Murkowski - "Do I like this bill? No." Rep. Jim McGovern - "My question is, if you really believe that, then why the hell did you vote for this bill? It doesn't make any sense!" Of course he knows, like all of us, the answer - loyalty to party above all else.
Why is this the first by a Democrat of an actual human and actual family affected by these Medicaid cuts? How the hell do you expect to inform the fox Maggots with nothing but theoretical abstracts cuts cuts cuts that's all we hear about no human stories. That's what made the abortion issue powerful. The Democrats are pathetic losers. I'm sick and tired of it. Too little too late Pete .today in the Washington Post There was a story of a young man who got cancer who would never have survived without Medicaid. Why aren't the Democrats flooding the zone with these stories ?because they're pathetic losers and I'm sick of being a Democrat. I'm sick of being a loser.
STOP with the cynicism! You are exactly what the fascists want everyone to do. Give up. Stop whining and join the millions of us who are resisting and fighting back in whatever way that works for each of us. We will be fighting for you too btw.
This isn’t the first personal story…I’ve seen others. Instead of being angry and giving up on Dems, may I ask if you have been an active member of local Dems in your district? I live in red state Idaho, and I found that being an active member of my district and county Dem party, though small but mighty, has helped me learn how to change my frustration into action, by giving me the training and courage to door-knock, canvass for Dem candidates and issues. You aren’t alone in your frustration. I have found that instead of giving up, it helps if we learn to support our party. It takes a village.
Excellent response Rebecca! Thank you so very much for saying it so clearly. I really hope that Diane takes it seriously and considers taking positive action steps that will help relieve the frustration she’s feeling about the sometimes ineffective approach democrats have made.
YES! YES! YES! Rebecca, I couldn't agree more. I've never been this engaged in politics. I'd prefer to be enjoying my retirement. But I can't let fascism win. I must do everything I can to help my local Democratic candidates win. We Dems are not perfect by any means. But I don't expect perfection. I cannot sit back and complain and not do anything. Some people watched the Nazis march into their cities and either applauded or laid low. Others joined the resistance. RESIST!!
My family members in Germany in the 1930's and 40's were part of the resistance against the Nazis and I am proud of what they did as many of them did not make it to the end of the war, but they did what they could for what they believed was a wrong that needed to be righted. I never thought that this would be the same here in America in the 21st Century and we would need a resistance against the Trump Administration that is becoming worst than Hitler and the Nazis. Only difference that I can see is that Alligator Alcatraz doesn't have room for the death chambers but who will know what is going on there???? We need eyes on the camp!! Illegals that are not criminals, rapist, gang members are being held there so where does the due process come into play???? We need to watch what ICE is doing because it seems to me that they are heading towards the same thing that happened in Germany!!
I hear you! We live in North Carolina which is purple, so we are fighting locally. Our county (Henderson) trended blue more than any other county in the state last November. Local politics are the best way to get involved.
Diane? Do you live in a bubble? This example of fallout from this disastrous administration is one of many! Stop blaming others for your failure to pay attention.
I am an invalid housebound, but I do plenty and give a lot more money than I can afford to give my phone bank for everyone so don't lecture me please. I am totally addressing my anger towards the politicians and I'm not the first one to say this.
Except you are NOT internet ranting at any of the sitting Dems. You literally told a non-official Democrat his efforts are "too little too late." Not only that but hands down the calmest, most rational voice the party has speaking out, as if belittling his work wasn't enough. Restack. Share. Include it in your own contacts to sitting officials. And think before you assault the person already doing the work.
It’s like trying to spit in a windstorm to try to fight back against the corrupt corporate elite who bought TACO47 and installed him in office. It only splatters back in the face, but we can don protective gear in the form of joining whatever organization we can-Indivisable, MayDay movement, 5051(not sure if I have it right)Public Citizen, ACLU etc. I joined Indivisable and send a mini amount per month because I am a senior on a budget. And also turn off any MSM/corporate media, they are not interested in democracy because a well functioning government is boring. Not enough click bait supposedly. Imagine that, a government running as it should, not perfect but doing the job that voters expect from a representative democracy. Realizing that we are up against a corporate takeover of our government is crucial to understanding who our enemies are in America today, and all those soulless people who are enabling this atrocity of corruption, just to feed on our dime. It’s beyond time to call out and boycott the corporate pigs who are willing participants in this fascist takeover of our nation. For those who are more financially well off, it’s time to take a stand and stop the indulgence of buying stuff just because. The biggest welfare “queens” are corporations that get tax breaks, while at the same time reducing our treasury and deflecting the burden onto the rest of us. Enough of that crazy doom loop of the republican “trickle down” economics. Americans need to shout it-enough!.
I can only imagine how terrifying this is for you in those circumstances. Mine are only slightly different in that I'm not recognized as disabled. Some of our personal struggles are the same with different causes. Please know that I may be sharp sometimes, but it always comes from love and concern for you and everyone at risk.
How is that going to help? What this country experienced was a soft coup! The republican party controls every branch of government, even the Supreme Court is bought, except for 3 of them! So, at this point, what should the democrats do? I believe it's up to the people at this point, viva la revolucion!
Every human being on this planet should know how Medicaid works. And if you don't you are living under a rock. It is not up to the Democrats to educate the idiotic Republicans who are bent on destroying people's lives all to make the rich people of this country even richer. And if you're so hot and bothered by the Democrats not doing what you want them to do, why don't you do something about it? It's easy for you to sit there and not do a damn thing but type some stupid comment when you could be out pounding the pavement and sharing people's stories like Pete is. It does not have to be a politician to tell people's stories. Stop the blame game, because you're just as bad as the Republicans.
I don't find it ridiculous at all. One does not have to be jobless to know what Medicaid is, all they have to be is educated. Perhaps that's the problem, no one wants to be educated on the problems of this country or the people that are not super wealthy and can afford health care.
Perhaps you have never known anyone with disabilities? I believe many who hsvent had multiple family members with needs for assistance would not understand Medicaid. And the sad thing is, there isnt even enough funding as is for all who need the support to get it.
My answer to this Republican cruelty is now is the time for Universal health care. Lets be brave and have the courage to work towards something for all.
Because not all employees work full time, nor make more than the basic income to not need Medicaid for health coverage. And not all employers provide health coverage unless you work full time. And there are the disabled adults and children who would be without coverage if Medicaid didn’t exist. Because the seniors who are at poverty level or very low income and can’t live alone are dependent on Medicaid ( in California, MediCal) for in home care or those seniors unable to remain at home are living in care facilities with 24/7 attendants and Medicaid reimburses basic room/board for those facilities to exist. The reality is Medicare doesn’t cover all healthcare expenses and for those low income people, Medicaid pays the difference (the 80/20 % rule). Most Americans can’t afford the daily rate out of pocket for in home caregivers, or in a facility that provides 24/7 caregivers let alone pay for a doctor visit to come to the facility. If Americans aren’t paying attention, in the near future, the reality of this nightmare bill will smack a lot of Americans upside the head.
There are people with families that are on Medicaid. elderly seniors like my husband and myself who worked all our lives have Medicare and Medicaid, my autistic son is also on Medicare and Medicaid. So educate yourself. When I started work I was making less than a dollar an hour, 30 years ago I was finally up to $8.00 an hour, finally for five years I became an adjunct instructor which paid me $200 per week, but when student enrollment dropped, adjuncts were let go, so I managed part-time a bookstore for $100 a week. Now the average person in my state makes $50,000 a year. Think I can afford to live on a thousand a month Social Security and pay my medical bills? Get real.
It’s NEVER too late to fight for what you believe…do not be disheartened; you are wrong about democrats not fighting back tooth and nail…the fact is that the GOP is currently in charge, and all we can do is to fight back, in court, in protests, and with thousands of messages to our congress people, like the one Pete is sharing. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Remember, the midterm elections can (and will) render Trump a lame duck…so it’s important to stand together and vote blue!
Whatever you do, don’t be discouraged by the media saying ‘the democrats don’t have a message” that is utter baloney!!! The government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people” it is not a dictatorship, nor ever will be, as long as we stand up for ourselves, our communities, and the good of our nation.
You might consider reading the book "How Democracies Die" written in 2019. It describes in detail what Trump is doing right now.
"Donald Trump’s presidency has raised a question that many of us never thought we’d be asking: Is our democracy in danger? Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt have spent more than twenty years studying the breakdown of democracies in Europe and Latin America, and they believe the answer is yes. Democracy no longer ends with a bang—in a revolution or military coup—but with a whimper: the slow, steady weakening of critical institutions, such as the judiciary and the press, and the gradual erosion of long-standing political norms. The good news is that there are several exit ramps on the road to authoritarianism. The bad news is that, by electing Trump, we have already passed the first one." https://www.amazon.com/How-Democracies-Die-Steven-Levitsky/dp/1524762938
That was written during his first presidency when he was learning how to be a Fascist of the people by the people but for himself. The second test we failed also and you can see the other high water marks being passed daily. There is no doubt in my mind that every election will now be challenged and some will be overturned by the American Fascist Party (aka GOP).
This was even predicted by a political social scientist unrelated to the book: The Shocking Paper that Predicted the End of Democracy:
The reason democracy will end? WE THE PEOPLE are unable to join forces to keep it alive. Read the article. When I read it in early 2024 I knew there was no chance a Democrat would win the White House. I was unprepared for the sweep of both House and Senate. The hijacking of the judiciary in Trump's first term has sealed the deal for fascism. He is no longer accountable to the people for any action he takes as President.
Please don’t give in to feeling helpless Kent. We can stop him and we must band together like the many weak single strings that can be woven together to form a very strong rope.
Telling personal stories is a powerful way to change public opinion. In 1789 France they began to lop off the heads of Royalists. Maximilien Robespierre, a key figure of the Reign of Terror, was wounded and screamed in agony as his jaw was exposed while being prepared for execution by the guillotine. This and many other examples exist that sickened the people watching the executions.
As an opponent of the death penalty, I would suggest all executions be televised. THAT is the way to change opinions.
I'm a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. I packed up the personal gear of the very first KIA in my battalion. Seeing or living such horrors will impact all but psychopaths.
It's easy to blame the democrats for what we believe to be a lack of information. We all know Fox is all propaganda and therefore no truths about the bill. We should be blaming the GOP that sold out America. Don't give up on America. There are many beautiful and wonderful people here that we need to stand with and not against.
Dear Diane, I get your reaction and you’re not wrong. The problem with the Dems, from at least the Clinton era, is that they represent everybody apart from the loony right. And they still haven’t got over their fear of losing voters on the center-right after the Reagan revolution. On a more fundamental level of course, the real problem is that roughly half of the voters in the US use their vote to give the middle finger to « the system », and the GOP has been very good since Reagan at seeming to be the anti-establishment party while screwing ordinary Americans in favor of the very rich. I think the only solution for the Dems is to drop the « Clinton Dems » still running the show and replacing them with authentically socially-minded younger leaders.
That is completely untrue. Have you not seen all the town halls, all the interviews, all the conversations conducted all over the country by the state and federal Democrat lawmakers? I am seeing clip links and article links daily - usually 2-3 times a day, plus posts by people I know personally. So... you are hanging out with the wrong crowd and getting your news from the wrong places.
Courage is not made in spite of fear or without fear, okay so if you hate yourself, because you're a Democrat that is not productive in any way shape or form. Please take a breath, count to 3, and or read a book, and I hope you feel better.
I agree with you to a point. Shifting gears slightly, why didn't the democrats flood the news cycle with photos of that travesty of a parade TACO threw for himself that cost $45M taxpayer dollars and even MAGAs didn't show up? The freaks are worried about nonexistent illegals collecting Medicaid, but democrats don't stand up and broadcast the enormous waste of funds and military presence to satisfy his massive ego? Those empty bleacher shots should still be front page news in light of this ridiculous bill.
What a lazy comment. Criticizing the democratic party doesn't mean I watch Fox News. The lack of introspection in this party is bordering on MAGA cult territory.
I’m in agreement,Diane! The democrats have been very wimpy in recent weeks! They need to do a better job of awakening their fellow humans Congressmen and women’s consciences! Bring back true leadership by taking the lead in showing the consequences of the indefensible bill for all Americans, Republicans and Democrats! And keep up the pressure! Don’t let the liars override your knowledge of what is going to be the result! I’m a senior and feel the consequences already!
I am a senior and I see our Democrats in action all the time. One of my Senators for the last 8 years walks for four days every spring talking to people in gas stations, mini marts, wherever he finds them. He puts on more than a hundred miles doing this. Not everyone can, he will do this as long as his knees don't give out. The Dems hold district wide meetings in person or online, they even go into red districts and hold them when that district doesn't. Check out your Congress person's website get moving. Half crippled that I am, I've been involved in several protests one had more than 1500 people in a red town! Just did one this week with about 50 people in a small rural New England village on the nice shady green. Even though my health is crap, since I see my representatives doing everything in their power to stop the madness, I am trying to do my part even if it means bringing my cane and a chair. Demo means people and we have to do our part as well.
Diane, are you OK? This is such a frustrating, scary, stressful time--it's really easy to get overwhelmed. I hope you have someone to talk to who helps you process the strong emotions we all have right now. And in the meantime, I hope you're being good to yourself--eating snacks, taking naps, drinking lots of water. We have to take care of ourselves and each other in these times.
Our son is also medically and cognitively impaired. If we lose all support, he will go into the system which will cost roughly $30,000 per month for his specialized care. He is living at home for MUCH less than that. How will that be a savings or a win for anyone?
Remember this bill stops paying Medicaid for both individuals and to facilities, so not only the children using Medicaid to stay at home, but the seniors in Nursing homes who have used up their assests & run out of money, there are lots of both. And all just to let the oligarchs not pay their share…
Thank you for sharing this story that reflects the horrific cruelty encapsulated in the current reconciliation bill. Praying it does not pass & doing our small part in Wa State to fight.
The democrats should have been flooding the airways with stories like this from the get-go. And the other downside is that the most draconian cuts won’t happen until after the midterms and will then be blamed on the “libs”. The dems need to make these cuts cause #1 from now until the midterms and maybe it will make a difference. And, by the way, SHAME on you Lisa Murkowsi. You could have stopped this in its tracks but you were a COWARD! I hope it chokes you.
People should switch off Fox News, which wouldn't have covered these stories no matter how loudly Democrats trumpeted them.
Put down your weapons and cease with the circular firing squad. We will have to be united as never before if we're to make the slightest headwind against the lies.
Folks, if this man right here doesn't keep you grounded enough to fight back, you need to regroup. Pete is the embodiment of the exact cooler heads we need, and the depth of courage we should ALL display. His own family is on the line. I'm sure they have the means to leave us behind to get to safety. Instead he steps forward and speaks reason, humanity, and decency in the face of literal mass insanity. Take some lessons, grow your spines and LFG!
You, Mr Buttigieg are a beautiful human. Thank you for doing what you fo best, using your voice to help us better understand what is actually happening. You empower the rest of us to make our voices heard. Thank you!
Thank you. As a physical therapist who works with older adults and children with neurological diseases causing challenges to moving, speaking, hearing, learning and controlling their bodies, I see the fear in their eyes. Last night the father of a child I've been working with said she wouldn't be able to go to school, walk or visit with friends without her PT. An elderly couple with no family, one of them taking care of the other. Both have neurological diagnoses. What will they do?
For the first time since the inauguration, I sat in the bathroom and just cried, for all my patients, my neighbors, my kids, my chronically ill husband and me. I'll be the one holding them together. I hope I have the strength.
We don't know what will happen as yet. Like always, the "R's" are bending the rules so they can cheat. "For now, a procedural vote on the rule remains open, with nine House Republicans who have not yet voted. All House Democrats have cast their votes against this procedural step." They are waiting for their members to get to DC so they can have more votes and are keeping their voting open until they get there.
Whatever the outcome, it is OK to be afraid, sad, mad, or anything else. Please when you can be prepared for the worst while you are hoping for the best.
Pete - I have been phone banking from home all week using systems that call Dem voters in Red districts and patching them directly through to their Representatives offices to say DO NOT CUT FUNDING TO MEDICAID and SNAP. It would be great if you could promote them and if the DNC could provide such campaigns.
My sister-in-law (65) adopted her daughters two boys (11 & 15) to give them a stable home environment. Unfortunately, their mother passed away. Without medicade, these two children will not have had the medical insurance to help them develop and thrive, as they do now. My sister-in-law can't afford medical insurance for them on her own.
This is only one of hundreds of thousands of stories of friends, families, acquaintances we almost all know personally who will be affected. I make sure to tell everyone I know their story. These people are not "them", they are our fellow Americans. It is appalling to think that our elected officials will not stand with us against this callousness.
I only wish that were true. Yet for years -- decades, really -- Fox News and even worse fright-wing cable networks have so filled voters in red states with such gaslighting absurdities and diversions that millions still believe Republican talking points about this awful bill. The sheer financial incoherence of it all, the unrestrained cruelty and delight in kicking people off their health insurance, the ideological fixation that substitutes for facts -- none of that comes up. It's all about "criminals" and "fraud" and immigration.
Not a single Republican who voted for this pile of vicious slop has ever explained the urgency of approving $4 trillion in debt by July 4. Senate Republicans have gone to grest length to conceal this through accounting gimmicks that no neutral accountant would sanction. And nobody from Fox challenges them. Oklahoma's illiterate, pugnacious Markwayne Mullin spouts lies -- dumb, silly, easily disproven lies, like the 'only' people on Medicaid are 'undocumented aliens.' Any reporter could call him out for his fraudulence and stupidity, but you'd never hear about it on Fox should it ever occur.
So sadly, millions still don't know. And until they switch channels, they'll never find out.
Woof - getting a little crazy in here. Can people stop attacking others? This does us no good. You don't know people's personal issues, emotional states, a need to have to step back, nada. So, let's just focus on how we can HELP. I did like what you said, Pete in another post about them holding off on these changes until a Dem takes office in 2028...that means we have time to fight this thing during the midterms. Keep fighting, ya'll!
It won’t impact Lisa Murkowski and Alaska because she caved on everyone else.
She always grandstands then caves.. another taco..
She’s a TACO LOCO…just a shell, sort of musty, stale. Yuck! Let someone else lead!
I used to think there were no benefits to magnesium to make me feel healthier..."𝐛𝐮𝐭" this changed everything....
https://t.co/gfzAtonEOz
Trump will probably cancel Alaska’s perks eventually, anyway. Hawaii’i’s, too.
Watch Benny Johnson on utube or rumble, or Stephen Gardner for the truth.
No thanks!!
Uhmmm...no. No, thank you. Just, no.
For sure -- she always caves. But to take a bribe to do it? Totally disgusting.
She literally said F everyone else
Figures!! Why oh why is everyone so SCARED to do the RIGHT thing!?
And then the parliamentarian kicked Alaska’s special deal out of the BBB!
😟🥺
Murkowski - "Do I like this bill? No." Rep. Jim McGovern - "My question is, if you really believe that, then why the hell did you vote for this bill? It doesn't make any sense!" Of course he knows, like all of us, the answer - loyalty to party above all else.
SuzyQ...yes. Which shows that they do know. They bribed Murkowski and she took it.
She belongs in a cave!!
Why is this the first by a Democrat of an actual human and actual family affected by these Medicaid cuts? How the hell do you expect to inform the fox Maggots with nothing but theoretical abstracts cuts cuts cuts that's all we hear about no human stories. That's what made the abortion issue powerful. The Democrats are pathetic losers. I'm sick and tired of it. Too little too late Pete .today in the Washington Post There was a story of a young man who got cancer who would never have survived without Medicaid. Why aren't the Democrats flooding the zone with these stories ?because they're pathetic losers and I'm sick of being a Democrat. I'm sick of being a loser.
STOP with the cynicism! You are exactly what the fascists want everyone to do. Give up. Stop whining and join the millions of us who are resisting and fighting back in whatever way that works for each of us. We will be fighting for you too btw.
Exactly Karen!!
With you! ✊🏻
This isn’t the first personal story…I’ve seen others. Instead of being angry and giving up on Dems, may I ask if you have been an active member of local Dems in your district? I live in red state Idaho, and I found that being an active member of my district and county Dem party, though small but mighty, has helped me learn how to change my frustration into action, by giving me the training and courage to door-knock, canvass for Dem candidates and issues. You aren’t alone in your frustration. I have found that instead of giving up, it helps if we learn to support our party. It takes a village.
thank you Rebecca...
Excellent response Rebecca! Thank you so very much for saying it so clearly. I really hope that Diane takes it seriously and considers taking positive action steps that will help relieve the frustration she’s feeling about the sometimes ineffective approach democrats have made.
YES! YES! YES! Rebecca, I couldn't agree more. I've never been this engaged in politics. I'd prefer to be enjoying my retirement. But I can't let fascism win. I must do everything I can to help my local Democratic candidates win. We Dems are not perfect by any means. But I don't expect perfection. I cannot sit back and complain and not do anything. Some people watched the Nazis march into their cities and either applauded or laid low. Others joined the resistance. RESIST!!
My family members in Germany in the 1930's and 40's were part of the resistance against the Nazis and I am proud of what they did as many of them did not make it to the end of the war, but they did what they could for what they believed was a wrong that needed to be righted. I never thought that this would be the same here in America in the 21st Century and we would need a resistance against the Trump Administration that is becoming worst than Hitler and the Nazis. Only difference that I can see is that Alligator Alcatraz doesn't have room for the death chambers but who will know what is going on there???? We need eyes on the camp!! Illegals that are not criminals, rapist, gang members are being held there so where does the due process come into play???? We need to watch what ICE is doing because it seems to me that they are heading towards the same thing that happened in Germany!!
You are right, Rebecca! There is no choice!! (Toronto)
Bravo Rebecca ! When INJUSTICE becomes LAW …RESISTANCE becomes our DUTY! Fascism falls when the people rise !
I hear you! We live in North Carolina which is purple, so we are fighting locally. Our county (Henderson) trended blue more than any other county in the state last November. Local politics are the best way to get involved.
I've been energized with what I see as a beginning change in politics in the rural red states in Western NC since Hurricane Helene......
Www.indivisible.org
Diane? Do you live in a bubble? This example of fallout from this disastrous administration is one of many! Stop blaming others for your failure to pay attention.
I am an invalid housebound, but I do plenty and give a lot more money than I can afford to give my phone bank for everyone so don't lecture me please. I am totally addressing my anger towards the politicians and I'm not the first one to say this.
Except you are NOT internet ranting at any of the sitting Dems. You literally told a non-official Democrat his efforts are "too little too late." Not only that but hands down the calmest, most rational voice the party has speaking out, as if belittling his work wasn't enough. Restack. Share. Include it in your own contacts to sitting officials. And think before you assault the person already doing the work.
It’s like trying to spit in a windstorm to try to fight back against the corrupt corporate elite who bought TACO47 and installed him in office. It only splatters back in the face, but we can don protective gear in the form of joining whatever organization we can-Indivisable, MayDay movement, 5051(not sure if I have it right)Public Citizen, ACLU etc. I joined Indivisable and send a mini amount per month because I am a senior on a budget. And also turn off any MSM/corporate media, they are not interested in democracy because a well functioning government is boring. Not enough click bait supposedly. Imagine that, a government running as it should, not perfect but doing the job that voters expect from a representative democracy. Realizing that we are up against a corporate takeover of our government is crucial to understanding who our enemies are in America today, and all those soulless people who are enabling this atrocity of corruption, just to feed on our dime. It’s beyond time to call out and boycott the corporate pigs who are willing participants in this fascist takeover of our nation. For those who are more financially well off, it’s time to take a stand and stop the indulgence of buying stuff just because. The biggest welfare “queens” are corporations that get tax breaks, while at the same time reducing our treasury and deflecting the burden onto the rest of us. Enough of that crazy doom loop of the republican “trickle down” economics. Americans need to shout it-enough!.
I agree with you Kathy Tankersley.
Diane I’m also disabled and home bound, it’s your choice to either stay tuned in or cop out.
Thank you for your support of the Dems. Please don’t give up.
I can only imagine how terrifying this is for you in those circumstances. Mine are only slightly different in that I'm not recognized as disabled. Some of our personal struggles are the same with different causes. Please know that I may be sharp sometimes, but it always comes from love and concern for you and everyone at risk.
How is that going to help? What this country experienced was a soft coup! The republican party controls every branch of government, even the Supreme Court is bought, except for 3 of them! So, at this point, what should the democrats do? I believe it's up to the people at this point, viva la revolucion!
Yes but revolution is exactly what Trump wants because he wants to make this country as he sees fit
Every human being on this planet should know how Medicaid works. And if you don't you are living under a rock. It is not up to the Democrats to educate the idiotic Republicans who are bent on destroying people's lives all to make the rich people of this country even richer. And if you're so hot and bothered by the Democrats not doing what you want them to do, why don't you do something about it? It's easy for you to sit there and not do a damn thing but type some stupid comment when you could be out pounding the pavement and sharing people's stories like Pete is. It does not have to be a politician to tell people's stories. Stop the blame game, because you're just as bad as the Republicans.
Why would anyone with a job know what Medicaid is? That is ridiculous.
I don't find it ridiculous at all. One does not have to be jobless to know what Medicaid is, all they have to be is educated. Perhaps that's the problem, no one wants to be educated on the problems of this country or the people that are not super wealthy and can afford health care.
Perhaps you have never known anyone with disabilities? I believe many who hsvent had multiple family members with needs for assistance would not understand Medicaid. And the sad thing is, there isnt even enough funding as is for all who need the support to get it.
My answer to this Republican cruelty is now is the time for Universal health care. Lets be brave and have the courage to work towards something for all.
Because not all employees work full time, nor make more than the basic income to not need Medicaid for health coverage. And not all employers provide health coverage unless you work full time. And there are the disabled adults and children who would be without coverage if Medicaid didn’t exist. Because the seniors who are at poverty level or very low income and can’t live alone are dependent on Medicaid ( in California, MediCal) for in home care or those seniors unable to remain at home are living in care facilities with 24/7 attendants and Medicaid reimburses basic room/board for those facilities to exist. The reality is Medicare doesn’t cover all healthcare expenses and for those low income people, Medicaid pays the difference (the 80/20 % rule). Most Americans can’t afford the daily rate out of pocket for in home caregivers, or in a facility that provides 24/7 caregivers let alone pay for a doctor visit to come to the facility. If Americans aren’t paying attention, in the near future, the reality of this nightmare bill will smack a lot of Americans upside the head.
There are people with families that are on Medicaid. elderly seniors like my husband and myself who worked all our lives have Medicare and Medicaid, my autistic son is also on Medicare and Medicaid. So educate yourself. When I started work I was making less than a dollar an hour, 30 years ago I was finally up to $8.00 an hour, finally for five years I became an adjunct instructor which paid me $200 per week, but when student enrollment dropped, adjuncts were let go, so I managed part-time a bookstore for $100 a week. Now the average person in my state makes $50,000 a year. Think I can afford to live on a thousand a month Social Security and pay my medical bills? Get real.
Most Medicaid recipients do have jobs.
Because they know other people and have an ounce of compassion
My youngest son has Medicaid as a secondary to his work insurance. He qualifies because he works full time.
I find that it’s not prudent to judge people you don’t know, or their reasons to require assistance.
It’s NEVER too late to fight for what you believe…do not be disheartened; you are wrong about democrats not fighting back tooth and nail…the fact is that the GOP is currently in charge, and all we can do is to fight back, in court, in protests, and with thousands of messages to our congress people, like the one Pete is sharing. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Remember, the midterm elections can (and will) render Trump a lame duck…so it’s important to stand together and vote blue!
Whatever you do, don’t be discouraged by the media saying ‘the democrats don’t have a message” that is utter baloney!!! The government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people” it is not a dictatorship, nor ever will be, as long as we stand up for ourselves, our communities, and the good of our nation.
lame duck, huh?
and when that happens, we should pull off his duck feathers and use them with copious amounts of tar to really let the magas know how we feel!!
Amen Mary!!
Very well said Mary F!
You might consider reading the book "How Democracies Die" written in 2019. It describes in detail what Trump is doing right now.
"Donald Trump’s presidency has raised a question that many of us never thought we’d be asking: Is our democracy in danger? Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt have spent more than twenty years studying the breakdown of democracies in Europe and Latin America, and they believe the answer is yes. Democracy no longer ends with a bang—in a revolution or military coup—but with a whimper: the slow, steady weakening of critical institutions, such as the judiciary and the press, and the gradual erosion of long-standing political norms. The good news is that there are several exit ramps on the road to authoritarianism. The bad news is that, by electing Trump, we have already passed the first one." https://www.amazon.com/How-Democracies-Die-Steven-Levitsky/dp/1524762938
That was written during his first presidency when he was learning how to be a Fascist of the people by the people but for himself. The second test we failed also and you can see the other high water marks being passed daily. There is no doubt in my mind that every election will now be challenged and some will be overturned by the American Fascist Party (aka GOP).
This was even predicted by a political social scientist unrelated to the book: The Shocking Paper that Predicted the End of Democracy:
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/09/08/shawn-rosenberg-democracy-228045/
The reason democracy will end? WE THE PEOPLE are unable to join forces to keep it alive. Read the article. When I read it in early 2024 I knew there was no chance a Democrat would win the White House. I was unprepared for the sweep of both House and Senate. The hijacking of the judiciary in Trump's first term has sealed the deal for fascism. He is no longer accountable to the people for any action he takes as President.
We can't stop him.
We CAN stop this but not if you give up now. Ffs, grow a spine
Oh, he WILL be stopped, but only after enough people have the spine to do what conservatives did--storm the capitol.
War is coming. Hundreds of thousands if not millions will die.
Please don’t give in to feeling helpless Kent. We can stop him and we must band together like the many weak single strings that can be woven together to form a very strong rope.
How'd that work out for the Germans standing against Hitler?
I do think Trump will be defeated in a civil war. At 79 years old I doubt I'll be around to see it happen.
Telling personal stories is a powerful way to change public opinion. In 1789 France they began to lop off the heads of Royalists. Maximilien Robespierre, a key figure of the Reign of Terror, was wounded and screamed in agony as his jaw was exposed while being prepared for execution by the guillotine. This and many other examples exist that sickened the people watching the executions.
As an opponent of the death penalty, I would suggest all executions be televised. THAT is the way to change opinions.
I'm a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. I packed up the personal gear of the very first KIA in my battalion. Seeing or living such horrors will impact all but psychopaths.
It's easy to blame the democrats for what we believe to be a lack of information. We all know Fox is all propaganda and therefore no truths about the bill. We should be blaming the GOP that sold out America. Don't give up on America. There are many beautiful and wonderful people here that we need to stand with and not against.
Democrats are in shock and Elon Musk bought the election! But they are coming out in a snowball effect!!
Dear Diane, I get your reaction and you’re not wrong. The problem with the Dems, from at least the Clinton era, is that they represent everybody apart from the loony right. And they still haven’t got over their fear of losing voters on the center-right after the Reagan revolution. On a more fundamental level of course, the real problem is that roughly half of the voters in the US use their vote to give the middle finger to « the system », and the GOP has been very good since Reagan at seeming to be the anti-establishment party while screwing ordinary Americans in favor of the very rich. I think the only solution for the Dems is to drop the « Clinton Dems » still running the show and replacing them with authentically socially-minded younger leaders.
That is completely untrue. Have you not seen all the town halls, all the interviews, all the conversations conducted all over the country by the state and federal Democrat lawmakers? I am seeing clip links and article links daily - usually 2-3 times a day, plus posts by people I know personally. So... you are hanging out with the wrong crowd and getting your news from the wrong places.
Yup!!
A lot of these stories are being shared by our Democratic Representatives. I see them on Instagram.
Courage is not made in spite of fear or without fear, okay so if you hate yourself, because you're a Democrat that is not productive in any way shape or form. Please take a breath, count to 3, and or read a book, and I hope you feel better.
I agree with you to a point. Shifting gears slightly, why didn't the democrats flood the news cycle with photos of that travesty of a parade TACO threw for himself that cost $45M taxpayer dollars and even MAGAs didn't show up? The freaks are worried about nonexistent illegals collecting Medicaid, but democrats don't stand up and broadcast the enormous waste of funds and military presence to satisfy his massive ego? Those empty bleacher shots should still be front page news in light of this ridiculous bill.
Doubt if you ever was any thing other than maGGOT..We did, where were you? Oh, yeah on Fauxnews. Most of the social media is censoring us..
What a lazy comment. Criticizing the democratic party doesn't mean I watch Fox News. The lack of introspection in this party is bordering on MAGA cult territory.
It's hard to fight in the mainstream media but the substack Democrats are growinfg in leaps and bounds!!
I’m in agreement,Diane! The democrats have been very wimpy in recent weeks! They need to do a better job of awakening their fellow humans Congressmen and women’s consciences! Bring back true leadership by taking the lead in showing the consequences of the indefensible bill for all Americans, Republicans and Democrats! And keep up the pressure! Don’t let the liars override your knowledge of what is going to be the result! I’m a senior and feel the consequences already!
I am a senior and I see our Democrats in action all the time. One of my Senators for the last 8 years walks for four days every spring talking to people in gas stations, mini marts, wherever he finds them. He puts on more than a hundred miles doing this. Not everyone can, he will do this as long as his knees don't give out. The Dems hold district wide meetings in person or online, they even go into red districts and hold them when that district doesn't. Check out your Congress person's website get moving. Half crippled that I am, I've been involved in several protests one had more than 1500 people in a red town! Just did one this week with about 50 people in a small rural New England village on the nice shady green. Even though my health is crap, since I see my representatives doing everything in their power to stop the madness, I am trying to do my part even if it means bringing my cane and a chair. Demo means people and we have to do our part as well.
Congratulations to you Virginia, I absolutely adore your spunk in utilizing a cane and a chair and making the effort to show up.
Diane, are you OK? This is such a frustrating, scary, stressful time--it's really easy to get overwhelmed. I hope you have someone to talk to who helps you process the strong emotions we all have right now. And in the meantime, I hope you're being good to yourself--eating snacks, taking naps, drinking lots of water. We have to take care of ourselves and each other in these times.
Lisa, thank you for your thoughtful compassion to Diane. We all go through some rough times and need a little understanding and support.
Our son is also medically and cognitively impaired. If we lose all support, he will go into the system which will cost roughly $30,000 per month for his specialized care. He is living at home for MUCH less than that. How will that be a savings or a win for anyone?
Absolutely. Institutionalizing all those who need Medicaid is both cruel and more expensive than just continuing to fund Medicaid.
It's a win for the corrupt nursing home industry, which is owned by investment bros.
DeVos in that too I hear.
Remember this bill stops paying Medicaid for both individuals and to facilities, so not only the children using Medicaid to stay at home, but the seniors in Nursing homes who have used up their assests & run out of money, there are lots of both. And all just to let the oligarchs not pay their share…
Trump and the GOP establish a police state at the expense of everything else.
Thank you for sharing this story that reflects the horrific cruelty encapsulated in the current reconciliation bill. Praying it does not pass & doing our small part in Wa State to fight.
Pete in 2028 !!!
The democrats should have been flooding the airways with stories like this from the get-go. And the other downside is that the most draconian cuts won’t happen until after the midterms and will then be blamed on the “libs”. The dems need to make these cuts cause #1 from now until the midterms and maybe it will make a difference. And, by the way, SHAME on you Lisa Murkowsi. You could have stopped this in its tracks but you were a COWARD! I hope it chokes you.
People should switch off Fox News, which wouldn't have covered these stories no matter how loudly Democrats trumpeted them.
Put down your weapons and cease with the circular firing squad. We will have to be united as never before if we're to make the slightest headwind against the lies.
I doubt you are reaching many people by telling us (Buttigieg liberals) to turn off FOX. I have NEVER ever watched it.
Neither have I. But others write in detail about the nonsense it spews.
CNN is both side risk at its worst.
I switched off Fox News as soon as I realized that it wasn’t a news channel, rather a disinformation spreading propaganda channel!
I say TG for MSNBC and NPR and PBS and support them as much as I can afford with contributions and prayers.
I agree with you It’s Come To This. We have to band together if we want to reclaim our democracy and save the safety nets being destroyed.
They need to flood platforms that Maga read because I don’t know how many of them follow substack.
And I doubt any of this will air on the Fox Propaganda Network.
I’m afraid you are correct.
You make a good point Marilyn, how can we reach Republicans who stay glued to Fox misinformation? Does anyone have any ideas?
Check Instagram where these stories are being shared.
Sigh. I'm with you -- why not way more publicity what this would mean? Murkowski always caved -- not for a bribe?
I think it was probably to keep rural hospitals. Now she hopes the bill fails in the House? Strange reasoning when she could have stopped it.
Folks, if this man right here doesn't keep you grounded enough to fight back, you need to regroup. Pete is the embodiment of the exact cooler heads we need, and the depth of courage we should ALL display. His own family is on the line. I'm sure they have the means to leave us behind to get to safety. Instead he steps forward and speaks reason, humanity, and decency in the face of literal mass insanity. Take some lessons, grow your spines and LFG!
Your intelligence and humanity precede you! But above all I admire your principles in our fight for our freedoms. Thank you, Mayor Pete!
Thanks for fighting even now, today and every day, ❤️ Pete. ♥️
You, Mr Buttigieg are a beautiful human. Thank you for doing what you fo best, using your voice to help us better understand what is actually happening. You empower the rest of us to make our voices heard. Thank you!
I totally agree with you Karen!
Thank you. As a physical therapist who works with older adults and children with neurological diseases causing challenges to moving, speaking, hearing, learning and controlling their bodies, I see the fear in their eyes. Last night the father of a child I've been working with said she wouldn't be able to go to school, walk or visit with friends without her PT. An elderly couple with no family, one of them taking care of the other. Both have neurological diagnoses. What will they do?
For the first time since the inauguration, I sat in the bathroom and just cried, for all my patients, my neighbors, my kids, my chronically ill husband and me. I'll be the one holding them together. I hope I have the strength.
We don't know what will happen as yet. Like always, the "R's" are bending the rules so they can cheat. "For now, a procedural vote on the rule remains open, with nine House Republicans who have not yet voted. All House Democrats have cast their votes against this procedural step." They are waiting for their members to get to DC so they can have more votes and are keeping their voting open until they get there.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-big-beautiful-bill-house-taxes-immigration-live-updates-rcna215840
Whatever the outcome, it is OK to be afraid, sad, mad, or anything else. Please when you can be prepared for the worst while you are hoping for the best.
God bless you and give you strength!
Pete - I have been phone banking from home all week using systems that call Dem voters in Red districts and patching them directly through to their Representatives offices to say DO NOT CUT FUNDING TO MEDICAID and SNAP. It would be great if you could promote them and if the DNC could provide such campaigns.
My sister-in-law (65) adopted her daughters two boys (11 & 15) to give them a stable home environment. Unfortunately, their mother passed away. Without medicade, these two children will not have had the medical insurance to help them develop and thrive, as they do now. My sister-in-law can't afford medical insurance for them on her own.
This is only one of hundreds of thousands of stories of friends, families, acquaintances we almost all know personally who will be affected. I make sure to tell everyone I know their story. These people are not "them", they are our fellow Americans. It is appalling to think that our elected officials will not stand with us against this callousness.
"Nobody will be able to say they didn't know."
I only wish that were true. Yet for years -- decades, really -- Fox News and even worse fright-wing cable networks have so filled voters in red states with such gaslighting absurdities and diversions that millions still believe Republican talking points about this awful bill. The sheer financial incoherence of it all, the unrestrained cruelty and delight in kicking people off their health insurance, the ideological fixation that substitutes for facts -- none of that comes up. It's all about "criminals" and "fraud" and immigration.
Not a single Republican who voted for this pile of vicious slop has ever explained the urgency of approving $4 trillion in debt by July 4. Senate Republicans have gone to grest length to conceal this through accounting gimmicks that no neutral accountant would sanction. And nobody from Fox challenges them. Oklahoma's illiterate, pugnacious Markwayne Mullin spouts lies -- dumb, silly, easily disproven lies, like the 'only' people on Medicaid are 'undocumented aliens.' Any reporter could call him out for his fraudulence and stupidity, but you'd never hear about it on Fox should it ever occur.
So sadly, millions still don't know. And until they switch channels, they'll never find out.
Keep up your good work and never give up - it's people like you that want me to have any little faith I have left in this world - (Tears)
Woof - getting a little crazy in here. Can people stop attacking others? This does us no good. You don't know people's personal issues, emotional states, a need to have to step back, nada. So, let's just focus on how we can HELP. I did like what you said, Pete in another post about them holding off on these changes until a Dem takes office in 2028...that means we have time to fight this thing during the midterms. Keep fighting, ya'll!