By dismissal of the inspector generals, joint chiefs of staff and the wholesale destruction of the DOJ and the FBI, Trump with the assistance of Musk and Putin is attempting to remove anyone that might stand in his way. The Supreme Court gave him permission. The spineless Republicans in congress are as equally guilty. Read Angus Kings' speech from the senate yesterday. I am at a loss as to what becomes of us. I still have some hope, but half of us voted for this, and I still can't understand why. Dow Jones tanked yesterday on uncertainty over dumbos economic shenagians, I won't call it policy because it ain't policy, it's a reality TV script.
I agree completely, except…half of us did not vote for him.
Slightly fewer than half of the people who voted, voted for Trump.
Roughly 1/3 of Americans did not vote, either because they are ineligible due to age, felony conviction, mental or physical disability, or because they just don’t care enough to vote. Some number did not vote because the systems in various districts prevent them from voting or make it difficult.
I don’t think this is nitpicking.
When leaders claim a mandate, like Bush did after losing the popular vote, or like Trump has done after having won by a very thin plurality of the vote we should not accept their false assertions.
But, yes, a lot of our neighbors voted for him, and still stand with him.
and even those who did vote for him.. can't be happy with the results
... even the ones who voted to 'own the libs' and (it has to be said) if that is why you voted against your own best interests.. well you owned yourself
Mike, that is not what a mandate is. If you scroll down to “What does it mean to have a mandate?” in the following link https://www.legalbriefai.com/legal-terms/mandate you’ll find the following
“Having a mandate means that someone has the authority to make decisions or take actions for someone else. For example, if you give a friend a mandate to sell your car, they can do that on your behalf.
Yes, Trump received more votes than Harris. I’ve never said otherwise. What I said, and what you’ve ignored, is that more people voted against Trump than for him. Not a clear mandate.
Your link to the definition of mandate is for a legal decision, not an electoral one.
I think one needs a clear electoral majority to have a clear mandate. Trump does not have this. In short, someone who wins an election, but has more voters voting against him than for him, cannot convincingly claim a mandate.
I get a lot of my news from CNBC. My eyes glaze over a bit from the financial minutiae, but business people and investors don’t want spin, they want facts so they know how and where to park their money. One thing I’ve learned is uncertainty is absolutely the single most important factor in stifling investment and therefore innovation. If Trump had actual, real policy and plans beyond just wrecking up the joint, investors would figure out a way to make money off of it. The financial talking heads are doing their best to figure out where the certainty is, but so far they seem to be unable to.
As I have written before, Sedition Stefanik is only concerned with self interest. She will do and not do anything that she thinks will advance her agenda. When she first was elected , she established a Glens Falls Office on the Circle. That location was a place where those dissatisfied with her representation protested on a regular basis. Being tired of seeing picket signs she moved her office to Warren Street. The second floor location was secluded and eliminated the uncomfortable appears of dissatisfied constituents. Shortly after that she abandoned Glens Falls as she abandoned her oath of office to represent the people of NY 21. Do not be shocked by her actions, they are consistent with an individual who has no moral compass. I have to believe that someday all her maneuvering will backfire and she will get what she truly deserves.
Wondering how she’ll make out in the UN without MAGA support. How her arrogance will be received when she has to defend funding US cuts in foreign aid & USAID. I hope they hold her feet to the fire.
I can’t wait for her answers to those questions. If she continues to spew MAGA rhetoric, which we know she will, Sedition Stefanik will be the laughingstock and unfortunately so will the United States. Our country will not be viewed as the shinning beacon on the hill but rather a country that has surrendered to a fascist sociopathic narcissist would be dictator.
It’s getting harder and harder to see what will derail this train of malignancy. At least in the near term. If RFK and Patel can get confirmed, all guardrails are down.
Stefanik has been MIA for years. She only emerges from her seclusion to attend events where she is praised and glorified. Today she will be speaking at CPAC, where she will hear the crowd cheering for her. Stefanik's fealty to Trump has overtaken any loyalty to her oath of office, her constituents or the truth. .
The purge of ranking officers of the U.S. Armed Forces has begun and Trump/Hegseth will be replacing them with Trump/MAGA loyalists, such as Lt. Gen Caine, a retired 3-star general who allegedly said that he loved Trump and would die for him and works as a consultant to a Kushner family firm.
Tom Nichols, on both X and Bluesky has gifted an article for The Atlantic he wrote about the Friday night purge at the Pentagon, calling it "...praetorianism, plain and simple, and it is an assault on our military and our democracy." Also in The Atlantic is an article titled "How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days".
Seems to me that Trump, along with his loyal lackies in Congress and his administration, are all working to beat Adolf in how many days it will take to dismantle America's democracy.
When will we know it’s truly gone? I think he already has it on life support and we haven’t pulled the plug because that makes it final. But thinking we still can save it may be wishful thinking.
It is a waste of time imo to spend one more minute worrying about her.
Why not concentrate on something that's relevant?
I went to almost every protest against her . I would go again if she was still in power. (She'll be gone as soon as Florida election is over I believe)
We all had a long conversation about this within the Indivisible group. Some of us say move on, this is the past.
There's so many more issues to bring attention to.
I love that people want to get involved, but this is absolutely fruitless at this point.
Stefanik doesn't care, hasn't cared for years now. This will not shame her. It's not like she's running for office here .
Again, just my opinion.
In the meantime, Anthony Constantino is unhinged in his worship of trump....he claims he is the Republican pick.
You may be right, but perhaps the people who will vote in the special election may consider voting for the democratic candidate in light of the poor representation they received from the current republican and if the "sign-guy" gets the GOP nomination they may think it a bridge too far to go along with this current GOP. One can hope at least.
In Unity there is Strength…would you belittle patients and family members for continuing to show up for a support group in trying to cope with a life-threatening illness?
I believe Civil protests create a linkage with other kindred spirits to lessen the sense of isolation and fear, much like support groups for cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS and countless other degenerative conditions. Our country is in a degenerative state…and whether Stefanik is affected by anything may no longer be relevant . But our personal and collective relevance in “showing up” and offering mutual support is critical to knowing we at least kept trying to make a difference.
I never said that so please don't insinuate that's what I meant.
And as a person who's relied on mutual support in dealing with illness and lgbtq concerns , I understand the support aspect. But they are totally different things.
The illness is here to stay. Stefanik is done.
There's no point to asking where she is.
But I am always happy to see people come together.
I stick by my opinion however and you all are free to interpret as you will.
but in many ways that is how both party controls what happens
In the last two ny21 elections.. the republicans had several challengers to pos_tfnKKK, but by hook or by crook.. and by the time of the primaries those challengers were no longer running... so that meant no republican could voice a protest vote in the primaries...
By those standards you can say pos_tfnKKK won by a landslide.. but you can NOT say the best republican won
Because it is a special election there is no primary.
It’s a system set up long ago without regard to any particular candidate. A primary would add a lot of time and expense to the process. The alternative would be that the Governor would appoint a replacement. Having an election is much more democratic.
The system does make it harder for alternate parties to put a candidate on the ballot, but not impossible.
Finally, the party chairs who select a candidate are elected. There is a democratic process for people to become members of party committees through carrying petitions seeking support from ordinary party members. That process will begin next week and last for about a month. People will knock doors and seek signatures for themselves to be on a committee and for candidates to be on a ballot.
The people who carry petitions then vote on who will run town and county committees.
º she is still the representative of ny21 and she is not representing us or the USA (as is pointed out in this essay by Mr.Tingley
º it is relavant because not only is she not representing ny21.. she is only representing hmpy trmPEDO in congress.
º I contend when she accepted the nomination to the U.N. she should have stepped down and stopped collecting a salary. Not to mention the process of electing a new ny21 representative would be well under way..
º somewhat related to the pervious item.. there is still time for the NYS congress and Kathy Hochul to delay the special election and put the same kind of (dishonest) pressure on the gQp
Doing all of the above is not about shaming pos_tfnKKK (as you alluded she is to evil to care about morals or decency)... but we still can hold her accountable to ny21, as long as she cares to remain in that position
And if the republicans want to complain about delaying a special election -- as should be done -- then they will be the ones to accept the blame for pos_tfnKKK's tactics.
I understand your position. I would like to clarify the point of the rally was to show she is not vested in our community and to bring those questions to a Blake Gendebein meet and greet in HF that was happening right after the rally.
If you have the opportunity to meet Blake Gendebien via zoom or in person.....do it! This is a man who knows how to connect with people and knows the North Country. Don't take my word for....just do it!
thanks for working for those people.. I always wonder those who have run for that seat, don't help out the next candidate.. it is good you did (walk the walk)
I have not seen him speak, but I have seen him back away from a comment he made.. that I believe to be true and he should have stood by
He said nothing that hasnt been said before many times - the gist is that American workers wont work (physical hard work) 12 hours days - 6 1/2 days a week - for less pay! THAT is why migrant workers come here for jobs! Maybe he didnt put it "tactfully" enough to suit people - but thats the case.
I've read many interviews on the news from dairy and produce farmers - same story. So the Repub's glee on reading that? So what?
(this is a bad joke because I am an atheist) if jeHus ran for ny21.. I would say he seems like a nice guy... even a savior.. but I want him to have policy on his web page
it's nothing new! Good Riddance. Now, the BIG question is, Who will run in her place on the Republican ticket. I doubt a dairy farmer from the North Country is going to beat a corporate backed republican candidate. To say I'm disappointed in the democratic county committee chairs is an understatement.
Paula Collins' substack and if you read between the lines it sounds like the NY Dems only support you if you dance to their music and their choreography...
My thought is also backed up by the fact I sent them an email three weeks ago
It would be helpful to find out what the impact of layoffs will be at Fort Drum. I read there will be significant layoffs of Dept of Defense civilian employees and I wonder if there will be layoffs there . They have a few thousand civilian employees. As of December 2024, the Fed Reserve reports there is full employment in Watertown- Ft Drum (like most of the country: at year end 2024 we reached sustained full employment. Full employment is when unemployment is only around 5% give or take, in Watertown it is 4.5%.. The next Fed report comes out after end of March on that (tough I imagine you could get the numbers elsewhere.
This is a roundabout way of asking how will this hit us locally, because that brings it on home to people.
one of the things that makes me laugh.. and it is a sad laugh.. is the 'redneck' republicans thinking of ny21... all of them seem to hate Government
and Government is evil
Yet a large percentage of those republican work for.... wait for it.....
Federal
State
county
town
village
government ....
and that doesn't include people who contract through government... there is vocal republican that lives in Lake Placid.. who is a big snowmobiler (and of course climate change denier) who profited off the rail trail - which he now snowmobiles on
Yeah. And we are only looking at the federal payroll, not the pass throughs to local government or, as you said, the private businesses with federal contracts or the nonprofits with block grant money. All of these folks will be laying off. It is just so reckless to do things this way when you can always shrink by attrition.
As a doctor and a human being, I'm shocked by the current cruel and myopic slashings. What's a government for, if not to protect its citizens? I sent a Letter to the Editor to the Post Star, a newspaper which has seriously declined in quality since your departure, but they did not see fit to publish it. I include it here, though I know I'm "preaching to the choir:"
We are the nation whose Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe after W.W.II. George
W. Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds the largest commitment by any nation to fight a single disease: HIV/AIDS. Our U.S. Agency for International Development has sought to relieve poverty, famine, and environmental calamities abroad. Food sent to the starving came in bags labeled with the American flag and stating "From the People of America." It saved lives and consequently won us friends around the world. This is a good thing. USAID has inexplicably just been erased.
Foreign aid may be debated, but the coin's other side is that forty one percent of that food -
$2 billion worth - came from American farms. USAID is now shuttered, its website taken down, and 500,000 tons of American grown food valued at $450 million is left to rot undelivered.
The losers are all around. Malnourished babies in Sudan and unpaid American family farmers
unable to pay their bills. C.D. 21 is home to farms like that. They hardly need a loss of income.
Blake Gendebien will run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Elise Stefanik when she moves on and up to the United Nations. Blake is a family farmer with deep roots in the North Country, five hundred cows, and twelve full-time employees. He's coached school basketball and leads a foundation that helps local kids with cancer to access care. Having a child with Asperger's he knows how crucial funding is for Special Ed. Blake gets us, and we need to get him! I'm supporting Blake as a meaningful and communicative representative in Washington for the North Country. Town Halls again! And yes, you CAN learn to pronounce his name.
Thank you! I had an immediate reaction to another comment in this string who questioned supporting a "dairy farmer from the North Country" against corporate support for a Republican. More than once I've heard Dems and others degrade "farmers". It makes my blood boil. People who express such an opinion have no idea of the complexity involved in running a successful farm, be it dairy, sheep, vegetables or fruits. Include in that list maple production and fiber. When I was growing up, a successful dairy could succeed with 300 acres and 100 producing cows, that does not include calves and heifers, probably a bull as well. Unfortunately, those farms can no longer survive for long. It's big business. The fact that Blake can succeed with 500 cows is quite impressive. A successful farm is managed by one skilled in mechanics, engineering, accounting, resources, planning and organization. Their success is affected by the weather, economics and supply and demand. I won't even attempt to discuss commodities and their pricing. I don't understand it! MY point here is that Blake Gendebien, a successful dairy farmer and community member from the North Country is more suited to be in Congress than an opponent from the Republican Party of the North Country, unless they can find a Ron Stafford with I doubt they can.
Rachel Maddow spent a good part of an hour last night listing all the cuts at different agencies which directly benefit NazElon, from the NHTSA, FAA and other agencies which had regulatory oversight or active investigations involving Musk's companies.
She also zeroed in on how our Felon in Chief has spent 10 of 31 days on the golf course or at a sporting event. This as his biggest donor runs rampant around Washington slashing managers of public assets, health and safety.
Our traitorous chocolate milk maid may be being held in strait jacket confinement after learning that the US may withdraw from the UN.
Also during her program, she noted that Musk's private security detail has been federally deputized by the US Marshall Service, allowing them to carry weapons on federal property.
As well, funding for the national EV charging network under the big infrastructure bill passed during the Biden administration has been halted, leaving Musk holding the majority of the nation's EV charging capacity. Funding to states supporting the expansion of Musk's competitors, such as Rivian in Georgia, has been halted.
We have a feeble felon who is handed a Sharpie and told where to sign, then sent away as his largest donors guts US government contracts and appropriations targeted by Congress.
The economy has not improved, as he said it would on day one. Financial markets and consumer confidence are caving, as unemployment climbs due to the dismissal of thousands upon thousands nationwide.
We are in an oligarchy of one. There is a clown car of unqualified or dangerously radical heads of every government agency as the felon embraces Putler and calls President Zelenskyy a dictator. Vladimir has been in office since 2000, but there's nothing to see there.
Public opinion against the felon started out negative, and is caving. This may be the only thing that prompts subservient members of Congress to take any action at all before the nation grinds to a halt. I don't hold much hope for that.
I actually like the IRS. They have always been very helpful to me and I don't think they are at all out to screw the little guy, despite the rhetoric. I deal with them a lot on behalf of clients whose taxes we do. But I also really like the US Postal Service so what do I know. (I think it is kind of a wonder of the world that you can put a letter etc in a mailbox and fully expect it to reach its destination in a reasonable amount of time).
I share that concern. One of my contacts actually messaged a colleague asking about unemployment. I hope she is asking for a friend, she was there for ever. I deal with SPEC (Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communications) they oversee our VITA Program. I can't imagine how all this will work going forward.
I'm not recommending this by any means, but with a hollowed out IRS what would happen if thousands of thousands of people just did not filet tax returns this year. Of course, if you are getting a refund that won't work, but still....
As someone with a law license and additional IRS credentials, I cannot recommend that. Individuals do that, but I cannot say that and remain true to the oaths of my respective licenses. I have suggested that people consider preparing the return, setting aside any money that should be paid by April 15 in escrow, file for an extension, and see where all of this sits on Oct 15. The danger is that people will face interest and penalties for late payment. Also, I will be shocked if refunds get processed in a timely manner.
I don’t think the point was they are out to screw the little guy just that without the manpower the rich aren’t held accountable, only the little guy with the less complicated tax filing.
Sorry, I didnt mean to say that was my takeaway from the column, it iust seems so many people are afraid of the IRS. Like I said they have always been helpful. Same with NY Tax.
As I've said many before, the IRS more than often than not is catching the folks who aren't paying their fair share. And the more of them there arem the more money they collecting. Laying them off is just cutting a stream of revenue for the government.
I would also contend... who has more (wiggle?) room to cheat on their taxes
the person making $80,000 or the person making $8,000,000?
and where would we getting the most revenue if we caught the $8 million dollar cheater or the $80k
EDIT: to add to this if all the people making $25k (about minimum wage) were cheating on their taxes... even NOT paying taxes (though they are taken out by the employer) it is likely less than the month fELON muskitler and his businesses should be paying
I posted much the same somewhere here in the comments
If we don't have efficient tax collection (i.e. revenue) we don't have the ability to pay for our government... which everyone is okay with driving on the roads.. just not paying for that... and yet not understanding they wouldn't have to pay as much, if fELON paid his share
Stefanik is having to learn that women in MAGA world serve no genuine purpose except in supporting roles. Notice that Trump did not select her for a DC Cabinet position, and certainly not for VP. Instead he appointed her, she resigned her critical role as conference leader, and now she is a lady-in-waiting. Even her house.gov website has been de-fanged. She is being forced to set aside her power and wait marching orders from the men of the party -- Musk and Trump. Couldn't happen to a nicer person.
1) there is a cover-up by people who support republicans.. it is 'everyone does it' or 'there is a reason why the gQped di it'
ª one can say all politicans twist the truth... but it is clear hmpy trmPEDO lies, lies often lies hard and repeats the lies even after he has been corrected
but the bottom line, she voted against women time and time again...
2) No one likes government (you know like the IRS) but when you ask about what they do... you realize everyone kind of loves the government...
ª we hate taxes, but have no problem driving on the road
ª think there is too much waste, except if the money is wasted on US.
ª think the IRS is out to get us (they aren't)... but want government to be efficient... and isn't collecting the money due.. being efficient?
ª from what I have read about 'pork' in government, the congress men and women who complain... often get a lot of pork for their district.. Just look at newt gingrich and pork
There are lessons from these government 'saving' programs.. it will be seen with cutting programs and services at Nationial Parks
In NYS during covid, they decided to close all the campgrounds.. and (I believe) while the rangers were still paid (not the temps)
So what happened is:
1) no revenue came in 2) the campgrounds weren't just used, they were abused ª since no one had to register, they just pirated campsites, the didn't care what a mess they left.. or the kinds of fires they made.. or where they got the wood 3) the experience and nature was destroyed.. ª not just the obvious, but people never learned things from going to ranger programs.. or why to use the fire pits and not start fires on the water's edge
=====
Certainly closing the visitor's center one day a week won't have an obvious affect.. like with the revenue (which likely isn’t going to pay for the staff that is there), but will with the enjoyment of a visit and the use of the parks.
What is likely to happen...those who are left to staff the Parks, will end up doing extra (overtime) work, you know like saving lives.... and it will not be a cost savings.
By dismissal of the inspector generals, joint chiefs of staff and the wholesale destruction of the DOJ and the FBI, Trump with the assistance of Musk and Putin is attempting to remove anyone that might stand in his way. The Supreme Court gave him permission. The spineless Republicans in congress are as equally guilty. Read Angus Kings' speech from the senate yesterday. I am at a loss as to what becomes of us. I still have some hope, but half of us voted for this, and I still can't understand why. Dow Jones tanked yesterday on uncertainty over dumbos economic shenagians, I won't call it policy because it ain't policy, it's a reality TV script.
I agree completely, except…half of us did not vote for him.
Slightly fewer than half of the people who voted, voted for Trump.
Roughly 1/3 of Americans did not vote, either because they are ineligible due to age, felony conviction, mental or physical disability, or because they just don’t care enough to vote. Some number did not vote because the systems in various districts prevent them from voting or make it difficult.
I don’t think this is nitpicking.
When leaders claim a mandate, like Bush did after losing the popular vote, or like Trump has done after having won by a very thin plurality of the vote we should not accept their false assertions.
But, yes, a lot of our neighbors voted for him, and still stand with him.
and even those who did vote for him.. can't be happy with the results
... even the ones who voted to 'own the libs' and (it has to be said) if that is why you voted against your own best interests.. well you owned yourself
Mike how do you define the concept of a “mandate”? More people vote for Trump then Harris.
A mandate is the winning margin by a Democrat that Republicans won’t assault the US Capitol over.
Mike, that is not what a mandate is. If you scroll down to “What does it mean to have a mandate?” in the following link https://www.legalbriefai.com/legal-terms/mandate you’ll find the following
“Having a mandate means that someone has the authority to make decisions or take actions for someone else. For example, if you give a friend a mandate to sell your car, they can do that on your behalf.
Yes! And that is how Merrick Garland landed on SCOTUS!
Winning an election by a plurality is not a mandate. More voters voted against Trump than for him.
Waiting for acknowledgement from W that they clearly didn’t understand what a mandate is.
Bob, Trump 49.71%, Harris 48.71% taken from https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/
So, unless you have a link to a different source or a new way of doing math, Trump received more votes than Harris.
in the following link https://www.legalbriefai.com/legal-terms/mandate scroll down to “What does it mean to have a mandate?”
Yes, Trump received more votes than Harris. I’ve never said otherwise. What I said, and what you’ve ignored, is that more people voted against Trump than for him. Not a clear mandate.
Your link to the definition of mandate is for a legal decision, not an electoral one.
I think one needs a clear electoral majority to have a clear mandate. Trump does not have this. In short, someone who wins an election, but has more voters voting against him than for him, cannot convincingly claim a mandate.
Ok Bob, show me the math.
As a "mandate," a 1% plurality is not all that convincing.
I get a lot of my news from CNBC. My eyes glaze over a bit from the financial minutiae, but business people and investors don’t want spin, they want facts so they know how and where to park their money. One thing I’ve learned is uncertainty is absolutely the single most important factor in stifling investment and therefore innovation. If Trump had actual, real policy and plans beyond just wrecking up the joint, investors would figure out a way to make money off of it. The financial talking heads are doing their best to figure out where the certainty is, but so far they seem to be unable to.
As I have written before, Sedition Stefanik is only concerned with self interest. She will do and not do anything that she thinks will advance her agenda. When she first was elected , she established a Glens Falls Office on the Circle. That location was a place where those dissatisfied with her representation protested on a regular basis. Being tired of seeing picket signs she moved her office to Warren Street. The second floor location was secluded and eliminated the uncomfortable appears of dissatisfied constituents. Shortly after that she abandoned Glens Falls as she abandoned her oath of office to represent the people of NY 21. Do not be shocked by her actions, they are consistent with an individual who has no moral compass. I have to believe that someday all her maneuvering will backfire and she will get what she truly deserves.
Wondering how she’ll make out in the UN without MAGA support. How her arrogance will be received when she has to defend funding US cuts in foreign aid & USAID. I hope they hold her feet to the fire.
I can’t wait for her answers to those questions. If she continues to spew MAGA rhetoric, which we know she will, Sedition Stefanik will be the laughingstock and unfortunately so will the United States. Our country will not be viewed as the shinning beacon on the hill but rather a country that has surrendered to a fascist sociopathic narcissist would be dictator.
remember when the UN laughed at hmpy trmPEDO and he was the president
they will laugh at pos_tfnKKK and she is a peon
It’s getting harder and harder to see what will derail this train of malignancy. At least in the near term. If RFK and Patel can get confirmed, all guardrails are down.
And Patel is a double agency winner - Acting ATF Chief! Wont that be swell?
Deus help us all
Stefanik has been MIA for years. She only emerges from her seclusion to attend events where she is praised and glorified. Today she will be speaking at CPAC, where she will hear the crowd cheering for her. Stefanik's fealty to Trump has overtaken any loyalty to her oath of office, her constituents or the truth. .
The purge of ranking officers of the U.S. Armed Forces has begun and Trump/Hegseth will be replacing them with Trump/MAGA loyalists, such as Lt. Gen Caine, a retired 3-star general who allegedly said that he loved Trump and would die for him and works as a consultant to a Kushner family firm.
Tom Nichols, on both X and Bluesky has gifted an article for The Atlantic he wrote about the Friday night purge at the Pentagon, calling it "...praetorianism, plain and simple, and it is an assault on our military and our democracy." Also in The Atlantic is an article titled "How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days".
Seems to me that Trump, along with his loyal lackies in Congress and his administration, are all working to beat Adolf in how many days it will take to dismantle America's democracy.
When will we know it’s truly gone? I think he already has it on life support and we haven’t pulled the plug because that makes it final. But thinking we still can save it may be wishful thinking.
I wish people would stop protesting her.
It's a done deal.
It is a waste of time imo to spend one more minute worrying about her.
Why not concentrate on something that's relevant?
I went to almost every protest against her . I would go again if she was still in power. (She'll be gone as soon as Florida election is over I believe)
We all had a long conversation about this within the Indivisible group. Some of us say move on, this is the past.
There's so many more issues to bring attention to.
I love that people want to get involved, but this is absolutely fruitless at this point.
Stefanik doesn't care, hasn't cared for years now. This will not shame her. It's not like she's running for office here .
Again, just my opinion.
In the meantime, Anthony Constantino is unhinged in his worship of trump....he claims he is the Republican pick.
I hope not. I'd rather have Stec lol.
You may be right, but perhaps the people who will vote in the special election may consider voting for the democratic candidate in light of the poor representation they received from the current republican and if the "sign-guy" gets the GOP nomination they may think it a bridge too far to go along with this current GOP. One can hope at least.
We DO NOT want a Republican in that seat. Full Stop!
In Unity there is Strength…would you belittle patients and family members for continuing to show up for a support group in trying to cope with a life-threatening illness?
I believe Civil protests create a linkage with other kindred spirits to lessen the sense of isolation and fear, much like support groups for cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS and countless other degenerative conditions. Our country is in a degenerative state…and whether Stefanik is affected by anything may no longer be relevant . But our personal and collective relevance in “showing up” and offering mutual support is critical to knowing we at least kept trying to make a difference.
I'm not belittling anyone.
I never said that so please don't insinuate that's what I meant.
And as a person who's relied on mutual support in dealing with illness and lgbtq concerns , I understand the support aspect. But they are totally different things.
The illness is here to stay. Stefanik is done.
There's no point to asking where she is.
But I am always happy to see people come together.
I stick by my opinion however and you all are free to interpret as you will.
Yes...Gotta do something.
No one is coming to save you. Get up.
I wish there had been a primary, though, rather than the unelected party machines choosing our candidates for us,
but in many ways that is how both party controls what happens
In the last two ny21 elections.. the republicans had several challengers to pos_tfnKKK, but by hook or by crook.. and by the time of the primaries those challengers were no longer running... so that meant no republican could voice a protest vote in the primaries...
By those standards you can say pos_tfnKKK won by a landslide.. but you can NOT say the best republican won
At this point in time - who exactly qualifies as the "best" Republican?
Because it is a special election there is no primary.
It’s a system set up long ago without regard to any particular candidate. A primary would add a lot of time and expense to the process. The alternative would be that the Governor would appoint a replacement. Having an election is much more democratic.
The system does make it harder for alternate parties to put a candidate on the ballot, but not impossible.
Finally, the party chairs who select a candidate are elected. There is a democratic process for people to become members of party committees through carrying petitions seeking support from ordinary party members. That process will begin next week and last for about a month. People will knock doors and seek signatures for themselves to be on a committee and for candidates to be on a ballot.
The people who carry petitions then vote on who will run town and county committees.
So, it is a representative process.
I disagree.. mainly about protesting pos_tfnKK
º she is still the representative of ny21 and she is not representing us or the USA (as is pointed out in this essay by Mr.Tingley
º it is relavant because not only is she not representing ny21.. she is only representing hmpy trmPEDO in congress.
º I contend when she accepted the nomination to the U.N. she should have stepped down and stopped collecting a salary. Not to mention the process of electing a new ny21 representative would be well under way..
º somewhat related to the pervious item.. there is still time for the NYS congress and Kathy Hochul to delay the special election and put the same kind of (dishonest) pressure on the gQp
Doing all of the above is not about shaming pos_tfnKKK (as you alluded she is to evil to care about morals or decency)... but we still can hold her accountable to ny21, as long as she cares to remain in that position
And if the republicans want to complain about delaying a special election -- as should be done -- then they will be the ones to accept the blame for pos_tfnKKK's tactics.
I understand your position. I would like to clarify the point of the rally was to show she is not vested in our community and to bring those questions to a Blake Gendebein meet and greet in HF that was happening right after the rally.
If you have the opportunity to meet Blake Gendebien via zoom or in person.....do it! This is a man who knows how to connect with people and knows the North Country. Don't take my word for....just do it!
As much as I appreciated Aaron Wolff, Mike Derrick, Tedra Cobb and Matt Caselli and worked for each one, this, my friends, is a game changer.
thanks for working for those people.. I always wonder those who have run for that seat, don't help out the next candidate.. it is good you did (walk the walk)
I have not seen him speak, but I have seen him back away from a comment he made.. that I believe to be true and he should have stood by
https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/ny-21-democrat-fire-decade-old-interview-20167775.php
There is a reason why there is help wanted signs at most businesses.. it isn't simply a lack of workers.. it is a lack of QUALIFIED workers
He said nothing that hasnt been said before many times - the gist is that American workers wont work (physical hard work) 12 hours days - 6 1/2 days a week - for less pay! THAT is why migrant workers come here for jobs! Maybe he didnt put it "tactfully" enough to suit people - but thats the case.
I've read many interviews on the news from dairy and produce farmers - same story. So the Repub's glee on reading that? So what?
and yet... connecting for me, means you have policy on your web page
and Blake Gendebien
does not
https://blakegendebienforcongress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570535124774
(this is a bad joke because I am an atheist) if jeHus ran for ny21.. I would say he seems like a nice guy... even a savior.. but I want him to have policy on his web page
jeHus4ny21.org
it's nothing new! Good Riddance. Now, the BIG question is, Who will run in her place on the Republican ticket. I doubt a dairy farmer from the North Country is going to beat a corporate backed republican candidate. To say I'm disappointed in the democratic county committee chairs is an understatement.
I agree... for one, where is the transparency with NY dems.
but also I read https://paulaforny.substack.com/
Paula Collins' substack and if you read between the lines it sounds like the NY Dems only support you if you dance to their music and their choreography...
My thought is also backed up by the fact I sent them an email three weeks ago
still waiting for the response.
I'm happy they chose him!
He's actually one of us and I think the rural population may listen to him.
Breath of fresh air!
I congratulate them on this pick - I think it's smart.
Constantino is a JERK, and I can't imagine anyone voting for him...BUT, this IS the North Country and all bets are off.
AND "anyone" voted for Stefanik - more than once!
It would be helpful to find out what the impact of layoffs will be at Fort Drum. I read there will be significant layoffs of Dept of Defense civilian employees and I wonder if there will be layoffs there . They have a few thousand civilian employees. As of December 2024, the Fed Reserve reports there is full employment in Watertown- Ft Drum (like most of the country: at year end 2024 we reached sustained full employment. Full employment is when unemployment is only around 5% give or take, in Watertown it is 4.5%.. The next Fed report comes out after end of March on that (tough I imagine you could get the numbers elsewhere.
This is a roundabout way of asking how will this hit us locally, because that brings it on home to people.
I saw one estimate that, in 2022, there were almost 8,000 federal employees in NY21.
one of the things that makes me laugh.. and it is a sad laugh.. is the 'redneck' republicans thinking of ny21... all of them seem to hate Government
and Government is evil
Yet a large percentage of those republican work for.... wait for it.....
Federal
State
county
town
village
government ....
and that doesn't include people who contract through government... there is vocal republican that lives in Lake Placid.. who is a big snowmobiler (and of course climate change denier) who profited off the rail trail - which he now snowmobiles on
Yeah. And we are only looking at the federal payroll, not the pass throughs to local government or, as you said, the private businesses with federal contracts or the nonprofits with block grant money. All of these folks will be laying off. It is just so reckless to do things this way when you can always shrink by attrition.
another thing that could happen
What if the money in aid that each village and town gets (also grants) was cut.. do they cut positions
OR
do they just start paying everyone less...
As a doctor and a human being, I'm shocked by the current cruel and myopic slashings. What's a government for, if not to protect its citizens? I sent a Letter to the Editor to the Post Star, a newspaper which has seriously declined in quality since your departure, but they did not see fit to publish it. I include it here, though I know I'm "preaching to the choir:"
We are the nation whose Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe after W.W.II. George
W. Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds the largest commitment by any nation to fight a single disease: HIV/AIDS. Our U.S. Agency for International Development has sought to relieve poverty, famine, and environmental calamities abroad. Food sent to the starving came in bags labeled with the American flag and stating "From the People of America." It saved lives and consequently won us friends around the world. This is a good thing. USAID has inexplicably just been erased.
Foreign aid may be debated, but the coin's other side is that forty one percent of that food -
$2 billion worth - came from American farms. USAID is now shuttered, its website taken down, and 500,000 tons of American grown food valued at $450 million is left to rot undelivered.
The losers are all around. Malnourished babies in Sudan and unpaid American family farmers
unable to pay their bills. C.D. 21 is home to farms like that. They hardly need a loss of income.
Blake Gendebien will run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Elise Stefanik when she moves on and up to the United Nations. Blake is a family farmer with deep roots in the North Country, five hundred cows, and twelve full-time employees. He's coached school basketball and leads a foundation that helps local kids with cancer to access care. Having a child with Asperger's he knows how crucial funding is for Special Ed. Blake gets us, and we need to get him! I'm supporting Blake as a meaningful and communicative representative in Washington for the North Country. Town Halls again! And yes, you CAN learn to pronounce his name.
Thank you! I had an immediate reaction to another comment in this string who questioned supporting a "dairy farmer from the North Country" against corporate support for a Republican. More than once I've heard Dems and others degrade "farmers". It makes my blood boil. People who express such an opinion have no idea of the complexity involved in running a successful farm, be it dairy, sheep, vegetables or fruits. Include in that list maple production and fiber. When I was growing up, a successful dairy could succeed with 300 acres and 100 producing cows, that does not include calves and heifers, probably a bull as well. Unfortunately, those farms can no longer survive for long. It's big business. The fact that Blake can succeed with 500 cows is quite impressive. A successful farm is managed by one skilled in mechanics, engineering, accounting, resources, planning and organization. Their success is affected by the weather, economics and supply and demand. I won't even attempt to discuss commodities and their pricing. I don't understand it! MY point here is that Blake Gendebien, a successful dairy farmer and community member from the North Country is more suited to be in Congress than an opponent from the Republican Party of the North Country, unless they can find a Ron Stafford with I doubt they can.
Absolutely, Sara!
Rachel Maddow spent a good part of an hour last night listing all the cuts at different agencies which directly benefit NazElon, from the NHTSA, FAA and other agencies which had regulatory oversight or active investigations involving Musk's companies.
She also zeroed in on how our Felon in Chief has spent 10 of 31 days on the golf course or at a sporting event. This as his biggest donor runs rampant around Washington slashing managers of public assets, health and safety.
Our traitorous chocolate milk maid may be being held in strait jacket confinement after learning that the US may withdraw from the UN.
Also during her program, she noted that Musk's private security detail has been federally deputized by the US Marshall Service, allowing them to carry weapons on federal property.
As well, funding for the national EV charging network under the big infrastructure bill passed during the Biden administration has been halted, leaving Musk holding the majority of the nation's EV charging capacity. Funding to states supporting the expansion of Musk's competitors, such as Rivian in Georgia, has been halted.
We have a feeble felon who is handed a Sharpie and told where to sign, then sent away as his largest donors guts US government contracts and appropriations targeted by Congress.
The economy has not improved, as he said it would on day one. Financial markets and consumer confidence are caving, as unemployment climbs due to the dismissal of thousands upon thousands nationwide.
We are in an oligarchy of one. There is a clown car of unqualified or dangerously radical heads of every government agency as the felon embraces Putler and calls President Zelenskyy a dictator. Vladimir has been in office since 2000, but there's nothing to see there.
Public opinion against the felon started out negative, and is caving. This may be the only thing that prompts subservient members of Congress to take any action at all before the nation grinds to a halt. I don't hold much hope for that.
transparent evil
clearly evil
but the gQpeds do get to own the libs.. so I guess they are happy
too bad they can't afford a tesla, and can't charge **THEIR** EV
I actually like the IRS. They have always been very helpful to me and I don't think they are at all out to screw the little guy, despite the rhetoric. I deal with them a lot on behalf of clients whose taxes we do. But I also really like the US Postal Service so what do I know. (I think it is kind of a wonder of the world that you can put a letter etc in a mailbox and fully expect it to reach its destination in a reasonable amount of time).
I'm a tax attorney and am advising clients that our ability to call and ask questions of the IRS will be severely limited moving forward.
I share that concern. One of my contacts actually messaged a colleague asking about unemployment. I hope she is asking for a friend, she was there for ever. I deal with SPEC (Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communications) they oversee our VITA Program. I can't imagine how all this will work going forward.
I'm not recommending this by any means, but with a hollowed out IRS what would happen if thousands of thousands of people just did not filet tax returns this year. Of course, if you are getting a refund that won't work, but still....
I think it will just take longer for them to get to you, but get to you they will, eventually.
I know it is a typo (of which I make many).. but I want to 'filet' my taxes
and if you get a refund.. next year just lower the taxes that are taken out
As someone with a law license and additional IRS credentials, I cannot recommend that. Individuals do that, but I cannot say that and remain true to the oaths of my respective licenses. I have suggested that people consider preparing the return, setting aside any money that should be paid by April 15 in escrow, file for an extension, and see where all of this sits on Oct 15. The danger is that people will face interest and penalties for late payment. Also, I will be shocked if refunds get processed in a timely manner.
I don’t think the point was they are out to screw the little guy just that without the manpower the rich aren’t held accountable, only the little guy with the less complicated tax filing.
Sorry, I didnt mean to say that was my takeaway from the column, it iust seems so many people are afraid of the IRS. Like I said they have always been helpful. Same with NY Tax.
As I've said many before, the IRS more than often than not is catching the folks who aren't paying their fair share. And the more of them there arem the more money they collecting. Laying them off is just cutting a stream of revenue for the government.
I would also contend... who has more (wiggle?) room to cheat on their taxes
the person making $80,000 or the person making $8,000,000?
and where would we getting the most revenue if we caught the $8 million dollar cheater or the $80k
EDIT: to add to this if all the people making $25k (about minimum wage) were cheating on their taxes... even NOT paying taxes (though they are taken out by the employer) it is likely less than the month fELON muskitler and his businesses should be paying
https://itep.org/tesla-reported-zero-federal-income-tax-in-2024/
Elon Musk’s company avoided almost all federal income tax on nearly $11 billion of U.S. income over three years
I posted much the same somewhere here in the comments
If we don't have efficient tax collection (i.e. revenue) we don't have the ability to pay for our government... which everyone is okay with driving on the roads.. just not paying for that... and yet not understanding they wouldn't have to pay as much, if fELON paid his share
Stefanik is having to learn that women in MAGA world serve no genuine purpose except in supporting roles. Notice that Trump did not select her for a DC Cabinet position, and certainly not for VP. Instead he appointed her, she resigned her critical role as conference leader, and now she is a lady-in-waiting. Even her house.gov website has been de-fanged. She is being forced to set aside her power and wait marching orders from the men of the party -- Musk and Trump. Couldn't happen to a nicer person.
republican paint palette = white and male (and pretending to be straight)
Did you honestly think Elise would do the right thing?
She will NEVER do the right thing if it will interfere with her career goals.
She is a sniveling, moral coward.
===
what everyone is finding out (as in FAFO )....
1) there is a cover-up by people who support republicans.. it is 'everyone does it' or 'there is a reason why the gQped di it'
ª one can say all politicans twist the truth... but it is clear hmpy trmPEDO lies, lies often lies hard and repeats the lies even after he has been corrected
{{
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/24/trumps-false-or-misleading-claims-total-30573-over-four-years/ }}
{{ https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/list/?speaker=donald-trump&ruling=false }}
ª same is true with pos_tfnKKK
ª I have seen many say... o, pos_tfnKKK voted against protecting women
(VAWA =
{{ https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/38394/20190405/stefanik-votes-no-on-violence-against-women-act-over-gun-control-provision
{{ https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202186 }} )
but the bottom line, she voted against women time and time again...
2) No one likes government (you know like the IRS) but when you ask about what they do... you realize everyone kind of loves the government...
ª we hate taxes, but have no problem driving on the road
ª think there is too much waste, except if the money is wasted on US.
ª think the IRS is out to get us (they aren't)... but want government to be efficient... and isn't collecting the money due.. being efficient?
ª from what I have read about 'pork' in government, the congress men and women who complain... often get a lot of pork for their district.. Just look at newt gingrich and pork
{{ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/flashback-newt-gingrich-l_n_204167 }}
{{ https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/newt-gingrich-big-spender/story?id=15163688 }}
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what everyone is finding out (as in FAFO )... we don’t know paying taxes, but we love the benefits that taxes provide...
There are lessons from these government 'saving' programs.. it will be seen with cutting programs and services at Nationial Parks
In NYS during covid, they decided to close all the campgrounds.. and (I believe) while the rangers were still paid (not the temps)
So what happened is:
1) no revenue came in 2) the campgrounds weren't just used, they were abused ª since no one had to register, they just pirated campsites, the didn't care what a mess they left.. or the kinds of fires they made.. or where they got the wood 3) the experience and nature was destroyed.. ª not just the obvious, but people never learned things from going to ranger programs.. or why to use the fire pits and not start fires on the water's edge
=====
Certainly closing the visitor's center one day a week won't have an obvious affect.. like with the revenue (which likely isn’t going to pay for the staff that is there), but will with the enjoyment of a visit and the use of the parks.
What is likely to happen...those who are left to staff the Parks, will end up doing extra (overtime) work, you know like saving lives.... and it will not be a cost savings.
{{ https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/state-spends-millions-in-forest-ranger-overtime-lawmakers-call-for-bigger-force#:~:text=During%20those%20years%2C%20the%20state,Become%20one%20of%20them. }}