@16:00, , 5/30/21

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1

Biden’s Budget Has Racial Equity Efforts Baked In

Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The budget, which was released on Friday, includes tens of billions of dollars worth of programs intended to bolster the fortunes of people of color and other historically underserved groups.

 

Equality means what it says.

It is a reparation that can and must be provided.

2

Biden's $6 Trillion Budget Aims for Path to Middle Class, Financed by the Rich

Jim Tankersley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The president’s budget envisions a redistribution of wealth that will allow more Americans to enjoy prosperity, buoyed by investments in education, infrastructure and climate-related initiatives.

 

The new budget will be baid by bonded debt.  The bonds will be paid from the general fund.

Much will be rolled into the distant future.

This Republican trope is recognized as the petard it is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trope_(literature)

3

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – May 30, 2021

Tony Wikrent, Ian Welsh - 2 hours ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – May 30, 2021 by Tony Wikrent Strategic Political Economy Long Slide Looms for World Population, With Sweeping Ramifications [NYT, via Naked Capitalism 5-23-2021] “1 big thing: The state of the world, according to me” Dion Rabouin [Axios, via Naked Capitalism Water Cooler 5-27-21] I find this very interesting because Rabouin […]

 

Alvin Toffler made his points.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Toffler

 

The partisan battle continues with the left shooting at the democrats for not winning final victory.

 

4

Texas Senate Passes One of the Nation’s Strictest Voting Bills

Nick Corasaniti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

The Republican-led bill, which would toughen already stringent voting rules in Texas, is likely to pass the State House. Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign it.

 

Texas is insane.   It has been since it joined the union.

 

5

Texas Voting Bill Nears Passage as Republicans Advance It

Nick Corasaniti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

The bill, which includes some of the strictest voting measures in the country, would head to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott if it passes. He is expected to sign it into law.

 

The Texas voting bill failed on a quorum call.

 

6

A Look at What's Inside Biden’s $6 Trillion Plan

The New York Times, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

President Biden’s funding request to Congress lays out his economic ambitions, with proposals for significant new spending in areas like infrastructure, education and the environment.

 

Making the national economy able to earn is an admirable project.

7

Air Force Tries Virtual Reality to Stem Suicide and Sexual Assault

Jennifer Steinhauer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

Officials are hoping that an immersive virtual reality experience aimed at getting airmen to intervene will succeed where years of traditional training have failed.

 

Do what works.   The experiment is worth the cost.

 

8

Foster Friess, Big Donor to Republicans, Dies at 81

Neil Genzlinger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

A conservative Christian and wealthy businessman, he gave millions to Rick Santorum and Donald Trump in their presidential bids.

 

No is not the answer.

 

9

The D.N.C. Didn’t Get Hacked in 2020. Here’s Why.

Nicole Perlroth, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

A devastating email breach of the D.N.C. roiled Democrats in the final months of 2016. An unassuming security official made it his mission to prevent a recurrence.

 

The D.N.C. membership learned the first time.

 

10

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use the comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

 

Negotiation is essential

Sooner is better.  As soon as you can is best.

 

11

Foster Friess, Big Donor to Republicans, Dies at 81

Neil Genzlinger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

A conservative Christian and wealthy businessman, he gave millions to Rick Santorum and Donald Trump in their presidential bids.

 

No is not the answer.

 

12

Biden Banks on $3.6 Trillion Tax Hike on the Rich and Corporations

Alan Rappeport, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The White House is proposing substantial increases in personal income tax rates for those earning about a half-million dollars and higher tax rates on large corporations.

 

Biden does not need more taxes to spend money now.

 

13

Senate Republicans Filibuster Jan. 6 Inquiry Bill, Blocking a Capitol Riots Investigation

Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The vote killed the best chance for an independent accounting of the deadly Capitol attack, which Republicans feared would damage them politically.

 

That is one investigation of many.

 

14

Republican Dissent Delays Passage of China Competitiveness Bill

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Some Republican senators argued they needed more time to review the bill. Others said its nearly $200 billion price tag was too high.

 

Subsidizing semiconductor manufacture may have some effect on China trade.

Most of the bill is a collection of orphan causes.

The Republicans are sabotaging themselves.

 

15

Here's One Thing Missing from President Biden's Budget: Booming Growth

Neil Irwin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

For all the administration’s focus on transformational policies, it’s not forecasting an outburst of economic potential.

 

Rationally booming growth is not desirable.

A boom implies a future bust.

 

16

Biden Banks on $3.6 Trillion Tax Hike on the Rich and Corporations

Alan Rappeport, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The White House is proposing substantial increases in personal income tax rates for those earning about a half-million dollars and higher tax rates on large corporations.

 

There is no reason not to mortgage the future.  Federal Reserve credit is good. 

17

Why Biden Isn’t Cracking Down on Fossil Fuels

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Environmental activists had high hopes when he entered office, but have found his record mixed.

 

"Cracking down" on fossil fuels now would crash the retail economy.

 

18

Biden Recognizes Service Members Ahead of Memorial Day

Glenn Thrush, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The speech came a day after the Pentagon confirmed that United States troops and their NATO allies intend to be out of Afghanistan by July.

 

The returning troops are welcome.  

They are not conquoring heroes.

Heroes deserve a separate recognition.

 

19 

'Special Master' to Decide if FBI Can Use Giuliani's Data

Benjamin Weiser, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

The review would decide if prosecutors, who are investigating whether Mr. Giuliani broke lobbying laws, can access material from devices the F.B.I. found in a search of his home.

 

Keeping records is a precondition to subpoena records.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subpoena

 

The question is: are these discoveries covered by the writ.

20

Biden’s $6 Trillion Budget Aims for Path to Middle Class, Financed by the Rich

Jim Tankersley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

The president’s budget envisions a redistribution of wealth that will allow more Americans to enjoy prosperity, and it invests in climate change, education and infrastructure.

 

Biden will mortgage the future.

 

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@19:15, , 2/18/21

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1

Kamala Harris: Women Leaving Work Force During Pandemic Is a 'National Emergency'

Katie Rogers, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

“In one year,” Vice President Kamala Harris said, “the pandemic has put decades of the progress we have collectively made for women workers at risk.”

 

I have been amusing myself with the notion of  "The Zombi Apocalypse" as infectious Trumpism.

A generous child care allowance to psycological maturity would be a good thing.

Much of the work the pandemic has shut down was not progress.

2

House Democrats and White House Split Over Lawsuit for Ex-Trump Aide’s Testimony

Charlie Savage, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

President Biden has inherited litigation over a subpoena to Donald F. McGahn II, President Donald J. Trump’s former lawyer, about the Russia investigation.

 

Trump is out. Be happy.

Worry about the future.

 

3

Native Americans ‘Left Out in the Cold’ Under Trump Press Biden for Action

Mark Walker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

After showing political clout in the 2020 election, tribal communities are hoping for more attention and money to address their long-running problems with poverty, health care and other issues.

 

The treaty obligations are real.  Now is a time to try to meet them.  Start to show real progress.

Truth and reconciliation could be a first step.

4

Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Biden’s Immigration Overhaul in House

Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Representative Linda Sánchez of California disclosed details of the proposal on Thursday in a news conference.

 

This is not too soon.  Press forward with the necessary legislation.

It should not slow the necessary relief.

 

5

Global Chip Shortage Challenges Biden’s Hope for Manufacturing Revival

Ana Swanson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

A global shortage of a key component for cars and electronics has shuttered American factories anisd set off fierce competition to secure supplies.

 

Unknown unknowns raise the price of products.

The lack of cheap chips will cost more.  

Poor management is discovered by higher costs.

 

6

A College Program for Disadvantaged Teens Could Shake Up Elite Admissions

Erica L. Green, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

An education program is immersing underprivileged students in Ivy League classes, and the students’ success has raised questions about how elite university gatekeepers determine college prospects.

 

Elite colleges exist to build elites.  Legacy admissions continue elites.

 Elites are exclusive and reactionary.

 

7

Biden’s Plan to Link Arms With Europe Against Russia and China Isn’t So Simple

Michael Crowley and Steven Erlanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

The new president’s vow to restore the trans-Atlantic alliance is welcome, but Europeans want a more balanced relationship, with more dialogue and less diktat.

 

Trump surrendered American leadership.

Woodrow Wilson's legacy is hated by the Republican party despite Nixon's southern strategy.

8

Dolly Parton Statue Has Tennessee’s Support, but Not Parton’s

Julia Jacobs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

The state legislature was considering a bill that would kick off plans to erect the statue on Capitol grounds. She has asked that the bill be pulled.

 

Dolly Parton is wise.  A very rare quality.the

9

Should the Feds Guarantee You a Job?

Eduardo Porter, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Not long ago, the question was rarely asked. Now, politicians and economists of various stripes are willing to consider it.

 

Capitalism demands a labor surplus. 

The labor surplus depresses wages to a level where only the desperate will accept them.

Only social action allows the accumulation of personal wealth.

Unmodified capitalism is inherently unstable.

10

Rush Limbaugh, Talk Radio’s Provocateur, Dies at 70

Robert D. McFadden and Michael M. Grynbaum, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

With a following of 15 million and a divisive style of mockery, grievance and denigrating language, he was a force in reshaping American conservatism.

 

If I cannot speak ill of the dead I will be silent.

 

11

Texas Grid Failure Stirs Feud Between Cities and State

David Montgomery, Simon Romero and James Dobbins, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

As the state reels from power outages, Democrats look to turn the tables on the Republicans who dominate state government.

 

This is not an engineering problem.  The engineers built the systems as the Republican politicians

demanded it be built.  

Texans should remember Republicans at the polls.

 

12

Cuomo at a Crossroads: What Comes Next?

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

We talked to our Albany bureau chief, Jesse McKinley, about a political reckoning over coronavirus deaths for the embattled governor of New York.

 

The "left" is sure of  its "purity".

Politics is never "pure".

Democrats are neither Socialists or Republicans.

Democrats, like Andrew Cuomo, run compromised governments like that of New York. 

I listened to Andrew Cuomo's briefings.   His numbers were never solid and often corrected weeks and months after they were first announced.

It is not yet time to break the alliance.

 

13 

Biden Signals He’s Flexible on Immigration Overhaul

Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

After two decades of failure, advocates for the broadest possible overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws are considering a new strategy: pressing for piecemeal legislation.

 

"Habbit is habbit and not to be thrown out the window by any man.

It is to be dragged gently down the stairs; one step at a time."

                 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Holbrook

 

14

Promotions for Female Generals Were Delayed Over Fears of Trump’s Reaction

Eric Schmitt and Helene Cooper, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

Under a Biden administration, the nominations are expected to go from the Pentagon to the White House within weeks and then to the Senate for approval.

 

Trump is a misogynist.

 

15

For Black Aides on Capitol Hill, Jan. 6 Brought Particular Trauma

Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

Black congressional staff members said the attack brought back memories of how they had tried to avoid people they felt could be prone to racist violence — only to find them at their place of work.

 

Sometimes getting out of sight is wise.

These yahoos are a problem for police.   Sometimes they are the police.

16

Biden and Netanyahu Finally Talk, but No Details Are Revealed About What

David E. Sanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

Israel’s statement emphasized the personal relationship between the two leaders. The U.S. statement said they “discussed the importance of continued close consultation.”

 

The Iran Deal is the best bet for good behavior.

Iran is a sovereign nation.  Diplomacy has worked.  Trump did not break Iran.

 

17

Rush Limbaugh's Legacy of Weaponizing Radio Commentary

Jeremy W. Peters, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

Weaponizing conspiracy theories and bigotry long before Donald Trump’s ascent, the radio giant helped usher in the political style that came to dominate the Republican Party.

 

I will not speak ill of the dead.  Thus I will not speak.

 

18

U.S. Charges 3 North Koreans With Hacking and Stealing Millions of Dollars

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Justice Department unsealed charges against three intelligence officers, revealing more details about incursions on Sony Pictures and the National Health Service in Britain, and other attacks.

 

We tried to destroy North Korea. There is no peace treaty seventy years later.

 

19

Rush Limbaugh Escapes The Hell-World He Created

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Stirling Newberry explained the concept of a death bet: you bet that the negative consequences of your actions will occur after you are dead. Classically this explains climate change: decision makers who could have stopped it will almost all be dead before it becomes significant. Rush Limbaugh was one of the most important people in […]

 

There is truth here, 

I will do what I can to encourage sanity.

20

Biden and China: Administration Rethinks Relations

Ana Swanson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Biden administration is under intense pressure to maintain former President Donald J. Trump’s curbs on China, even as it tries to develop a more comprehensive and effective strategy.

 

Diplomacy is the only path forward.  Keep thinking.

 

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