American Politics

[SubCmdr]

The average Social Security benefit was just $1,979 per month for retired workers in January 2025.

Yes, you are getting a $4000 check from the government and your paying back $500 of that $4000 is what you consider paying taxes.

Where did you get your numbers from E2008?

To qualify for Social Security's largest checks, you need to consistently earn an amount equal to or greater than the taxable wage base for the year. In 2025, that's $176,100. This limit was lower in past years and will likely be higher in future years.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...5/81887245007/

How much taxes are paid by individuals and employees for Social Security?

Social Security is financed through a dedicated payroll tax. Employers and employees each pay 6.2 percent of wages up to the taxable maximum of $176,100 (in 2025), while the self-employed pay 12.4 percent.
Total income, including interest, to the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1.351 trillion in 2023. ($1.233 trillion from net payroll tax contributions, $51 billion from taxation of benefits, and $67 billion in interest)

https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/facts...alSecurity.htm

So let me get this straight

E2008 is complaining because an individual works an entire lifetime paying into a system that is suppose to provide a lifetime benefit once they reach a certain age and he considers that to be some sort of welfare payment.

Where do the Republican Racists like Musk get this stuff?

[Elvis 2008]

We know neither you nor anyone in your family ever used a flush-toilet. So next time you hop from rock to rock on the way to the communal outhouse, check around the yard and see if you can identify anything that might have been delivered to the nearest wampum exchange by way of the Interstate Highway system.

https://www.pgpf.org/article/budget-...ay-trust-fund/

You look at this and it just shows how gutless the Feds are. They are too chicken shit to raise gasoline taxes to cover highway expenses and instead are racking up debt. There is no reason for any income tax to go towards highways.

[HotDog666]

He (American Jew) is one of the smartest and well informed people in America. 100%correct on solution for America's deficit. However I would add that America needs to reform it's healthcare which consumes twice as much per GDP shares as other countries much worse outcomes. It also needs to reduce aggregate consumption if it cannot increase production. Basic microeconomics.

On Israel, he eviscirates the obfuscation and propaganda of zionazis.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNd2fjBM8/

To add to this, how you guys got into this mess.

Iraq war: including all indirect expenditure: around $ 7 trillion on a needless and unjust war.

Covid: around $4 trillion.

So that's around $11 trillion or around 30% of the total debt.

Now moving forward:

Annual American military spend: around $ 1 trillion, or 3. 5 % of GDP annually.

Annual American healthcare spend: around $4. 5 trillion or 18% of GDP.

There's a clue there on what you need to go after. Yet this dumb fuck Musk thinks going after the peanuts from social security or critical govt programs or aid to the poorest people on the planet is somehow the solution- highly unlikely he will even save the $160 billion (itself being a fraction of the $2 trillion the Vice BS'er claimed initially).

Why does America need to spend 40% of the world's military spend? Let's save the spiel about how America is saving Nato- let the Europeans sort themselves out. Do you need 700 military bases? Do you know why it is China can make a new fighter jet for about 30% of the cost that America does?

As if it would make any difference to Russia if it were halved, and frankly sooner or later China will win out over America where it matters for them on Taiwan so you might as well throw in the towel now. So let's say that's 1. 5% of GDP savings by halving defence. Hey as a bonus people may start liking America again if you no longer threaten genocide and ethnic cleansing to appease your zionazi overlords.

American healthcare is a mess-I know as I have worked with pharma companies in Europe who charge one price to the ROW and another vastly inflated price to Americans-add on to this all the other insurance and other disfunctions and you still have a terrible system- other countries spend 10%-13% of their GDP on healthcare for vastly better systems. So a proper reform here should yield 6% of your savings. Why is America incapable of taking this on- I just don't get it. If you can put a man on the moon you can freaking reform your healthcare properly, instead of having a succession of bullshitters who fray around the edges from both the Dems and the Republicans.

And so you have it, 7% plus of GDP savings pa. Being what Prof Sachs says America accumulates every year.

[EihTooms]

The federal government also transfers general revenues to the Highway Trust Fund when necessary to cover funding shortfalls.

However, this is not a direct allocation from federal income tax revenues but rather from general government funds, which include various sources of revenue.

You are still striking out.

FEMA was used to pay for housing for illegals, and I have never used their services.

I never used any ATF service, and I do not know why they even exist, and I have never used any service of the USA Marshall service.

Since the DEA was formed, drugs are more available, more potent, and cheaper than ever. I have never used any of their services and wish they did not exist.

The FBI launched a coup against the president I voted for. I have never used their services either.

How come you did not mention the TSA? Because those are people who have harassed citizens and have been proven to do no good at all? If you include being harassed by a government agency, then yes, you could say I have paid the TSA to harass me. Are you proud of yourself? LOL. ICE allowed millions of illegals in under Biden. My only experience with them is they are part of the same harassment group as the TSA.

I will take my lemonade for free now, mo fo. You still got nothing.

We know neither you nor anyone in your family ever used a flush-toilet. So next time you hop from rock to rock on the way to the communal outhouse, check around the yard and see if you can identify anything that might have been delivered to the nearest wampum exchange by way of the Interstate Highway system.

Or perhaps that was orginally sourced from a country that our brave USA Military liberated and converted or retained as a cherished low cost trading partner.

Anything at all?

For instance, I'm also curious to know if the roasted skunk is ever served with, oh, French wine or German sauerkraut.

[SubCmdr]

And this is why you are on ignore.

I am not on ignore. Only in your imagination only. You cannot quote my posts if you have me on ignore. You read every damn post I write. You also responded to many of them.

NVDA

Obviously, the sarcastic comment I made went over your pea sized brain.

Really, how long I have I owned NVDA? Since 2023. I told you about it and AAPL..

Do you even know what symbols like BTC, ETH, ADA, AAPL DVN, NVDA represent? You know how to calculate the DFC of the projected future cash flows of a real estate investment in order to determine the proper amount to pay for it regardless of demand? Do you know what it actually means to be a capitalist where you buy or start a business, meet a payroll and earn a profit? Or have you been a wage slave your entire life?

This is your opportunity to inform me about your background. The only reason I went there is because individuals who know me would never question if I was a socialist.

Uh, I paid for my passport.

So did I

Another example of your lack of understanding the most basic of concepts about government infrastructure. The United States State Department is the government agency funded by federal taxes. The entire infrastructure that allows you to travel under the Blue Passport issued from the United States of America is due to the infrastructure the United States State Department has developed over the years. I know you travel because you brag about fucking the most expensive prostitutes in Medellin, Colombia. ROTFLMAO.

You ever read what it says in your Passport?

The Secretary of the State of the United States of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hinderance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection

You dont find that useful?

While you are so impressed with yourself, all I see is some narcissistic loser posting worthless my dick is bigger than yours bullshit.

While you think you are so intelligent I see a Republican individual who does not like the fact that I can stand toe to toe to you in your county of origin and give as hard as you can dish it out. Add to that I don't look like you. You especially don't like your fellow Americans that look like me. When you lose the intellectual argument you go into ad hominem attack mode.

Here was your first reply to me:

Does this idiot get the concept of supply and demand or is he another socialist that he thinks that he deserves better service because of his virtue signaling?

Now you are even attributing quotes to me that were written by someone else in order to make your points. But you just continue to lie like all the Republican Racists do.

How you like me now?

[SubCmdr]

Probably not in Europe where we have much better quality for thermic cars. I laugh on free speed German autobahns. Not 60 miles.

Actually, coming to Europe this year! Watch it and weep. Enjoy driving your dinosaur.

https://youtu.be/hq9vXFGGbcg?si=obreRbU6B7iKIWki

[Elvis 2008]

While gas taxes and ticket fees do contribute, theyre only part of the picture, as federal and state governments, also play a major role in funding the building of bridges and airports.

The federal government also transfers general revenues to the Highway Trust Fund when necessary to cover funding shortfalls.

However, this is not a direct allocation from federal income tax revenues but rather from general government funds, which include various sources of revenue.

You are still striking out.

So I guess all these police and LE agencies like FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshall, ICE and FEMA/U.S. Fire Administration, are what...all funded by local 5th grade elementary school lemonade stands?

You thirsty, Elvis 2008?

FEMA was used to pay for housing for illegals, and I have never used their services.

I never used any ATF service, and I do not know why they even exist, and I have never used any service of the USA Marshall service.

Since the DEA was formed, drugs are more available, more potent, and cheaper than ever. I have never used any of their services and wish they did not exist.

The FBI launched a coup against the president I voted for. I have never used their services either.

How come you did not mention the TSA? Because those are people who have harassed citizens and have been proven to do no good at all? If you include being harassed by a government agency, then yes, you could say I have paid the TSA to harass me. Are you proud of yourself? LOL. ICE allowed millions of illegals in under Biden. My only experience with them is they are part of the same harassment group as the TSA.

I will take my lemonade for free now, mo fo. You still got nothing.

[Sirioja]

92% Of EV Owners Will Never Go Back To ICE-Only, New Study
https://www.carscoops.com/2024/12/99...ew-study-says/

Once you drive an EV, it turns out according to the latest survey, you NEVER go back....(...kkkk!)


As for how to solve the overnight charging for EV owners in apartments, I think, it requires a lot more urban planning.

But the way I see it, all that urban planning may not be necessary, as battery tech is changing so fast, that 5-15 min. from 10-80%, is already here, at least in China (at any rate). And if the American Fuhrer, would just get fuck outta the way of progress, the overnight charging for apartment EV owners, wouldn't be a thing/issue.

Probably not in Europe where we have much better quality for thermic cars. I laugh on free speed German autobahns. Not 60 miles.

[HotDog666]

He (American Jew) is one of the smartest and well informed people in America. 100%correct on solution for America's deficit. However I would add that America needs to reform it's healthcare which consumes twice as much per GDP shares as other countries much worse outcomes. It also needs to reduce aggregate consumption if it cannot increase production. Basic microeconomics.

On Israel, he eviscirates the obfuscation and propaganda of zionazis.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNd2fjBM8/

[Spidy]

When You like cars, You don t drive EV and of course no chinese. I won t, when I love my atmospheric V8 , making me as hard as a natural beauty. Cars are really not biggest pollution, compare to chinese, USA and Indian industries, planes, big boats, trucks. And your stupid Trump wants to increase USA pollution.

92% Of EV Owners Will Never Go Back To ICE-Only, New Study
https://www.carscoops.com/2024/12/99...ew-study-says/

Once you drive an EV, it turns out according to the latest survey, you NEVER go back....(...kkkk!)

I like the concept. Especially motorcycles!

The charging infrastructure still needs to be addressed. Where does an apartment dweller charge a EV overnight?

As for how to solve the overnight charging for EV owners in apartments, I think, it requires a lot more urban planning.

But the way I see it, all that urban planning may not be necessary, as battery tech is changing so fast, that 5-15 min. from 10-80%, is already here, at least in China (at any rate). And if the American Fuhrer, would just get fuck outta the way of progress, the overnight charging for apartment EV owners, wouldn't be a thing/issue.

[Spidy]

Bridges are covered by gasoline taxes.

While gas taxes and ticket fees do contribute, they’re only part of the picture, as federal and state governments, also play a major role in funding the building of bridges and airports.

Airports taxes are paid for when you buy a ticket. Fire and police services are paid for with property taxes.

So I guess all these police and LE agencies like FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshall, ICE and FEMA/U.S. Fire Administration, are what...all funded by local 5th grade elementary school lemonade stands?

You thirsty, Elvis 2008?

[Newton York]

I think we can all agree that these disunited States really sucks now. Thing is what can anybody do? More than half the country wanted all this chaos. I say let's focus on a way to get ourselves to Thailand to retire there, where it's always nice, and nothing bad ever happens. *sigh* Now, if only I can find the guts to quit my shitty job.

[EihTooms]

I like the concept. Especially motorcycles!
The charging infrastructure still needs to be addressed. Where does an apartment dweller charge a EV overnight?

Those are the biggest hurdles for me to consider before buying a full size electric motorcycle.

Right now I drive an electric bicycle around Bangkok and love it so much I will never buy a gas-powered vehicle again. Not for around here. I can go and drive anywhere a full size motorcycle can go but with the added freedom of more easily taking the sidewalk or at least easily riding up onto the sidewalk in short enough distances to maneuver around a traffic jam stalemate, park right on the sidewalk conveniently at the entrance of my destination because that is where the bicycle racks are, no license is required, no registration, no insurance, no helmet required by law.

The downsides are the top speed for this bicycle version is 35 kph, which also keeps it a much safer ride and, frankly, fast enough in a high traffic area like Bangkok, and I can only ride about 30 km before I need to recharge the battery, which is best done overnight as you suggest. Takes about 5 hours from zero to full. Costs about 2 baht in electricity.

However, the recharging infrastructure is, as you also suggest, the big issue that must be addressed.

In my case, the bike has a portable and removable battery that I pop out and carry by the built-in handle to the lift up to my 18th floor apartment and plug it into an ordinary electrical outlet via a small charging unit similar to the kind we use on laptop computers.

I can certainly take that small charging unit with me wherever I go. And as long as I can leave the lunch pail size battery plugged into a McDonalds or Starbucks electrical outlet for five hours every 30 km or so I could keep going all the way from Bangkok to Pattaya or Chiang Mai on that bike. LOL. The other option with a bike that has a portable removable battery is I have bought extra batteries to always have 1-2 charged up and ready to swap within minutes at my apartment. Or can take an extra one with me on the bike, easy to do, in order to extend my distance before recharging to about 60 km.

But that is an electric bicycle and not a full size electric motorcycle. If the power of the motor is 500 Watts or more, Thai law considers that a motorcycle and is therefore subject to all the license, registration, insurance and helmet requirements of any other motorcycle. My electric bicycle motor is 400 Watts.

Now, there ARE full size electric motorcycles available with portable removable batteries that one can pop out and take into a high rise apartment to recharge. And I suppose that also means you can purchase an extra one or two to always have charged and ready to swap out at any time. But, again, as long as you are near your apartment to do that.

One brand I recall checking out in Bangkok that had a portable removable battery about the size of a carry-on luggage was EM Motors. Maybe they have a showroom in Pattaya too. And there must be other brands that include that feature.

Weirdly, it is getting more difficult to find the latest electric bicycle models with the same portable removable battery that mine had when I bought it a couple of years ago. Probably some marketing ploy to make it impossible to buy those extra batteries for the user to easily replace when necessary instead of taking it to a brand authorized repair shop to pay someone else to do it or buy a whole new bike after a few years.

[SubCmdr]

The FBI announced the arrest of a judge in Wisconsin for allegedly obstructing an immigration enforcement operation, causing alarm as the Trump administration steps up its confrontational approach towards the judiciary.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveb...tion-operation

[SubCmdr]

The charging infrastructure still needs to be addressed. Where does an apartment dweller charge a EV overnight?