#‘I’m fiscally conservative I think we shouldn’t be spending so much money’ oh?

[jewishbarbies]

republicans sure like to call jews greedy and money hungry for people who refuse to support spending a dime of tax payer money on something that doesn’t 100% directly benefit them

[preciousmetals0]

The Great Senate Make-or-Break; Elon Hyperventilates

The Great Senate Make-or-Break; Elon Hyperventilates:

Friday Four Play: The “Corona Conundrum” Edition

Last week, I was looking forward to getting out of the house, having my family home, hanging out with friends … you know, typical weekend stuff.

My, how things change in a week.

But the lifestyle of your fearless Great Stuff leader isn’t the only thing that underwent a drastic change this week. Have you seen the latest coronavirus relief bill working its way through the Senate?

Now, I don’t usually get political — if you could see my inbox, you’d know why — but this latest bill is groundbreaking and provocative in many ways … a watershed moment of terror or joy, depending on your side of the aisle.

It includes much of what you’d expect: $50 billion for the airline industry, $150 billion for other ailing industries … you know, typical relief bill stuff.

But then, it takes a hard, unexpected turn. For instance, the bill proposes a cap on CEO compensation for two years for all companies receiving bailout money … and another two-year limit on raises for all employees making $425,000 or more.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

The bill hints at potential government ownership in those companies. It may prohibit bailed-out companies from stock buybacks — indefinitely. It also proposes paying $1,200 to every American.

What’s even more shocking? The plan appears to have initial support from President Trump and Senate Republicans.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Senate’s unexpected twist at least partly comes from the airline industry spending billions on stock buybacks … and then requesting a bailout.

I’m keenly interested in what you think about all this … email us at GreatStuffToday@banyanhill.com to let us know!

Finally, before we get to today’s hottest stories, a few words of caution on any U.S. government relief checks:

The government won’t ask you to pay anything upfront to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.

The government won’t call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number. Anyone who does this is a scammer.

These checks haven’t been approved yet. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

And now for something completely different … here’s your Friday Four Play:

No. 1: Strike Hard, Strike Fast…

No mercy! No, dear readers, we’re not joining Cobra Kai. We’re talking about cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: CRWD).

This morning, the company announced a narrower-than-expected quarterly loss and greater-than-expected quarterly revenue. So many expectations … so many expectations!

It gets better…

CrowdStrike also put earnings and revenue above Wall Street’s targets for the current quarter and the 2021 fiscal year. It seems that, with everyone working from home now, cybersecurity has become an even bigger imperative for all.

“The CEO noted that the competitive landscape has never looked better, due in part to disruption at Symantec (SYMC), but also based on CrowdStrike’s cloud-based model vs. legacy security vendors,” said RBC Capital analyst Matthew Hedberg.

Hedberg used to like CrowdStrike … he still does, but he used to, too.

We’ve been bullish on the company since January 8, when CRWD became a Great Stuff Pick. The stock is down a bit since our recommendation, but this coronavirus lockdown should allow CRWD and its cloud-based security strategy to truly shine.

No. 2: Exasperated With Elon

Always a firebrand, Tesla Inc.’s (Nasdaq: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk is on the verge of yet another PR debacle.

Earlier this week, Musk tweeted out: “We will make ventilators if there is a shortage.” The outcry for ventilators after this tweet was nothing short of epic. Even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joined in to plead for Tesla to start churning out ventilators:

New York City is buying!

Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP — we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. We’re getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help!

We’re reaching out to you directly.

Honestly, this isn’t something to screw around with, Elon. If you can help … help! Let’s hope this doesn’t turn into another “funding secured” moment.

In other news, Tesla finally relented on keeping its California production plants open. Starting Monday, Tesla will suspend production at its Fremont, California, factory. While this may seem altruistic, the move only comes after Alameda County declared that Tesla was “not an essential business.”

Once again, Tesla bats a thousand in the PR department.

No. 3: Oh Bother … Boeing

More woes arrived today for beleaguered Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA).

With business tanking due to the coronavirus and the still-unresolved 747 Max 8 issues, Boeing is reportedly considering worker layoffs, cutting its dividend and suspending production of some wide-body aircraft to conserve capital.

Boeing also requested $60 billion in bailout cash. As you might’ve guessed from today’s opener, U.S. lawmakers aren’t happy about this at all … and neither are some of Boeing’s board members.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley resigned from the company’s board yesterday over the bailout request.

“I cannot support a move to lean on the federal government for a stimulus or bailout that prioritizes our company over others and relies on taxpayers to guarantee our financial position,” Haley said in her resignation letter.

Surprisingly, BA stock rallied more than 5% despite this flood of negative news. I would’ve thought that the mere suggestion of slashing its dividend would send Boeing crashing back to earth.

We’re trading in strange times indeed.

No. 4: Hey GameStop, Just Stop

While virtually every other retail location is closing up shop to help stop the spread of COVID-19, GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) is staying open.

In a memo obtained by video game news site Kotaku, GameStop argued that it’s “essential retail,” putting it in league with pharmacies and grocery stores.

Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home, we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time.

As a lifelong gamer myself, let me just say that this is inexcusable. It puts GameStop employees in danger and does nothing to limit the spread of COVID-19.

If this is what GameStop has to do to survive just a little bit longer as a company … maybe it shouldn’t?

A little bit longer is all that GameStop has. The company is on its way out. Digital downloads and online shopping will eventually completely take over the video game market. The next generation of video game consoles will speed this up considerably — mark my words.

GameStop isn’t prepared for this. In fact, it’s in denial, as evidenced by the “essential retail” remarks. If it were so “essential,” GameStop wouldn’t keep missing revenue targets, closing stores and searching for ways to remain relevant.

Sure, there will be opportunities for investors to skim some cash off GME until the company finally collapses. But I give GameStop another five years — at most — before it goes the way of Blockbuster.

Great Stuff: Quarantine Essentials

If GameStop now counts as “quarantine essential” … y’all can’t make fun of my “preemptive” stockpile in the bourbon bunker.

Hey, we all have our ways to get through this — the newest Animal Crossing and Doom games for some, and that delectable Kentuckian ambrosia for me. (Remember: If it ain’t from Kentucky … it ain’t bourbon. I don’t care what anyone else says.)

Yet, as we head into this weekend, one thing we can all agree on is this: We have to keep the positivity alive.

Yes, things will get rough … but don’t let uncertainty drive you away from investing in your future. You’re a Great Stuff reader — you have the best experts on pandemic investing right here at Banyan Hill.

We won’t let you go fearful into that good night.

We will help you rage against the dying of the light!

If there’s one thing you can always count on — viral markets be damned! — it’s that experts like Paul Mampilly are always thinking ahead to find the best opportunities possible.

For times like these, Paul’s “Strong Hands�� approach is crucial. Huge, world-changing mega trends (such as 5G, precision medicine and the Internet of Things) won’t die to the viral panic.

Just be sure to stay healthy and wash those Strong Hands first…

Click here to learn more about Paul Mampilly’s vision for a new, rebuilt America 2.0.

Now let’s head into the weekend, chins — and bourbon glasses — held high!

And, if you’re looking for some meme-y market entertainment while stuck in your house, Great Stuff has you covered. Just follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Until next time, good trading!

Regards,

Joseph Hargett

Editor, Great Stuff

[goldira01]

Friday Four Play: The “Corona Conundrum” Edition

Last week, I was looking forward to getting out of the house, having my family home, hanging out with friends … you know, typical weekend stuff.

My, how things change in a week.

But the lifestyle of your fearless Great Stuff leader isn’t the only thing that underwent a drastic change this week. Have you seen the latest coronavirus relief bill working its way through the Senate?

Now, I don’t usually get political — if you could see my inbox, you’d know why — but this latest bill is groundbreaking and provocative in many ways … a watershed moment of terror or joy, depending on your side of the aisle.

It includes much of what you’d expect: $50 billion for the airline industry, $150 billion for other ailing industries … you know, typical relief bill stuff.

But then, it takes a hard, unexpected turn. For instance, the bill proposes a cap on CEO compensation for two years for all companies receiving bailout money … and another two-year limit on raises for all employees making $425,000 or more.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

The bill hints at potential government ownership in those companies. It may prohibit bailed-out companies from stock buybacks — indefinitely. It also proposes paying $1,200 to every American.

What’s even more shocking? The plan appears to have initial support from President Trump and Senate Republicans.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Senate’s unexpected twist at least partly comes from the airline industry spending billions on stock buybacks … and then requesting a bailout.

I’m keenly interested in what you think about all this … email us at GreatStuffToday@banyanhill.com to let us know!

Finally, before we get to today’s hottest stories, a few words of caution on any U.S. government relief checks:

The government won’t ask you to pay anything upfront to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.

The government won’t call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number. Anyone who does this is a scammer.

These checks haven’t been approved yet. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

And now for something completely different … here’s your Friday Four Play:

No. 1: Strike Hard, Strike Fast…

No mercy! No, dear readers, we’re not joining Cobra Kai. We’re talking about cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: CRWD).

This morning, the company announced a narrower-than-expected quarterly loss and greater-than-expected quarterly revenue. So many expectations … so many expectations!

It gets better…

CrowdStrike also put earnings and revenue above Wall Street’s targets for the current quarter and the 2021 fiscal year. It seems that, with everyone working from home now, cybersecurity has become an even bigger imperative for all.

“The CEO noted that the competitive landscape has never looked better, due in part to disruption at Symantec (SYMC), but also based on CrowdStrike’s cloud-based model vs. legacy security vendors,” said RBC Capital analyst Matthew Hedberg.

Hedberg used to like CrowdStrike … he still does, but he used to, too.

We’ve been bullish on the company since January 8, when CRWD became a Great Stuff Pick. The stock is down a bit since our recommendation, but this coronavirus lockdown should allow CRWD and its cloud-based security strategy to truly shine.

No. 2: Exasperated With Elon

Always a firebrand, Tesla Inc.’s (Nasdaq: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk is on the verge of yet another PR debacle.

Earlier this week, Musk tweeted out: “We will make ventilators if there is a shortage.” The outcry for ventilators after this tweet was nothing short of epic. Even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joined in to plead for Tesla to start churning out ventilators:

New York City is buying!

Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP — we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. We’re getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help!

We’re reaching out to you directly.

Honestly, this isn’t something to screw around with, Elon. If you can help … help! Let’s hope this doesn’t turn into another “funding secured” moment.

In other news, Tesla finally relented on keeping its California production plants open. Starting Monday, Tesla will suspend production at its Fremont, California, factory. While this may seem altruistic, the move only comes after Alameda County declared that Tesla was “not an essential business.”

Once again, Tesla bats a thousand in the PR department.

No. 3: Oh Bother … Boeing

More woes arrived today for beleaguered Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA).

With business tanking due to the coronavirus and the still-unresolved 747 Max 8 issues, Boeing is reportedly considering worker layoffs, cutting its dividend and suspending production of some wide-body aircraft to conserve capital.

Boeing also requested $60 billion in bailout cash. As you might’ve guessed from today’s opener, U.S. lawmakers aren’t happy about this at all … and neither are some of Boeing’s board members.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley resigned from the company’s board yesterday over the bailout request.

“I cannot support a move to lean on the federal government for a stimulus or bailout that prioritizes our company over others and relies on taxpayers to guarantee our financial position,” Haley said in her resignation letter.

Surprisingly, BA stock rallied more than 5% despite this flood of negative news. I would’ve thought that the mere suggestion of slashing its dividend would send Boeing crashing back to earth.

We’re trading in strange times indeed.

No. 4: Hey GameStop, Just Stop

While virtually every other retail location is closing up shop to help stop the spread of COVID-19, GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) is staying open.

In a memo obtained by video game news site Kotaku, GameStop argued that it’s “essential retail,” putting it in league with pharmacies and grocery stores.

Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home, we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time.

As a lifelong gamer myself, let me just say that this is inexcusable. It puts GameStop employees in danger and does nothing to limit the spread of COVID-19.

If this is what GameStop has to do to survive just a little bit longer as a company … maybe it shouldn’t?

A little bit longer is all that GameStop has. The company is on its way out. Digital downloads and online shopping will eventually completely take over the video game market. The next generation of video game consoles will speed this up considerably — mark my words.

GameStop isn’t prepared for this. In fact, it’s in denial, as evidenced by the “essential retail” remarks. If it were so “essential,” GameStop wouldn’t keep missing revenue targets, closing stores and searching for ways to remain relevant.

Sure, there will be opportunities for investors to skim some cash off GME until the company finally collapses. But I give GameStop another five years — at most — before it goes the way of Blockbuster.

Great Stuff: Quarantine Essentials

If GameStop now counts as “quarantine essential” … y’all can’t make fun of my “preemptive” stockpile in the bourbon bunker.

Hey, we all have our ways to get through this — the newest Animal Crossing and Doom games for some, and that delectable Kentuckian ambrosia for me. (Remember: If it ain’t from Kentucky … it ain’t bourbon. I don’t care what anyone else says.)

Yet, as we head into this weekend, one thing we can all agree on is this: We have to keep the positivity alive.

Yes, things will get rough … but don’t let uncertainty drive you away from investing in your future. You’re a Great Stuff reader — you have the best experts on pandemic investing right here at Banyan Hill.

We won’t let you go fearful into that good night.

We will help you rage against the dying of the light!

If there’s one thing you can always count on — viral markets be damned! — it’s that experts like Paul Mampilly are always thinking ahead to find the best opportunities possible.

For times like these, Paul’s “Strong Hands” approach is crucial. Huge, world-changing mega trends (such as 5G, precision medicine and the Internet of Things) won’t die to the viral panic.

Just be sure to stay healthy and wash those Strong Hands first…

Click here to learn more about Paul Mampilly’s vision for a new, rebuilt America 2.0.

Now let’s head into the weekend, chins — and bourbon glasses — held high!

And, if you’re looking for some meme-y market entertainment while stuck in your house, Great Stuff has you covered. Just follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Until next time, good trading!

Regards,

Joseph Hargett

Editor, Great Stuff

[kidsviral-blog]

'We just want to live': Millennials might survive GOP tax plan but are still finding grown-up life impossible

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/we-just-want-to-live-millennials-might-survive-gop-tax-plan-but-are-still-finding-grown-up-life-impossible/

'We just want to live': Millennials might survive GOP tax plan but are still finding grown-up life impossible

After the Senate passed the GOP tax reform bill early Saturday morning, the mood on the Left was apocalyptic: Newsweek’s Kurt Eichenwald declared America dead, and comic Patton Oswalt tweeted, “There’s no America now.” Once the initial shock passed, in came the statistics. So far we’ve heard from economist Larry Summers that the GOP’s tax bill will kill 10,000 people a year, although ThinkProgress has boosted that number to over 15,000.

But what about the survivors? Won’t anyone think of the Millennials? Chris Plante, executive editor of gaming site Polygon, went viral over the weekend with his tweet about how the GOP is making it impossible for his generation to live life:

The GOP is making it impossible for my gen to: -Payoff student loans -Buy a home -Earn a living wage -Go to the hosipital without risking financial collapse -Imagine a future unburdened by debt accumulated by older generations Millenials don’t want a trophy; we just want to live

— Chris Thomas Plante, or Christmas Plant for short (@plante) December 2, 2017

EXACTLY. We want to LIVE. https://t.co/jF0XXagFRY

— Jasmine Batchelor (@JLashelle2) December 2, 2017

The GOP is making it impossible to earn a living wage and buy a home? Really. Plante revisited his tweet on Monday after it made the rounds over the weekend.

This tweet went viral and turned my replies into a tour of the most lazy hostility. The insults don't hurt (they're toothless!) but it's depressing to see so many people showing so much fury at the mere suggestion that life should be better for others https://t.co/A1KqcRnnYZ

— Chris Thomas Plante, or Christmas Plant for short (@plante) December 4, 2017

“The mere suggestion that life should be better for others?” That’s not what the initial tweet said; it was more along the lines of, “Life should be easier for us.” But let’s check in on some of the “fury” anyway.

“I don’t understand basic economics- the tweet” https://t.co/KelvMLzgX8

— The White Christmas Ranger (@yourboyroscoe) December 2, 2017

Meh, it's no "PEOPLE WILL DIE" but it's just about as stupid. God forbid the government steal just a little bit less of our money. https://t.co/cf0bFe2WPS

— Girl_Grimly (@ed_grimly) December 4, 2017

Calm down https://t.co/1b3mmzCQHM

— Jesse Kelly (@JesseKellyDC) December 4, 2017

Older generations would laugh their ass off at your generation's pathetic work ethic and desire to accumulate things you don't have the cash to pay for. https://t.co/oBbJ0xpFkc

— Jason Heard (@jheard15) December 4, 2017

Whatever did those of us who had lower tax rates and none of the nanny-state entitlements that Millennials beg for do…? Oh yeah, all those things, with 90% less bitching. https://t.co/LDD14A0S6w

— Ordy's handcrafted Yule log (@TheOpulentAmish) December 4, 2017

I don't find any of these things remotely impossible. https://t.co/N1feXRjZxT

— Nick Pappas (@NickAPappas) December 4, 2017

Currently doing all of these on a teacher’s wage. https://t.co/rHAPdhyNGb

— Daniel Smith (@dws1982) December 2, 2017

Nope, my wife and I are doing it just fine. Both millennials, both responsible people who don't need the government to spend our money for us. https://t.co/p1ix77ACgm

— Stephen Clark (@oye_clark) December 2, 2017

I’m a millennial and I’ve done the first 4 of these things so I would watch what you say about being “impossible” there sport. https://t.co/6SXqIGY6KL

— #BeatSpringGame (@GatorGangUF) December 2, 2017

I've actually done all of these things as a millennial, sooo…. #notimpossible #workharder https://t.co/O97EMYV4ra

— Marian M Walters (@maidmarian321) December 3, 2017

I just recently bought my second home, an extremely nice one at that. No student loans despite graduating in May 2018 with an MBA. Just took my third promotion in same number of years with a 20% pay increase. Maybe it’s not the GOP, maybe it’s your decision making. https://t.co/IexFsz4Zav

— Fiscal Therapist (@BigLifeMark) December 4, 2017

Actually you’re making it impossible. I’m a millennial. 1. I pay my student loan down 2. I’ve bought 1 house, sold it, & bought a 2nd house 3. I make a living wage becsuse I work 4. I can go to the hospital without worry,I have great insurance 5. You’re the problem, not the GOP https://t.co/Km9PwSAdmo

— Mandi Grace (@MandiDonaldson) December 3, 2017

My daughter @KaitlinJoyHS: 28yo, Christian, Conservative, single mom of a 6yo with autism, full-time RN She earns a living wage & is insured by her employer. She pays student loans, rent, car pmt, ins, bills, etc Why is she able to do these things but you aren’t?#millenials🙄 https://t.co/dIgg8c9a3Y

— ✞DrSueDVM☤ (@DrSueDVM) December 4, 2017

I went to a private school that cost $40K per semester and I paid off my loans in 6 years. I currently have a job making a great salary at 28 years old. I survived cancer and still have enough money to buy a home. Quit the lying and fear mongering. https://t.co/4QAaCzPsJ1

— Ben Wertz (@bigbenwertz) December 2, 2017

I made it through college without taking out loans, it's called working and working hard. I'm also earning more than a living wage. How bout you major in something that will get you a job. The GOP isn't preventing you from doing anything. You are. https://t.co/7p6hpAzJk4

— JP (@peakeingsince93) December 4, 2017

If it’s impossible, then how are so many of us doing it? https://t.co/G8So9Zlswf

— Caleb Cortimilia (@QuartOfMillion) December 4, 2017

Maybe you shouldn't have taken on all that debt hoping someone else would pay for it? https://t.co/Ec9HQwDMYg

— 🇺🇸 NSA Father, PhD🌹 (@RoteCaption) December 2, 2017

Student loans are optional as fuck lol https://t.co/DVzuZ37Oh4

— ㅤ: (@PullOutPrince) December 4, 2017

The most obnoxious thing about my generation are people who feel entitled to borrow tons of money to study things nobody cares about, and then expect the rest of society to pay them what they think it's worth/forgive their debt afterwards. https://t.co/LTNPP21WDJ

— James Hasson (@JamesHasson20) December 4, 2017

What is your degree in? English, History? What was your plan to sell the skills gained from that education upon entering the work force? And if you did not plan for such event, why should other people be required to off the debt you’ve undertaken for your own foolish reasons? https://t.co/QTAP5FRKOX

— Roman (@Chichen_Pizza) December 4, 2017

If you want to live, make better decisions like going to a state school, renting instead of buying, getting a job with health insurance, living within your means, and supporting cuts to the federal budget to pay down debt. https://t.co/KYdp4ZLJOF

— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) December 4, 2017

I mean, do I go point by point here or do I just lol https://t.co/GChW7xRkR4

— Jared Jesensky (@JaredJesensky) December 4, 2017

lmaooo 27K retweets on this whiny loser's tweet. 1. Don't take loans you can't afford to repay 2. Major in something that will get you a job 3. If you want someone else to pay for college, join the army. 4. Stop crying 5. Be an adult https://t.co/lQ39zNagNN

— 🅱️IG 🅱️ALLER 🅱️RAND (@Natale732) December 4, 2017

– Don't go into debt for college – Rent and save before buying a home – Live within your means – Save for emergencies – Save for your retirement Is that really so damn hard? https://t.co/RlbBiRVRzS

— Ross Pollack (@Ross_Pollack) December 4, 2017

1. Don’t take out student loans you can’t afford. 2. Don’t major in something stupid that won’t make you any money. 3. If you want someone else to pay for your college education, join the military. 4. Be an adult, stop expecting other people to take responsibility for your life. https://t.co/vfmhyysajD

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) December 4, 2017

Exactly right, we need to stop spending, man up and pay for your own shit Step 1: Stop whining like a little bitch Step 2: Dont expect shit from others Step 3: Dont go into anything stupid like social studies or arts The more you want gov to pay for your shit, the more debt https://t.co/jVlHUaRNDc

— Mujahed Kobbe (@Moj_kobe) December 4, 2017

Free advice from Gen X: -Don't major in underwater basket weaving -Don't buy a home until you've paid off your worthless degree -Stop looking for a job in underwater basket weaving -Insurance isn't a right -Your imagination could use improvement Put down your crayons & get a job https://t.co/pxB0jnxPvF

— Jarami Feith (@JarBomb) December 2, 2017

Explain to me how the GOP is doing this to you. My taxes went up 4 times under the previous admin and my healthcare costs quadrupled. I net the same money I did 8 years ago https://t.co/WG9Fbq452u

— Dan Wright (@MadFiest) December 4, 2017

"All my problems are because of these policies that are 1 year old" https://t.co/eOcveL8fay

— Michel Wulff (@TravelHolyRon) December 4, 2017

How is the GOP doing all that unless Obama was with them on it? https://t.co/gMTALqkv92

— 🇺🇸 Jeff Bauer 🇺🇸 (@JsVeteran) December 4, 2017

Apparently they are also making it impossible for you to retain memories longer than 11 months, or having rational reactions. https://t.co/OFL37sggMh

— Patrick (@ArgentineTea) December 4, 2017

If you truly think this, you’re an idiot. https://t.co/gGeeBzHOWe

— The Brickhouse (@Brick______) December 4, 2017

Mr. Plante, Every generation before has had the same issues and most succeeded in life. At least we have the opportunity to reach heights under our current capitalist system, under socialism you will not have this opportunity. https://t.co/v622WZh67U

— Ed (@gatorair) December 4, 2017

if ( (window.__aa_fraud_serve === undefined) || (window.__aa_fraud_serve == true) ) googletag.cmd.push(function () googletag.display(“div-gpt-300x250_1”); );

Read more: https://twitchy.com/brettt-3136/2017/12/04/we-just-want-to-live-millennials-might-survive-gop-tax-plan-but-are-still-finding-grown-up-life-impossible/

[britnijean]

I woke up at 5am and made some coffee and have been on my computer. Friday mornings are my favorite, because 50% of them are payday and I love managing my finances and savings. I get a significant amount of joy out of this and I don’t know why. But I track everything that I spend money on on a monthly basis. I have different categories. So each month I can see that I spend way too fuckin’ much on going out to eat. I also have a list of my bills all added up so I can see how much they run me a month. And I see how much they run me on a yearly basis compared to my salary. So I’m spending 12k a year on rent and I have zero extra money basically after that and it’s painful. I look up apartments on a regular basis and really want to get my rent below like $600. Which will be hard to do on my own. But then I can start saving up more for paying off my car, getting a down payment on a piece of land, travelling. Rent is like my number one financial stresser. And I would be so cool with living in a run down nasty apartment. It’s just safety that’s a huge concern for me... 

(Like I found these hella rad apartments downtown that are super old and vintage and have a patio and are only $525 a month. But my coworkers were like, “Oh god no, Britni, our company owns that building and we know the type of folks who go through there. Half the occupants are registered sex offenders.” I told them I could totally handle that if I’m just utilizing my apartment the whole day and they were like, “Laundry, Britni, think of doing laundry.” And one of my coworkers said he lived in a place like that with his wife and one time one of his neighbors followed her up from laundry and forced himself into their apartment. Thankfully my coworker came home shortly after to manage the situation. But I won’t have a partner to do that.)

Then when I’m looking at apartments, I think about how I’d have to move and I get motivated to cull all my belongings and become more of a minimalist because I own way too much stuff. And don’t want to struggle with moving it all.

I want to do so many things right now. Get rid of my stuff. Schedule apartment tours. Save money, plan out my life. But it’s 7am and I have to get ready for work.

I mainly just want to save up a shit ton of money early in my career so I can quickly pay off my debts, buy land, and get closer to my dream farm. I really rather not work 8 to 5 the rest of my life. But I also want to fiscally support myself and not depend on someone else. So the key is to save a boatload of money, retire early, have no debts, and have my lil farm to support me. 

Also, I think I’m going to end up dating my best friend. So now I kind of consider him in the picture of that. And I’m concerned for that. Rather than excited. Maybe I shouldn’t date him because of that. But he wants to work the rest of his life. He considers it a duty to support himself and others. Which may be a good fit for us at first thought? But I definitely do not want to have to ever depend on him. And he says if he has kids, he wants his partner to take off like 5 years of work to raise them? Which like no? I’m not going to ruin my career for that? I don’t want to depend on someone else and have that weird dynamic of him coming home and expecting me to have dinner ready on the table and have all the laundry done and shit like that to pull my own weight in a sense?

Also, I really really really don’t want get married in a church or have a priest officiate it. I don’t want my children to be baptized. I do not want my children eating animal products unless we’ve raised the animals. Like these are all very important things to me. And I’m about to date a conservative catholic who fuckin’ loves bbq. There’s something wrong with me. Or maybe I’m overthinking this. That’s a tangent though.

Mostly I’m putting off getting ready for work. Gahhhh now I don’t have time to shower, what am I going to do with my hair..... I guess I’ll just be greasy Britni today.

[ds4design]

What I Heard From Trump Supporters

After the election, I decided to talk to 100 Trump voters from around the country.  I went to the middle of the country, the middle of the state, and talked to many online.

This was a surprisingly interesting and helpful experience—I highly recommend it.  With three exceptions, I found something to like about everyone I talked to (though many of the things they said I strongly disagreed with).  Although it shouldn’t have surprised me given the voting data, I was definitely surprised by the diversity of the people I spoke to—I did not expect to talk to so many Muslims, Mexicans, Black people, and women in the course of this project.

Almost everyone I asked was willing to talk to me, but almost none of them wanted me to use their names—even people from very red states were worried about getting “targeted by those people in Silicon Valley if they knew I voted for him”.  One person in Silicon Valley even asked me to sign a confidentiality agreement before she would talk to me, as she worried she’d lose her job if people at her company knew she was a strong Trump supporter. 

I wanted to understand what Trump voters liked and didn’t like about the president, what they were nervous about, what they thought about the left’s response so far, and most importantly, what would convince them not to vote for him in the future. 

Obviously, this is not a poll, and not ‘data’.  But I think narratives are really important.

Here’s what I heard.

The TL;DR quote is this:

“You all can defeat Trump next time, but not if you keep mocking us, refusing to listen to us, and cutting us out.  It’s Republicans, not Democrats, who will take Trump down.”

  What do you like about Trump?

“He is not politically correct.”

Note: This sentiment came up a lot, probably in at least a third of the conversations I had.

“He says true but unpopular things.  If you can’t talk about problems, you can’t fix them.”

“I'm a Jewish libertarian who's [sic] grandparents were Holocaust survivors.  Over the last few years the mainstream left has resorted to name-calling and character assassination, instead of debate, any time their positions are questioned.  This atmosphere became extremely oppressive and threatening to people, like myself, who disagreed with many of Obama's policies over the past several years.  Intelligent debate has become rare.”

“It's a lot like political discussion was in Soviet Union, actually.  I think the inability to acknowledge obvious truths, and the ever-increasing scope of these restrictions makes it particularly frustrating.  And personally, for whatever reason, I find inability to have more subtle discussion very frustrating--things are not white or black, but you can't talk about greys since the politically correct answer is white.”

“He is anti-abortion.” Note: This sentiment came up a lot.  A number of people I spoke to said they didn’t care about anything else he did and would always vote for whichever candidate was more anti-abortion.

“I like that he puts the interests of Americans first.  American policy needs to be made from a position of how Americans benefit from it, as that is the role of government.”

“He is anti-immigration.” Note: This sentiment came up a lot.  The most surprising takeaway for me how little it seemed to be driven by economic concerns, and how much it was driven by fears about “losing our culture”, “safety”, “community”, and a general Us-vs.-Them mentality. 

“He will preserve our culture.  Preservation of culture is considered good in most cases.  What’s wrong with preserving the good parts of American culture?”

“He’s not Hillary Clinton.”

“I’m Mexican.  I support the wall.  The people who have stayed have destroyed Mexico, and now they want to get out and cause damage here.  We need to protect our borders, but now any policy is like that is called racist.  Trump was the first person willing to say that out loud.”

“I am socially very liberal.  I am fiscally very conservative.  I don't feel I have a party--never have.  I grew up in a more socially conservative time and picked the "lesser of two evils" during elections.  Now, the more socially liberal side supports bigger governments, more aid and support and that money has to come from somewhere.  I see what's deducted from my check each week.  I'm OK with never being rich but I'd like more security and that doesn't come from more government spending.”

“We need borders at every level of our society.”

“I’m willing to postpone some further social justice progress, which doesn’t really result in loss of life, in favor of less foreign policy involvement, the opposite of which does." 

“Brown people are always the out-crowd.  I think subconsciously, part of the reason I supported him was a way to be in the in-crowd for once.”

  What don’t you like about him? 

“The way he talks about women is despicable.”

“Everything about his style.  We only voted for him because this election was too important to worry about style.”

“I don’t like most things about him.  The way it worked is we got to choose one of two terrible options.”

“I think our nation needs Trumpism to survive long term, and to me that supersedes almost every other reservation I have.  My issue is with Trump himself--I think he's the wrong vessel for his movement, but he's all we've got so I'm behind him.” 

“I think the rollout of the immigration executive order is emblematic of a clusterfuck, to be completely frank.”

“I now believe the Muslim ban actually makes us less safe.”

“Isolationism and protectionism at this point is insane. We've done that before.”

“I, too, worry about the dishonesty.  His relationship with Russia, his relationship with women.  His relationship with questionable financial matters.  These all worry me and were they to continue I would lose all respect.”

“He continually plays into a character that he has created to rile his fan base. Accepting anti-semitism, white nationalism, or hate emanating unnecessarily, creates a vacuum of fear on social media, on television, and around the dinner table.  Even though the policies may be similar to that of any recent Republican President, the behavior to act so immaturely sets a bad example for children and undercuts many cultural norms, which more than anything causes disruption to our sociological foundations.”

“I hate that he discredits the press all the time.  That seems to forebode great evil.”

  What are you nervous about with Trump as president?

“The thing I’m most worried about is war, and that he could destroy the whole world.  I think I may have underestimated that risk, because he is more of an alpha strongman that I realized when I voted for him.  Otherwise I still like him.” Note: Most people weren’t that worried about war.  More frequent comments were along these lines: 

“I know he’s taking strong positions on certain foreign issues, but I feel in negotiations you need to do things to move the needle and when a whole country is watching its hard to keep a poker face, but at least his business track record overall gives us reason to believe ultimately stability will prevail.”

and

“He’s crazy, but it’s a tactic to get other nations not to mess with us.”

“I worry he will drive us apart as a nation.  I believed him when he said that would stop with the campaign, but I haven’t seen signs of it so far.”

“I am nervous that his mental health is actually bad.”

“I worry he is actually going to roll back social change we’ve fought so hard for.  But I hope not.”

What do you think about the left’s response so far? 

“You need to give us an opportunity to admit we may have been wrong without saying we’re bad people.  I am already thinking I made a mistake, but I feel ostracized from my community.” 

“The left is more intolerant than the right.”  Note: This concept came up a lot, with real animosity in otherwise pleasant conversations.

“Stop calling us racists.  Stop calling us idiots.  We aren’t.  Listen to us when we try to tell you why we aren’t.  Oh, and stop making fun of us.” 

“I’d love to see one-tenth of the outrage about the state of our lives out here that you have for Muslims from another country.   You have no idea what our lives are like.”

“I’m so tired of hearing about white privilege.  I’m white, but way less privileged than a black person from your world.  I have no hope my life will ever get any better.”

“I am tired of feeling silenced and demonized.  We have mostly the same goals, and different opinions about how to get there.  Maybe I’m wrong, maybe you’re wrong.  But enough with calling all of us the devil for wanting to try Trump.  I hate Hillary and think she wants to destroy the country of us but I don’t demonize her supporters.” 

“I’m angry that they’re so outraged now, but were never outraged over an existing terrible system.”

“The attacks against Trump have taught me something about myself. I have defended him and said things I really didn't believe or support because I was put in a defensive position. Protesters may have pushed many people in this direction BUT it is ultimately our responsibility and must stop.”

“I'd like to also add that the demonization of Trump by calling him and his supporters: Nazis, KKK, white supremacists, fascists, etc. works very well in entrenching Trump supporters on his side.  These attacks are counter-factual and in my opinion very helpful to Trump.” 

“So far his election has driven our nation apart.  So far I see most of the divisiveness coming from the left.  Shame on them.  I don't see it quite as bad as during Nixon's era but we are truly headed in that direction.  I could not speak with my parents during that time because political division would intrude.  This Thanksgiving and holiday season were as close as I've felt to that in 40 years.  We are increasingly polarized.  It doesn't seem to be strictly generational, though that exists.  There is an east coast-west coast, rural vs. urban, racial, and gender division forming now.  It has the potential to be devastating.” 

“The amount of violent attacks and economic attacks perpetrated by the left are troublesome.  My wife and I recently moved to the Bay Area.  I was expecting a place which was a welcoming meritocracy of ideas.  Instead, I found a place where everyone constantly watches everyone else for any thoughtcrime.” 

“Silicon Valley is incredibly unwelcoming to alternative points of view.  Your curiosity, if it is sincere, is the very rare exception to the rule.”

“There is something hypocritical about the left saying the are uniters not dividers, they are inclusive and then excluding half the population with comments on intelligence and irrelevance in the modern world.”

  What would convince you not to vote for him again?

“War would be unforgivable.”

“If the Russia thing were true, I’d turn against him.  Why don’t y’all focus on that instead of his tweets?”

“Give us a better option, and we’ll be happy.  But it needs to be a moderate—Sanders won’t win.”

“I’ll happily vote for someone else.  There’s a lot I hate about Trump.  But our lives are basically destroyed, and he was the first person to talk about fixing that.”

“Generally hard to say.  Extreme corruption would do it.”

Second person in the same conversation: “I don’t care if he’s corrupt.  Y’all voted for Hillary and she was the most corrupt candidate of all time.”

“Another worry is an escalation of overreaches between him and the left that culminates in the breakdown of our system of law.  I'd hold him responsible for that.”

“If he were to get the US involved in a major military conflict (I think the odds of this have actually decreased versus Hillary, but I'm willing to be proven wrong). If he were to substantially increase the cost of doing business (by increasing regulation or taxes for instance).”

“I'm socially very liberal. If he were to do something like restart a war on drugs, try to restrict rights of LGBT, or make first trimester abortions difficult or dangerous, I'd rethink my position.  I think these type of things are extremely unlikely though, especially with an election a few years away the country as a whole becoming more socially liberal.”

“I think if 2008 happened again (further into Trump's tenure, so that causation can be shown, hypothetically), the base would evaporate.” 

“Based on Trump's history before politics I don't believe he is racist, sexist, homophobic or bigoted.  If that were true it would supersede everything else since it would be even worse for individual liberty and freedom than any freedom of speech restrictions or increases in government size proposed by the Democratic Party.”