US Politics Thread

[Mr Kobayashi]

You think he's going to give two shits about the environmental impacts? I doubt they have anywhere near as stringent environmental laws as the US.

Also, look at Trump's pick for US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee (yes, the father of Trump's wonky-eyed press secretary during his first term). He's very well connected to Kushner Jr. I guarantee these slimy fuckers will be lining their pockets heavily over the next 4 years.

Not sure that's going to be an environment that is attractive for highly inflated beachside properties.

The Hamas scubadivers division might be a barrier to happy holidays.

 

[Dax777]

Pam Bondi will be confirmed. She was very good. And im beginning to get quite disappointed with the Democrats.

FFS put up some real challenging questions and stip with the soliloquy. No one cares to hear you drone.


That goes for the Republican Senators too. Lot less talking and more questions. Want to hear the nominees speak more and not less.

 

[super_city_si]

Pam Bondi will be confirmed. She was very good. And im beginning to get quite disappointed with the Democrats.

FFS put up some real challenging questions and stip with the soliloquy. No one cares to hear you drone.


That goes for the Republican Senators too. Lot less talking and more questions. Want to hear the nominees speak more and not less.

I'd say shes wholly unqualified based on her answers. Has she been living in a cave the last 5 years? How can you hire someone who has no idea whats going on? She had no knowledge or recollection of anything. I mean, she wouldnt be lying would she?

 

[Dax777]

I'd say shes wholly unqualified based on her answers. Has she been living in a cave the last 5 years? How can you hire someone who has no idea whats going on? She had no knowledge or recollection of anything. I mean, she wouldnt be lying would she?

Oh! What questions and answers confirmed that for you?

 

[super_city_si]

Oh! What questions and answers confirmed that for you?

Basically anything to do with Trump. I'm surprised she even knows who he is based on her testimony.

But, that was only excerpts, I admittedly didnt watch any more than a summary. I dont know who she is and I dont really care. Its all theatre. I find it funny when its a question and answer forum and there are hardly any answers, just the senators/congress making statements. And when there is a question it is never answered. The whole thing is pointless.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Blinken is brokering nothing the deal has been on the table for months. It just needed someone to force Netanyahu over the line. No doubt Trumps motives are all about self-aggrandisement but Biden/Blinken could have done this a year ago. They chose not to. Add enhancing Trump's dubious 'anti~war' credentials to their legacy.

Perhaps, if you don’t believe me, you will believe the President?

“After eight months of nonstop negotiation by my administration, a cease-fire and a hostage deal has been reached by Israel and Hamas, the elements of which I laid out in great detail in May of this year.

This plan was developed and negotiated by my team, and it will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That’s why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed. Because that’s how it should be: Working together as Americans.”

And, who in the Administration has been doing that legwork for Biden? Blinken!

While you assert they could have done this months ago, I’d suggest they don’t control the parties to any such ceasefire, as we are seeing with the constant moving goalposts from both sides.

But, you do you.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Jared is delusional. The land is full of lead, depleted uranium, and likely unexploded bombs. Israel has dropped at least 85,000 tonnes of bombs on Gaza in this conflict.

It's a concrete rubble wasteland.

So, the hard demolition work has been done already…is that what you’re saying?

;-)

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

Key ingredient in ceasefire deal was Trump’s pressure on Netanyahu

The key ingredient in the ceasefire deal brokered between Israel and Hamas was the pressure the administration of incoming US President Donald Trump exerted on Israel, Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, told Al Jazeera.

“Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, went to the region and told Netanyahu: ‘You need to get this deal done’,” Rahman said.

However, the Trump administration will need to put sustained attention on the phases of the deal if they are to be implemented.

“The Israelis are going to try to drag their feet or get out of this deal. This is going to be Netanyahu’s ultimate aim,” the analyst said.

Rahman also criticised Biden for what he said was a “shameless attempt to try and claim credit for a deal that has been sitting there for the past nine months”.

“These are American officials that have played a huge part in what the Israelis have done, and they’ll have to live with that legacy,” he said.

I think the key ingredient was the willingness of the collective west to turn a blind eye to genocide until Israel had done pretty much all it wanted.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Pam Bondi will be confirmed. She was very good. And im beginning to get quite disappointed with the Democrats.

FFS put up some real challenging questions and stip with the soliloquy. No one cares to hear you drone.


That goes for the Republican Senators too. Lot less talking and more questions. Want to hear the nominees speak more and not less.

Then you’ll love Tillis with Bessemer, then!!

The hypocrisy is hilarious!

If you don’t re-up the TCJA (previous Trump tax cuts) you hurt 93,000,0000 Americans and add a $5T tax burden on America!!!

Fucking elementary school “analysis” of the tax cuts!!!

The intellectual dishonesty of the use of “percentage” and “absolute dollars” is eye watering large.

As someone with a finance background, it is infuriating to watch and listen to Bessent talk about taxes. When asked if someone who makes 1 billion per year could afford more taxes, he says, “but these are the job creators!”

And, the use of “facts” is a fucking joke!

This is EXACTLY what happened with the Bush tax cuts…have a drop dead date for the OMB “costing” of the tax cuts, so they aren’t costed forever…then tell the world that IF, IF YOU DARE, allow those tax cuts to expire, then you are allowing a MASSIVE TAX INCREASE!!

Now, Dems have said we need to adjust those tax cuts and remove them at the highest end, where millionaires and billionaires are getting millions (billions?!) in tax cuts as their wealth explodes!!

BEWARE: The manipulation of certain words is key to two “facts” being “correct” at the same time! Percentages, actual dollars, and especially this “wealth” word!!

For example: the “wealth” of the lowest 50% has risen significantly more than that of the highest 50% during the time of the Trump
Tax Cuts! Well, Bezos making a 10% increase in his wealth would be about $10-20B increase, whereas a 15% increase in the wealth of someone at the 5% level might be $10-20K!!!

IT IS FUCKING OBSCENE!!!

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

I'd say shes wholly unqualified based on her answers. Has she been living in a cave the last 5 years? How can you hire someone who has no idea whats going on? She had no knowledge or recollection of anything. I mean, she wouldnt be lying would she?

She was front and center at the 'Four Seasons Total Landscaping fiasco'. That in itself is wholly disqualifying. Her answers (or non-answers) in her confirmation hearing should leave absolutely zero doubt.

 

[Dax777]

Then you’ll love Tillis with Bessemer, then!!

The hypocrisy is hilarious!

If you don’t re-up the TCJA (previous Trump tax cuts) you hurt 93,000,0000 Americans and add a $5T tax burden on America!!!

Fucking elementary school “analysis” of the tax cuts!!!

The intellectual dishonesty of the use of “percentage” and “absolute dollars” is eye watering large.

As someone with a finance background, it is infuriating to watch and listen to Bessent talk about taxes. When asked if someone who makes 1 billion per year could afford more taxes, he says, “but these are the job creators!”

And, the use of “facts” is a fucking joke!

This is EXACTLY what happened with the Bush tax cuts…have a drop dead date for the OMB “costing” of the tax cuts, so they aren’t costed forever…then tell the world that IF, IF YOU DARE, allow those tax cuts to expire, then you are allowing a MASSIVE TAX INCREASE!!

Now, Dems have said we need to adjust those tax cuts and remove them at the highest end, where millionaires and billionaires are getting millions (billions?!) in tax cuts as their wealth explodes!!

BEWARE: The manipulation of certain words is key to two “facts” being “correct” at the same time! Percentages, actual dollars, and especially this “wealth” word!!

For example: the “wealth” of the lowest 50% has risen significantly more than that of the highest 50% during the time of the Trump
Tax Cuts! Well, Bezos making a 10% increase in his wealth would be about $10-20B increase, whereas a 15% increase in the wealth of someone at the 5% level might be $10-20K!!!

IT IS FUCKING OBSCENE!!!

I look forward to watching his hearing tonight. I am a little behind.

Btw, Foggy loved Bessent. So you should let him know of your disapproval. He might have something to say about it in Bessent's defense. Him being a true centrist and all... :p

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

As someone with a finance background, it is infuriating to watch and listen to Bessent talk about taxes. When asked if someone who makes 1 billion per year could afford more taxes, he says, “but these are the job creators!”

IT IS FUCKING OBSCENE!!!

"Trickle down economics' is one of the biggest lies ever told. The only thing Billionaire's create is more wealth for themselves, because no matter how much they earn, it's never enough.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

I look forward to watching his hearing tonight. I am a little behind.

Btw, Foggy loved Bessent. So you should let him know of your disapproval. He might have something to say about it in Bessent's defense. Him being a true centrist and all... :p

I’m under no illusions that Bessent doesn’t get a free pass, because Trump has literally thrown so much shit at the wall, he’s the least of the problems.

Plus, it’s more about the Republican mentality on taxes (and spending) than Bessent’s ability to bat back left wing tirades.

The R’s are going to completely reshape America, much as Project 2025 said, in ways we have yet to even think. The knock-on effects of some of that will damage America(ns) for decades, possibly forever.

And, if ANY DEMOCRAT EVER AGAIN agrees to Republican tax cuts that have an “expiration” date on them, I’m going to have to sit them down, slap them upside their heads, and then make them watch Charlie Brown having the ball pulled away at the last second before he kicks it…on a loop!!!

In politics, allowing a law to actually do what it says, run from X to Y to boost economic output, then expire ALWAYS becomes “the largest tax increase in history!” Listen up!

 

[Dax777]

I’m under no illusions that Bessent doesn’t get a free pass, because Trump has literally thrown so much shit at the wall, he’s the least of the problems.

Plus, it’s more about the Republican mentality on taxes (and spending) than Bessent’s ability to bat back left wing tirades.

The R’s are going to completely reshape America, much as Project 2025 said, in ways we have yet to even think. The knock-on effects of some of that will damage America(ns) for decades, possibly forever.

And, if ANY DEMOCRAT EVER AGAIN agrees to Republican tax cuts that have an “expiration” date on them, I’m going to have to sit them down, slap them upside their heads, and then make them watch Charlie Brown having the ball pulled away at the last second before he kicks it…on a loop!!!

In politics, allowing a law to actually do what it says, run from X to Y to boost economic output, then expire ALWAYS becomes “the largest tax increase in history!” Listen up!

Interesting perspective. Im going to have to listen to the hearing first, then examine some of your claims.

You know you are very good at making Democat positions sound like facts :p

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

I look forward to watching his hearing tonight. I am a little behind.

Btw, Foggy loved Bessent. So you should let him know of your disapproval. He might have something to say about it in Bessent's defense. Him being a true centrist and all... :p

While CB and I may disagree on Bessent, we certainly agree that we wish you supported a different football side.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

“Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, went to the region and told Netanyahu: ‘You need to get this deal done’,” Rahman said.

Going to have to remember this any time something is NOT getting accomplished. After all, if the Orange One says “Make it so!” then it gets done, right?

And, if something goes badly? Is he absolved?

Were that life were this easy. Imagine a world with no COVID, no Ukraine war, no bad stuff that Trump didn’t want to happen…

 

[ChicagoBlue]

While CB and I may disagree on Bessent, we certainly agree that we wish you supported a different football side.

I’m not saying I disagree.

I am saying that R talking points on tax policy seem to be brilliant at ignoring the ledger!

Oh wait, the other side is spending and they’re going to eviscerate that. I’m sure no-one will notice, as it’s all going to be cutting out waste, fraud and abuse…amirite?!

The longer I live, the more cycles I live through, the more I realize that not only is the system broken, but the players inside the system are intellectually dishonest, too stupid to understand how stupid they are, or are simply craven agents of the money upon which they feast…or all three at once.

Imagine America with a Congress and Senate full of people like Jimmy Carter, who ACTUALLY loved America.

 

[mancity2012_eamo]

I think the key ingredient was the willingness of the collective west to turn a blind eye to genocide until Israel had done pretty much all it wanted.

I’d be thinking more along those lines myself. This doesn’t let Biden off the hook however. I think he’s up to his neck in the delay since May. I’ve read in a couple of places that he’s heavily invested in in AIPAC.

Whether a deal now has anything to do with Trump getting inaugurated on Monday or not of course he will claim it was him threatening all hell breaking loose.

Personally I won’t believe anything will hold until I see it happen but I’m only thankful that some aid should now reach those poor unfortunates, no matter who uses it to gloat.

But what now, for Palestine?
As you say the objectives have been reached largely, as far as Netanyahu is concerned. The place is uninhabitable.

One thing I do hope regarding this Political forum is that none of us infect the Middle East thread with the same Trump bias/anti-bias blinkered blindness.

Personally I find that one thread too important and emotionally tough at times.
I know I have an opposing view to quite a lot of our contributors of Jewish heritage but it can still remain a civil debate.

Don’t start making it about personal duals from the American election.

 

[Postman Pep]

Perhaps, if you don’t believe me, you will believe the President?

“After eight months of nonstop negotiation by my administration, a cease-fire and a hostage deal has been reached by Israel and Hamas, the elements of which I laid out in great detail in May of this year.

This plan was developed and negotiated by my team, and it will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That’s why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed. Because that’s how it should be: Working together as Americans.”

And, who in the Administration has been doing that legwork for Biden? Blinken!

While you assert they could have done this months ago, I’d suggest they don’t control the parties to any such ceasefire, as we are seeing with the constant moving goalposts from both sides.

But, you do you.

To be clear I'm not disputing who negotiatied the deal. My point is that it remains the plan that Biden did lay out in May. The details haven't changed.

I'm suggesting that what was missing was the willingness to strong arm Netanyahu into accepting it, a position he absolutely doesn't want to be in. Not beyond the realms of possibility that this triggers the collapse of his government.

Might free him up to face his corruption charges. Oh the irony .... no honour amongst thieves eh ;-)

 

[Dax777]

While CB and I may disagree on Bessent, we certainly agree that we wish you supported a different football side.

Awww!!!! Don't add CB to your hate party. Its all you buddy.

I for one I'm chuffed that you are a City fan. And @mancity2012_eamo agrees with me. :p