1. #1721
    The Unstoppable Force Belize's Avatar
    10+ Year Old Account
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Gen-OT College of Shitposting
    Posts
    21,922
    PotUS account on Twitter has been reinstated.

    The password has been changed to lock out Twittler.

  2. #1722
    Quote Originally Posted by Edge- View Post
    Just like austerity? And whatever other bogeymen that haven't materialized?



    Protip: The US already recognizes him as the head of the country. As do many of Venezuela's neighbors, European allies, Canada, and other countries. This isn't a change of policy, but a continuation of policy.
    Doesn't make it better it's still a piece of shit thing.

    They literally had an election and elected Maduro. Because America hates their government and wants to pretend they're illegitimate doesn't mean much...

    The piece of shit thing is that we are going to continue to be dips shits.

    Like if we look at it... it is crazy.

    USA backs the opposition party that is less popular among Venezuelans. Opposition refuses to take part of election. Opposition refuses to take part of the remaking of congress which was done democratically and Maduro asked them multiple times to put up candidates and they refused the USA envoy implored Flaco to not run against Maduro because it would help make Maduro look ILLEGITIMATE WHEN HE WON thereby making destabilisation and coups easier.

    Opposition protests were burning black people to death saying "this is what happens to black chavistas" while the USA says the majority party are the true evil anti-democratic people.

    We are yet again destabilising and destroying a country because.... we don't like their government that just so happens to have a socialist party in control... what a shock.
    Last edited by Themius; 2021-01-20 at 06:06 PM.

  3. #1723
    Merely a Setback Adam Jensen's Avatar
    10+ Year Old Account
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Sarif Industries, Detroit
    Posts
    29,063
    Quote Originally Posted by Belize View Post
    PotUS account on Twitter has been reinstated.

    The password has been changed to lock out Twittler.
    And following it again for the first time in four years.
    Putin khuliyo

  4. #1724
    The Unstoppable Force Theodarzna's Avatar
    7+ Year Old Account
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    NorCal
    Posts
    24,166
    Quote Originally Posted by Edge- View Post
    Just like austerity? And whatever other bogeymen that haven't materialized?



    Protip: The US already recognizes him as the head of the country. As do many of Venezuela's neighbors, European allies, Canada, and other countries. This isn't a change of policy, but a continuation of policy.
    Eh, jury is out on austerity, I am predicting it and all signs put to it, but honestly I look forward to regurgitated DNC press releases arguing that austerity isn't that; and watching the brand fanbois twisting into knots to say "Its a good thing!" and memory hole their opposition to what is Reaganomics.

    The US and the Empire builders are incorrect to attack the Venezuelan people and government to put in a US puppet.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Timester View Post
    Has does the entire Western world.
    That doesn't really lend credibility to Guaido.
    Quote Originally Posted by Crissi View Post
    i think I have my posse filled out now. Mars is Theo, Jupiter is Vanyali, Linadra is Venus, and Heather is Mercury. Dragon can be Pluto.
    On MMO-C we learn that Anti-Fascism is locking arms with corporations, the State Department and agreeing with the CIA, But opposing the CIA and corporate America, and thinking Jews have a right to buy land and can expect tenants to pay rent THAT is ultra-Fash Nazism. Bellingcat is an MI6/CIA cut out. Clyburn Truther.

  5. #1725
    Quote Originally Posted by Theodarzna View Post
    Eh, jury is out on austerity, I am predicting it and all signs put to it, but honestly I look forward to regurgitated DNC press releases arguing that austerity isn't that; and watching the brand fanbois twisting into knots to say "Its a good thing!" and memory hole their opposition to what is Reaganomics.

    The US and the Empire builders are incorrect to attack the Venezuelan people and government to put in a US puppet.

    - - - Updated - - -



    That doesn't really lend credibility to Guaido.
    Well you see... they elected a socialist... and back socialism... and well... that's bad because... bad...

    I mean look how they have no food!! Clearly socialism is to blame! Although.... ignore the fact that the food staples are owned largely by a few large corporations that are part of the opposition party... that were illegally hoarding food...

    And did you see how Maduro fired people online!!! I mean they were part of the opposition party and illegally stopped drilling oil leading to a 20bn loss for a country that gets its money almost entirely from oil...

    AND THE INFLATION. Never mind that wealthy opposition people with helping form the USA moved money out of the country which in large part created the inflation...

    America - VENEZUELA NEEDS DEMOCRACY!!!
    Also America - opposition party, do not partake in democracy by the way we back your coup attempts. Also we know the majority did vote against you but... democracy??? Idk I just know I back the corporatists with the money!
    Last edited by Themius; 2021-01-20 at 06:13 PM.

  6. #1726
    Quote Originally Posted by Theodarzna View Post
    Eh, jury is out on austerity, I am predicting it and all signs put to it, but honestly I look forward to regurgitated DNC press releases arguing that austerity isn't that; and watching the brand fanbois twisting into knots to say "Its a good thing!" and memory hole their opposition to what is Reaganomics.
    Sure, but here you've been talking about how Biden is so pro-austerity, yet both he and his nominee for treasury Janet Yellen have been hammering that we need to spend big now and worry about paying for it later. And Biden's proposed stimulus bill has quite a few progressive wishlist items like a federal $15/h minimum wage.

    I do enjoy that you appear to have fallen in love with associating people with Reagan as some sort of "sly" insult or something. Is this the hot new thing in "progressive" circles?

  7. #1727
    Quote Originally Posted by Theodarzna View Post
    Eh, jury is out on austerity, I am predicting it and all signs put to it, but honestly I look forward to regurgitated DNC press releases arguing that austerity isn't that; and watching the brand fanbois twisting into knots to say "Its a good thing!" and memory hole their opposition to what is Reaganomics.

    The US and the Empire builders are incorrect to attack the Venezuelan people and government to put in a US puppet.

    - - - Updated - - -



    That doesn't really lend credibility to Guaido.
    Except, you have been proven objectively wrong on this matter, time and time again. All signs don't point to it, that's simply the lie you have been pushing to shill for Trump.

  8. #1728
    Quote Originally Posted by Themius View Post
    Well you see... they elected a socialist... and back socialism... and well... that's bad because... bad...

    I mean look how they have no food!! Clearly socialism is to blame! Although.... ignore the fact that the food staples are owned largely by a few large corporations that are part of the opposition party... that were illegally hoarding food...

    And did you see how Maduro fired people online!!! I mean they were part of the opposition party and illegally stopped drilling oil leading to a 20bn loss for a country that gets its money almost entirely from oil...

    America - VENEZUELA NEEDS DEMOCRACY!!!
    Also America - opposition party, do not partake in democracy by the way we back your coup attempts. Also we know the majority did vote against you but... democracy??? Idk I just know I back the corporatists with the money!
    Man, this is a real bad take on why some countries don't recognize Maduro as president.

    Protip: It has nothing to do with socialism. Many of the countries that recognize Guido are pretty darned socialist, themselves.

    But I do enjoy the endless strawmanning.

  9. #1729
    Quote Originally Posted by UnifiedDivide View Post
    This thread is somehow half about the inauguration, and half 2 people that started arguing over Peloton....


    Anyway, don't let yourselves believe the "Trump Nightmare" is over. At best, he just no longer has presidential powers now. It isn't like he's going to go away, and he certainly won't disappear from the media, especially since he's a former president now.

    In the meantime, just sit and wait for the usual suspects to start coming back in and complaining about every little thing they possibly can. Even if they have to imagine those things.
    Like we all predicted the moment Trump took office and the Republicans started to not give any shits about the national debt, especially as they signed the biggest tax break to corporations in our history. Well guess who started to clutch their pearls oh so very tightly days before Biden takes the presidency. As surprise to no one Republicans once again are so very very worried about the soaring national debt as the Democrats take power. Much like when Clinton took over for Bush Sr., when Obama took over for Bush Jr, and now again with Biden taking over for Trump. No cares or worries with Republicans in power and skyrocket the debt, all the worries when Democrats take power and subsequently lower the debt.

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/repub...fcab9684d7e?be

  10. #1730
    The Unstoppable Force Theodarzna's Avatar
    7+ Year Old Account
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    NorCal
    Posts
    24,166
    Biden Lifts Health Care Plan From Insurance Lobbyists
    This report was written by Andrew Perez and Julia Rock.

    President-elect Joe Biden’s new COVID relief plan does not adopt existing Democratic legislation to expand government sponsored medical coverage nor does it propose a promised public health insurance option. Instead, it adopts proposals from health insurance lobbying groups’ recent letter to lawmakers demanding lucrative new subsidies for insurance companies, at a moment when those corporations have recorded record profits as millions lose coverage and many face claims denials.

    Biden’s plan would shovel billions of dollars to private health insurers by providing subsidies for Americans to buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, which are far more expensive than government health care programs and have at times been plagued by high rates of claim denials. The plan would also subsidize COBRA continuation coverage through September, allowing workers to keep their employer health insurance plans when they’re laid off.

    Those initiatives — which could further boost insurers’ skyrocketing profits — were recently recommended in a letter to lawmakers from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, two insurance lobby groups in Washington that have opposed the expansion of government-sponsored health care programs.

    A few days after the letter was sent, AHIP said that “health insurance providers are eager to assist the Biden health team.”

    Biden’s inaugural committee has received donations from at least two major health insurers, Anthem and Centene, which both offer plans on state marketplace exchanges. Centene’s CEO bundled donations for Biden’s presidential campaign, and Biden’s first major campaign fundraiser was headlined by Independence Blue Cross’s CEO.

    During the 2020 primary campaign, Biden repeatedly demonized Medicare for All legislation offered by Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Sen. Bernie Sanders, questioning how the country would pay for it and proposing a public health insurance option people can buy into instead. Democrats previously considered creating a public option during ACA negotiations a decade ago — AHIP secretly bankrolled a successful $100 million advocacy campaign to kill it.

    While Medicare for All could actually save the country up to $650 billion annually, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Biden is now proposing some of the most costly and inefficient ways to expand health insurance coverage. The moves could still leave people exposed to substantial out-of-pocket costs — from deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — that act as barriers to care.

    Nightmare Deductibles And Widespread Claim Denials

    Pushing people onto ACA plans and subsidizing COBRA coverage would be expensive — but not necessarily popular.

    Health care coverage purchased through the ACA marketplace costs 83 percent more than Medicaid coverage, and ACA plans leave patients with ten times the amount of out-of-pocket costs, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

    The researchers concluded that marketplace plans cost so much more than Medicaid because private insurers pay “higher prices for the same services.” Hospitals often bill people with employer health insurance plans, which are maintained under COBRA, more than twice as much as those with Medicare or Medicaid.

    The Biden proposal does include a measure to slightly lower the percentage of Americans’ annual incomes that insurers can collect through premiums — from a maximum of 9.86 percent to 8.5 percent. Altogether, the Biden transition says its plan “would reduce premiums for more than ten million people and reduce the ranks of the uninsured by millions more.”

    The ACA marketplace was a centerpiece of Democrats’ 2010 health care reform law, but only a small slice of Americans are actually buying insurance plans this way now — often people who are self-employed, independent contractors, or gig workers. The ACA exchanges are only currently “a miniscule part of the health insurance system,” the People’s Policy Project wrote last month.

    While the marketplace was billed as allowing people to shop for health insurances, in reality the state exchanges offer few choices, and most are expensive. The average lowest-cost premium for bronze-level plans is $321 this year, though the numbers vary widely by state.

    The premiums are pricy, but an even bigger issue is the nightmarish deductibles people with ACA plans are expected to pay before their insurance company actually starts footing their medical bills. The average bronze plan deductible on the individual market was nearly $5,900 in 2019.

    Deductibles are lower on silver and gold-tier plans, but the average lowest-cost monthly premiums this year are $436 for silver plans and $482 for gold.

    Poorer enrollees may qualify for subsidized premiums or cost-sharing reductions limiting their maximum out-of-pocket expenses — but those reduced out-of-pocket maximums are still substantial.

    Making matters worse, health insurers deny nearly one in five claims for in-network care by patients with ACA plans, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation for 2017. For some insurers, about 40 percent of claims are rejected.

    Moving the uninsured into these plans would be a massively expensive way to expand coverage — and if insurers are still allowed to impose huge out-of-pocket costs and deny claims with regularity, it may not help people much at all.

    Backing Away From A Public Option

    During the 2020 campaign, a health care industry front group called the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future (PAHCF), spent $4.5 million on advertisements attacking Medicare for All. The group launched a late wave of ads in South Carolina — where Biden’s strong performance helped propel him to victories around the country.

    PAHCF’s tax return shows it is steered by executives from AHIP and lobbying groups for pharmaceutical companies and investor-owned hospitals. The industry group raised more than $55 million in 2019, and it has made clear that it would fight against a federal public option plan, just as AHIP did in 2009 and 2010. It also spent millions of dollars in 2020 to block a state level public option in Colorado.

    Biden consistently campaigned in support of a public health insurance option, and after the primary, a joint task force made up of Biden and Sanders allies negotiated a fairly robust public option plan.

    “The public option will provide at least one plan choice without deductibles, will be administered by the traditional Medicare program, not private companies, and will cover all primary care without any copayments and control costs for other treatments by negotiating prices with doctors and hospitals, just like Medicare does on behalf of older people,” the task force wrote.

    The Democratic National Committee’s 2020 platform included a similar pledge: “Democrats will also make available on the marketplace a public option administered through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which includes a platinum-level choice, with low fees and no deductibles. Low-income Americans will be automatically enrolled in the public option at zero cost to them, though they may choose to opt out at any time.”

    Now, on the eve of his presidency, Biden is proposing a much more conservative health insurance expansion plan proposed by the health insurance industry. If enacted, the plan could head off any talk in Washington of a public option plan down the road.

    There are many other options available. Democratic lawmakers could choose to rally around existing legislation to enact an emergency Medicare for All program, or they could press for a public option, as the party and its incoming president promised.

    Biden could use his executive authority to expand Medicare during the pandemic, using emergency provisions in the Affordable Care Act. Democrats could also seek to expand Medicaid to cover more people.

    Instead, Biden is pushing a health insurance expansion that would further enrich insurers and put people on insurance plans that will be too expensive for many of them to use. Democrats should reject this insurance industry cash grab.
    (source)

    Oof, I guess ACA will be a stepping stone to a UHS people are taking a big [L] as it turns out Biden is just dutifully copypasting his healthcare plan from Health Insurance Lobbyists. "Public Option" was not on the table at all, so much like the 2k checks that they are already weaseling out of, I expect this disaster of a health care policy to actually get worse when they are done making a "grand bargain".
    Quote Originally Posted by Crissi View Post
    i think I have my posse filled out now. Mars is Theo, Jupiter is Vanyali, Linadra is Venus, and Heather is Mercury. Dragon can be Pluto.
    On MMO-C we learn that Anti-Fascism is locking arms with corporations, the State Department and agreeing with the CIA, But opposing the CIA and corporate America, and thinking Jews have a right to buy land and can expect tenants to pay rent THAT is ultra-Fash Nazism. Bellingcat is an MI6/CIA cut out. Clyburn Truther.

  11. #1731
    Quote Originally Posted by Theodarzna View Post
    Biden Lifts Health Care Plan From Insurance Lobbyists


    (source)

    Oof, I guess ACA will be a stepping stone to a UHS people are taking a big [L] as it turns out Biden is just dutifully copypasting his healthcare plan from Health Insurance Lobbyists. "Public Option" was not on the table at all, so much like the 2k checks that they are already weaseling out of, I expect this disaster of a health care policy to actually get worse when they are done making a "grand bargain".
    This is also still more of your lies.

    You keep making these claims, and yet, they are proven to be outright lies. Every. Single. Time.

    It's like you're not even reading your own sources. he does include the public option.

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...isas-quicktake
    Last edited by Machismo; 2021-01-20 at 06:22 PM.

  12. #1732
    Quote Originally Posted by Edge- View Post
    Man, this is a real bad take on why some countries don't recognize Maduro as president.

    Protip: It has nothing to do with socialism. Many of the countries that recognize Guido are pretty darned socialist, themselves.

    But I do enjoy the endless strawmanning.
    Oh please enlighten us Edge then.

    The fact remains that there was an election, that the opposition refused to take part and the USA specifically urged the one guy Falco who did step out and ran to not because it would help to make Maduro look illegitimate

    So tell us how this seems like a good thing...

    USA: "Hey don't run against that guy so when he wins he'll look illegitimate!"

    Which countries? European allies and Canada don't count... they aren't exactly "socialist" just because they have "social" programs. And using neighbours doesn't mean much... especially when they're being used to smuggle things out of Venezuela which is directly hurting their economy...

    It's like saying South Korea is horrible because North Korea says so.

    I mean you should have a problem with USA backing opposition parties... in order to force out elected people and pressuring opposition people to NOT TAKE PART OF ELECTIONS to give them a better position to challenge...

    Also to call it strawmannirg... it is all ONE ISSUE related to that one country

    And how will sanctions help? And why sanctions at all?
    Last edited by Themius; 2021-01-20 at 06:25 PM.

  13. #1733
    Kevin McCarthy looks so deflated.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Machismo View Post
    This is also still more of your lies.

    You keep making these claims, and yet, they are proven to be outright lies. Every. Single. Time.

    It's like you're not even reading your own sources. he does include the public option.

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...isas-quicktake
    It makes me so happy knowing how obviously upset Theo is right now.

  14. #1734
    Quote Originally Posted by Theodarzna View Post
    Biden Lifts Health Care Plan From Insurance Lobbyists


    (source)

    Oof, I guess ACA will be a stepping stone to a UHS people are taking a big [L] as it turns out Biden is just dutifully copypasting his healthcare plan from Health Insurance Lobbyists. "Public Option" was not on the table at all, so much like the 2k checks that they are already weaseling out of, I expect this disaster of a health care policy to actually get worse when they are done making a "grand bargain".
    Reading through...

    Billions in subsidies for poor Americans so they can afford health insurance? How dreadful.
    Subsidizing COBRA coverage through September so laid off employees can keep their previous insurance? How dreadful.
    Insurance companies raking in record profits because the last administration didn't hold their feet to the fire with profit caps? Welp, let's make sure that there's pressure on the Biden administration to hold them to the law.

    Do you honestly think the (hopefully) tail end of an ongoing pandemic is the best time to be transitioning to M4A?

    Also, the site is wrong - https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/mee...086#blogHeader

    They're looking at the covid response letter, not the full health care plans. Which still include a public option.

    I see all the "progressive" media are treating his covid response letter as if it's his full health proposal, though. Makes me glad I don't waste a lot of time taking them too seriously.

  15. #1735
    Quote Originally Posted by beanman12345 View Post
    Kevin McCarthy looks so deflated.

    - - - Updated - - -



    It makes me so happy knowing how obviously upset Theo is right now.
    All the Trumpsters are super pissed. Their lies and bullshit are only working on each other.

  16. #1736
    Moderator Rozz's Avatar
    5+ Year Old Account
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    8,791
    Stay on topic and don't continue derailing with forbidden topics.
    Moderator of the General Off-Topic, Politics, Lore, and RP Forums
    "If you have any concerns, let me know via PM. I'll do my best to assist you."

  17. #1737
    Quote Originally Posted by Edge- View Post
    Reading through...

    Billions in subsidies for poor Americans so they can afford health insurance? How dreadful.
    Subsidizing COBRA coverage through September so laid off employees can keep their previous insurance? How dreadful.
    Insurance companies raking in record profits because the last administration didn't hold their feet to the fire with profit caps? Welp, let's make sure that there's pressure on the Biden administration to hold them to the law.

    Do you honestly think the (hopefully) tail end of an ongoing pandemic is the best time to be transitioning to M4A?

    Also, the site is wrong - https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/mee...086#blogHeader

    They're looking at the covid response letter, not the full health care plans. Which still include a public option.

    I see all the "progressive" media are treating his covid response letter as if it's his full health proposal, though. Makes me glad I don't waste a lot of time taking them too seriously.
    Yes. I do anyway.

    Why? Because this is the best chance with the most pressure. The problem we generally have historically is we do reforms and then they get undone... we take half measures or 3/4 measures and they get undone over time. A concession being taken now could potentially lead to stagnation of the movement towards universal coverage.

    It could also lead to opposite however there is a path to destroy it here due to the fact the pricing will still be an issue for the government itself allowing the argument against it. The argument that universal health care is too expensive.

  18. #1738
    4000 American Lives Have been Lost on Biden's first Day in Office, this President is a disaster.
    Quote Originally Posted by cubby View Post
    The only lies here are the bullshit coming from you. RBG appears to be immortal.

  19. #1739
    Quote Originally Posted by Derpleton View Post
    4000 American Lives Have been Lost on Biden's first Day in Office, this President is a disaster.
    Since noon?

    Evidence, please.

  20. #1740
    Quote Originally Posted by Kathandira View Post
    At least Pence exited with respect. Shame to see Trump decided to act like a child all the way to his bitter end.
    No he didn’t.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •