What bloody week #?

kimmiinthemitten · May 2017

What in the fuck, and I mean what in the fuck is wrong with these people?

Are they really that insulated from the real world that they think being poor is an easy, comfortable existence? They already believe poor people don't deserve a living wage, insurance, freedom to choose their own foods, TV's, cell phones etc. Now we think homelessness is caused by too nice of housing shelters? Has this asshole ever even been in an homeless shelter? Has he ever stood in line every day in a cold Michigan February before 5pm to be let into a shelter with no privacy, bed bug infested mattresses, people who haven't bathed or eaten, people who are experiencing withdrawal from an addiction, who are sick and haven't seen a doctor in years only to pack up their entire existence the following morning and do it all over again the next day?

Has he been in an HUD apartment yet? My mom lived on the seventh floor in a 500 square foot apartment designed for seniors and the handicapped. They had bed bugs and fires happened fairly regularly. And the elevator never worked. You want to help addicts who help themselves, but want to deny housing aid to halfway houses? The people who qualify for those houses completed rehab!!! How much more can they fucking do to help themselves? A Veterans house is too nice because it only lacks a pool table? They fought for this country, they deserve a clean house, and hell give them a pool table and a fucking hot tub.

Who the fuck are the every day working Americans who elected these people who are so god damn uppity, they believe clean accommodations are too much to ask for? And this upitty mfer is the one who lied about living in the projects of Detroit. Bitch please, my mom actually lived there and she is more street than you and she's Deaf and Blind.

Sorry, I usually stay calm but this article clearly made me rage.

OurWildKingdom · May 2017

:applause: for a brilliant rant! I'm going to read the article later, but I wanted to say well done!

levioosa · May 2017

Ben Carson doesn't have a fucking clue about reality. He's a moron. I'd love to shove him in one of those places for a month and take away all his resources and then see how he feels. People feel empowered when they are treated with dignity. There's a program in LA that gives the homeless an apartment and job training with a job. After that they can also act as peer counselors for their fellow homeless. The program has had success because it doesn't reduce people to their condition. They get their own space. They are given tools, real tools, to empower themselves and they're treated like actual members of society instead of a plague. But god forbid we treat people with dignity.

I got into a fight on my Nextdoor the other day about this. No one wants to be an addict. No one wants to be homeless. No one wants mental illness. People don't just wake up one day and go, "I'd love to live on the street, get infested with bed bugs and lice, and lose my body's ability to thermoregulate! Maybe if I'm really lucky I can self-medicate with drugs and alcohol! What a grand old time!" Carson has never had to struggle for a meal, for help, or for bodily safety. This fool needs to GTFO. He's also probably too dense to realize the reason why he was nominated to his post in the first place.

short+sassy · May 2017

levioosa said:

Ben Carson doesn't have a fucking clue about reality. He's a moron. I'd love to shove him in one of those places for a month and take away all his resources and then see how he feels. People feel empowered when they are treated with dignity. There's a program in LA that gives the homeless an apartment and job training with a job. After that they can also act as peer counselors for their fellow homeless. The program has had success because it doesn't reduce people to their condition. They get their own space. They are given tools, real tools, to empower themselves and they're treated like actual members of society instead of a plague. But god forbid we treat people with dignity.

I got into a fight on my Nextdoor the other day about this. No one wants to be an addict. No one wants to be homeless. No one wants mental illness. People don't just wake up one day and go, "I'd love to live on the street, get infested with bed bugs and lice, and lose my body's ability to thermoregulate! Maybe if I'm really lucky I can self-medicate with drugs and alcohol! What a grand old time!" Carson has never had to struggle for a meal, for help, or for bodily safety. This fool needs to GTFO. He's also probably too dense to realize the reason why he was nominated to his post in the first place.

I don't know if this is the program you are talking about, but I saw an innovative idea for the homeless problem that (I think) was in LA.

One of the problems for the homeless is...it's hard to get a job when you don't have an address. Or bathing facilities. It's also hard to get the support you're entitled to, when you don't have an address to send checks or other important documentation.

So, rather than a homeless shelter, this program has a large lot with a bunch of tiny houses on it. If I'm remembering correctly, each house costs about $14K to erect. But there isn't much maintenance after that. Over the long term, it actually comes out cheaper than trying to maintain homeless shelters that would help the same total number of people.

The other benefit is everyone has their own address. Their own space. It really helps people get back on their feet faster, instead of becoming more mired into homelessness.

levioosa · May 2017

@short+sassy I'm pretty sure that's a different program, but that sounds like promising idea. LA just got a huge infusion of funds to fight homelessness, so I'm hoping it isn't squandered. Obviously the issue is complex, but there are definitely things that can be done to help alleviate some of the problems.

short+sassy · May 2017

I ranted about this back when Trump chose Carson for this cabinet position. But I have to bang my head against the wall about it again. Of all the government things and programs...ALL THE THINGS...that Trump had even a modicum of knowledge about and would know or know of a slew of qualified people to choose from. It's housing. Yet he chooses a pediatrician. Who, at least from what I can tell, has never lived in a home with housing assistance or owned a rental property with tenants on rental assistance. Has never run a large government program. No experience at all!?!?

Then again, much of the country elected Trump. And he's in the same boat.

The homeless shelters being "too comfortable" argument is ridiculous and eye rolling.

But, to give Carson a little credit, I share some of his views in regards to some of the people receiving housing assistance. Because I see it. Every time I run an ad with a note that I accept Section 8 vouchers. With the most common falsity being the "single mother"...who isn't really single. She and the child(ren)'s father have just purposely chosen to not get married to keep those sweet, sweet, gov't. benies coming and...psst...he'll really be living here to, but he can't be on the lease.

Or another tenant I have who was divorced 7 years ago with three young children. EXACTLY one of the types of people that needs help and for whom Section 8 is made for. Perfect. Back then. When her kids were still little. But what about now? None of her kids are little anymore. Even the youngest one wouldn't need to be in daycare. Her oldest is an adult.

Look, it's hard out there, I know it is. It's never easy to change habits and pick yourself up to make your life better. But then, it's also not fair to the rest of society when able-bodied people choose not to work a f/t job. And I'm not even saying she shouldn't get some help. But perhaps not 90-95% of her living expenses, kind of help.

It's just such a fine line...it's many fine lines...between wanting to help people who need help. ESPECIALLY those who truly cannot do much/anything to help their situation. Like the disabled and the elderly. Not wanting anyone to live in "want". But, at the same time, when too much is provided to people that do have other choices...it can be too easy for them to stay in inertia.

One last general rant. I also think some of the personal economic crises our country is facing are people who just aren't responsible with their money. We are too much of an "I want my wants" NOW society. People NEED to understand what a budget is and learn to live within one. People NEED to save for their own retirement. And starting in your 50s isn't going to cut it (usually).

That is an enormous failing of our school system. Enormous. Those are probably two of the MOST important life lessons a person can learn!!!!!! Yet, it is my understanding that most schools don't teach anything about personal finance. Of course, parents should certainly be teaching those lessons to their children. But then, if they never learned those lessons.... And it becomes the vicious cycle we are in today.

kimmiinthemitten · May 2017

I've spent the last hour online recertifiying my moms Medicaid, only to find out that she also somehow had her food assistance cancelled so I had to reapply for that. Let me tell you, I could care less about people who scam the system by not declaring household members, under the table income etc. Every single time the government attempts to "eliminate fraud" from these programs, my mom takes a hit because there is always a budget cut tied to the bill. I would rather the faux-single mom gets her piece too than have my mom, and people like her, be hurt.

The easiest way to eliminate fraud is to make the transition from assistance to no assistance easier. But that's not what we're interested in as a nation, as Carson so succinctly proved. We're more interested in creating an us vs them mentality where the people on the dole are moochers and welfare queens who deserve what's coming to them, so we can feel better about our 50 hour work week and meager wage.

If we cared about the transition and making it easier for people to get by, we wouldn't cut welfare payments in direct proportion to the overtime people make. The hit on food stamps for living with your boyfriend wouldn't be greater than the tax incentive for getting married (which is a bunch of shit in and of itself). If we really cared, the poverty line to qualify for Medicaid for a single person wouldn't be $16,243.

No, if we cared, we'd allow people to continue receiving their full assistance on a sliding scale while they work more overtime, or get a raise, so they can stay ahead of their bills. We'd institute nation wide programs like the one @levioosa proposed. We'd allow vets to have pool tables and recovering addicts to live in safe neighborhoods while re acclimating to society as a sober person. If we actually cared, no one would read that article and agree with Carson that homeless shelters are just too damned nice.

ETA we'd add to our school budgets and allow teachers to be evaluated by more than a test score, so pragmatic lessons, like cooking and balancing your check book are added back to the curriculum.

I get that being on the servicing end of a government program isn't fun, but I assure you being on the receiving end, legally or through loopholes, is much less fun.

knottiej · May 2017

Oh ok.. These two just changed from a NO vote to a YES vote on health care: +1Fred Upton (R) MI 6th district +1Billy Long (R) MO 7th district

I get some enjoyment out of the comments people are now leaving on their FB pages.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/02/politics/republican-health-care-bill/index.html

charlotte989875 · May 2017

...And a jury just convicted a woman for laughing at AG Sessions. Welcome to 1984.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/03/us/code-pink-sessions-laughter-trial.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0

short+sassy · May 2017

Darn you guys, I'm still thinking about Ben Carson and HUD and it is chafing my hide, lol.

I read a previous article, very possibly also posted on this forum somewhere, during one of his first tours of two housing projects that were being shut down in a particular city (I apologize, I forget which one) because they were in deplorable condition. Except no new housing projects were replacing them. Something like 15% of the population of this city were living in those projects. Children were writing him begging him not to let those projects be shut down.

Because as deplorable as the conditions were...and their letters talked about that also...it was still better than the uncertainty of not having a home.

Here's where I was pissed off. Those projects BELONGED to HUD. They were not privately owned.

Section 8, which falls under HUD's umbrella is a federal housing assistance program, but is locally managed. I could be wrong on this, but I think all Section 8 housing is provided by private owners/companies.

Section 8 landlords...of which I am one...are required to keep their units habitable. Rent is not paid if they are not. There is at least one annual inspection, if not more. "Habitable" is in the eyes of the local unit. Where I live, the definition of habitable is pretty extreme. Like, the house has to be in FHA type of sales condition, if that gives any of you that have bought homes an idea. My own home, which is lovely and awesome, would never pass HANO's (my local agency) standards, lol.

Overall, while I might think my local agency is pretty ridic. in how extreme they are, I wholeheartedly agree with annual inspections and those policies. It's shi**y for any landlord to run their property into the ground and especially shi**y when it is people on these programs who may not have the means for other choices.

But here's the thing, HUD. Don't do a f**king "white glove" test on me and other landlords, when children are fighting rats for food in YOUR properties.

<<end rant>>

kimmiinthemitten · May 2017

KnottieJanel said:

Oh ok.. These two just changed from a NO vote to a YES vote on health care: +1Fred Upton (R) MI 6th district +1Billy Long (R) MO 7th district

I get some enjoyment out of the comments people are now leaving on their FB pages.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/02/politics/republican-health-care-bill/index.html

Upton flipped when they accepted his ammendment - $8 bil over 5 years to help cover the costs for pre existing conditions. Except we need $20 bil. Anything to get your name in the news I guess.

Fun fact: he's supermodel Kate Upton's uncle.

levioosa · May 2017

Did anyone watch/read the Comey hearing today. It made me want to scream. "It makes me nauseous to think we could influenced the election." Are...are you fucking kidding me? Don't try to pretend like that wasn't your exact intent.

kimmiinthemitten · May 2017

levioosa said:

Did anyone watch/read the Comey hearing today. It made me want to scream. "It makes me nauseous to think we could influenced the election." Are...are you fucking kidding me? Don't try to pretend like that wasn't your exact intent.

Right?! You felt compelled to tell Congress about the FBI looking into Hillary's emails so you didn't appear to be covering anything up, but didn't feel the same compulsion to come clean regarding the investigation into Trumps ties with Russia?

mrsconn23 · May 2017

I just can't with all these 'provisions' that keep coming out about this repeal and replace bill. Y'all I take home 66% of my gross...Because of how much I have to pay in insurance (medical, dental, vision, life insurance) and my HSA contribution, and then 401k and taxes. DH only has short-term disability and life insurance coming out, along with 401k and taxes, so he brings home closer to 75%. It's like they are going to whittle what must be covered down to catastrophes and even then, the consumer is STILL going to be on the hook for a good part of the bill. It seriously has me worried enough to think about maybe taking on a part-time job just for money hoarding purposes.

DH poo-pooed how much I put in our HSA, but I think we're going to use it all this year between some dental work that I need and that DH needs new glasses and is probably going to need physical therapy to avoid surgery on his foot/ankle. I have hope that we'll have some to put toward next year because we are (knock on wood) a relatively healthy bunch.

And I don't even want to talk about how gross the pre-existing condition conversation has been and that they are also trying to undercut funding for special needs children.

southernbelle0915 · May 2017

Ditto mrsconn.

I am young(ish), healthy, no chronic diseases, and well off. Even I'm worried about what they're pushing through. Everything I listed there is subject to change. One day, I could be old, unhealthy, develop chronic disease and lose my wealth.

I feel like people supporting this are either incredibly short-sighted and/or so naively confident in their own good fortune that they don't give a shit about how it negatively affects people.

short+sassy · May 2017

mrsconn23 said:

I just can't with all these 'provisions' that keep coming out about this repeal and replace bill. Y'all I take home 66% of my gross...Because of how much I have to pay in insurance (medical, dental, vision, life insurance) and my HSA contribution, and then 401k and taxes. DH only has short-term disability and life insurance coming out, along with 401k and taxes, so he brings home closer to 75%. It's like they are going to whittle what must be covered down to catastrophes and even then, the consumer is STILL going to be on the hook for a good part of the bill. It seriously has me worried enough to think about maybe taking on a part-time job just for money hoarding purposes.

DH poo-pooed how much I put in our HSA, but I think we're going to use it all this year between some dental work that I need and that DH needs new glasses and is probably going to need physical therapy to avoid surgery on his foot/ankle. I have hope that we'll have some to put toward next year because we are (knock on wood) a relatively healthy bunch.

And I don't even want to talk about how gross the pre-existing condition conversation has been and that they are also trying to undercut funding for special needs children.

I'm giving a "money moment" to everyone. HSAs are the best (not to be confused with Cafeteria Plans). THE BEST. Max them out to as much as you can afford to. I personally max mine out to whatever the current year's maximum allowed is. Granted, I spend half of that over the course of the year, but still.

The money is taken out before taxes. So you're not taxed on it. It can only be spent on medical expenses, but it rolls over from year to year. There is no limit to how long it rolls over. If a person passes away with money in their HSA account, it becomes part of their estate and is passed on to their heirs.

There is just no downside, other than the money isn't available now (unless it is a medical expense). Even for people who are healthy, that may not be the case the older they get. Out of pocket medical expenses are a huge burden for many senior citizens.

mrsconn23 · May 2017

And repeal and replace passed the House.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK them.

levioosa · May 2017

mrsconn23 said:

And repeal and replace passed the House.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK them.

Of course it did.

kimmiinthemitten · May 2017

Don't forget in 2018 that 217 Congressional reps voted in favor of a bill that makes rape, domestic violence, c-sections, and post partum depression a pre existing condition while simultaneously exempting themselves and their staff from the same policies.

TrixieJess · May 2017

Well Trump just fired the man in charge of investigating his ties to Russia.

mrsconn23 · May 2017

TrixieJess said:

Well Trump just fired the man in charge of investigating his ties to Russia.

Major repubs are calling for independent investigation. This is a hot fucking mess and a terrible CYA job. He's an idiot for not firing Comey on January 21st because now he just looks guilty AF.

levioosa · May 2017

mrsconn23 said:

TrixieJess said:

Well Trump just fired the man in charge of investigating his ties to Russia.

Major repubs are calling for independent investigation. This is a hot fucking mess and a terrible CYA job. He's an idiot for not firing Comey on January 21st because now he just looks guilty AF.

My first thought was "this is basically saying outright that he did something wrong." I feel like we're watching America implode, and if an independent investigation doesn't come from this, then I'm going to be terrified for our future (more than I already am).

kimmiinthemitten · May 2017

levioosa said:

mrsconn23 said:

TrixieJess said:

Well Trump just fired the man in charge of investigating his ties to Russia.

Major repubs are calling for independent investigation. This is a hot fucking mess and a terrible CYA job. He's an idiot for not firing Comey on January 21st because now he just looks guilty AF.

My first thought was "this is basically saying outright that he did something wrong." I feel like we're watching America implode, and if an independent investigation doesn't come from this, then I'm going to be terrified for our future (more than I already am).

No, no, no. He's done nothing wrong. His twitter banner told me so.

I mean, can that many white people be wrong?

TrixieJess · May 2017

mrsconn23 said:

TrixieJess said:

Well Trump just fired the man in charge of investigating his ties to Russia.

Major repubs are calling for independent investigation. This is a hot fucking mess and a terrible CYA job. He's an idiot for not firing Comey on January 21st because now he just looks guilty AF.

I'll see if I can find the source, but they're saying that the WH didn't expect this reaction. *head tilt*

levioosa · May 2017

kimmiinthemitten said:

levioosa said:

mrsconn23 said:

TrixieJess said:

Well Trump just fired the man in charge of investigating his ties to Russia.

Major repubs are calling for independent investigation. This is a hot fucking mess and a terrible CYA job. He's an idiot for not firing Comey on January 21st because now he just looks guilty AF.

My first thought was "this is basically saying outright that he did something wrong." I feel like we're watching America implode, and if an independent investigation doesn't come from this, then I'm going to be terrified for our future (more than I already am).

No, no, no. He's done nothing wrong. His twitter banner told me so.

I mean, can that many white people be wrong?

Nope.

Heffalump · May 2017

Y'all... Y'all. Y'all.

I mean, WTF? Am I in love with James Comey? No, no I am not. Do I think he's acquitted himself well through the 2016 election and its aftermath? Hell no. But do I think that anything new has come out of late that has suddenly flipped the switch from okay to fired? NOPE.

Jeff Sessions said he should go? Oh, well then! Jeff Sessions is a totally objective and unbiased observer, right? Except for the part about recusing himself from the Russia investigation due to a potential conflict of interest. You know, the same investigation that James Comey was heading. Until he was fired yesterday.

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charlotte989875 · May 2017

Comey can be bad at his (former) job and this still be a politically motivated firing. These things aren't mutually exclusive. How does not one person in Trumps advising circle not see just how bad this looks?!

mrsconn23 · May 2017

charlotte989875 said:

Comey can be bad at his (former) job and this still be a politically motivated firing. These things aren't mutually exclusive. How does not one person in Trumps advising circle not see just how bad this looks?!

Because Jared and Ivanka are his circle.

mrsconn23 · May 2017

The memes are strong with this round of fuckery.

Image may contain 1 person closeup and text

knottiej · May 2017

I saw this on Reddit and it made me laugh. I have to laugh during this weird and crazy time.

What bloody week #?

Re: What bloody week #?

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