The New Lounge

[KDSTONE]

I believe Datt must have dreamt about Trump all night. He sure woke up triggered. He says if you break from MAGA you’re a Rhino. Doesn’t every Democrat tow the party line? Fetterman’s the only one I’ve ever seen say anything favorable about the Trump administration.

Not everyone. There’s the former mayor of NYC Eric Adams, who criticized Biden then found himself with a big, fat indictment a month later. Funny how that works.

 

[KDSTONE]

“Mac and others made fun of me for struggling with my Dad’s death.” Do what?? Look, I think you’re a fruit, but come on Datt. You know what you said isn’t true at all. I would say shame on you, but this shows you have none.

On the other part, you may not have wanted Biden, but there’s a difference between him not being your choice but you then not showing at least a little criticism of him once he was the face of your party. You then were the great follower you are. Thats the best way to describe walking the company line.

At least Datt admitted he didn’t vote for him in the Primary. Dirt duck was nowhere to be found back then and Boogie seems to think Joe’ s the long lost Roosevelt.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

He says if you break from MAGA you’re a Rhino.

Good grief... I didn't say it; MAGA said it.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

“Mac and others made fun of me for struggling with my Dad’s death.” Do what?? Look, I think you’re a fruit, but come on Datt. You know what you said isn’t true at all. I would say shame on you, but this shows you have none.

You did. You made constant jokes about my mental health. Every time you say it's time for me to take a mental health break it's a direct reference to how I explained my absence after my Dad died. The language is exactly the same. This isn't the first time I've called you on this. It is the first time you've denied it.

And you wonder why I doubt your empathy.

 

[KDSTONE]

I didn't post that you posted that DSA was "going away anytime soon." And before you go there, I didn't post that you posted that I posted that you posted that DSA was "going away anytime soon."

For me, kicking out DSA would be in line with establishment Dems' ongoing cowardice. That self-sabotage would be their typical faux courage, though.

THAT is when things start to fall apart? Oh, okay.

On some level, you have to admit that Defund the Police and Open Borders may look great on a campaign poster, but in the real world seem kinda nuts
If they don’t kick them out, the DNC will be saddled with these lunatics and their fringe views.
If they do kick them out, they’ll be called cowards for not wanting to “deal with the issues” Either way, win win for Republicans.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

On some level, you have to admit that Defund the Police and Open Borders may look great on a campaign poster, but in the real world seem kinda nuts
If they don’t kick them out, the DNC will be saddled with these lunatics and their fringe views.
If they do kick them out, they’ll be called cowards for not wanting to “deal with the issues” Either way, win win for Republicans.

Yeah, some of the messaging is irresponsible and self-sabotaging. I see a big difference between defunding the police and abolishing the police. I recognize some people see them as one and the same. We largely had open borders as far back as President GHW Bush -- #41. People came as they pleased... and left, as well. I do favor an immigration policy that leans in that direction, but absolutely open borders? It's an unrealistic model for sustainability and the very label terrifies many.

You've picked out 2 low-hanging fruit from DSA's platform. Not to say there aren't more, but healthcare, the rich paying significantly more taxes, well-funded public schools, income inequality, housing reform, labor unions, military cuts, a Green New Deal... all of those things have wide appeal. Every meme I see trying to scare people about DSA looks like an advertisement for them to me, along the lines of "a taco truck on every corner."

 

[KDSTONE]

Yeah, some of the messaging is irresponsible and self-sabotaging. I see a big difference between defunding the police and abolishing the police. I recognize some people see them as one and the same. We largely had open borders as far back as President GHW Bush -- #41. People came as they pleased... and left, as well. I do favor an immigration policy that leans in that direction, but absolutely open borders? It's an unrealistic model for sustainability and the very label terrifies many.

You've picked out 2 low-hanging fruit from DSA's platform. Not to say there aren't more, but healthcare, the rich paying significantly more taxes, well-funded public schools, income inequality, housing reform, labor unions, military cuts, a Green New Deal... all of those things have wide appeal. Every meme I see trying to scare people about DSA looks like an advertisement for them to me, along the lines of "a taco truck on every corner."

I appreciate your honesty, but it’s scary stuff to put it mildly. But healthcare…. You mean like the 5 % of us who do well pay for the 95% who don’t. Cool story bro I was opposed to Rep cutting Covid era subsidies

 

[DuckDevil]

I didn't post that you posted that DSA was "going away anytime soon." And before you go there, I didn't post that you posted that I posted that you posted that DSA was "going away anytime soon."

For me, kicking out DSA would be in line with establishment Dems' ongoing cowardice. That self-sabotage would be their typical faux courage, though.

THAT is when things start to fall apart? Oh, okay.

There is no kicking the DSA out of the party, in my opinion. This is the Democrats’ Tea Party movement, and it’s going to shift the party going forward. I believe that’s a good thing. The current centrist party leadership in Schumer and Jeffries needs to go. The strategy of appeasement has to end. The party needs fighters who will hold the other side accountable for the laws they’ve broken, end the billionaire handouts of the Trump administration, stop the Republican lust for forever wars, and make sure American tax dollars are invested in improving the lives of the American people.

I think Republicans have always misread MAGA and what kind of movement it really was. At its core, it’s always been a populist movement built around economic frustration with the status quo and the desire to burn it all down and replace it with something else. It has nothing to do with conservatism, and Trump’s terms have proven that. Trump himself is just a charismatic figurehead who promised to fight “them.” He’s not a conservative, and he’s not really a Republican in the traditional sense. He’s just a vessel to fight “them.” And he can be replaced.

Now, the DSA candidates are tapping into those same economic frustrations and hatred of the system that Trump so successfully took advantage of. The pendulum always swings back, and the utter failure of Trump and the Republican Party over the last 10 years has opened the door for these new left wing candidates. Trump is not a political unicorn. A left wing candidate with charisma, the right message, and the right tools will be able to harness that same energy in the opposite direction.

When a person works full time and can’t buy a house, can’t afford groceries, can’t afford gas, or can’t afford to raise a family, they’re naturally going to be willing to consider more extreme solutions to their problems. The political establishment and the billionaire class have no one but themselves to blame for this. Historically speaking, the type of wealth inequality we’re seeing in this country will not end well for those on top.

If people don’t see what’s happening with the DSA and its growing influence, then they weren’t paying attention to what was happening inside the Republican Party from 2010 to 2016.

 

[DuckDevil]

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

You mean like the 5 % of us who do well pay for the 95% who don’t.

2/3 of us pay for healthcare via deductions from our paychecks.
Not sure where you're getting your 5% figure, but I have a sneaky suspicion that nobody here is in the top 5%.
Frankly, the 1% could pay for all of it, probably.
Nobody should be going bankrupt to pay for medical care.

 

[KDSTONE]

2/3 of us pay for healthcare via deductions from our paychecks.
Not sure where you're getting your 5% figure, but I have a sneaky suspicion that nobody here is in the top 5%.
Frankly, the 1% could pay for all of it, probably.
Nobody should be going bankrupt to pay

 

[KDSTONE]

2/3 of us pay for healthcare via deductions from our paychecks.
Not sure where you're getting your 5% figure, but I have a sneaky suspicion that nobody here is in the top 5%.
Frankly, the 1% could pay for all of it, probably.
Nobody should be going bankrupt to pay for medical care.

Your “sneaking suspicion” would be wrong and no I’m not sending you a W2.

 

[Mac9192]

You did. You made constant jokes about my mental health. Every time you say it's time for me to take a mental health break it's a direct reference to how I explained my absence after my Dad died. The language is exactly the same. This isn't the first time I've called you on this. It is the first time you've denied it.

And you wonder why I doubt your empathy.

Yes, I make jokes about your mental health, as others have too. It's because of what we read you post here on a daily basis. You're trying to weaponize something not related to our daily discussions as a way to demonize me for how I talk to you.

I do feel for you losing your dad years ago, but you're lying to use that as an excuse for your opinion of me.

 

[KDSTONE]

There is no kicking the DSA out of the party, in my opinion. This is the Democrats’ Tea Party movement, and it’s going to shift the party going forward. I believe that’s a good thing. The current centrist party leadership in Schumer and Jeffries needs to go. The strategy of appeasement has to end. The party needs fighters who will hold the other side accountable for the laws they’ve broken, end the billionaire handouts of the Trump administration, stop the Republican lust for forever wars, and make sure American tax dollars are invested in improving the lives of the American people.

I think Republicans have always misread MAGA and what kind of movement it really was. At its core, it’s always been a populist movement built around economic frustration with the status quo and the desire to burn it all down and replace it with something else. It has nothing to do with conservatism, and Trump’s terms have proven that. Trump himself is just a charismatic figurehead who promised to fight “them.” He’s not a conservative, and he’s not really a Republican in the traditional sense. He’s just a vessel to fight “them.” And he can be replaced.

Now, the DSA candidates are tapping into those same economic frustrations and hatred of the system that Trump so successfully took advantage of. The pendulum always swings back, and the utter failure of Trump and the Republican Party over the last 10 years has opened the door for these new left wing candidates. Trump is not a political unicorn. A left wing candidate with charisma, the right message, and the right tools will be able to harness that same energy in the opposite direction.

When a person works full time and can’t buy a house, can’t afford groceries, can’t afford gas, or can’t afford to raise a family, they’re naturally going to be willing to consider more extreme solutions to their problems. The political establishment and the billionaire class have no one but themselves to blame for this. Historically speaking, the type of wealth inequality we’re seeing in this country will not end well for those on top.

If people don’t see what’s happening with the DSA and its growing influence, then they weren’t paying attention to what was happening inside the Republican Party from 2010 to 2016.

Cool essay bro. Let’s not think so much in terms of blame but policy positions. That’s the elephant in the room that you constantly fail to address.
It “ won’t end well for those on top”. That sounds quite dire. Any specific ideas?

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Yes, I make jokes about your mental health, as others have too. It's because of what we read you post here on a daily basis. You're trying to weaponize something not related to our daily discussions as a way to demonize me for how I talk to you.

I do feel for you losing your dad years ago, but you're lying to use that as an excuse for your opinion of me.

Truth hurts.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Your “sneaking suspicion” would be wrong and no I’m not sending you a W2.

Oops. I greatly overestimated how much the 5th % makes.
So where does that figure come from?

 

[Mac9192]

Truth hurts.

I feel for you losing your dad, and yes, you have mental health issues. I mean what I said because both are true.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

I feel for you losing your dad, and yes, you have mental health issues. I mean what I said because both are true.

I don't believe you on either front. You've shown me who you are repeatedly.

 

[DuckDevil]

Cool essay bro. Let’s not think so much in terms of blame but policy positions. That’s the elephant in the room that you constantly fail to address.
It “ won’t end well for those on top”. That sounds quite dire. Any specific ideas?

And that’s where you’re wrong and misreading the moment. Blame is all that matters when populism takes hold. It’s the “elite” vs. “the ordinary,” and policy doesn’t matter as long as “they” get what’s coming to them. It’s a dangerous cycle to be in. Also, the keyword in my previous statement was “historically” since you seemed to miss it. Do you need me to explain that to you as well?

I have laid out many policy positions with detailed explanations many times over the last few months, which is more than you and the rest of the right wing contingent here have ever done here. Thinking critically, explaining yourself, and understanding policy just don’t seem to be your strong suit.

You guys are delusional if you don’t see whats coming in November.

 

[Mac9192]

I don't believe you on either front. You've shown me who you are repeatedly.

I can feel for you losing your dad, and think you're delusional. You're showing your true colors.

 

[DuckDevil]

There’s help out there, guys. You just have to look for it.

www.leavingmaga.org

 

[Mac9192]

Politically, the only option if someone leaves MAGA, or the Republican Party, is to become an Independent. And let's be real, once someone is an Independent, their views will most likely line up with MAGA or the Republican Party. The Democratic Party is nothing but destructive, with a bunch of commies trying to steal the show.

 

[KDSTONE]

And that’s where you’re wrong and misreading the moment. Blame is all that matters when populism takes hold. It’s the “elite” vs. “the ordinary,” and policy doesn’t matter as long as “they” get what’s coming to them. It’s a dangerous cycle to be in. Also, the keyword in my previous statement was “historically” since you seemed to miss it. Do you need me to explain that to you as well?

I have laid out many policy positions with detailed explanations many times over the last few months, which is more than you and the rest of the right wing contingent here have ever done here. Thinking critically, explaining yourself, and understanding policy just don’t seem to be your strong suit.

You guys are delusional if you don’t see whats coming in November.

Politically, the only option if someone leaves MAGA, or the Republican Party, is to become an Independent. And let's be real, once someone is an Independent, their views will most likely line up with MAGA or the Republican Party. The Democratic Party is nothing but destructive, with a bunch of commies trying to steal the show.

Correct. They get all tingly down low when conservatives leave MAGA, but this is an organic, healthy response to being part of a movement that’s no longer working for them. It served its purpose and once Trump exits the stage it will be a time for a reimagining The DSA has made this easy. Rep are the party of capitalism, freedom, and law and order.

 

[DuckDevil]

Ah, no wonder Trump and the GOP refuse to withdraw their endorsements from this guy.

 

[dukesince91]

You did. You made constant jokes about my mental health. Every time you say it's time for me to take a mental health break it's a direct reference to how I explained my absence after my Dad died. The language is exactly the same. This isn't the first time I've called you on this. It is the first time you've denied it.

And you wonder why I doubt your empathy.

Politics aside, I’m sorry for your loss. My dad passed 25 years ago and I sure missed out on learning a lot from all his wisdom. I think about him often. When I was a teenager he wrote a letter to the editor about once a month. I remember telling him that it wasn’t going to make a difference. His reply was “it will make me feel better.”

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Politics aside, I’m sorry for your loss. My dad passed 25 years ago and I sure missed out on learning a lot from all his wisdom. I think about him often. When I was a teenager he wrote a letter to the editor about once a month. I remember telling him that it wasn’t going to make a difference. His reply was “it will make me feel better.”

Yeah, it's been 5 years now. The sting isn't as bad anymore, but it still blindsides me sometimes. As I approach retirement, I think about how proud he was of me and the work I do.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

The DSA has made this easy. Rep are the party of capitalism, freedom, and law and order.

I'm not counting my chickens, but I don't see how you can't look at the DSA and see their momentum and understand why they're attractive to so many.

Capitalism isn't working for a lot of us. And no money limits freedom. Those aren't selling points for the GOP. And law & order is a dog whistle for authoritarianism.

 

[Mac9192]

Capitalism isn't working for a lot of us. And no money limits freedom. Those aren't selling points for the GOP. And law & order is a dog whistle for authoritarianism.

The mental ward is looking for you.

 

[DuckDevil]

Meanwhile…

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

The mental ward is looking for you.

How about addressing what I said instead of taking another personal shot?

 

[DuckDevil]

 

[DuckDevil]

How about addressing what I said instead of taking another personal shot?

He’s legitimately not capable of having any conversation that requires even a basic level of critical thinking. The most you’ll ever get out of him is right wing slogans and talking points.

 

[Mac9192]

How about addressing what I said instead of taking another personal shot?

Capitalism isn't working for a lot 'of us." What is a better option? The last time I checked, there are programs for those struggling.

Law and order is a dog whistle for authoritarianism? We know law enforcement is not perfect, plenty of mistakes are made, and some don't need to be wearing a badge. But again, what is the other a better option? Call a librarian if you need help? Are all school teachers good? What about mechanics? Are all of them good?

So yes, you have serious mental issues to post what you did.

Here's your reply @DuckDevil

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Capitalism isn't working for a lot 'of us." What is a better option? The last time I checked, there are programs for those struggling.

Law and order is a dog whistle for authoritarianism? We know law enforcement is not perfect, plenty of mistakes are made, and some don't need to be wearing a badge. But again, what is the other a better option? Call a librarian if you need help? Are all school teachers good? What about mechanics? Are all of them good?

So yes, you have serious mental issues to post what you did.

Here's your reply @DuckDevil

When was the last time you checked?
Are you denying that capitalism isn't working for a lot of us?
Do you know what a dog whistle is?

 

[Mac9192]

When was the last time you checked?
Are you denying that capitalism isn't working for a lot of us?
Do you know what a dog whistle is?

I know what you're getting at with the dog whistle phrase. In your meaning though it's whitey keeping minorities down. Which you might be somewhat right. Democrats don't want people's lives improving. They say something different, but actions over words. They want the vote, so they can retain the power. And they'll show back up ONLY at re election time.

What will work better than capitalism? Unless it's somewhere tropical, how many Americans leave the USA vs how many are coming in?

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Democrats don't want people's lives improving.

Is it possible they have different ideas for how to improve people's lives?

 

[Mac9192]

Is it possible they have different ideas for how to improve people's lives?

Sure. But you’re going to be met with resistance when liberals option is to take from one group, and give to another. If you’d give an inch, we both want everyone to be successful. But the cold truth is the playing field will never be even. Some is by bad luck, limited smarts, and some by poor decisions.

On the flip side, some people are fortunate by the name they have, and some by who they know.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Sure. But you’re going to be met with resistance when liberals option is to take from one group, and give to another. If you’d give an inch, we both want everyone to be successful. But the cold truth is the playing field will never be even. Some is by bad luck, limited smarts, and some by poor decisions.

If I would give an inch?

 

[Mac9192]

If I would give an inch?

Yes. It's not that you're on the side of the poor and downtrodden. I am too. It's that you lean very heavily to the opinion that there is someone to blame for why someone is poor or downtrodden. Which creates a victim mentality, division...

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Yes. It's not that you're on the side of the poor and downtrodden. I am too. It's that you lean very heavily to the opinion that there is someone to blame for why someone is poor or downtrodden. Which creates a victim mentality, division...

It's more of a system than a single person, and I do not shirk personal responsibility.

Illuminating problems is not what causes division.