The Biden Presidency - Page 80

dudalb · Yesterday, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by ahhell

I'd more than that, that someone somewhere already has.

I think is was Wilson that started that tradition. Presidents are required to report on the state of the Union, it started as mostly a written report.

And we are obligated by treaty to defend all but about four of those 13, mostly from two of those 13.

Personally, I don't disagree, we spend too much on the military, but what happens if we stop? I think the results of that will be terrible unless some other at least equally responsible actors step up. Europe or the Asian democracies need to before we can realistically pull back with out some fairly dire consequences.

What i want to know is where exactly do we make the cuts?
Sorry, but I still feel a lot of this is driven by a dislike of the military based on ideological grounds.
I also think a lot of htem know nothing about modern military and defense strategy.

Paul2 · Yesterday, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by dudalb

What i want to know is where exactly do we make the cuts?
Sorry, but I still feel a lot of this is driven by a dislike of the military based on ideological grounds.
I also think a lot of htem know nothing about modern military and defense strategy.

Here's one proposal. It's not huge cuts.

dudalb · Yesterday, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by Paul2

Here's one proposal. It's not huge cuts.

Excellent article.
I am very skeptical about the need to upgrade our Nuclear Arsenal. It.s not like you need a nuke to be superaccurate......
The F 35 i have not made up my mind on. It has had a lot of problems, but our current strike fighter fleet is simply wearing out and is going to have to be replaced. Don't know if back to square one is the most economical move.
And some troubled programs do have good endings. The Osprey had more of it's share of problems, but they seemed to have been finally fixed, and it's working like it was supposed to..and the services all love it. And, once again it was a case that the heavy helicopter fleet was simply wearing out and needed to be replaced.

Belz... · Yesterday, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by dudalb

Sorry, but I still feel a lot of this is driven by a dislike of the military based on ideological grounds.

Your feelings on the matter are irrelevant, as you well know.

Captain_Swoop · Yesterday, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by dudalb

If you want to argue the military is overfunded, OK, but question is how strong a Military sould the US have? IMHO, given the state of the world, we need a pretty damn strong one. if we can have that for less money, I am all for that.

Does it have to be one strong enough to take on all the rest of the worlds armies at once?

dirtywick · Yesterday, 07:56 PM

I guess, but with the way wars are actually being fought, when's the last time the US got into an air battle, or a naval battle, or a tank battle? There's an awful lot of equipment that doesn't really do anything, and if that stuff exists solely as a deterrent, they already have better ones. I think it could be stronger, cheaper, and more practical.

Aridas · Yesterday, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by dirtywick

I guess, but with the way wars are actually being fought, when's the last time the US got into an air battle, or a naval battle, or a tank battle? There's an awful lot of equipment that doesn't really do anything, and if that stuff exists solely as a deterrent, they already have better ones. I think it could be stronger, cheaper, and more practical.

The cyber defense front, in particular, is much more urgent to focus on than building more tanks, at last check. Ships and Air have at least some notable general value. Tanks... if Russia invades Ukraine and we actually provide some direct help, then maybe there would be some use for them in modern times?

Captain_Swoop · Today, 05:04 AM

Originally Posted by dirtywick

I guess, but with the way wars are actually being fought, when's the last time the US got into an air battle, or a naval battle, or a tank battle? There's an awful lot of equipment that doesn't really do anything, and if that stuff exists solely as a deterrent, they already have better ones. I think it could be stronger, cheaper, and more practical.

Problem is if you get in to an air battle, naval battle or tank battle it's a bit late to order some tanks or ships or aircraft.

gnome · Today, 05:29 AM

What do you mean? Just dump in some gold to rush production, and voila--tanks.

Of course, they don't have the promotions they would have if they were produced in the Barracks.

Segnosaur · Today, 06:42 AM

Biden is acting to reverse some of Trump's anti-abortion policies...

From: ABC News
The Biden administration on Wednesday began to undo a Trump-era ban on clinics referring women for abortions, a policy directive that drove Planned Parenthood from the federal family planning program and created new complications for women trying to get birth control.
...
However, the Biden administration stopped short of immediately suspending the Trump regulation, an additional step that some abortion rights advocates had sought. The Trump policy will remain in effect until it is formally superseded by the Biden rule, a process that can take months. Biden administration officials believe that exercising restraint now will increase the odds of the changes ultimately being upheld in court.

So a start to things, but he still has to navigate a potential legal minefield.

Solitaire · Today, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Tax Cheats Cost The U.S. More Than Previously Thought by Andrew Keshner

The Internal Revenue Service could be missing out on collecting approximately
$1 trillion every year from taxpayers who are not paying their full tab, Charles
Rettig, the tax collector agency’s commissioner, said Tuesday.

“It would not be outlandish to believe that the actual tax gap could approach
and possibly exceed $1 trillion dollars,” Rettig told members of the Senate
Finance Committee.

“We do get out-gunned. There’s no other way to say it,” he later added.

The $1 trillion number was “shocking,” said Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat
from Maryland.

It finally happened.
Government income taxation is obsolete.
Time for a fair tax on goods and services perhaps?

Segnosaur · Today, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Solitaire

Tax Cheats Cost The U.S. More Than Previously Thought by Andrew Keshner

But... but... Trump promised in 2016 that he was an expert in taxes and would fix the problems in the tax system! And the republican tax cuts for the wealthy was supposed to somehow make businesses and the wealthy more honest! What happened?

Quote:

It finally happened.
Government income taxation is obsolete.

I wouldn't say 'obsolete'. There are inefficiencies, but they still pull in hundreds of billions per year.

Quote:

Time for a fair tax on goods and services perhaps?

Perhaps. But then, you might just be shifting the tax cheating from "not paying income tax" to "not paying sales tax". (E.g. more private sales where the retailer doesn't charge the required taxes.)

Dr. Keith · Today, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Segnosaur

Perhaps. But then, you might just be shifting the tax cheating from "not paying income tax" to "not paying sales tax". (E.g. more private sales where the retailer doesn't charge the required taxes.)

Which is far easier for the rich to arrange than for the poor.

No I didn't buy a $2M boat, I bought a $100k boat with a two year $1.9M warranty. Practically a dingy, really, but you know how expensive repairs can be on a boat.

Aridas · Today, 10:47 AM

Here's something a little interesting.

FBI hacks vulnerable US computers to fix malicious malware

US justice department says bureau hacked devices to remove malware from insecure software

dudalb · Today, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by Aridas

Here's something a little interesting.

FBI hacks vulnerable US computers to fix malicious malware

US justice department says bureau hacked devices to remove malware from insecure software

I think the FBI should inform the company before they hack.Not comfortable with them just doing it wihtout any notification.
The possibilty for abuses are endless.

Captain_Swoop · Today, 02:10 PM

Mitch McConnell says “What we are confronted with here is a totally left-wing administration trying to transform America into something no one voted for last year.”

rdaneel · Today, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Mitch McConnell says “What we are confronted with here is a totally left-wing administration trying to transform America into something no one voted for last year.”

But I voted for a socialist utopia that was going to put all those capitalists up against the wall. Is he saying I'm not getting that?

sphenisc · Today, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by rdaneel

But I voted for a socialist utopia that was going to put all those capitalists up against the wall. Is he saying I'm not getting that?

You're not even getting the wall.

mgidm86 · Today, 03:24 PM

Can we not have a catch-all thread for the Biden Presidency?

We never did this here for any president until Trump came along, and I believe it was because there would have been hundreds of Trump threads. Special circumstances and all that.

I can't keep track of conversations in this thread. My 2 cents.

Yesterday, 11:28 AM	#3161
dudalb Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 50,537	Originally Posted by ahhell I'd more than that, that someone somewhere already has. I think is was Wilson that started that tradition. Presidents are required to report on the state of the Union, it started as mostly a written report. And we are obligated by treaty to defend all but about four of those 13, mostly from two of those 13. Personally, I don't disagree, we spend too much on the military, but what happens if we stop? I think the results of that will be terrible unless some other at least equally responsible actors step up. Europe or the Asian democracies need to before we can realistically pull back with out some fairly dire consequences. What i want to know is where exactly do we make the cuts? Sorry, but I still feel a lot of this is driven by a dislike of the military based on ideological grounds. I also think a lot of htem know nothing about modern military and defense strategy.
	__________________ Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein.

Yesterday, 11:32 AM	#3162
Paul2 Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,667	Originally Posted by dudalb What i want to know is where exactly do we make the cuts? Sorry, but I still feel a lot of this is driven by a dislike of the military based on ideological grounds. I also think a lot of htem know nothing about modern military and defense strategy. Here's one proposal. It's not huge cuts.
Paul2 Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,667	__________________ It's nice to be nice to the nice. Aristotle, so far as I know, was the first man to proclaim explicitly that man is a rational animal. His reason for this view was one which does not now seem very impressive: it was, that some people can do sums. - Bertrand Russell

Yesterday, 11:51 AM	#3163
dudalb Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 50,537	Originally Posted by Paul2 Here's one proposal. It's not huge cuts. Excellent article. I am very skeptical about the need to upgrade our Nuclear Arsenal. It.s not like you need a nuke to be superaccurate...... The F 35 i have not made up my mind on. It has had a lot of problems, but our current strike fighter fleet is simply wearing out and is going to have to be replaced. Don't know if back to square one is the most economical move. And some troubled programs do have good endings. The Osprey had more of it's share of problems, but they seemed to have been finally fixed, and it's working like it was supposed to..and the services all love it. And, once again it was a case that the heavy helicopter fleet was simply wearing out and needed to be replaced.
	__________________ Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein.

Yesterday, 11:55 AM	#3164
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 92,058	Originally Posted by dudalb Sorry, but I still feel a lot of this is driven by a dislike of the military based on ideological grounds. Your feelings on the matter are irrelevant, as you well know.
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

Yesterday, 07:56 PM	#3166
dirtywick Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,319	I guess, but with the way wars are actually being fought, when's the last time the US got into an air battle, or a naval battle, or a tank battle? There's an awful lot of equipment that doesn't really do anything, and if that stuff exists solely as a deterrent, they already have better ones. I think it could be stronger, cheaper, and more practical.
dirtywick Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,319

Yesterday, 04:59 PM	#3165
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 32,716	Originally Posted by dudalb If you want to argue the military is overfunded, OK, but question is how strong a Military sould the US have? IMHO, given the state of the world, we need a pretty damn strong one. if we can have that for less money, I am all for that. Does it have to be one strong enough to take on all the rest of the worlds armies at once?

Yesterday, 08:49 PM	#3167
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,575	Originally Posted by dirtywick I guess, but with the way wars are actually being fought, when's the last time the US got into an air battle, or a naval battle, or a tank battle? There's an awful lot of equipment that doesn't really do anything, and if that stuff exists solely as a deterrent, they already have better ones. I think it could be stronger, cheaper, and more practical. The cyber defense front, in particular, is much more urgent to focus on than building more tanks, at last check. Ships and Air have at least some notable general value. Tanks... if Russia invades Ukraine and we actually provide some direct help, then maybe there would be some use for them in modern times?
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon. Last edited by Aridas; Yesterday at 08:55 PM.

Today, 05:04 AM	#3168
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 32,716	Originally Posted by dirtywick I guess, but with the way wars are actually being fought, when's the last time the US got into an air battle, or a naval battle, or a tank battle? There's an awful lot of equipment that doesn't really do anything, and if that stuff exists solely as a deterrent, they already have better ones. I think it could be stronger, cheaper, and more practical. Problem is if you get in to an air battle, naval battle or tank battle it's a bit late to order some tanks or ships or aircraft.

Today, 05:29 AM	#3169
gnome Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 11,261	What do you mean? Just dump in some gold to rush production, and voila--tanks. Of course, they don't have the promotions they would have if they were produced in the Barracks.
	__________________

Today, 06:42 AM	#3170
Segnosaur Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada, eh? Posts: 17,335	Biden is acting to reverse some of Trump's anti-abortion policies... From: ABC News The Biden administration on Wednesday began to undo a Trump-era ban on clinics referring women for abortions, a policy directive that drove Planned Parenthood from the federal family planning program and created new complications for women trying to get birth control. ... However, the Biden administration stopped short of immediately suspending the Trump regulation, an additional step that some abortion rights advocates had sought. The Trump policy will remain in effect until it is formally superseded by the Biden rule, a process that can take months. Biden administration officials believe that exercising restraint now will increase the odds of the changes ultimately being upheld in court. So a start to things, but he still has to navigate a potential legal minefield.
	__________________ Trust me, I know what I'm doing. - Sledgehammer I'm Mary Poppin's Y'all! - Yondu We are Groot - Groot

Today, 08:17 AM	#3171
Solitaire Neoclinus blanchardi Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 2,522	Quote: Tax Cheats Cost The U.S. More Than Previously Thought by Andrew Keshner The Internal Revenue Service could be missing out on collecting approximately $1 trillion every year from taxpayers who are not paying their full tab, Charles Rettig, the tax collector agency’s commissioner, said Tuesday. “It would not be outlandish to believe that the actual tax gap could approach and possibly exceed $1 trillion dollars,” Rettig told members of the Senate Finance Committee. “We do get out-gunned. There’s no other way to say it,” he later added. The $1 trillion number was “shocking,” said Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland. It finally happened. Government income taxation is obsolete. Time for a fair tax on goods and services perhaps?
	__________________ Currently thinking up a new signature line.

Today, 08:35 AM	#3172
Segnosaur Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada, eh? Posts: 17,335	Originally Posted by Solitaire Tax Cheats Cost The U.S. More Than Previously Thought by Andrew Keshner But... but... Trump promised in 2016 that he was an expert in taxes and would fix the problems in the tax system! And the republican tax cuts for the wealthy was supposed to somehow make businesses and the wealthy more honest! What happened? Quote: It finally happened. Government income taxation is obsolete. I wouldn't say 'obsolete'. There are inefficiencies, but they still pull in hundreds of billions per year. Quote: Time for a fair tax on goods and services perhaps? Perhaps. But then, you might just be shifting the tax cheating from "not paying income tax" to "not paying sales tax". (E.g. more private sales where the retailer doesn't charge the required taxes.)
	__________________ Trust me, I know what I'm doing. - Sledgehammer I'm Mary Poppin's Y'all! - Yondu We are Groot - Groot

Today, 08:47 AM	#3173
Dr. Keith Not a doctor. Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 22,929	Originally Posted by Segnosaur Perhaps. But then, you might just be shifting the tax cheating from "not paying income tax" to "not paying sales tax". (E.g. more private sales where the retailer doesn't charge the required taxes.) Which is far easier for the rich to arrange than for the poor. No I didn't buy a $2M boat, I bought a $100k boat with a two year $1.9M warranty. Practically a dingy, really, but you know how expensive repairs can be on a boat.
	__________________ Suffering is not a punishment not a fruit of sin, it is a gift of God. He allows us to share in His suffering and to make up for the sins of the world. -Mother Teresa If I had a pet panda I would name it Snowflake.

Today, 10:47 AM	#3174
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,575	Here's something a little interesting. FBI hacks vulnerable US computers to fix malicious malware US justice department says bureau hacked devices to remove malware from insecure software
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon.

Today, 12:20 PM	#3175
dudalb Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 50,537	Originally Posted by Aridas Here's something a little interesting. FBI hacks vulnerable US computers to fix malicious malware US justice department says bureau hacked devices to remove malware from insecure software I think the FBI should inform the company before they hack.Not comfortable with them just doing it wihtout any notification. The possibilty for abuses are endless.
	__________________ Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein.

Today, 02:10 PM	#3176
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 32,716	Mitch McConnell says “What we are confronted with here is a totally left-wing administration trying to transform America into something no one voted for last year.”

Today, 02:42 PM	#3177
rdaneel Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: I'M IN THE PHONEBOOK! I'M SOMEBODY!!! Posts: 4,310	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Mitch McConnell says “What we are confronted with here is a totally left-wing administration trying to transform America into something no one voted for last year.” But I voted for a socialist utopia that was going to put all those capitalists up against the wall. Is he saying I'm not getting that?
	__________________ "Let me guess, my theories appall you, my heresies outrage you, I never answer letters, and you don't like my tie." - The Doctor "I heard some things I can't prove from someone I don't know, and God dammit, that's enough for me." - Penny Arcade "Any sufficiently analyzed magic is indistinguishable from Science!" - Agatha Heterodyne

Today, 03:07 PM	#3178
sphenisc Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,427	Originally Posted by rdaneel But I voted for a socialist utopia that was going to put all those capitalists up against the wall. Is he saying I'm not getting that? You're not even getting the wall.
sphenisc Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,427	__________________ "The cure for everything is salt water - tears, sweat or the sea." Isak Dinesen

Today, 03:24 PM	#3179
mgidm86 Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,091	Can we not have a catch-all thread for the Biden Presidency? We never did this here for any president until Trump came along, and I believe it was because there would have been hundreds of Trump threads. Special circumstances and all that. I can't keep track of conversations in this thread. My 2 cents.
mgidm86 Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,091	__________________ I can't do this anymore.