'Inside House Democrats' DOGE-curious bloc' - What The Actual Fuck Is Going Here?

[MayReasonRule]

https://www.axios.com/2024/12/13/donald-trump-elon-musk-doge-democrats

https://bsky.app/profile/swin24.bsky.social/post/3ld72kdh2ec2i

[Scrivener7]

1. Keep a list. Keep it handy. Primary time will be here before we know it.

[MayReasonRule]

5. Agreed.

[ZonkerHarris]

56. I'll also be keeping a list of anyone who votes for any Trump appointee. They will be cut off forever. I don't care who

[Autumn]

2. What's going on is some "democrats" want to join so they can use bipartisanship to enact what they

and trump and president Eloony's rich ass donors want done . Rep. Jared Moskowitz is wealthy, sides with republicans very often and he aspires to play with all the big boy billionaires.

https://www.axios.com/2024/12/13/donald-trump-elon-musk-doge-democrats

[MayReasonRule]

8. I Reckon I'll Save My Two Cents For Posting On Bluesky...

I don't want to violate the agreed upon decorum of our forum.

Otherwise...

I'd say a good bit more...

[Autumn]

10. It is a fact that Rep Jared Moskowitz has joined the caucus, he is a conservative in

the style of Manchin and he says more Dems will join . He's probably right. I can think of a couple that I think will join.

[MayReasonRule]

13. Friends Close And Enemies Closer Perhaps...

Perhaps...

Otherwise primaries exist for more than one reason...

[vanessa_ca]

16. I believe we need all sorts involved in this project

#BREAKING: Rep Ro Khana re @DOGE
: "They [DOGE] should be looking at where the private healthcare costs are, but there are other areas that [Sen] Bernie Sanders and I have said we could work together [with DOGE] on the defense cost."😳

Link to tweet

I agree with this guy

Stephen Semler, nonresident senior fellow at the progressive think tank Center for International Policy, said he was approaching DOGE “with high scrutiny, but with optimism.”

“If there’s common ground, let’s play ball,” he said. “But I think there needs to be more dialogue steering Musk and creating a groundswell of public support, encouraging him and DOGE to focus on the Pentagon waste.”

Progressives align with DOGE on defense cuts: ‘Let’s play ball’

If we're not in the room, we can't do that and fail from the start.

[Autumn]

17. IMO I don't think so. The billionaires and republicans can own this shit show that they

are desperate for.

[vanessa_ca]

23. I don't think that would work. Democrats will be blamed

Democrats would be blamed for not even bothering to try. And who would suffer? The people.

They are there to represent us. If we can't rely on them to represent us when someone wants to take a wrecking ball to our "entitlements", I have no words.

[Autumn]

25. I've seen this movie before. Those people who are planning on taking a wrecking ball

to entitlements were very clear about their plans. People voted for them to do just that.

[vanessa_ca]

32. So we just sit back and let them wreck wherever and however?

And promise to clean up in the next election hoping the little guy gets embittered enough to bank on us? How many more losses until we accept that's been a losing strategy?

[Autumn]

35. They will wreck it no matter what. All we can do is hold on and hope we can win in two years.

[vanessa_ca]

37. Hope? That strategy was only guaranteed to work once

Hope, as Hillary Clinton astutely stated, is not a strategy.

If it's a bluff, let Sanders and Khanna openly call their bluff so the people can intelligently decide.

At the very least, at least make a public show of reaching out and then have something tangible to point at later if that's the strategy, but to roll over from the start? I just can't agree with that.

[Autumn]

39. "So the people can intelligently decide" ? Talk about a bad strategy.

Good luck with that this time. It didn't work too well in November.

[vanessa_ca]

41. I don't believe the overused trope about "low information voters"

I talk politics with a lot of people and, unfortunately, many people I know who reluctantly voted for Trump are far from low information voters.
What we banked on in November was "he's worse than we are".

The DOD just failed its 7th audit. Since they want to talk about cuts and efficiency, I support letting Bernie start there. I consider it a very smart move the Republicans will have a hard time fighting.

[Autumn]

43. Hold on to that thought and best of luck to you. Have a nice day. nt

[vanessa_ca]

45. You too. Best to all of us. eom

[MayReasonRule]

22. DOGE Is Coming For Our Healthcare, Retirement, Financial Security, Our Very Lives...

https://bsky.app/profile/meidastouch.com/post/3ld7aqznk622o

There is no reasoning with those that desire to reject reason itself.
I'm all for keeping friends close and enemies closer though.

[vanessa_ca]

27. Healthcare needs to be reformed. Retirement, Financial Security also.

I prefer there be some intelligent, caring people in the room before it's a done deal. My reps are paid to represent my interests and I expect them to engage and to do so

At a time when people left and right are up in arms over healthcare, this is the time to work together and present a plan to the American people. Not that I have much faith in the corporate Ds and Rs who accept millions from the health industry to keep those corporate profits rolling in, but now is the time for all of them to answer to their constituents so we can see who's made of what instead of this dumb, tiresome, never-ending finger pointing game.

[Voltaire2]

29. They are going to privatize and abolish.

There is absolutely no way that any ‘reform’ from these creeps is going to improve Medicare Medicaid Social Security VA or the ACA.

We need to stop being delusional. Also we need to demand that our party act as an opposition party, not as collaborators.

[vanessa_ca]

34. We should have demanded that a long time ago

I sure did. You probably did too judging from what I've read of your posts. But now, we are where we are- in a dreadful place where I believe the only thing that can save us (as in the people, not a political party) is capitalizing on the left/right populism that supported Sanders and Trump instead of the respective party choices of Clinton and Bush.

A few weeks ago, someone had a post foreseeing a grand political realignment. I sense it too.
I think this is the time for people like Bernie to get up there and convince them that medicare for all guarantees huge savings. And then let's see all the corporate dems who sabotaged that, let's see if they'll fight for us.

[angrychair]

42. Realignment?

So we now want Democrats to adopt Republican ideas? To be Republican-lite?

Sorry. Obviously I'm not seeing it. If this is the direction of the Democratic Party than I want no part of it.
Republicans are fucking monsters and I have no common ground at all. The insanity to think these people can be reasonable or understanding is a fucking joke. Republicans only care about two things: money and power. That's it.
They would happily kill millions it makes them rich.

[vanessa_ca]

44. No. Not that at all.

I am 100% as opposed to that as I was against dragging Liz Cheney around as our new mascot.

Here is what I was referring to Is a Grand Realignment Coming?

[Autumn]

36. I'm trying to remember when collaboration has work out well for us.

I'm having a hard time with that.

[Yavin4]

12. Same.

Maybe the rules here should be changed when we see Vichy Democrats.

[Shell_Seas]

3. Are they all Conservative Democrats?

[MayReasonRule]

4. All Democrats Are Conservatives... We Conserve Our Rights, Our Welfare, Our Freedoms...

The GOP is a wholly fascist ongoing criminal enterprise intent on destruction of our representative democracy.

I'm at a loss to what you're asking.

[WarGamer]

6. Primarily the WAR budget...

Good Democrats have long decried military spending and I expect good Democrats to support ANY meaningful cuts now

[MayReasonRule]

9. I Do Not Think That Is What DOGE Is Designed To Do...

I think that DOGE is designed to gut all government services EXCEPT for the wealthiest individuals which pay the very least percentage of their incomes in taxes.

Some pigs are more equal than others don't ya' know...

[Autumn]

11. No one. No one is going to cut the "war budget"

[newdeal2]

14. It will just get redirected to contracts with Musk companies

[Autumn]

20. Exactly. It's a giant fucking grift and they want Dems on board so when the shit hits the fan

they can tout their "it was a bipartisan deal" and blame the Dems after they are gone. The media sure as fuck won't correct it.

[leftstreet]

26. +1

Yep

[Voltaire2]

30. The war budget will only go up.

[ZonkerHarris]

57. That's hilarious. There will be no defense cuts. DOGE is about converting middle class folks into the working poor.

[vanessa_ca]

7. I'm all for having Democrats involved.

Otherwise we have absolutely no say or transparency. Jared Moskowitz, Ro Khanna, and Bernie Sanders are engaging with DOGE to streamline government, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. That task is long overdue and I want Democrats involved to steer fanatics away from touching "entitlements".

Bernie Sanders
@SenSanders
Elon Musk is right.

The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. It’s lost track of billions.

Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of waste and fraud.

That must change.
11:07 AM · Dec 1, 2024

Link to tweet

Bernie Sanders
@SenSanders
The defense budget is bloated.

Defense contractors engage in fraud and waste.

That's why we should cut military spending by 10%.

I hope Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will support that effort.

Link to tweet

[MayReasonRule]

15. There Needs To Be A Clear And Substantive Differentiation Between The Fascists And The Patriots

First off they're not even a fucking governmental department.
It's a made up bullshit fascist trope.

Secondly Elon Musk is a fascist shit.

Thirdly the entirety of the GOP are fascist shits.

It is one thing to align and build consensus towards a goal beneficial for our country.

It is quite another to give undue credence to a nefarious group of depraved criminal fascists.

It disturbs me greatly when the bright line is blurred instead of being drawn distinctly.

[vanessa_ca]

21. While I agree with many of your points, the ship is already sinking.

Our realistic choice is between continuing the blame game or constructive cowork

The constant blame game just keeps losing elections and losing support. Most people, at least of my generation, are not interested in partisanship and support left/right populism. This is where people like Bernie Sanders come in. I prefer his beliefs and his approach. I see no other way out of the deep mess we're in. Your bright line just hands all the keys over to the fascists you decry.

[MayReasonRule]

24. Thanks For The Dialogue... I Really Appreciate Other Perspectives From Those With Which I Am Aligned

It is unrealistic to expect that oligarchs, aristocrats, plutocrats, theocrats, fascists and other despots with ever desire a good outcome for anyone.

I do agree that keeping friends close and enemies closer is wise.

DOGE is not our friend.
Make no mistake about it.

It's not about a blame game.

This is about our very survival.
This requires calling out depravity as being depraved.

This requires not giving quarter to the enemy within.

[vanessa_ca]

28. Thanks for a civil discussion

I understand your perspective and agree with most of your points. But I want reps to represent me during those meetings and not have all the proposals coming from people who think in terms of "entitlements".

[MayReasonRule]

31. You're Very Welcome! I Agree That Our Viewpoints Ought Be Represented...

...and proposals put forth from the non-fascist patriots of our country.

That is always good.

I would much prefer that seek to shut DOGE down as being any sort of reference body for us...

DOGE is not a government agency.

DOGE is a made up fascist bullshit.

Either way, things will always be as they are and rarely as I would have them.
So... I will continue to seize each moment of my day and laissez les bon temps rouler!

Happy Friday again y'all!

[vanessa_ca]

38. "prefer that seek to shut DOGE down "

On that, we can wholeheartedly agree!

Though, I need to be honest and say I'm not against the idea of DOGE as far as cost cutting goes, I just don't trust the people leading it.

[MayReasonRule]

46. 100% Wholeheartedly Agree Y'all!

Time to decide between preparing California Sushi Rolls with Smoked Salmon, Purple Carrots, Golden Beets, Celery and Ewephoria Sheep Cheese...

Or...

Osso Bucco served with Tagliatelle Pasta and a Pecan Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce with Convection Roasted Mushrooms

This requires careful consideration...

This calls for my Ooze Drought Vape packed with Lemon Kush and a cold Jucifer IPA!!!

All a part of my daily master plan of eating well, sleeping well and staying well!

[vanessa_ca]

48. Not that I'll make it in time but my vote is

Osso Bucco served with Tagliatelle Pasta and a Pecan Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce with Convection Roasted Mushrooms

The sushi rolls sounds gorgeous, but Osso Bucco is my weak, weak spot. Dreadfully weak.

Bon appetit!

[DronePilot]

51. Feelin' the Bern. Cut it by 30%

[vanessa_ca]

54. Yes! 10% is too little n/t

[Always Blue]

18. The Office of Management and Budget already exists

Save money a eliminate DOGE. And his horrible DOGE crypto currency scam based on stock market.

[vanessa_ca]

40. "DOGE crypto currency scam"

I've heard reference to that before, but can you explain? I don't keep up with crypto. Thanks.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

50. Right now crypto (at least bitcoin) has gone up but the question is when is it going to crash?

Last edited Fri Dec 13, 2024, 06:12 PM - Edit history (2)

It is basically “fake money,” but with actual coins like gold or silver. It is not as secure as gold and silver which are pretty secure but not as much of a money-maker. A lot of people have made a lot of money with it. It is risky because it is not based on owning shares in a “real” company like coca-cola or owning another more stable commodity like silver or gold. As long as billionaires keep propping it up (like Musk) it will do ok but if someone who owns a lot of certain crypto coins starts selling it, it will spook others and then it would go belly-up as it with other stocks/investment vehicles but there is no company it is tied to it so I don’t see how it could “turn around” like with stocks. All it takes sometimes is a rumor. I do own a little bit of bitcoin - which has been around for years and it has gone up ⬆️ n the last few months after being “flat.” I plan on selling it eventually because it’s a scary thing to own. As for DOGE, I would not own any. It’s a coin tied to a budget-cutting plan which is not going to be very popular and will end up having a “bad name.” I could see “DOGE” bringing the whole crypto market down, but who knows? Crypto is basically made of many different coins - Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most popular and well-known. DOGE is not doing all that great.

[vanessa_ca]

52. Thank you.

I hope you get the best price for yours!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

55. Thanks. The plan is to sell it before it goes back down.

If you wait too long and get too greedy like with most investments, you end up losing money. I think when Trump goes down, crypto might also.

[lame54]

19. That sounds like they want to do good things...

DON'T FALL FOR IT!!!!!!!!

[DronePilot]

33. I have to laugh. Already mentioned the other day....

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219812257

[cally]

47. I'm glad Democrats joined

To at least keep tabs on what is going on. I think government is inefficient and spends too much money—-just not in the way MAGA thinks of it. The Pentagon wastes billions, Prisons waste money, law enforcement, ag promotion, etc. Maybe even some investment in areas to just appease various constituents. Democrats will lose the information war if we totally support the existing bureaucracy without proposing our own changes.

I support completely raising income cap for social security contributions and to make these programs more sustainable.

[Kali999]

49. haven't read comments

But it sounds right up Jared Goldens ally. He started out working for Susan Collins. He praised Sinema last year. And started some bipartisan crappy committee. He sucks. There's always some backstabbing traitors. Lieberman pre dated these people.

[alarimer]

53. Because they are not on our side.

Or they are attempting to curry favor with the incoming administration.

[Blue_Tires]

58. Every day the list of people I thought I could trust

to stand up to the angry orange idiot and his apartheid errand boy shrinks dramatically