Millions of student-loan borrowers could start losing Social Security benefits and tax refunds in 2 weeks if they don't pay up

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  51 Comments  •  3 Likes  •  last year

“"Borrowers who don't make payments on time will see their credit scores go down, and in some cases their wages automatically garnished," Education...”

A drastic and swift change to the way repayment of student loans is handled in the U.S. I have long held the position that people who sin their name promising to pay back a loan (of any type) should be held accountable to repay that loan. Exceptions should be made in cases where schools or the...

A bigger hole: Trump has already spent $155bn more than Biden. Musk now claims DOGE only saved $150bn

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  52 Comments  •  10 Likes  •  last year

““I think the net effect of DOGE on federal spending, at least insofar as we can track it in the daily Treasury statement, has been pretty small,”...”

Trump talked a big name, but other than creating chaos in Washington, chaos on the stock market, chaos throughout the business world and removing the United States from the position of leader fo the free world in these short months in office he has really done very little. Trump is using the...

JPMorgan now predicts a 60 percent chance of a recession this year as Trump’s tariffs rock stock market

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  6 Comments  •  2 Likes  •  last year

“Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Friday that Trump’s tariffs will likely raise inflation and slow economic growth. ”

The willful ignorance of the Trump administration to say that what is happening the market is "no big deal", "an adjustment to the new rules" or a "necessary step to MAGA" would be hilarious if it were not so dangerous to the futures (and presents) of so many U.S. citizens. The recession is...

Trump is actively tanking the economy. Why aren't Republicans stopping him?

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  56 Comments  •  9 Likes  •  last year

“"As the economy suffers, and more voters sour on tariffs as they harm their bottom line, the GOP is going to wish they cut Trump’s terrible...”

Anyone who has watched the stock market over the past three months has to think that the tariffs are not having a positive effect on the U.S. economy.  Trump asserts that it will be good for  the country - all evidence to date to the contrary. As the midterms come nearer and nearer this will...

Can NATO survive without the United States?

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  48 Comments  •  5 Likes  •  last year

““It is in this sense that — perhaps counterintuitively — a withdrawal of US forces will create an even stronger, not weaker, Europe,” Graefrath wrote.”

Trump blusters about this and that almost every day and I doubt that he remembers half what he is saying unless someone is writing it down (so that they can walk most of it back the next day) so that he can deny saying it or explain what it was he meant to say. NATO is more than alliance it...

National Parks cutting hours, limiting services as Trump layoffs reduce staffing

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  36 Comments  •  5 Likes  •  last year

“"I don't know whether we’ll see overflowing latrines, polluted streams, or deadly wildfires first, but Doug Burgum is already leaving a path of...”

I am retired and enjoy traveling to national and state parks in the midwest mostly but around the country.   It seems more real when the craziness in Washington affects things that affect my life.

Dem Lawmakers in Chaos 3 Weeks Into Trump's Presidency, Pulling Chuck Schumer in Opposite Directions

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  76 Comments  •  3 Likes  •  last year

“Washington Democratic Rep. Adam Smith told the Journal, “Our brand is toxic in many of the places that we need to win, swing states, swing districts.””

I found the views of insiders in the Democrat Party about what is wrong and the fact that there is little unity in thought on how to fix things to be interesting.   Can Schumer fix it?  Seems unlikely Is the answer to a new direction, message and tactic for the democrat Party going forward...

CBS News poll — Trump has positive approval amid "energetic" opening weeks; seen as doing what he promised

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  9 Comments  •  last year

“With most describing him as "tough," "energetic," "focused" and "effective" — and as doing what he'd promised during his campaign — President Trump...”

I guess I did not expect that President trump would have positive approval ratings this early in his administration. It has been sort of "What I Said" is "What You See" and that is "What You Get"

Amy Klobuchar Hits Back At Booing Republicans With A Pricey Trump Punchline

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  5 Comments  •  1 Like  •  last year

“"What is the difference between Greenland and Donald Trump? Greenland is not for sale,””

I never though of Sen Klobuchar as much of a public speaker or performer but she was a superb performer at the recent Washington DC dinner. From the booing, it seems the Republicans are a little thin skinned when on the receiving end of public ridicule They should get used to it as there are a...

Idioms That Only Americans Understand

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  History & Sociology  •  19 Comments  •  3 Likes  •  last year

“Though English borrows a lot from other languages, Americans have created plenty of unique sayings. Jump on the bandwagon and learn more about...”

I came across this interesting article that was a pleasant diversion from the hubbub of trash talking from one side to the other concerning the senate hearings, the depressing news of the tragedy in California and the normal crap presented by the news media on a daily basis. Some made me laugh...