Trump has dropped off the radar---is he getting a pacemaker? Some heart failure patients can benefit from them. Could be, if you see him stop playing golf for a while. He'd have to be careful with his arm. No worries, JD has been in training. He is studying how to take vacations and learning what protests are.
Someone said they overheard their neighbor talking about his upcoming tank deployment to Portland in a few months. Meanwhile, the Democratic shadow government seems to be forming. Newsom made a climate accord with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Blue governors have been collaborating for some time.
Maybe Donald will pop-up in Moscow. President de Sousa told the world he is Putin's asset. Macron just called him out on Ukraine negotiations. Rogan dumped him. Melania has ghosted him and us. SAD!
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye. ANYTHING is possible. See you in the streets.
Well Kayo, he finally was seen today. It's hell trying to lay-low if you are the most famous man on the planet. He was headed out to golf. May just be girding his loins for the up-coming Epstein-sh*t-storm and his tariff mess.
Time to pick up the cudgel or the passport. That this country is going to grovel at the feet of the likes of Donald Trump nauseates me. I'm a peace creep but the thought that almost 1,500,000 Americans gave up their lives for this nauseates me. As Woody Guthrie sang, "So long, it's been good to know you". And then there's "This land is your land, this land is my land". The front of his guitar proclaimed "This machine kills fascists". Jeezus...
Love Woody Guthrie. I played his children’s songs for my preschool age children and his message resonates today.
I used to play Guthrie songs for my husband because he was not aware of the depths of Guthrie ‘s activism which were anthems in my pro union activities years ago. Can’t blame him because his music scope vitae was limited to the pop songs of his teenage years. He had only chemistry on his mind!
I did not know that his guitar read “This machine Kills Fascists”.
Congress returns. There are many issues we can use to convince a few Congressional Republicans.
Brian Fitzpatrick is a case study.
Pressure them directly, their donors, families, social friends etc. Picket. Sit in.
Proportionally 4 x more crime in MAGA Mike's home town than in DC. Memphis is the most crimeridden city in the US. Jackson, Mississippi! Bessemer, AL!
Interview the National Guardsmen. Odds are more crime at home.
It's about persuasion. Only takes a few Congressional Republicans. Privately many know Trump is nutsy koo koo.
2. Geeky Science: How about hemp batteries. You can roll hemp, smoke it, eat it, wear it, and now power everything with it.
Thom is right in that sodium-ion batteries, which use the abundant element sodium for lower costs and resilient supply chains, and multivalent-ion batteries, which leverage more common elements like magnesium, calcium, and aluminum to achieve higher energy storage capacities can replace lithium.. Solid-state batteries are also a key area of development, offering enhanced safety and higher energy density by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials, though mass production remains a significant hurdle.
Scientists at a Texas-based battery technology company Bemp Research Corp, along with the University of North Texas, have discovered that not only do its Lithium-Sulphur (Lithium-Sulfide Boron Carbide, or LiS/B4C) batteries last longer than nickel or cobalt batteries, they are easier to recycle and less likely to combust if damaged.
But I like hemp. Porsche is already using hemp in manufacturing some of its race car parts, such as the doors, front fenders, and hood of the GT4 RS Clubsport race car. It is both strong and lightweight.
The ease and low cost of growing hemp could give Lithium-Sulphur batteries the potential to be a fraction of the cost and much more eco-friendly to produce (and recycle) than current batteries. Which is great for the planet.
Google: Advantages Over Traditional Batteries
Increased Lifespan:
Hemp-based batteries are projected to last significantly longer than their lithium counterparts.
Faster Charging:
They have the potential to fully charge in as little as 20 minutes.
Enhanced Safety:
Hemp batteries are less susceptible to catching fire if damaged, unlike some lithium-ion batteries.
Greater Sustainability:
Hemp is a fast-growing, legally recognized crop that requires fewer pesticides and less water, making it an eco-friendly alternative to other energy sources.
Cost-Effectiveness:
The manufacturing process for hemp batteries is anticipated to be more economical.
Improved Recycling:
Hemp batteries are designed to be more easily recycled compared to current lithium-based technologies.
Reduced Supply Chain Issues:
Hemp batteries decrease the reliance on rare or globally sourced materials, which can improve supply chain security for national interests.
Applications
Electric Vehicles:
Hemp batteries are being developed for electric vehicles (EVs) as a more sustainable and secure option.
Consumer Electronics:
The technology also has potential applications in smaller devices, such as hearing aids.
By now, Trump should know Putin has ridiculed him as a sucker and is the true master of the art of the deal. Putin continues to attack civilians, has moved a lot of troops to the Polish border, where there may be a test of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. Yesterday, Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's southern and central regions, as Kyiv struck Russian oil refineries and tankers.
What Trump won't know, because he won't get the truth from Tulsi Gabbard and because he can't pay attention, is the Russian economy is failing. The Russian military has lost more than a million troops.
Meanwhile we can't tell the players without a scorecard. Our "ally" Saudi Arabia is a top buyer of Russian fuel oil despite looming Trump tariffs on Moscow. Saudi Arabia, despite its high export volume, has for years imported fuel oil from Russia to reduce the amount of crude oil it has to refine for fuel, which allows Riyadh to continue to export more crude oil at higher prices. https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-world/saudi-arabia-becomes-top-buyer-russian-fuel-oil-despite-looming-trump-tariffs-moscow
Most Congressional Republicans know that Trump has been wrong. The vilian is Putin.
Trump is supposed to condider sanctions, which would adversely affect China, India and even our "allies" the gulf states. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for secondary sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s war.
At this point in time invasion by sea seems risky. Toss enough drones at a ship and at least a few are going to get through. Actually, the whole idea of a surface navy in a serious war at this time seems folly.
Thom don't yo mean Medicaid here: . Republicans have hated Medicare ever since it passed Congress in 1965 with GOP majorities voting “No” in both the House and Senate.
I get an MRI every six months, of the head, because I had a tumor removed in 2017, it was metastasized from my lung cancer. When the doctor orders an MRI, I have to call scheduling, and scheduling waits on their MRI review board, before they can schedule
I also get an AIC test every six months, and a basic metabolic panel to check kidney function every six months because I also get a CT Scan of my chest with contrast every six months, so now I am concerned that after January there will be an industry review of my tests.
The main problem for Medicare is PAYGO, which should kick in next year to cut $500 Mil in Medicare for FY 2026. CBO estimates that these triggered cuts would total nearly $500 billion over the next decade, affecting Medicare.
PAYGO stands for "Pay-As-You-Go" and refers to a set of budget rules designed to prevent new legislation from increasing the federal budget deficit. Under these rules, any increase in mandatory spending or reduction in revenues (like tax cuts) must be offset by an equivalent decrease in spending or an increase in revenues elsewhere. If Congress fails to meet these requirements, a mandatory spending cut known as "sequestration" is triggered as a penalty.
This means that an INCREASE in mandatory spending or reduction in revenues (like tax cuts must be offset by spending elsewheres.
I asked AI if Congress sets a limit on Medicare spending, here is the answer:
AI Overview
No, Congress does not set an annual budget limit for Medicare, as it is a mandatory spending program governed by permanent laws like the Social Security Act.
Therefore the only way that Paygo would affecte Medicare is if there was a law adding a benefit.
It appears that you are hyperventilating over nothing.
Google. PAYGO (Pay-As-You-Go) rules affect mandatory spending by triggering across-the-board cuts to non-exempt direct spending programs if the overall legislative effect is a deficit increase. The mandatory spending programs most often affected by sequestration under Statutory PAYGO rules include Medicare, which can face limited cuts (like the 4% reduction), and other direct spending accounts not specifically exempted by law, such as certain federal retirement and unemployment compensation programs.
I Answered you on another comment. PAYGO only takes effect when legislation is enacted that will raise the budget, Congress will have to enact legislation that will add new expenses to the Medicare budget
The "Medicare budget" refers to the cost of the Medicare program, which is a significant portion of the U.S. federal budget. In fiscal year 2023, Medicare spending was approximately $839 billion, or about 14% of total federal spending, making it the second-largest federal program after Social Security. This spending is considered mandatory and covers healthcare for individuals 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities.
Key Aspects of the Medicare Budget
Program Size: Medicare spending accounts for a substantial and growing share of the federal budget, with projections showing continued increases due to an aging population and rising healthcare costs.
Mandatory Spending: Medicare is a mandatory or "direct spending" program, meaning its costs are determined by law rather than annual appropriations bills.
Federal Funding: The federal government funds Medicare through general revenues and specific payroll taxes, with premiums paid by beneficiaries also contributing.
Overall Health Spending: Medicare spending is a major component of total national healthcare spending.
Future Projections: Projections indicate that Medicare benefit spending is expected to grow, reaching approximately $1.8 trillion in 2031.
In essence, when people discuss the "Medicare budget," they are referring to the overall expense of the federal health insurance program for its beneficiaries.
Sorry to hear that. If the doc says that you need these tests, that should be it. I will also be needing a CT scan with contrast every six months for the rest of my life. No review board, they’ll just do it. The USA is so screwed up.
Why will you need a CT Scan? I have no problem with scheduling a CT Scan, just the MRI. It might be a local thing.
What concerns me is the change coming in January, where tests will be contracted to a health insurance corporation, and they will decide whether your test is necessary or not.
What you have in the national guard are civilians who with generally good motivation want to help their country wherever they might be needed or where discord demands. But these are not rabid, politically controlled violence-prone sickos who are just waiting to unleash their hatred--talking about ICE here, Trump's private gestapo. Keeping in mind that many if not most national guard volunteers are morally motivated, praise be. The national guard now is completely misfitted timewise. Wondering how many national guardsmen feel that under the undeniable fascist assaults that they witness feel that this is not what they signed up for? Yet, they are trained like all military entities to above all obey chain commands. Yet, a strong moral discontempment nags on, feeling inherently appalled by the current unlawful fascist actions. Calls for support outside the normal military are needed if they can be at all motivated to go on strike in moral protest. Their moral compass can prevail over Trump calling them traitors. They have a general gift if anybody does to sniff out just who is and who is not, in the end, traitors to their nation. They must be supported by organized effort to reach them. Address the issue daily and loudly, and specifically in moral terms. Address directly national guardsmen. Or, confoundly, just continue the largely ignored by the addressed griff to scribble passioned pleas to Schumer.
They have to know he called us suckers and losers. They have to know he stole funding that was supposed to go to disabled veterans from the Trump Family Charity.
I was wondering how the $5000 Trump is bribing voters to vote Republican can be proven. I suppose people can take a picture of the ballot before it is submitted as proof. But couldn't people then say they made a mistake on the ballot and ask for a new one? And then vote Democratic? This would be a good way to screw Trump.
Thanks, Thom, the crazy continues, I just want democracy. I, didn’t vote for this, Thom. Caught you on Ali . Lot of history in that segment. Thanks for knowing your stuff Thom. The part on Garfield was quite intriguing. Great, job, Thom! Appreciate you.
Not off topic at all: ".....international diplomats and foreign leaders are now saying out loud that Putin clearly has something on him. What is it?"
I've said this a dozen times here just after reading books and putting 2 and 2 together, but thanks William. It's nice to see it from a KGB Officer:
“My well-informed former KGB colleagues testify (for now confidentially) that Putin has extensive and well-documented materials about Trump’s crimes. Documents about most of the transactions in accounts that belong directly to Trump or are clearly affiliated with his name. Testimonies of agents… as well as audio and video documents showing sexual crimes against minors and violence against women.”
Do you think that MAGAts will ever believe it? Or worse that they actually care? I don't. Trump is their demigod, he is assuaging their fears and fulfilling their needs.
Not the MAGAs, but we have and are going to peel-off more of the rest and those not affiliated. Grocery and gas prices are not fulfilling their needs. Once AI does a number on jobs, the drug tariffs and BBB kill people, and he just keeps begging them for money, a few MAGA might figure it out as well.
Yours is the economic man argument. There is evidence that culture is more important than economics
The Iranian people are fed up with the revolutionary regime of the Mullahs, but there is no chance of a reformation, For one thing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is 190,000 strong and their ideology is Death to Israel, Death to America and hijab.
The regime itself can't reform, as Machiavelli said, the most dangerous part of an authoritarian regime is reform. Ayatollah Khameini looked north to Russia, and the chaos that followed Gorbachev, and how it wound up just as bad, and in fact worse in some aspects.
Finally, why did they become MAGAts in the first place, It wasn't economics, it was the culture war, and what at bottom is the basis of the culture war.
Women's liberation, DEIm gy rights. I will repeat LBJ "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket...".
And it is worse, people who have interviewed farmers who are distressed by Trump's policies, Government employees who voted for Trump, union members who vote for Trump, even Hispanics are saying the same thing they would still vote for Trump.
For one thing it is a cult, and you can't decondition cult members, two Trump is delivering on his psycho sexual promises which are more important than their economic condition.
Forgotten in all these calls for new leadership is the fact that FDR was in the public eye for decades before 1932. Along with all the political ups and downs, he contracted polio at the age of 39, and had years of painful, intensive rehabilitation before becoming the governor of NY in 1928. LBJ was also in the public eye for decades, and he was a powerhouse in the Senate for 12 years before being picked as VP in 1960. Both men knew how to deal with both parties, and work with them as well. Both men also knew their voters and how far they could go, laying the groundwork for Social Security and Civil Rights Acts, etc. Something I don't see with today's "progressive" Ds.
One major advantage they also had was that back then Rs were, for the most part, people who knew they had to deal with the Democrats and work with them. They sure as hell weren't calling Ds "demons", "pedophiles", "Satan", "traitors", etc. in their public rallies.
So, as I've asked before, who in today's D universe do you think could qualify AND find favor with their voters?
From my perspective, the ony reason we lost in 2024 was we wuz screwed.
After about 70 years in politics, the advantage Republicans enjoyed had nothing to do with issues. We have too many critics and in politics need to avoid division.
Too many false allegations. I accept that we've had some sell outs, but since 2015, we've had one job -- avoid Fascism, personified by a meglomaniacal nutsy koo koo creep.
Sorry, Eva, but they were calling them communists and socialists during the New Deal process. Same difference.
FDR was a leader not a savior. Sec. Perkins, Eleanor, and a host of others had to push him in the right direction. There is no "who" this time around either. It's us, all of us Democrats that believe in democracy. We have an amazing array of people to pick from.
I realize that the Trump name is a “catch name”, now, but it’s still just as irritating that we 1) keep hearing that god awful name and 2) he does not have the smarts or the physical ability to be orchestrating and actively directing all these people and complex negotiations 3) he may not even be fully aware of what’s going on except for brief times of cognizance.
We have been informed by many people over and over that he is on his last leg both physically and mentally. It’s obviously big money with vast and self-important agendas for control of power and wealth who are pulling the political strings of a slew of people who really do the deeds—including Trump’s. He is merely the face, voice, and original AH we learned to hate.
When those truly in power finally get rid of what is becoming a liability for them, the billionaire agenda will be so entrenched in not only our politics, but also our society, we will all be “amazed” as to why new people taking his place cannot get a foothold to make needed changes necessary to repair the damage is administration and so-called representatives have pushed through our legislature and courts.
I used to be active in legal circles with folks who identify as libertarian but who really are fascists. Some of this goes back to the concept of "originalism" which to them means that they think they know the mentality of the 18th Century founders, and anything "new" should be unconstitutional. Think the 2nd Marshall on SCOTUS. Now the majority.
I was active in the Administrative and Regulatory Law section of the ABA. Scalia was once chair. He was also the first Director of ACUS, the Administrative Conference of the United States, where I was a liaison member, and was in my Inn of Court. I don't belive that he opposed administratikve agencies per se, but his logic set the stage for originalism.
Our reason for existence was the Administrative Procedure Act, 1947, which I chartaracterize as a mini constitution, granting due process rights to individuals dealing with the government. Starting about 30 years ago, some aberrant law professors, members of the same orgs plus the then new Federalist Society, came up with the idea that all administrative law is unconstitutional.
Consider that I was an administrative law judge and before that held out to the public that I practiced administrative law.
Many of the law firms that have literally killed ad law are exponents of that theory, expressed by Is Administrative Law Unlawful?, Philip A. Hamburger, Columbia Law School.
The Roberts court has been dedicated to the diminishment if not death of ad law --IMHO setting the stage for unitary executive theory -- that enables the exectutive to effectively be a king.
A guilty pleasure of mine is a psychic with political savvy. She's "being told by her guides" Roberts dabbled with the big boys and is now being threatened along with his family.
Put theory aside for a moment when you consider how far the "six" have went and how far they might go. Willing at first, but now.......
Thanks. Some of them have a family history. Gorsuch's mother. Kavanaugh's family. His mother was a Maryland state judge. I'm sure he does stuff that rankles her.
Rehnquist taught a seminar when I was in law school. Before he was appointed. He said some "omniciscient narrator" stuff and wouldn't respond to questions. That kind of stuff should be disqualifying. It means that he wouldn't follow precedent -- which he didn't.
Both Thomas and Alito believe they are above the law. Say it in decisions. They admit they use "natural law" before they apply the text of the Constitution. Natural law, as they define it is Catholic dogma. IMHO this is bias. Nobody has ever called them on it.
Was that Cabinet meeting the long goodbye?
Trump has dropped off the radar---is he getting a pacemaker? Some heart failure patients can benefit from them. Could be, if you see him stop playing golf for a while. He'd have to be careful with his arm. No worries, JD has been in training. He is studying how to take vacations and learning what protests are.
Someone said they overheard their neighbor talking about his upcoming tank deployment to Portland in a few months. Meanwhile, the Democratic shadow government seems to be forming. Newsom made a climate accord with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Blue governors have been collaborating for some time.
Maybe Donald will pop-up in Moscow. President de Sousa told the world he is Putin's asset. Macron just called him out on Ukraine negotiations. Rogan dumped him. Melania has ghosted him and us. SAD!
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye. ANYTHING is possible. See you in the streets.
Ooh, I didnt think of that possibility! One last chance for ass kissing the declining despot.
Well Kayo, he finally was seen today. It's hell trying to lay-low if you are the most famous man on the planet. He was headed out to golf. May just be girding his loins for the up-coming Epstein-sh*t-storm and his tariff mess.
Time to pick up the cudgel or the passport. That this country is going to grovel at the feet of the likes of Donald Trump nauseates me. I'm a peace creep but the thought that almost 1,500,000 Americans gave up their lives for this nauseates me. As Woody Guthrie sang, "So long, it's been good to know you". And then there's "This land is your land, this land is my land". The front of his guitar proclaimed "This machine kills fascists". Jeezus...
Love Woody Guthrie. I played his children’s songs for my preschool age children and his message resonates today.
I used to play Guthrie songs for my husband because he was not aware of the depths of Guthrie ‘s activism which were anthems in my pro union activities years ago. Can’t blame him because his music scope vitae was limited to the pop songs of his teenage years. He had only chemistry on his mind!
I did not know that his guitar read “This machine Kills Fascists”.
https://ushistoryscene.com/article/woody-guthrie/
I grew up thinking "So long..." was hundreds of years old. I had to wait until I was in my late teens to realize it was only 5 years older than me.
1. The big news: protest season in DC. See you in September in DC. https://removalcoalition.org/
Congress returns. There are many issues we can use to convince a few Congressional Republicans.
Brian Fitzpatrick is a case study.
Pressure them directly, their donors, families, social friends etc. Picket. Sit in.
Proportionally 4 x more crime in MAGA Mike's home town than in DC. Memphis is the most crimeridden city in the US. Jackson, Mississippi! Bessemer, AL!
Interview the National Guardsmen. Odds are more crime at home.
It's about persuasion. Only takes a few Congressional Republicans. Privately many know Trump is nutsy koo koo.
2. Geeky Science: How about hemp batteries. You can roll hemp, smoke it, eat it, wear it, and now power everything with it.
Thom is right in that sodium-ion batteries, which use the abundant element sodium for lower costs and resilient supply chains, and multivalent-ion batteries, which leverage more common elements like magnesium, calcium, and aluminum to achieve higher energy storage capacities can replace lithium.. Solid-state batteries are also a key area of development, offering enhanced safety and higher energy density by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials, though mass production remains a significant hurdle.
Scientists at a Texas-based battery technology company Bemp Research Corp, along with the University of North Texas, have discovered that not only do its Lithium-Sulphur (Lithium-Sulfide Boron Carbide, or LiS/B4C) batteries last longer than nickel or cobalt batteries, they are easier to recycle and less likely to combust if damaged.
But I like hemp. Porsche is already using hemp in manufacturing some of its race car parts, such as the doors, front fenders, and hood of the GT4 RS Clubsport race car. It is both strong and lightweight.
But I mean hemp batteries. This is from 2003. https://community.ases.org/discussion/solar-powered-factories-making-hemp-batteries-and-the-future-is-hemp-buildings Per one source hemp batteries can be made for up to 200x less than lithium ion which can be fire prone and which involve toxic mining of rare earth materials.
The ease and low cost of growing hemp could give Lithium-Sulphur batteries the potential to be a fraction of the cost and much more eco-friendly to produce (and recycle) than current batteries. Which is great for the planet.
Google: Advantages Over Traditional Batteries
Increased Lifespan:
Hemp-based batteries are projected to last significantly longer than their lithium counterparts.
Faster Charging:
They have the potential to fully charge in as little as 20 minutes.
Enhanced Safety:
Hemp batteries are less susceptible to catching fire if damaged, unlike some lithium-ion batteries.
Greater Sustainability:
Hemp is a fast-growing, legally recognized crop that requires fewer pesticides and less water, making it an eco-friendly alternative to other energy sources.
Cost-Effectiveness:
The manufacturing process for hemp batteries is anticipated to be more economical.
Improved Recycling:
Hemp batteries are designed to be more easily recycled compared to current lithium-based technologies.
Reduced Supply Chain Issues:
Hemp batteries decrease the reliance on rare or globally sourced materials, which can improve supply chain security for national interests.
Applications
Electric Vehicles:
Hemp batteries are being developed for electric vehicles (EVs) as a more sustainable and secure option.
Consumer Electronics:
The technology also has potential applications in smaller devices, such as hearing aids.
3. — Russia threatens to march on Paris.
By now, Trump should know Putin has ridiculed him as a sucker and is the true master of the art of the deal. Putin continues to attack civilians, has moved a lot of troops to the Polish border, where there may be a test of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. Yesterday, Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's southern and central regions, as Kyiv struck Russian oil refineries and tankers.
What Trump won't know, because he won't get the truth from Tulsi Gabbard and because he can't pay attention, is the Russian economy is failing. The Russian military has lost more than a million troops.
Meanwhile we can't tell the players without a scorecard. Our "ally" Saudi Arabia is a top buyer of Russian fuel oil despite looming Trump tariffs on Moscow. Saudi Arabia, despite its high export volume, has for years imported fuel oil from Russia to reduce the amount of crude oil it has to refine for fuel, which allows Riyadh to continue to export more crude oil at higher prices. https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-world/saudi-arabia-becomes-top-buyer-russian-fuel-oil-despite-looming-trump-tariffs-moscow
Most Congressional Republicans know that Trump has been wrong. The vilian is Putin.
Trump is supposed to condider sanctions, which would adversely affect China, India and even our "allies" the gulf states. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for secondary sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s war.
So have 84 senators. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1241/cosponsors
D-day on this issue is supposed to be Monday.
Russia plans to march on France when they can't even beat Ukraine? Gimme a break.
We may be marching on Caracas.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-guided-missile-cruiser-panama-canal-warships-deployed-venezuela/
Yeah, I've been keeping a wary eye on that.
At this point in time invasion by sea seems risky. Toss enough drones at a ship and at least a few are going to get through. Actually, the whole idea of a surface navy in a serious war at this time seems folly.
Watching you on MSNBC,and gotta say, you look good, TV ready. No small feat, I can attest.
Thank you for ALL you do, write, and your efforts to keep us informed and appropriately alarmed.
Odd, all the comments in their Big Beautiful Ad says it’s all improved.
At least their dishonesty is consistent.
Thom don't yo mean Medicaid here: . Republicans have hated Medicare ever since it passed Congress in 1965 with GOP majorities voting “No” in both the House and Senate.
I get an MRI every six months, of the head, because I had a tumor removed in 2017, it was metastasized from my lung cancer. When the doctor orders an MRI, I have to call scheduling, and scheduling waits on their MRI review board, before they can schedule
I also get an AIC test every six months, and a basic metabolic panel to check kidney function every six months because I also get a CT Scan of my chest with contrast every six months, so now I am concerned that after January there will be an industry review of my tests.
The main problem for Medicare is PAYGO, which should kick in next year to cut $500 Mil in Medicare for FY 2026. CBO estimates that these triggered cuts would total nearly $500 billion over the next decade, affecting Medicare.
AI generative:
PAYGO stands for "Pay-As-You-Go" and refers to a set of budget rules designed to prevent new legislation from increasing the federal budget deficit. Under these rules, any increase in mandatory spending or reduction in revenues (like tax cuts) must be offset by an equivalent decrease in spending or an increase in revenues elsewhere. If Congress fails to meet these requirements, a mandatory spending cut known as "sequestration" is triggered as a penalty.
This means that an INCREASE in mandatory spending or reduction in revenues (like tax cuts must be offset by spending elsewheres.
I asked AI if Congress sets a limit on Medicare spending, here is the answer:
AI Overview
No, Congress does not set an annual budget limit for Medicare, as it is a mandatory spending program governed by permanent laws like the Social Security Act.
Therefore the only way that Paygo would affecte Medicare is if there was a law adding a benefit.
It appears that you are hyperventilating over nothing.
William,do you really trust the AI response?
It is as good as any. Daniel is using it almost exclusively, so ask him the same question.
Not true. There you go again. It reduces all spending.
https://democrats-budget.house.gov/resources/fact-sheet/trumps-big-ugly-law-triggers-536-billion-medicare-cuts
Key word Daniel: New legislation
PAYGO stands for "Pay-As-You-Go" and refers to a set of budget rules designed to prevent new legislation from increasing the federal budget deficit.
At your link, any increase in mandatory expenses will require an offset to other expenses.
Medicare is a mandatory expense,and increase in medicare spending would require an offset say to defense spending, which is not mandatory.
Bullshit.
Google. PAYGO (Pay-As-You-Go) rules affect mandatory spending by triggering across-the-board cuts to non-exempt direct spending programs if the overall legislative effect is a deficit increase. The mandatory spending programs most often affected by sequestration under Statutory PAYGO rules include Medicare, which can face limited cuts (like the 4% reduction), and other direct spending accounts not specifically exempted by law, such as certain federal retirement and unemployment compensation programs.
May not apply to the SS trust funds.
I did google PAYGO Daniel, what I posted was a copy and paste from AI generative.
The rule, if there is an increase in mandatory spending, then it has to be offset by non mandatory spending. Medicare is mandatory spending.
PAYGO is just one problem, Thom has brought up another problem. AHIP review of procedures.
WTF.
I Answered you on another comment. PAYGO only takes effect when legislation is enacted that will raise the budget, Congress will have to enact legislation that will add new expenses to the Medicare budget
The "Medicare budget" refers to the cost of the Medicare program, which is a significant portion of the U.S. federal budget. In fiscal year 2023, Medicare spending was approximately $839 billion, or about 14% of total federal spending, making it the second-largest federal program after Social Security. This spending is considered mandatory and covers healthcare for individuals 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities.
Key Aspects of the Medicare Budget
Program Size: Medicare spending accounts for a substantial and growing share of the federal budget, with projections showing continued increases due to an aging population and rising healthcare costs.
Mandatory Spending: Medicare is a mandatory or "direct spending" program, meaning its costs are determined by law rather than annual appropriations bills.
Federal Funding: The federal government funds Medicare through general revenues and specific payroll taxes, with premiums paid by beneficiaries also contributing.
Overall Health Spending: Medicare spending is a major component of total national healthcare spending.
Future Projections: Projections indicate that Medicare benefit spending is expected to grow, reaching approximately $1.8 trillion in 2031.
In essence, when people discuss the "Medicare budget," they are referring to the overall expense of the federal health insurance program for its beneficiaries.
Sorry to hear that. If the doc says that you need these tests, that should be it. I will also be needing a CT scan with contrast every six months for the rest of my life. No review board, they’ll just do it. The USA is so screwed up.
Why will you need a CT Scan? I have no problem with scheduling a CT Scan, just the MRI. It might be a local thing.
What concerns me is the change coming in January, where tests will be contracted to a health insurance corporation, and they will decide whether your test is necessary or not.
What you have in the national guard are civilians who with generally good motivation want to help their country wherever they might be needed or where discord demands. But these are not rabid, politically controlled violence-prone sickos who are just waiting to unleash their hatred--talking about ICE here, Trump's private gestapo. Keeping in mind that many if not most national guard volunteers are morally motivated, praise be. The national guard now is completely misfitted timewise. Wondering how many national guardsmen feel that under the undeniable fascist assaults that they witness feel that this is not what they signed up for? Yet, they are trained like all military entities to above all obey chain commands. Yet, a strong moral discontempment nags on, feeling inherently appalled by the current unlawful fascist actions. Calls for support outside the normal military are needed if they can be at all motivated to go on strike in moral protest. Their moral compass can prevail over Trump calling them traitors. They have a general gift if anybody does to sniff out just who is and who is not, in the end, traitors to their nation. They must be supported by organized effort to reach them. Address the issue daily and loudly, and specifically in moral terms. Address directly national guardsmen. Or, confoundly, just continue the largely ignored by the addressed griff to scribble passioned pleas to Schumer.
They have to know he called us suckers and losers. They have to know he stole funding that was supposed to go to disabled veterans from the Trump Family Charity.
I just have to post this
https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/p/mr-trump-redeploy-the-national-guard
Mr. Trump -- Redeploy the National Guard to America's Schools
How Many Deaths will It Take Till You Know that Too Many Children Have Died?
I was wondering how the $5000 Trump is bribing voters to vote Republican can be proven. I suppose people can take a picture of the ballot before it is submitted as proof. But couldn't people then say they made a mistake on the ballot and ask for a new one? And then vote Democratic? This would be a good way to screw Trump.
Thanks, Thom, the crazy continues, I just want democracy. I, didn’t vote for this, Thom. Caught you on Ali . Lot of history in that segment. Thanks for knowing your stuff Thom. The part on Garfield was quite intriguing. Great, job, Thom! Appreciate you.
Off topicTrump and KGB: New Allegations by Former KGB Officer Alnur Mussayev
https://michaeldsellers.substack.com/p/trump-and-kgb-new-allegations-by
Not off topic at all: ".....international diplomats and foreign leaders are now saying out loud that Putin clearly has something on him. What is it?"
I've said this a dozen times here just after reading books and putting 2 and 2 together, but thanks William. It's nice to see it from a KGB Officer:
“My well-informed former KGB colleagues testify (for now confidentially) that Putin has extensive and well-documented materials about Trump’s crimes. Documents about most of the transactions in accounts that belong directly to Trump or are clearly affiliated with his name. Testimonies of agents… as well as audio and video documents showing sexual crimes against minors and violence against women.”
Do you think that MAGAts will ever believe it? Or worse that they actually care? I don't. Trump is their demigod, he is assuaging their fears and fulfilling their needs.
Not the MAGAs, but we have and are going to peel-off more of the rest and those not affiliated. Grocery and gas prices are not fulfilling their needs. Once AI does a number on jobs, the drug tariffs and BBB kill people, and he just keeps begging them for money, a few MAGA might figure it out as well.
Yours is the economic man argument. There is evidence that culture is more important than economics
The Iranian people are fed up with the revolutionary regime of the Mullahs, but there is no chance of a reformation, For one thing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is 190,000 strong and their ideology is Death to Israel, Death to America and hijab.
The regime itself can't reform, as Machiavelli said, the most dangerous part of an authoritarian regime is reform. Ayatollah Khameini looked north to Russia, and the chaos that followed Gorbachev, and how it wound up just as bad, and in fact worse in some aspects.
Finally, why did they become MAGAts in the first place, It wasn't economics, it was the culture war, and what at bottom is the basis of the culture war.
Women's liberation, DEIm gy rights. I will repeat LBJ "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket...".
And it is worse, people who have interviewed farmers who are distressed by Trump's policies, Government employees who voted for Trump, union members who vote for Trump, even Hispanics are saying the same thing they would still vote for Trump.
For one thing it is a cult, and you can't decondition cult members, two Trump is delivering on his psycho sexual promises which are more important than their economic condition.
Forgotten in all these calls for new leadership is the fact that FDR was in the public eye for decades before 1932. Along with all the political ups and downs, he contracted polio at the age of 39, and had years of painful, intensive rehabilitation before becoming the governor of NY in 1928. LBJ was also in the public eye for decades, and he was a powerhouse in the Senate for 12 years before being picked as VP in 1960. Both men knew how to deal with both parties, and work with them as well. Both men also knew their voters and how far they could go, laying the groundwork for Social Security and Civil Rights Acts, etc. Something I don't see with today's "progressive" Ds.
One major advantage they also had was that back then Rs were, for the most part, people who knew they had to deal with the Democrats and work with them. They sure as hell weren't calling Ds "demons", "pedophiles", "Satan", "traitors", etc. in their public rallies.
So, as I've asked before, who in today's D universe do you think could qualify AND find favor with their voters?
From my perspective, the ony reason we lost in 2024 was we wuz screwed.
After about 70 years in politics, the advantage Republicans enjoyed had nothing to do with issues. We have too many critics and in politics need to avoid division.
Too many false allegations. I accept that we've had some sell outs, but since 2015, we've had one job -- avoid Fascism, personified by a meglomaniacal nutsy koo koo creep.
All that negativity worked.
Sorry, Eva, but they were calling them communists and socialists during the New Deal process. Same difference.
FDR was a leader not a savior. Sec. Perkins, Eleanor, and a host of others had to push him in the right direction. There is no "who" this time around either. It's us, all of us Democrats that believe in democracy. We have an amazing array of people to pick from.
I realize that the Trump name is a “catch name”, now, but it’s still just as irritating that we 1) keep hearing that god awful name and 2) he does not have the smarts or the physical ability to be orchestrating and actively directing all these people and complex negotiations 3) he may not even be fully aware of what’s going on except for brief times of cognizance.
We have been informed by many people over and over that he is on his last leg both physically and mentally. It’s obviously big money with vast and self-important agendas for control of power and wealth who are pulling the political strings of a slew of people who really do the deeds—including Trump’s. He is merely the face, voice, and original AH we learned to hate.
When those truly in power finally get rid of what is becoming a liability for them, the billionaire agenda will be so entrenched in not only our politics, but also our society, we will all be “amazed” as to why new people taking his place cannot get a foothold to make needed changes necessary to repair the damage is administration and so-called representatives have pushed through our legislature and courts.
G.P. Stephen Miller is one of the culprits.
Started long ago.
I used to be active in legal circles with folks who identify as libertarian but who really are fascists. Some of this goes back to the concept of "originalism" which to them means that they think they know the mentality of the 18th Century founders, and anything "new" should be unconstitutional. Think the 2nd Marshall on SCOTUS. Now the majority.
I was active in the Administrative and Regulatory Law section of the ABA. Scalia was once chair. He was also the first Director of ACUS, the Administrative Conference of the United States, where I was a liaison member, and was in my Inn of Court. I don't belive that he opposed administratikve agencies per se, but his logic set the stage for originalism.
Our reason for existence was the Administrative Procedure Act, 1947, which I chartaracterize as a mini constitution, granting due process rights to individuals dealing with the government. Starting about 30 years ago, some aberrant law professors, members of the same orgs plus the then new Federalist Society, came up with the idea that all administrative law is unconstitutional.
Consider that I was an administrative law judge and before that held out to the public that I practiced administrative law.
Many of the law firms that have literally killed ad law are exponents of that theory, expressed by Is Administrative Law Unlawful?, Philip A. Hamburger, Columbia Law School.
The Roberts court has been dedicated to the diminishment if not death of ad law --IMHO setting the stage for unitary executive theory -- that enables the exectutive to effectively be a king.
So grateful for your expertise.
A guilty pleasure of mine is a psychic with political savvy. She's "being told by her guides" Roberts dabbled with the big boys and is now being threatened along with his family.
Put theory aside for a moment when you consider how far the "six" have went and how far they might go. Willing at first, but now.......
Thanks. Some of them have a family history. Gorsuch's mother. Kavanaugh's family. His mother was a Maryland state judge. I'm sure he does stuff that rankles her.
Rehnquist taught a seminar when I was in law school. Before he was appointed. He said some "omniciscient narrator" stuff and wouldn't respond to questions. That kind of stuff should be disqualifying. It means that he wouldn't follow precedent -- which he didn't.
Both Thomas and Alito believe they are above the law. Say it in decisions. They admit they use "natural law" before they apply the text of the Constitution. Natural law, as they define it is Catholic dogma. IMHO this is bias. Nobody has ever called them on it.