We ARE Divided

1. 73

   Ken Burgessposted 2 years ago

   I looked at today's headlines, the ones that Microsoft Edge provides when first opening the Web page:
   
   "Former border officials vow to release illegal migrant numbers by Tuesday if Biden admin won't"
   
   (We are already over 2 million for the year, I mean, how bad can that month's numbers really be?)
   
   "Insider asked 38 Republicans whether they're concerned about growing anti-Semitic sentiments in their party. Their responses included silence, deflection, and rehashing old statements."
   
   (Funny considering the Democratic Party is the one always supporting Pro-Palestinian positions and trashing Israel for one issue or another)
   
   "Biden says: Republicans will crash the economy"
   
   (Newsflash to Joe:  You've been doing that just fine all by yourself)
   
   "Student debt could be canceled as early as October 23, and GOP states are scrambling to stop it."
   
   (Well yeah, need to get it canceled prior to the November elections... but passing this has nothing to do with trying to buy votes)
   
   "The real trade war with China has begun"
   
   (That was a laughable read, I remember the Dems running against Trump on his "insane" and "xenophobic" trade war with China, how it was crippling the American economy and hurting Americans and here the Dems are doubling the effort!)
   
   "Voices from the Arab press: US attack on Saudi Arabia isn’t justified"
   
   (Oh man, Biden is deeply committed in Ukraine and Haiti, upping the trade war with China... are we really going to pick a fight with someone else?)
   
   "France joins other European countries in pulling out of treaty protecting energy investments"
   
   (Gotta save the world from climate change!  Even as we near destroying it with Nukes!  The people we have running the world today are truly insane and out of touch with reality. What the heck did they expect when they chose to go to war against the nation providing half their energy?)
   
   "Students walk out on Mike Pence's speech where he suggests he's running in 2024"
   
   "Video of the moment depicts dozens of students getting up from their seats and leaving the auditorium. Some carry signs, one carries a Pride flag. In the balcony, students hold a long banner declaring, “LGBTQ Rights are Human Rights.”
   
   (Economy collapsing, World peace collapsing, Civil decency collapsing... and we are worried about making sure we extend more rights and protections to the LGBTQ.  This stuff is making the news stories but the protests and riots going on across the globe are not... amazing how F'd our MSM is.)

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   1. 87

      Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Ken, I'm l(ing)ol at such insanities.

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   2. 84

      Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      All you said and much more... It is not a question anymore, the divide is deep, and cemented.
      
      I have held friendships together with bubble gum, no longer. Problems are multiplying, and it has become evident that we need to step up and save what's left in my view. 
      
      I am weary of coming up against ideologies that I have no room for, and I actually at this point find some anti - American.
      
      I just read this article with the month of Sept migrants numbered. This is getting worse every month, and this should certainly concern any American.
      
      "September migrant encounters hit record high, 20 suspected terrorists arrested --  98 terror watchlist arrests at southern border in fiscal year 2022, smashing records"
      
      The number of migrant encounters at the U.S. southern border climbed to a record more than 227,000 during the month of September and more than 2.3 million for fiscal year 2022, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
      
      CBP uploaded the border numbers on Friday night in what was the highest number of encounters during the month of September in Department of Homeland Security history.
      
      CBP's numbers also show that there were 20 known or suspected terrorists arrested at the southern border in September, bringing the total terror watchlist arrests at the border for the fiscal year 2022 to 98. The number of terror watchlist arrests at the border for the last five years combined was 26." Read more if interested. 
      https://www.foxnews.com/us/southern-bor … -september

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         Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Okay done. But is the mainstream foxnews story reliable?

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            Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            I have no reason to think the report is not reliable.  I checked US Custom site     Number they put out --   227,545  actually more encounters than Fox reported.   https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/sout … encounters

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            1. 87

               Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

               Thank you.

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   3. 85

      gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Of  course we are divided as a nation.   The book GENERATIONS, THE HISTORY OF AMERICA'S FUTURE, 1584 to 2069-authors William Strauss & Neil Howe details that there will be a cultural division in America in the early 21st century between progressives & evangelicals.   Yes, both the liberal & conservative factions in American society have become MORE EXTREME.  Not only in America but in Europe also, there are more extremist factions.

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2. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5036761/ … mike-pence
   This is alarming. The students walk out on Pence as he speaks against LGBTQ. They are so protective of the rights of these members of a minority ... who have always had protection, since they are citizens of the United States. Pence was speaking about freedom. I would like to hear the whole speech.
   
   "This stuff is making the news stories but the protests and riots going on across the globe are not... amazing how F'd our MSM is."
   
   Yep.

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   1. 73

      Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      The wool being pulled over America's collective eyes today would make Goebbels proud.

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      1. 85

         gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Definitely, there are people who refuse to discern reality.  There are diehards among both parties who are ride & die for the party.   I classify myself as a Liberal Democrat but I see many inconsistencies in that party.   I will call a spade a spade regardless.   America is deteriorating because politicians are concentrating on inane social issues instead of important issues like inflation & the economy.   What America needs is a no-nonsense law & order president & also no-nonsense law & order governors & mayors.  What America has is EXTREME LIBERALISM & LOOK AT THE RESULTS-cities are now a cesspool of criminal activity & cost of living has significantly increased.   What is needed is a now grassroots political party.

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3. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   Its a divide between the willing obedient toward slavery and the willfully disobedient toward lasting liberty.
   Slave or Free ... take your pick ... choose your side.

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      gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      FREE.

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      1. 84

         Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Yes. We must choose that which brings forth freedom. And that which protects freedom: Appropriate boundaries, law and order.
         
         Isolating the difficulty involves discerning what, exactly, IS appropriate!

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4. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   "I have held friendships together with bubble gum, no longer. Problems are multiplying, and it has become evident that we need to step up and save what's left in my view.":
   
   Me too.

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   1. 73

      Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      One of the problems right now is the failure to move on from Trump.
      
      Part of this is the doing of the MSM keeping him relevant and in the news, part of this is Biden and the Dems continuing to make this about the "threat to Democracy" that Trump and his supporters supposedly are.
      
      This is my take on Trump, for the record, or close enough for my tastes:
      https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s0cMqRRLE1w
      
      Until we can move on from Trump, those who voted for him, and those who despised him, we cannot really focus on all the dire issues currently facing the nation.
      
      Trump is having an impact in some elections in 2022... but he is done... he will never capture enough of America's support to win the Presidency again.  Nor would those that run the nation now allow it to happen again.
      
      Once Trump is no longer in the picture I think all eyes can then focus on Biden, how terrible this Administration has done, and everyone, including Trump haters, will give the alternative more than equal consideration.
      
      I don't know if we even will make it to 2024 in good enough shape for an election to even matter, but if we do, we need it to be about ousting Biden not about repeating with Trump.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Wow!

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      2. 61

         Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Maybe it would help if your party that you identify with would put forward some sort of platform, specific and detailed ideas of how they would address issues that they only complain about. I'm tired of hearing about book banning, transgender babies, abortions happening like crazy at full term, kindergarteners being taught law school concepts, hate and suspicion for teachers and doctors, hate for gay folks. I'm sick to death of the culture wars. I've had it with muzzling corporate speech and retaliation.  I'm sick to death of the crazy conspiracy theories and the hateful screaming of right-wing politicians. I'm sick to death of the right wingers on their high horse about all of these issues until their off the rails candidates commit all of these sins and all of you are very ready to turn you're back on your so-called "values" because you need them elected.   I'm sick to death of Republicans beating the same drum without  any offers of tangible plans.
         Give me something to vote for other than President Biden is demented.

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         1. 84

            Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            She is tired of hearing about:
            
            book banning
            transgender babies
            complaints about full term abortions
            kindergarteners being taught CRT
            hate and suspicion for teachers and doctors
            hate for gay folks.
            culture wars.
            muzzling corporate speech and retaliation 
            crazy conspiracy theories 
            right wingers on their high horses screaming until they are off the rails
            candidates who commit all of these so-called sins while turning their backs on their own values. 
            no offers of tangible plans.
            
            -someone does needs a nap.

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            1. 87

               Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, I do. Goodnight then...sweet dream.

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               Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               Off-grid life looks more appealing everyday

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         2. 87

            Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Mike Pence?  Gabbard? Sarros? XYZ? Que bono?

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5. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   Really, we need to split the country in two. Right down the middle. The East can have the Liberals and the West, the Conservatives. The other parties will have to choose which side they can tolerate most. We will see which side thrives better. Maybe they will both die off and the earth will be cleansed of it all.

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   1. 87

      Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Et tu Brutus? And you sanctioning the divided? Okay look for some real thing like covid-19 that'll keep America united.

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      1. 84

         Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         HUh? Why do you care about whether we stay as one nation or two?"

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            Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            What? D' you care for another civil war? Once is enough.

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      2. 73

         Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Covid-19 did not keep America united.
         
         It helped widen the divide, it helped make apparent the more extreme differences between the parties.
         
         We got to see extreme lockdowns in Democrat controlled states like CA and NY.  And we got to see life remain relatively normal in states like Idaho and Florida which are geared more toward freedom and liberty as they are Red states.

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         1. 87

            Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            That may be. Divided America stand? God save America!

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            1. 61

               Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               Politicians chose to use a health crisis to further divide people.  This is what politics has become in America but people would still rather line up behind the blue or  red like mindless robots rather than holding politicians accountable.  It's going to come to the point that people just need to be flashed the blue or red sign and they'll be obedient.  A whole lot of Americans have lost the ability to think critically.  Our politicians play us  as idiots and people eat it up.
               
               https://khn.org/morning-breakout/trump- … nel-finds/

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                  Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  I've gone through the links. But what's KHN? Perhaps they're one of those organized groups against Trump?                                  Seriously, I'm not biased or a bigot. Ex-President Trump either don't know or like science. But I do. His asking to dilute bleach in water, and drinking same seems to be a mispresentation of drinking a drop of Izal in a glass or cup of water! It's a basic virus or germ solution that's endemic back in the 70s. Two decades gone and much is forgotten.                                                                       Critically, whatever politicians want to do, let them go ahead. They're accountable to WE THE PEOPLE. Thanks.

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                  1. 61

                     Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                     KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.
                     It has nothing to do with Mr Trump.

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                     1. 87

                        Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                        KHN 'has nothing to do with Mr. Trump'. But it's piling up facts against him? That's obvious.                                    It would have been an understanding if KHN just discuss current health issues in a neutral frame of mind. Alluring negatively to only Mr. Trump Administration, and none else is bad.

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6. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   Maybe if you could only hear, "... the platform, specific and detailed ideas of how they address issues that they ... complain about."
   
   Sadly, all you hear is the complaining. They give PLENTY of solutions.
   Just  L I S T E N !

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7. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 2 years ago

   The Democratic Party is singlehandedly destroying America.  Inflation is at an all time high-so is crime.  The Democrats don't care about America.  People are leaving the Democratic Party as it is becoming so leftist in scope. People voted for Biden, although he was unpresidential material, just to get rid of Trump.   They felt that anyone would be better than Trump-well, not so.

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   1. 84

      Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Agee 100%

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      1. 85

         gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, Biden is an utter joke.

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   2. 76

      wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      "Inflation is at an all time high..."
      
      If the numbers don't lie, it most certainly is not an "all time high".  I lived through the 70's years of double digit inflation myself.
      
      But...I have heard mutterings, and my experience makes me wonder; are those numbers honest?  Are they calculated the same way they were in the days of 10%+ inflation?  Or has the method/calculations of inflation changed to minimize what is happening around us?  It certainly wouldn't be the first time we've been lied to in just that manner!

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      1. 73

         Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Indeed, how they calculate inflation has changed.
         
         And the rate of interest rates back in the 70s outpaced inflation, which ultimately worked to stem it.
         
         Can you imagine 10% interest rates today?
         
         No one would buy a car, or home, or anything that required a loan.  This wouldn't harm the economy, it would kill it.  They are damned near to the point where this is happening now... who on earth would buy a home a 7.5% interest today?
         
         Principal & Interest = $1,130 for a $200,000 home at 7.60%
         
         Principal & Interest = $650 for a $200,000 home at 2.80%
         
         Both with $40,000 down payment.
         
         This is the real change we have seen in interest rates in under 2 years.

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         1. 76

            wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            I bought my first home from military man that had a VA loan at 18% interest.  That was, I believe, 1984, and the home was 4 years old.
            
            He didn't have the equity (or cash), after 4 years of payment, to pay the closing costs; the realtor had to cut her fee so he could close on the sale.
            
            And MY mortgage then was just over 10%.  Yes, people will buy, and sell, at almost any cost...if they have to.  In my case, the seller had been transferred (overseas, I think) and had to get out of the house.

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   3. 87

      Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      'People voted for Biden...just to get rid of Trump'. Sure. And now they're paying dearly for the price of gas, food, and housing.                                     The best opinion is for them to bring back Trump. He'll right all the wrongs biden and company done.

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      1. 85

         gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Aha, however, there are those who adamantly refuse to acknowledge this.   To those %%^$ souls, everything is grand.  Well, it is not grand at all.  Inflation is the highest ever.  Crime is also the highest ever.   I smell the coffee.  I face reality but those d--------d souls who voted for Biden believe that America has improved under Biden.  That thought is the height of being schizoid into the realms of insanity.  Biden has worsened, not bettered the country.  The country was so much better under Trump, believe it or not.

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            Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            I sort of look at each president as being either blessed or disadvantaged by their predecessor.  In terms of Mr trump, I think data shows he didn't build a great economy but rather inherited it. But I would also add that I believe the economy is cyclical anyway.  I'm not saying that the president doesn't have any influence over the economy but there certainly are other factors. Some of those being market forces, private business, productivity growth, the state of the global economy, and policies of the Federal Reserve who set interest rates. Personally I don't think 4 years is generally enough time to see the impact of an administration.
            Can I ask though, are you unhappy with the inflation reduction act? Or the infrastructure bill?   The report today is that the GDP grew last quarter, the economy expanded.

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         2. 73

            Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            It was much better under Trump, until the Pandemic and "Color Revolution" (https://marisol-nostromo.medium.com/ame … 3cdf1b1181) riots consumed America in 2020.
            
            Whether you want to credit that to Trump, his tax changes, his fight for better trade agreements, his efforts to bolster American business, energy production at home, etc. or not credit him at all... what matters is that the economy and the pay progression for middle-class blue-collar jobs hadn't been that good in 30 years.
            
            Gas during his Administration was below $2 a gallon average.
            
            In contrast, I expect Biden's four years to average over $4 a gallon average.
            
            Under Trump's low-inflation economy, the average American worker's real annual earnings increased by $4,000.
            
            Under Biden the average worker in America has the equivalent of $3,000 less annually than he or she did in January 2021.
            
            The Biden administration insisted inflation was “transitory,” while they focused on issues like diversity. But now, the reality is so apparent that not even the ruling class in the Capitol can ignore it. In a belated attempt to fight inflation, the Fed has been pushing up interest rates while the Biden administration attempts to shift blame to Putin, Saudi Arabia, or the Pandemic (they are throwing things at the wall hoping something will stick).

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               wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               "they are throwing things at the wall hoping something will stick"
               
               LOL  I like this.  It is much the same as what they are doing to Trump; throwing any and all accusations hoping they will eventually find something that will stick and get him out of their political hair.

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                  Miebakagh57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  That's very funny. And I'm laughing it out loud too!

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                  1. 85

                     gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                     Under Trump, America was doing great but everything has gotten worse & inflation skyrocked under the nincompoop Biden.  Biden is $%$@ up America.  Because of the Democrats, inflation & crime is at AN ALL TIME HIGH.

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                        Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                        And what magic dust is the Republican Party bringing to fix these issues? What have you heard from the midterm candidates that impresses you? What policy agendas have they talked about that you feel are positive? What are the points of their policy platform that you like and feel would be beneficial in terms of the economy and inflation?

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                        1. 84

                           Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                           What have you heard from the Democrats? The Republicans are offering a clean-up and will concentrate on bread-and-butter issues. They are at least admitting the country is in a mess. Many are running on let's worry about America first until we fix our own problems.

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                           1. 61

                              Fayetteville Fayeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                              For the Democrats, they have President Biden's agenda that's all they have and all they can run on pretty much. For better or worse it is what it is but from the Republican side I don't want to hear continual criticism. I want to hear alternatives. If you want my vote I want to hear what your plan is, what you're going to do.  My vote is always up for grabs and I've split my ticket no  or voted for democrat or republican over the past 40 years with no problem.  I think the entire political system in our country is pretty much in the toilet. Politicians appeal to nonsense made up issues and people eat it up. Like I said it's insulting to anyone's intelligence we look ridiculous as a country acting like a cult.

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