The Official "Making America Great Again" Thread

[JohnStOnge]

Kinda.

There are plenty of exceptions. Obamacare improved things... but, it's not perfect. It can definitely be improved further.

It didn't improve things. But keep flailing.

I don't know if it did or not but many people would say that it did simply because it requires insurance companies to cover people with pre-existing conditions and allows parents to keep their kids on their health insurance until they are 26.

Also the rate of increase in cost slowed. See https://www.statnews.com/2019/03/22/aff ... ols-costs/ for one analysis.

One thing ACA opponents do is say that health care costs have increased since it went into effect. And they have. But they have increased at a lower rate than what was projected for a scenario in which there was no ACA.

[kalm]

You’re correct in a way but if it were only that simple. Not that she doesn’t own the situation but there are kids involved also with health issues, parenting agreements that required living in a high rent area, absentee ex’s, mental health issues, etc. And this is one of the smartest and at one point most successful people I know.

And she’s not alone. There were many truly smart people who went down or barely held on after the Great Recession.

Point being, as I said earlier, the financial cliff edge is way closer than we think. It’s the American way.

Assuming the health issue is hereditary, pretty much all of what you listed can be attributed to poor/questionable life decisions. For the most part, people living on the edge of financial ruin have only themselves to blame.

I also put a lot of blame on the education system for failing to prep people with basic life skills. I never learned budgeting in school, my dad taught me all I needed to know about it which is spend less than you earn. It's not that complicated or hard.

Sure it can, and like I said, she owns it. I won’t go into further details but modern life is far more complicated than you’re letting on and even those with immense success are much closer to the edge than simply blowing it off as poor life decisions. That’s a judgemental cop out and there but for the grace of god....

The humble masses are obviously in even greater jeopardy.

And none of that is to say we don’t have it easy here in America compared to life elsewhere or that that we don’t deserve it. I just happen to think a little compassion and gratitude are decent things.

[Ibanez]

So, what do you all think about Trump inviting foreign government to spy on candidates?


Contrary to what Trump thinks and says, Christopher Steele wasn't a foreign government or acting as an agent of one. The dossier was the work product of a DC based research firm hired by a conservative media group then the Democrats. Accepting opposition research from a company you hired is acceptable. Trump talking to world leaders, as part of his job is one thing.

Accepting it from a foreign government is another. Not reporting it, to me, is unethical. You think Russia is going to offer damaging information and not expect something in return?

I don't know...just seems highly unethical. Our founding fathers warned us against it - but that doesn't matter since neither party truly gives about what our founders thought.

[AZGrizFan]

Assuming the health issue is hereditary, pretty much all of what you listed can be attributed to poor/questionable life decisions. For the most part, people living on the edge of financial ruin have only themselves to blame.

I also put a lot of blame on the education system for failing to prep people with basic life skills. I never learned budgeting in school, my dad taught me all I needed to know about it which is spend less than you earn. It's not that complicated or hard.

Sure it can, and like I said, she owns it. I won’t go into further details but modern life is far more complicated than you’re letting on and even those with immense success are much closer to the edge than simply blowing it off as poor life decisions. That’s a judgemental cop out and there but for the grace of god....

The humble masses are obviously in even greater jeopardy.

And none of that is to say we don’t have it easy here in America compared to life elsewhere or that that we don’t deserve it. I just happen to think a little compassion and gratitude are decent things.

Yes, compassion and gratitude are decent things, but they have nothing to do with one's life choices. America isn't "on the edge". We're not all teetering on collapse. You're buying into hype from a certain political party.

[GannonFan]

So, what do you all think about Trump inviting foreign government to spy on candidates?


Contrary to what Trump thinks and says, Christopher Steele wasn't a foreign government or acting as an agent of one. The dossier was the work product of a DC based research firm hired by a conservative media group then the Democrats. Accepting opposition research from a company you hired is acceptable. Trump talking to world leaders, as part of his job is one thing.

Accepting it from a foreign government is another. Not reporting it, to me, is unethical. You think Russia is going to offer damaging information and not expect something in return?

I don't know...just seems highly unethical. Our founding fathers warned us against it - but that doesn't matter since neither party truly gives about what our founders thought.

It's what Trump always does - he acts like a buffoon. It's not a schtick, it's just who he is.

As for the Christopher Steele thing, let's be honest, even though he wasn't a foreign government or agent, everyone knew where he was getting his information. He was hired because of his extensive contacts in Russia and as we all know now from this past Red Scare, any Russian is a de facto agent of the Russian government. If Steele was talking to anybody from Russia, he was basically talking to the Russian government (unless we want to back off of that "every Russian is a spy of the Russian government" thing, and that changes a lot of the past 2-3 years).

Almost everything Trump does is unethical, but he also lacks the ability, unlike his predecessors, of being able to cloak his unethical behavior with fancy sounding speeches and tried and true political talk that makes the unethical behavior sound okay. He can't sugarcoat anything. Of course he never should say out loud that he'll listen to foreign agents/governments regarding damaging information, but the reality is we've probably always done that. What we do with that is something else entirely. I don't specifically recall the Founding Fathers covering events like this - I don't think their imagination could fathom where we are right now.

[kalm]

Sure it can, and like I said, she owns it. I won’t go into further details but modern life is far more complicated than you’re letting on and even those with immense success are much closer to the edge than simply blowing it off as poor life decisions. That’s a judgemental cop out and there but for the grace of god....

The humble masses are obviously in even greater jeopardy.

And none of that is to say we don’t have it easy here in America compared to life elsewhere or that that we don’t deserve it. I just happen to think a little compassion and gratitude are decent things.

Yes, compassion and gratitude are decent things, but they have nothing to do with one's life choices. America isn't "on the edge". We're not all teetering on collapse. You're buying into hype from a certain political party.

I never said "America is on the edge" or that we're "teetering on collapse", Sparky. We're just having a discussion. My god are you guys triggered.

[GannonFan]

Sure it can, and like I said, she owns it. I won’t go into further details but modern life is far more complicated than you’re letting on and even those with immense success are much closer to the edge than simply blowing it off as poor life decisions. That’s a judgemental cop out and there but for the grace of god....

The humble masses are obviously in even greater jeopardy.

And none of that is to say we don’t have it easy here in America compared to life elsewhere or that that we don’t deserve it. I just happen to think a little compassion and gratitude are decent things.

Yes, compassion and gratitude are decent things, but they have nothing to do with one's life choices. America isn't "on the edge". We're not all teetering on collapse. You're buying into hype from a certain political party.

Indeed. When you lead with the idea, as even the former President said, that the Republic will cease to be if so and so is elected, it leaves you very little room to operate once that person does indeed become elected. It ain't so bad here in America, despite people desperately wanting it to be so.

[HI54UNI]

So, what do you all think about Trump inviting foreign government to spy on candidates?


Contrary to what Trump thinks and says, Christopher Steele wasn't a foreign government or acting as an agent of one. The dossier was the work product of a DC based research firm hired by a conservative media group then the Democrats. Accepting opposition research from a company you hired is acceptable. Trump talking to world leaders, as part of his job is one thing.

Accepting it from a foreign government is another. Not reporting it, to me, is unethical. You think Russia is going to offer damaging information and not expect something in return?

I don't know...just seems highly unethical. Our founding fathers warned us against it - but that doesn't matter since neither party truly gives about what our founders thought.

But what if the DC based research firm received the information from a foreign govt?

[GannonFan]

Yes, compassion and gratitude are decent things, but they have nothing to do with one's life choices. America isn't "on the edge". We're not all teetering on collapse. You're buying into hype from a certain political party.

I never said "America is on the edge" or that we're "teetering on collapse", Sparky. We're just having a discussion. My god are you guys triggered.

Well, you did say this...

And she’s not alone. There were many truly smart people who went down or barely held on after the Great Recession.

Point being, as I said earlier, the financial cliff edge is way closer than we think. It’s the American way.

You throw out hyperbole then don't be surprised to get hyperbole back.

[Ibanez]

So, what do you all think about Trump inviting foreign government to spy on candidates?


Contrary to what Trump thinks and says, Christopher Steele wasn't a foreign government or acting as an agent of one. The dossier was the work product of a DC based research firm hired by a conservative media group then the Democrats. Accepting opposition research from a company you hired is acceptable. Trump talking to world leaders, as part of his job is one thing.

Accepting it from a foreign government is another. Not reporting it, to me, is unethical. You think Russia is going to offer damaging information and not expect something in return?

I don't know...just seems highly unethical. Our founding fathers warned us against it - but that doesn't matter since neither party truly gives about what our founders thought.

But what if the DC based research firm received the information from a foreign govt?

If FusionGPS did, then that's wrong. If any group does, it's wrong.

[kalm]

I never said "America is on the edge" or that we're "teetering on collapse", Sparky. We're just having a discussion. My god are you guys triggered.

Well, you did say this...

And she’s not alone. There were many truly smart people who went down or barely held on after the Great Recession.

Point being, as I said earlier, the financial cliff edge is way closer than we think. It’s the American way.

You throw out hyperbole then don't be surprised to get hyperbole back.

My bad. I meant closer for many. We aren’t all going to suffer catastrophic financial problems simultaneously.

[AZGrizFan]

Well, you did say this...



You throw out hyperbole then don't be surprised to get hyperbole back.

My bad. I meant closer for many. We aren’t all going to suffer catastrophic financial problems simultaneously.

[GannonFan]

Well, you did say this...



You throw out hyperbole then don't be surprised to get hyperbole back.

My bad. I meant closer for many. We aren’t all going to suffer catastrophic financial problems simultaneously.

Well, let's hope not, I'm sure that would suck. Crossing my fingers, just in case.

[UNI88]

Capitalism Will Save Us -- If Only We Let It

More to the point, capitalism creates the wealth that makes welfare states possible. That's why more and more Europeans are looking at pro-capitalist reforms, such as low taxes, to gin up their economies.

Steve makes some excellent points in defense of capitalism What do you think Kalm?

[BDKJMU]

Trump opens 1.4 million federal acres to hunters, anglers.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wash ... rs-anglers

[kalm]

Capitalism Will Save Us -- If Only We Let It

More to the point, capitalism creates the wealth that makes welfare states possible. That's why more and more Europeans are looking at pro-capitalist reforms, such as low taxes, to gin up their economies.

Steve makes some excellent points in defense of capitalism What do you think Kalm?

I’ve only read the opening paragraph so far (and I look forward to the rest) but the premise of inserting morality into capitalism from the start, already makes this an uphill battle for old Steve (whom I happen to like). That’s just kooky and unrealistic. But we’ll see.

[Ivytalk]

Capitalism Will Save Us -- If Only We Let It



Steve makes some excellent points in defense of capitalism What do you think Kalm?

I’ve only read the opening paragraph so far (and I look forward to the rest) but the premise of inserting morality into capitalism from the start, already makes this an uphill battle for old Steve (whom I happen to like). That’s just kooky and unrealistic. But we’ll see.

I proudly supported Forbes in the ‘96 Delaware GOP primary, which he won. But we ended up with “Viagra Bob” Dole.

[JohnStOnge]

Capitalism Will Save Us -- If Only We Let It

More to the point, capitalism creates the wealth that makes welfare states possible. That's why more and more Europeans are looking at pro-capitalist reforms, such as low taxes, to gin up their economies.

Steve makes some excellent points in defense of capitalism What do you think Kalm?

I'll just comment on this statement:

Every time the U.S. has enacted big tax cuts, its economy has blossomed. The economy's post-Obama pickup came from the 2017 tax reduction and deregulation.

There hasn't been a post Obama pickup. The economy has continued basically as it was going. Also, there was a definite upshift in the economy that continued through Clinton's tax increases.

Forbes is playing upon the same basic false premise that there has been a notable change in the economy since Trump got elected. And there hasn't been.

[kalm]

Capitalism Will Save Us -- If Only We Let It



Steve makes some excellent points in defense of capitalism What do you think Kalm?

I'll just comment on this statement:

Every time the U.S. has enacted big tax cuts, its economy has blossomed. The economy's post-Obama pickup came from the 2017 tax reduction and deregulation.

There hasn't been a post Obama pickup. The economy has continued basically as it was going. Also, there was a definite upshift in the economy that continued through Clinton's tax increases.

Forbes is playing upon the same basic false premise that there has been a notable change in the economy since Trump got elected. And there hasn't been.

The cult of supply side...

[UNI88]

I'll just comment on this statement:



There hasn't been a post Obama pickup. The economy has continued basically as it was going. Also, there was a definite upshift in the economy that continued through Clinton's tax increases.

Forbes is playing upon the same basic false premise that there has been a notable change in the economy since Trump got elected. And there hasn't been.

The cult of supply side...

Which is worse? The cult of supply side or the lunacy of thinking that socialism will work this time?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[Ivytalk]

The cult of supply side...

Which is worse? The cult of supply side or the lunacy of thinking that socialism will work this time?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

He’s got you there, Klam!

[CAA Flagship]

Capitalism Will Save Us -- If Only We Let It



Steve makes some excellent points in defense of capitalism What do you think Kalm?

I'll just comment on this statement:

Every time the U.S. has enacted big tax cuts, its economy has blossomed. The economy's post-Obama pickup came from the 2017 tax reduction and deregulation.

There hasn't been a post Obama pickup. The economy has continued basically as it was going. Also, there was a definite upshift in the economy that continued through Clinton's tax increases.

Forbes is playing upon the same basic false premise that there has been a notable change in the economy since Trump got elected. And there hasn't been.

[kalm]

The cult of supply side...

Which is worse? The cult of supply side or the lunacy of thinking that socialism will work this time?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Are you referring to socialistic policies in mixed economies or...











Pol Pot?

phpBB [video]

[CID1990]

Which is worse? The cult of supply side or the lunacy of thinking that socialism will work this time?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Are you referring to socialistic policies in mixed economies or...











Pol Pot?

phpBB [video]

Do you mean socialistic policies sprinkled into an otherwise wildly successful supply side cult?

Because that’s what we are- and it doesnt mean we need to sprinkle more socialist sugar into it

because the patient already has diabetes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kalm]

Are you referring to socialistic policies in mixed economies or...











Pol Pot?

phpBB [video]

Do you mean socialistic policies sprinkled into an otherwise wildly successful supply side cult?

Because that’s what we are- and it doesnt mean we need to sprinkle more socialist sugar into it

because the patient already has diabetes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don’t worry, the debt will become important again and austerity will be preached the next time a Democrat is in office.