The Republican Agenda 2021 and Forward

[Chew Toy McCoy]

Watch when Trump's decisions trigger a massive recession (possibly globally like the Great Depression) and then he starts pointing out how much better off we are comparably to other parts of the world. Suddenly his supporters will find that comforting when they didn't give a shit about that exact same reality under Biden.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

It's rumored that Trump might issue an executive order to end birthright citizenship. Unless I have a misunderstanding of how it works, I can't say I really dissagree with him. I'm sure there might be circumstances where I would dissagree but at face value it doesn't seem like literally anybody who is birthed on US soil should be by default a citizen. It's the polar opposite extreme of how difficult it can be to come to this country and become a citizen legally. Where I would disagree is trying to use it retroactively. If he wants to do that then it needs to start the date the order is signed and not before.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

MAGA won't let us "bring down the temperature"

In conversations with Republican voters, we learned why they shun “unity”

www.salon.com

MAGA is a fascist movement, and fascism needs to offer up a constant stream of imaginary "enemies" to their supporters, to keep them paranoid and enthralled.

That answers the "What do they actually want?" question. They exist off of constantly being paranoid and that works perfectly with non solutions to actual problems from their leaders. It's never bad decisions, always imaginary enemies. I guess the only solace is there is never happiness in constantly being paranoid. So in that regard they are never going to be doing mentally better than the rest of us.

 

[Nycturne]

It's rumored that Trump might issue an executive order to end birthright citizenship. Unless I have a misunderstanding of how it works, I can't say I really dissagree with him. I'm sure there might be circumstances where I would dissagree but at face value it doesn't seem like literally anybody who is birthed on US soil should be by default a citizen. It's the polar opposite extreme of how difficult it can be to come to this country and become a citizen legally. Where I would disagree is trying to use it retroactively. If he wants to do that then it needs to start the date the order is signed and not before.

There’s the whole pesky fact that it was established with the 14th amendment. Not sure how one expects to undo that with an executive order, unless it really is just ‘who gives a shit about precedent and laws’ time.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

There’s the whole pesky fact that it was established with the 14th amendment. Not sure how one expects to undo that with an executive order, unless it really is just ‘who gives a shit about precedent and laws’ time.

I did hear there probably would be kickback on this from the courts. However on your last point when it comes to Trump and the conservative capture on precedent and laws kickback comes down to “You didn’t say please! Remember next time.”

 

[Herdfan]

There’s the whole pesky fact that it was established with the 14th amendment. Not sure how one expects to undo that with an executive order, unless it really is just ‘who gives a shit about precedent and laws’ time.

The clause you are referring to is:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside

So let's look at the part that says "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof". Courts (several cases) have found that this means they must show no allegiance to any other foreign country. But if they are born in the US to say Mexican parents, they also have Mexican citizenship. So how can they show full allegiance to the US while being a citizen of a second country?

The 14th Amendment's purpose was to recognize and bestow citizenship on former slaves, so it is being used in a manner probably not contemplated by Congress and the States when it was passed. And that means the courts can decide what it means. Which they did in 1898 in the Kim case. So birthright citizenship is because of a court decision and not specifically the 14A. So the courts could overturn it if they chose.

 

[GermanSuplex]

I’m trying to figure out how imposing tariffs during low unemployment and lowering inflation is going to work, while you are also cutting taxes for the wealthy and spending ungodly amounts on rounding up and deporting hundreds of thousands of people.

For all the talk of Harris being vague on specifics, I’ve yet to hear even an iota of this from Trump. He’s said nothing about spurring economic growth at home, and none of the conservatives who are budget hawks have said anything either. Then you get hit with retaliatory tariffs which means we export fewer good, or the same amount for cheaper.

My guess is they will do exactly what the democrats do, which is major spending, except worse, because none of these are investments in the economy. A tariff isn’t an investment, it just means companies pay more for imports and pass the cost. Someone who doesn’t want to pay tariffs isn’t suddenly going to stop buying and start investing in production just because Trump makes them pay more now.

Sending tons of people who pay into our economy more than they get out of it back to another country - on the taxpayer dime - isn’t going to spur economic growth.

Trump already did this, I’m not sure why doing a worse version is seen as better.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

The clause you are referring to is:



So let's look at the part that says "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof". Courts (several cases) have found that this means they must show no allegiance to any other foreign country. But if they are born in the US to say Mexican parents, they also have Mexican citizenship. So how can they show full allegiance to the US while being a citizen of a second country?

The 14th Amendment's purpose was to recognize and bestow citizenship on former slaves, so it is being used in a manner probably not contemplated by Congress and the States when it was passed. And that means the courts can decide what it means. Which they did in 1898 in the Kim case. So birthright citizenship is because of a court decision and not specifically the 14A. So the courts could overturn it if they chose.

The part you quoted is why I thought I may not know what I’m talking about, but it appears I did on what I said is face value. I really can’t think of a functional reason why it should stay that way. Again, don’t want it to be retroactive. Let’s sort that out. Shit, even St. Reagan sympathized with the immigrants who have already been here long term on less than completely legal status.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

I’m trying to figure out how imposing tariffs during low unemployment and lowering inflation is going to work, while you are also cutting taxes for the wealthy and spending ungodly amounts on rounding up and deporting hundreds of thousands of people.

For all the talk of Harris being vague on specifics, I’ve yet to hear even an iota of this from Trump. He’s said nothing about spurring economic growth at home, and none of the conservatives who are budget hawks have said anything either. Then you get hit with retaliatory tariffs which means we export fewer good, or the same amount for cheaper.

My guess is they will do exactly what the democrats do, which is major spending, except worse, because none of these are investments in the economy. A tariff isn’t an investment, it just means companies pay more for imports and pass the cost. Someone who doesn’t want to pay tariffs isn’t suddenly going to stop buying and start investing in production just because Trump makes them pay more now.

Sending tons of people who pay into our economy more than they get out of it back to another country - on the taxpayer dime - isn’t going to spur economic growth.

Trump already did this, I’m not sure why doing a worse version is seen as better.

There’s stories coming out about small business owner Trump voters just learning that it will be them and their customers who will pay the tariffs as well as larger businesses cutting back on spending and bonuses to prepare for the tariffs. Does anybody honestly believe companies and corporations are going to be making big investments anytime in the near future? Pfft.

But as hypocrisy rules supreme on the right, Trump will just deflect to “but look at the stock market!” which was deemed as completely out of touch with real Americans when Democrats did that.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

As promised, Musk will be in charge of the new department of mass firings, but with Ramaswamy as his sidekick, because that mentality worked out so well for Twitter. But hey, at least the daily meeting start of woke awareness will be replaced with sharing your favorite racist or misogynist joke. So that will be fun.

I'm starting to see a silver lining here, or at least opportunities. Less than a quarter of the population voted for Trump and probably less than half of those actually believe his shit. I know many in the population can't vote due to age or legal status, but they still didn't officially sign up for this. Many who didn't vote for him are just resigning themselves to acceptance and hoping for the best but they will have a hair-trigger on returning to anger if anything goes sideways, and many things will. And if we're to believe most voted over the economy, it's almost guaranteed that Trumps decisions will be a disaster for the economy even by his own admittance. Nobody is going to have the stomach for more financial hardship in the near term while they watch more power and money getting siphoned to the top. Above all else eyes will be opened that what this is, is class warfare.

While this conservative project has been in the works for a long time, I think they jumped the shark when they decided Trump will be the one to ultimately execute it. They're high on their own supply, but in their defense they probably also see this as their only opportunity as the cat is already out of the bag. He's way too incompetent and self-absorbed, and assignment after assignment is getting tossed to equally incompetent, unqualified, and inexperienced sycophants. When government services, known and unknown, start glitching like a Twitter town hall people are going to get mad. Most importantly in this not ready for primetime execution, they have nowhere near the amount of damage control mechanisms in place that is going to be required. The police may be willing to attack people over culture war issues, not so much over shared economic issues.

Lastly, their list of perceived enemies is way too broad, collectively over half the country - Democrats, "the left", immigrants, women, multiple ethnic or religious groups, LBGTQ+, "elites" which includes virtually anybody with a college degree. As they move down their list of scapegoats to deflect from their idiocy they will create a collective group they aren't equipped to fight, while at the same time their own supporters will suffer.

What we ultimately do with this I don't know, but there is a lot of opportunity there.

 

[GermanSuplex]

What we ultimately do with this I don't know, but there is a lot of opportunity there.

This election was no more a mandate than any other election. It’s the first time they’ve won the popular vote in 20 years, what message did the last four send? That illegals are voting, elections are rigged, etc. Not a peep now.

Republicans are good at gaslighting. That works for awhile. Then it doesn’t. We have been here before, just not with such a mental midget leading the charge.

As for Vivek and Musk, I don’t anticipate many good things from an unofficial “agency” named after a crypto meme stock - Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

This is what happens when you give people with too much money and an infantile idea of “fun” power and let them go wild.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

Heard an interview between Fox’s Hannity and the new border czar (Czar. That’s a Russian term. Hmm, interesting). The tone of Hannity’s responses to questions answered was decidedly “Um, that’s a little harsh and not cool.”

I was able to get a copy of Corporate America’s memo to Fox.

Dear spineless shitbags,

For at least the past half century our economy and industry has been built on the back of undocumented immigrants. Our arrangement is they get to live and work here for less than American pay but more than what they would get in their home country. While here they get to enjoy a better life but without the protections of being a citizen. We win on costs and you win at the cash register.

Our little clown king is looking to upset this arrangement which will lead to needing to exploit American workers and raising prices beyond what is acceptable. You will not full throatedly support this project.

Best regards,

Your overlords

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

This election was no more a mandate than any other election. It’s the first time they’ve won the popular vote in 20 years, what message did the last four send? That illegals are voting, elections are rigged, etc. Not a peep now.

Republicans are good at gaslighting. That works for awhile. Then it doesn’t. We have been here before, just not with such a mental midget leading the charge.

As for Vivek and Musk, I don’t anticipate many good things from an unofficial “agency” named after a crypto meme stock - Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

This is what happens when you give people with too much money and an infantile idea of “fun” power and let them go wild.

Initially they will be laser focused on any department that might cause Musk, Trump, and their class any issues. Any departments related to taxes, corporate regulation, finance industry regulation, worker’s rights, consumer and environmental protections, minority group protections, prosecution of white collar and corporate crime, and stipulations for rewarding government contracts. At best it will be the most corrupt period in our government’s history.

Maybe it won’t directly reach people who rely on government assistance but they’ll get fucked on the backend by everything I just mentioned above.

 

[GermanSuplex]

Initially they will be laser focused on any department that might cause Musk, Trump, and their class any issues. Any departments related to taxes, corporate regulation, finance industry regulation, worker’s rights, consumer and environmental protections, minority group protections, prosecution of white collar and corporate crime, and stipulations for rewarding government contracts. At best it will be the most corrupt period in our government’s history.

Maybe it won’t directly reach people who rely on government assistance but they’ll get fucked on the backend by everything I just mentioned above.

Republicans work in those jobs too. Good luck, it’s easy to talk about these things in a tweet or a podcast. It’s another for these egomaniacs to have to work together. I wish them and anyone in their path good luck!

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

Republicans work in those jobs too. Good luck, it’s easy to talk about these things in a tweet or a podcast. It’s another for these egomaniacs to have to work together. I wish them and anyone in their path good luck!

My friend works for the county health department in CA and says a lot of his coworkers are worried about their job. He’s a conservative and from his personal experience does see a lot of bloat. The problem with “efficiency” when it comes to government the solution is to either throw a lot of money at it or starve it. Nobody is really looking to run things efficiently as far as effectiveness. You just work with the budget you are given. That needs to be fixed.

He says there are days when he goes into the office and wonders why he even bothered to go in as far as workload for that day. There are many jobs both private and public where it just requires somebody to be there due to business hours or needing somebody there in case something happens. I understand the feeling of people being mad about their tax dollars paying people who aren’t being fiercely productive the entire time, but that’s not how things work publicly or privately. When I go to get my oil changed I don’t get to go “I’m only going to pay a quarter of that because only 2 of your 8 employees helped me and I’m not going to subsidize the hours you are open that I’m not here.”

 

[GermanSuplex]

Rick Scott is out as senate republican leader. Going to piss off the hardcore MAGA crowd.

*Holy shit, it’s Thune - MAGA will be upset at the establishment senator.

Senate Republicans choose John Thune as their new leader, replacing McConnell — NBC News

Thune, of South Dakota, beat out Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida in a secret ballot election to replace Mitch McConnell in the top job.

apple.news

Trump always looks so out of place when he has to pretend to be normal and civil.

 

[Herdfan]

You just work with the budget you are given. That needs to be fixed.

I don't know how CA works, or most states for that matter, but I do know how the Federal government works.

First, baseline budgeting needs to go. No department should get an automatic % increase whether they need it or not. Also, no department should lose part of their budget if they don't spend it. But that is how government works. A friend who works IT for the Federal government has to buy new computers every couple of years or they lose the money in their budget. What desktop that is just used as a dumb terminal to the network needs replaced every 2 years? I am typing this on a 9-year old iMac which has gotten a new HHD drive. Still going strong. Departments should be required to justify increases and not get an automatic one "just because".

Also, when using baseline budgeting, a "cut" might not really be a cut. For example, if there is supposed to be a 10% increase in the budget, but is slashed to only a 6% increase, in DC, that is a cut. Even though the budget went up.

 

[Herdfan]

Rick Scott is out as senate republican leader. Going to piss off the hardcore MAGA crowd.

*Holy shit, it’s Thune - MAGA will be upset at the establishment senator.

Better than Cornyn.

 

[Eric]

I see this as the counter-woke culture, a really drastic swing in the opposite direction. It will just be a matter of time before this backfires on them as woke has for liberals I suspect. They're also throwing out the constitution in order to make many of these changes so there will be plenty of legal challenges.

 

[GermanSuplex]

Better than Cornyn.

Agreed. I’m glad Trump is picking establishment corporate swine. Not my opinion, just the opinion of the twitter MAGAsphere who are anxious for Trump’s Hitler Generals to assume power. This is a speed bump in that process. With lifelong swamp lobbyist Susie Wiles, who looks like she should be Trump’s actual wife, and puppy shooting rookie with no national security experience Noem as head of Homeland Security, this is shaping up to be a hodgepodge of RINOs and unqualified nut jobs.

Second term, same as the first!