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Arkansas Blue's avatar

It is refreshing to see young Democratic lawmakers like Congressman Torres. We need many more of his kind, not the way too many old farts we have now. And don't get me started on "leaders" like Schumer or the new DNC chairman Martin. Especially Marrtin is happy with the old Democrats, which is why he is waging war against young leaders like his vice-chair David Hogg. For shame!

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Mary Linstroth's avatar

Martin was worthless as chairman of the Minnesota DFL. I cried when he was elected as chairman of the DNC.

Democrats need and deserve young leaders and they are affective, brilliant and high energy.

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Arkansas Blue's avatar

Yet I read so many articles about what a great and effective choice Martin was. I would have loved Ben Wikler of Wisconsin to get the job. All the videos I've seen here on The Contrarian with Ben have been really impressive.

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SBwrites's avatar

I agree about Torres and Martin. Katie Phang is great. I wish they would have hired her to replace Jen while she is gone. I don't believe there is anything more important than the budget right now, so I'm going to respond to some recent lies about Medicaid.

Trump told Republicans not to "f*ck around with Medicaid. It's because he promised not to touch it, and knows how popular it is. In recent polls. 76% of those polled, said they support it, as do 84% who are on it. Trump's lying because he wants deniability. Project 2025 discusses "rigging the economy for billionaires and corporations on the backs of the middle class." (I would add low income, and the working class.)

Congressional Republicans say they are implementing work requirements because able-bodied people on Medicaid don’t work. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 92% of people on Medicaid work full-time or part-time. The rest don't work because they are disabled, are caregivers, retired, or can't find a job.

They say mandatory Medicaid “work programs” will reduce the cost of Medicaid. That’s a lie. There have been two mandatory work programs, one in Arkansas, which was closed by the courts because it’s real purpose was to create an excuse to drop people from Medicaid. The one in Georgia was ineffective. 1/3 of the money went to healthcare; 2/3s supported the bureaucracy they created.

We need to let people know that if Republicans can't find a way to cut six trillion dollars for tax-cuts for the rich, they will expire at the end of the year. But, if they are included in the budget, they become permanent. And, it's my opinion that if Republicans find they can destroy Medicaid, they'll try to do the same with Medicare and Social Security. The SEIU union is holding protests. You'll have to check your city and state to see listings. I can't find it on their central site.

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Joel Carper's avatar

Informative interview.

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Peter Mirrasoul's avatar

Thank you for what you're doing, Congressman Torres. And thank-you, too, Katie Phang and the Contrarian for supporting this form of education and resistance.

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Lilla Russell's avatar

Thank you Katie for this excellent interview with Congressman Torres. Very informative and full of information about how many millions of Americans will be adversely affected by cutting their medicaid healthcare to give money to the richest 1%. Absolutely disgusting insatiable greed and lack of any humanity or soul. I'm so impressed with Congressman Torres. He is such a special humane human being. Thank you both.

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Mary Brown's avatar

Than you Congressman Torres. Very informative and helpful video. How do we get ALL Americans do pay attention to these issues? How do we make people aware they are being duped by the Trump administration? Many people do not follow the news. How do Trump and his minions think they can "Make American Great Again" when they are intent on increasing poverty and misery for the "sickest and poorest"? Will we become a "Third World Country" for the 80-90 million people who depend on Medicaid?

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Lauren's avatar

Mary, look carefully at who pays attention to the news and who doesn't. The trumplicans don't pay attention.

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Barbara Carter's avatar

Such a great session here with you, Katie and Congressman Torres. I wish I could put his words on a billboard with the statistics for Medicaid and the other programs you discussed. It absolutely makes me feel every morning like we are being thrown in front of a train. WaPo had a horrendous story of what government employees have been through since the start of the administration. It was terrifying - many with suicidal thoughts. Keeping positive and uplifted gets harder every day, but we aren’t quitting. Thank you for what you do.

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Marie's avatar

Measles exposure in Jersey. Take care. Whatever that is since we have no CDC or public health. Trust me, I’m a doctor - the kind that looks at your tonsils.

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Irena's avatar

What is the amount expected to be budgeted for tax cuts? Is that amount sufficient to fund the social programs? How about focusing as well on tax evasion? How much is that costing in revenue? The health programs are 24% of the annual federal budget; social security is 21%. The deficit is unspeakable. What is the REAL solution?

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Carole Langston's avatar

Thanks Torres and Phang. Youngblood 👍. I fear the damage will continue. It's so long until elections. ***Double standard. There are 8646 shirts still out there and they scream about Comey. Republicans are afraid of this nasty MAGA core. Also they are making money off this chaos.

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Ned Creel's avatar

Congressman Torres,

It is truly great to see that you have come around to considering your local constituency in one of the poorest CDs in the country. Perhaps you could take more time away from shilling for the Israeli government's murderous acts and do more for your CD. Your AIPAC billion guardians may not like that you are opposed to their getting more tax breaks but good for you.

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Richard Allan's avatar

Well done!

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Marie's avatar

PA primary - turnout so far around 22%. We have some work to do! But of course the most important thing is the tush push. Gawd. Spare me.

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Marie's avatar

Love congressman Torres. Watching Philly news and one of those honker assed big pick ‘em dump trunks just crashed into a house and it all was on camera. Planes, trucks, teslas - what on earth? That house was f*d by a truck. Dump drumpf. Lordy. Save us.

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Elizabeth K. Baker's avatar

Excellent. Thank you.

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Barbara Perra's avatar

Don't forget about the automatic cuts to MEDICARE that kick in as a result of excessive increase in the national Debt.

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Pat Jones Garcia's avatar

Enjoyed this down to earth session a bit late. Thank you both.

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