The Briefing Room
General Category => Editorial/Opinion/Blogs => Topic started by: Smokin Joe on November 09, 2016, 08:45:15 pm
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First, congratulations to Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and their supporters on this presidential election win. Hillary Clinton has been defeated, and the waning days of the Obama Administration are all that stands between America and a different political future.
As that torch is passed, let us not slip into that post-election somnolent euphoria that seems so common among those who would change the directions of governments and nations. Rather, let's recall the things which were promised to the electorate who elevated this man to the highest office in the United States of America, as a reminder that this is, after all, what the electorate has been told to expect in exchange for their support, their contributions, and their votes.
It is not enough to measure a Trump Administration by being 'not Hillary', nor is it valid to justify the actions or inaction of such with comparisons to assertions of what she might have done, given the opportunity. No, in order to measure the performance of the new administration, it becomes necessary to establish a new metric, one which cannot be distorted by the pressures of situational ethos, but which remains as well rooted and solid as the very tower which bears his name.
Rather than impose the unfair yardstick of the desires of those of us who did not support Mr. Trump for whatever reason (often because he was not conservative enough in our opinion), or to even impose our arduous criteria in terms of conduct, governance, or even policy, a better metric must be found.
What better guide to the performance of this budding administration than the very promises of the candidate himself as he traveled and sought votes and support? Those promises of action, inaction, policy, revocation of policy, regardless of this writer's opinion of them, form a roadmap of the path by which he has led his followers to support him, and the roadmap of stated intent of his administration. By this he has established a list of goals to be accomplished, and by which he can be measured without the inconvenience of having others place demands upon him he, himself, did not embrace.
Certainly, some of those demands are immutable, codified in the Constitution and other laws, and will be expected to be adhered to as the oath of office requires. These, however are the intonations of policy to which we were treated and by which we were entreatied for support. Let them now become the metric by which his performance is measured.
Tim Murphy at Mother Jones has started the process, as pointed out to me by @Resp3 and the link to Tim's article is here http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office (http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office) for those who would like to read it in its entirety. It also has links which back up each of the bullet points below, which are a brief summary of the things Mr. Trump has promised. It is messy, but supporting links are provided to each, and I won't take credit for any of that, it is Tim Murphy's work, presented in blue.
:blank: "Repeal every single Obama executive order."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html (http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html)
(He has also pledged more specifically to "eliminate every unconstitutional executive order.")
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside (https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside)
:blank:"Repeal Obamacare."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html (http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html)
(On Trump's campaign website, he's less bullish, promising only to "ask Congress" on day one to repeal Obamacare
immediately.)
:blank:"End the war on coal."
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/290798-pence-trump-will-end-the-war-on-coal (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/290798-pence-trump-will-end-the-war-on-coal)
:blank:"Begin swiftly removing criminal illegal immigrants from this country." (More specifically, Trump has promised to do this in his
"first hour" in office, "day one, before the wall, before anything.") https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/trump-says-on-day-one-he-is-removing-criminal-illegal-immigrants/2016/08/27/a0a546d6-6c98-11e6-91cb-ecb5418830e9_video.html (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/trump-says-on-day-one-he-is-removing-criminal-illegal-immigrants/2016/08/27/a0a546d6-6c98-11e6-91cb-ecb5418830e9_video.html)
:blank:"Begin working on an impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful, southern border wall."http://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-touts-technology-plan-for-border-wall-755544643686
:blank: Meet with Homeland Security officials and generals to begin securing the southern border.http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0)
:blank:"Notify all countries that refuse to take back dangerous illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in this country that
they will lose access to our visa programs if they continue to do so."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
:blank: Convene his top generals and inform them they have 30 days to come up with a plan to stop ISIS.http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/donald-trump-isil-isis-227807 (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/donald-trump-isil-isis-227807)
:blank: Fix the Department of Veterans Affairs.http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html (http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html)
:blank: Call the heads of major companies who are moving operations oversea to inform them that they'll face 35 percent tariffs. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0https://soundcloud.com/rightwingwatch/trump-on-day-one (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0https://soundcloud.com/rightwingwatch/trump-on-day-one)
:blank:"Defend the unborn."http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/pence-trump-administration-will-begin-fight-against-abortion-rights-day-one
:blank:"Withdraw from TPP."http://dailycaller.com/2016/06/28/donald-trump-gets-to-specifics-during-trade-speech/http://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/02/24/preview-gop-debate-one-day-to-go-mattingly-lead-dnt.cnn
:blank: Suspend Syrian refugee resettlement.http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/us-presidential-elections-2016-if-elected-it-would-be-busy-first-day-at-white-house-donald-trump-3017760/ (http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/us-presidential-elections-2016-if-elected-it-would-be-busy-first-day-at-white-house-donald-trump-3017760/)
:blank:"Notify our NAFTA partners of my intention to renegotiate the deal."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
:blank:"Designate China as a currency manipulator."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/us-china-trade-reform
:blank:"Direct every agency in government to begin identifying all wasteful job-killing regulations, and they are going to
be removed."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-presidehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/08/donald-trump-i-will-get-rid-of-gun-free-zones-on-schools/http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/08/31/donald-trump-throws-down-in-phoenix-champions-10-step-immigration-reform-plan/
:blank: Learn the difference between Hezbollah and Hamas.http://www.hughhewitt.com/donald-trump-on-the-day-he-took-the-pledge/ (http://www.hughhewitt.com/donald-trump-on-the-day-he-took-the-pledge/)
Again, this list and the link roundup (the blue text above) was done by Tim Murphy at Mother Jones, and he should get the credit for that, after all, it's his work. Here's a link to that article: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office (http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office)
Now, these are just a few of the things which have been promised, and in fairness, some of these were promised by Mike Pence, but I think this is a good place to start. Feel free folks, to add others and please provide links to the statement or source for future reference.
By the way, while these were promised on 'day one', for the most part, I'd be quite content to see those I agree with which would not overextend the authority vested in the Office of President of the United States of America by the Constitution accomplished in the first year.
While some of these do exceed the authority of the Office of President, and would require (at a minimum) Congressional cooperation, it is an often noble list of aspirations. My problems with Mr. Trump were not wholly on stated policy, but primarily on credibility and actual intent.
This is not an attack, any more than a scorecard is an attack on a golfer or a maintenance checklist is an attack on an airplane, but presented as his own list of goals. I have even said I'd give him 364 extra days to git 'er done.
Please feel free to add others, if you so choose.
Edit: See post 27 for additional campaign promises.
Edit on November 23, 2016: This was done to copy post 27 (and the list therein onto the list above. No effort will be made to remove redundancy in order to preserve the original lists as they were quoted from their sources. Colors will be changed to red for apparent reneged promises or serious modifications thereof, orange for confirmed broken promises. Those kept or pending will remain blue.
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More promises: Compiled by Jenna Johnson, in the Washington Post article at the link Additional commentary and links are available there. Note: These may overlap the ones in the initial post. Again, this is done in the spirit of being able to compare stated goals with performance, and is not intended to commend nor decry Mr Trump, the President-elect.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/)
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1. Build a wall along the southern border that's taller than the arenas where Trump holds his rallies, taller than any ladder and one foot taller than the Great Wall of China. This "artistically beautiful" wall will be constructed out of hardened concrete, rebar and steel, and it will be "the greatest wall that you've ever seen" -- so great that the nation will likely one day name it "The Trump Wall."
2. Make Mexico pay for the wall. If Mexico refuses, then the United States will impound all remittance payments taken from the wages of illegal immigrants, cut foreign aid, institute tariffs, cancel visas for Mexican business leaders and diplomats, and increase fees for visas, border-crossing cards and port use.
3. "If I become president, we're all going to be saying 'Merry Christmas' again."
4. Get rid of Common Core because it's "a disaster" and a "very bad thing." Trump says he wants to give local school districts more control and might even eliminate the Department of Education.
5. The Environmental Protection Agency might also disappear.
6. Get rid of Obamacare and replace it with something "terrific" that is "so much better, so much better, so much better."
7. Knock down the regulatory walls between states for health insurance, making plans available nationally instead of regionally.
8. Rebuild the country's aging infrastructure -- especially bridges and airports that look like they belong in a third-world country -- for one-third of what the United States is currently paying for such projects.
9. Save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security without cutting benefits.
10. Defund Planned Parenthood.
11. "I will take care of women, and I have great respect for women. I do cherish women, and I will take care of women."
12. Frequently use the term "radical Islamic terrorism."
13. Temporarily ban most foreign Muslims from entering the United States "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." Trump would allow exceptions for dignitaries, business people, athletes and others who have "proven" themselves.
14. Bar Syrian refugees from entering the country and kick out any who are already living here. Trump says wealthy Persian Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia should pay to set up a heavily guarded "safe zone" in Syria.
15. Heavily surveil mosques in the United States. Trump has said he's open to the idea of closing some mosques.
16. Create a database of Syrian refugees. Trump hasn't ruled out creating a database of Muslims in the country.
17. Never take a vacation while serving as president.
18. Prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private e-mail server while serving as secretary of state.
http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,235298.0/topicseen.html (http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,235298.0/topicseen.html) pending verification.
19. Make medical marijuana widely available to patients, and allow states to decide if they want to fully legalize pot or not.
20. Stop spending money on space exploration until the United States can fix its potholes. Encourage private space-exploration companies to expand.
21. Pick Supreme Court justices who are "really great legal scholars."
22. Ensure that Iowa continues to host the nation's first presidential nominating contest.
23. Strengthen the military so that it's "so big and so strong and so great" that "nobody's going to mess with us."
24. Be unpredictable. "No one is going to touch us, because I'm so unpredictable."
25. Allow Russia to deal with the Islamic State in Syria and/or work with Russian President Vladimir Putin to wipe out shared enemies.
26. "Bomb the s--- out of ISIS." Also bomb oil fields controlled by the Islamic State, then seize the oil and give the profits to military veterans who were wounded while fighting.
27. Target and kill the relatives of terrorists.
28. Shut down parts of the Internet so that Islamic State terrorists cannot use it to recruit American children.
29. Bring back waterboarding, which the Obama administration considers torture. Trump has said he's willing to use interrogation techniques that go even further than waterboarding. Even if such tactics don't work, "they deserve it anyway, for what they're doing."
30. Leave troops in Afghanistan because it's such "a mess." Protect Israel. And increase U.S. military presence in the East and South China Seas.
31. Find an "out" clause in the Iran deal and then "totally" renegotiate the whole thing.
32. "I promise I will never be in a bicycle race. That I can tell you." (This promise is connected to criticism of Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who was injured while riding a bicycle amid the Iran negotiations.)
33. Refuse to call Iran's leader by his preferred title. "I guarantee you I will be never calling him the Supreme Leader... I'll say, 'Hey baby, how ya doing?' I will never call him the Supreme Leader."
34. Negotiate the release of all U.S. prisoners held in Iran before taking office. > snip <
35. Oppose the killing of journalists: "I hate some of these people, but I would never kill them."
36. Find great generals -- like the next Gen. Patton or Gen. MacArthur -- and do not allow them to go onto television news shows to explain their military strategy: "I don't want my generals being interviewed, I want my generals kicking a--." > snip<
37. Drop that "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane into desolate Afghanistan without a parachute.
38. Fire "the corrupt and incompetent" leaders of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and dramatically reform the agency. Allow veterans to take their military identification card to any medical facility that accepts Medicaid patients to receive care. Embed satellite VA clinics in rural hospitals and underserved areas, and ensure than every VA hospital is permanently staffed with OBGYN doctors.
39. Invest more heavily in programs that help military veterans transition back to civilian life, including job training and placement services. Also increase funding for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and mental health issues. Veterans who apply for a job at a VA facility will have five points added to their qualifying scores.
40. Bring back jobs from China -- and Mexico, Japan and elsewhere.
41. "I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever created." Trump says cities like Reno, Nev., will "be a big fat beautiful beneficiary" of these new jobs.
42. Students at Wofford College in South Carolina, where Trump attended a town hall, will all have jobs at graduation.
43. Aggressively challenge China's power in the world by declaring the country a currency manipulator, adopting a "zero tolerance policy on intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer" and cracking down on China's "lax labor and environmental standards."
44. Rather than throw the Chinese president a state dinner, buy him "a McDonald's hamburger and say we've got to get down to work."
45. Replace "free trade" with "fair trade." Gather together the "smartest negotiators in the world," assign them each a country and renegotiate all foreign trade deals.
46. Put billionaire hedge fund manager Carl Icahn in charge of trade negotiations with China and Japan, and pick an ambassador to Japan who is "a killer," unlike the current ambassador, Caroline Kennedy.
47. Tell Ford Motor Co.'s president that unless he cancels plans to build a massive plant in Mexico, the company will face a 35 percent tax on cars imported back into the United States. Trump is confident he can get this done before taking office. (Last year he incorrectly said this had already happened.)
48. Force Nabisco to once again make Oreos in the United States. And bully Apple into making its "damn computers" and other products here.
49. Impose new taxes on many imports into the country. Numbers thrown around have included 32 percent, 34 percent and 35 percent.
50. Grow the nation's economy by at least 6 percent.
51. Reduce the $18 trillion national debt by "vigorously eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government, ending redundant government programs and growing the economy to increase tax revenues."
52. Cut the budget by 20 percent by simply renegotiating.
53. Get rid of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
54. Simplify the U.S. tax code and reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to four. The highest earners would pay a 25-percent tax. The corporate tax rate would fall to 15 percent. Eliminate the "marriage penalty" for taxpayers and get rid of the alternate minimum tax.
55. No longer charge income tax to single individuals earning less than $25,000 per year or couples earning less than $50,000. These people will, however, be required to file a one-page form with the Internal Revenue Service that states: "I win."
56. Ensure that Americans can still afford to golf.
57. Allow corporations a one-time window to transfer money being held overseas, charging a much-reduced 10 percent tax.
58. Get rid of most corporate tax loopholes or incentives, but continue to allow taxpayers to deduct mortgage interest and charitable donations from their taxes.
59. On his first day in office, Trump would get rid of gun-free zones at military bases and in schools.
60. Use "common sense" to fix the mental health system and prevent mass shootings. Find ways to arm more of the "good guys" like him who can take out the "sickos." Get rid of bans on certain types of guns and magazines so that "good, honest people" can own the guns of their choice.
61. Impose a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison for any violent felon who commits a crime using a gun, with no chance for parole or early release.
62. Fix the background check system used when purchasing guns to ensure states are properly uploading criminal and health records.
63. Allow concealed-carry permits to be recognized in all 50 states.
64. Sign an executive order calling for the death penalty for anyone found guilty of killing a police officer.
65. Provide more funding for police training.
66. And provide more funding for drug treatment, especially for heroin addicts.
67. On the first day in office, terminate President Obama's executive orders related to immigration. This includes getting rid of "sanctuary cities" that Trump says have become refuges for criminals.
68. Deport the almost 11 million immigrants illegally living in the United States.
69. Triple the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
70. Continue to allow lowly paid foreign workers to come to the United States on temporary works visas because Trump says they are the only ones who want to pick grapes.
71. End birthright citizenship.
72. Say things that are politically incorrect, because the country does not have time to waste with political correctness.
73. Make America great again -- and strong again, as it has become too weak.
74. Be a cheerleader for America and bring the country's spirit back. "Take the brand of the United States and make it great again."
75. Bring back the American Dream.
76. Start winning again. "We're going to win so much -- win after win after win -- that you're going to be begging me: 'Please, Mr. President, let us lose once or twice. We can't stand it any more.' And I'm going to say: 'No way. We're going to keep winning. We're never going to lose. We're never, ever going to lose."
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BFL
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@Smokin Joe
Thanks,Joe!
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BFL
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Thanks of that list and commentary Joe.
Given what Trump has been, and is - according to his fruits, statements and interviews, I do not expect much of that list to be accomplished or even attempted outside of lip service and perhaps some more kabuki theater.
I am immune from being disappointed in any failure of those things he said he would do from ever coming to fruition because I never believed he was serious about doing any of those things. And, some of the things he said he intended to do - the Executive has no power to do or interfere with.
Low or non-existent expectations in Trump's leadership does provide me with the opportunity to be surprised in the positive, should he actually attempt to make good on those things beyond the rhetoric to placate the crowds and get votes, but I am not expecting much if any fulfillment at all. i.e.:, Trump's stated plan to "fix" Obamacare is to do exactly what the Democrats intended Obamacare to achieve in the first place: to impose Single Payer and expand the mandate that every person in the country must be 'covered'.
What I am going to be most watchful of - is the circumvention, the sidestepping, or the wholesale ignoring of the Rule of Law and the Constitution that both parties, the Courts and the Obama regime have made SOP. I think there is real danger in Trump following lawless precedents set by Obama, given his only experience is acting as a sole dictator (which all CEOs of your own corporation are). This Republic is not a corporation, and the Constitution does not provide for Trump to run the country like his own private business. He has imposed limits, and it is already disconcerting to read people who claim to be Conservative, opining and hoping that Trump use his own pen and phone as Obama has.
I will be very sensitive to moves, statements and actions which will further entrench the Executive into the dictatorship the GOP leadership under Boehner, McConnell, Pelosi and Reid have already enabled and established. I have no faith that Trump is going to slow, stop or reverse what we have been fundamentally transformed into already - but that said - I am better positioned to be pleasantly surprised should that discernment prove wrong.
But we are dealing with government - and chances are - my discernment about that is more correct than not.
We shall see.
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Thanks for Posting this, @Smokin Joe
(https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cf_yDTE2fnyMyunII6lE-78-vAE=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5933395/ethanol-3.png)
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Thanks of that list and commentary Joe.
Given what Trump has been, and is - according to his fruits, statements and interviews, I do not expect much of that list to be accomplished or even attempted outside of lip service and perhaps some more kabuki theater.
I am immune from being disappointed in any failure of those things he said he would do from ever coming to fruition because I never believed he was serious about doing any of those things. And, some of the things he said he intended to do - the Executive has no power to do or interfere with.
Low or non-existent expectations in Trump's leadership does provide me with the opportunity to be surprised in the positive, should he actually attempt to make good on those things beyond the rhetoric to placate the crowds and get votes, but I am not expecting much if any fulfillment at all. i.e.:, Trump's stated plan to "fix" Obamacare is to do exactly what the Democrats intended Obamacare to achieve in the first place: to impose Single Payer and expand the mandate that every person in the country must be 'covered'.
What I am going to be most watchful of - is the circumvention, the sidestepping, or the wholesale ignoring of the Rule of Law and the Constitution that both parties, the Courts and the Obama regime have made SOP. I think there is real danger in Trump following lawless precedents set by Obama, given his only experience is acting as a sole dictator (which all CEOs of your own corporation are). This Republic is not a corporation, and the Constitution does not provide for Trump to run the country like his own private business. He has imposed limits, and it is already disconcerting to read people who claim to be Conservative, opining and hoping that Trump use his own pen and phone as Obama has.
I will be very sensitive to moves, statements and actions which will further entrench the Executive into the dictatorship the GOP leadership under Boehner, McConnell, Pelosi and Reid have already enabled and established. I have no faith that Trump is going to slow, stop or reverse what we have been fundamentally transformed into already - but that said - I am better positioned to be pleasantly surprised should that discernment prove wrong.
But we are dealing with government - and chances are - my discernment about that is more correct than not.
We shall see.
You are welcome. I am adopting a wait and see attitude, too.
I think that if he does try to fulfill those promises he is Constitutionally Authorized to do, the GOPe Congress will try to sabotage that. After all, they have been living fat off the Obama Regime, and their Conservative ratings have been in the toilet for many of them.
It is possible he will try to do none of those things.
And it is possible in that he may, out of ego or whatever motivation, try to do all of them and actually accomplish something.
Like stud poker, you play the cards you have. Folding is not an option at this point.
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Thanks for Posting this, @Smokin Joe
(https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cf_yDTE2fnyMyunII6lE-78-vAE=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5933395/ethanol-3.png)
You're welcome! Thanks for the Ethanol Lobby graphic!
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One of the main problems in this country that I can see, based on my own experiences, is the number of improprieties by people in many branches of government and private industry. They can group up and say "Damn right", to many of the things Trump promised, but when it comes down to it in their private affairs, there are going to be things they that don't want to be changed. Talking out of both sides of their neck. The more of those types who can wield some influence in D.C. are going to be the sticking points to any real change.
The Republican Congress, both Senate, and House, no longer will be able to give us the rigamarole of "we are
trying". I plan on holding my reps feet to the fire.
I would like to see more carbon based energy use. Reopen perfectly good plants.
I would like to see some changes in "affordable" health because I cannot afford it since my employer based insurance ended Jan. 1, 2015.
I would like to see undocumented people in this country brought to task under existing immigration laws. As an aside our neighbors next door are Hispanic. The young woman was in tears this morning because she is afraid Trump will send them back to Mexico. They don't understand. They are legal documented immigrants working towards citizenship. They have taken English classes. He isn't so good at speaking English (typical man), but she can. My wife told them they don't have to worry. And they shouldn't.
And I want the federal government to return all federally held lands returned to the states with maybe the exception of national parks.
I want to see more trees die, as humanely as possible, of course. With the managed care of both industry and state government.
Get rid of restrictive ROE''s. Period.
But what I mainly want to see is for Trump to start with ONE thing. (Pick any one on his list). And then move on to the next. Using a scattergun tactic will cause to much harm and confusion, IMO.
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And I want the federal government to return all federally held lands returned to the states with maybe the exception of national parks.
@bigheadfred
No can do. The US military needs and uses huge tracts of public land to train on,and if you stop this Americans WILL die in combat that wouldn't have died if they had been able to train properly.
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@bigheadfred
No can do. The US military needs and uses huge tracts of public land to train on,and if you stop this Americans WILL die in combat that wouldn't have died if they had been able to train properly.
I think a good chunk of the Federal 'refuges", Heritage sites and federal park designations intended to punish flyover country or secure big payola for Democrat investors linked to China should indeed be returned back to the States
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@bigheadfred
No can do. The US military needs and uses huge tracts of public land to train on,and if you stop this Americans WILL die in combat that wouldn't have died if they had been able to train properly.
How does that stop them if those lands are state controlled?
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How does that stop them if those lands are state controlled?
@bigheadfred
They aren't state-controlled for the most part. They are owned by the federal government. I have no doubt sometimes some state land is used,but with permission by the state. Maybe a fee is even paid. I have no idea.
I also know for a fact that in SOME cases private land is also used,and the land owner is paid for the use of his land.
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I think a good chunk of the Federal 'refuges", Heritage sites and federal park designations intended to punish flyover country or secure big payola for Democrat investors linked to China should indeed be returned back to the States
@INVAR
I know nothing about those.
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I think a good chunk of the Federal 'refuges", Heritage sites and federal park designations intended to punish flyover country or secure big payola for Democrat investors linked to China should indeed be returned back to the States
Exactly. I probably should have qualified my statement a bit. I had in mind well-established areas like Yellowstone and Yosemite (et al).
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@bigheadfred
They aren't state-controlled for the most part. They are owned by the federal government. I have no doubt sometimes some state land is used,but with permission by the state. Maybe a fee is even paid. I have no idea.
I also know for a fact that in SOME cases private land is also used,and the land owner is paid for the use of his land.
I may be wrong, but I don't see the states objecting to continued use of areas already in use by the military for training exercises. IMO, the federal government has no business owning any land in this country other than D.C. They can have that. In fact, I insist. I think we could even change the name to The Federal Reservation. And anytime they go off the Rez, they get scalped.
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I may be wrong, but I don't see the states objecting to continued use of areas already in use by the military for training exercises. IMO, the federal government has no business owning any land in this country other than D.C. They can have that. In fact, I insist. I think we could even change the name to The Federal Reservation. And anytime they go off the Rez, they get scalped.
@bigheadfred
Give me a break! Do you really think Yellowstone would still exist today without the federal dollars pouring in to the state for rental and fees,and by extension,supporting the tourist trade?
Somebody like Ted Turner would own it,and when he dies his family would sell it to developers.
I'm not even sure any states would accept the land back if you offered it to them. They are all in rural states with low populations and a low tax base. The federal money those parks bring in is VERY welcome,and their budgets would be in trouble without it.
I personally know of a big chunk of oceanfront property that was a federal wildlife refuge for over 50 years before being privatized in the 70's or 80's. I have relatives that live near there,and remember it well. Go there now and the most scenery you will see are rental property mansions with 6 or more bedrooms on pilings so the people in them have a ocean view. Goober Gore owns a mansion there,or did back when he was the VP. Think he paid something like a half-mil for it back then.
Instead of wheel tracks through the sand,they now have paved roads and shopping centers. Someone told me a while back that the local government has now banned commercial fishermen from setting their nets off the beach and pulling them in to fish them over because the tourists didn't like it. Some of these people come from families that have been fishing those beaches since per-Revolutionary times. Seriously.
And they are one strong hurricane away from the state and federal government having to cough up maybe even a hundred million dollars in disaster-relief to repair the mansions of wealthy northerners who go there to vacation and rent the properties for thousands a week during the summer months.
I don't live there so I don't have any voice in what goes on,but it seems to me the nation was better off when it was a game preserve.
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@bigheadfred
No can do. The US military needs and uses huge tracts of public land to train on,and if you stop this Americans WILL die in combat that wouldn't have died if they had been able to train properly.
@bigheadfred @sneakypete
Pete has a point, and Military reservations are Constitutionally Authorized. National Parks, Monuments, and Wilderness areas are not. I would concede National Parks, but this business of every president sequestering another million or more acres for a 'national monument' is insanity. Wilderness areas, the same thing, frankly.
Part of that problem is the wad of rules that come with those designations, not just for those who lived in them, but by 'buffer zones' created around them, land in private hands controlled by government edict.
While a peculiar form of fascism, it is one I know of. My relatives have 22 acres of 180 year old red oak timber, ripe for harvest, planted by an ancestor, that cannot be cut by government decree because it is in a 'buffer zone' to a 'critical area' of a Scenic River. Nine Federal and State permits to cut one tree. Each tree. Insanity. The land has been in the family since the 1640s, and is still productive.
Tear off a chunk here or there to preserve some ecosystem, but better yet, let the States decide what proportion is to be Park land or not. Shutting down huge tracts to access amounts to an unfunded mandate by demanding resources not be harvested or produced, but roads, firefighting, and necessary rescue services have to be maintained, sans tax base. More often than not, people on that land will take better care of it than any federal agency ever will or will know how to.
Considering the Federal Government owns half of the land west of the Mississippi River, that's too much, and the tax money from those resources being tapped, developed, manufacturing and the jobs that would create would be a boon, not only to individual communities ravaged by spotted owls and the like, but the country as a whole.
Animals are adaptable, and it's time to get past the snowflake version of Bambi and down to the reality of critters dining on your shrubbery and taking the front out of your car by just standing around.
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@bigheadfred
Give me a break! Do you really think Yellowstone would still exist today without the federal dollars pouring in to the state for rental and fees,and by extension,supporting the tourist trade?
Somebody like Ted Turner would own it,and when he dies his family would sell it to developers.
I'm not even sure any states would accept the land back if you offered it to them. They are all in rural states with low populations and a low tax base. The federal money those parks bring in is VERY welcome,and their budgets would be in trouble without it.
I personally know of a big chunk of oceanfront property that was a federal wildlife refuge for over 50 years before being privatized in the 70's or 80's.
I have relatives that live near there,and remember it well. Go there now and the most scenery you will see are rental property mansions with 6 or more bedrooms on pilings so the people in them have a ocean view. Goober Gore owns a mansion there,or did back when he was the VP. Think he paid something like a half-mil for it back then.
Instead of wheel tracks through the sand,they now have paved roads and shopping centers. Someone told me a while back that the local government has now banned commercial fishermen from setting their nets off the beach and pulling them in to fish them over because the tourists didn't like it. Some of these people come from families that have been fishing those beaches since per-Revolutionary times. Seriously.
And they are one strong hurricane away from the state and federal government having to cough up maybe even a hundred million dollars in disaster-relief to repair the mansions of wealthy northerners who go there to vacation and rent the properties for thousands a week during the summer months.
I don't live there so I don't have any voice in what goes on,but it seems to me the nation was better off when it was a game preserve.
How do we know how the states would manage those lands if they can't even try? And it sounds like that oceanfront property went to exactly the type of problem @INVAR was referring to. Favoritism. No input from the locals/state. Some damn fed got a nice chunk of change to "privatize" it.
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I have relatives that live near there,and remember it well. Go there now and the most scenery you will see are rental property mansions with 6 or more bedrooms on pilings so the people in them have a ocean view. Goober Gore owns a mansion there,or did back when he was the VP. Think he paid something like a half-mil for it back then.
Instead of wheel tracks through the sand,they now have paved roads and shopping centers. Someone told me a while back that the local government has now banned commercial fishermen from setting their nets off the beach and pulling them in to fish them over because the tourists didn't like it. Some of these people come from families that have been fishing those beaches since per-Revolutionary times. Seriously.
And they are one strong hurricane away from the state and federal government having to cough up maybe even a hundred million dollars in disaster-relief to repair the mansions of wealthy northerners who go there to vacation and rent the properties for thousands a week during the summer months.
I don't live there so I don't have any voice in what goes on,but it seems to me the nation was better off when it was a game preserve.
How do we know how the states would manage those lands if they can't even try? And it sounds like that oceanfront property went to exactly the type of problem @INVAR was referring to. Favoritism. No input from the locals/state. Some damn fed got a nice chunk of change to "privatize" it.
Actually, out this way, I'd like to see it opened up to homesteading again.
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@bigheadfred @sneakypete
Pete has a point, and Military reservations are Constitutionally Authorized. National Parks, Monuments, and Wilderness areas are not. I would concede National Parks, but this business of every president sequestering another million or more acres for a 'national monument' is insanity. Wilderness areas, the same thing, frankly.
Part of that problem is the wad of rules that come with those designations, not just for those who lived in them, but by 'buffer zones' created around them, land in private hands controlled by government edict.
While a peculiar form of fascism, it is one I know of. My relatives have 22 acres of 180 year old red oak timber, ripe for harvest, planted by an ancestor, that cannot be cut by government decree because it is in a 'buffer zone' to a 'critical area' of a Scenic River. Nine Federal and State permits to cut one tree. Each tree. Insanity. The land has been in the family since the 1640s, and is still productive.
Tear off a chunk here or there to preserve some ecosystem, but better yet, let the States decide what proportion is to be Park land or not. Shutting down huge tracts to access amounts to an unfunded mandate by demanding resources not be harvested or produced, but roads, firefighting, and necessary rescue services have to be maintained, sans tax base. More often than not, people on that land will take better care of it than any federal agency ever will or will know how to.
Considering the Federal Government owns half of the land west of the Mississippi River, that's too much, and the tax money from those resources being tapped, developed, manufacturing and the jobs that would create would be a boon, not only to individual communities ravaged by spotted owls and the like, but the country as a whole.
Animals are adaptable, and it's time to get past the snowflake version of Bambi and down to the reality of critters dining on your shrubbery and taking the front out of your car by just standing around.
@sneakypete
This is a PDF of Department of defense land. https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/DOD_1.pdf (https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/DOD_1.pdf) In blue. If it is Department of Defense we are talking about. Again, why do either of you think the states would object to military use of land for training exercises? I have no objection to federally held military reserves. When your horse craps and one of those apples rolls onto fed ground on their side of YOUR fence and some fed envirowhacko tells you you need to clean that up---enough is enough.
There are too many departments "managing" these lands (cumulatively), too.
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@INVAR
I know nothing about those.
Here is a couple of news blurbs for starters:
Obama has seized more land for the federal government than any other president in American history. To date, he has unilaterally taken over 260 million acres of land and water, giving control and ownership over to the feds.
...Obama wielded this power once again, designating over 1.8 million acres of California lands as federally-protected lands. In doing so, the president artificially created three “national monuments:” Sand to Snow, Mojave Trails, and Castle Mountains. “The new monuments will connect three existing sites — Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks and the Mojave National Preserve — to create the second-largest desert preserve in the world,”
http://www.dailywire.com/news/3357/amount-land-obama-has-seized-feds-will-astound-you-michael-qazvini#
Nevertheless, the Obama administration’s aggressive use of executive orders to unconstitutionally bypass Congress and enact its own “environmental” regulations indicates that we can expect an intensification of the adversarial attitude by federal agencies toward ranchers, farmers, and rural property owners. The EPA’s new “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) interpretation, all by itself, guarantees collisions between federal authorities and property owners. According to Obama’s EPA, even dry land miles from any “navigable waters” is still subject to EPA’s arbitrary and capricious jurisdiction because the rainwater that sinks into the ground is somehow connected to navigable waters. This virtually guarantees an escalation of tensions and a certainty of more confrontations that could turn violent.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/22499-behind-the-oregon-standoff
Last Friday, President Obama ordered that well over half a million — 582,578 — square miles off the coast of Hawaii be seized as property for the federal government. Now a “national marine monument,” large swaths of the Hawaiian coast are off limits to commercial fishing….When the president seizes huge tracts of land or water in the name of “public good,” the American people get no say and merely limited access to that land.
http://truthfeed.com/obama-has-now-seized-more-land-by-executive-order-than-any-u-s-president-in-history/21303/
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Give me a break! Do you really think Yellowstone would still exist today without the federal dollars pouring in to the state for rental and fees,and by extension,supporting the tourist trade?
@sneakypete
You ain't got a leg to stand on. The fed gov is the largest land owner in every state in the west. We don't need em all up in our business. Gating everything off like we ain't got a right.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Map_of_all_U.S._Federal_Land.jpg)
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@sneakypete
This is a PDF of Department of defense land. https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/DOD_1.pdf (https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/DOD_1.pdf) In blue. If it is Department of Defense we are talking about. Again, why do either of you think the states would object to military use of land for training exercises? I have no objection to federally held military reserves. When your horse craps and one of those apples rolls onto fed ground on their side of YOUR fence and some fed envirowhacko tells you you need to clean that up---enough is enough.
There are too many departments "managing" these lands (cumulatively), too.
It isn't the DOD lands. Those are, again, Constitutionally authorized. It is the National Grasslands, National Forests, BLM land, 'national monuments', Wilderness areas, and a host of other designations which remove land from private concerns and reduce it to more park area overseen by people who will fine you $15K for taking a leak on the ground in the middle of nowhere. Management includes the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), the USFWS, National Park Service, and a host of others.
BTW, on that map, red are Indian Reservations, light green are National Forest/Grasslands, dark green National Parks, and DOD lands are in blue. (areas smaller than 23,000 acres are omitted because of map scale. I'm not sure about the other colors and designations, those are just the ones I can identify offhand. https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/DOD_1.pdf (https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/DOD_1.pdf)
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Thanks for Posting this, @Smokin Joe
(https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cf_yDTE2fnyMyunII6lE-78-vAE=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5933395/ethanol-3.png)
Okay, that was getting off topic, although still a nice idea for the wish list. Getting back on, and using this graphic as inspiration, in Iowa, Mr Trump said :
The EPA should ensure that biofuel … blend levels match the statutory level set by Congress under the [renewable fuel standard],” Trump said.
http://www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/?p=15941 (http://www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/?p=15941)
From the article, dated January 19, 2016:
Donald Trump said Tuesday that federal regulators should increase the amount of ethanol blended into the nation’s gasoline supply.
Now, this is one promise I really hope he does not keep. The Renewable Fuels blend mandate is not a percentage of fuel, but an amount of ethanol, in gallons, to be blended into the nation's fuels . When this becomes a problem is when fuel consumption (gasoline) drops, the amount of ethanol stays the same, requiring more ethanol in more of the fuel supply. Most automobile engines are designed in such a way that beyond 10% ethanol (known as the 'blend wall') those engines will have problems. Flex Fuel and E-85 engines are an exception, but they are also an exception among the vehicles on the road.
In addition to that, ethanol in fuel systems is damaging to small engines, including generators, pumps, lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, outboard motors, and older (classic) vehicles not built to use ethanol in fuels.
I would much rather see ethanol on the market as an option rather than a requirement, and let the market decide.
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@Smokin Joe
There was something about carmakers voiding engine warranties for using E15. Don't know if that holds true today.
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@Smokin Joe
There was something about carmakers voiding engine warranties for using E15. Don't know if that holds true today.
I'm not sure about the warranties, but the "Blend Wall", the maximum recommended for the average or existing auto engine is 10%. Beyond that, damage is expected.
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More promises: Compiled by Jenna Johnson, in the Washington Post article at the link Additional commentary and links are available there. Note: These may overlap the ones in the initial post. Again, this is done in the spirit of being able to compare stated goals with performance, and is not intended to commend nor decry Mr Trump, the President-elect.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/)
1. Build a wall along the southern border that's taller than the arenas where Trump holds his rallies, taller than any ladder and one foot taller than the Great Wall of China. This "artistically beautiful" wall will be constructed out of hardened concrete, rebar and steel, and it will be "the greatest wall that you've ever seen" -- so great that the nation will likely one day name it "The Trump Wall."
2. Make Mexico pay for the wall. If Mexico refuses, then the United States will impound all remittance payments taken from the wages of illegal immigrants, cut foreign aid, institute tariffs, cancel visas for Mexican business leaders and diplomats, and increase fees for visas, border-crossing cards and port use.
3. "If I become president, we're all going to be saying 'Merry Christmas' again."
4. Get rid of Common Core because it's "a disaster" and a "very bad thing." Trump says he wants to give local school districts more control and might even eliminate the Department of Education.
5. The Environmental Protection Agency might also disappear.
6. Get rid of Obamacare and replace it with something "terrific" that is "so much better, so much better, so much better."
7. Knock down the regulatory walls between states for health insurance, making plans available nationally instead of regionally.
8. Rebuild the country's aging infrastructure -- especially bridges and airports that look like they belong in a third-world country -- for one-third of what the United States is currently paying for such projects.
9. Save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security without cutting benefits.
10. Defund Planned Parenthood.
11. "I will take care of women, and I have great respect for women. I do cherish women, and I will take care of women."
12. Frequently use the term "radical Islamic terrorism."
13. Temporarily ban most foreign Muslims from entering the United States "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." Trump would allow exceptions for dignitaries, business people, athletes and others who have "proven" themselves.
14. Bar Syrian refugees from entering the country and kick out any who are already living here. Trump says wealthy Persian Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia should pay to set up a heavily guarded "safe zone" in Syria.
15. Heavily surveil mosques in the United States. Trump has said he's open to the idea of closing some mosques.
16. Create a database of Syrian refugees. Trump hasn't ruled out creating a database of Muslims in the country.
17. Never take a vacation while serving as president.
18. Prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private e-mail server while serving as secretary of state.
http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,235298.0/topicseen.html (http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,235298.0/topicseen.html) pending verification.
19. Make medical marijuana widely available to patients, and allow states to decide if they want to fully legalize pot or not.
20. Stop spending money on space exploration until the United States can fix its potholes. Encourage private space-exploration companies to expand.
21. Pick Supreme Court justices who are "really great legal scholars."
22. Ensure that Iowa continues to host the nation's first presidential nominating contest.
23. Strengthen the military so that it's "so big and so strong and so great" that "nobody's going to mess with us."
24. Be unpredictable. "No one is going to touch us, because I'm so unpredictable."
25. Allow Russia to deal with the Islamic State in Syria and/or work with Russian President Vladimir Putin to wipe out shared enemies.
26. "Bomb the s--- out of ISIS." Also bomb oil fields controlled by the Islamic State, then seize the oil and give the profits to military veterans who were wounded while fighting.
27. Target and kill the relatives of terrorists.
28. Shut down parts of the Internet so that Islamic State terrorists cannot use it to recruit American children.
29. Bring back waterboarding, which the Obama administration considers torture. Trump has said he's willing to use interrogation techniques that go even further than waterboarding. Even if such tactics don't work, "they deserve it anyway, for what they're doing."
30. Leave troops in Afghanistan because it's such "a mess." Protect Israel. And increase U.S. military presence in the East and South China Seas.
31. Find an "out" clause in the Iran deal and then "totally" renegotiate the whole thing.
32. "I promise I will never be in a bicycle race. That I can tell you." (This promise is connected to criticism of Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who was injured while riding a bicycle amid the Iran negotiations.)
33. Refuse to call Iran's leader by his preferred title. "I guarantee you I will be never calling him the Supreme Leader... I'll say, 'Hey baby, how ya doing?' I will never call him the Supreme Leader."
34. Negotiate the release of all U.S. prisoners held in Iran before taking office. > snip <
35. Oppose the killing of journalists: "I hate some of these people, but I would never kill them."
36. Find great generals -- like the next Gen. Patton or Gen. MacArthur -- and do not allow them to go onto television news shows to explain their military strategy: "I don't want my generals being interviewed, I want my generals kicking a--." > snip<
37. Drop that "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane into desolate Afghanistan without a parachute.
38. Fire "the corrupt and incompetent" leaders of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and dramatically reform the agency. Allow veterans to take their military identification card to any medical facility that accepts Medicaid patients to receive care. Embed satellite VA clinics in rural hospitals and underserved areas, and ensure than every VA hospital is permanently staffed with OBGYN doctors.
39. Invest more heavily in programs that help military veterans transition back to civilian life, including job training and placement services. Also increase funding for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and mental health issues. Veterans who apply for a job at a VA facility will have five points added to their qualifying scores.
40. Bring back jobs from China -- and Mexico, Japan and elsewhere.
41. "I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever created." Trump says cities like Reno, Nev., will "be a big fat beautiful beneficiary" of these new jobs.
42. Students at Wofford College in South Carolina, where Trump attended a town hall, will all have jobs at graduation.
43. Aggressively challenge China's power in the world by declaring the country a currency manipulator, adopting a "zero tolerance policy on intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer" and cracking down on China's "lax labor and environmental standards."
44. Rather than throw the Chinese president a state dinner, buy him "a McDonald's hamburger and say we've got to get down to work."
45. Replace "free trade" with "fair trade." Gather together the "smartest negotiators in the world," assign them each a country and renegotiate all foreign trade deals.
46. Put billionaire hedge fund manager Carl Icahn in charge of trade negotiations with China and Japan, and pick an ambassador to Japan who is "a killer," unlike the current ambassador, Caroline Kennedy.
47. Tell Ford Motor Co.'s president that unless he cancels plans to build a massive plant in Mexico, the company will face a 35 percent tax on cars imported back into the United States. Trump is confident he can get this done before taking office. (Last year he incorrectly said this had already happened.)
48. Force Nabisco to once again make Oreos in the United States. And bully Apple into making its "damn computers" and other products here.
49. Impose new taxes on many imports into the country. Numbers thrown around have included 32 percent, 34 percent and 35 percent.
50. Grow the nation's economy by at least 6 percent.
51. Reduce the $18 trillion national debt by "vigorously eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government, ending redundant government programs and growing the economy to increase tax revenues."
52. Cut the budget by 20 percent by simply renegotiating.
53. Get rid of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
54. Simplify the U.S. tax code and reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to four. The highest earners would pay a 25-percent tax. The corporate tax rate would fall to 15 percent. Eliminate the "marriage penalty" for taxpayers and get rid of the alternate minimum tax.
55. No longer charge income tax to single individuals earning less than $25,000 per year or couples earning less than $50,000. These people will, however, be required to file a one-page form with the Internal Revenue Service that states: "I win."
56. Ensure that Americans can still afford to golf.
57. Allow corporations a one-time window to transfer money being held overseas, charging a much-reduced 10 percent tax.
58. Get rid of most corporate tax loopholes or incentives, but continue to allow taxpayers to deduct mortgage interest and charitable donations from their taxes.
59. On his first day in office, Trump would get rid of gun-free zones at military bases and in schools.
60. Use "common sense" to fix the mental health system and prevent mass shootings. Find ways to arm more of the "good guys" like him who can take out the "sickos." Get rid of bans on certain types of guns and magazines so that "good, honest people" can own the guns of their choice.
61. Impose a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison for any violent felon who commits a crime using a gun, with no chance for parole or early release.
62. Fix the background check system used when purchasing guns to ensure states are properly uploading criminal and health records.
63. Allow concealed-carry permits to be recognized in all 50 states.
64. Sign an executive order calling for the death penalty for anyone found guilty of killing a police officer.
65. Provide more funding for police training.
66. And provide more funding for drug treatment, especially for heroin addicts.
67. On the first day in office, terminate President Obama's executive orders related to immigration. This includes getting rid of "sanctuary cities" that Trump says have become refuges for criminals.
68. Deport the almost 11 million immigrants illegally living in the United States.
69. Triple the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
70. Continue to allow lowly paid foreign workers to come to the United States on temporary works visas because Trump says they are the only ones who want to pick grapes.
71. End birthright citizenship.
72. Say things that are politically incorrect, because the country does not have time to waste with political correctness. 73. Make America great again -- and strong again, as it has become too weak. 74. Be a cheerleader for America and bring the country's spirit back. "Take the brand of the United States and make it great again."
75. Bring back the American Dream.
76. Start winning again. "We're going to win so much -- win after win after win -- that you're going to be begging me: 'Please, Mr. President, let us lose once or twice. We can't stand it any more.' And I'm going to say: 'No way. We're going to keep winning. We're never going to lose. We're never, ever going to lose."
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Thanks of that list and commentary Joe.
Given what Trump has been, and is - according to his fruits, statements and interviews, I do not expect much of that list to be accomplished or even attempted outside of lip service and perhaps some more kabuki theater.
I am immune from being disappointed in any failure of those things he said he would do from ever coming to fruition because I never believed he was serious about doing any of those things. And, some of the things he said he intended to do - the Executive has no power to do or interfere with.
Low or non-existent expectations in Trump's leadership does provide me with the opportunity to be surprised in the positive, should he actually attempt to make good on those things beyond the rhetoric to placate the crowds and get votes, but I am not expecting much if any fulfillment at all. i.e.:, Trump's stated plan to "fix" Obamacare is to do exactly what the Democrats intended Obamacare to achieve in the first place: to impose Single Payer and expand the mandate that every person in the country must be 'covered'.
What I am going to be most watchful of - is the circumvention, the sidestepping, or the wholesale ignoring of the Rule of Law and the Constitution that both parties, the Courts and the Obama regime have made SOP. I think there is real danger in Trump following lawless precedents set by Obama, given his only experience is acting as a sole dictator (which all CEOs of your own corporation are). This Republic is not a corporation, and the Constitution does not provide for Trump to run the country like his own private business. He has imposed limits, and it is already disconcerting to read people who claim to be Conservative, opining and hoping that Trump use his own pen and phone as Obama has.
I will be very sensitive to moves, statements and actions which will further entrench the Executive into the dictatorship the GOP leadership under Boehner, McConnell, Pelosi and Reid have already enabled and established. I have no faith that Trump is going to slow, stop or reverse what we have been fundamentally transformed into already - but that said - I am better positioned to be pleasantly surprised should that discernment prove wrong.
But we are dealing with government - and chances are - my discernment about that is more correct than not.
We shall see.
Not a bad commentary from both Smokin' Joe, Invar and the whole thread. That's what I'm talkin' about !!
The only thing that I think might be a little unfair would be to expect President Trump not to utilize some of the enlarged scope of executive power created by the Eightball Obama to UNDO some of the destructive things that were done with it.
Of course that recalls the famous line from Star Wars when Senator Palpatine swears that he will," relinquish these emergency powers I have been granted the second that order is restored to the Republic." Of course, he had absolutely no intention of ever giving up those powers and immediately used them to help to create the Empire and become Emperor.
That is a razor's edge that will require both wisdom and restraint for a leader to walk. Let us hope that President Trump has an ample supply of both.
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@sneakypete
You ain't got a leg to stand on. The fed gov is the largest land owner in every state in the west. We don't need em all up in our business. Gating everything off like we ain't got a right.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Map_of_all_U.S._Federal_Land.jpg)
@roamer_1
How does that negate ANYTHING I wrote about Yellowstone,for example?
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I would much rather see ethanol on the market as an option rather than a requirement, and let the market decide.
@Smokin Joe
The days when ethanol marketing,or anything else is left up to the consumers are long ago in a distant land,and will never be seen again. Big Massa Goobermint knows what is best for us.
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How does that negate ANYTHING I wrote about Yellowstone,for example?
In the first place, the fed ain't supposed to own land, beyond govt buildings, military bases and etc.
That being said, I have no real objection to a natl park here and there... Hell, I didn't even mind federal forests when they were held for the people - That ain't so anymore.
Hell, you can't hardly piss on the ground around here without some federal sh*tbag showing up and declaring it a national wetland, and another one showing up two days later to claim all the land from that spot to the nearest river as an 'eagle flyway'.
They ain't managing the land 'for the people', they're shutting us out of it, and shutting it off.
Try to find someplace to go four wheeling. I got rid of my mud truck because there wasn't a mudhole left - they're all shut down. Same with a four-wheeler and a snow machine. Used to be you could throw a snow machine out of the pickup just about anywhere, and putt on out to any lake, get in some ice fishing, and putt on home. Not anymore.
Try to get a mining claim. Try to use open range. Hell, even firewood permits are getting damn selective.
We're experiencing WHY the government isn't supposed to own land.
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In the first place, the fed ain't supposed to own land, beyond govt buildings, military bases and etc.
That being said, I have no real objection to a natl park here and there... Hell, I didn't even mind federal forests when they were held for the people - That ain't so anymore.
Hell, you can't hardly piss on the ground around here without some federal sh*tbag showing up and declaring it a national wetland, and another one showing up two days later to claim all the land from that spot to the nearest river as an 'eagle flyway'.
They ain't managing the land 'for the people', they're shutting us out of it, and shutting it off.
Try to find someplace to go four wheeling. I got rid of my mud truck because there wasn't a mudhole left - they're all shut down. Same with a four-wheeler and a snow machine. Used to be you could throw a snow machine out of the pickup just about anywhere, and putt on out to any lake, get in some ice fishing, and putt on home. Not anymore.
Try to get a mining claim. Try to use open range. Hell, even firewood permits are getting damn selective.
We're experiencing WHY the government isn't supposed to own land.
I know a fellow who tried to put in a stock tank on BLM land, and was going to feed it from a windmill pumped well. He had to get all the permits to run the water line and do the studies for the site that an oil company would have had to have done to drill an oil well, with the exception of building a road and drilling a well. Cost to put in a stock tank and run a hose up to it (in permits and studies alone) would have been close to six figures. He said "F*ck it. The cattle can walk to water." (Of course, purt'near every critter that drinks water would have benefitted from having the tank up there, too.
If you look at a map of North Dakota, there is a huge lake in the western part known as Lake Sakakawea. Pretty to look at, but purt'near inaccessible. There are a couple of private holdings down at Tobacco Gardens and Hoffland Bay, a little private land at Chris Cove, and one state park next to that with a boat ramp, but aside from Reservation lands, that's about it for over 140 miles of shoreline. The rest is mostly Corps of Engineers land, and that includes some real nice beaches. But don't go out there on a Saturday afternoon, the Corps will run you off, if they don't fine you. But it sure is a pretty lake to look at.
There is a lot more, but I have things to do. But the Federal Government is actively squeezing out people with inholdings in National Forests and other Federal Land blocs, and that includes people like ranchers in Oregon, people who have cabins on private land in the George Washington National Forest, and others whose land is effectively controlled by arbitrary buffer zones established and controlling the use of their land adjacent to Federal land and the resources on it. It is ongoing, and our tax dollars are being used against us.
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More promises: Compiled by Jenna Johnson, in the Washington Post article at the link Additional commentary and links are available there. Note: These may overlap the ones in the initial post. Again, this is done in the spirit of being able to compare stated goals with performance, and is not intended to commend nor decry Mr Trump, the President-elect.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/)
Number 13, the Muslim Ban, may have just bitten the dust, if this article is correct:
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trumps-muslim-ban-was-quietly-removed-from-his-website/ar-AAk8QKu?li=BBnb7Kz
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In the first place, the fed ain't supposed to own land, beyond govt buildings, military bases and etc.
That being said, I have no real objection to a natl park here and there... Hell, I didn't even mind federal forests when they were held for the people - That ain't so anymore.
Hell, you can't hardly piss on the ground around here without some federal sh*tbag showing up and declaring it a national wetland, and another one showing up two days later to claim all the land from that spot to the nearest river as an 'eagle flyway'.
They ain't managing the land 'for the people', they're shutting us out of it, and shutting it off.
Try to find someplace to go four wheeling. I got rid of my mud truck because there wasn't a mudhole left - they're all shut down. Same with a four-wheeler and a snow machine. Used to be you could throw a snow machine out of the pickup just about anywhere, and putt on out to any lake, get in some ice fishing, and putt on home. Not anymore.
Try to get a mining claim. Try to use open range. Hell, even firewood permits are getting damn selective.
We're experiencing WHY the government isn't supposed to own land.
@roamer_1
All very good valid points.
Howsoever, that ain't really the fault of the feral goobermint. It's the fault of the city pinheads who push their political leaders to promote "feel good" (to them,anyway) legislation.
That's how America works. If the government is doing something we don't like or not doing something we want done,we are supposed to complain to our political leaders to have things changed
It really is up to us to become more pro-active with local and state politics,and try to teach a little reality to pinheads occasionally. I know I fall short to often,myself. Mostly because I don't deal well with pinheads in person.
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Maybe if the West would stop electing Democrats this might change?
Didn't Ted Cruz introduce a bill for the Federal Government to give up it's land?
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[...] the Federal Government is actively squeezing out people with inholdings in National Forests and other Federal Land blocs, and that includes people like ranchers in Oregon, people who have cabins on private land in the George Washington National Forest, and others whose land is effectively controlled by arbitrary buffer zones established and controlling the use of their land adjacent to Federal land and the resources on it. It is ongoing, and our tax dollars are being used against us.
That's exactly right. We're having that going on here too - Buddy of mine has been on a federal lease for 3 generations. Leasing the land cost roughly a couple grand for 50 years. the '50' is coming around again, and after assessment (of the work and labor HIS FAMILY did on the land), the lease is north of $104,000.00 for the next 50.
He's bringing suit, leaning on squatter's rights, but he's going to lose.. And a ranch that's been going since before Montana was a state will fold up and disappear. Same with Echo Lake. All those beach-front leases are up and every one of the cabins is for sale - Cabins that have been there for a century - Because the locals can't make the new lease price... The only hope they have is that they can rub them off on some tourist, because everyone here knows that after the 50-70k ask, comes the 150k lease in two years.
The sonsabiches. They're driving people off the land on purpose... Driving them into the cities where they can be controlled. Don't think we don't know what's going on.
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Howsoever, that ain't really the fault of the feral goobermint. It's the fault of the city pinheads who push their political leaders to promote "feel good" (to them,anyway) legislation.
@sneakypete
Oh the hell you say... That's precisely the point! If the state owned the land, OUR reps down in Helena, that WE elect, would have the say.
Then those pinheaded bunnyhuggers in California and New York wouldn't have a damn bit of say in any of it.
The Federal gvt is not supposed to own it, and because they do, people in DC have more power over it than the people who live here. That's a damnable curse.
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The sonsabiches. They're driving people off the land on purpose... Driving them into the cities where they can be controlled. Don't think we don't know what's going on.
@roamer_1
I am GUESSING,and it is only a guess,that you are 180 degrees off on that prediction.
*I* THINK what is behind it is a plan to chase off all the locals and other "rubes" in order to clear the titles so that once America turns into a key part of The North American Economic Zone the people that sit on the corporate board that runs things and their relatives will be able to sell it to themselves and they will have HUGE tracts of beautiful scenery to enjoy vacations in private without having to deal with the rubes and other "common people".
They will even have room to build barracks to house the family bodyguards,and not have to worry about any of those silly EPA laws or property taxes.
Rules are for common people,not Royalty.
Think "Red Ted Turner" and the enormous ranch he owns in Wyoming (I THINK) for the blueprint.
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@sneakypete
Oh the hell you say... That's precisely the point! If the state owned the land, OUR reps down in Helena, that WE elect, would have the say.
Then those pinheaded bunnyhuggers in California and New York wouldn't have a damn bit of say in any of it.
@roamer_1
And you would still have to deal with the local pinheads. Some of the local pinheads out west have names like Red Ted Turner,Bill Gates,etc,etc,etc. All you have to do to be a local is get a local address. You can rent it,you don't even have to own it.
What it boils back down to is WE need to put more pressure on state and local politicians. That's the ONLY place where our pressure even means anything. Nobody on the fedral level,including your local congresscritter or US Senator is going to do much more than smile and nod at you while agreeing,and then not doing a damn thing because YOU as an individual can't touch him or her. The ONLY people who can are your local and state party officials and reps. Put pressure on them and THEY will put pressure on the federal boys. The truth is THEY are the only ones who can that aren't billionaires with access.
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@roamer_1
I am GUESSING,and it is only a guess,that you are 180 degrees off on that prediction.
*I* THINK what is behind it is a plan to chase off all the locals and other "rubes" in order to clear the titles so that once America turns into a key part of The North American Economic Zone the people that sit on the corporate board that runs things and their relatives will be able to sell it to themselves and they will have HUGE tracts of beautiful scenery to enjoy vacations in private without having to deal with the rubes and other "common people".
They will even have room to build barracks to house the family bodyguards,and not have to worry about any of those silly EPA laws or property taxes.
Rules are for common people,not Royalty.
Think "Red Ted Turner" and the enormous ranch he owns in Wyoming (I THINK) for the blueprint.
Turner's ranch is in Montana. A few locals got jobs actually making it run, but not the same as having your own operation.
But you did hit on why I want homesteading back instead of a 'sale'. Either the sale blocks on hardscrabble land will be so large that few can afford them, or the price will be nuts, and locals still lose to those guys with money. Sometimes a decent relationship can develop there, but more often than not, you have a bunch of arrogant, moneyed tinhorns with no damned sense who would sic a lawyer on you if you pulled them out of the ditch and sloshed their latte or didn't do it just right. There goes the neighborhood. Folks out this way don't much cotton to highfalootin' folks from elsewhere looking down their noses at them because they had some overpaid job back east or out west. We just remind them they are a lot like Teddy Rooseveldt when he first got out here (a skinny, good for nothing much rich kid from back East, who as time went by matured and earned his stripes by doing, not by cutting a check).
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But you did hit on why I want homesteading back instead of a 'sale'.
There's something to be said for preserving open range and public forests. I sure don't like cutting it up.
One of the very best parts of being a cowboy in Montana is that you can still actually cowboy... Not a lot of fences (still to many) on open range, and it ought to be that way. I've been in places, bustin cows out of the breaks, where you won't hit a fence for days. It's part of what makes cattle possible.
And the same with the forest. I love that I can walk out my door and into vast stretches of forest where you might not see another human for a week or more. High lonesome. Hanging valleys where nobody's been in the last 20-30 years.
That stuff is precious... and has a purpose in itself, as wilderness.
there is a way to strike a balance.
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Turner's ranch is in Montana.
Number 1 on my bucket list of "thing to do before I die" is to go to his ranch and take a dump in his well. Unless of course he dies before me. Then I want to take a dump on his grave.
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@bigheadfred
No can do. The US military needs and uses huge tracts of public land to train on,and if you stop this Americans WILL die in combat that wouldn't have died if they had been able to train properly.
They need to train in the cities, run tanks over occupied houses, blow up lots full of cars and people for more realistic training. Since we no longer have enemies and you oppose foreign wars and Russia's tsar is an ally, we don't need a military any more. right...
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Number 1 on my bucket list of "thing to do before I die" is to go to his ranch and take a dump in his well. Unless of course he dies before me. Then I want to take a dump on his grave.
Kinda off topic, but I think the gutters will run yellow around his ex's grave for years, when the time comes...Won't be able to get sod to take within 50 feet of that spot.
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They need to train in the cities, run tanks over occupied houses, blow up lots full of cars and people for more realistic training. Since we no longer have enemies and you oppose foreign wars and Russia's tsar is an ally, we don't need a military any more. right...
Running back and forth where the wall is supposed to go might be a good exercise. One time when Posse Comitatus could actually be a problem.
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They need to train in the cities, run tanks over occupied houses, blow up lots full of cars and people for more realistic training. Since we no longer have enemies and you oppose foreign wars and Russia's tsar is an ally, we don't need a military any more. right...
@geronl
COOL! Give me your address,and I'll tell some people I know in the Special Warfare Center that your place would be a good place to practice a hostage rescue.
Awful nice of you to volunteer.
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@geronl
COOL! Give me your address,and I'll tell some people I know in the Special Warfare Center that your place would be a good place to practice a hostage rescue.
Awful nice of you to volunteer.
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...
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1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...
@geronl
Ahhhh,just another poser with no actual convictions........
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"Bomb the s--- out of ISIS."
I wonder if P-E Trump knows there are two esses in ISIS?
What city people don't understand is that ruralites are the BEST stewards of their land, including the lands they use for range or whatever. The last thing they want to see is those lands ruined. And the very last thing they want or need is some clueless desk jockey writing up rules and regulations that only accomplish destroying people's ways of life and livelihoods.
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@geronl
Ahhhh,just another poser with no actual convictions........
I got enough convictions that when a new PO tells me he is going to review my file a delivery truck pulls up outside his office.
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@geronl @Smokin Joe @roamer_1 @sneakypete
I am going to move this conversation on to healthcare. The immediate effects of a repeal of obamacare.
Hospital profits affected most? Is that "our" major concern?
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjChKyn1qDQAhVL0FQKHa2RBfoQFghQMAc&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modernhealthcare.com%2Farticle%2F20161109%2FNEWS%2F161109911&usg=AFQjCNEgy17oI099yzrQjOYlHSBsyGA7TA&sig2=ZQ8Ey2lE1lteWuosnjuDOQ (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjChKyn1qDQAhVL0FQKHa2RBfoQFghQMAc&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modernhealthcare.com%2Farticle%2F20161109%2FNEWS%2F161109911&usg=AFQjCNEgy17oI099yzrQjOYlHSBsyGA7TA&sig2=ZQ8Ey2lE1lteWuosnjuDOQ)
The number of people who would lose their insurance?
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20160305/MAGAZINE/303059966 (http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20160305/MAGAZINE/303059966)
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20150117/NEWS/301169969 (http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20150117/NEWS/301169969)
I'm not going to have time to post much on this until this evening, but a couple of anecdotes.
A co-worker told me yesterday his catastrophic insurance premium is rising beyond his ability to pay so he is done with it. It doesn't help in his day-to-day health issues anyway.
Shortly after our employer insurance ended and we were trying to decide what to do, my wife's gall bladder went out. Two weeks after the warranty expired. Our GP set up tests and from there an immediate surgical consult. That a-hole told us he didn't think there was a problem. Basically called my wife a liar. Hadn't looked at her charts. He said he would be 'nice' and not charge us for the consultation. Told us if she REALLY thought she had a problem we should go to the emergency room. So we did. They ran some tests and admitted her. We were waiting in her room and a nurse came in fiddling around. I asked her where we were at. She said the surgeon had an emergency surgery and wouldn't be in for several hours. I told her I was completely exhausted--no good sleep for several days--so I was going home to nap.
As soon as I pull in the driveway my son comes over and tells me they were taking her into surgery. So back to the hospital I go at ought-ninety. Turns out the emergency surgery the surgeon had was hers. But they got her fixed up. The doc said her gall bladder burst when they were trying to remove it. It was that close.
To top it off the first surgeon sent us a $400 bill for a surgical consult for after she was admitted. That made me mad. He got a severe a-chewing from me and NO money.
More later.
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@geronl @Smokin Joe @roamer_1 @sneakypete @bigheadfred
I am going to move this conversation on to healthcare. The immediate effects of a repeal of obamacare.
I don't think they can repeal it. I think they'll have to sunset it out there a year or so... Give the insurance industry some time to re-jigger. maybe repeal the mandate and offer it for a year to close.
A co-worker told me yesterday his catastrophic insurance premium is rising beyond his ability to pay so he is done with it. It doesn't help in his day-to-day health issues anyway.
My brother and sister are in the same boat.
My brother's just jacked by double... some 24k a year with a 9k per-person deductible. That means something like... if his whole fam damily got in a car wreck or something, he'd pay some 60k before the insurance kicks in...
And in normal seepage, your normal day to day health he's paying it all out of pocket. His wife had two surgeries this year and her end was still 300 bucks short of kickin in.
same with my sister... her family is smaller, but hers just doubled too - and she had to have her lady parts overhauled this year, and paid the whole bill out of pocket - wasn't even close to hitting the deductible.
So effectively neither one of them HAS insurance anymore... The deductible is so high that it's just a big ass useless tax.
A helluva long way from your standard $4-500/mo family policy with a $500 group deductible as it used to be... under which their issues would have hit close to 80% paid by their insurance.
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Easiest change right now would be to get rid of the payout maximum ban, that should bring people's premiums down a little.
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Okay, that was getting off topic, although still a nice idea for the wish list. Getting back on, and using this graphic as inspiration, in Iowa, Mr Trump said :
The EPA should ensure that biofuel … blend levels match the statutory level set by Congress under the [renewable fuel standard],” Trump said.
http://www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/?p=15941 (http://www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/?p=15941)
From the article, dated January 19, 2016:
Now, this is one promise I really hope he does not keep. The Renewable Fuels blend mandate is not a percentage of fuel, but an amount of ethanol, in gallons, to be blended into the nation's fuels . When this becomes a problem is when fuel consumption (gasoline) drops, the amount of ethanol stays the same, requiring more ethanol in more of the fuel supply. Most automobile engines are designed in such a way that beyond 10% ethanol (known as the 'blend wall') those engines will have problems. Flex Fuel and E-85 engines are an exception, but they are also an exception among the vehicles on the road.
In addition to that, ethanol in fuel systems is damaging to small engines, including generators, pumps, lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, outboard motors, and older (classic) vehicles not built to use ethanol in fuels.
I would much rather see ethanol on the market as an option rather than a requirement, and let the market decide.
I prefer my ethanol in a glass with a few ice cubes.
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@geronl @Smokin Joe @roamer_1 @sneakypete
I am going to move this conversation on to healthcare. The immediate effects of a repeal of obamacare.
Personal situation. Self employed for 5 years, carried 5K deductible per event on me, wife and dependent grandchildren (supposedly) covered by Indian Health through the tribe.
That cost about 6 K a year, and we put the max (7500/yr) away into a Medical savings account, out of which the smaller bills were paid. The actual rate of medical payment outgo was pretty close to that 7500/yr, including everything from doctor visits to a couple of ER appearances, and over that term, and deductible/copays including the biopsy, surgery for basal cell carcinoma and the surgery for a umbilical hernia. Cost for health CARE (actual) including the insurance with a high deductible for the family (because Indian Health just didn't kick in at all) was about 14000 a year.
This year, I got a notice from my insurer that they were getting out of the Health insurance business in ND. Period. Done. Nevermind, they were only carrying policies for long term employees and they were not hiring. I still put money into the savings account, got the hernia taken care of a few days before the insurance ran out and thankfully without complications.
Now, from there I was told (income went from 200K+ to zero when the oilfield imploded) to apply for medicaid, that it was income based. Living off savings stashed during good times, I applied. Taxable income for family of 4 under 35K, with part of that (7500) not taxable because it went straight into the medical account. Turned down by Medicaid, despite being well below poverty level. Referred to the exchanges, which were just not do-able at that income level.
Now with no insurance, and thankfully, no health issues or ongoing prescriptions to keep up, but the most vulnerable I have been in my adult life to a medical problem. Will shut down the company if I can't get a new contract and go find a 'job', if I can find one with health insurance before the savings run out, just to keep from being fined (The Roberts Tax).
For starters, get rid of the penalty.
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I prefer my ethanol in a glass with a few ice cubes.
When we were teenagers, we were told "Alcohol and gasoline don't mix!!" (as an anti- drinking and driving thing). Suddenly, the rules of chemistry have changed...
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When we were teenagers, we were told "Alcohol and gasoline don't mix!!" (as an anti- drinking and driving thing). Suddenly, the rules of chemistry have changed...
Not changed! Only temporarily suspended at best.
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Not changed! Only temporarily suspended at best.
Seems to me it happened not long after people started having fits about warm weather...
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Seems to me it happened not long after people started having fits about warm weather...
Ignorance abounds! The Romans grew grapes and made fine wines in what is now Greenland!
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Ignorance abounds! The Romans grew grapes and made fine wines in what is now Greenland!
Twelve thousand years ago, where I'm sitting, there was a mile thick ice sheet. I'm all for Global Warming.
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@geronl @Smokin Joe @roamer_1 @sneakypete @bigheadfred
I don't think they can repeal it. I think they'll have to sunset it out there a year or so... Give the insurance industry some time to re-jigger. maybe repeal the mandate and offer it for a year to close.
My brother and sister are in the same boat.
My brother's just jacked by double... some 24k a year with a 9k per-person deductible. That means something like... if his whole fam damily got in a car wreck or something, he'd pay some 60k before the insurance kicks in...
And in normal seepage, your normal day to day health he's paying it all out of pocket. His wife had two surgeries this year and her end was still 300 bucks short of kickin in.
same with my sister... her family is smaller, but hers just doubled too - and she had to have her lady parts overhauled this year, and paid the whole bill out of pocket - wasn't even close to hitting the deductible.
So effectively neither one of them HAS insurance anymore... The deductible is so high that it's just a big ass useless tax.
A helluva long way from your standard $4-500/mo family policy with a $500 group deductible as it used to be... under which their issues would have hit close to 80% paid by their insurance.
@roamer_1
I want to console you be easing your mind about the po peep-pulls on welfare. Don't worry. They don't have to pay anything.
Now you know why the rates for working people are so high.
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Now you know why the rates for working people are so high.
@sneakypete
Nah - Misdirected ire.
last I looked, 80% margin on insurance....
Insurance companies own the medical facilities...
$300B welfare/medicare/medicaid program that only pays out 13-25%with so much paper that medical has full time staffers just to take the weight off of bookkeeping...
INSANE bureaucratic rules that won't pay a local clinic, and require recipients to go to emergency rooms instead.
absurd social policies that encourage drug use, single parent households, and bastard children...
and most of all, levering the churches (that have a penchant for charity) out of the medical (and especially hospital and mental institution) game.
I wonder what's real by the time all the greedy bastards take their rake off the top.
I am not against charity. Governmental charity being the last resort... We are a wealthy Christian nation. But for the most part, the government should get out of the way and let folks do.
Like allowing a lesser health care system - Put a registered nurse in a minivan and let her do house calls - 80 % of the weight on doctors offices are stuff a decent nurse could handle, at a greatly reduced cost, with less vectors toward transmitting infection.
Stop the crusade against alt med - There ain't a dock worker in the country that doesn't know the benefit of chiropractors...
Everything from band-aids and vitamins to full care in a facility should be 100% write off without limit.Folks shouldn't be taxed on medical costs.
Everything donated to the poor, especially medical, especially internal to families, for med care, elder care, child care, should be write-off without limit. Let folks help their own.
And make it extremely attractive for churches and other charitable orgs to get back into the medical industry.
They did it cheaper and better.
Then you'll see the props knocked out of medical costs, and with alternative, more local and granular charity available, government can step out to a great degree.
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More promises: Compiled by Jenna Johnson, in the Washington Post article at the link Additional commentary and links are available there. Note: These may overlap the ones in the initial post. Again, this is done in the spirit of being able to compare stated goals with performance, and is not intended to commend nor decry Mr Trump, the President-elect.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/)
Number 6- Repeal of Obamacare, may have just bitten the dust, also.
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@sneakypete
Nah - Misdirected ire.
last I looked, 80% margin on insurance....
Insurance companies own the medical facilities...
$300B welfare/medicare/medicaid program that only pays out 13-25%with so much paper that medical has full time staffers just to take the weight off of bookkeeping...
INSANE bureaucratic rules that won't pay a local clinic, and require recipients to go to emergency rooms instead.
absurd social policies that encourage drug use, single parent households, and bastard children...
and most of all, levering the churches (that have a penchant for charity) out of the medical (and especially hospital and mental institution) game.
I wonder what's real by the time all the greedy bastards take their rake off the top.
I am not against charity. Governmental charity being the last resort... We are a wealthy Christian nation. But for the most part, the government should get out of the way and let folks do.
Like allowing a lesser health care system - Put a registered nurse in a minivan and let her do house calls - 80 % of the weight on doctors offices are stuff a decent nurse could handle, at a greatly reduced cost, with less vectors toward transmitting infection.
Stop the crusade against alt med - There ain't a dock worker in the country that doesn't know the benefit of chiropractors...
Everything from band-aids and vitamins to full care in a facility should be 100% write off without limit.Folks shouldn't be taxed on medical costs.
Everything donated to the poor, especially medical, especially internal to families, for med care, elder care, child care, should be write-off without limit. Let folks help their own.
And make it extremely attractive for churches and other charitable orgs to get back into the medical industry.
They did it cheaper and better.
Then you'll see the props knocked out of medical costs, and with alternative, more local and granular charity available, government can step out to a great degree.
My daughter - a long time, trauma certified, RN - would confirm most everything you said there!
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My daughter - a long time, trauma certified, RN - would confirm most everything you said there!
I've been thinking about it a long time. The thing that got me going is that medical is the only sector where cash on the barrel head will get you less than insurance (read financing). There is no way someone else paying your bills can be cheaper than you paying your own. The guy paying your bills for you has to make a profit. That right there shows there is something drastically wrong in the medical economy. What's next is to figure out what's propping up the cost, knock that stuff out, and let supply and demand have it's way.
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@sneakypete @roamer_1 @Weird Tolkienish Figure @Smokin Joe
Watching the CBS evening news. Trump is saying he will be 'Repealing and replacing obamacare simultaneously". "Keeping pre-existing condition part and extended--kids living with parents longer". He said what he has in mind will be great insurance. I hope so.
Our condition is currently no insurance. The wife's gall bladder surgery is water under the bridge and we make a small monthly payment. My hep c meds--Sovaldi is free--Ribivirin is 1/3 off with prescription assistance. I am halfway through the treatment. The doc okayed the Prilosec, but I have yet to try it. Other than that we are "healthy. Both taking meds for high blood pressure. She takes thyroid meds. And I am a nutcase. But I think my cognition problems are really related the the hep c virus. I am getting clearer by the week.
Our doctor works out of his home. He hates the big corp. idea of health care. For example, the wife and I have regular blood tests. I am currently doing them every two weeks because of the hep c meds. My last tests cost $53 including the visit, supplies, and two tests. Complete metabolic, and liver enzyme levels.
A while back we priced it out with the local GP clinic. Both of us for our various six month checks plus prescription costs. Dollar Doctor was $154. The GP clinic was $685. For the exact same services.
What I see as a huge problem is the fleecing of Medicaid and Medicare. The insurance companies and hospitals say they have to charge those high prices to cover the people who can't pay. The Dollar Doc tells me, for example, an MRI shouldn't ever cost more than $150. Most places bill anywhere from $1500 to $3000.
Most of our current everyday health care is affordable because it is reasonably priced. It would be nice to get back on a plan. And like roamer said. A big group plan with a low deductible. My last one was my insurance was a job perk for me. The wife was an addition. For her part we paid $275/month. On the current exchange I alone am at over $600/month. That is with the subsidy. I just can't do that right now.
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I've been thinking about it a long time. The thing that got me going is that medical is the only sector where cash on the barrel head will get you less than insurance (read financing). There is no way someone else paying your bills can be cheaper than you paying your own. The guy paying your bills for you has to make a profit. That right there shows there is something drastically wrong in the medical economy. What's next is to figure out what's propping up the cost, knock that stuff out, and let supply and demand have it's way.
ABSOLUTELY 100% agree! :beer:
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@sneakypete @roamer_1 @Weird Tolkienish Figure @Smokin Joe
Watching the CBS evening news. Trump is saying he will be 'Repealing and replacing obamacare simultaneously". "Keeping pre-existing condition part and extended--kids living with parents longer". He said what he has in mind will be great insurance. I hope so.
Our condition is currently no insurance. The wife's gall bladder surgery is water under the bridge and we make a small monthly payment. My hep c meds--Sovaldi is free--Ribivirin is 1/3 off with prescription assistance. I am halfway through the treatment. The doc okayed the Prilosec, but I have yet to try it. Other than that we are "healthy. Both taking meds for high blood pressure. She takes thyroid meds. And I am a nutcase. But I think my cognition problems are really related the the hep c virus. I am getting clearer by the week.
Our doctor works out of his home. He hates the big corp. idea of health care. For example, the wife and I have regular blood tests. I am currently doing them every two weeks because of the hep c meds. My last tests cost $53 including the visit, supplies, and two tests. Complete metabolic, and liver enzyme levels.
A while back we priced it out with the local GP clinic. Both of us for our various six month checks plus prescription costs. Dollar Doctor was $154. The GP clinic was $685. For the exact same services.
What I see as a huge problem is the fleecing of Medicaid and Medicare. The insurance companies and hospitals say they have to charge those high prices to cover the people who can't pay. The Dollar Doc tells me, for example, an MRI shouldn't ever cost more than $150. Most places bill anywhere from $1500 to $3000.
Most of our current everyday health care is affordable because it is reasonably priced. It would be nice to get back on a plan. And like roamer said. A big group plan with a low deductible. My last one was my insurance was a job perk for me. The wife was an addition. For her part we paid $275/month. On the current exchange I alone am at over $600/month. That is with the subsidy. I just can't do that right now.
My health insurance for a family of 4 runs over $2800 a month earlier this year and I get no subsidy.
You cannot force coverage of preexisting conditions without requiring people to buy insurance by law - hence the mandate that Trump was for before he was against it.
Without the mandate no one would buy "insurance" if they have to be accepted after they get ill and need it.
In other words, Trump care is Obama care at its core. The simple fact is personal healthcare does not fall in the Federal governments realm under the constitution. It is nowhere in the enumerated powers of the Federal government and therefore is supposed to fall to the states to manage as they see fit.
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I've been thinking about it a long time. The thing that got me going is that medical is the only sector where cash on the barrel head will get you less than insurance (read financing). There is no way someone else paying your bills can be cheaper than you paying your own. The guy paying your bills for you has to make a profit. That right there shows there is something drastically wrong in the medical economy. What's next is to figure out what's propping up the cost, knock that stuff out, and let supply and demand have it's way.
I think that is due to collusion between health providers and insurance companies. See what a "great deal" the insurance company got for you? Why the bill would have been $122,000 but the insurance company got it down to $26,000... Same with drugs. It forces people to access their care through the insurance companies because you'll get raped if you don't. Only one explanation. Collusion - AKA racketeering.
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I think that is due to collusion between health providers and insurance companies. See what a "great deal" the insurance company got for you? Why the bill would have been $122,000 but the insurance company got it down to $26,000... Same with drugs. It forces people to access their care through the insurance companies because you'll get raped if you don't. Only one explanation. Collusion - AKA racketeering.
That is what I was looking for. Racketeering. It was a source of pride for my employer that he could offer health insurance. Now, I don't know all of the justs of the situation. Only that we no longer have employer-based insurance. And I can't afford the alternative.
I don't know if you saw the price for my hep c med, Sovaldi. Retailing in at $84,000 for 84 pills. $1000 a day. WHO can afford that? I'm told 'insurance' may pay up to half.
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Didn't Trump promise to change libel laws so that it is easier to sue the press?
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I think that is due to collusion between health providers and insurance companies. See what a "great deal" the insurance company got for you? Why the bill would have been $122,000 but the insurance company got it down to $26,000... Same with drugs. It forces people to access their care through the insurance companies because you'll get raped if you don't. Only one explanation. Collusion - AKA racketeering.
Yep. It's a classic long con of monumental proportions. So long that it's inter-generational, cradle to grave... and with so many layers, it's impossible to unwind. But the big stakes players are the gov, insurance, big med (which is probably insurance) and big pharma (that probably owns them all)
The problem is that it is so big it has a life of it's own - the main thing is insurance. I think it should be illegal... Primarily because 'everybody's got to have it', and because it's an industry that has you by the short hairs. You'll pay whatever, because it is the illusion of health, and sold as 'the right thing to do'...
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Didn't Trump promise to change libel laws so that it is easier to sue the press?
He said he wanted to, iirc, but I am not sure he promised to do so.
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Yep. It's a classic long con of monumental proportions. So long that it's inter-generational, cradle to grave... and with so many layers, it's impossible to unwind. But the big stakes players are the gov, insurance, big med (which is probably insurance) and big pharma (that probably owns them all)
The problem is that it is so big it has a life of it's own - the main thing is insurance. I think it should be illegal... Primarily because 'everybody's got to have it', and because it's an industry that has you by the short hairs. You'll pay whatever, because it is the illusion of health, and sold as 'the right thing to do'...
I thought Muslims didn't have to be insured because their religion had ruled it gambling or some such. If not, there is an 'equal protection' problem going on.
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I thought Muslims didn't have to be insured because their religion had ruled it gambling or some such. If not, there is an 'equal protection' problem going on.
Well, to a Christian, it could be considered usury before the fact....
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I thought Muslims didn't have to be insured because their religion had ruled it gambling or some such. If not, there is an 'equal protection' problem going on.
I think moslems are exempt from a number of things like laws and such because they don't meet the requirements or definition of "person".
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List of things Trump (and Pence) promised to do at beginning of term...
1. Repeal every single Obama executive order.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html
(He has also pledged more specifically to "eliminate every unconstitutional executive order.")
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
2. End the war on coal.
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/290798-pence-trump-will-end-the-war-on-coal
3. Repeal Obamacare.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html
(On Trump's campaign website, he's less bullish, promising only to "ask Congress" on day one to repeal Obamacare immediately.)
4. Begin swiftly removing criminal illegal immigrants from this country." (More specifically, Trump has promised to do this in his "first hour" in office, "day one, before the wall, before anything.")
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/trump-says-on-day-one-he-is-removing-criminal-illegal-immigrants/2016/08/27/a0a546d6-6c98-11e6-91cb-ecb5418830e9_video.html
5. Begin working on an impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful, southern border wall.
http://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-touts-technology-plan-for-border-wall-755544643686
6. Meet with Homeland Security officials and generals to begin securing the southern border.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0
7. Notify all countries that refuse to take back dangerous illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in this country that they will lose access to our visa programs if they continue to do so.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
8. Convene his top generals and inform them they have 30 days to come up with a plan to stop ISIS.
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/donald-trump-isil-isis-227807
9. Fix the Department of Veterans Affairs.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html
10. Call the heads of major companies who are moving operations oversea to inform them that they'll face 35 percent tariffs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0
11. Contact countries and say…'Folks, we love protecting you, we want to continue to protect you but you're not living up to the bargain'…They're not paying what they're supposed to be paying—which is very little, by the way.
https://soundcloud.com/rightwingwatch/trump-on-day-one
12. Defend the unborn.
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/pence-trump-administration-will-begin-fight-against-abortion-rights-day-one
13. Withdraw from TPP
http://dailycaller.com/2016/06/28/donald-trump-gets-to-specifics-during-trade-speech/
14. Start taking care of our…military.
http://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/02/24/preview-gop-debate-one-day-to-go-mattingly-lead-dnt.cnn
15. Suspend Syrian refugee resettlement.
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/us-presidential-elections-2016-if-elected-it-would-be-busy-first-day-at-white-house-donald-trump-3017760/
16. Notify our NAFTA partners of my intention to renegotiate the deal.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
17. Designate China as a currency manipulator.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/us-china-trade-reform
18. Direct every agency in government to begin identifying all wasteful job-killing regulations, and they are going to be removed.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
19. Get rid of gun-free zones [in] schools" and "military bases"—which would require repealing a 25-year-old federal law. ("My first day, it gets signed, okay? My first day. There's no more gun-free zones."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/08/donald-trump-i-will-get-rid-of-gun-free-zones-on-schools/
20. Ask Congress to pass 'Kate's Law'—named for Kate Steinle—to ensure that criminal aliens convicted of illegal reentry receive strong mandatory minimum sentences.
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/08/31/donald-trump-throws-down-in-phoenix-champions-10-step-immigration-reform-plan/
21. Learn the difference between Hezbollah and Hamas.
http://www.hughhewitt.com/donald-trump-on-the-day-he-took-the-pledge/
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What about upping the ethanol requirement in gasoline? Wasn't that promise in Iowa?
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What about upping the ethanol requirement in gasoline? Wasn't that promise in Iowa?
As Joe said up thread. Anything past the blend wall will damage engines. That is 10%. Unless they engineer engines that can handle higher ethanol percentages upping the amount of said in gasoline is a no go. Stations around here offer gas with no ethanol at a higher price. I get better mileage using gas with no ethanol so there is a double plus with that and longer engine life.
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What about upping the ethanol requirement in gasoline? Wasn't that promise in Iowa?
@DB
IF that promise was made,it needs to be broken. The whole ethanol program is nothing but a welfare program for large corporate farms.
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Only one explanation. Collusion - AKA racketeering.
Nope.
It could also be the benefit of volume pricing.
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Nope.
It could also be the benefit of volume pricing.
Run hospital supply chains like WalMart does inventory. Major cost reduction...
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@sneakypete
Oh the hell you say... That's precisely the point! If the state owned the land, OUR reps down in Helena, that WE elect, would have the say.
Then those pinheaded bunnyhuggers in California and New York wouldn't have a damn bit of say in any of it.
The Federal gvt is not supposed to own it, and because they do, people in DC have more power over it than the people who live here. That's a damnable curse.
If you think about it, Having people from DC control land in Western Montana makes as much sense as having the folks over in Livingston deciding where to put the traffic signs in New York City.
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I get better mileage using gas with no ethanol so there is a double plus with that and longer engine life.
Yep. Conoco Premium... All I buy, for everything from the 2-stroke stuff all the way up. Costs more per gallon, but it goes farther too - Motors (especially the ones I build) like octane. Ethanol, not so much
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If you think about it, Having people from DC control land in Western Montana makes as much sense as having the folks over in Livingston deciding where to put the traffic signs in New York City.
I done the same thing when I was a kid... Bought that whole 'save the alligators from extinction' shtick, hook, line, and sinker... Shot my fool mouth off many a time...
Till I met a Cajun boy who let me know you can't hardly swing a dead cat without a gator trying to take your leg off... And one of those pookah-shell rednecks from down in the Glades that said exactly the same thing...
Then I compared that to what they were sayin about griz being near extinct - Right here in NW Montana - which I knew to be an outright lie... If you want to find griz right here, it ain't like it's hard to do...
That right there is where I learned to keep my nose out of other folks' business state/region-wise.
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I done the same thing when I was a kid... Bought that whole 'save the alligators from extinction' shtick, hook, line, and sinker... Shot my fool mouth off many a time...
Till I met a Cajun boy who let me know you can't hardly swing a dead cat without a gator trying to take your leg off... And one of those pookah-shell rednecks from down in the Glades that said exactly the same thing...
Then I compared that to what they were sayin about griz being near extinct - Right here in NW Montana - which I knew to be an outright lie... If you want to find griz right here, it ain't like it's hard to do...
That right there is where I learned to keep my nose out of other folks' business state/region-wise.
I haven't seen the commercial lately, but there was one with some actress joining one of those critter saver groups in America to stop Canadian seal hunts. Never did understand why she didn't join a Canadian outfit. :pondering:
People know their own back yards best, especially those who work in them.
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I haven't seen the commercial lately, but there was one with some actress joining one of those critter saver groups in America to stop Canadian seal hunts. Never did understand why she didn't join a Canadian outfit. :pondering:
People know their own back yards best, especially those who work in them.
They're doing the same damn thing again with wolves - They're hauling in McKenzie River Gray wolves, and protecting them here... I've been screaming at the top of my voice that what they're going to wind up with is the decimation of the native Timber Wolf, that's been here all the way along.
I've been fond of the timber wolf my whole life... any time I cut their sign, I'd always go try to find them... Beautiful animals. small family packs... ghosts on the land. You'll never see one if you don't have serious skills.
They're taller than a standard gray... more gangley... loose jointed.... Longer in the leg. See Canis lupus irremotus...
At the time of the wolf recovery act, the Rocky Mountain Timber Wolf was not a recognized subspecies of the Gray - So they hauled in the McKenzies and doomed the native wolf.
Sonsabiches. No sense listening to folks that live here.
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They're doing the same damn thing again with wolves - They're hauling in McKenzie River Gray wolves, and protecting them here... I've been screaming at the top of my voice that what they're going to wind up with is the decimation of the native Timber Wolf, that's been here all the way along.
I've been fond of the timber wolf my whole life... any time I cut their sign, I'd always go try to find them... Beautiful animals. small family packs... ghosts on the land. You'll never see one if you don't have serious skills.
They're taller than a standard gray... more gangley... loose jointed.... Longer in the leg. See Canis lupus irremotus...
At the time of the wolf recovery act, the Rocky Mountain Timber Wolf was not a recognized subspecies of the Gray - So they hauled in the McKenzies and doomed the native wolf.
Sonsabiches. No sense listening to folks that live here.
I have talked with folks from out your way a few years ago. They said three 's' was already in effect, even if that was a waste of a good pelt. Those imported wolves were tearing into livestock and hunting in packs as large as 20 or more, sometimes killing critters and leaving them lay. I'm pretty sure that is what has seriously reduced the Yellowstone elk herd, and I recall seeing video of that sort of activity since then. For some reason, people don't think they will view isolated hunters, hikers, or for that matter most anyone, as just more meat that walks a little different.
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I have talked with folks from out your way a few years ago. They said three 's' was already in effect, even if that was a waste of a good pelt. Those imported wolves were tearing into livestock and hunting in packs as large as 20 or more, sometimes killing critters and leaving them lay. I'm pretty sure that is what has seriously reduced the Yellowstone elk herd, and I recall seeing video of that sort of activity since then. For some reason, people don't think they will view isolated hunters, hikers, or for that matter most anyone, as just more meat that walks a little different.
You got to fish for these new wolves. My boss' BIL hit one coming back to Idaho from Montana last winter. Said the pack finished it off before he got turned around and went back. I should shut up now.
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You got to fish for these new wolves. My boss' BIL hit one coming back to Idaho from Montana last winter. Said the pack finished it off before he got turned around and went back. I should shut up now.
Just have him get all the DNA off the vehicle, maybe go smear some roadkill deer in the bent up bits...
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If you think about it, Having people from DC control land in Western Montana makes as much sense as having the folks over in Livingston deciding where to put the traffic signs in New York City.
@Smokin Joe
I'd sure like to be in charge of traffic signs in NYC. Every exit from the city would be covered with STOP signs.
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@Smokin Joe
I'd sure like to be in charge of traffic signs in NYC. Every exit from the city would be covered with STOP signs.
Would that be pay as you go?
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Would that be pay as you go?
@bigheadfred
I guess that theoretically it would be possible for someone to pay me enough to let them escape NYC and pollute America,but they had better be showing up in a BIG truck full of cash.
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I done the same thing when I was a kid... Bought that whole 'save the alligators from extinction' shtick, hook, line, and sinker... Shot my fool mouth off many a time...
Till I met a Cajun boy who let me know you can't hardly swing a dead cat without a gator trying to take your leg off... And one of those pookah-shell rednecks from down in the Glades that said exactly the same thing...
Then I compared that to what they were sayin about griz being near extinct - Right here in NW Montana - which I knew to be an outright lie... If you want to find griz right here, it ain't like it's hard to do...
That right there is where I learned to keep my nose out of other folks' business state/region-wise.
When I last attended college about 25 years ago I remember many of the lib profs (most of the professors) were really concerned about TREES!!! and that we were cutting them down at an alarming rate. We weren't going to have any trees in a few decades!!!!! Help, we're all going to die after the trees are all gone.
Then about ten years ago I had some British in-laws over for a visit and a tour of the west. They were stunned at how many trees there are in America compared to Britain. And having been to Britain I didn't notice a severe shortage of trees.
Liberals are always in a panic about something. It's in their blood. Help, help we're all going to die!!!! And you know they're right about that. To be charitable that's at least one thing they're right about.
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Then about ten years ago I had some British in-laws over for a visit and a tour of the west. They were stunned at how many trees there are in America compared to Britain. And having been to Britain I didn't notice a severe shortage of trees.
See, now this is just the same thing as what I did to those swamp boys about their gators.
I don't know where y'all are from, but the logging industry here in the Rockies is all but gone... Regulated out of business. And it was those loggers and their equipment that was the bulwark against forest fires - the industry worked alongside of the Forest Service in a partnership in that regard. Forest Service has air-power, smoke jumpers, and front-line firefighters, but they can't possibly front the sheer manpower and machinery the logging industry has in the field as a natural part of typical operations.
If you want a firebreak, the difference between what firefighters alone can do, when compared to those firefighters assisted by a couple D9/D8 cats, a handful of D6 cats, a half dozen skidders, 20 sawyers, and as many knot-bumpers and diggers as you care to have - All specifically trained to do those exact jobs as part of their every day lives and familial/cultural tradition - There really is no comparison at all.
And the scope of things... I don't think folks have any idea how big it is out here... We routinely lose two-hundred and fifty-thousand acres to fire every summer. That's a quarter million acres, now... And you can't really even tell it even happened unless you get up close and personal. Logging, by comparison, is a pittance.
Furthermore, I don't think folks know how quickly it all comes back - I worked road building for a big cut thirty years ago. If you were to go up through that land today, I would defy you to even find evidence at all that it had ever been cut... In fact, it is more than ready to be logged again, and judging by the thick brush up in there, if it isn't logged soon, it'll all burn down anyway.
But it's all gated off now - can't hardy get off the main road. The big cats are all but gone, logging trucks have been decimated. trying to find public land where you can take a four-wheeler or a snow machine is getting very scarce. and yes, it is liberal policies regulating it all.
But it's dumbasses like me that gave them that power. What I did to the Cajuns with those gators, someone else is doing to me. Between locked-out logging, griz protection, wolf protection, eagle flyways, wetland protection and etcetera-ad-infinitum, the king's land is no longer legal for me to use, and it's only getting worse. Soon enough they'll find a reason to ban horses, and even walking in.
What it comes down to is staying out of other people's business - as is always the best course toward liberty - but more on a regional basis... staying out of all y'all's business. That's the beauty of state sovereignty. Me and mine ain't got any business messin with the Big Swamp, rightly so... Folks that live in the swamp know better than we do... And the same thing the other way around.
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@goatprairie
See, now this is just the same thing as what I did to those swamp boys about their gators.
I don't know where y'all are from, but the logging industry here in the Rockies is all but gone... Regulated out of business. And it was those loggers and their equipment that was the bulwark against forest fires - the industry worked alongside of the Forest Service in a partnership in that regard. Forest Service has air-power, smoke jumpers, and front-line firefighters, but they can't possibly front the sheer manpower and machinery the logging industry has in the field as a natural part of typical operations.
Exactly why I said this in my reply #8 this thread.
I want to see more trees die, as humanely as possible, of course. With the managed care of both industry and state government.
Being a cabinetmaker/carpenter I know about this. I cheer when another tree gets killed. My boss' BIL still uses his original business name Eagle Rock Timber. Except now they are a general contractor. They haven't cut any timber in a LONG time.
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n fact, it is more than ready to be logged again, and judging by the thick brush up in there, if it isn't logged soon, it'll all burn down anyway.
That's the rub. There is absolutely no science behind the govt stance to keep the forests from being logged. And if it doesn't burn, it becomes diseased from overgrowth. It's in no way sound forest management to let it grow up like that.
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Exactly why I said this in my reply #8 this thread.
Being a cabinetmaker/carpenter I know about this. I cheer when another tree gets killed. My boss' BIL still uses his original business name Eagle Rock Timber. Except now they are a general contractor. They haven't cut any timber in a LONG time.
Yep, all our mills are pretty much gone.... There's still the plywood plant... I think there's still a lumber mill up in Libby, but most of them are gone... Especially all the jippo mills, the little family owned jobs that you could go get rough-sawn from, for pennies on the dollar.
The tie mills and green-treat mills are all gone for sure - super-fund sites.
To add insult to injury, most of the lumber in the yards around here is from Canuck mills up in Alberta.
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That's the rub. There is absolutely no science behind the govt stance to keep the forests from being logged. And if it doesn't burn, it becomes diseased from overgrowth. It's in no way sound forest management to let it grow up like that.
It does go a bit their way - Tamarack need fire to seed, but offset that by the millions of acres that are beetle-killed - premium blue-pine lumber by the way - That could have been controlled by logging the infestations, and the management style is stunningly out of order. The north fork of the Flathead River largely burned down because of the dead standing beetle-killed trees. All that premium, easy-access lumber, up in smoke. Cross that up with air quality concerns sometime.
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It does go a bit their way - Tamarack need fire to seed, but offset that by the millions of acres that are beetle-killed - premium blue-pine lumber by the way - That could have been controlled by logging the infestations, and the management style is stunningly out of order. The north fork of the Flathead River largely burned down because of the dead standing beetle-killed trees. All that premium, easy-access lumber, up in smoke. Cross that up with air quality concerns sometime.
There was a political event recently which might address and ameliorate this in time.
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There was a political event recently which might address and ameliorate this in time.
I find that to be wholly unbelievable.
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I find that to be wholly unbelievable.
Why? One of the platforms of the Republican party this year was reform (or God-willing the complete eradication) of the EPA. That would go part and parcel with that endeavor.
Another incidentally would be an end to the odious handouts of billions of tax dollars to rich, politically powerful multinational and private special interests embodied in the insanely-wasteful pork-barrel government agricultural subsidy programs administrated by both Dept. of Interior and other federal agencies, to which the president elect is not beholden because he did not accept significant contributions from them.
Sarah Palin is reportedly one of those who is being considered for Dept. of Interior and she is also known for her proclivity to feisty refusal to tow the corporate line or to bow to pressure from lobbyists (Gov. Palin enacted significant reforms in Alaska despite pressure from both of those groups).
Of course, the PE has an uneven history on this in regard to the ethanol industry, so you certainly have legitimate cause for concern (as does every genuine conservative).
Incidentally, ever read, "A Walk in the Woods"? Even though the movie made about it was a farce (one of the worst movies of its time according to Rotten Tomatoes) it documents the long list of things the federal government does wrong and the very few things it does right in regard to environmental safeguarding.
Not the least of those was something very similar to this forest mismanagement issue - when the brilliant feds tried to eradicate an encroaching species of fish by DELIBERATELY POISONING AN ENTIRE RIVER, which ended up wiping out EVERY SPECIES EXCEPT THE ONE THEY TARGETED.
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Why? One of the platforms of the Republican party this year was reform (or God-willing the complete eradication) of the EPA. That would go part and parcel with that endeavor.
Another incidentally would be an end to the odious handouts of billions of tax dollars to rich, politically powerful multinational and private special interests embodied in the insanely-wasteful pork-barrel government agricultural subsidy programs administrated by both Dept. of Interior and other federal agencies, to which the president elect is not beholden because he did not accept significant contributions from them.
Sarah Palin is reportedly one of those who is being considered for Dept. of Interior and she is also known for her proclivity to feisty refusal to tow the corporate line or to bow to pressure from lobbyists (Gov. Palin enacted significant reforms in Alaska despite pressure from both of those groups).
Of course, the PE has an uneven history on this in regard to the ethanol industry, so you certainly have legitimate cause for concern (as does every genuine conservative).
Incidentally, ever read, "A Walk in the Woods"? Even though the movie made about it was a farce (one of the worst movies of its time according to Rotten Tomatoes) it documents the long list of things the federal government does wrong and the very few things it does right in regard to environmental safeguarding.
Not the least of those was something very similar to this forest mismanagement issue - when the brilliant feds tried to eradicate an encroaching species of fish by DELIBERATELY POISONING AN ENTIRE RIVER, which ended up wiping out EVERY SPECIES EXCEPT THE ONE THEY TARGETED.
Considering the Feds (Corps of Engineers) killed the estuary I grew up on, and actively prevent the restoration of that ecosystem, by law, I have absolutely no faith in Federal Programs to "fix" anything as far as the environment goes. That was not the river of which you speak, but a tidewater estuary in the late 1960s. Leave management of local ecosystems to the people who live there, who derive their living from the land. They will have a vested interest in those resources and are far more likely to engage in sound practices which will keep those resources viable. Get the Government out.
And yes, the PE's comments in Iowa supporting the use of the EPA ..."to the fullest extent of the law", were the first of many reasons I could not support him as a candidate.
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Considering the Feds (Corps of Engineers) killed the estuary I grew up on, and actively prevent the restoration of that ecosystem, by law, I have absolutely no faith in Federal Programs to "fix" anything as far as the environment goes. That was not the river of which you speak, but a tidewater estuary in the late 1960s. Leave management of local ecosystems to the people who live there, who derive their living from the land. They will have a vested interest in those resources and are far more likely to engage in sound practices which will keep those resources viable. Get the Government out.
And yes, the PE's comments in Iowa supporting the use of the EPA ..."to the fullest extent of the law", were the first of many reasons I could not support him as a candidate.
:amen: in my view there is NO doubt about it!
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Why? One of the platforms of the Republican party this year was reform (or God-willing the complete eradication) of the EPA. That would go part and parcel with that endeavor.
@LateForLunch
I'm late to the party... @Bigun and @Smokin Joe already said my piece.
The Republican party hasn't used it's platform for anything other than election year bullsh*t for so long that I can hardly remember when it did. Reagan, maybe... the 94 congress, perhaps...
Not the least of those was something very similar to this forest mismanagement issue - when the brilliant feds tried to eradicate an encroaching species of fish by DELIBERATELY POISONING AN ENTIRE RIVER, which ended up wiping out EVERY SPECIES EXCEPT THE ONE THEY TARGETED.
Oh they've done it over and over around here.
The Mycinae shrimp they purposefully added to the Flathead drainage wiped out the salmon run... They used to run so thick in the river you could dang near walk across it on their backs... So many the river turned color where they were... As a lad, I can remember many a time filling two 5 gallon buckets, packed full, with snagged salmon.
Now snagging is illegal almost anywhere around here, and you can't even tell the salmon are in the river when they come...
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No changes, just a 100 days bump.
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No changes, just a 100 days bump.
Is it me? Yeah, it is me. I was taught that if you were invited to a black tie party wear a black tie. Don't attend in a pair of one size too small gym shorts that shows you're nuts.
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First, congratulations to Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and their supporters on this presidential election win. Hillary Clinton has been defeated, and the waning days of the Obama Administration are all that stands between America and a different political future.
As that torch is passed, let us not slip into that post-election somnolent euphoria that seems so common among those who would change the directions of governments and nations. Rather, let's recall the things which were promised to the electorate who elevated this man to the highest office in the United States of America, as a reminder that this is, after all, what the electorate has been told to expect in exchange for their support, their contributions, and their votes.
It is not enough to measure a Trump Administration by being 'not Hillary', nor is it valid to justify the actions or inaction of such with comparisons to assertions of what she might have done, given the opportunity. No, in order to measure the performance of the new administration, it becomes necessary to establish a new metric, one which cannot be distorted by the pressures of situational ethos, but which remains as well rooted and solid as the very tower which bears his name.
Rather than impose the unfair yardstick of the desires of those of us who did not support Mr. Trump for whatever reason (often because he was not conservative enough in our opinion), or to even impose our arduous criteria in terms of conduct, governance, or even policy, a better metric must be found.
What better guide to the performance of this budding administration than the very promises of the candidate himself as he traveled and sought votes and support? Those promises of action, inaction, policy, revocation of policy, regardless of this writer's opinion of them, form a roadmap of the path by which he has led his followers to support him, and the roadmap of stated intent of his administration. By this he has established a list of goals to be accomplished, and by which he can be measured without the inconvenience of having others place demands upon him he, himself, did not embrace.
Certainly, some of those demands are immutable, codified in the Constitution and other laws, and will be expected to be adhered to as the oath of office requires. These, however are the intonations of policy to which we were treated and by which we were entreatied for support. Let them now become the metric by which his performance is measured.
Tim Murphy at Mother Jones has started the process, as pointed out to me by @Resp3 and the link to Tim's article is here http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office (http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office) for those who would like to read it in its entirety. It also has links which back up each of the bullet points below, which are a brief summary of the things Mr. Trump has promised. It is messy, but supporting links are provided to each, and I won't take credit for any of that, it is Tim Murphy's work, presented in blue.
:blank: "Repeal every single Obama executive order."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html (http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html)
(He has also pledged more specifically to "eliminate every unconstitutional executive order.")
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside (https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside)
:blank:"Repeal Obamacare."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html (http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html)
(On Trump's campaign website, he's less bullish, promising only to "ask Congress" on day one to repeal Obamacare
immediately.)
:blank:"End the war on coal."
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/290798-pence-trump-will-end-the-war-on-coal (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/290798-pence-trump-will-end-the-war-on-coal)
:blank:"Begin swiftly removing criminal illegal immigrants from this country." (More specifically, Trump has promised to do this in his
"first hour" in office, "day one, before the wall, before anything.") https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/trump-says-on-day-one-he-is-removing-criminal-illegal-immigrants/2016/08/27/a0a546d6-6c98-11e6-91cb-ecb5418830e9_video.html (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/trump-says-on-day-one-he-is-removing-criminal-illegal-immigrants/2016/08/27/a0a546d6-6c98-11e6-91cb-ecb5418830e9_video.html)
:blank:"Begin working on an impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful, southern border wall."http://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-touts-technology-plan-for-border-wall-755544643686
:blank: Meet with Homeland Security officials and generals to begin securing the southern border.http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0)
:blank:"Notify all countries that refuse to take back dangerous illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in this country that
they will lose access to our visa programs if they continue to do so."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
:blank: Convene his top generals and inform them they have 30 days to come up with a plan to stop ISIS.http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/donald-trump-isil-isis-227807 (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/donald-trump-isil-isis-227807)
:blank: Fix the Department of Veterans Affairs.http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html (http://www.dailypress.com/news/politics/dp-nws-pence-20160920-story.html)
:blank: Call the heads of major companies who are moving operations oversea to inform them that they'll face 35 percent tariffs. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0https://soundcloud.com/rightwingwatch/trump-on-day-one (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?_r=0https://soundcloud.com/rightwingwatch/trump-on-day-one)
:blank:"Defend the unborn."http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/pence-trump-administration-will-begin-fight-against-abortion-rights-day-one
:blank:"Withdraw from TPP."http://dailycaller.com/2016/06/28/donald-trump-gets-to-specifics-during-trade-speech/http://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/02/24/preview-gop-debate-one-day-to-go-mattingly-lead-dnt.cnn
:blank: Suspend Syrian refugee resettlement.http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/us-presidential-elections-2016-if-elected-it-would-be-busy-first-day-at-white-house-donald-trump-3017760/ (http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/us-presidential-elections-2016-if-elected-it-would-be-busy-first-day-at-white-house-donald-trump-3017760/)
:blank:"Notify our NAFTA partners of my intention to renegotiate the deal."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-preside
:blank:"Designate China as a currency manipulator."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/us-china-trade-reform
:blank:"Direct every agency in government to begin identifying all wasteful job-killing regulations, and they are going to
be removed."https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-speech-clinton-email-corruption-disqualifies-her-from-seeking-presidehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/08/donald-trump-i-will-get-rid-of-gun-free-zones-on-schools/http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/08/31/donald-trump-throws-down-in-phoenix-champions-10-step-immigration-reform-plan/
:blank: Learn the difference between Hezbollah and Hamas.http://www.hughhewitt.com/donald-trump-on-the-day-he-took-the-pledge/ (http://www.hughhewitt.com/donald-trump-on-the-day-he-took-the-pledge/)
Again, this list and the link roundup (the blue text above) was done by Tim Murphy at Mother Jones, and he should get the credit for that, after all, it's his work. Here's a link to that article: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office (http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-first-day-in-office)
Now, these are just a few of the things which have been promised, and in fairness, some of these were promised by Mike Pence, but I think this is a good place to start. Feel free folks, to add others and please provide links to the statement or source for future reference.
By the way, while these were promised on 'day one', for the most part, I'd be quite content to see those I agree with which would not overextend the authority vested in the Office of President of the United States of America by the Constitution accomplished in the first year.
While some of these do exceed the authority of the Office of President, and would require (at a minimum) Congressional cooperation, it is an often noble list of aspirations. My problems with Mr. Trump were not wholly on stated policy, but primarily on credibility and actual intent.
This is not an attack, any more than a scorecard is an attack on a golfer or a maintenance checklist is an attack on an airplane, but presented as his own list of goals. I have even said I'd give him 364 extra days to git 'er done.
Please feel free to add others, if you so choose.
Edit: See post 27 for additional campaign promises.
Edit on November 23, 2016: This was done to copy post 27 (and the list therein onto the list above. No effort will be made to remove redundancy in order to preserve the original lists as they were quoted from their sources. Colors will be changed to red for apparent reneged promises or serious modifications thereof, orange for confirmed broken promises. Those kept or pending will remain blue.
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More promises: Compiled by Jenna Johnson, in the Washington Post article at the link Additional commentary and links are available there. Note: These may overlap the ones in the initial post. Again, this is done in the spirit of being able to compare stated goals with performance, and is not intended to commend nor decry Mr Trump, the President-elect.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/22/here-are-76-of-donald-trumps-many-campaign-promises/)
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1. Build a wall along the southern border that's taller than the arenas where Trump holds his rallies, taller than any ladder and one foot taller than the Great Wall of China. This "artistically beautiful" wall will be constructed out of hardened concrete, rebar and steel, and it will be "the greatest wall that you've ever seen" -- so great that the nation will likely one day name it "The Trump Wall."
2. Make Mexico pay for the wall. If Mexico refuses, then the United States will impound all remittance payments taken from the wages of illegal immigrants, cut foreign aid, institute tariffs, cancel visas for Mexican business leaders and diplomats, and increase fees for visas, border-crossing cards and port use.
3. "If I become president, we're all going to be saying 'Merry Christmas' again."
4. Get rid of Common Core because it's "a disaster" and a "very bad thing." Trump says he wants to give local school districts more control and might even eliminate the Department of Education.
5. The Environmental Protection Agency might also disappear.
6. Get rid of Obamacare and replace it with something "terrific" that is "so much better, so much better, so much better."
7. Knock down the regulatory walls between states for health insurance, making plans available nationally instead of regionally.
8. Rebuild the country's aging infrastructure -- especially bridges and airports that look like they belong in a third-world country -- for one-third of what the United States is currently paying for such projects.
9. Save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security without cutting benefits.
10. Defund Planned Parenthood.
11. "I will take care of women, and I have great respect for women. I do cherish women, and I will take care of women."
12. Frequently use the term "radical Islamic terrorism."
13. Temporarily ban most foreign Muslims from entering the United States "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." Trump would allow exceptions for dignitaries, business people, athletes and others who have "proven" themselves.
14. Bar Syrian refugees from entering the country and kick out any who are already living here. Trump says wealthy Persian Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia should pay to set up a heavily guarded "safe zone" in Syria.
15. Heavily surveil mosques in the United States. Trump has said he's open to the idea of closing some mosques.
16. Create a database of Syrian refugees. Trump hasn't ruled out creating a database of Muslims in the country.
17. Never take a vacation while serving as president.
18. Prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private e-mail server while serving as secretary of state.
http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,235298.0/topicseen.html (http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,235298.0/topicseen.html) pending verification.
19. Make medical marijuana widely available to patients, and allow states to decide if they want to fully legalize pot or not.
20. Stop spending money on space exploration until the United States can fix its potholes. Encourage private space-exploration companies to expand.
21. Pick Supreme Court justices who are "really great legal scholars."
22. Ensure that Iowa continues to host the nation's first presidential nominating contest.
23. Strengthen the military so that it's "so big and so strong and so great" that "nobody's going to mess with us."
24. Be unpredictable. "No one is going to touch us, because I'm so unpredictable."
25. Allow Russia to deal with the Islamic State in Syria and/or work with Russian President Vladimir Putin to wipe out shared enemies.
26. "Bomb the s--- out of ISIS." Also bomb oil fields controlled by the Islamic State, then seize the oil and give the profits to military veterans who were wounded while fighting.
27. Target and kill the relatives of terrorists.
28. Shut down parts of the Internet so that Islamic State terrorists cannot use it to recruit American children.
29. Bring back waterboarding, which the Obama administration considers torture. Trump has said he's willing to use interrogation techniques that go even further than waterboarding. Even if such tactics don't work, "they deserve it anyway, for what they're doing."
30. Leave troops in Afghanistan because it's such "a mess." Protect Israel. And increase U.S. military presence in the East and South China Seas.
31. Find an "out" clause in the Iran deal and then "totally" renegotiate the whole thing.
32. "I promise I will never be in a bicycle race. That I can tell you." (This promise is connected to criticism of Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who was injured while riding a bicycle amid the Iran negotiations.)
33. Refuse to call Iran's leader by his preferred title. "I guarantee you I will be never calling him the Supreme Leader... I'll say, 'Hey baby, how ya doing?' I will never call him the Supreme Leader."
34. Negotiate the release of all U.S. prisoners held in Iran before taking office. > snip <
35. Oppose the killing of journalists: "I hate some of these people, but I would never kill them."
36. Find great generals -- like the next Gen. Patton or Gen. MacArthur -- and do not allow them to go onto television news shows to explain their military strategy: "I don't want my generals being interviewed, I want my generals kicking a--." > snip<
37. Drop that "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane into desolate Afghanistan without a parachute.
38. Fire "the corrupt and incompetent" leaders of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and dramatically reform the agency. Allow veterans to take their military identification card to any medical facility that accepts Medicaid patients to receive care. Embed satellite VA clinics in rural hospitals and underserved areas, and ensure than every VA hospital is permanently staffed with OBGYN doctors.
39. Invest more heavily in programs that help military veterans transition back to civilian life, including job training and placement services. Also increase funding for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and mental health issues. Veterans who apply for a job at a VA facility will have five points added to their qualifying scores.
40. Bring back jobs from China -- and Mexico, Japan and elsewhere.
41. "I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever created." Trump says cities like Reno, Nev., will "be a big fat beautiful beneficiary" of these new jobs.
42. Students at Wofford College in South Carolina, where Trump attended a town hall, will all have jobs at graduation.
43. Aggressively challenge China's power in the world by declaring the country a currency manipulator, adopting a "zero tolerance policy on intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer" and cracking down on China's "lax labor and environmental standards."
44. Rather than throw the Chinese president a state dinner, buy him "a McDonald's hamburger and say we've got to get down to work."
45. Replace "free trade" with "fair trade." Gather together the "smartest negotiators in the world," assign them each a country and renegotiate all foreign trade deals.
46. Put billionaire hedge fund manager Carl Icahn in charge of trade negotiations with China and Japan, and pick an ambassador to Japan who is "a killer," unlike the current ambassador, Caroline Kennedy.
47. Tell Ford Motor Co.'s president that unless he cancels plans to build a massive plant in Mexico, the company will face a 35 percent tax on cars imported back into the United States. Trump is confident he can get this done before taking office. (Last year he incorrectly said this had already happened.)
48. Force Nabisco to once again make Oreos in the United States. And bully Apple into making its "damn computers" and other products here.
49. Impose new taxes on many imports into the country. Numbers thrown around have included 32 percent, 34 percent and 35 percent.
50. Grow the nation's economy by at least 6 percent.
51. Reduce the $18 trillion national debt by "vigorously eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government, ending redundant government programs and growing the economy to increase tax revenues."
52. Cut the budget by 20 percent by simply renegotiating.
53. Get rid of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
54. Simplify the U.S. tax code and reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to four. The highest earners would pay a 25-percent tax. The corporate tax rate would fall to 15 percent. Eliminate the "marriage penalty" for taxpayers and get rid of the alternate minimum tax.
55. No longer charge income tax to single individuals earning less than $25,000 per year or couples earning less than $50,000. These people will, however, be required to file a one-page form with the Internal Revenue Service that states: "I win."
56. Ensure that Americans can still afford to golf.
57. Allow corporations a one-time window to transfer money being held overseas, charging a much-reduced 10 percent tax.
58. Get rid of most corporate tax loopholes or incentives, but continue to allow taxpayers to deduct mortgage interest and charitable donations from their taxes.
59. On his first day in office, Trump would get rid of gun-free zones at military bases and in schools.
60. Use "common sense" to fix the mental health system and prevent mass shootings. Find ways to arm more of the "good guys" like him who can take out the "sickos." Get rid of bans on certain types of guns and magazines so that "good, honest people" can own the guns of their choice.
61. Impose a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison for any violent felon who commits a crime using a gun, with no chance for parole or early release.
62. Fix the background check system used when purchasing guns to ensure states are properly uploading criminal and health records.
63. Allow concealed-carry permits to be recognized in all 50 states.
64. Sign an executive order calling for the death penalty for anyone found guilty of killing a police officer.
65. Provide more funding for police training.
66. And provide more funding for drug treatment, especially for heroin addicts.
67. On the first day in office, terminate President Obama's executive orders related to immigration. This includes getting rid of "sanctuary cities" that Trump says have become refuges for criminals.
68. Deport the almost 11 million immigrants illegally living in the United States.
69. Triple the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
70. Continue to allow lowly paid foreign workers to come to the United States on temporary works visas because Trump says they are the only ones who want to pick grapes.
71. End birthright citizenship.
72. Say things that are politically incorrect, because the country does not have time to waste with political correctness.
73. Make America great again -- and strong again, as it has become too weak.
74. Be a cheerleader for America and bring the country's spirit back. "Take the brand of the United States and make it great again."
75. Bring back the American Dream.
76. Start winning again. "We're going to win so much -- win after win after win -- that you're going to be begging me: 'Please, Mr. President, let us lose once or twice. We can't stand it any more.' And I'm going to say: 'No way. We're going to keep winning. We're never going to lose. We're never, ever going to lose."
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Is it me? Yeah, it is me. I was taught that if you were invited to a black tie party wear a black tie. Don't attend in a pair of one size too small gym shorts that shows you're nuts.
Well thank goodness someone taught you that!
I missed this article the first time around @Smokin Joe Thanks for the work of putting it all together in one place!