I guess you haven't been following the Jerry Weiss scenario -- shared government. Only takes a few Congressional Rerpublicans. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Many Congressional Repubicans are mutining over budget reconciliation. Nobody is reporting on it....
"... a bloc of moderate Republicans is demanding no reductions in Medicaid benefits – a requirement experts say would be impossible to meet while achieving Republicans' spending-cut goals and other GOP priorities.
"Then there’s the blue-state Republicans who will go to the mat for lifting tax deduction limits that would benefit their constituents, but would increase the bill’s price tag, further complicating the fiscal math.
"Each group has outsized influence because of Republicans' narrow majorities in both chambers. As few as four lawmakers rebelling in the House or Senate could derail the final package, as no Democrats are expected to support the legislation.
"Their demands may be irreconcilable. But Republican leaders say failure is not an option: If they don't pass something by the end of the year, Trump's 2017 tax cuts will expire, and renewing them is a major priority for the president. There's an additional incentive to get it done, as the bill would raise the debt ceiling and avoid default without requiring negotiations with Democrats – another top goal for the party."
I want you to be right but I fear you may be very wrong. Trump keeps all their tiny little man-bits in a small, locked drawer at Mar-a-Lardo next to a portable vise, and gives everybody a real squeal at least once a day.
On a more serious note, rumors fly that should they disobey or defect, some Proud Boy has already been given the ‘stand back and stand by’ order to go after their children. I think the situation is far more frightening than most of us can even imagine. We shall see.
I'm dubious. All it would take is a dozen threatened Congress critters to go public with these threats to end them, should they exist. That would be one heck of a headline.
I keep saying this and I will never see it happen I’m sure, if they’re so afraid, why don’t they resign and let somebody who is braver take their position.
I also read that they’re considering passing a bill to reduce the benefits for government workers. I wonder if that includes them. I assume they are government workers. They’ve got a pretty good gig. I’ll leave it at that.
This is the best argument for calling all of our Congresspeople and Senators, even the ones like mine who are nonentities on a good day and full throated MAGAts most of the time. Even though their votes and public stances rarely change (I'm still waiting for it), if they don't hear from us, it gives them room to claim that their constituents support what Sleepy Don is doing. Exposing the lord of Merde-a-Lardo as the unclad emperor wannabe that he is won't take much and pushing some of his sycophants will make it easier for those closer to the edge of electoral defeat to move away from him.
Because being in Congress is a pretty good gig. If they stand out of the way, they hope to continue bloviating for dollars. They Are cowards and essentially traitors. They took an oath to defend and preserve The Constitution and they have violated a sacred trust.
The Republicans in Congress are hostages. The Jan 6 attackers are ready to get anybody realigned if he/she wants to move against the obvious corruption.
And this was only for a week? I’m absolutely exhausted! Please take tomorrow to rest up so you can do another one next week! (I really don’t know how you do it, but thanks to so many who do it for us!) 🤗
One point on crypto: Paul Krugman calls it a scam only useful for extortion, money laundering and other illegal activities. In other words, exactly what the orange felon is doing.
A wonderful analysis/summary. I know audio chats are easier, less time consuming for the hosts, and preferred by many--but the written word offers many advantages that podcasts don't. Not the least of which is the ability to skim and jump around. Thanks for all you do.
Also interesting...The new pope has black ancestors on the maternal side. His grandparents on his mother's side immigrated to Louisiana from Haiti and on the other side they were French. His grandparents on his mother's side were black but apparently so light skinned that due to Jim Crow they changed color on the next census they were in to white. The family apparently never talked about it going forward. Wonder what those white christian nationalists will say when they find out.
The White Nationalist Pseudo Christians tend to not like Catholics very much, especially those like Leo XIV who believe in caring for the poor, and the rights of others, especially workers.
If as you say, "There’s a place for digital currencies in today’s marketplace…", I'd like to hear you defend that. The only longstanding uses would seem to be criminal: money laundering, drug dealing, sex trafficking, pump-and-dump schemes, and tax dodging.
Crypto was forced on the Salvadoran populace by their dictator Bukele, but it's barely used by ordinary people: too confusing and high fees. Musk tried to accept it for Tesla payments against all advice, and was forced to retract it by the board of directors.
This collapsed Congress is not serving the people - they are serving themselves. Servant leadership means the greater good comes first, not the individual. Even when Trump has stripped them of their power, they respond with meekness and sycophancy, believing him when he says, "I don't need you. You need me."
They (collectively) seem to have forgotten that they are one of THREE EQUAL branches of the government, and not subservient or a rubber stamp to a president, no matter who they are.
As Jamie Raskin points out, "three co-equal branches" is not really what the Constitution is about. Beginning with with "We the people" and immediately Article I is about Congress and its many powers. He points out that Congress can impeach the President and judges, but the President cannot impeach anyone in Congress or the Courts. You are right that they are rubber stamping, and they should not be subservient. They should play their role which is actually meant to be the major role.
Well said, and Rep. Raskin is a winner for the Democratic Party. He is one of the first to speak out against the current administration and its policies.
Norm, I appreciate what you and Jennifer are doing and that's why I've been a paid subscriber from Day One. However, you say crypto has a legitimate purpose. I have yet to read anything from any major economist who says crypto has any purpose other than illegal ones. I personally have thought since the beginning it was a scam and I've yet to see anything to change my mind. Why do you think it has a legitimate purpose? Thank you.
Thank you for today's piece. Trump's crypto conflicts frustrate, anger me for all the reasons you mentioned. These are covered regularly and frequently by the mainstream media and by other outlets as well. The problem is that it is not reaching most mainstream Americans (and even those downstream!) as they get their news elsewhere (Fox, online sources, etc.). Therefore, he is getting away with all of this! There must be a strategy where the message of T's utter corruption is broadcast much wider and more deeply. Of course, his most ardent supporters (MAGA-ites) would not pay any attention, but it could move some and even put heat on more elected officials to do the right thing. As you said later in the article, there is some positive Republican movement occurring now. If there were a plan to focus sharply on his and his minions corruption, it might hasten and increase this movement.
Last thing (I promise....): I could not stop laughing when you described the new pope as, "....the first White Sox fan in the Vatican (proof that he loves the downtrodden)..." I am sending this to some of my priest buddies. Thank you!
Thank you for the lengthy but informative status summary of the numerous issues and challenges created by the chaos of the first one-hundred plus days. Seeing it all in one place organizes it into pieces which can each be addressed with focused resistance.
"There’s a place for digital currencies in today’s marketplace..."
I humbly disagree. Cryptocurrency is a cross between a Ponzi scheme and grift. It has no legitimate uses, as it has no physical value. It's also suspected that the crafters of the so-called Genius Act are quite aware of crypto's shortcomings and carefully attempted to avoid the issues.
As for Trump's involvement, in general it's conflict of interest area as well as a major violation of the Emoluments Clause (for which he never seems to be prosecuted). Also considering his involvement, if it isn't shady and to his benefit, he wouldn't be in it. This must be investigated.
Cryptocurrency reminds me of pogs - those cardboard discs with pictures on them that kids used to collect sort of like baseball cards. My kids tried to convince me that they would be valuable someday. I’m still waiting…
An article in the Washington Post yesterday indicated that a number of "investors" have already lost a lot of money in the Trump crypto-racket. With his history of bad business acumen, (6 bankruptcies, and even casinos) why would anyone having any common sense put real money into any wonky scheme of his?
The Trump regime asserts that pbs is left wing. Kelsey Grammer was of Firing Line last evening. He says oligarch is a bunch of malarkey and that the Republican party is now the party of the working man, and Margaret Hoover let him get away with it. Now, in my opinion, that is malarkey.
"The party of the working man?" Not only malarkey, but a pack of hooey.
This is the party that cuts food stamps, Medicaid, tampers with Social Security and Medicare, is against health rights for women, etc. Working people are far more likely to need the benefits of these services, so how is this destructive party doing them justice?
Why is Congress so afraid of this guy. It’s just amazes me that they let him get away with this stuff. Thanks for the article.
I guess you haven't been following the Jerry Weiss scenario -- shared government. Only takes a few Congressional Rerpublicans. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Many Congressional Repubicans are mutining over budget reconciliation. Nobody is reporting on it....
"... a bloc of moderate Republicans is demanding no reductions in Medicaid benefits – a requirement experts say would be impossible to meet while achieving Republicans' spending-cut goals and other GOP priorities.
"Then there’s the blue-state Republicans who will go to the mat for lifting tax deduction limits that would benefit their constituents, but would increase the bill’s price tag, further complicating the fiscal math.
"Each group has outsized influence because of Republicans' narrow majorities in both chambers. As few as four lawmakers rebelling in the House or Senate could derail the final package, as no Democrats are expected to support the legislation.
"Their demands may be irreconcilable. But Republican leaders say failure is not an option: If they don't pass something by the end of the year, Trump's 2017 tax cuts will expire, and renewing them is a major priority for the president. There's an additional incentive to get it done, as the bill would raise the debt ceiling and avoid default without requiring negotiations with Democrats – another top goal for the party."
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/09/trump-bill-medicaid-spending-congress/83196723007/
USA today is not putting it all together. 7 senate republicans are cosponsors to gut Trump tariff authority.
Even more object to Trump re national security, SIGNALgate.
I want you to be right but I fear you may be very wrong. Trump keeps all their tiny little man-bits in a small, locked drawer at Mar-a-Lardo next to a portable vise, and gives everybody a real squeal at least once a day.
On a more serious note, rumors fly that should they disobey or defect, some Proud Boy has already been given the ‘stand back and stand by’ order to go after their children. I think the situation is far more frightening than most of us can even imagine. We shall see.
I'm dubious. All it would take is a dozen threatened Congress critters to go public with these threats to end them, should they exist. That would be one heck of a headline.
I keep saying this and I will never see it happen I’m sure, if they’re so afraid, why don’t they resign and let somebody who is braver take their position.
When I see these kinds of responses, it reminds me how effectve psy ops is.
I’m not sure what that even means, but you’d be foolish to ignore the possibility that things may not be getting better anytime fast.
If you're REALLY on our side, you wouldn't insert THEIR BS into the conversation.
I don't think condescension makes your point any stronger.
sometimes Daniel.....I mean come on...all the crap trump has done and he has been called to account for NONE OF IT
I also read that they’re considering passing a bill to reduce the benefits for government workers. I wonder if that includes them. I assume they are government workers. They’ve got a pretty good gig. I’ll leave it at that.
This is the best argument for calling all of our Congresspeople and Senators, even the ones like mine who are nonentities on a good day and full throated MAGAts most of the time. Even though their votes and public stances rarely change (I'm still waiting for it), if they don't hear from us, it gives them room to claim that their constituents support what Sleepy Don is doing. Exposing the lord of Merde-a-Lardo as the unclad emperor wannabe that he is won't take much and pushing some of his sycophants will make it easier for those closer to the edge of electoral defeat to move away from him.
Because being in Congress is a pretty good gig. If they stand out of the way, they hope to continue bloviating for dollars. They Are cowards and essentially traitors. They took an oath to defend and preserve The Constitution and they have violated a sacred trust.
The Republicans in Congress are hostages. The Jan 6 attackers are ready to get anybody realigned if he/she wants to move against the obvious corruption.
He still commands the loyalty of the majority of the voters of the party that once was the "Republican"Party (now the Trumpian Party).
The calliber of the people we have put into congress is just as bad as the person we elected into the White House.
We have received what we voted for.
S
And this was only for a week? I’m absolutely exhausted! Please take tomorrow to rest up so you can do another one next week! (I really don’t know how you do it, but thanks to so many who do it for us!) 🤗
One point on crypto: Paul Krugman calls it a scam only useful for extortion, money laundering and other illegal activities. In other words, exactly what the orange felon is doing.
My deepest thanks and gratitude to you, Jen, and the growing independent voices of the Contrarians.
We depend on each of your expertise to keep us informed and charging forward against this current regime!!!!!
A wonderful analysis/summary. I know audio chats are easier, less time consuming for the hosts, and preferred by many--but the written word offers many advantages that podcasts don't. Not the least of which is the ability to skim and jump around. Thanks for all you do.
Trumps new goal MADA (make America dumb again).
Also interesting...The new pope has black ancestors on the maternal side. His grandparents on his mother's side immigrated to Louisiana from Haiti and on the other side they were French. His grandparents on his mother's side were black but apparently so light skinned that due to Jim Crow they changed color on the next census they were in to white. The family apparently never talked about it going forward. Wonder what those white christian nationalists will say when they find out.
He's also from the South Side of Chicago. Don't mess with him.
He also plays Wordle, + is a W.S.fan. Don't mess with him triple.
white christian nationalists have no truck with the pope...or any Catholics
and america is already dumb so...
The White Nationalist Pseudo Christians tend to not like Catholics very much, especially those like Leo XIV who believe in caring for the poor, and the rights of others, especially workers.
Like most truth and fact, they either won't read it, or if they do, will not believe it. "Fake News!"
Thank you, Norm. Please keep raising hell.
If as you say, "There’s a place for digital currencies in today’s marketplace…", I'd like to hear you defend that. The only longstanding uses would seem to be criminal: money laundering, drug dealing, sex trafficking, pump-and-dump schemes, and tax dodging.
Crypto was forced on the Salvadoran populace by their dictator Bukele, but it's barely used by ordinary people: too confusing and high fees. Musk tried to accept it for Tesla payments against all advice, and was forced to retract it by the board of directors.
This collapsed Congress is not serving the people - they are serving themselves. Servant leadership means the greater good comes first, not the individual. Even when Trump has stripped them of their power, they respond with meekness and sycophancy, believing him when he says, "I don't need you. You need me."
They (collectively) seem to have forgotten that they are one of THREE EQUAL branches of the government, and not subservient or a rubber stamp to a president, no matter who they are.
As Jamie Raskin points out, "three co-equal branches" is not really what the Constitution is about. Beginning with with "We the people" and immediately Article I is about Congress and its many powers. He points out that Congress can impeach the President and judges, but the President cannot impeach anyone in Congress or the Courts. You are right that they are rubber stamping, and they should not be subservient. They should play their role which is actually meant to be the major role.
Well said, and Rep. Raskin is a winner for the Democratic Party. He is one of the first to speak out against the current administration and its policies.
They are self servant leaders!
Norm, I appreciate what you and Jennifer are doing and that's why I've been a paid subscriber from Day One. However, you say crypto has a legitimate purpose. I have yet to read anything from any major economist who says crypto has any purpose other than illegal ones. I personally have thought since the beginning it was a scam and I've yet to see anything to change my mind. Why do you think it has a legitimate purpose? Thank you.
Thank you for today's piece. Trump's crypto conflicts frustrate, anger me for all the reasons you mentioned. These are covered regularly and frequently by the mainstream media and by other outlets as well. The problem is that it is not reaching most mainstream Americans (and even those downstream!) as they get their news elsewhere (Fox, online sources, etc.). Therefore, he is getting away with all of this! There must be a strategy where the message of T's utter corruption is broadcast much wider and more deeply. Of course, his most ardent supporters (MAGA-ites) would not pay any attention, but it could move some and even put heat on more elected officials to do the right thing. As you said later in the article, there is some positive Republican movement occurring now. If there were a plan to focus sharply on his and his minions corruption, it might hasten and increase this movement.
Last thing (I promise....): I could not stop laughing when you described the new pope as, "....the first White Sox fan in the Vatican (proof that he loves the downtrodden)..." I am sending this to some of my priest buddies. Thank you!
I think we're all crossing our fingers and saying prayers for Pope Bob I...
Yes indeed!
That gave me a chuckle too!
My paid subscription to The Contrarian is one of my best decisions this year!
Thank you for the lengthy but informative status summary of the numerous issues and challenges created by the chaos of the first one-hundred plus days. Seeing it all in one place organizes it into pieces which can each be addressed with focused resistance.
"There’s a place for digital currencies in today’s marketplace..."
I humbly disagree. Cryptocurrency is a cross between a Ponzi scheme and grift. It has no legitimate uses, as it has no physical value. It's also suspected that the crafters of the so-called Genius Act are quite aware of crypto's shortcomings and carefully attempted to avoid the issues.
As for Trump's involvement, in general it's conflict of interest area as well as a major violation of the Emoluments Clause (for which he never seems to be prosecuted). Also considering his involvement, if it isn't shady and to his benefit, he wouldn't be in it. This must be investigated.
Cryptocurrency reminds me of pogs - those cardboard discs with pictures on them that kids used to collect sort of like baseball cards. My kids tried to convince me that they would be valuable someday. I’m still waiting…
An article in the Washington Post yesterday indicated that a number of "investors" have already lost a lot of money in the Trump crypto-racket. With his history of bad business acumen, (6 bankruptcies, and even casinos) why would anyone having any common sense put real money into any wonky scheme of his?
The Trump regime asserts that pbs is left wing. Kelsey Grammer was of Firing Line last evening. He says oligarch is a bunch of malarkey and that the Republican party is now the party of the working man, and Margaret Hoover let him get away with it. Now, in my opinion, that is malarkey.
"The party of the working man?" Not only malarkey, but a pack of hooey.
This is the party that cuts food stamps, Medicaid, tampers with Social Security and Medicare, is against health rights for women, etc. Working people are far more likely to need the benefits of these services, so how is this destructive party doing them justice?
Thank YOU, Contrarians!