And he's absolutely correct about the sorry state of our military and he didn't create that sorry state.
DEI strikes again!
Oh, hold on...
That's not DEI, that DEIs cousin, cronyism, which is just as bad..
Vam said
Oct 1 10:59 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Vam wrote:
Dawg…..when will you accept that I really don’t GAF what you or anyone else think is a “better” way for me to post?
Unless Diggs or Syl tell me otherwise, I’ll continue to post in a way that comes naturally to me - on-topic in this, the trump thread.
And yet again, I have to ask why the hell you don’t just scroll past my posts?
Because many of them are entertaining.
You are an excellent writer when you're not obsessing about a certain orange fellow..
Thanks. That’s kind of you.
Okay…maybe this might be the right time to share something with you. I have a personal reason why I’m viewing the rapid decimation of America under trump and the Republicans, as deeply saddening.
Back when I was on a work transfer in New York, I stopped at a Tribeca deli one evening to grab some take-out on my way home. Two women at the table next to mine seemed to like my accent, and we started chatting.
Long story short: when the instant chemistry is there, it’s just there. That chance encounter led to a lifelong friendship with them both. We would regularly socialise and yak on the phone several times a week - the whole nine yards. On my return back to London, they both used to come visit every chance they got.
To say they’re absolutely distraught at how low their country has fallen, would be the understatement of the year. To this day, we regularly email and FaceTime at least a couple of times a month, mostly to wail at each other about their despair at seeing what was once their awesome nation circling the drain.
I fully own how and what I post, and I make no apology for that. So you know what, Dawg? How about you stop making like a Hall Monitor, and just leave me be in this thread.
Deal?
Anonymous said
Oct 1 11:01 PM, 2025
Fluffy wrote:
So Trump is threatening to take away benefits from innocent people during the shut down just to get back at the Democrats that oppose him??
Vam, is this accurate? The man is horrible. He really is.
Trump threatened Democrats on Tuesday that the federal government could “do things during the shutdown that are irreversible . . . medically and other ways, including benefits, we can cut large numbers of people,” warning the GOP was prepared to blame Democrats for the permanent reductions and predicting a shutdown is “probably likely” but not “inevitable.”
And he's absolutely correct about the sorry state of our military and he didn't create that sorry state.
DEI strikes again!
Oh, hold on...
🤣
Vam said
Oct 1 11:11 PM, 2025
Fluffy wrote:
So Trump is threatening to take away benefits from innocent people during the shut down just to get back at the Democrats that oppose him??
Vam, is this accurate? The man is horrible. He really is.
Trump threatened Democrats on Tuesday that the federal government could “do things during the shutdown that are irreversible . . . medically and other ways, including benefits, we can cut large numbers of people,” warning the GOP was prepared to blame Democrats for the permanent reductions and predicting a shutdown is “probably likely” but not “inevitable.”
He’s been babbling about mass firing of government workers across the board, while HIS effing shutdown remains in place.
The rest of it - especially the ‘medically’ part (😳) - is something I’ll go check out.
Fluffy said
Oct 2 12:36 AM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Fluffy wrote:
So Trump is threatening to take away benefits from innocent people during the shut down just to get back at the Democrats that oppose him??
Vam, is this accurate? The man is horrible. He really is.
Trump threatened Democrats on Tuesday that the federal government could “do things during the shutdown that are irreversible . . . medically and other ways, including benefits, we can cut large numbers of people,” warning the GOP was prepared to blame Democrats for the permanent reductions and predicting a shutdown is “probably likely” but not “inevitable.”
But he is threatening to cut Medicaid also, he wants to get rid of all the legislation that Obama created that many people with lower wages rely on.
The guy's a billionaire backed by billionaires, yet your country is in debt? Have you considered he is only concerned about his own personal wealth, he is meant to care about the American economy and electorate.
Illogical of you to say people receiving benefits need a "nanny", they may have worked all their life and became ill and couldn't afford the huge medical bills in your country. If they have contributed and paid taxes why shouldn't they get benefits when in need?
Maddog said
Oct 2 12:51 AM, 2025
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Vam wrote:
Dawg…..when will you accept that I really don’t GAF what you or anyone else think is a “better” way for me to post?
Unless Diggs or Syl tell me otherwise, I’ll continue to post in a way that comes naturally to me - on-topic in this, the trump thread.
And yet again, I have to ask why the hell you don’t just scroll past my posts?
Because many of them are entertaining.
You are an excellent writer when you're not obsessing about a certain orange fellow..
Thanks. That’s kind of you.
Okay…maybe this might be the right time to share something with you. I have a personal reason why I’m viewing the rapid decimation of America under trump and the Republicans, as deeply saddening.
Back when I was on a work transfer in New York, I stopped at a Tribeca deli one evening to grab some take-out on my way home. Two women at the table next to mine seemed to like my accent, and we started chatting.
Long story short: when the instant chemistry is there, it’s just there. That chance encounter led to a lifelong friendship with them both. We would regularly socialise and yak on the phone several times a week - the whole nine yards. On my return back to London, they both used to come visit every chance they got.
To say they’re absolutely distraught at how low their country has fallen, would be the understatement of the year. To this day, we regularly email and FaceTime at least a couple of times a month, mostly to wail at each other about their despair at seeing what was once their awesome nation circling the drain.
I fully own how and what I post, and I make no apology for that. So you know what, Dawg? How about you stop making like a Hall Monitor, and just leave me be in this thread.
Deal?
Let er rip..
You're going to do it anyway..😉
And, if you're just now picking up on our decline, you have the vision of Ray Charles..
-- Edited by Maddog on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 01:00:49 AM
Maddog said
Oct 2 12:57 AM, 2025
Fluffy wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Fluffy wrote:
So Trump is threatening to take away benefits from innocent people during the shut down just to get back at the Democrats that oppose him??
Vam, is this accurate? The man is horrible. He really is.
Trump threatened Democrats on Tuesday that the federal government could “do things during the shutdown that are irreversible . . . medically and other ways, including benefits, we can cut large numbers of people,” warning the GOP was prepared to blame Democrats for the permanent reductions and predicting a shutdown is “probably likely” but not “inevitable.”
But he is threatening to cut Medicaid also, he wants to get rid of all the legislation that Obama created that many people with lower wages rely on.
The guy's a billionaire backed by billionaires, yet your country is in debt? Have you considered he is only concerned about his own personal wealth, he is meant to care about the American economy and electorate.
Illogical of you to say people receiving benefits need a "nanny", they may have worked all their life and became ill and couldn't afford the huge medical bills in your country. If they have contributed and paid taxes why shouldn't they get benefits when in need?
Nothing illogical about pointing out our incredibly fucked up fiscal situation.
What's illogical is to think we can keep doing what we have been doing.
What's illogical is to whine like a little girl instead of realizing very difficult cuts must be made for the future of the country.
But don't worry (I dont know why you do anyway), Trump never really cuts anything. It's all bluster..
And, Medicaid should be cut. And it's not for people over 65 either..
-- Edited by Maddog on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 12:58:41 AM
Maddog said
Oct 2 1:48 AM, 2025
Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to block a House-passed stopgap funding bill that would reopen the federal government until Nov. 21, but several Democrats broke with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and supported the measure.
Wednesday’s vote marked the third time in two weeks that the House-passed continuing resolution failed to advance on the Senate floor — but it was the first time senators voted on the issue while the government is closed. The measure needed 60 votes to advance and failed 55-45, the same margin as Tuesday’s vote.
Senate Democrats defeat House-passed bill to reopen government https://share.google/bKnbexyiP60BUJJFD
Nothing really to do with Trump, but it explains who is voting how in terms of keeping the government closed..
Vam said
Oct 2 8:40 AM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to block a House-passed stopgap funding bill that would reopen the federal government until Nov. 21, but several Democrats broke with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and supported the measure.
Wednesday’s vote marked the third time in two weeks that the House-passed continuing resolution failed to advance on the Senate floor — but it was the first time senators voted on the issue while the government is closed. The measure needed 60 votes to advance and failed 55-45, the same margin as Tuesday’s vote.
Senate Democrats defeat House-passed bill to reopen government https://share.google/bKnbexyiP60BUJJFD
Nothing really to do with Trump, but it explains who is voting how in terms of keeping the government closed..
Republicans control the White House, Congress, and even the Supreme Court. They could figure out a workaround the filibuster rules and pass a budget, if they really wanted to. But imv, it’s clear they don’t want to. In fact, most Republicans in congress have gone MIA right now.
This shutdown suits trump just fine Republicans are using it as a reason for the delay in swearing in that newly elected Democratic House Member, preventing her from being the final vote needed to force the release of the Epstein files.
Also, the longer they can drag things out until the ACÁ subsidies expire, the better. If the subsidies expire, countless Americans’ healthcare premiums could double. Isn’t this a good enough reason for Democrats to vote against keeping the government open this time around? (I think I know your answer to that!)
Meanwhile, while working Americans, like air traffic controllers and military personnel, are wondering when they’ll see their next paycheck, construction work on trump’s $200Million White House ballroom is continuing uninterrupted. And the $20Billion bailout to this guy looks like it’s gonna happen…
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 08:47:59 AM
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 11:17:19 AM
Barksdale said
Oct 2 1:20 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Nothing illogical about pointing out our incredibly fucked up fiscal situation.
What's illogical is to think we can keep doing what we have been doing.
What's illogical is to whine like a little girl instead of realizing very difficult cuts must be made for the future of the country.
But don't worry (I dont know why you do anyway), Trump never really cuts anything. It's all bluster..
And, Medicaid should be cut. And it's not for people over 65 either..
That's the situation in a nutshell really.
A lot of what Trump does is political theatre. It looks terrible or great depending on where you sit on the political spectrum but not a lot actually changes unless you are wealthy.
The existential threat to the US is not Trump but the unsustainable financial tragectory it is on. There is a reason that economic decline and fascism go hand in hand. Americans have had an enviable standard of living for some time but it looks like those days are coming to an end. "You will have to live with less" doesn't win elections and won't be accepted by the general public so the situation get increasingly worse and round and round we go.
Vam said
Oct 2 1:26 PM, 2025
@ Avon….you must be bit telepathic! I‘ve finished reading something, and thought ‘Avon would approve of this’. Hang on a mo’, and I’ll go find it….
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 01:34:18 PM
That is an excellent piece of writing. Those generals sure were a tough crowd huh?
Yup. And this part is particularly delightful 😂 …
“Every general who watched Pete Hegseth’s peurile speech immediately recognized him as one of the posers and video-game warriors that the generals identify as misfits to be counseled out of the military at the first opportunity.”
You can see the barely-concealed disgust on their faces. Maybe that’s because they’ve seen this clip of their ‘boss’ enjoying a little down time 😉
Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to block a House-passed stopgap funding bill that would reopen the federal government until Nov. 21, but several Democrats broke with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and supported the measure.
Wednesday’s vote marked the third time in two weeks that the House-passed continuing resolution failed to advance on the Senate floor — but it was the first time senators voted on the issue while the government is closed. The measure needed 60 votes to advance and failed 55-45, the same margin as Tuesday’s vote.
Senate Democrats defeat House-passed bill to reopen government https://share.google/bKnbexyiP60BUJJFD
Nothing really to do with Trump, but it explains who is voting how in terms of keeping the government closed..
Republicans control the White House, Congress, and even the Supreme Court. They could figure out a workaround the filibuster rules and pass a budget, if they really wanted to. But imv, it’s clear they don’t want to. In fact, most Republicans in congress have gone MIA right now.
This shutdown suits trump just fine Republicans are using it as a reason for the delay in swearing in that newly elected Democratic House Member, preventing her from being the final vote needed to force the release of the Epstein files.
Also, the longer they can drag things out until the ACÁ subsidies expire, the better. If the subsidies expire, countless Americans’ healthcare premiums could double. Isn’t this a good enough reason for Democrats to vote against keeping the government open this time around? (I think I know your answer to that!)
Meanwhile, while working Americans, like air traffic controllers and military personnel, are wondering when they’ll see their next paycheck, construction work on trump’s $200Million White House ballroom is continuing uninterrupted. And the $20Billion bailout to this guy looks like it’s gonna happen…
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 08:47:59 AM
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 11:17:19 AM
There is no work around for the budget without about 7 Democratic Senators helping. Trump would sign the bill that hasn't passed the last 3 times, in a second.
Cutting the subsidies is fine by me.
The ballroom is dumb but is being paid for privately..
Argentina might be dumb, but it's a loan, not a gift. Hopefully Argentina can turn a corner after decades of fiscal irresponsibility..
Maddog said
Oct 2 4:16 PM, 2025
Barksdale wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Nothing illogical about pointing out our incredibly fucked up fiscal situation.
What's illogical is to think we can keep doing what we have been doing.
What's illogical is to whine like a little girl instead of realizing very difficult cuts must be made for the future of the country.
But don't worry (I dont know why you do anyway), Trump never really cuts anything. It's all bluster..
And, Medicaid should be cut. And it's not for people over 65 either..
That's the situation in a nutshell really.
A lot of what Trump does is political theatre. It looks terrible or great depending on where you sit on the political spectrum but not a lot actually changes unless you are wealthy.
The existential threat to the US is not Trump but the unsustainable financial tragectory it is on. There is a reason that economic decline and fascism go hand in hand. Americans have had an enviable standard of living for some time but it looks like those days are coming to an end. "You will have to live with less" doesn't win elections and won't be accepted by the general public so the situation get increasingly worse and round and round we go.
This is what people don't understand. It doesn't matter what you think are important issues, they are all secondary to fiscal health, because when the wheels start falling off, they won't matter or be addressed.
Hitler, Stalin, Mao, you name it, capitalized on crumbling countries. And the people went along willingly at first because they bought the lies, then later on because they had no choice
Maddog said
Oct 2 4:27 PM, 2025
Barksdale wrote:
Vam wrote:
@ Avon….you must be bit telepathic! I‘ve finished reading something, and thought ‘Avon would approve of this’. Hang on a mo’, and I’ll go find it….
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 01:34:18 PM
That is an excellent piece of writing. Those generals sure were a tough crowd huh?
What Trump should have done is explain how poor leadership from the government had made their job more difficult and their ability to wage war compromised, and that he was going to change that.
But Trump doesn't know how to motivate.
Military leaders understand the concept of breaking down soldiers through insults and flat out degradation. But the second part of the process is to build them up. Trump doesn't get that.
He should have made it quite clear that the generals (for the most part) aren't the reason we have fat soldiers far from combat readiness. That is mostly a political problem. The military should never be about inclusiveness buy exclusivity.
Barksdale said
Oct 3 2:37 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
What Trump should have done is explain how poor leadership from the government had made their job more difficult and their ability to wage war compromised, and that he was going to change that.
But Trump doesn't know how to motivate.
Military leaders understand the concept of breaking down soldiers through insults and flat out degradation. But the second part of the process is to build them up. Trump doesn't get that.
He should have made it quite clear that the generals (for the most part) aren't the reason we have fat soldiers far from combat readiness. That is mostly a political problem. The military should never be about inclusiveness buy exclusivity.
I think the bigger problem is that it now looks to America's enemies that the CIC of the US Military does not command the respect or confidence of the US Military.
Maddog said
Oct 3 5:46 PM, 2025
Barksdale wrote:
Maddog wrote:
What Trump should have done is explain how poor leadership from the government had made their job more difficult and their ability to wage war compromised, and that he was going to change that.
But Trump doesn't know how to motivate.
Military leaders understand the concept of breaking down soldiers through insults and flat out degradation. But the second part of the process is to build them up. Trump doesn't get that.
He should have made it quite clear that the generals (for the most part) aren't the reason we have fat soldiers far from combat readiness. That is mostly a political problem. The military should never be about inclusiveness buy exclusivity.
I think the bigger problem is that it now looks to America's enemies that the CIC of the US Military does not command the respect or confidence of the US Military.
That's could be part of the problem, but the biggest problem is our military has been weakened through politics. I promise you that our enemies know that. The Chinese aren't worried about inclusiveness or diversity in their military. It's all about creating an entity that can put the enemy in body bags.
That's not DEI, that DEIs cousin, cronyism, which is just as bad..
Thanks. That’s kind of you.
Okay…maybe this might be the right time to share something with you. I have a personal reason why I’m viewing the rapid decimation of America under trump and the Republicans, as deeply saddening.
Back when I was on a work transfer in New York, I stopped at a Tribeca deli one evening to grab some take-out on my way home. Two women at the table next to mine seemed to like my accent, and we started chatting.
Long story short: when the instant chemistry is there, it’s just there. That chance encounter led to a lifelong friendship with them both. We would regularly socialise and yak on the phone several times a week - the whole nine yards. On my return back to London, they both used to come visit every chance they got.
To say they’re absolutely distraught at how low their country has fallen, would be the understatement of the year. To this day, we regularly email and FaceTime at least a couple of times a month, mostly to wail at each other about their despair at seeing what was once their awesome nation circling the drain.
I fully own how and what I post, and I make no apology for that. So you know what, Dawg? How about you stop making like a Hall Monitor, and just leave me be in this thread.
Deal?
benefits, such as medical for illegals?
Nothing ‘innocent’ about being illegal.
🤣
He’s been babbling about mass firing of government workers across the board, while HIS effing shutdown remains in place.
The rest of it - especially the ‘medically’ part (😳) - is something I’ll go check out.
But he is threatening to cut Medicaid also, he wants to get rid of all the legislation that Obama created that many people with lower wages rely on.
The guy's a billionaire backed by billionaires, yet your country is in debt? Have you considered he is only concerned about his own personal wealth, he is meant to care about the American economy and electorate.
Illogical of you to say people receiving benefits need a "nanny", they may have worked all their life and became ill and couldn't afford the huge medical bills in your country. If they have contributed and paid taxes why shouldn't they get benefits when in need?
Let er rip..
You're going to do it anyway..😉
And, if you're just now picking up on our decline, you have the vision of Ray Charles..
-- Edited by Maddog on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 01:00:49 AM
Nothing illogical about pointing out our incredibly fucked up fiscal situation.
What's illogical is to think we can keep doing what we have been doing.
What's illogical is to whine like a little girl instead of realizing very difficult cuts must be made for the future of the country.
But don't worry (I dont know why you do anyway), Trump never really cuts anything. It's all bluster..
And, Medicaid should be cut. And it's not for people over 65 either..
-- Edited by Maddog on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 12:58:41 AM
Wednesday’s vote marked the third time in two weeks that the House-passed continuing resolution failed to advance on the Senate floor — but it was the first time senators voted on the issue while the government is closed. The measure needed 60 votes to advance and failed 55-45, the same margin as Tuesday’s vote.
Senate Democrats defeat House-passed bill to reopen government https://share.google/bKnbexyiP60BUJJFD
Nothing really to do with Trump, but it explains who is voting how in terms of keeping the government closed..
Republicans control the White House, Congress, and even the Supreme Court. They could figure out a workaround the filibuster rules and pass a budget, if they really wanted to. But imv, it’s clear they don’t want to. In fact, most Republicans in congress have gone MIA right now.
This shutdown suits trump just fine
Republicans are using it as a reason for the delay in swearing in that newly elected Democratic House Member, preventing her from being the final vote needed to force the release of the Epstein files.
https://x.com/mikenellis/status/1973515184275956212?s=61
Also, the longer they can drag things out until the ACÁ subsidies expire, the better. If the subsidies expire, countless Americans’ healthcare premiums could double. Isn’t this a good enough reason for Democrats to vote against keeping the government open this time around? (I think I know your answer to that!)
Meanwhile, while working Americans, like air traffic controllers and military personnel, are wondering when they’ll see their next paycheck, construction work on trump’s $200Million White House ballroom is continuing uninterrupted. And the $20Billion bailout to this guy looks like it’s gonna happen…
https://x.com/choprausa/status/1973090532994715730?s=61
Make it make sense, Dawg…🤷🏻♀️
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 08:47:59 AM
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 11:17:19 AM
That's the situation in a nutshell really.
A lot of what Trump does is political theatre. It looks terrible or great depending on where you sit on the political spectrum but not a lot actually changes unless you are wealthy.
The existential threat to the US is not Trump but the unsustainable financial tragectory it is on. There is a reason that economic decline and fascism go hand in hand. Americans have had an enviable standard of living for some time but it looks like those days are coming to an end. "You will have to live with less" doesn't win elections and won't be accepted by the general public so the situation get increasingly worse and round and round we go.
Edit: 👇🏻 The whole post made me smile - a lot.
“The silence of the generals….”
https://x.com/disavowtrump20/status/1973596081935224945?s=61
-- Edited by Vam on Thursday 2nd of October 2025 01:34:18 PM
In other news from across the Pond, Jane Fonda wants to challenge the status quo …..
Incredible!)
(and excuse me! She’s EIGHTY-SEVEN??
https://x.com/charise_lee/status/1973534445878780030?s=61
That is an excellent piece of writing. Those generals sure were a tough crowd huh?
Yup. And this part is particularly delightful 😂 …
“Every general who watched Pete Hegseth’s peurile speech immediately recognized him as one of the posers and video-game warriors that the generals identify as misfits to be counseled out of the military at the first opportunity.”
You can see the barely-concealed disgust on their faces. Maybe that’s because they’ve seen this clip of their ‘boss’ enjoying a little down time 😉
https://x.com/out5p0ken/status/1973246834341716279?s=61
There is no work around for the budget without about 7 Democratic Senators helping. Trump would sign the bill that hasn't passed the last 3 times, in a second.
Cutting the subsidies is fine by me.
The ballroom is dumb but is being paid for privately..
Argentina might be dumb, but it's a loan, not a gift. Hopefully Argentina can turn a corner after decades of fiscal irresponsibility..
This is what people don't understand. It doesn't matter what you think are important issues, they are all secondary to fiscal health, because when the wheels start falling off, they won't matter or be addressed.
Hitler, Stalin, Mao, you name it, capitalized on crumbling countries. And the people went along willingly at first because they bought the lies, then later on because they had no choice
What Trump should have done is explain how poor leadership from the government had made their job more difficult and their ability to wage war compromised, and that he was going to change that.
But Trump doesn't know how to motivate.
Military leaders understand the concept of breaking down soldiers through insults and flat out degradation. But the second part of the process is to build them up. Trump doesn't get that.
He should have made it quite clear that the generals (for the most part) aren't the reason we have fat soldiers far from combat readiness. That is mostly a political problem. The military should never be about inclusiveness buy exclusivity.
I think the bigger problem is that it now looks to America's enemies that the CIC of the US Military does not command the respect or confidence of the US Military.
That's could be part of the problem, but the biggest problem is our military has been weakened through politics. I promise you that our enemies know that. The Chinese aren't worried about inclusiveness or diversity in their military. It's all about creating an entity that can put the enemy in body bags.