Real wealth and progress result from the efforts of ‘The People.’ Not from laws, edicts, bullying or threats from the feds... or from the folks George Wallace called ‘pointy headed intellectuals’.
If they're serious about DOGE, they need to take a page out of Milei's playbook. Explain what is going to happen as a result of streamlining the government and that there will be short term pain. Let people know that the pain will be extremely worthwhile in exchange for the long term gain.
If 28 million jobs are lost hopefully the vast majority of them are in government (at all levels) and the NGO's and Contractors that the federal government feeds. Those people aren't Trump voters so there isn't any real political risk. And, the world needs ditch diggers too.
Here’s the trouble with using Milei and Argentina as an example. People have to be in real pain before they accept a radical solution to their problems. And, they have to know that current ideas and programs are the reason for their pain. And, they have to believe real radical change is necessary before their pain can be relieved. None of those things are currently true in the US. 1.) Right now in America, most people are not yet in pain. 2.) If they start feeling pain, they think the government is the source of their relief. Because of those 2 items, most people see no need for change right now: in fact most cry out against any change. A lot of things will have to go bad for the US before we get to the Milei / Argentina stage.
I get your reasoning and rationale, but I think a lot of wage earners are feeling a lot of pain. Every time they visit a grocery store, a restaurant, the gas station, pay rent, etc. Not to mention those trying to buy their first home.
A good example of what I'm talking about came up in an MSNBC interview (of all places) with the NATO Secretary. He said he needs Trump's help with eliminating the red tape involved with purchasing American weapons and military equipment. He credited Trump with putting pressure on the NATO states during 2018 for not paying their agreed upon allotment on defense. Now he's saying that 23 of 32 NATO nations are meeting or exceeding the 2% funding goal, but they have a lot of trouble with purchasing "the really high quality products that Americans are making".
I see this as a two-fer. Cut out the bureaucrats in the Executive Branch and Congress thereby reducing the cost of government to the taxpayers, AND American companies get to sell more stuff to Europeans, thus helping to stimulate the economy. Nobody serious is fooling themself by thinking this is going to be easy. But, the most important step on any journey is the first one.
The problem is the media is owned by the global elites that don't want the 99% to prosper because it will come out of their trillions. The media (NYT, ABC, CNN, etc.) all work for the global elites to support dem puppets while Fox usually assists the RINOs. THey will work 24/7 to stop Trump via lies and disinformation like last time. .
The big corporate media is a problem without a doubt. However, if the election that took place four weeks ago yesterday is any indication, all the King's horses and all the King's men could not get Kamala elected. There just might be enough people that are on to them and their shtick that they won't matter this time.
Agreed the media lost what was left of its credibility when it kept telling people the Biden had no cognitive problems even though we all saw it with our own eyes.
"So, a president can only boost an economy, but only by cutting off their hands. Whack off regulations. Smack down agencies and departments. Hack away at payrolls and reduce expenses. There is no other way."
Bill must have stepped away from the keyboard and Trump snuck in the window for a minute...
PS - As mentioned here MANY times, government "spending" does not belong in the GDP measurement in the first place. Rip it out and let the fake numbers bleed fake blood...
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful new thought for you to be optimistic on the Trump administration. You constantly have a negative attitude on the Trump Administration. Why not say let’s give him a chance and see what happens in the first year. It won’t be easy our government has mal functioned for the last 100 years; at least since 1971. Our government is way TOO large and there is a lot of ‘pork’ that needs to be excised. We’re all getting old, Bill, how about a little more optimism. Hopefully the cutting block will begin January 20, 2025. The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has began the cuts; it appears to be working. AP
Bill, is a realist and bases his views and opinions on what he has seen in his experience. Re. Argentina and Milei, see my comment above. My expectations coincide almost 100% with Bill’s.
Yes, all this money printing is just like a powerful drug addiction. Withdrawal from the addiction often fails because it is so horrible. The short term pain just can’t be tolerated. In the case of our economy and our nation the drug is printed money. With a balanced budget you can cut government spending and the money saved just stays in the taxpayers pockets and in the economy where it can be spent or saved. Not so printed money. It is the mainliners fix. The junkies high. It always begs for more and soon. It can’t wait, can’t shake off the addiction. What a mess we created in 1971.
All true - except the part where "we" created this mess in 1971. It was a fraction of a fraction of the 1% that created this mess - and knew exactly what they were doing. But I know what ya meant, Brien...
Hmmm.......what a great analogy. The ol' 60-foot beech picking up speed. Marvelous...... The U.S. is falling and picking up speed. Trump throws tantrums here there and everywhere. What he knows is the East isn't scared of him or the U.S. anymore. They have grown-up. I would much prefer he be more like Ol' Teddy - speak softly and carry a stick. Notice - stick - not BIG stick since the U.S. has lost the big stick. Most of this is like watching multiple seasons of episodes from Hollywood. So much fiction, so much propaganda, and so tiresome. American people are looking (and hoping) for results; but, alas, they will find the U.S. isn't going to recover. The rest of the World - like Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind - "Doesn't Give A Damn!"
Glad to know that you have some idea on how to fell a tree .
My only advise would be to have any bystanders stand well back .The feller has to have a clear escape route and stumbling over a nearby Grandson would not be helpful .
Regarding Trump : lets give them a fair chance and then be judgmental .
Having felled many a tree in my day, Depending on the lean/weight of the upper branches it doesn't always go where I want. I would never have any of my grandsons near me when I was doing it after the first wedge was out.
Mr Bonner, it is in the public domain! Just write it: Nikki Haley is the former candidate who criticized the recent $6.6 billion loan for Rivian’s EV plant in Georgia.
And she’s critical for good reason. Here is the hemorrhaging (RIVN) “loser” tick list (a.k.a. a fiscal zombie)**
-26.09X Interest Coverage Ratio
Revenue/Employee 264,086 is turned into -323,526 Income Per Employee.
Non-Profitability
Gross Margin -52.01
Operating Margin -129.43
Pretax Margin -122.49
Net Margin -122.51
Return on Assets -31.19
Return on Equity -47.36
Return on Total Capital -38.95
Return on Invested Capital -37.06
Cheers to allowing a "zombie company" die when it can no longer generate enough revenue to cover its debt obligations…do not resuscitate it with taxpayer’s $’s let VC’ers do it repeatedly.
Like all moron dimocrats, this current pigsty of them never met a LOSER they didn't love or want to shower with either a fail promotion upward, tax breaks or our tax dollars...
Bill, There were times when I put a ladder up, strapped the tree and pull just a couple hundred pounds of pull so it would not fall on a house or fence line. My grandpa Paul Parker used to show off and put a stake in the ground to see if he could drive it in with the trunk. But yeah, once that primary trend has its way, nothing will keep that tree from creating havoc.
Well, Bonner does point out a lot of the pitfalls that Trump will face but gets this totally wrong:
"He is no free-market purist and has no commitment to making the government smaller. He only wants it to do what he wants it to do — smite his enemies and reward his friends."
This is pure speculation and TDS on Bonner's part. Well, okay - Trump is not a free-market purist, whatever that means. Bonner doesn't like the Trump tariffs, but these are predominately in retaliation for tariffs on US goods or used as a negotiation tool to get better deals. Bonner seems to be in love with China (from past columns) even though it is a regime that tracks every transaction its citizens and foreigners make (I have a nephew over there now and he needs to use a government issued card on all transactions). Bonner is big on generalities and small on the details when it comes to Trump. But, at least today, I appreciate that he pointed out some of the hurdles that the Trump administration will have to negotiate to get things done. Do you think a Harris administration would even make it to the first hurdle? Nope.
The very CONCRETE reactions we are seeing from other Countries to the MINIMAL threat of Tariffs proves their Value - as long as you have a President who isn't afraid to make the threat and "trade partners" who know the threats coming from that man are not idle. The communists dimocrats have proven over and over they don't have the guts to do either.
Bonner is way, WAY off with his assessment regarding the Trump Tariffs so far - and a number of other things if truth be told...
Just to say ,Tariffs have not worked according to the history that I read. Who pays ? The end result is the consumer . That consumer is You and I. Unless we want to do without. Just My view and I would , or could use more enlightenment. Thanks SE.
I won't argue that conclusion. I will stand by the power of the THREAT of Tariffs and yes, also stand by the implementation of them until well-stated goals are met with regard to changes in behavior from our Trading "Partners". Also, Trade Deficits are NOT an example of "Fair Trade", IMO.
IOW, I believe bringing Manufacturing back onshore (and the resulting increased commerce in affiliated domestic trades/materials/suppliers) as well as providing more opportunity to Americans for a decent job trumps end-user price increases - but to each his own, of course. I am also aware that Tariffs are not the only tool available to make those things happen.
PS - I'm NOT a wealthy person and feel inflation just like every other working stiff in America...
Do not lock Yourself in a closet. We need other countries to trade with. Yes as admirable as it is to bring manufacturing back, Do not price Yourself out of the market. I do not wish to support higher prices of any kind , no matter the good intentions. I too am a person who lives from paycheck to pay check. But in My opinion good intentions pave the road to he double hockey sticks. Trump is a man who likes a challenge. He certainly has one of many on His plate. He is also a good with a quick wit.
Many a word is written about the Trump movement. I can see where the thoughts of the many contributors are leading to . All seem to agree with Donald's thinking. Yes holes can be pocked at the subject, but nothing is a perfect solution. I go back to My comment on do not lock Yourself in a closet. Mr. T. is playing His trump card. Hope He has more. He is telling the Countries that trade with the USA is that it is My way or the hiway. That part I do not agree with. The gate swings both ways. Just My opinion and I can be shown other opinions also. Thanks for the link.
Ol' Bonner constantly mocking God and every president while they can't catch a break in this market with their gloomy outlook.
Philippians 2:10-11
New King James Version
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
With such a gloomy outlook you must be thinking we're near the end of times, and your knee will be bowing
The nice thing about the Bible is you can always find a verse or 2 to support your point of view. Not everyone believes in the Bible being The Truth. And it is a belief not a proven collection of facts.
"And it is a belief not a proven collection of facts."
Completely true depending on what one believes, but it is astonishing how many different parts of the Bible provide guidance and illumination to nearly every situation and/or circumstance...
If they're serious about DOGE, they need to take a page out of Milei's playbook. Explain what is going to happen as a result of streamlining the government and that there will be short term pain. Let people know that the pain will be extremely worthwhile in exchange for the long term gain.
If 28 million jobs are lost hopefully the vast majority of them are in government (at all levels) and the NGO's and Contractors that the federal government feeds. Those people aren't Trump voters so there isn't any real political risk. And, the world needs ditch diggers too.
Here’s the trouble with using Milei and Argentina as an example. People have to be in real pain before they accept a radical solution to their problems. And, they have to know that current ideas and programs are the reason for their pain. And, they have to believe real radical change is necessary before their pain can be relieved. None of those things are currently true in the US. 1.) Right now in America, most people are not yet in pain. 2.) If they start feeling pain, they think the government is the source of their relief. Because of those 2 items, most people see no need for change right now: in fact most cry out against any change. A lot of things will have to go bad for the US before we get to the Milei / Argentina stage.
I get your reasoning and rationale, but I think a lot of wage earners are feeling a lot of pain. Every time they visit a grocery store, a restaurant, the gas station, pay rent, etc. Not to mention those trying to buy their first home.
A good example of what I'm talking about came up in an MSNBC interview (of all places) with the NATO Secretary. He said he needs Trump's help with eliminating the red tape involved with purchasing American weapons and military equipment. He credited Trump with putting pressure on the NATO states during 2018 for not paying their agreed upon allotment on defense. Now he's saying that 23 of 32 NATO nations are meeting or exceeding the 2% funding goal, but they have a lot of trouble with purchasing "the really high quality products that Americans are making".
I see this as a two-fer. Cut out the bureaucrats in the Executive Branch and Congress thereby reducing the cost of government to the taxpayers, AND American companies get to sell more stuff to Europeans, thus helping to stimulate the economy. Nobody serious is fooling themself by thinking this is going to be easy. But, the most important step on any journey is the first one.
The problem is the media is owned by the global elites that don't want the 99% to prosper because it will come out of their trillions. The media (NYT, ABC, CNN, etc.) all work for the global elites to support dem puppets while Fox usually assists the RINOs. THey will work 24/7 to stop Trump via lies and disinformation like last time. .
The big corporate media is a problem without a doubt. However, if the election that took place four weeks ago yesterday is any indication, all the King's horses and all the King's men could not get Kamala elected. There just might be enough people that are on to them and their shtick that they won't matter this time.
Agreed the media lost what was left of its credibility when it kept telling people the Biden had no cognitive problems even though we all saw it with our own eyes.
I still give Trump team full marks for trying, much better than the WOKE left.
I agree. You’ve seen nothing yet.
"So, a president can only boost an economy, but only by cutting off their hands. Whack off regulations. Smack down agencies and departments. Hack away at payrolls and reduce expenses. There is no other way."
Bill must have stepped away from the keyboard and Trump snuck in the window for a minute...
PS - As mentioned here MANY times, government "spending" does not belong in the GDP measurement in the first place. Rip it out and let the fake numbers bleed fake blood...
Bill:
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful new thought for you to be optimistic on the Trump administration. You constantly have a negative attitude on the Trump Administration. Why not say let’s give him a chance and see what happens in the first year. It won’t be easy our government has mal functioned for the last 100 years; at least since 1971. Our government is way TOO large and there is a lot of ‘pork’ that needs to be excised. We’re all getting old, Bill, how about a little more optimism. Hopefully the cutting block will begin January 20, 2025. The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has began the cuts; it appears to be working. AP
Bill, is a realist and bases his views and opinions on what he has seen in his experience. Re. Argentina and Milei, see my comment above. My expectations coincide almost 100% with Bill’s.
Yes, all this money printing is just like a powerful drug addiction. Withdrawal from the addiction often fails because it is so horrible. The short term pain just can’t be tolerated. In the case of our economy and our nation the drug is printed money. With a balanced budget you can cut government spending and the money saved just stays in the taxpayers pockets and in the economy where it can be spent or saved. Not so printed money. It is the mainliners fix. The junkies high. It always begs for more and soon. It can’t wait, can’t shake off the addiction. What a mess we created in 1971.
All true - except the part where "we" created this mess in 1971. It was a fraction of a fraction of the 1% that created this mess - and knew exactly what they were doing. But I know what ya meant, Brien...
Hmmm.......what a great analogy. The ol' 60-foot beech picking up speed. Marvelous...... The U.S. is falling and picking up speed. Trump throws tantrums here there and everywhere. What he knows is the East isn't scared of him or the U.S. anymore. They have grown-up. I would much prefer he be more like Ol' Teddy - speak softly and carry a stick. Notice - stick - not BIG stick since the U.S. has lost the big stick. Most of this is like watching multiple seasons of episodes from Hollywood. So much fiction, so much propaganda, and so tiresome. American people are looking (and hoping) for results; but, alas, they will find the U.S. isn't going to recover. The rest of the World - like Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind - "Doesn't Give A Damn!"
Glad to know that you have some idea on how to fell a tree .
My only advise would be to have any bystanders stand well back .The feller has to have a clear escape route and stumbling over a nearby Grandson would not be helpful .
Regarding Trump : lets give them a fair chance and then be judgmental .
Having felled many a tree in my day, Depending on the lean/weight of the upper branches it doesn't always go where I want. I would never have any of my grandsons near me when I was doing it after the first wedge was out.
The end of your remarks today -- cutting down a 60' tree -- was metaphorically symbolic
Mr Bonner, it is in the public domain! Just write it: Nikki Haley is the former candidate who criticized the recent $6.6 billion loan for Rivian’s EV plant in Georgia.
And she’s critical for good reason. Here is the hemorrhaging (RIVN) “loser” tick list (a.k.a. a fiscal zombie)**
-26.09X Interest Coverage Ratio
Revenue/Employee 264,086 is turned into -323,526 Income Per Employee.
Non-Profitability
Gross Margin -52.01
Operating Margin -129.43
Pretax Margin -122.49
Net Margin -122.51
Return on Assets -31.19
Return on Equity -47.36
Return on Total Capital -38.95
Return on Invested Capital -37.06
Cheers to allowing a "zombie company" die when it can no longer generate enough revenue to cover its debt obligations…do not resuscitate it with taxpayer’s $’s let VC’ers do it repeatedly.
M
** https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/US/RIVN/financials
Like all moron dimocrats, this current pigsty of them never met a LOSER they didn't love or want to shower with either a fail promotion upward, tax breaks or our tax dollars...
Bill, There were times when I put a ladder up, strapped the tree and pull just a couple hundred pounds of pull so it would not fall on a house or fence line. My grandpa Paul Parker used to show off and put a stake in the ground to see if he could drive it in with the trunk. But yeah, once that primary trend has its way, nothing will keep that tree from creating havoc.
Well, Bonner does point out a lot of the pitfalls that Trump will face but gets this totally wrong:
"He is no free-market purist and has no commitment to making the government smaller. He only wants it to do what he wants it to do — smite his enemies and reward his friends."
This is pure speculation and TDS on Bonner's part. Well, okay - Trump is not a free-market purist, whatever that means. Bonner doesn't like the Trump tariffs, but these are predominately in retaliation for tariffs on US goods or used as a negotiation tool to get better deals. Bonner seems to be in love with China (from past columns) even though it is a regime that tracks every transaction its citizens and foreigners make (I have a nephew over there now and he needs to use a government issued card on all transactions). Bonner is big on generalities and small on the details when it comes to Trump. But, at least today, I appreciate that he pointed out some of the hurdles that the Trump administration will have to negotiate to get things done. Do you think a Harris administration would even make it to the first hurdle? Nope.
The very CONCRETE reactions we are seeing from other Countries to the MINIMAL threat of Tariffs proves their Value - as long as you have a President who isn't afraid to make the threat and "trade partners" who know the threats coming from that man are not idle. The communists dimocrats have proven over and over they don't have the guts to do either.
Bonner is way, WAY off with his assessment regarding the Trump Tariffs so far - and a number of other things if truth be told...
Just to say ,Tariffs have not worked according to the history that I read. Who pays ? The end result is the consumer . That consumer is You and I. Unless we want to do without. Just My view and I would , or could use more enlightenment. Thanks SE.
Hi Don -
I won't argue that conclusion. I will stand by the power of the THREAT of Tariffs and yes, also stand by the implementation of them until well-stated goals are met with regard to changes in behavior from our Trading "Partners". Also, Trade Deficits are NOT an example of "Fair Trade", IMO.
IOW, I believe bringing Manufacturing back onshore (and the resulting increased commerce in affiliated domestic trades/materials/suppliers) as well as providing more opportunity to Americans for a decent job trumps end-user price increases - but to each his own, of course. I am also aware that Tariffs are not the only tool available to make those things happen.
PS - I'm NOT a wealthy person and feel inflation just like every other working stiff in America...
Do not lock Yourself in a closet. We need other countries to trade with. Yes as admirable as it is to bring manufacturing back, Do not price Yourself out of the market. I do not wish to support higher prices of any kind , no matter the good intentions. I too am a person who lives from paycheck to pay check. But in My opinion good intentions pave the road to he double hockey sticks. Trump is a man who likes a challenge. He certainly has one of many on His plate. He is also a good with a quick wit.
Food for thought:
https://worldnews.whatfinger.com/2024/12/05/the-case-for-tariffs-trumps-tariff-policy-and-the-de-dollarization-movement-how-trump-is-winning-for-america-before-he-even-gets-back-into-the-white-house/
Many a word is written about the Trump movement. I can see where the thoughts of the many contributors are leading to . All seem to agree with Donald's thinking. Yes holes can be pocked at the subject, but nothing is a perfect solution. I go back to My comment on do not lock Yourself in a closet. Mr. T. is playing His trump card. Hope He has more. He is telling the Countries that trade with the USA is that it is My way or the hiway. That part I do not agree with. The gate swings both ways. Just My opinion and I can be shown other opinions also. Thanks for the link.
Ol' Bonner constantly mocking God and every president while they can't catch a break in this market with their gloomy outlook.
Philippians 2:10-11
New King James Version
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
With such a gloomy outlook you must be thinking we're near the end of times, and your knee will be bowing
The nice thing about the Bible is you can always find a verse or 2 to support your point of view. Not everyone believes in the Bible being The Truth. And it is a belief not a proven collection of facts.
Hi Tom -
"And it is a belief not a proven collection of facts."
Completely true depending on what one believes, but it is astonishing how many different parts of the Bible provide guidance and illumination to nearly every situation and/or circumstance...
Has to come by inspiration. Not mans but of the Divine sort.
Yup, 100%. And (of course), it calls THAT out specifically in the Bible too.
Like I mentioned, it's uncanny how that happens so consistently - but ya gotta be willing to Hear...
I agree with your take on the incoming administration, and love the falling tree metaphor.
Every thing worth figuring out can be attributed to a Far Side cartoon.
It’s is weird to be 76yo and have total recall on many of Gary’s comic artworks…
https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/far-side-comics-proving-ducks-are-intoxicants-in-this-world.jpg
https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-far-side-duck-murder-scene.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/d8/4c/13/d84c133f42f1f9f0d1e82cae84f13706.jpg
…gotta stop, wayyyy too many….
Cheers,
M
There are good videos of tree-falling. Perhaps the grandson could study a few of them and decide if he prefers an undercut or topcut wedge.
Here’s the DOGE plan:
https://youtu.be/SmleMzR5CcY
BaHAHAHA-HA!!
Thanks Brien.
Hmmmm, "Everything in the World" you say? One can hope...
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/12/everything-world-is-going-change-january-20th-stephen/
Brien: Very funny and clever!