• cm0002@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    3 days ago

    I never made more than $20 an hour in my entire life. Are you saying you make less than that?! lol

    Money isn’t just what you earn hourly, it’s your overall wealth. Land, housing paid off, cars, and emergency provisions all count. Stop trying to play poor when you’re sitting on assets.

    Oh, so it’s all or nothing. So you won’t help some people unless you can help all people? Hmmmm…

    Lol just twist my words, I donate what I can and vote for systemic change because individual charity can’t fix broken systems. The point is we CAN help everyone if we tax the wealthy properly.

    And did Biden change that? Would Harris have changed that?

    Biden passed significant progressive legislation like the Infrastructure bill and parts of Build Back Better despite constant opposition. Meanwhile, Trump’s 2017 tax cuts primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, dropping the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.

    Are you saying the Democratic party isn’t in the pockets of giant corporations?! lmao

    There’s a difference between imperfect allies and active enemies. One party at least tries to help working people while the other explicitly serves the ultra-wealthy. Look at their voting records, not their rhetoric.

    So how come all the dems that have been in charge hasn’t permantly change that since Reagan worked on it?

    Because we haven’t had a true progressive majority with enough power to overcome corporate lobbying. We need more progressives in office, not fewer. The GOP has been working for 50 years to dismantle the social safety net, and you’re blaming Dems for not fixing it all at once?

    • Donald J. MuskOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      arrow-down
      5
      ·
      3 days ago

      Stop trying to play poor when you’re sitting on assets.

      But if you make more than me, and have for a long time. then you could have even more assets than I do. Correct?

      I donate what I can and vote for systemic change because individual charity can’t fix broken systems.

      And nothing says you have to stop doing that. In fact, you can even donate more and cut your lifestyle if it means that much to you. I won’t be doing that, but you certainly can.

      Trump’s 2017 tax cuts primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, dropping the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.

      Ok, so did Biden reverse that in his 4 years he was in office and controlled both the house and the senate?

      One party at least tries to help working people while the other explicitly serves the ultra-wealthy.

      But if that’s true and if more people believed that as you do, you should have easily won the election. So that means either you are right and the majority who voted in Trump are wrong, OR you in the minorty and people just don’t agree with you.

      Because we haven’t had a true progressive majority with enough power to overcome corporate lobbying.

      So how come the Democrats didn’t work on that?

      The GOP has been working for 50 years to dismantle the social safety net, and you’re blaming Dems for not fixing it all at once?

      But Democrats have been in office for plenty of years. Why can’t the just do the same things the Republicans do, but make it their agenda and get it done? Sounds like they haven’t done as good of a job as Republicans when it comes to meeting their agendas.

      • cm0002@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        3 days ago

        But if you make more than me, and have for a long time. then you could have even more assets than I do. Correct?

        You’re the one who bragged about your assets, then tried to pivot to wages when called out. I’m not playing this game of one-upmanship. The point is about systemic issues, not personal finances.

        And nothing says you have to stop doing that. In fact, you can even donate more and cut your lifestyle if it means that much to you. I won’t be doing that, but you certainly can.

        Again, missing the point entirely. Individual actions don’t fix broken systems. That’s like saying “just use less water” during a drought while corporations drain aquifers. We need collective action and policy change, not performative personal sacrifice.

        Ok, so did Biden reverse that in his 4 years he was in office and controlled both the house and the senate?

        Democrats had a razor-thin majority with Manchin and Sinema blocking major reform. Despite that, the Inflation Reduction Act implemented a 15% corporate minimum tax for large corporations and a 1% tax on stock buybacks. This doesn’t fully reverse Trump’s corporate tax rate cut from 35% to 21%, but it does ensure the biggest companies pay at least 15%. Not perfect, but a step in the right direction.

        But if that’s true and if more people believed that as you do, you should have easily won the election.

        Elections aren’t won on policy merits anymore (unfortunately). They’re won on emotion, propaganda, and increasingly, misinformation. Most voters can’t even name what policies they’re voting for. Plus, our system structurally advantages rural conservative voters through the Electoral College.

        So how come the Democrats didn’t work on that?

        They have been. From campaign finance reform to voting rights, Democrats consistently push against a system rigged by gerrymandering, voter suppression, and dark money. All of which Republicans fight to preserve.

        But Democrats have been in office for plenty of years. Why can’t the just do the same things the Republicans do, but make it their agenda and get it done?

        Because Democrats try to govern responsibly while Republicans obstruct then blame Democrats for not fixing the problems. Look at McConnell blocking Merrick Garland then ramming through Barrett. Look at Republicans tanking infrastructure bills under Obama then crying about crumbling bridges. The asymmetry is the point.

        • Donald J. MuskOP
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          arrow-down
          6
          ·
          3 days ago

          You’re the one who bragged about your assets, then tried to pivot to wages when called out.

          I wasn’t bragging. Someone asked me about my “self-reliance bs” and I explained to them how and why I think I live up to my version of that

          The point is about systemic issues, not personal finances.

          That Democrats still haven’t fixed, despite all their years in power. And if Trump is doing such terrible thigns, then in 4 years, you all can change everything back the way you want it.

          This doesn’t fully reverse Trump’s corporate tax rate cut from 35% to 21%, but it does ensure the biggest companies pay at least 15%. Not perfect, but a step in the right direction.

          Great! Then again, in 4 years, you guys can get voted back in and fix all that. So there ya go!

          Because Democrats try to govern responsibly while Republicans obstruct then blame Democrats for not fixing the problems.

          But if that was such a great idea, they they should have won the election. So maybe that’s now what people were wanting.

          • cm0002@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            1
            ·
            edit-2
            3 days ago

            That Democrats still haven’t fixed, despite all their years in power. And if Trump is doing such terrible thigns, then in 4 years, you all can change everything back the way you want it.

            Classic bad faith argument. You’re ignoring the structural hurdles I just explained about Manchin, Sinema, and GOP obstruction. As for “just wait 4 years” – that’s exactly the problem. The damage Trump does in 4 years will take decades to fix. You can’t just “change everything back” when you’ve gutted regulatory agencies, stacked courts with ideologues, and sold off public resources to private interests.

            Great! Then again, in 4 years, you guys can get voted back in and fix all that. So there ya go!

            Notice how you’ve completely abandoned defending Trump’s policies on their merits? You’re basically admitting they’re harmful but saying “who cares, we won.” This is exactly what I meant by “fuck you, I got mine” politics. You don’t care about making things better for everyone, just “winning.”

            But if that was such a great idea, they they should have won the election. So maybe that’s now what people were wanting.

            Again with this circular logic. Winning elections doesn’t prove your policies are better for people – it proves your messaging resonated emotionally. Most Trump voters can’t even name his specific policy positions beyond vague “make America great” rhetoric.

            You’ve consistently dodged every substantive point about actual policy impacts. Instead, you fall back on “we won, so we must be right” – which is exactly the kind of shallow, tribal thinking that’s destroying any hope of productive political discourse in this country.

            • Donald J. MuskOP
              link
              fedilink
              arrow-up
              1
              arrow-down
              6
              ·
              edit-2
              3 days ago

              You’re ignoring the structural hurdles I just explained about Manchin, Sinema, and GOP obstruction

              So how come the Democrats don’t create that sort of “obstruction” for the GOP?

              The damage Trump did in 4 years will take decades to fix.

              Seems like a better Dem presidential campaign should have fixed that. Seems like they may have failed you a bit in that respect.

              Notice how you’ve completely abandoned defending Trump’s policies on their merits?

              I’m not a fucking political strategist with a degree in political science. I don’t give a fuck. I like him. I like what he’s doing. And enough other people do, that they voted for him. Maybe take that into consideration

              Instead, you fall back on “we won, so we must be right” – which is exactly the kind of shallow, tribal thinking that’s destroying any hope of productive political discourse in this country.

              Says the guy who wants to turn a conservative community into a meme community and make fun of Republicans. So why would I take anything you are saying seriously? I mean, did making fun of republicans work for you all in the election?

              All I see is you mocking people who don’t agree with you or who you deem to be too stupid to make the right choices.

              I’ve seen some democrat strategists stay that the Dem downfall started by not taking republican voters seriously, and indeed mocking them, as a strong root cause of why you lost.

              So do you think advocating making fun of Republicans rather than strengthing democratic community building is the best way to go?

              Get da fuckouttahere with your “Oh you’re not having serious political discourse” bs, when you have made it your mission to make fun of republicans in a conservative community.

              Now just becaue I point that out, don’t that you have really had a “gotcha” moment with me. Because I don’t really care THAT much.

              In fact, I am exactly one of those who went by their gut, voted for Trump with glee just got get back and you all for mocking republicans.

              Lemmy jerks making fun of every conservative was the in the forefront of my brain when I voted.

              And no regrets at all. I’m happy to see it all burn down and start from scratch.

              I’m not even a fucking republican. I’m an anarchist.

              You all deserve Trump.

              • cm0002@lemmy.world
                link
                fedilink
                arrow-up
                1
                ·
                edit-2
                3 days ago

                So how come the Democrats don’t create that sort of “obstruction” for the GOP?

                Democrats aren’t saints, theyre imperfect allies at best But there’s a fundamental difference in approach. ds generally try to govern and pass legislation, while McConnell openly declared his primary goal was blocking Obama’s agenda. When Ds obstruct, it’s usually on specific harmful policies, not a total blanket refusal to let the other side accomplish anything. There’s a difference between principled opposition and sabotaging government function.

                Seems like a better Dem presidential campaign should have fixed that. Seems like they may have failed you a bit in that respect.

                Oh look, now you’re blaming Democrats for Republican destruction. Classic abuser logic: “Why did you make me hurt you?”

                I’m not a fucking political strategist with a degree in political science. I don’t give a fuck. I like him. I like what he’s doing. And enough other people do, that they voted for him. Maybe take that into consideration

                Finally some honesty! “I don’t give a fuck about policy” - we’ve reached the core of MAGA politics. You “like what he’s doing” but can’t defend any of it on substance. Pure emotion and tribalism.

                Says the guy who wants to turn a conservative community into a meme community and make fun of Republicans.

                Everyone needs spaces to vent and joke. Conservatives have entire media empires dedicated to spreading their misinformation and conspiracy theories. Fox News, OAN, countless Facebook groups and Telegram channels, even Lemmy instances, yet you’re mad about some memes on Lemmy who hasn’t even broken 50k MAUs?

                I’ve seen some democrat strategists stay that the Dem downfall started by not taking republican voters seriously, and indeed mocking them, as a strong root cause of why you lost.

                The idea that Democrats lost because we weren’t nice enough to people actively supporting policies that harm vulnerable communities is laughable. “I voted to take away healthcare from millions because someone was mean to me online” isn’t the flex you think it is.

                IN fact, I am exactly one of those who went by their gut, voted for Trump with glee just got get back and you all for mocking republicans.

                So you’re admitting you voted to hurt people out of spite? And somehow we’re the bad guys for making memes?

                I’m not even a fucking republican. I’m an anarchist.

                No actual anarchist would support the most authoritarian president in modern history. You’re not an anarchist; you’re just angry and nihilistic.

                You all deserve Trump.

                And there it is. The mask comes off. This was never about policy or principles. It’s about hurting people you don’t like. Thanks for finally being honest about it.

                • Donald J. MuskOP
                  link
                  fedilink
                  arrow-up
                  1
                  arrow-down
                  5
                  ·
                  3 days ago

                  Finally some honesty! “I don’t give a fuck about policy” - we’ve reached the core of MAGA politics.

                  so you think every fucking democrat on Lemmy is some political Philosophy input and is as fucking nerdy about politics as you are? Get the fuck outta here with that.

                  Again, a perfect example of why you all lost. You insist that everyone has to be at your level of intelligence or they are not worth anything.

                  Keep it up. You’ll lose the next election too. And I’ll laugh again.

                  You’re not an anarchist; you’re just angry and nihilistic.

                  I’m not angry at all. I’m having a fucking great time. You are angry. I’m not. At all.

                  And there it is. The mask comes off. It’s about hurting people you don’t like.

                  Guess Lemmy shouldn’t be so quick to do jerky things like turn conservative communities into meme communites that make fun of conservatives.

                  How that work out in the last election?

                  I never wore a mask. I have no desire to hurt people. But I do love how shocked you all were that your holier-than-thou attitude didn’t win any elections.

                  And here’s the thing. I think you actually know a lot of it was how democrat attitudes are percieved. Like you said, elections are won just by policy. It’s people skills.

                  Maybe all the fed people laid off can “learn to code.” You all will totally help them out! No worries.

                  You fucking laugh and mock people who aren’t in your little bubble. Now you can handle what the results of that is.

                  Rather than just wait/ask that a good conservative mod comes, you decide to mock conservatives. Just like what you are doing with this community.

                  I promise you this: Whether I am on Lemmy or not, banned or not, I will never ever ever EVER vote for a Democrat. Because of what I have seen on here. I would rather watch the world burn down and start from sticks and stones.

                  You specifically mock and make fun of people who aren’t in your little circle. And take glee in the mocking.

                  YOU, yes, YOU deserve Trump. And I will fucking laugh about it every single day until Trump leaves office.

                  Nah, I’m not mad. I’m laughing and I feel like it’s totally just that you all got your asses handed to you.

                  • cm0002@lemmy.world
                    link
                    fedilink
                    arrow-up
                    1
                    ·
                    3 days ago

                    so you think every fucking democrat on Lemmy is some political Philosophy input and is as fucking nerdy about politics as you are?

                    No, but most people who vote care about at least some policies that affect their lives. You’ve spent this entire conversation dodging every policy point while openly declaring vote purely based on spite. Huge difference.

                    You insist that everyone has to be at your level of intelligence or they are not worth anything.

                    Never said that. I said policy matters more than tribal politics. You’re the one who keeps bringing up intelligence, which is telling. Nobody said you need a PHD level understanding of politics, just reading up on the policies themselves should not be that huge of an ask.

                    I’m not angry at all. I’m having a fucking great time.

                    Your all-caps rants, excessive swearing, and “I will never ever ever EVER vote for a Democrat” suggest otherwise. People having a great time don’t usually type like they’re screaming or have to constantly say “I’m not mad” who are you trying to convince?

                    Guess Lemmy shouldn’t be so quick to do jerky things like turn conservative communities into meme communites that make fun of conservatives.

                    You’re still hung up on a meme community while openly supporting politicians who are actively stripping rights from marginalized people. One of these things is not like the other.

                    Rather than just wait/ask that a good conservative mod comes, you decide to mock conservatives.

                    There’s a difference between mocking harmful ideas and mocking people. Conservative policies have real, harmful impacts on vulnerable communities. That deserves criticism, and memes are a form of criticism.

                    I would rather watch the world burn down and start from sticks and stones.

                    And there it is again. You claim you “have no desire to hurt people” then immediately say you’d rather see the world burn than vote for someone who might help others. The contradiction is stunning.