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

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

Yep. I wish we could all go out for a beer!
drinksemot.gif
 
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.


All the money the "rich" have in this country applied to the debt of this nation would be the equivalent of the size of a fly against a horses rump. The debt is way past the amount the "rich" possess. I wonder who would be considered rich, that is a very subjective decision.

I know the difference between personal and government debt. One can file bankruptcy and start all over, the other can lose the value of the dollar and collapse the system. The more money printed to cover debt, the more inflation and eventual lose of the dollar value.

Our government has borrowed plenty of money and the interest payments alone will become impossible to cover if significant changes aren't made starting now.

Agree cutting military strength would help but is that wise for our country?
AI:
By sheer number of ships, China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has outbuilt the U.S. Navy, with the PLAN having approximately 370 ships compared to the U.S. Navy's roughly 291.

I would love to be able to cut defense spending but I don't think it's practical to do so.
 
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.
I was sincerely apologizing for my part.

A suppose that a divide has developed, as my contributions have clearly become unwelcome and are causing issue for this board. I unfortunately lack the talent to speak around the obvious eloquently. That is my shortcoming.
I will defer to the prevailing Voldemort rule.

I apologize, again, and will not contribute further to discussions.
 
Regarding the Russian medical student.

She was caught at customs trying to smuggle frog embryos into the country. That’s the story. I looked it up and frog embryos are used for all kinds of research including using them as a medium to grow embryo-like micro robots (according to Tufts University). The contraband biological items list are very straightforward rules.

This scientist unfortunately intentionally tried to bring contraband biological items into the country.

Thank you for providing this update regarding the Russian medical student. Obviously, people need to be vetted before entry and yes, some innocent people may be vetted also but it is necessary.
 
@ItsMainelyYou, You posts are always factual and straightforward. Please don’t leave these threads. Many here also strongly value your opinions when you share them. You are never mean or snarky with your replies.

I second this! I've always enjoyed your contributions here and elsewhere, @ItsMainelyYou. You add a tremendous amount of insight and levity to this board.
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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.

I agree that illegals in this country are not the only straw on the camels back by a long shot. That is why everything is on the table and being sifted through. A good way to keep the middle and lower classes where they are is to keep up the handouts. Why bother to improve one's education and situation if a handout fills the financial void?

My perspective is the rich make their money for the most part from the stock market but that market is buoyed by up by the government no matter what. Why is the money in savings accounts and instruments forced to take small interest rates so people can have "free money" for loans? The market is where we all get to pay far more for products, services and utilities than we need to pay. Every business in the stock market needs to garner enough profit to fill the pockets of those doing nothing but collecting money even though the business in many instances doesn't need public funding. How can we fix that?
 
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.

If you have noticed, David, I have attempted to use only information provided by sources that are reliable. I felt the same discouragement, maybe even more so, during the last four years as other countries snickered about our leader. But I never gave up on this country.

You and I see the current situation through different lenses but I have never tried to tell you what to believe, just tried to enlighten and educate with information I had. I was never angry with you, perhaps frustrated at times but I feel this discussion was important.

As I said earlier, hate takes too much of my energy. I do not wish all of those in these conversations, whether we have been on opposite sides of the table or in agreement, any ill will.
 
I agree that illegals in this country are not the only straw on the camels back by a long shot. That is why everything is on the table and being sifted through. A good way to keep the middle and lower classes where they are is to keep up the handouts. Why bother to improve one's education and situation if a handout fills the financial void?

My perspective is the rich make their money for the most part from the stock market but that market is buoyed by up by the government no matter what. Why is the money in savings accounts and instruments forced to take small interest rates so people can have "free money" for loans? The market is where we all get to pay far more for products, services and utilities than we need to pay. Every business in the stock market needs to garner enough profit to fill the pockets of those doing nothing but collecting money even though the business in many instances doesn't need public funding. How can we fix that?

With minimum wage being what it is (federally, it hasn't changed since 2009), housing being generally unaffordable, healthcare not being accessible for many, food prices continuing to soar, how can we not provide social safety nets? It's impossible. I've said this before and I will say it again, you can't have it both ways. If you want to pay folks wages that are incompatible with COL, you don't want to provide affordable housing, and you don't recognize healthcare as a right, we're going to have to continue to socialize this economy. For those who don't like it, I encourage them to vote accordingly.

The rich inherit much of their wealth, which continues to accrue with passive income and minimal (if any) tax burdens. The game is rigged and the tables are tilted, as George Carlin used to say.
 
I was sincerely apologizing for my part.

A suppose that a divide has developed, as my contributions have clearly become unwelcome and are causing issue for this board. I unfortunately lack the talent to speak around the obvious eloquently. That is my shortcoming.
I will defer to the prevailing Voldemort rule.

I apologize, again, and will not contribute further to discussions.

You do not need to apologize. Practice your policy debate skills by talking about policies and not people. It's not difficult once you realign the focus.
 
im in a rush because its time to leave for work so i have some catching up to do
but i have a queation
what is happening with the UK?
where is the special relationship gone ?
why is the US impossing tarrifs on the UK ? and what are they ?
 
I was sincerely apologizing for my part.

A suppose that a divide has developed, as my contributions have clearly become unwelcome and are causing issue for this board. I unfortunately lack the talent to speak around the obvious eloquently. That is my shortcoming.
I will defer to the prevailing Voldemort rule.

I apologize, again, and will not contribute further to discussions.

Your remarks are always intelligent, you might be the most articulate person on this forum. Thank you for what you have contributed. Time to stop bloodying your knuckles.
 
im in a rush because its time to leave for work so i have some catching up to do
but i have a queation
what is happening with the UK?
where is the special relationship gone ?
why is the US impossing tarrifs on the UK ? and what are they ?

They want to increase US auto manufacturing so would likely hit UK built Automobiles sold to the US market~ so if any rock fan needs a Bentley Boodles edition... buy it now :)

The model’s most striking feature is perhaps its one-off ‘Be Boodles Bentley’ pendant in the centre console, featuring a pair of mirrored diamond-set B emblems handcrafted in 18kt Single Mine Origin white gold and designed to imitate the curves of antique lace

1743549149714.png

 
They want to increase US auto manufacturing so would likely hit UK built Automobiles sold to the US market~ so if any rock fan needs a Bentley Boodles edition... buy it now :)

The model’s most striking feature is perhaps its one-off ‘Be Boodles Bentley’ pendant in the centre console, featuring a pair of mirrored diamond-set B emblems handcrafted in 18kt Single Mine Origin white gold and designed to imitate the curves of antique lace

1743549149714.png

i know nothing about this thread is funny but
now there is a post right at home on pricescope :lol-2:
 
With minimum wage being what it is (federally, it hasn't changed since 2009), housing being generally unaffordable, healthcare not being accessible for many, food prices continuing to soar, how can we not provide social safety nets? It's impossible. I've said this before and I will say it again, you can't have it both ways. If you want to pay folks wages that are incompatible with COL, you don't want to provide affordable housing, and you don't recognize healthcare as a right, we're going to have to continue to socialize this economy. For those who don't like it, I encourage them to vote accordingly.

The rich inherit much of their wealth, which continues to accrue with passive income and minimal (if any) tax burdens. The game is rigged and the tables are tilted, as George Carlin used to say.

Is this to mean that if you own or are paying for your home or rent, health insurance and food, you are rich and have inherited your money and it must be distributed? I wonder how many realize that even the uber wealthy cannot support the throngs hanging on the public pig. If this country was so incapable of "the poor" being supported why were millions of people allowed over the border to inundate the services that were already stretched.

I keep hearing about the "rich" causing all the problems. If you robbed the "rich" of every dollar they had it wouldn't begin to pay for our welfare country and the nations it helps to support. But incentive for any type of work would be dead.

Now what?
 
[/QUOTE]
I was sincerely apologizing for my part.

A suppose that a divide has developed, as my contributions have clearly become unwelcome and are causing issue for this board. I unfortunately lack the talent to speak around the obvious eloquently. That is my shortcoming.
I will defer to the prevailing Voldemort rule.

I apologize, again, and will not contribute further to discussions.

For what it’s worth, I always enjoy your posts on the forums. I think you’re authentically you and I think that takes vulnerability on your part, which I admire <3
 
Is this to mean that if you own or are paying for your home or rent, health insurance and food, you are rich and have inherited your money and it must be distributed? I wonder how many realize that even the uber wealthy cannot support the throngs hanging on the public pig. If this country was so incapable of "the poor" being supported why were millions of people allowed over the border to inundate the services that were already stretched.

I keep hearing about the "rich" causing all the problems. If you robbed the "rich" of every dollar they had it wouldn't begin to pay for our welfare country and the nations it helps to support. But incentive for any type of work would be dead.

Now what?


Do you really not understand how difficult some people’s lives are? There are many Americans working two jobs and can barely pay rent and feed their family.

What does “hanging on the public pig” mean? I’ve never heard that definition before.

No one is talking about robbing the rich. Do many of us feel the rich should be paying their fair amount of taxes. Of course we do. Go back and take a look at what wealthy people paid in taxes in the 70’s. The wage disparity in this country is insane. They can afford to pay taxes.



.
 
What does “hanging on the public pig” mean? I’ve never heard that definition before

I interpret it to mean, “Sucking off the teet.”
Government “handouts, subsidies, etc.”

Make no mistake, these supposed “leveling the playing field” tariffs are nothing but big tax increases for US consumers and will not go towards paying down the deficit, as some seem to think (same for the DOGE cuts) This is how the tax cut for the 1% will be funded.
Inflation and a recession are the result., it’s basic economics.

Cutting government waste is a worthy objective, but not by the chainsaw slashing, willy-nilly approach.
 
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* For the record. I'm not leaving.
I'm just not going to put the effort clarifying or debating into political discussions.


Unfortunately, we're past that point. Now we have to learn to endure what's inevitably coming. The proof is in the pudding.

May the odds be ever in your favor.
~Effie Trincket

Happy 'Liberation' day.
 
Now we have to learn to endure what's inevitably coming.

True that.
It's been frustrating- but also nice to feel the camaraderie- and many of the posts have been incredibly informative...
 
I wonder what is the tariff on a Botswana (37%) Diamond -> Cut/Polished India (26%) and Shipped to US from Dubai (UAE 10%) ???
1743632350232.png
 
Do you really not understand how difficult some people’s lives are? There are many Americans working two jobs and can barely pay rent and feed their family.

What does “hanging on the public pig” mean? I’ve never heard that definition before.

No one is talking about robbing the rich. Do many of us feel the rich should be paying their fair amount of taxes. Of course we do. Go back and take a look at what wealthy people paid in taxes in the 70’s. The wage disparity in this country is insane. They can afford to pay taxes.

I probably understand how difficult some people's lives are better than most since we don't see the uber rich in our neck of the woods and the bills in our own household are creeping higher and higher.

Is anyone capable of grasping how much fraud there is in this country? But turn your heads from the fraud and decry any attempt to fix that huge problem. It's always "the rich" that have caused all the problems. If the rich that you think don't pay taxes, did pay them what you feel they owe, there still wouldn't be enough funding for all the freebies, handouts and debt that is now structured into the national budget. There is no issue with those elected officials entering office with average assets and walking away as unexplained millionaires. Where is the outcry for all the money that has been paid out for medical and dental care for the illegals which citizens is this country are skipping to make ends meet.

The answer isn't easy and "willy-nilly" firing people and "chainsaw slashing" is the perception when people don't realize terminating employment one person everyday would be ludicrous and there would be a lawsuit for each and every case.

This is the problem with welfare, few who are on it and not eligible or no longer require it don't want it quit. Try to take away the gravy, the diners aren't having it.

Regarding the rich, close all loopholes and flat tax on everything. Then everyone pays their fair and equal share. That would probably be the end of this type of benevolence by the USA can make up the difference, no? Warren Buffet is one of the world's most prolific philanthropists and has pledged to give away more than 99% of his wealth. This kind-hearted nonagenarian donates billions each year to the Bill and Melinda Gates' foundation and he co-founded The Giving Pledge with Gates.
 
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I wonder what is the tariff on a Botswana (37%) Diamond -> Cut/Polished India (26%) and Shipped to US from Dubai (UAE 10%) ???
1743632350232.png

This is real, right? If so, it's really helpful. I don't necessarily understand everything about tarriffs, but this *looks to me* like we (the US) are starting to levy tariffs on places where we didn't have them before, but that those places already had levied them on goods from the US. So honestly this seems kind of like common sense to me. Am I missing something?
 
On the eve of "Liberation Day" (link below to announcement), and to circle back to the main topic of this thread, I think it's important to review the basic facts about tarifs. Someone made a post here that summed it up well, including explaining that a trade surplus or trade deficit does not mean either country is necessarily being advantaged or disadvantaged overall. I couldn't locate the post to give proper credit. It may have been one that contained a reference that got it deleted. Sorry about that.

But to review, this 10% minimum tariff across the board (targeted countries are higher, some much higher such as the 25% Canadian auto tariff), will be paid by Americans. Directly by American businesses who import the products and in turn by the American consumers who purchase the now higher cost products from those businesses. This is a TAX on Americans. Yes, the tariff the American business pays goes to the US Treasury. Like taxes often do.

At a time when many Americans are struggling financially - we heard a lot about the price of eggs during the 2024 campaign - American consumers will now see everything that is not made entirely in America go up in price. So much for promises to curb inflation. And let's not forget, the American economy is driven by domestic consumer spending - a whopping 2/3 of all economic activity! So a major new tax on consumers is not helpful, to put it mildly.

Oh, and our new opponents in this war (the whole world)- they are not going to stand idly by. They will retaliate with tariffs of their own which will mean American businesses who export to those countries will have a harder time selling their products into those markets.

The magnitude of the total impact cannot be accurately known, and that is one of the most unsettling aspects - the uncertainty itself has negative impacts on global financial markets and investment. If businesses are cautious they don't build new factories and they don't create jobs. If you need any further indication of how dangerous this strategy is, just look at how the markets are reacting.

**edited, please do not link to political links**
 
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This is real, right? If so, it's really helpful. I don't necessarily understand everything about tarriffs, but this *looks to me* like we (the US) are starting to levy tariffs on places where we didn't have them before, but that those places already had levied them on goods from the US. So honestly this seems kind of like common sense to me. Am I missing something?
It's 'real' as far as it was publicly 'presented' on TV.
The numbers from other countries are not accurate, or out of context.


It's kind of like reading the sentence "I am Muad'Dib" and thinking that's the entire premise of DUNE.

The EU is making noises about a possible future blanket boycott of all American products. Watch that space.
The Senate is voting on on a resolution whether to reverse the Canadian tariffs as we speak.
 
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