President Donald J. Trump

[Lt.Uhura]

Yes, we need workers at all levels.  What we don't need are people trying to spend their entire lives in an entry level position, and sponging off the taxpayers because they start families and can't support them on it.

A healthy, balanced economy would allow the basics even at low-wage levels. My father raised a family of 4 on a lower end salary. Yet he was able to provide the necessities, even a home and new car--which are out of reach for many Americans today, due to inflation and rising housing costs in particular.

As far as your restaurateur friends, aren't you sort of contradicting yourself?  If you all agree wages are ''too low'', and that's what's keeping them from finding anyone to hire, try suggesting they offer more pay (duh), and they'll have no problem getting people - perhaps your imaginary friends are unaware they are allowed to pay more than minimum?

Hasn't happened yet - I very rarely go to the overpriced lousy places everyone else seems to like (do people still have taste buds?  seriously) - but if it did there are plenty others.  Have you even been to Berkeley or Oakland, I can't even keep up with all the fantastic little cafes that pop up (and stay open)?

Your lack of reading comprehension leads you astray....I didn't say "restauranteurs". They all work for someone else, and right now it's all about wages versus housing costs, which are creating an exodus of workers from the big cities--yes, even college graduates. But your nose is pointed so high in the air you can't even see what's going on right in front of you.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/22/in-costly-bay-area-even-six-figure-salaries-are-considered-low-income/

[21st Century Man]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZASwA_sWKDs

ROTFLMAO!!  Sessions has been the one cracking down on illegal immigration and sanctuary cities.  From my viewpoint, he is the one of the few in the administration who is leading.  Trump can do no wrong in your eyes.  What a good little Nazi you would have made had you lived in Nazi Germany. :

Think for yourself instead of letting others do your thinking for you.  Trump is a two-faced sob for what he is doing to Sessions.  Lyin' Don is what I'm going to start calling him.  Cruz was an altar boy compared to lyin' Donnie. 

[21st Century Man]

Look at this poor replacement for Obamacare Trump, Ryan and McConnell are cooking up.  If you are going to replace it, do it right.  Take 2 years and come up with a better plan.  Repeal Obamacare now with a sunset clause taking affect on Jan. 1, 2020.  Democrats will be itching to work with Republicans after Obamacare is repealed.

[albrecht]

A healthy, balanced economy would allow the basics even at low-wage levels. My father raised a family of 4 on a lower end salary. Yet he was able to provide the necessities, even a home and new car--which are out of reach for many Americans today, due to inflation and rising housing costs in particular.

Your lack of reading comprehension leads you astray....I didn't say "restauranteurs". They all work for someone else, and right now it's all about wages versus housing costs, which are creating an exodus of workers from the big cities--yes, even college graduates. But your nose is pointed so high in the air you can't even see what's going on right in front of you.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/22/in-costly-bay-area-even-six-figure-salaries-are-considered-low-income/

Here is an idea. Move. I know, I know "harder than it seems" etc. But if jobs are scarce or housing too much there is a solution. Move to area with jobs, better paying jobs, or cheaper housing. This idea of rent control, incentives to decrease the dreaded "gentrification," and high minimum wages isn't the solution. It also ignores the fact that, in some cases, the 'disaffected' might actually PROFIT from the 'gentrification' and higher prices. Like when the 'bad part of town' property values rise so much that a condo delveoper will buy out the former ghetto houses for $$$. The market will correct itself assuming people act rationally. It also a movement of people out of some of the over-priced big cities might end up helping areas of the country that are losing tax-base, help with congestion (and prices) in big cities, and even help the environment since everyone is not concentrated in one area with their trash, traffic, waste, and carbon-footprints.

And also (with re: minimum wage) not everybody working at an 'entry-level' or minimum wage job is trying to support a family (or even themselves.) Often this is work by teenagers, retired people looking to get a few extra bucks, someone who works part-time in addition to their other job (mother, student, etc,) ex-cons, people who want flexibility, summer jobs, people with no previous experience, or by people with 'special needs' who might not be able to work at other positions but still want a job or a sense of achievement by doing something. Saying an employer must pay $20/hr and employer will say "you know we really don't need someone wiping off tables or collecting ticket stubs," and less jobs, or "we will keep the table wipers and ticket stub takers" but the price of the movie ticket or meal will be raised. Or, where possible, I will automate, outsource the job somewhere cheaper, or close and relocate. One solution that won't work for anyone's wages (in this country) is to simply throw open the border across all skill-level (and non-skilled level) workers.
Then there is this idea to solve the problem: http://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article163629198.html

[PB the Deplorable]

... your nose is pointed so high in the air you can't even see what's going on right in front of you.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/22/in-costly-bay-area-even-six-figure-salaries-are-considered-low-income/

If a person can't make it here on a six figure salary, they have a budgeting and spending problem.  Someone needs to tell them they can't buy everything they want, drive a new car, live in an expensive place, eat at fancy restaurants every night, go to all the shows and concerts, spend enormous amounts on clothes, makeup, and shoes, have all the toys, and take expensive vacations.  But that's the expectation.  Too bad.

As far as your friends and family working in restaurants, my first job in HS was at Pizza Hut making $1.75 an hour (was someone asking about inflation earlier?).  I guess the difference is I didn't decide to whine around about unfairness, go begging for government handouts, and stay there for the rest of my life.  But, you know, we didn't have professional rioters back then telling everyone they were being cheated, etc, and people were expected to support themselves after finishing school.

[Lt.Uhura]

Here is an idea. Move. I know, I know "harder than it seems" etc. But if jobs are scarce or housing too much there is a solution. Move to area with jobs, better paying jobs, or cheaper housing.

And how does this myopic idea to 'move somewhere cheaper' help the economy of these cities they leave behind, who then struggle to find low to moderate salaried workers? For example, cities like San Francisco have difficulty finding teachers who can afford to live in the Bay Area. It's no wonder these communities are considering subsidized housing for workers.

You can't have it both ways: While you abhor the idea of "socialist" programs that provide worker subsidies, the growing gap between stagnant wages and higher costs of living leaves few alternatives. "Move" somewhere else is not one of them.

[albrecht]

And how does this myopic idea to 'move somewhere cheaper' help the economy of these cities they leave behind, who then struggle to find low to moderate salaried workers? For example, cities like San Francisco have difficulty finding teachers who can afford to live in the Bay Area. It's no wonder these communities are considering subsidized housing for workers.

You can't have it both ways: While you abhor the idea of "socialist" programs that provide worker subsidies, the growing gap between stagnant wages and higher costs of living leaves few alternatives. "Move" somewhere else is not one of them.

Sure it is. Almost everyone I know, who had kids, one the major decisions on where to buy is based on school district quality. Etc. Just as one might move for a job or decide where to live based on where one works (or, a more European attitude, move to place you like and find work there but this might involve working in some position, new training/education, or whatever because jobs might not be in that place.) Or when retired move somewhere for a better quality of life or cheaper because job or schools aren't as much a concern. If people leave SF eventually prices would come down and teachers would be able to live there. Or society can say, you know, we should value teachers more and pay them accordingly. Or have a scheme that says teachers, firefighters, cops (or whatever) are exempted from property taxes so they can live in district. Or one of those dotcom SF zillionaires could sponsor some teachers or schools, since education is so important. Opening the border to all and sundry will NOT help employment, school, or healthcare issues however.

[MV/Liberace!]

He's lost a lot of support with his treatment of Sessions.  I suppose it won't matter to the dumb clods like MV who have been touting him for several years.

Don't be bitter.

[Lt.Uhura]

If a person can't make it here on a six figure salary, they have a budgeting and spending problem.  Someone needs to tell them they can't buy everything they want, drive a new car, live in an expensive place, eat at fancy restaurants every night, go to all the shows and concerts, spend enormous amounts on clothes, makeup, and shoes, have all the toys, and take expensive vacations.  But that's the expectation.  Too bad.

As far as your friends and family working in restaurants, my first job in HS was at Pizza Hut making $1.75 an hour (was someone asking about inflation earlier?).  I guess the difference is I didn't decide to whine around about unfairness, go begging for government handouts, and stay there for the rest of my life.  But, you know, we didn't have professional rioters back then telling everyone they were being cheated, etc, and people were expected to support themselves after finishing school.

FFS PaperBoy, do the math. You don't need a degree in economics to see what a $15/ hr job buys in today's economy. That's $600/wk x 4 wks = about $2,400/mo. That's BEFORE taxes. After taxes, that doesn't even pay the rent on a one bedroom apartment in the Bay Area and many cities across America.* Yet in spite of the facts about an economy in trouble, you want to perpetuate the myth that everyone (but you) lives beyond their means.

* http://www.apartmentlist.com/rentonomics/national-rent-data/

[Dr. MD MD]

ROTFLMAO!!  Sessions has been the one cracking down on illegal immigration and sanctuary cities.  From my viewpoint, he is the one of the few in the administration who is leading.  Trump can do no wrong in your eyes.  What a good little Nazi you would have made had you lived in Nazi Germany. :

Think for yourself instead of letting others do your thinking for you.  Trump is a two-faced sob for what he is doing to Sessions.  Lyin' Don is what I'm going to start calling him.  Cruz was an altar boy compared to lyin' Donnie. 

You should try doing the same. You're just bored and so you're flipping sides to give you something to complain about and so you can hang out with pud. The point of the piece is that he's refused to go after anyone from the Obama admin, who have committed actual crimes..but you enjoy your sewing circle.  :

P.S. Seriously?! Now you're calling conservatives Nazis too.  : :

[Dr. MD MD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEdflc0NOD8

[Lt.Uhura]

Sure it is...Or have a scheme that says teachers, firefighters, cops (or whatever) are exempted from property taxes so they can live in district.

Socialist!

[Dr. MD MD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o_B6uw8r5Q

[21st Century Man]

You should try doing the same. You're just bored and so you're flipping sides to give you something to complain about and so you can hang out with pud. The point of the piece is that he's refused to go after anyone from the Obama admin, who have committed actual crimes..but you enjoy your sewing circle.  :

P.S. Seriously?! Now you're calling conservatives Nazis too.  : :

No, I'm consistent in my views.  I'd rather the Attorney General work on pertinent business.  I don't think we should spend money on political catfights.  Overturning the previous adminstration's policies is more my cup of tea.  I'm for denying Mueller any authority to expand his investigation unless he has evidence that is pertinent to what he was hired to find out about Russian meddling.  Evidence not reasons.

Trump needs to lead and should stop acting like a whiny bitch.

[Dr. MD MD]

No, I'm consistent in my views.  I'd rather the Attorney General work on pertinent business.  I don't think we should spend money on political catfights.  Overturning the previous adminstration's policies is more my cup of tea.  I'm for denying Mueller any authority to expand his investigation unless he has evidence that is pertinent to what he was hired to find out about Russian meddling.  Evidence not reasons.

But you're cool with them wasting 6 months into an investigation of nothing?! You have no credibility.  :

[21st Century Man]

But you're cool with them wasting 6 months into an investigation of nothing?! You have no credibility.  :

No, I think the investigation is stupid and a waste of time and money.  I've stated that repeatedly and my views haven't changed.

[Dr. MD MD]

No, I'm consistent in my views.  I'd rather the Attorney General work on pertinent business.  I don't think we should spend money on political catfights.  Overturning the previous adminstration's policies is more my cup of tea.  I'm for denying Mueller any authority to expand his investigation unless he has evidence that is pertinent to what he was hired to find out about Russian meddling.  Evidence not reasons.

Trump needs to lead and should stop acting like a whiny bitch.

The only whiny bitches I see are people like you. You should take up watching soap operas or something and stop wasting the county's time with your obstructionism. 

[21st Century Man]

The only whiny bitches I see are people like you. You should take up watching soap operas or something and stop wasting the county's time with your obstructionism. 

LOL. I'm obstructing Trump by criticizing him and his actions on Bellgab?  ROTF!!! Get a grip.  Bellgab is an outlet but it has no significance in the overall scheme of things.  Or maybe you know otherwise?   Ha!  By Jove, a new conspiracy!

[21st Century Man]

I think you should report Bellgab to Trump, MD.  Report us as the miscreants we are and der Donnie can exterminate us.

Seriously,  If Trump acts like an asshole and hypocrite, I'm going to call him out on it.  When he does something right, I'll give him credit.

[Dr. MD MD]

LOL. I'm obstructing Trump by criticizing him and his actions on Bellgab?  ROTF!!! Get a grip.  Bellgab is an outlet but it has no significance in the overall scheme of things.  Or maybe you know otherwise?   Ha!  By Jove, a new conspiracy!

Either this is a country of laws that apply to all or it's just a free for all. I think it's time we stop excusing the criminal actions of people who've attained an elite status in society. 

[21st Century Man]

Either this is a country of laws that apply to all or it's just a free for all. I think it's time we stop excusing the criminal actions of people who've attained an elite status in society. 

On that we agree.

[Dr. MD MD]

Seriously,  If Trump acts like an asshole and hypocrite, I'm going to call him out on it.  When he does something right, I'll give him credit.

I'm starting to doubt you actually have the capacity to be able to tell the difference.

[Dr. MD MD]

On that we agree.

Then you've just contradicted yourself when you said you don't want a political cat fight so just excuse the Obama admin's crimes.  :

[21st Century Man]

Then you've just contradicted yourself when you said you don't want a political cat fight so just excuse the Obama admin's crimes.  :

If there is criminal evidence by all means prosecute but don't persecute based on whims and prejudices.  By the way, I think Mueller is doing exactly the latter.

[Dr. MD MD]

If there is criminal evidence by all means prosecute but don't persecute based on whims and prejudices.

:

[21st Century Man]

Don't forget, MD, Donald himself said Hillary should not be investigated because Hill and Bill are "good people."  All of a sudden he does a 180 and makes Sessions his whipping boy.  Sessions followed Trump's lead.

[ZaZa]

Exactly! How could people not hate you?! You're so full of contempt for anyone you consider beneath you (which is everyone) that you're the kind of jerk the left has traditionally loved to hate...and now you're one of them.  

I'm 99% sure that Meatie Pie is a member of ANTIFA, a violent member who burns cars, smashes windows, throws stones at others.
His attitude and tone here gives me that strong impression.

[albrecht]

Socialist!

Ha. Sorry I was using 'scheme' in the first meaning "plan of action," like the British do, though, I think here in the States one would take 'scheme' to be second meaning: some under-handed plan. I don't think things like zoning, tax-breaks, etc are necessarily socialist. Though I'm not against, in theory, socialism or other systems. Or allowing people to try them out on their own compound etc. But for a country as large and diverse as the USA with an open-border? No way it will work. It takes, where it can, at least in some form, work needs a relatively homogeneous, smaller population, shared values, and secure borders and sensible immigration policy to really work effectively- and like Norway it helps to have a lot of oil and gas to exploit.

[Dr. MD MD]

Don't forget, MD, Donald himself said Hillary should not be investigated because Hill and Bill are "good people."  All of a sudden he does a 180 and makes Sessions his whipping boy.  Sessions followed Trump's lead.

I don't think so. He was for a continuation of the war on drugs and civil asset forfeiture. Fuck him! We are seriously better off without him.

[ZaZa]

I have heard today that if Trump keeps up this tirade on Sessions,  Mattis and Tillerson will quit their positions.  If the first politician that supported Trump can be treated like this then God knows what he would do to others. That is what I'm hearing.

Trump better get his shit together if he wants people to work for him.

Source please, otherwise you were probably watching CNN. Again.
Because you know, CNN always tells the truth, right?