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Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM

M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#189201: May 15th 2017 at 10:39:02 PM

[up] Ted Cruz thinks things are going well? That's not a good sign.

Disgusted, but not surprised
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#189202: May 15th 2017 at 10:40:58 PM

In the local end of this:

Idaho congressman Simpson says a single-payer system could replace Obamacare

http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article150691392.html

If he knew the American Health Care Act passed by the House of Representatives would become law, he would have voted against it, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said Monday at a health care conference in Boise.

“There are some problems with it,” the Idaho Republican told the Idaho Healthcare Summit, organized by the Post Register newspaper in Idaho Falls.

The House voted 217-213 on May 4 to pass the GOP replacement for the Affordable Care Act. Simpson said he voted for it knowing the bill would not become law without significant changes.

While Simpson spoke, a small crowd gathered outside the Boise Centre to protest the Republican effort to repeal or change the Affordable Care Act. Protesters, including a health care provider and an organ donor, said Idahoans would lose coverage without the ACA.

Simpson’s remarks came about a week after Rep. Raul Labrador, Idaho’s other House member, caused a national uproar by saying, “Nobody dies because they don’t have access to health care.”

Labrador later said his comment referred to a law that requires hospital emergency rooms to take all patients in medical emergencies. That law does not require hospitals to offer early interventions that prevent death, such as cancer treatment, or to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes that can quickly become life-threatening.

Simpson, who represents the 2nd Congressional District, including most of Boise and everything in Idaho to the east, said “there are no tweaks out there” to make the Affordable Care Act work. He predicted the law will be replaced either by a system that relies less on the federal government or by a single-payer system like Medicare.

“It’s been surprising to me how many people I’ve heard who, five years ago, wouldn’t have said something like that,” he said. “Business people. Who said, ‘Just go to a one-payer system. It’s the simplest thing to do.’ But is it the best thing to do?”

edited 15th May '17 10:41:25 PM by sgamer82

AmbarSonofDeshar Since: Jan, 2010
#189203: May 15th 2017 at 10:42:38 PM

Ted Cruz thinks things are going well? That's not a good sign.

Remind me to buy a survival bunker. If Ted Cruz is happy the end is nigh.

M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#189204: May 15th 2017 at 10:45:18 PM

[up][up]

If he knew the American Health Care Act passed by the House of Representatives would become law, he would have voted against it, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said Monday at a health care conference in Boise.

Wow...fuck that guy.

Disgusted, but not surprised
TheWanderer Student of Story from Somewhere in New England (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: Wishfully thinking
Student of Story
#189205: May 15th 2017 at 10:46:48 PM

Simpson, who represents the 2nd Congressional District, including most of Boise and everything in Idaho to the east, said “there are no tweaks out there” to make the Affordable Care Act work. He predicted the law will be replaced either by a system that relies less on the federal government or by a single-payer system like Medicare.

“It’s been surprising to me how many people I’ve heard who, five years ago, wouldn’t have said something like that,” he said. “Business people. Who said, ‘Just go to a one-payer system. It’s the simplest thing to do.’ But is it the best thing to do?”

Gee, it's amazing how after you get a foot in the door and past the initial resistance, all sorts of new possibilities for change can open up. Almost like something can evolve from how it starts, even if it isn't revolutionary at the very beginning.

I'm not looking in the direction of anyone who might post in this thread, and if you think I am, you're imagining it. wink

edited 15th May '17 10:48:47 PM by TheWanderer

| Wandering, but not lost. | If people bring so much courage to this world...◊ |
TacticalFox88 from USA Since: Nov, 2010 Relationship Status: Dating the Doctor
#189206: May 15th 2017 at 10:53:03 PM

Republican writes letter to constituent's employer complaining about her activism

One of the most powerful House Republicans — Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), the new chair of the House Appropriations Committee — got a constituent in trouble by writing a letter to her employer that called out her progressive activism.

The employee — Saily Avelenda of West Caldwell, who’s active in the progressive NJ 11th for Change group — ended up resigning from her job as senior vice president and assistant general counsel at Lakeland Bank, according to a report from WYNC.

Frelinghuysen’s campaign sent WYNC a statement saying that the Congressman “wrote a brief and innocuous note at the bottom of a personal letter in regard to information that had been reported in the media. He was in no way involved in any of the bank’s business and is unaware of any of the particulars about this employee’s status with the bank.”

Lakeland Bank isn’t commenting, according to WYNC. Frelinghuysen’s decision to call out a constituent for her progressive political activism comes while Trump and other House Republicans repeatedly complain, without evidence, about “paid protesters” who are publicly resisting their agenda.

Pettiness on the level of Trump.

New Survey coming this weekend!
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#189207: May 15th 2017 at 10:56:32 PM

[up] I guess she must be doing something right if this asshole felt threatened by her.

Disgusted, but not surprised
AmbarSonofDeshar Since: Jan, 2010
#189208: May 15th 2017 at 11:23:02 PM

[up][up]Is this illegal? Tell me this is illegal. If it's not, it should be illegal.

AceofSpades Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
#189209: May 16th 2017 at 12:04:31 AM

If that's not a threat to freedom of speech, I dunno what is, man.

fruitpork Since: Oct, 2010
#189210: May 16th 2017 at 12:28:24 AM

...why? What purpose does it serve to single out a lone voter you don't like? What a piece of garbage.

edited 16th May '17 12:28:43 AM by fruitpork

M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#189211: May 16th 2017 at 12:34:51 AM

[up] Maybe it's something along the lines of "Because I can."

edited 16th May '17 12:35:12 AM by M84

Disgusted, but not surprised
MarqFJA The Cosmopolitan Fictioneer from Deserts of the Middle East (Before Recorded History) Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
The Cosmopolitan Fictioneer
#189212: May 16th 2017 at 4:19:16 AM

And perhaps send a messsage to everyone else.

BTW, the news about Trump sharing secret intel with the Russian ambassador left me torn between shock at his new level of incomptence and wooting at how he's doing the anti-Trump camp's job for them.

edited 16th May '17 4:19:51 AM by MarqFJA

Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.
DrDougsh Since: Jan, 2001
#189213: May 16th 2017 at 4:28:47 AM

Is there proof of him doing that?

Eschaton Since: Jul, 2010
#189214: May 16th 2017 at 4:38:44 AM

Yes. From the man himself.

Of course, it's okay, because Russia is our pal.

And it was entirely predictable too.

edited 16th May '17 5:36:20 AM by Eschaton

Deadbeatloser22 from Disappeared by Space Magic (Great Old One) Relationship Status: Tsundere'ing
#189215: May 16th 2017 at 5:33:47 AM

LOCK HIM UP

LOCK HIM UP

etc.

"Yup. That tasted purple."
3of4 Just a harmless giant from a foreign land. from Five Seconds in the Future. Since: Jan, 2010 Relationship Status: GAR for Archer
Just a harmless giant from a foreign land.
#189216: May 16th 2017 at 5:48:29 AM

The fact that if any other President had done that it'be a career ender...

"You can reply to this Message!"
CaptainCapsase from Orbiting Sagittarius A* Since: Jan, 2015
#189217: May 16th 2017 at 5:57:55 AM

@Wanderer: After failing to get done for several decades, comprehensive healthcare reform happens all of the sudden. That's kind of my point.

DeMarquis (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#189218: May 16th 2017 at 6:36:49 AM

Things are changing fast, mostly in a good direction, but challenges remain.

GOP Senators: It's Time for Facts on Comey, Tapes, Russia: "...Republican senators, reacting initially to Trump’s mention of “tapes” in relation to Comey, and later to Monday’s reports about the president’s conversations with Russian officials, predicted any tapes or digital recordings, if they exist, are unlikely to be kept away from public scrutiny."

This could get real interesting, if there really are tapes and the Congress can get them.

Preview 2018 Senate Results With RCP's Interactive Tool: The tool is kinda fun, but the important bit is this: "...We note that as Trump’s job approval rises, things shift rapidly for the GOP: At 45 percent, Republicans are expected to win 54 or 55 seats. At 50 percent approval, Republicans are expected to win around 57 seats, and at 55 percent approval, a filibuster-proof majority is within reach. On the other hand, we see just how difficult it is for Democrats to take control of the Senate; even at 35 percent job approval, Republicans only lose control of the chamber one time in five."

It's just an estimate, but still...

Then there's this: Donald Trump's poll numbers should terrify Republicans- "...The new Gallup tracking poll released Monday afternoon put Trump's job approval rating at just 38%, the lowest mark he has reached since April 1. That jibes with a new NBC-Wall Street Journal poll released Sunday that pegged Trump's job performance at 39% approval. A Quinnipiac University poll conducted before Trump fired FBI director James Comey last Tuesday showed Trump's approval at a meager 36%."

He may fall below 35% before this is over.

However, something to bear in mind when reviewing Trump's poll results: Why Polls Differ On Trump’s Popularity: "...Trump’s approval ratings are systematically higher in polls of voters — either registered voters or likely voters — than they are in polls of all adults. And they’re systematically higher in polls conducted online or by automated script than they are in polls conducted by live-telephone interviewers."

Remember the election. My theory is that many people are ashamed of their support for Trump, and won't admit it until election day. So while trends are favorable, they are not in the bag.

And just to emphasize why this is important- If the Dems can take the House in 2018, they gain control over the House's investigative powers. That can only be good for 2020. So the '18 elections are high stakes. Our chances of taking the House actually do seem pretty good.

And just to remind everyone- The problem with Trump is not just his support for extreme conservative policies, and not just because he lacks the competence to fulfill the responsibilities of the President, it's because of his support for authoritarianism and his open contempt for democracy and the rule of law.

We do not merely have to defeat Trump, or even the Republicans, we have to de-legitimize Trumpism. We are not just running against a certain set of people, or even a certain set of policies. We are running against the idea that the US needs a "strong leader" (ie, an alpha male) to make us "great again."

To do that, we need candidates who emphasize ideas, and in particular ideas that would benefit everyone, including both marginalized communities and the white working class. Reducing wealth disparity by raising up the bottom half of our society is probably the main one. After that, it's important to run on personal integrity, by making a connection to voters, and speaking to them with respect, regardless of whether we agree with their political beliefs or not.

We can do this, but it's going to take a new approach, one the party leadership seems uncomfortable with. 2018 is the Democrats to lose, lets see if they can avoid losing it.

edited 16th May '17 6:38:58 AM by DeMarquis

I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.
Krieger22 Causing freakouts over sourcing since 2018 from Malaysia Since: Mar, 2014 Relationship Status: I'm in love with my car
Causing freakouts over sourcing since 2018
#189219: May 16th 2017 at 6:38:11 AM

The Democrats will lose down the line anyway if these ideas can't be made reality. See "hope" and "change" and 2010. And "fiscal responsibility".

edited 16th May '17 6:38:58 AM by Krieger22

I have disagreed with her a lot, but comparing her to republicans and propagandists of dictatorships is really low. - An idiot
DeMarquis (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#189220: May 16th 2017 at 6:41:40 AM

Well, first they have to take their own talking points seriously. They have to try to achieve them because they actually believe in them. See my comments above regarding the discomfort the Democratic leadership seems to have with all this.

I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.
Krieger22 Causing freakouts over sourcing since 2018 from Malaysia Since: Mar, 2014 Relationship Status: I'm in love with my car
Causing freakouts over sourcing since 2018
#189221: May 16th 2017 at 6:45:34 AM

Short of hiring Krugman and Piketty for everything, there really isn't much of a way to sell actual pump priming in the current American economic climate to people who aren't possessed of a basic understanding of economics.

I have disagreed with her a lot, but comparing her to republicans and propagandists of dictatorships is really low. - An idiot
carbon-mantis Collector Of Fine Oddities from Trumpland Since: Mar, 2010 Relationship Status: Married to my murderer
Collector Of Fine Oddities
#189222: May 16th 2017 at 6:55:07 AM

I can't seem to find a reference to it online, but earlier in the thread someone posted that CNN had heard from one of their sources that the fellow(s) on the list given to Russians were already dead. Was that before he handed the list over or after?

Zendervai Since: Oct, 2009
#189223: May 16th 2017 at 7:06:11 AM

We don't know, that statement is pretty much all he have.

Fighteer Lost in Space from The Time Vortex (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: TV Tropes ruined my love life
Lost in Space
#189224: May 16th 2017 at 7:09:54 AM

Although this veers into an economics argument rather than a political one, Krugman's column from this week makes the observation that we are no longer under the conditions where "reckless fiscal expenditures" are needed to restore the economy. So, it's not just that Trump's "prime the pump" metaphor is stolen — it's actively wrong.

This is not to say that the distribution of income is in any way equitable, but that's not what Trump is interested in, anyway.

edited 16th May '17 7:10:39 AM by Fighteer

"It's Occam's Shuriken! If the answer is elusive, never rule out ninjas!"
TheWanderer Student of Story from Somewhere in New England (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: Wishfully thinking
Student of Story
#189225: May 16th 2017 at 7:12:24 AM

After failing to get done for several decades, comprehensive healthcare reform happens all of the sudden. That's kind of my point.

And mine is that one's ideal policy/goal doesn't have to spring forth fully formed due to a revolution of true believers miraculously rising up from near extinction and washing away the broken old system entirely, it can come about through an evolutionary process. Such as overcoming the initial resistance to having general government subsidized/provided healthcare to get a kinda, sorta version in, and then when people have experience with it, turning it into the real thing, whether by continual building on the original policy or by throwing it away in favor of something that will work much better.

Glad we understand each other.

edited 16th May '17 7:30:12 AM by TheWanderer

| Wandering, but not lost. | If people bring so much courage to this world...◊ |

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