Yes!! I agree with all you wrote and loved the picture! What did Tuesday tell me...Democrat candidates can lead with kitchen table issues and at the same time fight against autocracy! That is exactly what all of you have been saying for a long time! Now we saw it in action!!
The "party" is stuck in the olden days. Schumer is a perfect example. Ken Martin is another. They either need to get on board or get out of the way, STAT!
totally agree with you.....as an independent thinker and voter, it is heartening to see the % of 'intelligent' voters has grown again, to the biden 2020 levels....and i guess that is all we're going to get because trump repugnicans have lobotomized themselves with trump koolaid and it appears they will still vote republican even if trump repugnicans caused bankrupt farms, bankrupt businesses, more expensive healthcare (if healthcare insurers deem it profitable enough to even offer it in certain parts of the country)....It is sad to realize that STUPID IS AS STUPID DO.
the so-called 'changing of the guard' of pelosi (any others to follow?) is too late and too little. it does seem like one is making a mountain out of a molehill at this point..... what would be classified as 'forward thinking/strategic thinking' would have been a retirement a DECADE ago...and a definite strategy in the 'old boys and old girls club' to start lifting younger people, thinkers who are more in tune with the changing times, into leadership positions, having the very experienced old farts set up a free/gratis mentorship program to impart their wealth of experience...(i mean, seriously, nanci was the only one who knew what to do and how to do it???). basically, as with most politicians, the old guard was still busy making money on the congressional gravy train (the senate is the ultimate long term gravy train gig)...heading up or being on select committees, banding together to ensure that each other is in a good enough position of power to get a good slurp of the gravy train.... WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID....we understand that happens, it happens all over the world, being a politician and representative of the people is not about being mother teresa.....and most politicians are going to take advantage of opportunities to make extra money for themselves and their families (though trump and his gang of thieves have really set an outrageously new grifting standard). BUT THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT AS TO HOW LONG POLITICIANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRUST, OUR DONATIONS, AND OUR VOTE....
so let's get past all the outer glitz and glamor of being a representative of the people, and just make sure real things happen for real people....but keep in mind we have a budget...so don't try and be all things to all people all at the same time.... Definitely increase taxes on the wealthy, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLES THAT ENABLE THE RICH TO HIDE THEIR MONEY FROM THOSE HIGHER TAX RATES.... this is why the old guard has to go ASAP because they won't close the tax loopholes that THEY use to hide their new wealth from paying tax.
Ok, i know i'm bordering on a fantasy land with my hopes/desires of political and social fairness and honesty, but it is the reason why i cannot praise the old farts, they kept up an appearance rather than be an actual energizer bunny for the people. The 'more honest' younger ones are the future for our country, the AOC's, Jasmine Crocket's, Pete Buttigieg's and Zohran Kwame Mamdani's are a far better option. Then we'll have a more honest discussion of 'Freedom of Choice' as it applies to many different people in society, none of whom are as big a threat to humanity as trump and his criminal gang of billionaires.....
OLD FARTS START HANDING IN YOUR RETIREMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTING TO FREE AND HONEST MENTORING OF THE YOUNG AND ENERGETIC FUTURE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
There’s so much excitement and momentum now since Tuesday. All this positive energy must be kept in motion. Wins in 2026 could lead to multiple investigations, impeachment and convictions in 2027.
One of the things that needs to happen is that Democrats need to be visible to all of the news media. Trump and his administration take up all the air in the room. By meeting, not only is it a show of strength and determination, it is a way for Democratic representatives to gain strength and resolve from one another. You’re right, it doesn’t matter what they discuss. It’s partly about resolve and partly about optics. And, dare I say it? Defiance.
While it is beyond time for the Democrats to unify and stand up, I think it equally important that we, the people, continue to be do so - to be defiant and yell, in one voice, from the rooftops that we stand against Trump. Too, if Democrats won't do it, it's time we remove them from office as well. WE have far more power than we think we do. It's time to use it.
Let's tell the truth: Those who seek to tear apart our republic aren't patriots; we are the patriots.
While it is beyond time for the Democrats to unify and stand up, I think it equally important that we, the people, continue to do so - to be defiant and yell, in one voice, from the rooftops that we stand against Trump. Too, if Democrats won't do it, it's time we remove them from office as well. WE have far more power than we think we do. It's time to use it.
Let's tell the truth: Those who seek to tear apart our republic aren't patriots; we are the patriots.
as an independent thinker and voter, it is heartening to see the % of 'intelligent' voters has grown again, to the biden 2020 levels....and i guess that is all we're going to get because trump repugnicans have lobotomized themselves with trump koolaid and it appears they will still vote republican even if trump repugnicans caused bankrupt farms, bankrupt businesses, more expensive healthcare (if healthcare insurers deem it profitable enough to even offer it in certain parts of the country)....It is sad to realize that STUPID IS AS STUPID DO.
the so-called 'changing of the guard' of pelosi (any others to follow?) is too late and too little. it does seem like one is making a mountain out of a molehill at this point..... what would be classified as 'forward thinking/strategic thinking' would have been a retirement a DECADE ago...and a definite strategy in the 'old boys and old girls club' to start lifting younger people, thinkers who are more in tune with the changing times, into leadership positions, having the very experienced old farts set up a free/gratis mentorship program to impart their wealth of experience...(i mean, seriously, nanci was the only one who knew what to do and how to do it???). basically, as with most politicians, the old guard was still busy making money on the congressional gravy train (the senate is the ultimate long term gravy train gig)...heading up or being on select committees, banding together to ensure that each other is in a good enough position of power to get a good slurp of the gravy train.... WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID....we understand that happens, it happens all over the world, being a politician and representative of the people is not about being mother teresa.....and most politicians are going to take advantage of opportunities to make extra money for themselves and their families (though trump and his gang of thieves have really set an outrageously new grifting standard). BUT THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT AS TO HOW LONG POLITICIANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRUST, OUR DONATIONS, AND OUR VOTE....
so let's get past all the outer glitz and glamor of being a representative of the people, and just make sure real things happen for real people....but keep in mind we have a budget...so don't try and be all things to all people all at the same time.... Definitely increase taxes on the wealthy, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLES THAT ENABLE THE RICH TO HIDE THEIR MONEY FROM THOSE HIGHER TAX RATES.... this is why the old guard has to go ASAP because they won't close the tax loopholes that THEY use to hide their new wealth from paying tax.
Ok, i know i'm bordering on a fantasy land with my hopes/desires of political and social fairness and honesty, but it is the reason why i cannot praise the old farts, they kept up an appearance rather than be an actual energizer bunny for the people. The 'more honest' younger ones are the future for our country, the AOC's, Jasmine Crocket's, Pete Buttigieg's and Zohran Kwame Mamdani's are a far better option. Then we'll have a more honest discussion of 'Freedom of Choice' as it applies to many different people in society, none of who are as big a threat to humanity as trump and his criminal gang of billionaires.....
OLD FARTS START HANDING IN YOUR RETIREMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTING TO FREE AND HONEST MENTORING OF THE YOUNG AND ENERGETIC FUTURE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
Thank you for stating this clearly. As I read this post, my mind turned back to Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers. In 1971 I was appalled by the Vietnam War and subsequently what happened on college campuses across the country with the deployment of the National Guard. Anyone who lived through that can’t help but see some parallels to what is going on today. But it is so much worse. I was young and not particularly versed in politics.
Many years later I came to understand what a patriot Daniel was. You are clearly another patriot. I certainly wish democratic leaders would heed your advice. I agree the message is clear, uphold the rule of law, respect and adherence to the constitution and the Bill of rights! Stand up for our democracy!
Every member of Congress’s constituents need to call them and let them know that they won’t be reelected if they choose to work for Trump instead of us.
Your reporting and commentary make such a difference because it's not just your opinion. You have facts because you directly worked with our current dictator in chief. You witnessed in person the dangers of a Trump presidency. Therefore, what you say carries much more weight because you were there in the room. Thank you for being brave enough to tell the truth about Trump even though it puts you and your family in danger. I stand with you in "defiance."
Brilliant idea! I'm with you! Have you put this to Democrats? WHY OH WHY aren't they coming out of their 'scaredy-cat' hidy holes and doing what they were elected to do? I'm so angry now. I'm sure a lot of self-justification is going on around the dinner table of some of our representatives who have put their ambition or fear above their country. It is not enough for us citizens to go out on the street! Those in power, Democrats and Republicans, need to stand together now to support us and fight for our democracy. As you've said, it's now - or never.
This is an excellent article. It's so unfortunate, we have six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court who refuse to uphold their oaths to the Constitution, placing their religious beliefs above everything.
There's no such thing as presidential immunity in the Constitution. The only immunity provided for in the Constitution is provided to Congressional members during debate on the floor of the House or Senate.
The Constitution says the government shall not establish any religion which means persons are free to establish their own religious beliefs. It also means persons have freedom from religion.
The MAGA movement is not conservative at all. John McCain was a conservative, Mitt Romney was a conservative, George Bush was a conservative, heck I’m a conservative!
Call this movement what it is. Both Vought and Bannon coined the term “post constitutional” in writings I read before the election.
MAGA supporters are post-constitutionalists. Trump is slowly chipping away the norms, laws and principles of our constitution. Calling him authoritarian gets too provocative in a way post constitutionalist doesn’t.
Democrats should label them that way. Our movement is a pro constitutional movement.
And this is why education is so vitally important.
Because otherwise, how could Mr. Miles see the parallels between what is happening now in his country with what has happened over two thousand years ago in a country that was once "the most powerful nation" of the then known world.
And now you know why those who hold power now in the States want to kill education.
Keep fighting my US friends for you still have your Republic, although badly wounded!
AGREE..... we are blindfolded lemmings, and people seem exhausted by everything that is bombarding them (trumps intention)....but we HAVE TO build a counterforce showing the trump regime and goals to be the antidemocratic fascists ideologies of all racist fascists over time...hitler and mussolini maybe are 2 that are more recently memorable and should spark an intellectual question in each of us....
the cable-tv approach of selling people on a bundle of channels (most of which you don't want) is not the way of the future of politics (the democrat 'bundle' is as unacceptable as the repug 'bundle').
DO SOMETHING RADICAL TO MAKE OUR FUTURE DEMOCRACY ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND NOT ABOUT THE DICTATOR, THE OLIGARCHS, AND THE SPINELESS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
we need a radical rethink on how to provide what the PEOPLE really WANT/NEED....here's my thoughts on how to ensure the parties can never again cause a government shut down...
A NEW additional page should be required to be completed on every HUMAN (married or individual) TAX RETURN. More people complete tax forms than people who vote so it will be more representative of the whole country and can be broken down state by state and county by county…. This information can be public, and can guide congress to set the annual budget, to within 10% of the average across the USA, per state, and even per county...this extra page of questions should be presented to every tax payer, on the last page before they sign and submit their tax return, about the federal budget…What % of the federal budget (your tax $) should go to :
1. Health (Medicare, Medicaid, Free vaccines affordable healthcare, safe food and drugs)
2. Defense (personnel, innovation, stock pile…)
3. Homeland Security (borders, internet security…)
4. Transportation Safety and infrastructure (Air, Sea, Roads)
5. Education (public tax payer funds for public schools, set minimum standards..)
6. State (visas, consulates, support our allies, helping end war and create peace…)
7. Housing (safe building standards and development for all…)
9. Energy (renewable cleaner energy and polluting non-renewable fuels..)
10. Commerce (build a strong economy for the future…)
all the political parties have to do is promote how they feel the budgets of each department should be spent....the social priorities that they learn FROM their constituents....
for States that have State Tax return forms, a state wide referendum could be conducted on their tax return.... for example 1 or a few of the following:
Do you want federal medicaid in your state?
Should congress be required to ratify any tariffs or sanctions imposed by the president, within 30 days, for the state residents to receive tariff relief payments?
Should billionaires have a higher tax rate?
Should women have the right to choose whether to abort a fetus or not?
Should veterans have the same healthcare options that members of congress have?
Should there be a federal rapid path to citizenship for anyone born in the usa and passes all the safety checks as everyone applying for citizenship?
Do you believe in Climate Change and therefore FEMA should be available for natural disasters in your state?
Should the EPA control air and water pollution and save people and agriculture in your state?
Etc etc etc
This way, the voters in each state know whether they voted for something or against it, so fear monger congressional representatives/governors/dictator-wannabe-presidents cannot claim it was forced on them. YOU GET WHAT YOU VOTE FOR is the easy answer to voters in each state and county. Voters will EXPERIENCE AND OWN their voting decisions, less federal money given to the state, and the state taxes will be raised or lowered by the state legislature to deal with demands of state residents. SIMPLE.
IT APPEARS THE POLITICIANS DON'T LIKE THE IDEA BECAUSE IT TAKES AWAY THE POLITICIANS POWER AND WHAT HE/SHE/THEY WANT. Welllll…..f**k the self serving politician is what I say.
and..... ZERO pay for politicians when there is a government shutdown. they can afford to go without pay for a long time, but the ordinary people who those fcuking politicians are supposed to represent, they cannot go with pay for even 1 week. Selfish politicians have ZERO compassion and ZERO concern for others....
ENGAGE WITH THE TAX PAYERS....
DO SOMETHING RADICAL TO MAKE OUR FUTURE DEMOCRACY ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND NOT ABOUT THE DICTATOR, THE OLIGARCHS, AND THE SPINELESS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
Yes!! I agree with all you wrote and loved the picture! What did Tuesday tell me...Democrat candidates can lead with kitchen table issues and at the same time fight against autocracy! That is exactly what all of you have been saying for a long time! Now we saw it in action!!
Yes, Democratic CANDIDATES. Not so much the Party.
The "party" is stuck in the olden days. Schumer is a perfect example. Ken Martin is another. They either need to get on board or get out of the way, STAT!
totally agree with you.....as an independent thinker and voter, it is heartening to see the % of 'intelligent' voters has grown again, to the biden 2020 levels....and i guess that is all we're going to get because trump repugnicans have lobotomized themselves with trump koolaid and it appears they will still vote republican even if trump repugnicans caused bankrupt farms, bankrupt businesses, more expensive healthcare (if healthcare insurers deem it profitable enough to even offer it in certain parts of the country)....It is sad to realize that STUPID IS AS STUPID DO.
the so-called 'changing of the guard' of pelosi (any others to follow?) is too late and too little. it does seem like one is making a mountain out of a molehill at this point..... what would be classified as 'forward thinking/strategic thinking' would have been a retirement a DECADE ago...and a definite strategy in the 'old boys and old girls club' to start lifting younger people, thinkers who are more in tune with the changing times, into leadership positions, having the very experienced old farts set up a free/gratis mentorship program to impart their wealth of experience...(i mean, seriously, nanci was the only one who knew what to do and how to do it???). basically, as with most politicians, the old guard was still busy making money on the congressional gravy train (the senate is the ultimate long term gravy train gig)...heading up or being on select committees, banding together to ensure that each other is in a good enough position of power to get a good slurp of the gravy train.... WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID....we understand that happens, it happens all over the world, being a politician and representative of the people is not about being mother teresa.....and most politicians are going to take advantage of opportunities to make extra money for themselves and their families (though trump and his gang of thieves have really set an outrageously new grifting standard). BUT THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT AS TO HOW LONG POLITICIANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRUST, OUR DONATIONS, AND OUR VOTE....
so let's get past all the outer glitz and glamor of being a representative of the people, and just make sure real things happen for real people....but keep in mind we have a budget...so don't try and be all things to all people all at the same time.... Definitely increase taxes on the wealthy, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLES THAT ENABLE THE RICH TO HIDE THEIR MONEY FROM THOSE HIGHER TAX RATES.... this is why the old guard has to go ASAP because they won't close the tax loopholes that THEY use to hide their new wealth from paying tax.
Ok, i know i'm bordering on a fantasy land with my hopes/desires of political and social fairness and honesty, but it is the reason why i cannot praise the old farts, they kept up an appearance rather than be an actual energizer bunny for the people. The 'more honest' younger ones are the future for our country, the AOC's, Jasmine Crocket's, Pete Buttigieg's and Zohran Kwame Mamdani's are a far better option. Then we'll have a more honest discussion of 'Freedom of Choice' as it applies to many different people in society, none of whom are as big a threat to humanity as trump and his criminal gang of billionaires.....
OLD FARTS START HANDING IN YOUR RETIREMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTING TO FREE AND HONEST MENTORING OF THE YOUNG AND ENERGETIC FUTURE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
There’s so much excitement and momentum now since Tuesday. All this positive energy must be kept in motion. Wins in 2026 could lead to multiple investigations, impeachment and convictions in 2027.
… and treason - we need to clean house - all of them out of our White House!
One of the things that needs to happen is that Democrats need to be visible to all of the news media. Trump and his administration take up all the air in the room. By meeting, not only is it a show of strength and determination, it is a way for Democratic representatives to gain strength and resolve from one another. You’re right, it doesn’t matter what they discuss. It’s partly about resolve and partly about optics. And, dare I say it? Defiance.
I agree with with you.
While it is beyond time for the Democrats to unify and stand up, I think it equally important that we, the people, continue to be do so - to be defiant and yell, in one voice, from the rooftops that we stand against Trump. Too, if Democrats won't do it, it's time we remove them from office as well. WE have far more power than we think we do. It's time to use it.
Let's tell the truth: Those who seek to tear apart our republic aren't patriots; we are the patriots.
While it is beyond time for the Democrats to unify and stand up, I think it equally important that we, the people, continue to do so - to be defiant and yell, in one voice, from the rooftops that we stand against Trump. Too, if Democrats won't do it, it's time we remove them from office as well. WE have far more power than we think we do. It's time to use it.
Let's tell the truth: Those who seek to tear apart our republic aren't patriots; we are the patriots.
as an independent thinker and voter, it is heartening to see the % of 'intelligent' voters has grown again, to the biden 2020 levels....and i guess that is all we're going to get because trump repugnicans have lobotomized themselves with trump koolaid and it appears they will still vote republican even if trump repugnicans caused bankrupt farms, bankrupt businesses, more expensive healthcare (if healthcare insurers deem it profitable enough to even offer it in certain parts of the country)....It is sad to realize that STUPID IS AS STUPID DO.
the so-called 'changing of the guard' of pelosi (any others to follow?) is too late and too little. it does seem like one is making a mountain out of a molehill at this point..... what would be classified as 'forward thinking/strategic thinking' would have been a retirement a DECADE ago...and a definite strategy in the 'old boys and old girls club' to start lifting younger people, thinkers who are more in tune with the changing times, into leadership positions, having the very experienced old farts set up a free/gratis mentorship program to impart their wealth of experience...(i mean, seriously, nanci was the only one who knew what to do and how to do it???). basically, as with most politicians, the old guard was still busy making money on the congressional gravy train (the senate is the ultimate long term gravy train gig)...heading up or being on select committees, banding together to ensure that each other is in a good enough position of power to get a good slurp of the gravy train.... WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID....we understand that happens, it happens all over the world, being a politician and representative of the people is not about being mother teresa.....and most politicians are going to take advantage of opportunities to make extra money for themselves and their families (though trump and his gang of thieves have really set an outrageously new grifting standard). BUT THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT AS TO HOW LONG POLITICIANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRUST, OUR DONATIONS, AND OUR VOTE....
so let's get past all the outer glitz and glamor of being a representative of the people, and just make sure real things happen for real people....but keep in mind we have a budget...so don't try and be all things to all people all at the same time.... Definitely increase taxes on the wealthy, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLES THAT ENABLE THE RICH TO HIDE THEIR MONEY FROM THOSE HIGHER TAX RATES.... this is why the old guard has to go ASAP because they won't close the tax loopholes that THEY use to hide their new wealth from paying tax.
Ok, i know i'm bordering on a fantasy land with my hopes/desires of political and social fairness and honesty, but it is the reason why i cannot praise the old farts, they kept up an appearance rather than be an actual energizer bunny for the people. The 'more honest' younger ones are the future for our country, the AOC's, Jasmine Crocket's, Pete Buttigieg's and Zohran Kwame Mamdani's are a far better option. Then we'll have a more honest discussion of 'Freedom of Choice' as it applies to many different people in society, none of who are as big a threat to humanity as trump and his criminal gang of billionaires.....
OLD FARTS START HANDING IN YOUR RETIREMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTING TO FREE AND HONEST MENTORING OF THE YOUNG AND ENERGETIC FUTURE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
Thank you for stating this clearly. As I read this post, my mind turned back to Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers. In 1971 I was appalled by the Vietnam War and subsequently what happened on college campuses across the country with the deployment of the National Guard. Anyone who lived through that can’t help but see some parallels to what is going on today. But it is so much worse. I was young and not particularly versed in politics.
Many years later I came to understand what a patriot Daniel was. You are clearly another patriot. I certainly wish democratic leaders would heed your advice. I agree the message is clear, uphold the rule of law, respect and adherence to the constitution and the Bill of rights! Stand up for our democracy!
WE are the LEADERS we've been waiting for. The Democratic Party is a fictive entity. They're NOT going to rescue us. WE will do so, however. 🦉🌻✊
Stoic philosophy demands that we don't waste our time or effort on anything except what WE ourselves can control.
Every member of Congress’s constituents need to call them and let them know that they won’t be reelected if they choose to work for Trump instead of us.
Miles,
Your reporting and commentary make such a difference because it's not just your opinion. You have facts because you directly worked with our current dictator in chief. You witnessed in person the dangers of a Trump presidency. Therefore, what you say carries much more weight because you were there in the room. Thank you for being brave enough to tell the truth about Trump even though it puts you and your family in danger. I stand with you in "defiance."
Ellen Elmore, Naples, FL
Agree 100%!!
Brilliant idea! I'm with you! Have you put this to Democrats? WHY OH WHY aren't they coming out of their 'scaredy-cat' hidy holes and doing what they were elected to do? I'm so angry now. I'm sure a lot of self-justification is going on around the dinner table of some of our representatives who have put their ambition or fear above their country. It is not enough for us citizens to go out on the street! Those in power, Democrats and Republicans, need to stand together now to support us and fight for our democracy. As you've said, it's now - or never.
This is an excellent article. It's so unfortunate, we have six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court who refuse to uphold their oaths to the Constitution, placing their religious beliefs above everything.
There's no such thing as presidential immunity in the Constitution. The only immunity provided for in the Constitution is provided to Congressional members during debate on the floor of the House or Senate.
The Constitution says the government shall not establish any religion which means persons are free to establish their own religious beliefs. It also means persons have freedom from religion.
Sounds a lot like Hemmingway’s description of bankruptcy: slowly then suddenly.
Hi Miles, loved your books!
The MAGA movement is not conservative at all. John McCain was a conservative, Mitt Romney was a conservative, George Bush was a conservative, heck I’m a conservative!
Call this movement what it is. Both Vought and Bannon coined the term “post constitutional” in writings I read before the election.
MAGA supporters are post-constitutionalists. Trump is slowly chipping away the norms, laws and principles of our constitution. Calling him authoritarian gets too provocative in a way post constitutionalist doesn’t.
Democrats should label them that way. Our movement is a pro constitutional movement.
What do others think?
And this is why education is so vitally important.
Because otherwise, how could Mr. Miles see the parallels between what is happening now in his country with what has happened over two thousand years ago in a country that was once "the most powerful nation" of the then known world.
And now you know why those who hold power now in the States want to kill education.
Keep fighting my US friends for you still have your Republic, although badly wounded!
Great column, Miles! I reposted most of it in quotes! 😂 You are spot on! I hope the Dem leaders read this and need your advice!
From your lips to god’s ears. Proxy voted for me. Thank you, Miles.
AGREE..... we are blindfolded lemmings, and people seem exhausted by everything that is bombarding them (trumps intention)....but we HAVE TO build a counterforce showing the trump regime and goals to be the antidemocratic fascists ideologies of all racist fascists over time...hitler and mussolini maybe are 2 that are more recently memorable and should spark an intellectual question in each of us....
the cable-tv approach of selling people on a bundle of channels (most of which you don't want) is not the way of the future of politics (the democrat 'bundle' is as unacceptable as the repug 'bundle').
DO SOMETHING RADICAL TO MAKE OUR FUTURE DEMOCRACY ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND NOT ABOUT THE DICTATOR, THE OLIGARCHS, AND THE SPINELESS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
we need a radical rethink on how to provide what the PEOPLE really WANT/NEED....here's my thoughts on how to ensure the parties can never again cause a government shut down...
A NEW additional page should be required to be completed on every HUMAN (married or individual) TAX RETURN. More people complete tax forms than people who vote so it will be more representative of the whole country and can be broken down state by state and county by county…. This information can be public, and can guide congress to set the annual budget, to within 10% of the average across the USA, per state, and even per county...this extra page of questions should be presented to every tax payer, on the last page before they sign and submit their tax return, about the federal budget…What % of the federal budget (your tax $) should go to :
1. Health (Medicare, Medicaid, Free vaccines affordable healthcare, safe food and drugs)
2. Defense (personnel, innovation, stock pile…)
3. Homeland Security (borders, internet security…)
4. Transportation Safety and infrastructure (Air, Sea, Roads)
5. Education (public tax payer funds for public schools, set minimum standards..)
6. State (visas, consulates, support our allies, helping end war and create peace…)
7. Housing (safe building standards and development for all…)
8. Treasury (IRS fair taxation, stable economy, manage budget surplus and deficit.)
9. Energy (renewable cleaner energy and polluting non-renewable fuels..)
10. Commerce (build a strong economy for the future…)
all the political parties have to do is promote how they feel the budgets of each department should be spent....the social priorities that they learn FROM their constituents....
for States that have State Tax return forms, a state wide referendum could be conducted on their tax return.... for example 1 or a few of the following:
Do you want federal medicaid in your state?
Should congress be required to ratify any tariffs or sanctions imposed by the president, within 30 days, for the state residents to receive tariff relief payments?
Should billionaires have a higher tax rate?
Should women have the right to choose whether to abort a fetus or not?
Should veterans have the same healthcare options that members of congress have?
Should there be a federal rapid path to citizenship for anyone born in the usa and passes all the safety checks as everyone applying for citizenship?
Do you believe in Climate Change and therefore FEMA should be available for natural disasters in your state?
Should the EPA control air and water pollution and save people and agriculture in your state?
Etc etc etc
This way, the voters in each state know whether they voted for something or against it, so fear monger congressional representatives/governors/dictator-wannabe-presidents cannot claim it was forced on them. YOU GET WHAT YOU VOTE FOR is the easy answer to voters in each state and county. Voters will EXPERIENCE AND OWN their voting decisions, less federal money given to the state, and the state taxes will be raised or lowered by the state legislature to deal with demands of state residents. SIMPLE.
IT APPEARS THE POLITICIANS DON'T LIKE THE IDEA BECAUSE IT TAKES AWAY THE POLITICIANS POWER AND WHAT HE/SHE/THEY WANT. Welllll…..f**k the self serving politician is what I say.
and..... ZERO pay for politicians when there is a government shutdown. they can afford to go without pay for a long time, but the ordinary people who those fcuking politicians are supposed to represent, they cannot go with pay for even 1 week. Selfish politicians have ZERO compassion and ZERO concern for others....
ENGAGE WITH THE TAX PAYERS....
DO SOMETHING RADICAL TO MAKE OUR FUTURE DEMOCRACY ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND NOT ABOUT THE DICTATOR, THE OLIGARCHS, AND THE SPINELESS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
any thoughts?