I would agree, but in an election year maybe they won't play it that way. The party in power has more incentive to keep voters mollified than they do in preserving their ideological purity.
> we're also going to be dancing from one stimulus to another without addressing the long term
100% agree. This is the classical American response, we have mastered the art of kicking the can down the road.
> I assume that any years where the Republicans control government will be years where nothing happens.
Now now, I think you are being too generous. In fact, it takes a lot of effort to actively set the country back socially, culturally, and environmentally. Give credit where credit’s due. They work (in reverse) hard.
I don’t know if you noticed, but out democratic institutions have remained intact.
I don’t appreciate my country being held hostage to extortive tactics: “vote for my candidate—the other guy is a literal Nazi!”
It is not game-theoretic optimal to give into extortion, because things will gradually trend in worse and worse directions. Sometimes a protest vote to the system itself is required to reduce the long term damage.
> Easy to pass any legislation that changes voting and threatens all the incumbents? Not without a HUGE push, which I don't see happening anytime soon but why not try?
> Best thing to mitigate the problem would be a knee-jerk reaction that does least amount of damage. Because in democracy you will have that knee-jerk, sooner or later.
That's an interesting take on it, and I don't really disagree with it. Maybe I hate that I don't disagree with it though. I hate having to settle for something. :/
> People that are getting angry need to point that at the cause, their own government.
This is correct, but your actions are going to silence (or at least muffle or interrupt) these people's voices. Don't double down on it because you're riding some righteousness high. You still have time to backpedal and not act like a vain fool.
The tax dollars you are talking about are pennies to the oligarchs. You are only hitting regular people with this selfishness. It's a pathetic gesture, and I'll never use your services.
> I love this. I hope this trend catches on, I can't wait to gut these bloated agencies and force Congress to get back to work at the risk of a completely paralyzed society if they don't.
You seem to be making the bold assumption that both parties are acting in good faith. A completely paralyzed society is actually a victory for one party.
> This particular administration only has a guaranteed relevance of about 7 months.
That is a deeply cynical view on the nature of politics.
> So, why bring it now?
Why help anyone else if you can't score political points off the back of it? Possibly because it's the right thing to do and ideologically motivated people actually do successfully exist in government.
The answer to this for me depends on what the election in November holds.
Making a mistake once and having to live with it for 4 years is manageable. Institutions can recover. But another 4 years of this is would be an unmitigated disaster for the republic.
Ah there we go, you’re trying for “progress” despite the economy limping along right now. Kick them while they’re down ey?
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