marches will only hurt the Democrats.
If Democrats want a voice again, then they need to talk to their neighbors and return to grassroots democracy.
The public is fed up with the loudest voice deciding what is right.

[Drlee]

This is exactly what got the Democrats thrown out. Conservatives do not believe in democracy through lobbying which includes protest marches. That is what they actually are. An attempt to overthrow the will of the majority through lobbying. This is why the current protest marches will only hurt the Democrats.

You think that over a million Americans taking to the streets to peacefully petition their government is NOT grass roots democracy? It is exactly that.

Do you think that democrats give a shit what republicans think? They don't. Republicans are less than 25% of the voters. Conservatives? The term has become meaningless. Trump won by winning over independents and democrats. The democrats do not need to win over new people. They have to get back what they lost.

Seriously though. What do you think democracy is? When conservatives show up at a Trump rally that is democracy but when women take to the streets that is lobbying? Come on OD. You and I are old enough to know better than that.

[One Degree]

Seriously though. What do you think democracy is? When conservatives show up at a Trump rally that is democracy but when women take to the streets that is lobbying? Come on OD. You and I are old enough to know better than that.

I am trying to suggest (guess) what is going on in the minds of Americans. The logic and the numbers don't matter if they get this part wrong. I am suggesting the Democrats have this part wrong. I don't think they have the numbers they believe. Americans have become expert at expressing what is politically correct to avoid being assailed by Liberals to the point of almost believing it themselves. Trump showed them they did not have to hide their true feelings. They swarmed to him because of it and it will only grow now. Remember the Democratic party is made up of the most vocal parts of society and this is not an accident. It gives an unrealistic view as to the true support and Democrats should not make the mistake of believing their own propaganda. The entire world is showing us they are tired of outside influences. This is a world wide movement to return to community and the Democrats ignoring it will be disastrous for them.

[MistyTiger]

The public is fed up with the loudest voice deciding what is right.

So the public would rather go along with the one with the fattest pocket deciding what is right? No. I cannot accept that. The top 1% cannot decide things for the general public.

Is there a third option?

[One Degree]

So the public would rather go along with the one with the fattest pocket deciding what is right? No. I cannot accept that. The top 1% cannot decide things for the general public.

Is there a third option?

Yes, see my signature for a hint.

[Rich]

I get it. I get it. Its over for the Republican party. Its been clear since 2008 that the Republicans are doomed. Their terminal decline has been long predicted by wise people.

However I have to say for a doomed party they're not doing too bad. They're just managing, at least for now, to cling on to the Presidency, the Senate, the House, two thirds of State legislatures, two thirds of State Governorships and the supreme court.

[quetzalcoatl]

I am trying to suggest (guess) what is going on in the minds of Americans. The logic and the numbers don't matter if they get this part wrong. I am suggesting the Democrats have this part wrong. I don't think they have the numbers they believe. Americans have become expert at expressing what is politically correct to avoid being assailed by Liberals to the point of almost believing it themselves...

I'm not so sure. Perhaps you may be right on racial and social justice issues, but no so much on other issues. The evidence is mixed:



Where are the largest party divergences? In several specific areas, notably education, senior income, environment, and healthcare.

Keeping in mind the party differences from above, look at the general public's view of these same issues:



You see a 2/3 majority in favor of strong government action in environment, education, senior income, and healthcare.

Overall, this hardly is a slam dunk for the future of either party. I would agree that Dem moralism around race and gender has been counter-productive in terms of popular support. Republicans, however, are not in the position of FDR in the thirties and forties - their current majorities will be razor thin and difficult to maintain.

[One Degree]

@quetzalcoatl
Thank you. Very informative. It would appear from those figures immigration was the main concern followed by jobs which would explain Trumps victory.
I am basing my overall opinion on what I see going on in the world. Most countries have areas that have independence movements, even though usually weak. We are seeing a gradual breakdown of larger countries into smaller and I believe this will create momentum for many of the weaker groups. The only thing governments can use to fight against this is decentralizing power or states rights in the US. This is a Republican platform and yet you see California wanting independence now. The trend is clear in my mind and the Democrats do not see it. When people are unhappy, they want to bring the government closer to them for better control. I believe this will override all other concerns, but this is just my opinion and time will tell.

[SpecialOlympian]

Fucking lol at peaceful protests being bad because they go against the will of the majority*

*After you eliminate 3 million votes cast by illegal immigrants.

[Stormsmith]

[quote] i am trying to suggest (guess) what is going on in the minds of Americans. The logic and the numbers don't matter if they get this part wrong. I am suggesting the Democrats have this part wrong. I don't think they have the numbers they believe. [/quote]



I have no idea why that quote thingee isn't working...

After 25 years of unending mudslinging get, Hillary won by 3 million votes. That's about as many people as attended the protest march. Many of the women went with their daughters in hand. Future Democrats.

Bernie attracted a number of others whom, I must presume, were thoroughly confused. When Bernie lost, they went to Trump. Why in the world they thought he'd be a good choice as a socialist I cannot think, but my guess is they won't make it twice.

[jimjam]

I am suggesting the Democrats have this part wrong. I don't think they have the numbers they believe.

Democrats/I gained 2 senate seats in 2016 and 6 house seats in 2016

Trump won the electoral election by 70,000 or so votes while Clinton won the popular vote by about 3,000,000 (counting the millions of illegal votes cast by illegal immigrants )

#'s wise the Democrats are gaining ground and, while Donald's grandstanding is making his base happy, it is alarming everyone else who, I suspect, will be so pissed off that they will further swell the anti Republican vote.

Donald has to do a lot more than sign unilateral edicts and proudly display his autograph. I simply cannot wait for Trumpcare. He must actually get results. Granted we are only a week into his reign but so far his greatest talent seems to be for creating chaos and making enemies.

[One Degree]

Donald has to do a lot more than sign unilateral edicts and proudly display his autograph. I simply cannot wait for Trumpcare. He must actually get results. Granted we are only a week into his reign but so far his greatest talent seems to be for creating chaos and making enemies.

The hysteria over Trump is going to do 100 times the damage to our country that Trump could have done on his own. Anti Trump people will be at least as guilty as Trump for where they are taking this country. People are idiots that can not see pass their emotions and today.

[quetzalcoatl]

The hysteria over Trump is going to do 100 times the damage to our country that Trump could have done on his own. Anti Trump people will be at least as guilty as Trump for where they are taking this country. People are idiots that can not see pass their emotions and today.

Could you expound a little on what you see as the possible consequences of this 'hysteria'? Personally, I'm not seeing it. At all.

Trump has control of the military, intelligence, and regulatory apparatus. He has a compliant majority in Congress. He will be able to appoint many more conservative judges to an already conservative judiciary. The state legislatures are his. The cop on the beat is exceedingly likely to be a Trump supporter. The media will oppose him only to the extent their parent companies find it profitable to do so; eventually Trump will find ways to intimidate them (affect their profits), and they will "see the light."

In short, Trump controls his own destiny (and ours). Why do you obsess over his opposition? They can do nothing, except perhaps mill about in the streets. Aside from some absurdly tiny contingent, their will be no actual attempt to physically thwart his actions. Our police eagerly await the chance to crush them.

All should be well in the Trumpean Universe. Yet so many Trumpeters remain oddly disconcerted and fearful - their victories have brought them no happiness. They claim to feast on the tears of their opponents, yet they nervously dance like cats on a hot griddle.

[One Degree]

All should be well in the Trumpean Universe. Yet so many Trumpeters remain oddly disconcerted and fearful - their victories have brought them no happiness. They claim to feast on the tears of their opponents, yet they nervously dance like cats on a hot griddle.

I can not speak for all 'Trumpeans' especially since I could not bring myself to vote for him. He is now President and has all the power you pointed out. I see the reactions to his presidency possibly leading to years of violence without accomplishing anything and setting us back decades. I am simply opposed to unnecessary violence and it troubles me to see intelligent people led around by their emotions because of a disinformation campaign. I see the moral outrage as instigated for political reasons and find it very sad people can not see it.