Immigration. Adam, in your opinion, did the bipartisan bill senators negotiated - that trump / Johnson wouldn’t consider - address your concerns?
Israel / Iran. As I understand it, Iran was responding to an Israeli strike that killed Iranian military leaders. In other words, Israel attacked first. Iran responded. Now you’re calling for an Israeli retaliatory strike. Where does it end? Israel has flattened Gaza because Hamas attacked first. That whole situation is the world’s biggest powder keg with a lit fuse. And who’s going to get dragged in? Us.
Ukraine / Russian interference. To me, these are one and the same. I cannot agree more with you. Russia must be STOPPED. Not cajoled or sanctioned, and CERTAINLY not appeased. Anyone buying Russian oil or gas - their economy’s lifeblood - needs to be cut off from the US economy. And Ukraine should be given WHATEVER HARDWARE THEY WANT. Remember, they haven’t asked for US blood, just weapons. Congress, get off your fat ***** and DELIVER.
From what I understand of it, the Iranian commanders that Israel conducted the strike against in Syria were the individuals who helped Hamas plan and implement their attack on Israel.
IF that is true, then Iran may not have struck directly, but they still struck first through proxies that they armed and aided.
I agree Israel drew first blood, killing those leaders in their embassy was a mistake. I think they wanted others involved in their mess. As if Gaza wasn’t enough. I think the blinders need to come off. Two wrongs doesn’t make it right. If we think that Iran intends to allow anyone to attack them unprovoked then they are wrong. If someone attacked our embassy we would go for the jugular.
Wise words on avoiding escalating the Middle East conflict. Israel attacked a consulate - many regard that as an attack on sovereign soil. Biden had it right - shooting down all those missiles (with the help of forewarning and allied/Jordanian support) was a win and should have settled the score). Given the risk, this needs to cool off. As Adam points out there are enough big problems to address (while Trump continually distracts us). The Middle East is one issue where I'm not entirely aligned with Adam and I wish he would reconsider some views.
Fred, I don’t expect to agree with ANYBODY all the time - not even myself! I’m sure we’d disagree on a host of policy issues, but I respect Adam’s opinion, especially as a guy who’s “been there”.
Israel attacked a small Iranian army base, and Iran didn’t make a big deal out of it. Hopefully, that ends it.
MTG should not have this much power-way too disruptive-is there any way to oust her? She’s trying her best to oust the Speaker-why can’t it be the other way around?
MTG should NOT have any power! Has anyone seen all the Russian news channels that are touting MTG!! There were all these screenshots of her! If I were Biden's campaign, I would keep showing these news clips especially because she is just echoing trump/'pootin's plan!!
Adam, Russia has been attacking America where they could since I was a kid in the 1950s. Nothing has changed with the Russian leaders. What you report is a little memo from some of Putin's lackeys from last year. Believe me, they've been at it for 75 years at least.
I have Choctaw Indian cheekbones and eye sockets. But I am part immigrant. Most Americans are all immigrant. The people who rail against immigrants are immigrants. Real people just want to make a decent living so they can live a decent life.
Sadly, many of the Republicans in the House are now just performance artists, not legislators. MTG with her requirement that anyone who votes for aid to Ukraine must join their army is part of her performance. They won't even speak to Democrats and act like they don't exist. All performance.
Iran lobbed all that crap at Israel from 1,000 miles away. If it had all gotten to its intended target, it would have been very bad for Israel. After it was over, Iran said "okay, that's it" like we got our ya-yas out, we're okay now. Israel has to respond in some way. Maybe a bunch of fireworks over Tehran, just to shake them up a bit?
It has been a long way to this point. I don't expect the world to end just yet.
On slippery politicians. Never forget the 147 Objectors who validated Trump's attempted theft of the Executive Branch of our government. Here's the list of Trump's "made wiseguys." They sold their honor for a little fame and money. History will remember their siding with a criminal.
On Immigration. Does anyone in the major news media recognize that Russia does not have an Immigration Crisis? Indeed, more than one million of their citizens have fled the country. The desire of millions of desperate families, fleeing for their lives to America, is a proof that we still live in the best nation on Earth. The clamoring for the American Dream is a compliment. Not a threat. The mismanagement of this influx is not the migrants' fault. It is the fault of our cowardly, lazy, lying, elected representatives.
Second, I've read that most illegal immigrants are "overstayers," that is, they entered legally, but never left. Furthermore, I've read that most illegal immigrants fly into the U.S., although that depends on which year you're talking about.
Our Southern border does have problems, of course; however, it is not an "open border" by any means. Third, as Adam touched on, we need workers from outside the U.S. Here's more on that:
"Research shows that illegal immigrants increase the size of the U.S. economy, contribute to economic growth, enhance the welfare of natives, contribute more in tax revenue than they collect, reduce American firms' incentives to offshore jobs and import foreign-produced goods, and benefit consumers by reducing the prices of goods and services. Economists estimate that legalization of the illegal immigrant population would increase the immigrants' earnings and consumption considerably, and increase U.S. gross domestic product. There is scholarly consensus that illegal immigrants commit less crime than natives. Sanctuary cities—which adopt policies designed to avoid prosecuting people solely for being in the country illegally—have no statistically meaningful impact on crime. Research suggests that immigration enforcement has no impact on crime rates."
~ Wikipedia
But, worst of all, MAGA Republicans don't want to solve any of our big problems, so Trump can use them as cudgels to beat Joe over the head with them. What a guy! What a group! With friends like them, we don't need enemies like CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea).
James, it’s real simple - eVerify. These people are here to *work*. If you can’t prove you belong here, no job. It’s an absolute requirement in several states, but nobody enforces it.
Obviously, a large number of people want all illegals out; and another large number of people (employers) want them in. Our large country has many "heads," each one an authority in himself. Governing a country is like pushing a rope.
Mostly agree, with one minor deviation. I understand Iran had to retaliate for their own internal reasons and they did so dramatically. And openly. And they gave (I think?) a 72 hour warning notice. Like, from their perspective... I reckon they knew quite a few of their rockets and drones would get shot down. What I don't think they saw coming was a shoot down rate of 99%. And that other Arab nations would actively assist Israel, the US, the UK, and France in shooting these down.
I don't know Adam, but if I were a senior military person in Tehran, I'd be straight up embarrassed. Israel and it's allies just bitch-slapped away a fairly large Iranian strike, which is why I think Iran is like, "welp, that settles that." This feels like Joe Pesci trying to dunk over Shaq. All Israel has to do towards Iran now is go "suck it losers".
Immigration and the border is an issue that really bothers me. I think we absolutely should have control over the border but it should not be closed and roadblocks to seeking asylum need to be removed. Then we definitely need to fix the backlog. It’s unconscionable that people wait years for an answer. 😡 But undocumented immigrants concern me because, I think that we use them for jobs no one else wants and we pay them shit. How do we address that? The conditions these poor people work in and the nearly non-existent pay are awful.
Require able bodied welfare recipients work at any job or lose the benefits. Daycare is main issue that may be solved by local school districts providing such. I'd rather have my taxes go to kids learning so mom and/or dad can work. Also, as a retired housing agency director (Hsg Choice Voucher aka: Sect. 8), fraud is rampant. Time to weed out the scammers.
Marty, my total respect to you as a Housing Director! I worked for Housing as a family self-sufficiency counselor and housing coordinator. Part of my job was working with a HUD investigator on fraud cases. (1)Unfortunately, there is not $$ to hire enough investigators.
(2)Where I live, those on housing could not find jobs that would pay rental prices.
I was also a welfare employment specialist and (1) it's a great idea to have the recipients work in jobs other Americans don't want. However, they can't make enough $$ to pay rental prices. Also, many of those employers don't want someone who does not appreciate the work! Immigrants want to!!
Where I live, we have/had jobs available and difficulty filling @ $50,000 - $70,000 annual wages. Yes, there are not nearly enough investigators. We also have a year + waiting lists for the public housing and S8. There are families that desperately need the housing, that by circumstance, can't work due to health and stuck in situations that are not conducive to employment at the previous noted wage rates. In my opinion, those are the families that need the assistance over capable households that, at the rates noted, find housing that is affordable - in our area.
I wish we had a myriad of programs to help people get vocational training and adequate daycare for kids. Unfortunately, the current process is piecemeal with no changes in sight. In the current political dumpster fire, well I need not say any more.
Thanks for your comments! You are 100% correct. I wish WE could do better for those who cannot, many times, through no fault of their own.
Marty, thanks for commenting! So much to say! I believe most people deserve housing, welfare, immigrants here etc but we only hear about problem ones! Don't even let me get started about the homeless!! Thank you for bringing your leadership skills to this fight! C.
Kinzinger targets each of the hot bed topics with intelligence, calm, and resolve- there is no reason these solutions should not be implemented- first and foremost, aid to Ukraine without delay. At last, Speaker Johnson as decided he is there to do the job he was voted to do—consequences to fall where they may. I am cautiously hopeful. If the GOP continues to deny Ukraine aid, they are culpable in the slaughter of the people and of the devastating destruction of the democracy. Thank you, Adam, for writing your thoughtful editorials, filled with facts that only you have to share with us! Looking forward to the NY trial of #45 now that the 12 jurors have been sworn in and seated. Six more to go as alternates.
For real. I don’t know any other job where you get to do absolutely nothing and get paid for it and receive free healthcare to boot. I know there are some legislators who are actually trying to get something done but they’re the exception.
Adam, as far as immigration goes, there is a podcast, associated with the “Meidas Touch Network” (a two year old podcast started by the Meiselas brothers) called Coffee With Texas Paul. He talks a lot about border issues. He claims there really isn’t an issue. He has gone to the border taking video of the area. He is a Democrat and speaks proudly of the positive things Biden has done. I’m writing this because the border seems to always come up as a big issue. Maybe it’s not. Worth looking into.
We must remember downballot elections in November. Our Congress is a mess right now, but we the people can fix it, if we will. If we don’t, all these issues will sit unresolved until we do.
Thank you Adam. I'm going back an reread shortly. I was raised in the Bay Area and my brother lives in Sonoma County. We were just down there visiting and we drive through Napa and there are hundreds of thousands of acres of grapes. Billions and billions of dollars. My nephew works for Gallo and when it's harvest time there are several weeks of 24 hours days and nights.
Who do people think pick those grapes? Have you ever watched them go after a row with a hook knives with a blade that will take your finger faster than you can take a breath. They go like greased lightening along those rows. Yea, lets arrest them all and dump them back over the border. Good thinking.
My older brother and I picked strawberries, beans, and boysenberries when we were kids and I was around 9 and he was 11. My dad decided we needed to learn where a dollar came from so he would drop us off at the fields on his way to work (at my grandfathers cannery) and pick us up on his way home. You do NOT know the joy of sitting in the middle of a strawberry field with a row that seemed to go on forever, the sun beating down, sweat in your eyes, and no shade anywhere. I don't see any of the Tik Tok influencers posting from the farm.
There was an immigration bill that was lead by Jim Lankford, a man I respect, and others, that was a good bill. The orange king spoke and down that bill went. Even those that worked on it and signed off on it voted against it!!!!!!!!!!'
I honestly don't know WHAT Donnie is telling them but is it ONLY a threat to their career or could it be more? Some Jurors are backing out and say they are afraid.
Thanks for posting as always and later on I'm going back and read all of that again.
Pamela, thank you for this descriptive personal insight about why we need immigrants for work Americans don't want to do! I witnessed this as an employment specialist for Ventura, Country, Southern California.
The house is all about job security it seems. Vote them out who don’t do their job. Can we exile MJT to Russia? The waterway that carry commerce also has to be considered when dealing with Israel and Iran. Too much passes through there. The border issue is a serious one due to many people’s are coming from nations other than Mexico and central America like the Chinese. So much has to be addressed and Trump is the news story every day. Today I read about Sudan and their troubles. An official said nobody cares. Where are we on this one? My head is spinning with it all and I’m putting my rose colored glasses on for the rest of the day. Self preservation. Thank you Adam for always keeping us informed on all of it.
This is exactly the type of update needed for the nation each week.
Clear, easy to understand, and covering the full range of concerns. From a source that repeatedly proves he can be trusted and also knows the topics.
Lots to think about here. I want to comment on 3:
Immigration. Adam, in your opinion, did the bipartisan bill senators negotiated - that trump / Johnson wouldn’t consider - address your concerns?
Israel / Iran. As I understand it, Iran was responding to an Israeli strike that killed Iranian military leaders. In other words, Israel attacked first. Iran responded. Now you’re calling for an Israeli retaliatory strike. Where does it end? Israel has flattened Gaza because Hamas attacked first. That whole situation is the world’s biggest powder keg with a lit fuse. And who’s going to get dragged in? Us.
Ukraine / Russian interference. To me, these are one and the same. I cannot agree more with you. Russia must be STOPPED. Not cajoled or sanctioned, and CERTAINLY not appeased. Anyone buying Russian oil or gas - their economy’s lifeblood - needs to be cut off from the US economy. And Ukraine should be given WHATEVER HARDWARE THEY WANT. Remember, they haven’t asked for US blood, just weapons. Congress, get off your fat ***** and DELIVER.
From what I understand of it, the Iranian commanders that Israel conducted the strike against in Syria were the individuals who helped Hamas plan and implement their attack on Israel.
IF that is true, then Iran may not have struck directly, but they still struck first through proxies that they armed and aided.
I agree Israel drew first blood, killing those leaders in their embassy was a mistake. I think they wanted others involved in their mess. As if Gaza wasn’t enough. I think the blinders need to come off. Two wrongs doesn’t make it right. If we think that Iran intends to allow anyone to attack them unprovoked then they are wrong. If someone attacked our embassy we would go for the jugular.
Wise words on avoiding escalating the Middle East conflict. Israel attacked a consulate - many regard that as an attack on sovereign soil. Biden had it right - shooting down all those missiles (with the help of forewarning and allied/Jordanian support) was a win and should have settled the score). Given the risk, this needs to cool off. As Adam points out there are enough big problems to address (while Trump continually distracts us). The Middle East is one issue where I'm not entirely aligned with Adam and I wish he would reconsider some views.
Fred, I don’t expect to agree with ANYBODY all the time - not even myself! I’m sure we’d disagree on a host of policy issues, but I respect Adam’s opinion, especially as a guy who’s “been there”.
Israel attacked a small Iranian army base, and Iran didn’t make a big deal out of it. Hopefully, that ends it.
Hi Lou, Thanks for the reply. It's difficult discussing complex issues in this format. I share your hope and respect for Adam. Be well.
Thanks Adam, for pointing out that the "Trump bubble" in the news is a distraction from real issues we need to address.
The Trump coverage moves slowly while the rest of the issues demand immediate attention.
MTG should not have this much power-way too disruptive-is there any way to oust her? She’s trying her best to oust the Speaker-why can’t it be the other way around?
“MTG should not have this much power”
She should not have ANY power. 0% interest in legislating. 100% interest in disruption, grandstanding, and performance.
Agree 100%
That woman should be in a rubber room, not in Congress.
MTG should NOT have any power! Has anyone seen all the Russian news channels that are touting MTG!! There were all these screenshots of her! If I were Biden's campaign, I would keep showing these news clips especially because she is just echoing trump/'pootin's plan!!
Adam, Russia has been attacking America where they could since I was a kid in the 1950s. Nothing has changed with the Russian leaders. What you report is a little memo from some of Putin's lackeys from last year. Believe me, they've been at it for 75 years at least.
I have Choctaw Indian cheekbones and eye sockets. But I am part immigrant. Most Americans are all immigrant. The people who rail against immigrants are immigrants. Real people just want to make a decent living so they can live a decent life.
Sadly, many of the Republicans in the House are now just performance artists, not legislators. MTG with her requirement that anyone who votes for aid to Ukraine must join their army is part of her performance. They won't even speak to Democrats and act like they don't exist. All performance.
Iran lobbed all that crap at Israel from 1,000 miles away. If it had all gotten to its intended target, it would have been very bad for Israel. After it was over, Iran said "okay, that's it" like we got our ya-yas out, we're okay now. Israel has to respond in some way. Maybe a bunch of fireworks over Tehran, just to shake them up a bit?
It has been a long way to this point. I don't expect the world to end just yet.
On slippery politicians. Never forget the 147 Objectors who validated Trump's attempted theft of the Executive Branch of our government. Here's the list of Trump's "made wiseguys." They sold their honor for a little fame and money. History will remember their siding with a criminal.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-TRUMP/LAWMAKERS/xegpbedzdvq/
On Immigration. Does anyone in the major news media recognize that Russia does not have an Immigration Crisis? Indeed, more than one million of their citizens have fled the country. The desire of millions of desperate families, fleeing for their lives to America, is a proof that we still live in the best nation on Earth. The clamoring for the American Dream is a compliment. Not a threat. The mismanagement of this influx is not the migrants' fault. It is the fault of our cowardly, lazy, lying, elected representatives.
Love the description “cowardly, lazy, lying”. Fits them to a tee.
First, good summary, Adam. Thanks for that.
Second, I've read that most illegal immigrants are "overstayers," that is, they entered legally, but never left. Furthermore, I've read that most illegal immigrants fly into the U.S., although that depends on which year you're talking about.
Our Southern border does have problems, of course; however, it is not an "open border" by any means. Third, as Adam touched on, we need workers from outside the U.S. Here's more on that:
"Research shows that illegal immigrants increase the size of the U.S. economy, contribute to economic growth, enhance the welfare of natives, contribute more in tax revenue than they collect, reduce American firms' incentives to offshore jobs and import foreign-produced goods, and benefit consumers by reducing the prices of goods and services. Economists estimate that legalization of the illegal immigrant population would increase the immigrants' earnings and consumption considerably, and increase U.S. gross domestic product. There is scholarly consensus that illegal immigrants commit less crime than natives. Sanctuary cities—which adopt policies designed to avoid prosecuting people solely for being in the country illegally—have no statistically meaningful impact on crime. Research suggests that immigration enforcement has no impact on crime rates."
~ Wikipedia
But, worst of all, MAGA Republicans don't want to solve any of our big problems, so Trump can use them as cudgels to beat Joe over the head with them. What a guy! What a group! With friends like them, we don't need enemies like CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea).
James, it’s real simple - eVerify. These people are here to *work*. If you can’t prove you belong here, no job. It’s an absolute requirement in several states, but nobody enforces it.
Obviously, a large number of people want all illegals out; and another large number of people (employers) want them in. Our large country has many "heads," each one an authority in himself. Governing a country is like pushing a rope.
Mostly agree, with one minor deviation. I understand Iran had to retaliate for their own internal reasons and they did so dramatically. And openly. And they gave (I think?) a 72 hour warning notice. Like, from their perspective... I reckon they knew quite a few of their rockets and drones would get shot down. What I don't think they saw coming was a shoot down rate of 99%. And that other Arab nations would actively assist Israel, the US, the UK, and France in shooting these down.
I don't know Adam, but if I were a senior military person in Tehran, I'd be straight up embarrassed. Israel and it's allies just bitch-slapped away a fairly large Iranian strike, which is why I think Iran is like, "welp, that settles that." This feels like Joe Pesci trying to dunk over Shaq. All Israel has to do towards Iran now is go "suck it losers".
Immigration and the border is an issue that really bothers me. I think we absolutely should have control over the border but it should not be closed and roadblocks to seeking asylum need to be removed. Then we definitely need to fix the backlog. It’s unconscionable that people wait years for an answer. 😡 But undocumented immigrants concern me because, I think that we use them for jobs no one else wants and we pay them shit. How do we address that? The conditions these poor people work in and the nearly non-existent pay are awful.
Require able bodied welfare recipients work at any job or lose the benefits. Daycare is main issue that may be solved by local school districts providing such. I'd rather have my taxes go to kids learning so mom and/or dad can work. Also, as a retired housing agency director (Hsg Choice Voucher aka: Sect. 8), fraud is rampant. Time to weed out the scammers.
Marty, my total respect to you as a Housing Director! I worked for Housing as a family self-sufficiency counselor and housing coordinator. Part of my job was working with a HUD investigator on fraud cases. (1)Unfortunately, there is not $$ to hire enough investigators.
(2)Where I live, those on housing could not find jobs that would pay rental prices.
I was also a welfare employment specialist and (1) it's a great idea to have the recipients work in jobs other Americans don't want. However, they can't make enough $$ to pay rental prices. Also, many of those employers don't want someone who does not appreciate the work! Immigrants want to!!
Where I live, we have/had jobs available and difficulty filling @ $50,000 - $70,000 annual wages. Yes, there are not nearly enough investigators. We also have a year + waiting lists for the public housing and S8. There are families that desperately need the housing, that by circumstance, can't work due to health and stuck in situations that are not conducive to employment at the previous noted wage rates. In my opinion, those are the families that need the assistance over capable households that, at the rates noted, find housing that is affordable - in our area.
I wish we had a myriad of programs to help people get vocational training and adequate daycare for kids. Unfortunately, the current process is piecemeal with no changes in sight. In the current political dumpster fire, well I need not say any more.
Thanks for your comments! You are 100% correct. I wish WE could do better for those who cannot, many times, through no fault of their own.
Take care and fight the good fight.
M.
Marty, thanks for commenting! So much to say! I believe most people deserve housing, welfare, immigrants here etc but we only hear about problem ones! Don't even let me get started about the homeless!! Thank you for bringing your leadership skills to this fight! C.
Kinzinger targets each of the hot bed topics with intelligence, calm, and resolve- there is no reason these solutions should not be implemented- first and foremost, aid to Ukraine without delay. At last, Speaker Johnson as decided he is there to do the job he was voted to do—consequences to fall where they may. I am cautiously hopeful. If the GOP continues to deny Ukraine aid, they are culpable in the slaughter of the people and of the devastating destruction of the democracy. Thank you, Adam, for writing your thoughtful editorials, filled with facts that only you have to share with us! Looking forward to the NY trial of #45 now that the 12 jurors have been sworn in and seated. Six more to go as alternates.
You’re asking congress to LEGISLATE ???
For real. I don’t know any other job where you get to do absolutely nothing and get paid for it and receive free healthcare to boot. I know there are some legislators who are actually trying to get something done but they’re the exception.
Adam, as far as immigration goes, there is a podcast, associated with the “Meidas Touch Network” (a two year old podcast started by the Meiselas brothers) called Coffee With Texas Paul. He talks a lot about border issues. He claims there really isn’t an issue. He has gone to the border taking video of the area. He is a Democrat and speaks proudly of the positive things Biden has done. I’m writing this because the border seems to always come up as a big issue. Maybe it’s not. Worth looking into.
We must remember downballot elections in November. Our Congress is a mess right now, but we the people can fix it, if we will. If we don’t, all these issues will sit unresolved until we do.
Outstanding article Adam!!! We must address those issues!!! Keep writing and I’ll keep posting!!!
Thank you Adam. I'm going back an reread shortly. I was raised in the Bay Area and my brother lives in Sonoma County. We were just down there visiting and we drive through Napa and there are hundreds of thousands of acres of grapes. Billions and billions of dollars. My nephew works for Gallo and when it's harvest time there are several weeks of 24 hours days and nights.
Who do people think pick those grapes? Have you ever watched them go after a row with a hook knives with a blade that will take your finger faster than you can take a breath. They go like greased lightening along those rows. Yea, lets arrest them all and dump them back over the border. Good thinking.
My older brother and I picked strawberries, beans, and boysenberries when we were kids and I was around 9 and he was 11. My dad decided we needed to learn where a dollar came from so he would drop us off at the fields on his way to work (at my grandfathers cannery) and pick us up on his way home. You do NOT know the joy of sitting in the middle of a strawberry field with a row that seemed to go on forever, the sun beating down, sweat in your eyes, and no shade anywhere. I don't see any of the Tik Tok influencers posting from the farm.
There was an immigration bill that was lead by Jim Lankford, a man I respect, and others, that was a good bill. The orange king spoke and down that bill went. Even those that worked on it and signed off on it voted against it!!!!!!!!!!'
I honestly don't know WHAT Donnie is telling them but is it ONLY a threat to their career or could it be more? Some Jurors are backing out and say they are afraid.
Thanks for posting as always and later on I'm going back and read all of that again.
Pamela, thank you for this descriptive personal insight about why we need immigrants for work Americans don't want to do! I witnessed this as an employment specialist for Ventura, Country, Southern California.
The house is all about job security it seems. Vote them out who don’t do their job. Can we exile MJT to Russia? The waterway that carry commerce also has to be considered when dealing with Israel and Iran. Too much passes through there. The border issue is a serious one due to many people’s are coming from nations other than Mexico and central America like the Chinese. So much has to be addressed and Trump is the news story every day. Today I read about Sudan and their troubles. An official said nobody cares. Where are we on this one? My head is spinning with it all and I’m putting my rose colored glasses on for the rest of the day. Self preservation. Thank you Adam for always keeping us informed on all of it.