Trump 2.0

[neo von retorch]

Remember, his accomplishments are instantaneous, while all negative effects occurring now are left over from Biden.

[DoubleDown]

I am all for Trump being the Pope.
A) he can't be president at the same time
B) It would end that crusted institution of the catholic church.

Win-Win-situation!

Not that it really matters, but neither one of those things are true.

[dividendman]

Remember, his accomplishments are instantaneous, while all negative effects occurring now are left over from Biden.

Seems legit.

[Travis]

Remember, his accomplishments are instantaneous, while all negative effects occurring now are left over from Biden.

Or we just wait 2 weeks to six months, you'll see!

[bacchi]

Trump had an interview with Terry Moran tonight and completely lost it. Spent the entire time rambling nonsense and complaining when Moran called him on it.

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917375813177037212

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917378138293604389

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917383674154176720

While I know how he is, it's still shocking and fascinating to see it.

Does he believe his own shit? Is he super gullible and his advisors are afraid to tell him the truth?

[Travis]

Trump had an interview with Terry Moran tonight and completely lost it. Spent the entire time rambling nonsense and complaining when Moran called him on it.

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917375813177037212

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917378138293604389

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917383674154176720

While I know how he is, it's still shocking and fascinating to see it.

Does he believe his own shit? Is he super gullible and his advisors are afraid to tell him the truth?

Both. He believes the last thing somebody tells him. Otherwise he lives in a reality of his own. It seems to be very difficult for him to change his mind on anything.

[Fru-Gal]

Trump had an interview with Terry Moran tonight and completely lost it. Spent the entire time rambling nonsense and complaining when Moran called him on it.

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917375813177037212

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917378138293604389

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917383674154176720

While I know how he is, it's still shocking and fascinating to see it.

Does he believe his own shit? Is he super gullible and his advisors are afraid to tell him the truth?

To me the shocking part (and I’m not going to watch the whole thing) was his blatant, corrupt mafioso threats to the credibility and career of the journalist. Disgusting to see this laid bare. Journalist did a good job holding the line against it.

[Travis]

Cabinet meeting this morning. It's 50% bullshit reports, and 50% glorification of Trump. Every cabinet member has a MAGA ballcap on the table in front of them, and are taking turns praising his leadership like he's KJU.

[reeshau]

Trump had an interview with Terry Moran tonight and completely lost it. Spent the entire time rambling nonsense and complaining when Moran called him on it.

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917375813177037212

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917378138293604389

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1917383674154176720

While I know how he is, it's still shocking and fascinating to see it.

Does he believe his own shit? Is he super gullible and his advisors are afraid to tell him the truth?

For someone really looking at how he ticks, I recommend the PBS Frontline episode "The Choice."  They do side-by-side profiles every presidential election, but Trump's side (for either 2016 or 2024) was quite enlightening: how his older brother didn't have the "killer" instinct their father was looking for; who his mentors and advisors were early in his career, etc.

Of course, these are side by side, so you may have the sting of watching or roughly skipping through the bio if either Hillary or Kamala.  But, the early history explains a lot.

[Travis]

RFK in Texas yesterday complaining that Measles outbreaks are headline grabbers because everyone got it when he was a kid and it was no big deal. Apparently eradicating diseases is a bad thing.

https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/29/texas-measles-robert-kennedy-autism/

[mtnrider]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

[deborah]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

It doesn't produce the fantastic television footage.

[GuitarStv]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

It doesn't produce the fantastic television footage.

Because they don't really want to stop illegal immigrants - illegal immigrants are great for the economy, pay taxes and are locked out of using services, and are a convenient political scape goat.  Why punish wealthy citizen job creators when you can just terrorize the immigrants with no real pushback from anybody?

[mtnrider]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

It doesn't produce the fantastic television footage.

Because they don't really want to stop illegal immigrants - illegal immigrants are great for the economy, pay taxes and are locked out of using services, and are a convenient political scape goat.  Why punish wealthy citizen job creators when you can just terrorize the immigrants with no real pushback from anybody?

I think you're right. 

What you said was sort of my theory for why they didn't do it during the Bush Jr years.  But now it seems like the politicians and many business leaders really believe illegal immigrants are a serious problem.  Or... maybe only the rhetoric has changed to use stronger words.  After all, the politicians could pass laws, and the business people could hire documented people only.  As the cliche goes: watch what they do, not what they say. 

[SunnyDays]

What percentage of working immigrants are illegal?  If it’s more than negligible, which I’m assuming it is, what happens if/when they stop trying to get into the US?  Who does the jobs they are currently doing?  The white people who are complaining that immigrants are taking their jobs?  Not very likely.

A few years ago here in Canada, there was a shortage of immigrant farm workers, so farmers were forced to rely on Canadian applicants who were looking for summer jobs.  It didn’t work out well - next to none were retained for the term, with some not showing up at all, others quitting on the first day or the first week, complaining that the work was too hard.  Of course, it may not matter a lot in the US, as lack of Canadian potash could severely reduce crop yields anyway.  But there are likely lots of people working in other industries that would be significantly affected by their absence.  Americans may be in for a world of hurt if the domestic output decreases at the same time that imports from China tank.

[Fru-Gal]

What percentage of working immigrants are illegal?  If it’s more than negligible, which I’m assuming it is, what happens if/when they stop trying to get into the US?  Who does the jobs they are currently doing?  The white people who are complaining that immigrants are taking their jobs?  Not very likely.

A few years ago here in Canada, there was a shortage of immigrant farm workers, so farmers were forced to rely on Canadian applicants who were looking for summer jobs.  It didn’t work out well - next to none were retained for the term, with some not showing up at all, others quitting on the first day or the first week, complaining that the work was too hard.  Of course, it may not matter a lot in the US, as lack of Canadian potash could severely reduce crop yields anyway.  But there are likely lots of people working in other industries that would be significantly affected by their absence.  Americans may be in for a world of hurt if the domestic output decreases at the same time that imports from China tank.

This is all performative bullshit that is designed to hurt those with the fewest resources to fight back, just like performative bullshit designed to hurt women, who still do not control enough leadership positions and capital to effectively fight back. There is no question that destroying immigration, like limiting bodily autonomy, will harm the USA. But this is a game our politicians like to play where we see how far we can push this performative bullshit while the rich get richer.

To answer your question, 1 in 7 Americans is an immigrant. 18% of jobs are held by immigrants. An estimated 8 million immigrants are undocumented. Jobs held by undocumented immigrants are primarily in low-wage industries like home health care, food service, agriculture and labor. However, when you look agriculture, for example, only about 15% are undocumented.

But of course if the point was to prevent businesses from hiring illegal workers, all they would have to do is fine the businesses. Instead, they collect taxes and social security and Medicare taxes on undocumented workers. That tells you about all you need to know.

https://usafacts.org/answers/what-percent-of-jobs-in-the-us-are-held-by-immigrants/country/united-states/

[LaineyAZ]

I think another root cause is how political campaigns are financed. 

If politicians at every level didn't have to beg wealthy individuals and big corporations for money, then governing would be able to focus on humane and common sense outcomes.   The Citizens United case just turbocharged the oligarchy.

Now we live in a time when owners and execs of construction, big agriculture, hospitality, etc. finance politicians who claim to support a crackdown but also will never pursue charges against the employers.  I'm sure they're in their executive suites laughing at the footage of military-clad agents forcing kids onto planes and students and judges being arrested.  It's our deeply hypocritical system, working as the oligarchy intends. 

[GuitarStv]

But money is free speech.  Otherwise, how would the richest people be able to shout down all the poors?

[LaineyAZ]

But money is free speech.  Otherwise, how would the richest people be able to shout down all the poors?

Yep, we're in a trap of our own making.  That's how Musk was able to shut down any opposition in Congress:  He'd "primary" them, meaning dumping a truckload of cash into the campaign of any potential opposition candidates.  Incumbents caved immediately.
That's how Ocasio-Cortez can maintain her integrity because she doesn't accept corporate PAC money so that threat didn't affect her. 

[Boll weevil]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

First off, state prosecutors can only prosecute over state laws. Could be that the state doesn’t have a law requiring verification of immigration status.

Second thing that comes to mind is that state governments tend to be much more sensitive to budgets than the federal government. The problem probably isn’t nearly as widespread as the advocates of that approach claim it is, and after factoring in the costs of investigations that turn up no wrongdoing the whole exercise is likely not worth it.

Third is that the largest targets are probably politically connected and/or protected through campaign donations and importance to at least their local economy (city or county), if not the economy of the entire state.

[mtnrider]

What percentage of working immigrants are illegal?  If it’s more than negligible, which I’m assuming it is, what happens if/when they stop trying to get into the US?  Who does the jobs they are currently doing?  The white people who are complaining that immigrants are taking their jobs?  Not very likely.

A few years ago here in Canada, there was a shortage of immigrant farm workers, so farmers were forced to rely on Canadian applicants who were looking for summer jobs.  It didn’t work out well - next to none were retained for the term, with some not showing up at all, others quitting on the first day or the first week, complaining that the work was too hard.  Of course, it may not matter a lot in the US, as lack of Canadian potash could severely reduce crop yields anyway.  But there are likely lots of people working in other industries that would be significantly affected by their absence.  Americans may be in for a world of hurt if the domestic output decreases at the same time that imports from China tank.

This is all performative bullshit that is designed to hurt those with the fewest resources to fight back, just like performative bullshit designed to hurt women, who still do not control enough leadership positions and capital to effectively fight back. There is no question that destroying immigration, like limiting bodily autonomy, will harm the USA. But this is a game our politicians like to play where we see how far we can push this performative bullshit while the rich get richer.

To answer your question, 1 in 7 Americans is an immigrant. 18% of jobs are held by immigrants. An estimated 8 million immigrants are undocumented. Jobs held by undocumented immigrants are primarily in low-wage industries like home health care, food service, agriculture and labor. However, when you look agriculture, for example, only about 15% are undocumented.

But of course if the point was to prevent businesses from hiring illegal workers, all they would have to do is fine the businesses. Instead, they collect taxes and social security and Medicare taxes on undocumented workers. That tells you about all you need to know.

https://usafacts.org/answers/what-percent-of-jobs-in-the-us-are-held-by-immigrants/country/united-states/

Agreed.  But here's another disconnect (somewhat rhetorical): if they remove the low-wage, undocumented workers, wouldn't businesses' profits go down?  And prices go up?  A chicken processing plant, slaughterhouse, or produce processing operation isn't going to attract many US born workers.  If all the undocumented workers are gone, they'll have to hire people at much higher wages or produce less*.

As you say though, much like the Bush Jr. administration, Trump is probably just doing deportations for the theatrics and will leave enough undocumented workers in the US to satisfy businesses.


* automation is brought up, but agriculture is a very hard area to automate.  Even Amazon still uses humans for pick and place.

[mtnrider]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

First off, state prosecutors can only prosecute over state laws. Could be that the state doesn’t have a law requiring verification of immigration status.

Second thing that comes to mind is that state governments tend to be much more sensitive to budgets than the federal government. The problem probably isn’t nearly as widespread as the advocates of that approach claim it is, and after factoring in the costs of investigations that turn up no wrongdoing the whole exercise is likely not worth it.

Third is that the largest targets are probably politically connected and/or protected through campaign donations and importance to at least their local economy (city or county), if not the economy of the entire state.

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

For #2 and #3, I suspect you are right.

So the logic still comes to:
 Person A: We have a huge problem with immigration!
 Person B: OK, so pass a state law to make it illegal for law-abiding firms to hire undocumented immigrants.
 Person A: But that would hurt our businesses.
 Person B: So these immigrants are actually helping?


I suspect a lot of MAGA's anti-immigrant attitude is due to: change is hard and is accepted slowly.  An argument could be made that the changes came too fast. 

That doesn't explain the cruelty though.  Maybe that's due to anger?  Not that it's an acceptable reaction.  And I hope the cruelty isn't due to a blood and soil undercurrent.

[Travis]

RFK spending a shitload of money on dead research that will only benefit his friends.

https://archive.li/LTbqS

https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/rfk-jr-bets-500-million-on-universal-vaccines-in-shift-from-covid-19-funding-0299d927?st=eJ4mxG


Waltz out as National Security Adviser. This is just a month after Laura Loomer got a lot of his staff fired and tried to get him dumped as well.

https://x.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/1917952746063269920

[Fru-Gal]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

First off, state prosecutors can only prosecute over state laws. Could be that the state doesn’t have a law requiring verification of immigration status.

Second thing that comes to mind is that state governments tend to be much more sensitive to budgets than the federal government. The problem probably isn’t nearly as widespread as the advocates of that approach claim it is, and after factoring in the costs of investigations that turn up no wrongdoing the whole exercise is likely not worth it.

Third is that the largest targets are probably politically connected and/or protected through campaign donations and importance to at least their local economy (city or county), if not the economy of the entire state.

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

For #2 and #3, I suspect you are right.

So the logic still comes to:
 Person A: We have a huge problem with immigration!
 Person B: OK, so pass a state law to make it illegal for law-abiding firms to hire undocumented immigrants.
 Person A: But that would hurt our businesses.
 Person B: So these immigrants are actually helping?


I suspect a lot of MAGA's anti-immigrant attitude is due to: change is hard and is accepted slowly.  An argument could be made that the changes came too fast. 

That doesn't explain the cruelty though.  Maybe that's due to anger?  Not that it's an acceptable reaction.  And I hope the cruelty isn't due to a blood and soil undercurrent.

Gov De Santis recently did a big performative anti-illegal-immigration thing in Florida, which cost them a lot of jobs.

[Morning Glory]

The way I see it, Unwanted Immigration can be remedied in one of two ways in the US. Either decrease the demand for undocumented workers by, for example, fining companies 100K per illegal hire. OR, decrease the demand of undocumented workers to come here to the USA to work to begin with by showing to them again and again and again and again that they are not wanted and would be considered subhuman by our political, crime enforcement, and justice system.  The Trump administration has chosen their approach.

I also don't understand why this approach hasn't been tried, if not at the federal level, then at a state level.  If the southern states may have a legitimate undocumented problem, why doesn't one of the governments there start penalizing companies hiring people without documentation?  After a few random checks to show that they mean to enforce the law, the companies will stop hiring undocumented workers and the problem will largely solve itself.

I used to think this idea might force undocumented workers into horrible offsite workplaces with bad working conditions, where the violations would be hard to find.  But the efforts local police forces have now of working for ICE, plus ICE itself, could be refocused to find any businesses out of compliance.

This seems like it would be cheaper and more humane.

First off, state prosecutors can only prosecute over state laws. Could be that the state doesn’t have a law requiring verification of immigration status.

Second thing that comes to mind is that state governments tend to be much more sensitive to budgets than the federal government. The problem probably isn’t nearly as widespread as the advocates of that approach claim it is, and after factoring in the costs of investigations that turn up no wrongdoing the whole exercise is likely not worth it.

Third is that the largest targets are probably politically connected and/or protected through campaign donations and importance to at least their local economy (city or county), if not the economy of the entire state.

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

For #2 and #3, I suspect you are right.

So the logic still comes to:
 Person A: We have a huge problem with immigration!
 Person B: OK, so pass a state law to make it illegal for law-abiding firms to hire undocumented immigrants.
 Person A: But that would hurt our businesses.
 Person B: So these immigrants are actually helping?


I suspect a lot of MAGA's anti-immigrant attitude is due to: change is hard and is accepted slowly.  An argument could be made that the changes came too fast. 

That doesn't explain the cruelty though.  Maybe that's due to anger?  Not that it's an acceptable reaction.  And I hope the cruelty isn't due to a blood and soil undercurrent.

Gov De Santis recently did a big performative anti-illegal-immigration thing in Florida, which cost them a lot of jobs.

Now he is trying to bring back child labor by allowing 14 year Olds to work overnight shifts on school nights, and eliminating mandatory lunch breaks.

[Boll weevil]

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

A lot of states have passed laws requiring usage of the e-verify system, but those requirements vary a lot by state.

For Texas, usage is only required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and institutions of higher education.

For Florida, usage is required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and private employers with 25 or more employees.

I haven’t dug deep enough to figure out whether there are laws preventing usage of undocumented workers by companies not required to use e-verify.

[Fru-Gal]

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

A lot of states have passed laws requiring usage of the e-verify system, but those requirements vary a lot by state.

For Texas, usage is only required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and institutions of higher education.

For Florida, usage is required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and private employers with 25 or more employees.

I haven’t dug deep enough to figure out whether there are laws preventing usage of undocumented workers by companies not required to use e-verify.

There are absolutely laws preventing it. The laws are not enforced.

[Fomerly known as something]

On a personal note, yesterday the House Over-site committee passed through “federal benefit reforms” which if language is left as is would subtract $19422 from Formerly’s pension for 12 years if the bill is signed before 7/16/25.  This would be part of next year’s Federal Budget.  It’s a Retirement Supplement that they are reforming from those special category employees when they retire to only if the special category employees retire at Mandatory retirement age (56 or 57) vs if they meet the minimum retirement criteria as before. 

FWIW special category employees in general are Air Traffic Controller's, Firefighters or Law Enforcement.

I’ve never in my career hoped for a stalled bill so bad.  It’s literally either or so if I retire before it gets passed, I’d get the extra money but not after as it is worded now.

[dandarc]

That blows. Hope it doesn't just stall, but dies entirely for your and so many others' sake.

[reeshau]

Even Rand Paul has had enough.

https://youtu.be/aOK2NW7Va6E?si=NgZGx6sVdvYCNEWX

[bacchi]

Even Rand Paul has had enough.

https://youtu.be/aOK2NW7Va6E?si=NgZGx6sVdvYCNEWX

We ain't seen nothing yet. Wait until shortages start to appear followed by price increases.

[Sandi_k]

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

A lot of states have passed laws requiring usage of the e-verify system, but those requirements vary a lot by state.

For Texas, usage is only required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and institutions of higher education.

For Florida, usage is required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and private employers with 25 or more employees.

I haven’t dug deep enough to figure out whether there are laws preventing usage of undocumented workers by companies not required to use e-verify.

Yes, there are!

It's the Federal I-9 form, and all employers are supposed to examine employment documents: a photo ID AND a document proving citizenship.

This is a Federal process, as Immigration Control is a Federal responsibility. No states are allowed to opt out; this is not a states' right issue.

[Travis]

Even Rand Paul has had enough.

https://youtu.be/aOK2NW7Va6E?si=NgZGx6sVdvYCNEWX

He was two votes short because one was sick and the other was away on some official visit.

[Travis]

Trump budget plans emerging. More money for defense, less for everybody else, and still an overall increase. So Elon broke the government to save sofa change and Trump is going to just increase it elsewhere.

https://x.com/jstein_wapo/status/1918317872255799659

Waltz wasn't using Signal during the cabinet meeting, it was an Israeli texting app. Developed by the IDF.

https://x.com/jason_paladino/status/1918299299332669560?s=46&t=hrjt8iwxulE5iC_E3yIw8A

[mtnrider]

For #1, yes, but couldn't Texas or Florida pass such a state law?

A lot of states have passed laws requiring usage of the e-verify system, but those requirements vary a lot by state.

For Texas, usage is only required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and institutions of higher education.

For Florida, usage is required for public employers, state contractors and subcontractors, and private employers with 25 or more employees.

I haven’t dug deep enough to figure out whether there are laws preventing usage of undocumented workers by companies not required to use e-verify.

Yes, there are!

It's the Federal I-9 form, and all employers are supposed to examine employment documents: a photo ID AND a document proving citizenship.

This is a Federal process, as Immigration Control is a Federal responsibility. No states are allowed to opt out; this is not a states' right issue.

I thought so!  I had to dig around for my passport when getting hired, but I didn't know if it was a northeast thing or what.

I did a little bit of research and apparently there are both civil and criminal penalties for I-9 violations.

Employers who are found to have knowingly hired or continued to employ unauthorized workers under INA § 274A(a)(1)(a) or (a)(2) (8 U.S.C. § 1324a(a)(1)(a) or (a)(2)) will be required to cease the unlawful activity and may be civilly fined and/or criminally prosecuted. Additionally, an employer who is found to have knowingly hired or continued to employ unauthorized workers may be subject to debarment by HSI under 48 C.F.R. § 9.406-2(b)(2).

https://www.ice.gov/factsheets/i9-inspection

And I recall there were federal raids on sweatshops in CA back in the 90s.  So much for seeking logic in this era.

[mtnrider]

Trump budget plans emerging. More money for defense, less for everybody else, and still an overall increase. So Elon broke the government to save sofa change and Trump is going to just increase it elsewhere.

https://x.com/jstein_wapo/status/1918317872255799659

Waltz wasn't using Signal during the cabinet meeting, it was an Israeli texting app. Developed by the IDF.

https://x.com/jason_paladino/status/1918299299332669560?s=46&t=hrjt8iwxulE5iC_E3yIw8A

Small tweak: it seems like the app is also for archiving Signal chats as well as for archiving various text interfaces (SMS, MMS, Signal chat, ....).  If we were to give Waltz the benefit of the doubt, it could be that he's using it to archive his Signal chats to comply with the Presidential Records Act.  Beyond the potential backdoors, I wouldn't trust this app since it appears to have network access for archiving:

- Search, track and retrieve Signal messages in corporate archive
- Deposit Signal messages with any email archiving vendor
- Full administration and reporting

Do these people not have the discipline to put their phones down for a cabinet meeting?  We wouldn't have them out during a work meeting!

[swashbucklinstache]

Trump budget plans emerging. More money for defense, less for everybody else, and still an overall increase. So Elon broke the government to save sofa change and Trump is going to just increase it elsewhere.

It is worth a spin through the whole PDF. Looks like a 7.6% percent cut overall including discretionary and reconciliation resources? I don't know enough to say if we should interpret that as no decrease (base is equal to 2025) or an actual decrease. All I know is that the libs have been owned.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf

Overall, it is absolutely hilarious that we're nearly doubling homeland security's budget to deal with illegal immigration. The 40 billion dollar increase is enough to give all 11 million illegal immigrants (3.2% of us residents) $3600 each. Maybe we pay them to leave is the plan. That's definitely a better use of the money than stupid stuff like healthcare and education, cuts to which about balance out the increase. I know this because I, a bit of a business titan myself, stopped buying stupid things like books and medicine for my family in order to buy more wasp spray to clear them out from my shed for the 2 weeks each year that they're there. Or we could use that increase to refund USAID and decrease how often people feel the need to immigrate here in the first place, but that sounds like some communist-ass shit. Why would I build a wasp sanctuary in the back 40 when I could pave that whole area and spray? I have no problem murdering wasps they aren't even WASPs.

Excited to see this agencies budget rise and rise due to cuts to aid and climate research being completely axed. I've had enough of highly qualified high intelligence individuals telling me there's consequences for my actions! It is inefficient to do anything that doesn't make billionaires richer in the short term, and we should make it illegal.

The extra 100+ billion dollars to DoD is something I'm not qualified to interpret, but I'm wary of what it might forecast. War pig time?

[reeshau]

When they're done with the illegals, they can work on something else important, like reducing my time in line at the airport!
/s

[neo von retorch]

When they're done with the illegals, they can work on something else important, like reducing my time in line at the airport!
/s

No lines. Straight into the cargo hold.

[Travis]

The extra 100+ billion dollars to DoD is something I'm not qualified to interpret, but I'm wary of what it might forecast. War pig time?

New ships and a missile defense shield.

[Travis]

Trump going to pay off her family and declare her a hero.

https://bsky.app/profile/kyledcheney.bsky.social/post/3lo7g3qvta42e

[Morning Glory]

The extra 100+ billion dollars to DoD is something I'm not qualified to interpret, but I'm wary of what it might forecast. War pig time?

New ships and a missile defense shield.

And a birthday parade, so he can be just like his favorite dictators from history! He also wants to rename veterans day and memorial day, wonder how that will go down with military folx?

[Travis]

Small tweak: it seems like the app is also for archiving Signal chats as well as for archiving various text interfaces (SMS, MMS, Signal chat, ....).  If we were to give Waltz the benefit of the doubt, it could be that he's using it to archive his Signal chats to comply with the Presidential Records Act.  Beyond the potential backdoors, I wouldn't trust this app since it appears to have network access for archiving:

Using it to archive your chats is half a step removed from being the app you used to send them in the first place. The texts and data are still there.

[swashbucklinstache]

When your grandkids ask you what you did to stop their planet from burning you can proudly tell them you did all you could, you lowered taxes for billionaires.

I wonder if the important Republicans just see climate change as a bigger problem for other countries so those countries should pay for stopping it. Or is it really a free market fantasy or science disbelief magical wand scenario.

[GuitarStv]

When your grandkids ask you what you did to stop their planet from burning you can proudly tell them you did all you could, you lowered taxes for billionaires.

I wonder if the important Republicans just see climate change as a bigger problem for other countries so those countries should pay for stopping it. Or is it really a free market fantasy or science disbelief magical wand scenario.

It's just self-serving.  It costs now to prevent certain catastrophe in the future.  It's not surprising that the party of 'fuck-off-no-handouts' doesn't want to give handouts to the future.  What has the future ever done for us?  Lazy bastards deserve what they're gonna get.

[swashbucklinstache]

When your grandkids ask you what you did to stop their planet from burning you can proudly tell them you did all you could, you lowered taxes for billionaires.

I wonder if the important Republicans just see climate change as a bigger problem for other countries so those countries should pay for stopping it. Or is it really a free market fantasy or science disbelief magical wand scenario.

It's just self-serving.  It costs now to prevent certain catastrophe in the future.  It's not surprising that the party of 'fuck-off-no-handouts' doesn't want to give handouts to the future.  What has the future ever done for us?  Lazy bastards deserve what they're gonna get.

How could I forget the most obvious one, lol.

Save the environment? What has the environment ever done for me!?

[mtnrider]

Small tweak: it seems like the app is also for archiving Signal chats as well as for archiving various text interfaces (SMS, MMS, Signal chat, ....).  If we were to give Waltz the benefit of the doubt, it could be that he's using it to archive his Signal chats to comply with the Presidential Records Act.  Beyond the potential backdoors, I wouldn't trust this app since it appears to have network access for archiving:

Using it to archive your chats is half a step removed from being the app you used to send them in the first place. The texts and data are still there.

Totally.  There's more info on 404 media referenced here (I haven't signed up for 404 media).  https://newrepublic.com/post/194767/trump-official-mike-waltz-app-less-secure-signal

[Travis]

Judge declares the law firm shake downs unconstitutional and void.

https://bsky.app/profile/chrisgeidner.bsky.social/post/3lo7w24lr3c2x

[Poundwise]

I’m bereft over these disappearances and a terrible video I saw of ICE goons in Massachusetts breaking a Guatemalan couple’s car window while they waited for the husband’s lawyer with wife (who has asylum) and baby. Now husband has been disappeared. God bless the wife for taking the video. If not for that, no one would believe it had happened.

Remember, being here undocumented is a MISDEMEANOR. Everyone being disappeared is someone who was actually following the process, hence their name being on a list. Those are the people they’re getting. Meanwhile, drug dealers and murderers in your local city get a free pass from cops. This ICE gang is like your classic gang of cowards, terrorizing unarmed, peaceful students, workers, families.

I hope someone figures out who the ICE guy is and makes his life hell. He didn’t have a mask on for once.

Positives (barely) are that the senator actually went to El Salvador, met with the VP and is reporting on the CECOT situation. Negatives are that we have no proof of life and they say Trump’s paying for them to keep the guy… plus citizen journalists are finding evidence that it’s a death camp.

You know, what the ICE guy did is a lot worse and actually a crime. And a much worse crime than crossing the border illegally, or overstaying a visa (which is not actually a crime), or staying here with permission while applying for refuge (which is completely legal.) https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section242&num=0&edition=prelim

(slightly necroposting here; I think I was on the other page and thought it was the last one of this thread)

[blue_green_sparks]

"We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin'
There wasn't as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of America?"