Trump Presidency

[fiksal]

Sorry, but I call that total BS, Musk has no business being in the cabinet

Musk isn't part of the new the cabinet. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is an outside advisory group that will work with Trump and the Congress.

Okay, I looked. Is it a distinction without difference?

I will highlight my view then

Musk shouldn't be anywhere close to government because who he is.

Trump's picks are getting a lot of flack

Normal partisan bickering.

Is it normal and is it political?

Political would imply without substance. Maybe it is political in Congress, but on this forum it's not.

Trump is picking people who aren't qualified for the job...Sorry, but these picks are less than ideal.

Actually, they are as qualified as any other administration choices. Whether they are 'ideal' is a matter of opinion and partisan preference.

We'll be significantly better off if people with experience are at the top jobs. We will be even better if those people are working towards a common good, not of selected few at expense of others.

When it's neither of two or both, they shouldn't be there

[Vertigo 7]

So far, I've not seen 1 good idea come out of Darth Hamburder or his lemmings. In fact, everything he's said he's going to do is going to wreck the lives of millions - and that's not just me saying that but experts in economics, health care, and education. FFS the dude was told point blank in an interview that his last pissing contest with tariffs cost US consumers 80 billion dollars and his response was basically "nuh uhh". We're going to see record levels of homelessness, starvation, and disease thanks to this buffoon and his "excellent individuals" he's chosen for his cabinet.

[Observe]

So? If Biden's HHS pick jumped off a bridge, should RFK also? I'd be okay with that but just because one person didn't put someone with a medical background in the position, that doesn't mean the orange one should do it too.

Huh? Doesn't compute (again). I said it's not uncommon. In fact, six or seven of the last HHS Secretaries had no medical or scientific background. So, I'm not sure what you are getting at.

We'll be significantly better off if people with experience are at the top jobs. We will be even better if those people are working towards a common good, not of selected few at expense of others.

I can't think of anyone better than RFK to lead HHS. The agencies he will lead are right up his alley of expertise and I believe he is interested in the common good.

We're going to see record levels of homelessness, starvation, and disease thanks to this buffoon and his "excellent individuals" he's chosen for his cabinet.

I don't know what planet you have been living on, but record levels of homelessness, starvation (lack of nutrition) and disease are already the status quo. Have you not looked around you and seen the obesity epidemic?

Are you aware that a significant percentage of the U.S. population, specifically within the age group eligible for military service, is physically unfit to qualify for military service? The ill health of Americans is a national security disaster. The whole 'health' system is in need of a serious smackdown.

[Chips]

Are you aware that a significant percentage of the U.S. population, specifically within the age group eligible for military service, is physically unfit to qualify for military service? The ill health of Americans is a national security disaster. The whole 'health' system is in need of a serious smackdown.

Not sure an "obesity epidemic" is the fault of the health service - unless you want them to pop everyone full of appetite suppressants and staple stomachs.

It's education, social programs/care and most likely legislation against unhealthy food options/additives and so on. Is that really the department of health?

Also I'd tend to agree - having a "relevant" degree in (vague) health area to head up a department isn't likely relevant. You're not going to be treating patients. You're more like a manager... directing, with a huge amount of input from aids, supervisors and heads and panels etc.

It's going to be interesting times ahead. Bottom line, USA voted for this collectively. So... see how it goes. As Jon Stewart said during one of the pre-show Q&A's of "How do you stay so positive" - he pointed out, talk to someone much older they'll say "you think this is bad? This is nothing compared to..." - and in 30-40 years time, people will be saying the same over something more modern at that point. Nothing's ended the country - and undoubtedly, some won't notice anything. Clearly sufficient people weren't happy with the Democrats either under Biden or the prospect of Kamala. That's the democrats fault for failing to connect with a better message.

[Vertigo 7]

So? If Biden's HHS pick jumped off a bridge, should RFK also? I'd be okay with that but just because one person didn't put someone with a medical background in the position, that doesn't mean the orange one should do it too.

Huh? Doesn't compute (again). I said it's not uncommon. In fact, six or seven of the last HHS Secretaries had no medical or scientific background. So, I'm not sure what you are getting at.

We'll be significantly better off if people with experience are at the top jobs. We will be even better if those people are working towards a common good, not of selected few at expense of others.

I can't think of anyone better than RFK to lead HHS. The agencies he will lead are right up his alley of expertise and I believe he is interested in the common good.

We're going to see record levels of homelessness, starvation, and disease thanks to this buffoon and his "excellent individuals" he's chosen for his cabinet.

I don't know what planet you have been living on, but record levels of homelessness, starvation (lack of nutrition) and disease are already the status quo. Have you not looked around you and seen the obesity epidemic?

Are you aware that a significant percentage of the U.S. population, specifically within the age group eligible for military service, is physically unfit to qualify for military service? The ill health of Americans is a national security disaster. The whole 'health' system is in need of a serious smackdown.

Well, just ask Samoa what happened when they listened to your beloved RFK for health advice. Not to mention his BS about raw milk and fluoride is demonstrably false and incredibly dangerous in the case of raw milk. But you feel free to partake alllllll you want, you have my blessing and support and encouragement. This is not the person to lead anything related to health for anybody.

[Observe]

It's education, social programs/care and most likely legislation against unhealthy food options/additives and so on. Is that really the department of health?

The Health and Human Services (HHS) department includes CDC, FDA, NIH, SAMHSA, IHS, HRSA, AHRQ and ATSDR.

Together, they protect public health through disease control, prevention, and health promotion, ensure the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics, conduct and fund biomedical research, focus on mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention, among others.

So, yes, I think HHS has a lead role in education, social programs/care and determining what is safe for consumption. It's a huge collaboration of related departments with enormous overreach in the areas you mention.

[Chips]

So, yes, I think HHS has a lead role in education, social programs/care and determining what is safe for consumption. It's a huge collaboration of related departments with enormous overreach in the areas you mention.

Sorry, so how's that going to address the obesity thing you mention?

" specifically within the age group eligible for military service, is physically unfit to qualify for military service? The ill health of Americans is a national security disaster."

I mean you say "the health system needs a serious smackdown" with regards to that - so which dept remit does that reside in; which of those that you list? Or is it a bit woolly on their current remits, but can be made within scope of one.
Also, how do you think it should be addressed? As in, what actions to take? How will they effect the change? And do they align with your view on that (the incoming) or is it just something you hope, but not heard that they're going to be looking at?

[matthewfarmery]

Sorry, but I call that total BS, Musk has no business being in the cabinet

Musk isn't part of the new the cabinet. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is an outside advisory group that will work with Trump and the Congress.

Okay, I looked. Is it a distinction without difference?

I will highlight my view then

Musk shouldn't be anywhere close to government because who he is.

Trump's picks are getting a lot of flack

Normal partisan bickering.

Is it normal and is it political?

Political would imply without substance. Maybe it is political in Congress, but on this forum it's not.

Trump is picking people who aren't qualified for the job...Sorry, but these picks are less than ideal.

Actually, they are as qualified as any other administration choices. Whether they are 'ideal' is a matter of opinion and partisan preference.

We'll be significantly better off if people with experience are at the top jobs. We will be even better if those people are working towards a common good, not of selected few at expense of others.

When it's neither of two or both, they shouldn't be there

Your mssing another key name

Pete Hegseth

Another idiot that shouldn't be allowed in any key position, but if Trump gets his way, will be the head of the pentagon. So far, he is still up for the job, but I doubt he will do a good job if he gets in. So yes, flack.

[fiksal]

I can't think of anyone better than RFK to lead HHS. The agencies he will lead are right up his alley of expertise and I believe he is interested in the common good.

You and I have very different definitions of common good then and expertise. I didn't mean what you think I did.

Do we need to quote RFKs anti vax position and his inability to distinguish associations in data with cause and effect?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mzk2y41zvo

This is highschool level of proficiency in science and statistics, that he doesn't have

[chew-ie]

I can't think of anyone better than RFK to lead HHS. The agencies he will lead are right up his alley of expertise and I believe he is interested in the common good.

You and I have very different definitions of common good then and expertise. I didn't mean what you think I did.

Do we need to quote RFKs anti vax position and his inability to distinguish associations in data with cause and effect?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mzk2y41zvo

This is highschool level of proficiency in science and statistics, that he doesn't have

Facts really doesn't matter here. It's all the anti-vaxxers cheering, mostly because "they were right" (=getting their guys into place is a win for them). That the real bill follows later and makes life for all the society miserable isn't of much interest to them. We are about to see the grotesque face of humanity not only surfacing but manifesting.

[Chips]

Will it? What do you think is going to happen then?

(I kind of agree from what limited reports of things he's said, he seems like a nut. But whether the nut gets to be nuts is another matter - something that I doubt. So I do wonder what people think is going to happen).

[fiksal]

Will it? What do you think is going to happen then?

(I kind of agree from what limited reports of things he's said, he seems like a nut. But whether the nut gets to be nuts is another matter - something that I doubt. So I do wonder what people think is going to happen).

Why not take what they say literally? If vaccines cause autism then surely large chunks of CDC arent needed to work on something that causes autism.

Trump and Republicans in fact have targetted CDC and FDA before, why not defund it already? There are no minuses and only increased approval rating from Trump voters.

[Vertigo 7]

Of course he's going to get to be a nut. His boss is king of the nuts. The only thing standing between him and us is the wet paper sack that is the senate confirmation. While I'm going to thoroughly enjoy the senate embarrassing the ever-living shit out of him and the rest of the orange buffoon's cabinet picks, even if they don't confirm him all dingus has to do is name him "acting" director or w/e and keep doing that every so often. Between RFK and that snake oil salesman Doc Oz, our already broken healthcare system is going to become even worse and there will be a lot of deaths as a direct result of the two of them.

The actions I'm seeing that are being pushed by the incoming administration are going to stack the deck for only the wealthy to be able to "live" in this country. Health Insurance is going to disappear over night for millions that can't afford it when they finally do kill ACA and gut Medicaid and Medicare, and those that still have insurance will lose any coverage for "pre existing conditions" (god help any that were born with any kind of defect). Millions of folks that have federally subsidized or backed mortgages (including military folks that have VA loans) are going to find their mortgage costs increased by upwards of 3-5k per year, if not more thanks to their proposed deregulations. Costs of goods are going to skyrocket thanks to the tariff pissing contest. Bye bye social security, cuz GOP hates that folks can be self sufficient when they retire from their blue collar jobs. Definitely making America great again... And all of this doesn't even touch the orange one's plan to deport millions of US citizens to countries they haven't even visited.

[matthewfarmery]

What is more, Trump can't promise that tariffs will not raise beyond a certain point. So once he starts throwing tantrums at other countries who don't play ball, expect things to raise even more. So expect things to get very expensive, real quick. So yes, only for the ultra rich will benefit. Trump will cripple the US and laugh all the way to the bank.

[Chips]

Why not take what they say literally? If vaccines cause autism then surely large chunks of CDC arent needed to work on something that causes autism.

Trump and Republicans in fact have targetted CDC and FDA before, why not defund it already? There are no minuses and only increased approval rating from Trump voters.

What do you mean CDC aren't needed to work on something that causes Autism? The query is around the obvious answer that the CDC don't make the vaccine. That's down to pharma companies and their research. Do you mean they're not going to accredit it or accept it for use instead? (with regards to new vaccines), or do you think he's going to instruct a reversal?
He's already said that he's not anti-vax (allegedly) and people will be free-to-choose. However, not being an American, I've no idea if Americans get vaccinations free, or it's something they have to pay for and so on. At which point, the choice if no longer free may be omitted by many. Furthermore, he claims it should be data driven and people have the information. Well, he's ignoring the information, so it doesn't exactly make anyone trust too much.

But "shut down/defend the CDC and FDA" is coming from... no idea; BBC didn't have any quotes from RK on that.

FDA he's not that big a revolutionary, more "why is it that the US can have 1000 additives to some simple foodstuffs that are banned in the EU, while the EU product just lists the ingredients that are needed. What are we adding?" (paraphrasing).

The fluoride in water claim is odd; what's next, change legislation that it can't be included in toothpaste?

The real danger, as always, is likely from people believing comments being made and making opinions based on balderdash. Last week there was the "Boycott Cadbury's it's got Bovaer" (or whatever its called), while they're linking to a Guardian Article about Cadbury's means to reduce emissions from cows...

The article is 15 years old and talks about changing the make up of pasture land so they're eating other leafy material than grass. But no-one copy/pasting/retweeting the link ever (including the original person) bothered to actually read/check it. Just jumped straight onto the "MUST BE TRUE!" wagon as it fed into their suspicion.

So his talking about things that there's zero evidence to support (child autism, fluoride claims) could be damaging in the sense that some will absolutely just... follow-the-idiot, and for a few more, its spreading the conspiracy theory style accusations wider so more will hear it.

But that doesn't require govt legislation change (we've already had a lot of people talking about fresh milk here too... eeeeejiots who will revert to normal milk once they've had the sheeets and relieved themselves of about £3 per pint for a few weeks.

[Vertigo 7]

Why not take what they say literally? If vaccines cause autism then surely large chunks of CDC arent needed to work on something that causes autism.

Trump and Republicans in fact have targetted CDC and FDA before, why not defund it already? There are no minuses and only increased approval rating from Trump voters.

What do you mean CDC aren't needed to work on something that causes Autism? The query is around the obvious answer that the CDC don't make the vaccine. That's down to pharma companies and their research. Do you mean they're not going to accredit it or accept it for use instead? (with regards to new vaccines), or do you think he's going to instruct a reversal?
He's already said that he's not anti-vax (allegedly) and people will be free-to-choose. However, not being an American, I've no idea if Americans get vaccinations free, or it's something they have to pay for and so on. At which point, the choice if no longer free may be omitted by many. Furthermore, he claims it should be data driven and people have the information. Well, he's ignoring the information, so it doesn't exactly make anyone trust too much.

Ok, but he's said himself in interviews that he walks up to random people with infants and tells them not to vaccinate their children. He went to Samoa and told them not to vaccinate against measles and wouldn't ya know they had a measles outbreak where a bunch of kids died. Any claims of his that he's not anti-vax are straight up bs.

But "shut down/defend the CDC and FDA" is coming from... no idea; BBC didn't have any quotes from RK on that.

FDA he's not that big a revolutionary, more "why is it that the US can have 1000 additives to some simple foodstuffs that are banned in the EU, while the EU product just lists the ingredients that are needed. What are we adding?" (paraphrasing).

The fluoride in water claim is odd; what's next, change legislation that it can't be included in toothpaste?

The real danger, as always, is likely from people believing comments being made and making opinions based on balderdash. Last week there was the "Boycott Cadbury's it's got Bovaer" (or whatever its called), while they're linking to a Guardian Article about Cadbury's means to reduce emissions from cows...

The article is 15 years old and talks about changing the make up of pasture land so they're eating other leafy material than grass. But no-one copy/pasting/retweeting the link ever (including the original person) bothered to actually read/check it. Just jumped straight onto the "MUST BE TRUE!" wagon as it fed into their suspicion.

So his talking about things that there's zero evidence to support (child autism, fluoride claims) could be damaging in the sense that some will absolutely just... follow-the-idiot, and for a few more, its spreading the conspiracy theory style accusations wider so more will hear it.

But that doesn't require govt legislation change (we've already had a lot of people talking about fresh milk here too... eeeeejiots who will revert to normal milk once they've had the sheeets and relieved themselves of about £3 per pint for a few weeks.

But if he's setting policy among the health organizations to discourage vaccinations, to not budget for any, to not support any actual scientific research/development into them, to let food distributors cut costs by shipping raw milk instead of pasteurized milk (which the pathogens that carries has the potential to do a whole lot worse than cause people to crap their pants), etc., this is going to be massively devastating to us even during our annual flu season. Coupled with the massive blow folks are about to see with loss of insurance etc, folks are gonna die by the truckloads, again, under the orange one's presidency.

[fiksal]

So his talking about things that there's zero evidence to support (child autism, fluoride claims) could be damaging in the sense that some will absolutely just... follow-the-idiot, and for a few more, its spreading the conspiracy theory style accusations wider so more will hear it.

Aren't you answering what you have asked?

Re vaccines, they are not free in US. Except for COVID one, for that one government paid

What he says makes him an anti vax. Will he follow though, certainly will find out, but this is why he was chosen

my comment about CDC with some typos.
it's easy to connect the dots, if vaccines cause autism then why would we fund CDC research into vaccines. CDC is conspiring then

and about FDA, all I read was that the talk is about cutting and downsizing FDA. It's not about giving them more resources or money to deal with some of less than healthy foods, or with unregulated magic, like vitamins and homeopathy.

And if course no-one is talking about what gets people actually not healthy, no free healthcare, no public transport, low wages, punishable poverty, effectively a class system, etc, etc

[matthewfarmery]

So Trump is backtracking on a key campaign promise to his lackeys.

President-elect Donald Trump told Time his presidency would not be a failure if he cannot bring the price of groceries down.

Said Trump: “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard.”

LOL, ad for those that voted for him, thinking he could do everything on day one. He said many times, he would bring down prices, and his gullible base, brought every word of it. If anything, he will raise prices, not lower them. But only then will the gullible see the errors of their ways.

[Vertigo 7]

So Trump is backtracking on a key campaign promise to his lackeys.

President-elect Donald Trump told Time his presidency would not be a failure if he cannot bring the price of groceries down.

Said Trump: “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard.”

LOL, ad for those that voted for him, thinking he could do everything on day one. He said many times, he would bring down prices, and his gullible base, brought every word of it. If anything, he will raise prices, not lower them. But only then will the gullible see the errors of their ways.

No, they won't. They'll go on Faux News and concoct a wild story blaming the democrats for all their woes and the MAGA morons will eat it right up.

[matthewfarmery]

Granted the die hard followers of his won't but I'm more thinking of the average joe who who been hoodwinked in believing his lies and BS. Sure quite a few will blame the dems for not lowering prices, but I suspect a few others will see the errors for voting for this false god. especailly those that didn't vote for anyone. And realising that they could have done something about it, rather then being racist, as they didn't want a woman of colour to be president.