US Elections (& Politics) :)

[mat200]

There’s a powerful psychological phenomenon at play that goes beyond simple political alignment. For many members of the MAGA movement, their loyalty to Donald Trump isn’t just about supporting a politician; it's about belonging to a community and a shared identity. When a person's sense of self-worth becomes deeply intertwined with a group and its leader, they will protect that connection at almost any cost. Facts that contradict the leader or the group's beliefs are not just intellectual disagreements; they are personal attacks that threaten their entire worldview. To accept a different reality would mean admitting that their core beliefs are wrong, which for many is a far more painful prospect than dismissing inconvenient truths.

This dynamic creates a feedback loop where loyalty reinforces itself. When a follower defends the leader against criticism, they are not only protecting the leader but also their own commitment to the cause. Every time they rationalize a controversial statement or dismiss a documented falsehood, they are doubling down on their allegiance. This process, often called "escalation of commitment," makes it progressively harder to pull away. It's much easier to stay in the group and believe the external world is hostile and deceptive than to face the cognitive dissonance of realizing you may have been wrong. The media, political opponents, and even basic institutions are framed as "enemies," which only strengthens the group's internal cohesion and a sense of shared persecution.

Last but most importantly, this loyalty-over-logic approach is less about policy and more about emotion. It's a response to a perceived threat to a way of life, a feeling of being forgotten or left behind. The leader becomes a symbol of strength and defiance, someone who "says what we're all thinking" and fights back against a system that has, in their view, failed them. In this environment, rational debate and fact-checking are seen as the tools of the enemy, designed to undermine their faith. The connection to the leader is personal and visceral, a bond forged in shared grievances and a common enemy. It’s a powerful emotional engine that can drive a movement forward, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
George Orwell, 1984

Spot on !

So true imho

 

[David L]

Necessary fact of life for 90%+ of Americans at some point.

I wonder if anyone has done the math on what the interest cost would be on 50 vs 30?

I remember my first and only mortgage, back in 1990 we paid 9.5% interest on a 30 year mortgage, by the end of 30 years we would of paid triple the purchase amount of the house. We were able to pay it off in 22 years, which came to about double the price we bought the home for. We took advantage of an early payoff plan the Mortgage company offered where we paid about $50-75 more a month and made 26 (bi-weekly) payments a year instead of monthly.

 

[David L]

I remember my first and only mortgage, back in 1990 we paid 9.5% interest on a 30 year mortgage, by the end of 30 years we would of paid triple the purchase amount of the house. We were able to pay it off in 22 years, which came to about double the price we bought the home for. We took advantage of an early payoff plan the Mortgage company offered where we paid about $50-75 more a month and made 26 (bi-weekly) payments a year instead of monthly.

View attachment 232077

Wow, those 20 more years is a Killer

 

[bigredfish]

We got lucky. had a 6% interest 30yr and refinanced at year 5 for 3.2% on a 15 year. Then sold with just $75K left on the note and came out good at the top in summer of '22.
Just lucky timing all the way around

 

[samplenhold]

This is an interesting point of view. I would add that there is probably a scale of intensity, and the more left one is, the more radical the swing.

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[Oceanslider]

And to my point about Liberals...Quickly dismissive when brought the Truth...

Her very last comment

 

[Oceanslider]

We got lucky. had a 6% interest 30yr and refinanced at year 5 for 3.2% on a 15 year. Then sold with just $75K left on the note and came out good at the top in summer of '22.
Just lucky timing all the way around

We’ve been praying for you

 

[garycrist]

With AI (my definition assholes and idiots) and the garbage from the 1 eyed
babysitter or worse everything on the internet is true, Matthew 24:4 explains it all...

 

[gwminor48]

I did not know this many Jewish people voted for Mamdanai.

 

[Arjun]

 

[Oceanslider]

Fact

Pretty much all cultures, other than Islamic rooted cultures, assimilate.

 

[David L]

Good find...this holds true in just about every part of life, you can't join our club, you can't be part of our church, you can't marry my daughter but you can take my wife...haha...

 

[Oceanslider]

 

[Sybertiger]

The Inflation Reduction Act is called that because its name was chosen to highlight its goals of lowering costs for American families and reducing the national deficit, which were presented as ways to fight inflation. While proponents argue it will help control prices in the long run, critics contend the name is misleading, with some questioning its actual impact on inflation. The name reflects the political and economic climate of 2022, when consumer prices were rising rapidly.

• To reduce inflation: The law was named with the political intention of addressing public concern over rising prices. Democrats argued it would "reduce inflationary pressures".
• To lower costs for families: The act includes provisions to lower healthcare costs, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, which is expected to save money for seniors.
• To reduce the deficit: A significant goal of the bill was to reduce the national debt by increasing tax revenue from corporations and closing tax loopholes.
• To invest in energy: The legislation includes major investments in clean energy and climate change solutions, with the argument that this will lead to more stable energy prices in the future.
• A point of political debate: The name is a subject of debate, with some arguing the name is a misnomer and others suggesting the bill's effects are likely to be minimal or even negative on inflation.

 

[Sybertiger]

Did it reduce inflation and cure our problems?

 

[bigredfish]

Did it reduce inflation and cure our problems?

No it was never truly intended to. It was heavy in handouts for Green shit and various liberal policies.

Much like the BBB but different handout priorities.

 

[tigerwillow1]

The law was named with the political intention of addressing public concern over rising prices.

As with almost every bill (law) from either party, it was named to support the rest of the political propaganda associated with it, consisting of exaggerations and lies.

 

[David L]

 

[David L]