America - The Official Thread

[ryzno]

I love how someone/people keep saying conservative media spin...
He's not Premium anymore and allegedly ignores me so he probably doesn't know I'm pretty much homeless thanks to a gold digger, from my post in the Infield.
What I've said is exactly what was said. God forbid someone thinks for themselves. I don't need anyone at CNN or FOX to interpret what I listened live to. I've said this before...

I have a good bit of time on my hands. Who here has listened to EVERY MINUTE? I have.

 

[PocketZeven]

I love how someone/people keep saying conservative media spin...
He's not Premium anymore and allegedly ignores me so he probably doesn't know I'm pretty much homeless thanks to a gold digger, from my post in the Infield.
What I've said is exactly what was said. God forbid someone thinks for themselves. I don't need anyone at CNN or FOX to interpret what I listened live to. I've said this before...

I have a good bit of time on my hands. Who here has listened to EVERY MINUTE? I have.

You are watching with a lot of bias. It is bewildering for me, that you support a party against your own interest.

 

[ryzno]

It is bewildering for me, that you support a party against your own interest.

You keep saying that. The people you recommend want to turn America into a Socialist nation, tax the crap out of us and give noncitizens more benefits than the average American qualifies for and take our guns. Not a party of my interest...
Not everyone wants America to be like your country.
It's annoying having a foreigner tell me how I should vote. It's annoying having a foreigner tell me we should give up our guns. I can go on.

 

[PocketZeven]

You keep saying that. The people you recommend want to turn America into a Socialist nation, tax the crap out of us and give noncitizens more benefits than the average American qualifies for and take our guns. Not a party of my interest...
Not everyone wants America to be like your country.
It's annoying having a foreigner tell me how I should vote. It's annoying having a foreigner tell me we should give up our guns. I can go on.

That is what they want you to think. the democrats actually want to move to a social democracy. I live in a socalled "socialist" nation. And the standard of living is pretty good. And someone in your situation, would have had more protection in your job and would have a maximum of about 600-700 out of pocket healthcare costs yearly. Also you can apply for support in your rent etc. So you wouldnt need to be homeless.

Socialism (social democracy) is not a bad thing. How would socialism negatively impact you personally? I would understand if you were a millionair that you would support the republican party. But a majority of the policies are against your personal interest.

I am not telling you how to vote. Just trying to help you make an informed decision. Although I am opinionated I am unbiased in american politics and look at policies.

 

[mustafur]

Social Democracy isn't Socialism, it's still Capitalism.


No one in the Democratic primary favours open borders, but if you watch Fox they will tell you even Neo Liberals are Marxist.

 

[Northstar]

That is what they want you to think. the democrats actually want to move to a social democracy.

Both major parties want to move towards a system where they have more power over citizens. Neither gives two 🤬 about the welfare of poor people. If they did we wouldn't have billion dollar partially-tax-funded stadiums that get replaced every 20 years by another partially-tax-funded stadium.

As scummy as Republicans are, I have to give them credit for at least not pretending to care about poor people like Democrats do.

 

[PocketZeven]

Both major parties want to move towards a system where they have more power over citizens. Neither gives two 🤬 about the welfare of poor people. If they did we wouldn't have billion dollar tax-funded stadiums that get replaced every 20 years by another tax-funded stadium.

As scummy as Republicans are, I have to give them credit for at least not pretending to care about poor people like Democrats do.

That is one perspective though. I think scandinavian model does show a balance. And a government genuinely looking out for the welfare of the poor.

edit

 

[Northstar]

That is one perspective though. I think the scandinavian model does show a balance. And a government genuinely looking out for the welfare of the poor.

And that's great, that doesn't mean it will work here though as once again, neither Democrats or Republicans care about poor people!

I won't say the Scandinavian model wouldn't work here, but it will never get close to implemented without a complete re-working of the U.S. Government.

 

[PocketZeven]

And that's great, that doesn't mean it will work here though as once again, neither Democrats or Republicans care about poor people!

I won't say the Scandinavian model wouldn't work here, but it will never get close to implemented without a complete re-working of the U.S. Government.

Do you genuinely think that Warren and Bernie do not care? Of all the candidates, they seem to be the people most genuinely fighting fot the poor.

edit: What do you mean with re-working?

 

[Northstar]

Do you genuinely think that Warren and Bernie do not care?

They both like to fly on private jets, so yes.

edit: What do you mean with re-working?

A vast majority of U.S. government programs/organizations are terribly inefficient and expensive.

For instance, my state spent $100 million for a program that wound up not being used.

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/06/07/mnlars-to-be-replaced-by-vtrs

 

[ryzno]

Haa I started page 777! Must be my lucky day!

And someone in your situation, would have had more protection in your job

I could go back right now, I was let go cause I couldn't pass a DOT physical cause of my blood pressure. I've gotten it under control and now have said physical. I don't want to go back, the money was good but they worked the crap out of us. In about 3 weeks I'm starting a CDL class so I can do what I really want to do.

and would have a maximum of about 600-700 out of pocket healthcare costs yearly.

The company paid for the physical $100. I paid $150($75 a visit) for 2 visits to the same doctor. I paid $60 for 4 months of medicine. All cash, no insurance. So that's almost $500 in my pocket from your high end estimate. Who knows how much I saved on monthly insurance payments. I spent a whopping $210... The only time I've gone to the doctor in over a decade.

Also you can apply for support in your rent etc.

I could do that now. Call it pride but I don't like hand outs or having to ask for something.

So you wouldnt need to be homeless.

I'm working on that. I wouldn't even be in this situation if my ex didn't take $8500, put some in a shadow account I didn't know about and blow the rest. I had a plan, she had a different one obviously... 14 years and that's the thanks I get... Anywho...

But a majority of the policies are against your personal interest.

Do tell, I gave you multiple reasons why I disagree.

 

[PocketZeven]

Haa I started page 777! Must be my lucky day!
I could go back right now, I was let go cause I couldn't pass a DOT physical cause of my blood pressure. I've gotten it under control and now have said physical. I don't want to go back, the money was good but they worked the crap out of us. In about 3 weeks I'm starting a CDL class so I can do what I really want to do.


The company paid for the physical $100. I paid $150($75 a visit) for 2 visits to the same doctor. I paid $60 for 4 months of medicine. All cash, no insurance. So that's almost $500 in my pocket from your high end estimate. Who knows how much I saved on monthly insurance payments. I spent a whopping $210... The only time I've gone to the doctor in over a decade.
I could do that now. Call it pride but I don't like hand outs or having to ask for something.
I'm working on that. I wouldn't even be in this situation if my ex didn't take $8500, put some in a shadow account I didn't know about and blow the rest. I had a plan, she had a different one obviously... 14 years and that's the thanks I get... Anywho...
Do tell, I gave you multiple reasons why I disagree.

I appreciate sharing something private. Your doctor visits are always free here and not even included in the 600-700 max. deductable. Also the mandatory insurance could have covered mental health assistance after such a betrayal.
Rent assistence is mandatory if you have less then X income. Pride is irrelevant. You have paid taxes, you are in a postition to receive of that money back in assistance.

edit: added comment.

Edit:
examples:
- republicans are against healthcare for all
- cutting budget public schooling
- cutting budget food assistence
- cutting budget housing assistence
- Massive military budget
- tax reform that benefite the higher incomes more
- no policies to reduce the income inequality

 

[ryzno]

- the republican efforts to repeal (and replace with basically nothing) Obamacare.

I support/ed that. I've said here before I don't like being forced to pay for something I hardly ever use. As I said I paid $210 for everything. My ex was forced to pay $276 a month for insurance she never used and has since decided to take the $750 yearly "tax penalty" that Trump got rid of. I didn't have any of those problems cause I'm a 1099 "independent contractor".

- All the efforts to decrease the budget for food assistence, housing assistence.

I don't qualify for them anyways...
----------
I look at it as more money in my pocket. You might think I'm voting against my interests. But I'm not.

Edit:
And my son is getting a lot better education and is happier at his current school. Unlike the previous school he went to before we moved. The local governments and school districts are the reason for poor education. Not the Feds IMO. The roads are a lot better too. I have to pay a little more in taxes and when I go to the store but I'm happy exactly where I am.

Edit 2:
I look at income inequality as being on that person. I wasn't born silver spoon in mouth. I've been homeless before too. I brought myself from the slums of Atlanta to a nice suburb in NE Metro Atlanta. I'm no millionaire and I don't want to be. I have no one to blame or praise for my downfalls and success expect for myself.
I was the only one holding myself back.

Isn't it Yang that wants to give everyone $1000 a month?
I honestly don't think it would help a thing. It'd just be wasted. Like around tax time, people get their "refund" and blow it instead of investing it or saving it. Oh and who pays for that $1000 a month?

The old saying, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

 

[mustafur]

Ah yes the ''I don't need Health insurance'' person in a country like America.

In Australia Full coverage is a 2% Medicare Levy, you barely even notice it, and you can be the most sick person on earth the whole time.

 

[ryzno]

Ah yes the ''I don't need Health insurance'' person in a country like America.

I don't, I have a DNR. I'm also a registered organ donor, don't know how much help my lungs or liver or heart would be but hey... they might help research.

In Australia Full coverage is a 2% Medicare Levy, you barely even notice it

Till it turns into a grand or two a year. Sounds like Warrens "it's only two cents".

 

[Imari]

It's annoying having a foreigner tell me how I should vote. It's annoying having a foreigner tell me we should give up our guns. I can go on.

What are your thoughts on foreigners having undue influence over the President and the election process in general?

Don't get me wrong, I'm also a foreigner but had I been an American during the 2016 election it would have been a toss-up between not voting at all and voting for Trump in the hopes that he shook up the system. But it seems to me what's going on now is a slippery slope to no longer having a functioning democracy at all. It's one thing to have lobbyists and corrupt politicians working internal to the country, it's another entirely to be involving foreign powers in elections and their related politics.

I feel like Trump muddies the water a lot here, so it's more instructive to think about whether you'd want the next opposition president to be able to behave in the same ways.

 

[ryzno]

What are your thoughts on foreigners having undue influence over the President and the election process in general?

I now(after paying more attention recently) think it's as unfair as when we do it.

I feel like Trump muddies the water a lot here, so it's more instructive to think about whether you'd want the next opposition president to be able to behave in the same ways.

I agree on that. But one could argue Trump is doing the same, he just got called out.

 

[Rallywagon]

I now(after paying more attention recently) think it's as unfair as when we do it.
I agree on that. But one could argue Trump is doing the same, he just got called out.

Its gotta start somewhere. Sorry it's your president that it's happening to and not someone else's, but if we dont start somewhere we will get nowhere.

 

[PocketZeven]

I support/ed that. I've said here before I don't like being forced to pay for something I hardly ever use. As I said I paid $210 for everything. My ex was forced to pay $276 a month for insurance she never used and has since decided to take the $750 yearly "tax penalty" that Trump got rid of. I didn't have any of those problems cause I'm a 1099 "independent contractor".

I don't qualify for them anyways...
----------
I look at it as more money in my pocket. You might think I'm voting against my interests. But I'm not.

Edit:
And my son is getting a lot better education and is happier at his current school. Unlike the previous school he went to before we moved. The local governments and school districts are the reason for poor education. Not the Feds IMO. The roads are a lot better too. I have to pay a little more in taxes and when I go to the store but I'm happy exactly where I am.

Edit 2:
I look at income inequality as being on that person. I wasn't born silver spoon in mouth. I've been homeless before too. I brought myself from the slums of Atlanta to a nice suburb in NE Metro Atlanta. I'm no millionaire and I don't want to be. I have no one to blame or praise for my downfalls and success expect for myself.
I was the only one holding myself back.

Isn't it Yang that wants to give everyone $1000 a month?
I honestly don't think it would help a thing. It'd just be wasted. Like around tax time, people get their "refund" and blow it instead of investing it or saving it. Oh and who pays for that $1000 a month?

The old saying, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

I can only compare to my country. And basically any time you feel sick, you can visit your local doctor and receive consult, that is free and covered by insurance. If you have less then X income (less then € 30k a year), you can apply to assistence up to € euro a month. Insurance monthly costs around € 110,-. depending on what maximum deductable you choose that is at least 385,-.

I havent been to a doctor for 10 years, I also cannot apply for insurance assistance, because I earn a higher income. I have paid around 14k in insurance, yet if something seriously might happen to my health it is mainly covered by health insurance and my maximum out of pocket will be 385,-. That 14k I already spent would easily be worth it.

The main difference in the USA, I suspect, is that people from lower income that have small pains or mental health issues, will postpone visits to a doctor, simply because they cant afford it or just afraid of the cost.

Income inequality isnt just about opportunity and being born with a silver spoon. It is that the theory of trickle down economics just does not work as it should. Wealthy people become richer and the poor, poorer (or stay poor).

 

[huskeR32]

The people you recommend want to turn America into a Socialist nation,

We've always been a nation with socialist policies, so where's the tipping point into "Socialist?" Or is this just you using that term in a Red Scare fear-mongering way yet again?

tax the crap out of us

Unless you're super-wealthy, which your "pretty much homeless" statement two posts previously seems to indicate is not the case, then nobody wants to tax the crap out of you. They want to tax the crap out of Bezos and Gates and the hedge fund 🤬 who almost destroyed this country a decade ago and the Kardashians. The Republican party convincing so many working-class people that they're part of an "us" with the obscenely wealthy is their greatest victory.

and give noncitizens more benefits than the average American qualifies for

I know this is utterly pointless, but citation very very badly needed.

and take our guns

A laughably over-simplified characterization of the much more common-sense policies advocated to take some guns from some people. Can you point me towards any candidate who has advocated taking all guns indiscriminately?

Not a party of my interest...

They would certainly want to help you out of your "pretty much homeless" situation. How is that not in your interest?

It's annoying having a foreigner tell me how I should vote.

You mean Rupert Murdoch?

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

@ryzno

Have you ever considered supporting conservative democrats? I feel like you are more aligned with them than some silver-spoon fed, soft-skinned NYC billionaire celebrity. I don't get why this guy is the working man's hero. He's probably never done an hour of manual labor in his life.

I guess what I want to know is what do you get from Trump's presidency. His policies seem to benefit people heavily invested in the stock market at basically the expense of everybody else. I mean my stock market accounts have done pretty well under Trump (apart from the $15k I lost in Q4 2018 ) but I'm nowhere near the position of really being better off under Trump. The tax reform seemed half-assed to me, especially because it mostly led to corporate buy backs instead of reinvestment. Can you elaborate on your support? I would hope you don't list things that he hasn't done that you fear Democrats might have done, because that's a little weak.

 

[Danoff]

@ryzno

Have you ever considered supporting conservative democrats? I feel like you are more aligned with them than some silver-spoon fed, soft-skinned NYC billionaire celebrity. I don't get why this guy is the working man's hero. He's probably never done an hour of manual labor in his life.

I guess what I want to know is what do you get from Trump's presidency. His policies seem to benefit people heavily invested in the stock market at basically the expense of everybody else. I mean my stock market accounts have done pretty well under Trump (apart from the $15k I lost in Q4 2018 ) but I'm nowhere near the position of really being better off under Trump. The tax reform seemed half-assed to me, especially because it mostly led to corporate buy backs instead of reinvestment. Can you elaborate on your support? I would hope you don't list things that he hasn't done that you fear Democrats might have done, because that's a little weak.

My parents were/are basically bankrupt. This is part of the reason Trump is so appealing to them. You'd think that perhaps the liberals would have a better message of "help" to people in their circumstance, but you'd need to understand that their self-image is not of bankruptcy. Their self-image is that of upper middle class, and Trump appeals to their sense of pride and entitlement in a way that Liberals never could. To adopt the Liberal brand of socialism for their "benefit" would be to destroy their self-image. Trump's brand of government control is far more appealing to them. It allows them to simply get the riches that were stolen from them by outsiders rather than to claim that they failed at providing for themselves.

The reality of their situation of course is that they made a million terrible choices and are living the results of their indiscretion.

It's not all utilitarianism to everyone. Some people vote principle, or based on self-esteem, or self-image, rather than pure self-interest. Although you could make a decent argument that it all comes around to self-interest, just a broader view of it.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

It's not all utilitarianism to everyone. Some people vote principle, or based on self-esteem, or self-image, rather than pure self-interest. Although you could make a decent argument that it all comes around to self-interest, just a broader view of it.

Of course. I guess I struggle to see how people could support DJT on the basis of Self-Image or Principle. I was really wanting to understand why Ryzno, specifically, supports Donald Trump. @ryzno, could you explain?

 

[ryzno]

Of course. I guess I struggle to see how people could support DJT on the basis of Self-Image or Principle. I was really wanting to understand why Ryzno, specifically, supports Donald Trump. @ryzno, could you explain?

I've explained countless times here why... Read my posts...

My ex is the reason I MIGHT become homeless. Read my posts...
And I said I don't qualify for housing assistance. With HUD you have to be a family which ain't gonna happen if you read my post. I don't qualify for section either. My girl has the kid... I also make to much being single. Read my posts...
I don't make as much as y'all but I make/made too much. It's simple for y'all to say go apply when you don't know what you're talking about.
I'm honestly tired of repeating myself for years helping y'alls memory.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

I've explained countless times here why... Read my posts...

My ex is the reason I MIGHT become homeless. Read my posts...
And I said I don't qualify for housing assistance. With HUD you have to be a family which ain't gonna happen if you read my post. I don't qualify for section either. My girl has the kid... Read my posts...

I'm honestly tired of repeating myself for years helping y'alls memory.

Didn't you say you don't want assistance? I'm not trying to badger you, I'm just curious. I don't really see this as an answer to why you support him, but I understand if you don't want to elaborate.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

His policies seem to benefit people heavily invested in the stock market at basically the expense of everybody else. I mean my stock market accounts have done pretty well under Trump (apart from the $15k I lost in Q4 2018 ) but I'm nowhere near the position of really being better off under Trump.

Except those stocks for Chinese companies...

And I said I don't qualify for housing assistance. With HUD you have to be a family which ain't gonna happen if you read my post.

That seems odd. Are you sure about that? I think the HUD programs take individuals as well.

 

[Northstar]

That seems odd. Are you sure about that? I think the HUD programs take individuals as well.

Only if you’re a senior or disabled.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Only if you’re a senior or disabled.

From what I have seen, a "family" could be just one person.

https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/public-housing/am-I-eligible

 

[PocketZeven]

I've explained countless times here why... Read my posts...

My ex is the reason I MIGHT become homeless. Read my posts...
And I said I don't qualify for housing assistance. With HUD you have to be a family which ain't gonna happen if you read my post. I don't qualify for section either. My girl has the kid... I also make to much being single. Read my posts...
I don't make as much as y'all but I make/made too much. It's simple for y'all to say go apply when you don't know what you're talking about.
I'm honestly tired of repeating myself for years helping y'alls memory.

You said you didnt want assistence though. A more socialist government could have helped you during this difficult time by changing the qualifying requirements to suit people that do need assistence when needed.

 

[ryzno]

You said you didnt want assistence though. A more socialist government could have helped you during this difficult time by changing the qualifying requirements to suit people that do need assistence when needed.

I don't want or need it.
Just cause people go through hiccups in life doesn't mean they need government assistance. Situations like mine if I took assistance, are an abuse of the system IMO. Just like you suggested I could get mental health assistance cause of my situation, which I don't need.
On a positive note, I'm moving back to my old neighborhood at the end of the month. A high school friend is going to rent me his extra bedroom.
Some of us know how to get by without government help. I'm not saying if someone else got threw into my situation they would not need help. I'm saying I didn't/don't. Again, call it pride,which you called irrelevant. I disagree, a persons pride or lack of, affects their decisions.