Buyer Beware... If you're non-American, think twice before purchasing from the US

[ItsMainelyYou]

Clarification on BRICS

https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-brics-is-not-a-strategic-threat-to-the-united-states/

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

How about the points I made of so many officials in Washington DC who have inside knowledge and information and have used it in a corrupted way? That's okay?

You don't like Musk, I get it. Your opinion, to which you are entitled, that he is destroying our government. Many do not feel that way and the loudest squealing is coming from those dining and profiting off the bloated pig.

Question, how is conveniently dismantling the agencies in charge of overseeing and investigating those crimes or protecting the public from fraudulent practices going to stop them from happening?

That's what is actually happening. That is all that is happening.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

What confuses me is how ANYONE can support someone behaving in this manner.
HEADS WOULD EXPLODE

And that's where I see drama. He gave his opinion on whether he should be able to run for office again. I say no and I believe most of his constituency would also say no. Big deal. How many cases of the vapors do you think were suffered when Congress decided to limit terms to 8 years? I'm sure there was an outrage when that was suggested but the vote secured it.

He thinks out loud and at least we know where we stand with every issue.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I don't have to convince you with feeling or vibes, these are the facts.

Doge, a made up agency with no actual Constitutional power or clearance, is set to LOSE us 500billion in tax revenue this year.

Half a trillion vanished? IRS bombshell as agency warns DOGE may have cost U.S. a shocking $500 billion; here's the full detail

The IRS warns that disruptions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could lead to a staggering $500 billion loss in tax revenue, raising concerns over government services and national deficit. Discover the potential implications of staffing cuts on tax processing and fraud...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

https://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2025/03/irs-braces-for-10-percent-less-tax-revenue-500-billion-due-to-doge-staff-and-budget-cuts.html

I don't have to convince you of this either. Much of what you use in daily life is already 'socialism'.
More facts.
Here is a nice bumper sticker list, no reading. For convenience.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Clarification on BRICS

https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-brics-is-not-a-strategic-threat-to-the-united-states/[/URL

http://

Clarification on BRICS

https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-brics-is-not-a-strategic-threat-to-the-united-states/

The potential impact of a new BRICS currency on the US dollar remains uncertain, with experts debating its potential to challenge the dollar's dominance. However, if a new BRICS currency was to stabilize against the dollar, it could weaken the power of US sanctions, leading to a further decline in the dollar's value.Mar 18, 2025

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

http://

The potential impact of a new BRICS currency on the US dollar remains uncertain, with experts debating its potential to challenge the dollar's dominance. However, if a new BRICS currency was to stabilize against the dollar, it could weaken the power of US sanctions, leading to a further decline in the dollar's value.Mar 18, 2025

If, maybe, could be, but not the fact as of now.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Question, how is conveniently dismantling the agencies in charge of overseeing and investigating those crimes or protecting the public from fraudulent practices going to stop them from happening?

That's what is actually happening. That is all that is happening.

I realize that and we'll see. I'm expecting tighter controls for overseeing and corrections to be made in the system. There is an attempt being made to revamp government agencies to, hopefully, make them more efficient and necessary.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

If, maybe, could be, but not the fact as of now.

The effort has been ongoing for awhile now and Rome wasn't built in a day as we all know. They have the tenacity to keep trying.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Here is a nice bumper sticker list, no reading. For convenience.

That's a reach.

I'll respectfully ask you the same question I asked Rock Diamond, can you provide the exact details how you would see the national debt payed off?

• Total Public Debt Outstanding: $36,217,329,405,606.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Do you see? You've been consistently wrong in your estimations so far.
You have put your faith in the very group that has subsidized their innumerable wealth off our backs. Always to their advantage.
I rather think you will if you start reading more about what's actually happening and not taking the word of the people who have rigged the system to their advantage.

This isn't your fault. This their design.

Oh, and intergovernmental debt differs from individual debt. Totally different set of circumstances.

https://www.npr.org/2009/12/22/121766572/how-government-debt-differs-from-private-debt

All That Matters: The National Debt (Or Does It?)

This month, Mike and Ross tackle a lofty goal: creating a definitive episode on how to understand the United States’ debt and they dispel some fear along the way.

www.bairdwealth.com

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Very complex answer to the question. It actually wouldn't be good to eliminate all debt, in fact.
Start reading about the differences between gov't and individual debt to begin.

Generating revenue helps. It's not the pat answer. There are no pat answers.
Close all tax loopholes and increase taxes on the rich to post war II levels, for one. Cut military spending would help.
From the trusty AI:
Government debt, unlike personal debt, is the total amount a country's government owes to its creditors, while personal debt is the total amount an individual owes to their creditors. Governments can borrow to cover deficits, and their debt can affect interest rates, benefit programs, and potential tax increases, while personal debt impacts an individual's financial situation.

What the National Debt Means to You

The national debt level is what the United States federal government owes its creditors. The U.S. debt grows every year. How does national debt affect you?

www.investopedia.com

5 Ways Governments Reduce National Debt

Governments have options to reduce national debt that include raising taxes and cutting spending. Both can help lower the deficit when they're used together.

www.investopedia.com

 

[Ella]

Folks, I am handing out timeouts for whoever next brings politicians/political parties into this discussion. I just removed a LOT of posts that violated this policy, please stop or the thread gets closed and time outs given.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Sweet Ella, I apologize. I will stop giving you gray hairs
Fair enough, I'll back off. I promise.

It's impossible to tacitly address any of this without pointing out the key players who are conveniently placed and their motives.


I leave you with this:
Question everything.
Dig.
Always.
It's imperative that you do.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Greenland is not impervious to attacks or sieges from enemy foreign nations. People tend to forget Pearl Harbor or 9/11 and the distance of the enemies from our nation at those moments. The tentacles of hate can be extremely difficult to fend off.

I do recommend this Radio Free Europe piece on why Greenland is so important.
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-china-arctic-greenland-trump/33273910.html

The USA has been inundated with unexpected millions of people and it will take time to assimilate these people into our country and work force. Much money is expended to aid and assist non-citizens and the American bank account is empty and accruing debt is continuing. Thus the efforts to bring back common sense in spending so we can once again support all those who truly need assistance in our country and across the world.

I'm a liberal with regard to the economy and environment, but I do not support open borders, and I believe we need to reform immigration laws to streamline the process and discourage illegal crossings. However, the ITEP reported that "non-citizens" paid $100 billion in taxes in 2024. So I disagree that this is why our "bank account" is empty. That's what the folks who control all the money want us to believe, of course. When the upper 10% owns 70% of the nation's wealth and the bottom half owns only 3%, we have a big problem. I want to fix that before we go buying other countries for defense purposes.

 

[Autumn in New England]

You seem to twist yourself into a pretzel to defend anything.

And it also seems one individual is reporting all of the posts they don't agree with, which is typical.

 

[Autumn in New England]

"Btw, I heard him say today that he is going to try to run for a 3rd term"

As a supporter (seems you are) is this sort of statement OK with you?????
We all want stability. Can you see how when people in power make these sorts of statements....the antithesis of stability?

Suggesting we repeal the 22nd Amendment is an outrageous proposition (although not unexpected) that should concern everyone. The only time an Amendment was repealed in the history of this country was in 1933, and it concerned prohibition. It's a slippery slope to begin removing Amendments to the Constitution. Imagine if a certain melinated individual had tried pulling that one. Folks would've burned down the capitol.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Right, but they were likely US citizens. And they got in big trouble. That’s really terrible for them, I’m sorry.

The ICE process of sending academics - non violent non criminals to Louisiana is wrong. Full stop. Due process and NO long term incarceration is a bare minimum that I think we owe them. We also need clear guidance on who is being targetted. A rationale.

Can I just say I think it's great that while you may disagree on certain points being made here, you are also willing to concede on other issues. I try to do the same. That makes these discussions so much more constructive, IMO.

 

[Mreader]

Suggesting we repeal the 22nd Amendment is an outrageous proposition (although not unexpected) that should concern everyone. The only time an Amendment was repealed in the history of this country was in 1933, and it concerned prohibition. It's a slippery slope to begin removing Amendments to the Constitution. Imagine if a certain melinated individual had tried pulling that one. Folks would've burned down the capitol.

I can’t stand how they defend him no matter what he does.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Do you see? You've been consistently wrong in your estimations so far.
You have put your faith in the very group that has subsidized their innumerable wealth off our backs. Always to their advantage.
I rather think you will if you start reading more about what's actually happening and not taking the word of the people who have rigged the system to their advantage.

This isn't your fault. This their design.

Oh, and intergovernmental debt differs from individual debt. Totally different set of circumstances.

https://www.npr.org/2009/12/22/121766572/how-government-debt-differs-from-private-debt

All That Matters: The National Debt (Or Does It?)

This month, Mike and Ross tackle a lofty goal: creating a definitive episode on how to understand the United States’ debt and they dispel some fear along the way.

www.bairdwealth.com

This appears to be a case of who's ox is being gored. I find picking and choosing only those sources to quote that endorse you veiwpoint the same way as you view my facts.

At least we now why our perspectives are what they are.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

I can’t stand how they defend him no matter what he does.

Who's is defending that statement from him? All tied up and in a bundle from a statement made and no action. Why is a certain group peddling fear constantly, everything they read or hear is the end of democracy?

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Suggesting we repeal the 22nd Amendment is an outrageous proposition (although not unexpected) that should concern everyone. The only time an Amendment was repealed in the history of this country was in 1933, and it concerned prohibition. It's a slippery slope to begin removing Amendments to the Constitution. Imagine if a certain melinated individual had tried pulling that one. Folks would've burned down the capitol.

The sky is falling... Unless someone has a crystal ball, we have no idea what the future will bring. We have bigger issues than worrying about something which hasn't even materialized.

 

[Ella]

Sweet Ella, I apologize. I will stop giving you gray hairs
Fair enough, I'll back off. I promise.

It's impossible to tacitly address any of this without pointing out the key players who are conveniently placed and their motives.

Respectfully, everyone in the world is aware of what is going on in the US and who is in power. No one needs to be named.

It only continues to divide us to point fingers and lay blame rather than discussing the policies and what they will or will not do for people. Make your points about how you believe policies will harm or help people and perhaps that might change minds. But you will not have anyone’s minds changed with insult slinging about parties or politicians they may identify with.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

I'm a liberal with regard to the economy and environment, but I do not support open borders, and I believe we need to reform immigration laws to streamline the process and discourage illegal crossings. However, the ITEP reported that "non-citizens" paid $100 billion in taxes in 2024. So I disagree that this is why our "bank account" is empty. That's what the folks who control all the money want us to believe, of course. When the upper 10% owns 70% of the nation's wealth and the bottom half owns only 3%, we have a big problem. I want to fix that before we go buying other countries for defense purposes.

That $100 billion in taxes is a drop in the bucket when compared to the costs to the US and individual states for illegals.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

And it also seems one individual is reporting all of the posts they don't agree with, which is typical.

That's interesting, how do you find out who is reporting all the posts with which they don't agree? I'm curious to see who did all that reporting.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Do you see? You've been consistently wrong in your estimations so far.
You have put your faith in the very group that has subsidized their innumerable wealth off our backs. Always to their advantage.
I rather think you will if you start reading more about what's actually happening and not taking the word of the people who have rigged the system to their advantage.

This isn't your fault. This their design.

Oh, and intergovernmental debt differs from individual debt. Totally different set of circumstances.

https://www.npr.org/2009/12/22/121766572/how-government-debt-differs-from-private-debt

All That Matters: The National Debt (Or Does It?)

This month, Mike and Ross tackle a lofty goal: creating a definitive episode on how to understand the United States’ debt and they dispel some fear along the way.

www.bairdwealth.com

What estimations are wrong so far and who in the world would listen to two stock market investors for the final word on the debt in this country?

 

[Rockdiamond]

Enjoy every day. Every minute. Hug the ones you love.
None of us here can affect real change.
That’s a real part of the problem.
We have one more day of ….. whatever it is we have now that might change when these tariffs come into effect.
If they even do.
Part of an issue for many of us is the uncertainty.
It’s hard to imagine supporting this scattershot approach in terms of the stress it causes those watching/ and those directly affected.
Yet there are those making the case that this is some sort of negotiating tactic.
I, for one, really don’t like it. I’ve run from suppliers or potential client exhibiting inconsistent behavior. Time will tell.
We’re just leaves that have fallen into the stream. No control where it takes us at this point.
It’s easy to vilify immigrants that are using public services. That’s looking at one side of the issue and ignoring the other. Immigrants are the life blood of America. Many of them do not have all the correct paperwork. Many of those people are productive members of our society.
Try to get sheet rock done in NYC by Americans. Impossible.
@Sunrises Sunsets - I really appreciate your participation in this discussion.
I have lost friends because of issues we’ve discussed here.
I’m sure you love America.
People are reporting posts because of how charged these issues are.
A lot of us are very afraid of what these tariffs will do to our country- we love America too.
If you’re a student of history / or even based on current events- it’s not unreasonable to feel like these tariffs are a catastrophic error.
On the other hand, I guess it’s easy to make the case people are overreacting. Insults get thrown around.
I have appreciated the opportunity to get things off my chest. Sorry if I’ve insulted anyone.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Who's is defending that statement from him? All tied up and in a bundle from a statement made and no action. Why is a certain group peddling fear constantly, everything they read or hear is the end of democracy?

I think what we mean is that people should be outraged by it... on all sides. I give you credit for disagreeing with it. But let's be honest, many would love it if this individual never left office (like what was threatened in 2016).

With regard to fear mongering, the difference is one group is concerned with realistic implications of policies based on past precedents that predict future consequences, and the other weaponizes fear to divide and manipulate the constituency.

 

[Autumn in New England]

That $100 billion in taxes is a drop in the bucket when compared to the costs to the US and individual states for illegals.

Even DOGE says they cost us about the same as what they pay in. Of course, I don't believe a word of it. But let's rely on their findings for a moment. So, at worst, they've essentially paid for themselves... still not the reason for the wealth gap in this country. I'm not debating illegal immigration, mind you... I will never deny that it comes with certain drawbacks. I'm debating this fallacy that they're the reason for all of our problems in this country. Keep the (soon to be extinct) middle and lower classes fighting amongst themselves while the rich are robbing us blind. That's the motto (of those at the top, not you), and I resent it. We can never affect real change by starting from that premise.

 

[Calliecake]

@Rockdiamond, Please know you’ve also gained a lot of respect from people here thru your posts.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Enjoy every day. Every minute. Hug the ones you love.
None of us here can affect real change.
That’s a real part of the problem.
We have one more day of ….. whatever it is we have now that might change when these tariffs come into effect.
If they even do.
Part of an issue for many of us is the uncertainty.
It’s hard to imagine supporting this scattershot approach in terms of the stress it causes those watching/ and those directly affected.
Yet there are those making the case that this is some sort of negotiating tactic.
I, for one, really don’t like it. I’ve run from suppliers or potential client exhibiting inconsistent behavior. Time will tell.
We’re just leaves that have fallen into the stream. No control where it takes us at this point.
It’s easy to vilify immigrants that are using public services. That’s looking at one side of the issue and ignoring the other. Immigrants are the life blood of America. Many of them do not have all the correct paperwork. Many of those people are productive members of our society.
Try to get sheet rock done in NYC by Americans. Impossible.
@Sunrises Sunsets - I really appreciate your participation in this discussion.
I have lost friends because of issues we’ve discussed here.
I’m sure you love America.
People are reporting posts because of how charged these issues are.
A lot of us are very afraid of what these tariffs will do to our country- we love America too.
If you’re a student of history / or even based on current events- it’s not unreasonable to feel like these tariffs are a catastrophic error.
On the other hand, I guess it’s easy to make the case people are overreacting. Insults get thrown around.
I have appreciated the opportunity to get things off my chest. Sorry if I’ve insulted anyone.

I think you spoke very well, and I appreciate how informed you are, as well as your commitment to the truth. I will also agree that I believe we all love this country. We just disagree on how to improve it...