Comments on: Cram A Year's Legislation Into A Few Days, Or Punt? http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/ Reality-based political commentary Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:48:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: C. R. Stucki http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112590 C. R. Stucki Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:45:35 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112590 Balthazar Sorry, the the laws of economics under which the market functions are alive and well. It's true that we are dependent on competition to keep the participants 'honest', and apparently Shkreli has (or had) a monopoly on his pill, but remember, those kind of profits tend to draw competitors into the market, solving the problem. Also, nobody is forced to buy his over-priced medication, same as nobody is forced to buy the retail merchandise that is marked up in Sept to be marked down in Dec. It's true, concert tickets are going up every year (greedy gawdam performers, right?), but electronics are getting cheaper every year (I presume the engineers must therefor be what, maybe 'overgenerous'?) That's how the laws of supply and demand work. You and I spending our $ anyway we like is the essence of the 'free market'. I admit it is the worst possible way of doing things, except for ALL THE ALTERNATIVE WAYS! Balthazar

Sorry, the the laws of economics under which the market functions are alive and well. It's true that we are dependent on competition to keep the participants 'honest', and apparently Shkreli has (or had) a monopoly on his pill, but remember, those kind of profits tend to draw competitors into the market, solving the problem. Also, nobody is forced to buy his over-priced medication, same as nobody is forced to buy the retail merchandise that is marked up in Sept to be marked down in Dec.

It's true, concert tickets are going up every year (greedy gawdam performers, right?), but electronics are getting cheaper every year (I presume the engineers must therefor be what, maybe 'overgenerous'?) That's how the laws of supply and demand work.

You and I spending our $ anyway we like is the essence of the 'free market'. I admit it is the worst possible way of doing things, except for ALL THE ALTERNATIVE WAYS!

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112587 Balthasar Wed, 20 Dec 2017 19:58:34 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112587 <i>You seem to feel that wages and prices are established by somebody or something which is inherently unfair to poor people. My understanding is that all of those things are determined by the free market, and that it's ridiculous to even mention the word "necessary", or 'fair' in that discussion.</i> Somebody like, for instance Martin Shkreli, who raised the price of a lifesaving drug from $13.50 to $750.00 per pill, apparently on a whim? Hey, I've worked in retail stores large and small, and watched when suppliers marked up all their merchandise in September, so that they could offer 'bargains' in December. That happens. But you don't need to look to bad actors for bad results, you only need to see the difference between what a dollar bought several years ago, versus what that same dollar buys today. In 1975, a concert ticket was $5.00, today that same general seating ticket is $50-$100. Have minimum wages risen accordingly? No. In 1980, a 2 bedroom apartment was $250/mo. Today, that same space in a lesser neighborhood might cost upwards of $900/mo. Don't even get me started on the sudden jump in the cost of education. The lower classes have been gradually shut out from things they used to be able to afford, and their income taxes are not to blame for that. Belief in the concept of a 'free market' is about as quaint as belief in dragons. It's another con, like the concept of 'trickle down' economics, designed to lull us to sleep while they rip us off. You seem to feel that wages and prices are established by somebody or something which is inherently unfair to poor people. My understanding is that all of those things are determined by the free market, and that it's ridiculous to even mention the word "necessary", or 'fair' in that discussion.

Somebody like, for instance Martin Shkreli, who raised the price of a lifesaving drug from $13.50 to $750.00 per pill, apparently on a whim?

Hey, I've worked in retail stores large and small, and watched when suppliers marked up all their merchandise in September, so that they could offer 'bargains' in December. That happens.

But you don't need to look to bad actors for bad results, you only need to see the difference between what a dollar bought several years ago, versus what that same dollar buys today. In 1975, a concert ticket was $5.00, today that same general seating ticket is $50-$100. Have minimum wages risen accordingly? No. In 1980, a 2 bedroom apartment was $250/mo. Today, that same space in a lesser neighborhood might cost upwards of $900/mo.
Don't even get me started on the sudden jump in the cost of education. The lower classes have been gradually shut out from things they used to be able to afford, and their income taxes are not to blame for that.

Belief in the concept of a 'free market' is about as quaint as belief in dragons. It's another con, like the concept of 'trickle down' economics, designed to lull us to sleep while they rip us off.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112581 Michale Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:42:39 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112581 <I>Actually, I was NOT there at the time it was written. I was convalescing from being wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and I missed the convention.</I> heh Actually, I was NOT there at the time it was written. I was convalescing from being wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and I missed the convention.

heh

]]> By: C. R. Stucki http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112580 C. R. Stucki Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:37:56 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112580 Michale Actually, I was NOT there at the time it was written. I was convalescing from being wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and I missed the convention. Michale

Actually, I was NOT there at the time it was written. I was convalescing from being wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and I missed the convention.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112574 Michale Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:50:43 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112574 <I>That's definitely a new and unique take on the "General Welfare" idea. At the time the constitution was written, the word 'welfare' was synonymous with 'prosperity', and was NOT synonymous with 'charity', which is the way you're using it.</I> And CRS should know because he was around when they wrote it!! :D Sorry, CR.. Couldn't resist... 542 That's definitely a new and unique take on the "General Welfare" idea. At the time the constitution was written, the word 'welfare' was synonymous with 'prosperity', and was NOT synonymous with 'charity', which is the way you're using it.

And CRS should know because he was around when they wrote it!! :D

Sorry, CR.. Couldn't resist...

542

]]> By: C. R. Stucki http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112572 C. R. Stucki Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:10:32 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112572 Balthazar [51] That's definitely a new and unique take on the "General Welfare" idea. At the time the constitution was written, the word 'welfare' was synonymous with 'prosperity', and was NOT synonymous with 'charity', which is the way you're using it. I believe your phrase ". . that's the result of higher-than-necessary prices . . and lower-than-necessary wages . . ", actually pinpoints where our respective understandings of how the world actually works, diverge. You seem to feel that wages and prices are established by somebody or something which is inherently unfair to poor people. My understanding is that all of those things are determined by the free market, and that it's ridiculous to even mention the word "necessary", or 'fair' in that discussion. The market doesn't know from "necessary" OR from 'fair, it only knows from 'supply and demand'. Balthazar [51]

That's definitely a new and unique take on the "General Welfare" idea. At the time the constitution was written, the word 'welfare' was synonymous with 'prosperity', and was NOT synonymous with 'charity', which is the way you're using it.

I believe your phrase ". . that's the result of higher-than-necessary prices . . and lower-than-necessary wages . . ", actually pinpoints where our respective understandings of how the world actually works, diverge.

You seem to feel that wages and prices are established by somebody or something which is inherently unfair to poor people. My understanding is that all of those things are determined by the free market, and that it's ridiculous to even mention the word "necessary", or 'fair' in that discussion.

The market doesn't know from "necessary" OR from 'fair, it only knows from 'supply and demand'.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112570 Michale Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:53:05 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112570 Here is a totally radical idea.. If people want to be successful and be a high earner, the clue on how to do it is in the label.. Hi-<B><I>EARN</B></I>er See how it works??? 541 Here is a totally radical idea..

If people want to be successful and be a high earner, the clue on how to do it is in the label..

Hi-EARNer

See how it works???

541

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112563 Michale Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:47:18 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112563 <i>The American Constitution instructs the State to 'provide for the General Welfare' in its first paragraph, so the mandate for redistribution of resources is a settled matter of law and societal purpose.</i> Yes.. "GENERAL" welfare... The Constitution guarantees everyone equal opportunity.. Not equal outcomes.. The American Constitution instructs the State to 'provide for the General Welfare' in its first paragraph, so the mandate for redistribution of resources is a settled matter of law and societal purpose.

Yes.. "GENERAL" welfare...

The Constitution guarantees everyone equal opportunity..

Not equal outcomes..

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112561 Balthasar Wed, 20 Dec 2017 12:01:32 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112561 CR: <i>None of those things have the slightest connection to whether low-earners should have the right to share the fruits of the labors of high-earners, which is the real basis for your rebuttals to my [39], and the real basis for our ideological disagreements, right?</i> The American Constitution instructs the State to 'provide for the General Welfare' in its first paragraph, so the mandate for redistribution of resources is a settled matter of law and societal purpose. If you want to argue whether the State has a moral right to take from the rich and give to the poor, you'll have to take that up with the writers of the enlightenment, who woke us all up to the concept that concentrated wealth really sucks, eventually. <i>you need to realize that I AM ONE of the 'low-earners'.</i> Good. Then don't buy into the old-as-dirt argument that the rich 'produce' and the poor 'take'. That argument, made by lords and shahs and billionaires throughout history, is a load of bunk designed to make you resent your neighbor rather than notice the basic inequality between you and the fellow sitting on the huge pile of cash. That family down the street living on meager government handouts isn't causing your poverty - that's the result of higher than necessary prices, rents, and utilities, and lower-than-necessary wages and pensions, which make life more difficult than it should be for you and for everyone else around you. One could even argue that it's near immoral for that neighbor NOT to take advantage of government assistance, as without it, their children might be dumber and less healthy, their neighborhood would be poorer generally, and they would be less able as consumers to contribute to the common prosperity. CR: None of those things have the slightest connection to whether low-earners should have the right to share the fruits of the labors of high-earners, which is the real basis for your rebuttals to my [39], and the real basis for our ideological disagreements, right?

The American Constitution instructs the State to 'provide for the General Welfare' in its first paragraph, so the mandate for redistribution of resources is a settled matter of law and societal purpose.

If you want to argue whether the State has a moral right to take from the rich and give to the poor, you'll have to take that up with the writers of the enlightenment, who woke us all up to the concept that concentrated wealth really sucks, eventually.

you need to realize that I AM ONE of the 'low-earners'.

Good. Then don't buy into the old-as-dirt argument that the rich 'produce' and the poor 'take'. That argument, made by lords and shahs and billionaires throughout history, is a load of bunk designed to make you resent your neighbor rather than notice the basic inequality between you and the fellow sitting on the huge pile of cash. That family down the street living on meager government handouts isn't causing your poverty - that's the result of higher than necessary prices, rents, and utilities, and lower-than-necessary wages and pensions, which make life more difficult than it should be for you and for everyone else around you.

One could even argue that it's near immoral for that neighbor NOT to take advantage of government assistance, as without it, their children might be dumber and less healthy, their neighborhood would be poorer generally, and they would be less able as consumers to contribute to the common prosperity.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112560 Michale Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:24:45 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112560 MAJOR win for President Trump and the American people..!!! And Dumbocrats are whining and crying.. Just like Republicans when TrainWreckCare passed... It's a great day to be an American.. :D 534 MAJOR win for President Trump and the American people..!!!

And Dumbocrats are whining and crying.. Just like Republicans when TrainWreckCare passed...

It's a great day to be an American.. :D

534

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112556 Michale Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:24:44 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112556 <I>None of those things have the slightest connection to whether low-earners should have the right to share the fruits of the labors of high-earners, which is the real basis for your rebuttals to my [39], and the real basis for our ideological disagreements, right?</I> And THAT is the argument in a nutshell.. Should low-earners share in the fruits of high-earners labors?? Or, to be more accurate, should high-earners be FORCED to share the fruits of their labors with low-earners?? Anyone who says "YES" has a screw loose... 530 None of those things have the slightest connection to whether low-earners should have the right to share the fruits of the labors of high-earners, which is the real basis for your rebuttals to my [39], and the real basis for our ideological disagreements, right?

And THAT is the argument in a nutshell..

Should low-earners share in the fruits of high-earners labors??

Or, to be more accurate, should high-earners be FORCED to share the fruits of their labors with low-earners??

Anyone who says "YES" has a screw loose...

530

]]> By: C. R. Stucki http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112549 C. R. Stucki Tue, 19 Dec 2017 22:33:27 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112549 Balthazar I've never claimed to be "Christian", so that's beside the point, but I've likewise NEVER claimed to have "no obligation to the society around me". Your [42] response is rife with non sequitur reasoning and unjustified aspersions. I've never denied my obligation to "contribute to the society around me". I've been paying car registration and gas taxes all my life to support the public streets and hiways, been paying property taxes and water bills all my life to support the water department, same with electricity bills, and all the things you mentioned. Where do you get off claiming otherwise? But those things are actually not what you're really concerned with. None of those things have the slightest connection to whether low-earners should have the right to share the fruits of the labors of high-earners, which is the real basis for your rebuttals to my [39], and the real basis for our ideological disagreements, right? And you need to realize that I AM ONE of the 'low-earners'. When you libs seek to force the high-earners to subsidize the low-earners, I AM A BENEFICIARY OF THAT KIND OF CRAP, so you need to stop assuming that I am being greedy or hypocritical when in opposition, OK? Balthazar

I've never claimed to be "Christian", so that's beside the point, but I've likewise NEVER claimed to have "no obligation to the society around me".

Your [42] response is rife with non sequitur reasoning and unjustified aspersions. I've never denied my obligation to "contribute to the society around me". I've been paying car registration and gas taxes all my life to support the public streets and hiways, been paying property taxes and water bills all my life to support the water department, same with electricity bills, and all the things you mentioned. Where do you get off claiming otherwise?

But those things are actually not what you're really concerned with. None of those things have the slightest connection to whether low-earners should have the right to share the fruits of the labors of high-earners, which is the real basis for your rebuttals to my [39], and the real basis for our ideological disagreements, right?

And you need to realize that I AM ONE of the 'low-earners'. When you libs seek to force the high-earners to subsidize the low-earners, I AM A BENEFICIARY OF THAT KIND OF CRAP, so you need to stop assuming that I am being greedy or hypocritical when in opposition, OK?

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112548 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:37:18 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112548 <I>I simply don't agree that this is always the case.</I> No one said it is ALWAYS the case.. But it's more often the case than you want to concede... <I>The current tax bill tilts the playing field further away from historical norms.</I> Historical norms suck..... :D 528 I simply don't agree that this is always the case.

No one said it is ALWAYS the case..

But it's more often the case than you want to concede...

The current tax bill tilts the playing field further away from historical norms.

Historical norms suck.....

:D

528

]]> By: neilm http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112547 neilm Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:25:28 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112547 CRS: You seem to believe the system that creates wealth somehow distributes it based on meritocracy, and thus if somebody earns $5M/year it is because they have some skill, coupled with a phenomenal work ethic that means they deserve that income. I simply don't agree that this is always the case. Just are there are poor people who skipped out of school, don't want to work, and are 'undeserving' of largess, there are rich people who haven't done a stroke of work, or if they have, work no harder or have no better skills than average. Luck plays a huge role in most people's life outcomes, when if it is just the luck of the womb you drop out of. Capitalism has a bug - if the return on capital > return on labor and the ability to tilt the level playing field comes from power that can be bought with money, over time the markets end up skewed further and further in favor of capital. We can use the Gini coefficient as a proxy for this, and it is currently very high by the standards of the last 75 years. Transfers of wealth are a feature of all functional societies, and are most fair when they correct systemic imbalances such as the one we are currently experiencing. The current tax bill tilts the playing field further away from historical norms. CRS:

You seem to believe the system that creates wealth somehow distributes it based on meritocracy, and thus if somebody earns $5M/year it is because they have some skill, coupled with a phenomenal work ethic that means they deserve that income.

I simply don't agree that this is always the case.

Just are there are poor people who skipped out of school, don't want to work, and are 'undeserving' of largess, there are rich people who haven't done a stroke of work, or if they have, work no harder or have no better skills than average. Luck plays a huge role in most people's life outcomes, when if it is just the luck of the womb you drop out of.

Capitalism has a bug - if the return on capital > return on labor and the ability to tilt the level playing field comes from power that can be bought with money, over time the markets end up skewed further and further in favor of capital.

We can use the Gini coefficient as a proxy for this, and it is currently very high by the standards of the last 75 years.

Transfers of wealth are a feature of all functional societies, and are most fair when they correct systemic imbalances such as the one we are currently experiencing.

The current tax bill tilts the playing field further away from historical norms.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112546 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:24:36 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112546 <I>So, in your decidedly un-Christian worldview, you have no obligation to contribute to the society around you?</I> I love it when Liberals adopt Right Winger views when it suits their agenda.. When it suits their agenda, they are Law & Order CONSTITUTION UBER ALLES... Normally, they wipe their asses with the Constitution When it suits their agenda, they are the most fanatical Jesus-Freak around.. Normally, they cheer at peeing on christ... I swear, hypocrisy is a Dumbocrat requirement..... <I>The same society that provides you roads to drive on, and ensures that your water is safe and that terrorists won't blow up the electricity plant that powers your PC?</I> My gods, what a load of crap... "Society" doesn't provide roads or safe water or any of your other spewage.. PEOPLE provide those things and they are PAID to do it... Are you saying that they should be WORSHIPED in addition to their pay??? I'll remind you of that the next time you want to shit on a cop because she did something you didn't like... 527 So, in your decidedly un-Christian worldview, you have no obligation to contribute to the society around you?

I love it when Liberals adopt Right Winger views when it suits their agenda..

When it suits their agenda, they are Law & Order CONSTITUTION UBER ALLES... Normally, they wipe their asses with the Constitution

When it suits their agenda, they are the most fanatical Jesus-Freak around.. Normally, they cheer at peeing on christ...

I swear, hypocrisy is a Dumbocrat requirement.....

The same society that provides you roads to drive on, and ensures that your water is safe and that terrorists won't blow up the electricity plant that powers your PC?

My gods, what a load of crap... "Society" doesn't provide roads or safe water or any of your other spewage.. PEOPLE provide those things and they are PAID to do it...

Are you saying that they should be WORSHIPED in addition to their pay???

I'll remind you of that the next time you want to shit on a cop because she did something you didn't like...

527

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112545 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:20:12 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112545 <I>Only clueless would do.</I> Says the guy who backed the candidate that LOST to "clueless"... So, employing Occam's Razor the ONLY logical conclusion is that Trump is not as clueless as you like to think he is.. 526 Only clueless would do.

Says the guy who backed the candidate that LOST to "clueless"...

So, employing Occam's Razor the ONLY logical conclusion is that Trump is not as clueless as you like to think he is..

526

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112544 Balthasar Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:15:19 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112544 <i>This was, without a doubt, an OUTSIDER NON-ESTABLISHMENT election..Trump was the only candidate who fit that description.</i> Only clueless would do. This was, without a doubt, an OUTSIDER NON-ESTABLISHMENT election..Trump was the only candidate who fit that description.

Only clueless would do.

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112543 Balthasar Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:06:06 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112543 <i> If my earning less than you earn somehow grants me an entitlement to share what you earn, "social justice" simply ain't gonna cut it as a definition.</i> So, in your decidedly un-Christian worldview, you have no obligation to contribute to the society around you? The same society that provides you roads to drive on, and ensures that your water is safe and that terrorists won't blow up the electricity plant that powers your PC? Is it justice that you, along with everyone else, get to enjoy the fruits of the labor of every other man in your society, and yet contribute nothing to its posterity? That's greed. For sure. If my earning less than you earn somehow grants me an entitlement to share what you earn, "social justice" simply ain't gonna cut it as a definition.

So, in your decidedly un-Christian worldview, you have no obligation to contribute to the society around you?

The same society that provides you roads to drive on, and ensures that your water is safe and that terrorists won't blow up the electricity plant that powers your PC?

Is it justice that you, along with everyone else, get to enjoy the fruits of the labor of every other man in your society, and yet contribute nothing to its posterity?

That's greed. For sure.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112542 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:50:46 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112542 CRS, just accept it.. If you don't toe the Dumbcorat Party line, fully and slavishly, yer a deplorable... I still think it's AMAZING that Dumbocrats can't win any elections unless they create fake and forged pedophile scandals.. 525 CRS, just accept it.. If you don't toe the Dumbcorat Party line, fully and slavishly, yer a deplorable...

I still think it's AMAZING that Dumbocrats can't win any elections unless they create fake and forged pedophile scandals..

525

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112541 Balthasar Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:49:54 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112541 Let's raise the level of debate a notch or two, shall we? I was watching Ryan gleefully swing that gavel with the enthusiasm of a six year old on his birthday, and I thought: is Ryan done? This monster has been cooking for years up in Ryan's laboratory, made from the corpus' of Ayn Rand and Jack Kemp with a curve of Laffer and a heart of Hayak. In other words, unlike most of what Trump seems to do, this tax plan has been carefully thought out, and we're likely to still be surprised to learn some of its more obscure provisions a year from now. But is bringing this monster to life the climax of Ryan's career? Will he ever be as excited as he was today again? <i>It's alive! It's alive!</i> I say this cognizant of the fact that it still has to pass the Senate, but I gave up on that being a barrier when Collins and Corker signed on to it. No, this story has to have its denouement, wherein the Monster terrorizes the town, and befriends a little girl and a blind man. (Collins and Corker?) For Ryan, this means cutting entitlement programs like a factory butcher. Take a look at some of Ryan's previous tax proposals to get an idea of what he thinks is 'moderate' budget-cutting. The only thing I'm unsure of in this story, is what Frankenryan's timing will be. Will he set right to work to extract maximum terror on these hasty budget and debt ceiling bills next week, or wait and use the hubub of the spring primary season to rally the GOP base with draconian bills? We'll see. This story isn't over yet. Igor, fetch me a cup of coffee and a pitchfork! Let's raise the level of debate a notch or two, shall we?

I was watching Ryan gleefully swing that gavel with the enthusiasm of a six year old on his birthday, and I thought: is Ryan done?

This monster has been cooking for years up in Ryan's laboratory, made from the corpus' of Ayn Rand and Jack Kemp with a curve of Laffer and a heart of Hayak.

In other words, unlike most of what Trump seems to do, this tax plan has been carefully thought out, and we're likely to still be surprised to learn some of its more obscure provisions a year from now.

But is bringing this monster to life the climax of Ryan's career? Will he ever be as excited as he was today again? It's alive! It's alive!

I say this cognizant of the fact that it still has to pass the Senate, but I gave up on that being a barrier when Collins and Corker signed on to it.

No, this story has to have its denouement, wherein the Monster terrorizes the town, and befriends a little girl and a blind man. (Collins and Corker?)

For Ryan, this means cutting entitlement programs like a factory butcher. Take a look at some of Ryan's previous tax proposals to get an idea of what he thinks is 'moderate' budget-cutting.

The only thing I'm unsure of in this story, is what Frankenryan's timing will be. Will he set right to work to extract maximum terror on these hasty budget and debt ceiling bills next week, or wait and use the hubub of the spring primary season to rally the GOP base with draconian bills? We'll see. This story isn't over yet.

Igor, fetch me a cup of coffee and a pitchfork!

]]> By: C. R. Stucki http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112540 C. R. Stucki Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:01:09 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112540 John M Big lie, I have never referred to anybody working two jobs as "lazy". "Social Justice", like 'beauty', lies always in the eye of the beholder. If my earning less than you earn somehow grants me an entitlement to share what you earn, "social justice" simply ain't gonna cut it as a definition. I fear we're pretty much stuck with 'greed' for that purpose, right? John M

Big lie, I have never referred to anybody working two jobs as "lazy".

"Social Justice", like 'beauty', lies always in the eye of the beholder. If my earning less than you earn somehow grants me an entitlement to share what you earn, "social justice" simply ain't gonna cut it as a definition.

I fear we're pretty much stuck with 'greed' for that purpose, right?

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112539 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 19:45:46 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112539 <I>If Trump had run as a Democrat he would not have won the nomination.</I> I think he would have... This was, without a doubt, an OUTSIDER NON-ESTABLISHMENT election... Trump was the only candidate who fit that description... 524 If Trump had run as a Democrat he would not have won the nomination.

I think he would have...

This was, without a doubt, an OUTSIDER NON-ESTABLISHMENT election...

Trump was the only candidate who fit that description...

524

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112537 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:46:25 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112537 Grrr.... <I>And if you think we would all just love him if Trump had a "D" after his name, then you are even more delusional and off the deep end than you normally are. In fact, I would be that if Trump had a "D" after his name, not only would you NOT have voted for him in the first place, YOU would be the one screaming about just how awful he is.</I> No facts to support.. I voted for Donald Trump and don't care what letter he has after his name.. Ya'all can't make the same claim.... Dumbocrats kow-towing to Trump the Democrat is well documented.... If Trump had run as a Democrat everyone here would have voted for him, myself included... :D 523 Grrr....

And if you think we would all just love him if Trump had a "D" after his name, then you are even more delusional and off the deep end than you normally are. In fact, I would be that if Trump had a "D" after his name, not only would you NOT have voted for him in the first place, YOU would be the one screaming about just how awful he is.

No facts to support..

I voted for Donald Trump and don't care what letter he has after his name..

Ya'all can't make the same claim....

Dumbocrats kow-towing to Trump the Democrat is well documented....

If Trump had run as a Democrat everyone here would have voted for him, myself included...

:D

523

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112536 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:45:20 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112536 <I>How about you try this on for size? "SOCIAL JUSTICE"</I> Oh give me a fraking break!!! This is EXACTLY why Dumbocrats are in the WORST position they have been in in over a century... Because they are more concerned with what bathrooms gender confused morons are going to use and less about saving Americans' LIVES.... <I>Independent my ass. Trump hasn't had an original thought unless it was put there by Mitch, Paul Ryan or Steve Bannon.</I> Whatever you have to tell yerself to make it thru yer day... :D <I>And if you think we would all just love him if Trump had a "D" after his name, then you are even more delusional and off the deep end than you normally are. In fact, I would be that if Trump had a "D" after his name, not only would you NOT have voted for him in the first place, YOU would be the one screaming about just how awful he is.<I> No facts to support.. I voted for Donald Trump and don't care what letter he has after his name.. Ya'all can't make the same claim.... Dumbocrats kow-towing to Trump the Democrat is well documented.... 522 How about you try this on for size? "SOCIAL JUSTICE"

Oh give me a fraking break!!!

This is EXACTLY why Dumbocrats are in the WORST position they have been in in over a century...

Because they are more concerned with what bathrooms gender confused morons are going to use and less about saving Americans' LIVES....

Independent my ass. Trump hasn't had an original thought unless it was put there by Mitch, Paul Ryan or Steve Bannon.

Whatever you have to tell yerself to make it thru yer day... :D

And if you think we would all just love him if Trump had a "D" after his name, then you are even more delusional and off the deep end than you normally are. In fact, I would be that if Trump had a "D" after his name, not only would you NOT have voted for him in the first place, YOU would be the one screaming about just how awful he is.

No facts to support..

I voted for Donald Trump and don't care what letter he has after his name..

Ya'all can't make the same claim....

Dumbocrats kow-towing to Trump the Democrat is well documented....

522

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112535 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:41:31 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112535 JM <I>Too bad Trump had NOTHING to do with it. Employment numbers lag economic performance by at least several months. Trump has done nothing for the economy except the stock market. The economy is better in SPITE of Trump, NOT BECAUSE of Trump.</I> OF COURSE Trump had "nothing to do with it".. Everything BAD that happens is ALL Trump's fault and everything GOOD that happens is all because of Odumbo and the Dumbocrats.. I get it.. I really do... <I>Your actual slogan should be: "Making China great again!" There, fixed it for ya!</I> FACTS to support?? No?? Of course not... Nothing but sour grapes and stuffed crow as FAR as the eye can see :D JM

Too bad Trump had NOTHING to do with it. Employment numbers lag economic performance by at least several months. Trump has done nothing for the economy except the stock market. The economy is better in SPITE of Trump, NOT BECAUSE of Trump.

OF COURSE Trump had "nothing to do with it".. Everything BAD that happens is ALL Trump's fault and everything GOOD that happens is all because of Odumbo and the Dumbocrats..

I get it.. I really do...

Your actual slogan should be:

"Making China great again!"

There, fixed it for ya!

FACTS to support??

No?? Of course not...

Nothing but sour grapes and stuffed crow as FAR as the eye can see :D

]]> By: John M http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112534 John M Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:28:56 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112534 [26] Michale "For the first time in our lifetimes, we have a POTUS that is, for all intents and purposes, a TRUE Independent... It's frabjous!!!! :D You can bet that if Trump ran and won with a -D after his name, *EVERYONE* here would LOVE him!!! :D" Independent my ass. Trump hasn't had an original thought unless it was put there by Mitch, Paul Ryan or Steve Bannon. And if you think we would all just love him if Trump had a "D" after his name, then you are even more delusional and off the deep end than you normally are. In fact, I would be that if Trump had a "D" after his name, not only would you NOT have voted for him in the first place, YOU would be the one screaming about just how awful he is. [26] Michale

"For the first time in our lifetimes, we have a POTUS that is, for all intents and purposes, a TRUE Independent...

It's frabjous!!!! :D

You can bet that if Trump ran and won with a -D after his name, *EVERYONE* here would LOVE him!!! :D"

Independent my ass. Trump hasn't had an original thought unless it was put there by Mitch, Paul Ryan or Steve Bannon.

And if you think we would all just love him if Trump had a "D" after his name, then you are even more delusional and off the deep end than you normally are. In fact, I would be that if Trump had a "D" after his name, not only would you NOT have voted for him in the first place, YOU would be the one screaming about just how awful he is.

]]> By: John M http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112533 John M Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:23:52 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112533 [25] C. R. Stucki "What's your suggestion???" How about you try this on for size? "SOCIAL JUSTICE" Or would you rather see a French style revolution here, along with the guillotine? Or better yet, really skew the system so much towards the already rich that we bring back all the worst abuses of 18th century Britain, including debtor prisons and poor houses? Since you seem to want to demonize the less fortunate and keep calling the people working two jobs "lazy" while people whose major talent is skimming thousands of dollars off of multi million dollar trades are somehow the "real heroes" and are so deserving? [25] C. R. Stucki

"What's your suggestion???"

How about you try this on for size? "SOCIAL JUSTICE"

Or would you rather see a French style revolution here, along with the guillotine?

Or better yet, really skew the system so much towards the already rich that we bring back all the worst abuses of 18th century Britain, including debtor prisons and poor houses?

Since you seem to want to demonize the less fortunate and keep calling the people working two jobs "lazy" while people whose major talent is skimming thousands of dollars off of multi million dollar trades are somehow the "real heroes" and are so deserving?

]]> By: John M http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112532 John M Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:16:48 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112532 [15] Michale "President Trump Black Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Years" Too bad Trump had NOTHING to do with it. Employment numbers lag economic performance by at least several months. Trump has done nothing for the economy except the stock market. The economy is better in SPITE of Trump, NOT BECAUSE of Trump. Your actual slogan should be: "Making China great again!" There, fixed it for ya! [15] Michale

"President Trump

Black Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Years"

Too bad Trump had NOTHING to do with it. Employment numbers lag economic performance by at least several months. Trump has done nothing for the economy except the stock market. The economy is better in SPITE of Trump, NOT BECAUSE of Trump.

Your actual slogan should be:

"Making China great again!"

There, fixed it for ya!

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112531 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:15:10 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112531 I disagree.. President Trump has made termondous progress in draining the swamp, getting rid of political correctness and making America great again... 520..... I disagree.. President Trump has made termondous progress in draining the swamp, getting rid of political correctness and making America great again...

520.....

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112529 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:31:42 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112529 DH, Of that there is no doubt... Weigantians pay a lot of lip service to complaining about big money in politics.. But only when it comes to complaining about REPUBLICANS and big money.. As you have aptly exposed, they will fight tooth and nail to protect Big Money for Democrats... It's all part and parcel to the hypocrisy that is a genetic trait of the Democrat Party... 519 DH,

Of that there is no doubt... Weigantians pay a lot of lip service to complaining about big money in politics.. But only when it comes to complaining about REPUBLICANS and big money..

As you have aptly exposed, they will fight tooth and nail to protect Big Money for Democrats...

It's all part and parcel to the hypocrisy that is a genetic trait of the Democrat Party...

519

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112527 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:23:03 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112527 DH, <I>"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss" is getting old.</I> That's what's so awesome about President Trump.. For the first time in our lifetimes, we have a POTUS that is, for all intents and purposes, a TRUE Independent... It's frabjous!!!! :D You can bet that if Trump ran and won with a -D after his name, *EVERYONE* here would LOVE him!!! :D 518 DH,

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss" is getting old.

That's what's so awesome about President Trump..

For the first time in our lifetimes, we have a POTUS that is, for all intents and purposes, a TRUE Independent...

It's frabjous!!!! :D

You can bet that if Trump ran and won with a -D after his name, *EVERYONE* here would LOVE him!!! :D

518

]]> By: C. R. Stucki http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112526 C. R. Stucki Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:21:48 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112526 Paula When the high-earners (aka "the rich") manifest any reluctance to share the fruits of their labors with the low-earners/no earners (aka "the poor"), we poor folks characterize that as 'greed'. However, when we poor folks (low earners) express the DEMAND, not the 'wish' that the rich folks (high earners) share the fruits of their labor with us, we NEVER call that greed. I have to wonder, what should we call it? What's your suggestion??? Paula

When the high-earners (aka "the rich") manifest any reluctance to share the fruits of their labors with the low-earners/no earners (aka "the poor"), we poor folks characterize that as 'greed'.

However, when we poor folks (low earners) express the DEMAND, not the 'wish' that the rich folks (high earners) share the fruits of their labor with us, we NEVER call that greed. I have to wonder, what should we call it?

What's your suggestion???

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112525 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:21:43 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112525 MotherJones and VOX :^/ 'nuff said... 517 MotherJones and VOX :^/

'nuff said...

517

]]> By: Paula http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112524 Paula Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:13:35 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112524 https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/19/16786006/looting-of-america <i>The looter-in-chief It takes a lot more than Donald Trump to orchestrate the kind of feeding frenzy that’s currently playing out in Washington. Nothing about this would work if not for the fact that hundreds of Republican Party members of Congress wake up each morning and decide anew that they are indifferent to the myriad financial conflicts of interest in which Trump and his family are enmeshed. Moral and political responsibility for the looting ultimately rests on the shoulders of the GOP members of Congress who decided that the appropriate reaction to Trump’s inauguration was to start smashing and grabbing as much as possible for themselves and their donors rather than uphold their constitutional obligations.</i> https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/19/16786006/looting-of-america

The looter-in-chief
It takes a lot more than Donald Trump to orchestrate the kind of feeding frenzy that’s currently playing out in Washington. Nothing about this would work if not for the fact that hundreds of Republican Party members of Congress wake up each morning and decide anew that they are indifferent to the myriad financial conflicts of interest in which Trump and his family are enmeshed. Moral and political responsibility for the looting ultimately rests on the shoulders of the GOP members of Congress who decided that the appropriate reaction to Trump’s inauguration was to start smashing and grabbing as much as possible for themselves and their donors rather than uphold their constitutional obligations.

]]> By: Paula http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112523 Paula Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:07:08 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112523 http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2017/12/final-tax-analysis-good-for-the-rich-bad-for-the-middle-class/ <i>As the top chart shows, within a decade tax rates will go up for everyone making less than $55,000 and stay about the same up to $225,000. They’ll go down for everyone above that level, and they’ll go down the most for millionaires. This one is from the Tax Policy Center. On the bottom, you can see how this affects households. Up to $75,000, households will pay several hundred dollars more each year in taxes. Those making over a million dollars per year will pay about $14,000 less. This is from the Joint Committee on Taxation.</i> Coz millionaires have it so tough, they need MORE money, while working people making under $75K need to have LESS, specifically and ONLY to make sure rich people get even richer. Not for any other reason. Not to save anything or fix anything or help anyone who needs help. Soley to make Trump and people like him even richer. A pox on them all. http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2017/12/final-tax-analysis-good-for-the-rich-bad-for-the-middle-class/

As the top chart shows, within a decade tax rates will go up for everyone making less than $55,000 and stay about the same up to $225,000. They’ll go down for everyone above that level, and they’ll go down the most for millionaires. This one is from the Tax Policy Center.

On the bottom, you can see how this affects households. Up to $75,000, households will pay several hundred dollars more each year in taxes. Those making over a million dollars per year will pay about $14,000 less. This is from the Joint Committee on Taxation.

Coz millionaires have it so tough, they need MORE money, while working people making under $75K need to have LESS, specifically and ONLY to make sure rich people get even richer. Not for any other reason. Not to save anything or fix anything or help anyone who needs help. Soley to make Trump and people like him even richer.

A pox on them all.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112521 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:46:54 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112521 <I>“the world's greatest deliberative body.”</I> Well, that's what 6 solid years of Dumbocrat control will do, eh? :D 516 “the world's greatest deliberative body.”

Well, that's what 6 solid years of Dumbocrat control will do, eh? :D

516

]]> By: TheStig http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112520 TheStig Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:12:56 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112520 Try and keep a straight face while reading this old saw about the US Senate: <b>“the world's greatest deliberative body.” Try and keep a straight face while reading this old saw about the US Senate:

“the world's greatest deliberative body.”

]]> By: TheStig http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112519 TheStig Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:06:53 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112519 Paula and neilm: Corker seems to have be getting cold feet about all the rat feces in the tax sausage. By his own admission, he just trusted his fellow Republicans and didn't actually read the details. His solution seems to be picking out the micro turds one by one with subsequent legislation. I'm guessing the electorate is going to be thoroughly sick with political food poisoning by 2018 and will vote accordingly...if they have the strength to overcome the dry heaves and drag themselves to the polls. Paula and neilm:

Corker seems to have be getting cold feet about all the rat feces in the tax sausage. By his own admission, he just trusted his fellow Republicans and didn't actually read the details. His solution seems to be picking out the micro turds one by one with subsequent legislation. I'm guessing the electorate is going to be thoroughly sick with political food poisoning by 2018 and will vote accordingly...if they have the strength to overcome the dry heaves and drag themselves to the polls.

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112518 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:03:13 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112518 I do have to say, I am pretty disappointed in my fellow Weigantians... I should EASILY be in my 700s or 800s comments wise... Betweem the BSers who claimed that they would come out of their safe space to help out CW and those who just won't engage, it's gonna be a blue blue Christmas for CW.... Com'on people!! Help out.... I can't do it all on my own!!! 515 I do have to say, I am pretty disappointed in my fellow Weigantians...

I should EASILY be in my 700s or 800s comments wise...

Betweem the BSers who claimed that they would come out of their safe space to help out CW and those who just won't engage, it's gonna be a blue blue Christmas for CW....

Com'on people!!

Help out.... I can't do it all on my own!!!

515

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112517 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:01:12 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112517 <I>Oh.. I forgot... KLATCHUM!!!!!</I> Well, THIS is embarrassing.. :^/ <B>"LATCHCOMB!!!"</B> :D 514 Oh.. I forgot...

KLATCHUM!!!!!

Well, THIS is embarrassing.. :^/

"LATCHCOMB!!!"

:D

514

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112516 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 14:20:16 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112516 President Trump <B>Black Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Years (CNSNews.com) -- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics( BLS), the unemployment rate for black Americans is the lowest it has been since the year 2000, 17 years ago. In November, the national unemployment rate for black Americans, ages 16 and over, was 7.3%.</B> https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/black-unemployment-rate-lowest-17-years Making America Great Again 513 President Trump

Black Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Years

(CNSNews.com) -- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics( BLS), the unemployment rate for black Americans is the lowest it has been since the year 2000, 17 years ago.

In November, the national unemployment rate for black Americans, ages 16 and over, was 7.3%.
https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/black-unemployment-rate-lowest-17-years

Making America Great Again

513

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112515 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:59:46 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112515 <B>Pelosi bails on tax cut protest after only handful of activists show up A handful of folks are really steamed that Republican lawmakers are planning to lower taxes, and they gathered in tiny conference room on Capitol Hill where House Minority Speaker Nancy Pelosi was slated to speak Monday. But the demonstration was so weak, MSNBC reports, Pelosi didn’t even bother to show up. “These protests have never been like what we saw with the healthcare law,” an MSNBC reporter said as a camera man panned the crowd of a couple dozen mulled about in self-scheduling conference room 2456. “This particular protest was supposed to start at three, it was supposed to feature Nancy Pelosi, and it’s supposed to have hundreds of people, and none of those things are going to end up being true,” the reporter said.</B> http://www.theamericanmirror.com/pelosi-bails-tax-cut-protest-handful-activists-show/ What if Dumbocrats had a protest and no one came?? <B>KLATCHUM!!!!!</B> :D 512 Pelosi bails on tax cut protest after only handful of activists show up

A handful of folks are really steamed that Republican lawmakers are planning to lower taxes, and they gathered in tiny conference room on Capitol Hill where House Minority Speaker Nancy Pelosi was slated to speak Monday.

But the demonstration was so weak, MSNBC reports, Pelosi didn’t even bother to show up.

“These protests have never been like what we saw with the healthcare law,” an MSNBC reporter said as a camera man panned the crowd of a couple dozen mulled about in self-scheduling conference room 2456.

“This particular protest was supposed to start at three, it was supposed to feature Nancy Pelosi, and it’s supposed to have hundreds of people, and none of those things are going to end up being true,” the reporter said.
http://www.theamericanmirror.com/pelosi-bails-tax-cut-protest-handful-activists-show/

What if Dumbocrats had a protest and no one came??

KLATCHUM!!!!!

:D

512

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112514 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:41:09 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112514 Oh.. I forgot... <B>KLATCHUM!!!!!</B> :D 511 Oh.. I forgot...

KLATCHUM!!!!!

:D

511

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112513 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:26:41 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112513 <I>They have done their dirty work in secret. They literally wrote the bill at the behest of lobbyists. Orrin Hatch personally, apparently, wrote the bribe to get Bob Corker's vote. They literally inserted bribes for different wavering Senators.</I> Yea... Only DEMCORATS are allowed to bribe congress critters to get legislation.. I can understand why you would be pissed that Republicans are taking a page from the Dumbocrat playbook... That was sarcasm, in case it was too subtle... 510 They have done their dirty work in secret. They literally wrote the bill at the behest of lobbyists. Orrin Hatch personally, apparently, wrote the bribe to get Bob Corker's vote. They literally inserted bribes for different wavering Senators.

Yea... Only DEMCORATS are allowed to bribe congress critters to get legislation..

I can understand why you would be pissed that Republicans are taking a page from the Dumbocrat playbook...

That was sarcasm, in case it was too subtle...

510

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112512 Michale Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:25:06 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112512 <I>As we begin the final week of 2017's congressional calendar, it is worth noting how ridiculous the whole process has now become. This becomes painfully obvious when you compare what has been done versus what remains to be done. Because after the final votes on the GOP's Christmas gift to their wealthy donors (expected Tuesday and Wednesday), an entire year's worth of problems are supposedly going to be dealt with -- before the end of Friday. No wonder the public holds Congress in such low esteem.</I> No one seemed to have a problem when this was the process when Democrats owned the House & Senate.. <B>"Oh well... That's different..."</B> It always is... 509 As we begin the final week of 2017's congressional calendar, it is worth noting how ridiculous the whole process has now become. This becomes painfully obvious when you compare what has been done versus what remains to be done. Because after the final votes on the GOP's Christmas gift to their wealthy donors (expected Tuesday and Wednesday), an entire year's worth of problems are supposedly going to be dealt with -- before the end of Friday. No wonder the public holds Congress in such low esteem.

No one seemed to have a problem when this was the process when Democrats owned the House & Senate..

"Oh well... That's different..."

It always is...

509

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112509 Balthasar Tue, 19 Dec 2017 03:32:01 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112509 <i>This is exactly what happened in Kansas when they went bananas.</i> So Toto, I guess it's not just Kansas anymore. :} This is exactly what happened in Kansas when they went bananas.

So Toto, I guess it's not just Kansas anymore. :}

]]> By: neilm http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112506 neilm Tue, 19 Dec 2017 03:01:24 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112506 Good article Paula. The shenanigans that this tax bill will encourage, which will be completely legal, should be no surprise to anybody. This is exactly what happened in Kansas when they went bananas. Good article Paula. The shenanigans that this tax bill will encourage, which will be completely legal, should be no surprise to anybody.

This is exactly what happened in Kansas when they went bananas.

]]> By: Paula http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112505 Paula Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:51:39 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112505 [6] neilm: Yep. Here's a good - brief - piece about the tax scam: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-gop-tax-bill-is-unworkable Ends: <i>But, for anybody who believes in a properly functioning government, a rational, clearly defined tax system is essential. The Republican reform doesn’t meet that standard. In the words of the report, the “haphazard lines” that the legislation creates are “fundamentally unfair and inefficient,” and, taken as a whole, it represents “a substantial blow to the basic integrity of the income tax.” It won’t survive in its current form.</i> [6] neilm: Yep.

Here's a good - brief - piece about the tax scam: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-gop-tax-bill-is-unworkable

Ends: But, for anybody who believes in a properly functioning government, a rational, clearly defined tax system is essential. The Republican reform doesn’t meet that standard. In the words of the report, the “haphazard lines” that the legislation creates are “fundamentally unfair and inefficient,” and, taken as a whole, it represents “a substantial blow to the basic integrity of the income tax.” It won’t survive in its current form.

]]> By: neilm http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112503 neilm Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:46:51 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112503 This really has been an example of what happens when a political party spends 20 years losing grip on reality, pedaling conspiracy theories, and accepting theories like "trickle down" that are obvious nonsense. This is what happens when "experts" are seen as the problem, and "my ignorance is equal to your science". This is also what happens when you define your wins by how much you can do the opposite of your political rivals, regardless of the impact on America and Americans. This is what happens when Dunning-Krugers consumes a political party. In the future this will be an interesting period for political scientists studying how irrationality can subsume a right wing party completely. There will be doctorates written on Fox News, the bubbles created by social media and how they were exploited by foreign parties to drive discord. Let's hope this is the awakening of the educated, sensible people in this country, who, instead of being polite, will start calling BS on the nonsense, lies, conspiracies and cheap little blowhards like our current President. If America doesn't wake up, the recovery pains will be worse. This really has been an example of what happens when a political party spends 20 years losing grip on reality, pedaling conspiracy theories, and accepting theories like "trickle down" that are obvious nonsense.

This is what happens when "experts" are seen as the problem, and "my ignorance is equal to your science".

This is also what happens when you define your wins by how much you can do the opposite of your political rivals, regardless of the impact on America and Americans.

This is what happens when Dunning-Krugers consumes a political party.

In the future this will be an interesting period for political scientists studying how irrationality can subsume a right wing party completely. There will be doctorates written on Fox News, the bubbles created by social media and how they were exploited by foreign parties to drive discord.

Let's hope this is the awakening of the educated, sensible people in this country, who, instead of being polite, will start calling BS on the nonsense, lies, conspiracies and cheap little blowhards like our current President.

If America doesn't wake up, the recovery pains will be worse.

]]> By: neilm http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112502 neilm Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:38:03 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112502 Paula [4] - yup - I'm kidding ;) Paula [4] - yup - I'm kidding ;)

]]> By: Paula http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112501 Paula Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:35:02 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112501 {2} Balthasar: Thanks@ {3} neilm: did you misread me or am I misreading you? Or are you kidding? :-) {2} Balthasar: Thanks@

{3} neilm: did you misread me or am I misreading you? Or are you kidding? :-)

]]> By: neilm http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112499 neilm Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:13:35 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112499 Looks like Paula's wavering on the fence on the next election ... what is it going to be Paula, the Republican, the Democratic candidate or another? ;) Looks like Paula's wavering on the fence on the next election ... what is it going to be Paula, the Republican, the Democratic candidate or another?

;)

]]> By: Balthasar http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112498 Balthasar Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:03:57 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112498 Good for you, Paula. Couldn't have put it better myself. Good for you, Paula. Couldn't have put it better myself.

]]> By: Paula http://www.chrisweigant.com/2017/12/18/cram-a-years-legislation-into-a-few-days-or-punt/#comment-112497 Paula Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:52:40 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=14893#comment-112497 The GOP Tax heist shows, in stark relief, exactly what Republicans are about. They have lied every step of the way. They have exhibited total irresponsibility -- they plan to vote for this mess without fully knowing what's in it, or how the parts will interact, or what the massive slew of unintended consequences will be. They have done their dirty work in secret. They literally wrote the bill at the behest of lobbyists. Orrin Hatch personally, apparently, wrote the bribe to get Bob Corker's vote. They literally inserted bribes for different wavering Senators. Meanwhile, they sit on their fat, rich, white asses and do nothing while Blotus loots the treasury, breaking emoluments "laws", putting goddamned morons and/or criminals in charge of Federal Agencies, trying to destroy press freedoms, coddling nazis and American terrorists, destroying the State Dept and diplomatic personnel, letting Pence-favored christionist wingnuts drive various policies, hurting women every way in his power, and more. I've known Republicans in power were full of shit for years now -- that they talked a good game but consistently legislated/ruled/voted in opposition to their stated "values" -- but even I didn't think they were as utterly devoid of any merit as they have shown themselves to be. The GOP Tax heist shows, in stark relief, exactly what Republicans are about. They have lied every step of the way. They have exhibited total irresponsibility -- they plan to vote for this mess without fully knowing what's in it, or how the parts will interact, or what the massive slew of unintended consequences will be. They have done their dirty work in secret. They literally wrote the bill at the behest of lobbyists. Orrin Hatch personally, apparently, wrote the bribe to get Bob Corker's vote. They literally inserted bribes for different wavering Senators.

Meanwhile, they sit on their fat, rich, white asses and do nothing while Blotus loots the treasury, breaking emoluments "laws", putting goddamned morons and/or criminals in charge of Federal Agencies, trying to destroy press freedoms, coddling nazis and American terrorists, destroying the State Dept and diplomatic personnel, letting Pence-favored christionist wingnuts drive various policies, hurting women every way in his power, and more.

I've known Republicans in power were full of shit for years now -- that they talked a good game but consistently legislated/ruled/voted in opposition to their stated "values" -- but even I didn't think they were as utterly devoid of any merit as they have shown themselves to be.

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