Brexit Fog

I don't think I am alone in having lost the plot on Brexit. Exit day is slated for March 29, which hits the Regional Weekend of March Madness and is right after Opening Day in baseball. Then April is big: baseball settles in, the NBA Playoffs, Avengers: Endgame, Game of Thrones... who has time for Brexit? Pushing it back a few months (or years!) is a great idea.

Comments

[daddy]

He leaked Cohen's returns? I thought it was SARs.

You're correct, Ext. Pardon my usual lack of mental precision.

[Old Lurker]

Porch "Yes, people are pissed off, but let's face it, if their understanding of how taxes work is that meager, we're doomed anyway."

Truest statement of the day.

Iggy posted some links this morning that had me feeling cold sweats from college days trying to learn his graphs and phrases the first time. Your three lines pretty much reaches the same conclusion as Iggy's links but without the recovered memories...

Those same people are the ones who say "I don't pay taxes...they give me refunds."

[MissMarple2]

Old Lurker,

I was once a Methodist and went through a church split. The conference sent us a replacement minister after our popular and well-spoken guy decided to move to Florida and start his own church. Very traumatic.

The new guy was totally unsuited for our area and managed to PO about 2/3 of the congregation within a few months. He was stubborn and would not make any concessions.

Anyway, we were part of the group that left, and the United Methodist Conference is iron clad in its rules and property ownership. We couldn't even have crayons from the Sunday School supplies, let alone the real estate.

So, we rented schools for Sunday services and eventually raised money, bought property, and built a new church.

[henry]

Dem racial charm hops the Potomac from VA:

BREAKING: Maryland House Speaker Michael Erin Busch has removed Democrat Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti from her leadership position on a subcommittee after she apologized for calling a majority black county a "n****r district"

https://twitter.com/realsaavedra/status/1100494783594811393?s=21

[MissMarple2]

Porchlight,

Thanks for looking that up. I had remembered seeing it but had no idea how to search for it.

At least I know I'm not imagining things!

[Old Lurker]

Henry, since VA is letting its three top people stay as if nothing happened, I think MD is trying to see just how far a Dem has to push before getting punished...here in the Mid Atlantic Blue States and Counties.

[henry]

OL, my guess is it gets worse towards the center of the swamp. (I worked in DC for a couple years mid 80s).

[lurkersusie]

The tolerant left

New York Post
@nypost
81-year-old Trump supporter assaulted over his MAGA hat (link: https://nyp.st/2TgLE24) nyp.st/2TgLE24

[daddy]

Did I read somewhere, maybe here, that in some Asian culture they count age from conception rather than from birth? Maybe not officially but culturally?

An answer to JimmyK's interesting question: What is age reckoning?

...east Asians calculate their ages differently. A baby is already considered a year old when they are born, as opposed to Western cultures where the baby is zero at birth.

And a bit more from Wiki

[Extraneus]

Those same people are the ones who say "I don't pay taxes...they give me refunds."

I think you guys are being too tough on the average Joe.

Joe has a regular job, a wife and 2 kids, claims 4 exemptions, and gets whatever he gets per paycheck. Trump and the Republicans pass a tax cut, opposed by every Dem in the House and Senate.

Now Joe, still claiming the number of exemptions equal to himself and his dependents, gets a little more net pay every paycheck. Yay, tax cut! Trump and the Republicans deserve to credit for that!

Then at tax time, Joe finds out he OWES THE IRS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! Holy shit! Where is he gonna get the money to pay that?

This is insane from a politics perspective, and whoever did it should be horse-whipped.

[D]

Lurkersusie:
You got the scoop on Biden!
Good for you!

[lurkersusie]

Another no nothing congresswoman

Steve Guest
@SteveGuest
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) compared border security officials to Nazis “back in Germany” during a hearing on the border in the House Judiciary Committee.

https://twitter.com/SteveGuest/status/1100483413168046086

[Extraneus]

In Italy, you're one when you're born, but not due to gestation. It's just the way the language says you're in your first year.

Quanti anni hai? (Silent "h".)

How many years do you have?

[Porchlight]

Ext,

Are you saying that the IRS should have changed people's withholding without their consent?

[lurkersusie]

Ext,

The stories I’ve heard is that the refunds aren’t as large
as last year.

[Porchlight]

To be fair, OL, some people with zero tax liability DO get free money from the government in the form of refundable tax credits.

[Old Lurker]

Joe was too stupid to notice he took more cash home each week because of the tax cut, Ext?

Your logic leads us to a country where Joe's earnings ALL go to the state for safekeeping and they give him a weekly allowance. Afterall, all earnings belong to the state anyway, right?

Not disagreeing on the "bad optics" you describe, but the problem is Joe has been ruined by a nanny state, which wants him ruined just that way for their own reasons, and not by Trump's Tax Cut.

[Old Lurker]

I know, Porch. Don't get me started on THAT.

:-)

[Extraneus]

Are you saying that the IRS should have changed people's withholding without their consent?

That's exactly what they did. They lowered the withholding for the same exemptions, but they did it in such a way that a lower percentage of the total tax was withheld. Thus, reduced refunds or taxes owed at year-end.

[MissMarple2]

https://nypost.com/2019/02/26/this-2-year-old-picasso-is-taking-the-art-world-by-storm/?utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow&utm_campaign=SocialFlow

This morning anonamom posted that wonderful story about those marble statues in Naples.

Now, this afternoon, we have this story about a 2-year old who is an abstract painter, with her pieces going for hundreds of dollars.

Whenever you are looking at abstract art now, you can truthfully say that a 2-year old could do it!

[Extraneus]

I meant:

Thus, reduced refunds, or more taxes to be owed at year-end.

[henry]

Arguably the ITS reduced the amount of excess income tax held on loan (at zero interest) from the American people. If local Congresscritters are too stupid to explain that, we need new ones.

BTW, we need new ones.

[Porchlight]

Ext, perhaps I wasn't clear. I meant change someone's exemptions without their consent. Surely that would have been a bad idea, if it's even legal.

I guess I'm not understanding what you think would have been the better route to take.

If people didn't see an immediate difference in their paycheck, and had to wait over a year to see bigger refunds, what sort of political impact would that have held?

Also:

Thus, reduced refunds or taxes owed at year-end.

Reduced taxes owed should count for something, politically speaking.

[Extraneus]

Joe was too stupid to notice he took more cash home each week because of the tax cut, Ext?

You're a high-end business guy and can look down on Joe if you want, OL, but it's his vote I'm talking about, not his education.

As April 15th approaches, a lot of Joes are going to be pissed about the "tax cut."

[daddy]

Loved the intro, Catsmeat, but of course I can't help myself:)

“We met a great many other interesting people, among them Lewis Carroll, author of the immortal "Alice"--but he was only interesting to look at, for he was the silliest and shyest full-grown man I have ever met except "Uncle Remus.”

― Mark Twain, Autobiography of Mark Twain:

[Porchlight]

Oh, just saw your 6:01 correction, Ext. Scratch my last point. :)

I remember a lot of "how will the new tax laws impact you?" messaging when the tax cuts passed and also around tax time last year. Coming from everywhere, not just the GOP.

[Extraneus]

I think it was done on purpose by Dem apparatchiks in the IRS.

Here's from Bloomberg:

The U.S. Cut Taxes. Why Will Fewer Folks Get Refunds?

More than 30 million Americans -- 21 percent of taxpayers -- didn’t have enough taken out of their paychecks throughout the year, meaning they will owe the IRS will they file their returns this year, according to a study from the Government Accountability Office. That’s an increase from 18 percent of taxpayers who were under-withheld last year. That means about 5 million people who got a refund last year won’t be getting one this year.

...

Fewer people getting refunds will give U.S. Democrats, who now hold a majority in the House of Representatives, an opening to question how much the tax law benefited the middle class. Only about 45 percent of voters approve of the tax cut, according to recent polls, and many Republicans in high-tax states already lost their seats in the 2018 midterm elections due to the changes in the deductibility of state and local taxes. Looking ahead to the 2020 presidential election, dissatisfaction with the tax law gives Democrats an opening to promise tax changes of their own, ones that favor the middle class at the expense of the wealthy.

[henry]

@jimgerhaghty
In Venezuela, Maduro’s stepsons plotted to skim $200 million from the state-owned oil company. Chavez’s daughte has more than $4 billion hidden in bank accounts in Europe. Finally, Bernie Sanders found some “millionaires and billionaires” that he likes.

https://twitter.com/jimgeraghty/status/1100422530731556866?s=21

[MissMarple2]

I think a lot of this has to do with state taxes paid no longer being deductible. This is no big deal here in Indiana, but in states like California and New York, it is a big deal, indeed.

My daughter didn't change her withholding over the last couple of years. Consequently, she got over $2000 back this year, which I decided to let Trump get credit for, since she blames him for everything. LOL!

[henry]

Ext, “due to the changes in the deductibility of state and local taxes”

That ain’t Joe Sixpack, that’s sally suburb from blue hell (aka IL or such) with Antifa xer living in the basement.

[daddy]

Catsmeat,

You write so clearly and beautifully. Thank gawd I don't have the pressure on myself to have to live up to such a standard. I would slit my wrists in exasperation;)

[anonamom]

Amtrack train stuckin Oregon snow for 36th hour

https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/a26534051/amtrak-oregon-snow-stranded/

"Can you imagine anything worse?"

"Article says there is a 'festive mood' still. "

"Then they haven't run out of booze yet."

[Jane]

OL,

I used to believe the right - meaning the correct idea would will out. I'm not so sure these days.

[D]

OL:
We already have sanctuary cities doing whatever they want, federal law be damned.
May is a disaster for the Brexit.
How did someone like her, who was against leaving the EU originally get put in charge of this.
Hold another vote?
Ridiculous.
Get the job done or get out of office.
She is so ineffective compared to our President.

[henry]

This is a good one:

https://twitter.com/holysmkes/status/1100531261192384512?s=21

[Old Lurker]

Ext...not rich me telling poor Joe to eat cake, so cool it on that please.

You are making a maybe valid conclusion based on anecdotes and not waiting to see the stats when they are all in. Fair enough but no way to run a country if some, but not all, experience what you say for Joe.

Frankly, if we want examples, we can all say "I know a guy who...".

MY point, is not Poor Joe, but how we can ever survive when a huge chunk of voters do not have a clue what is happening around them and to them, by the bums they vote for. Cap'n will jump on me, but I blame Joe in part for falling for the sizzle.

AOC is what happens.

[D]

Jane:
You are right about this. Correct ideas and best education practices have taken a beating lately.
Think about what our President is doing right now.
It is historic!
The Dems look mean and petty by comparison.

[Old Lurker]

Me either, Jane.

Frankly I suspect it will not until we get to the other side of the coming Dark Age.

[MissMarple2]

https://dailycaller.com/2019/02/26/joe-biden-2020-republican-donors/

Leaning towards running, and claims he has offers of support from some Republican donors.

[Porchlight]

Only about 45 percent of voters approve of the tax cut, according to recent polls, and many Republicans in high-tax states already lost their seats in the 2018 midterm elections due to the changes in the deductibility of state and local taxes.

Several problems here. First I'm not seeing evidence that loss of deductibility was so large a factor in the elections to deserve this sweeping cause and effect statement from Bloomberg.

Second, that was a big part of the bill: high-tax states need to sweep around their own backyard.

Third, again, I'm still not clear on exactly what should have been done differently.

I know the Dems will use the tax bill generally as an opening to bitch about the GOP, but that was a given, since they've been doing that since before it passed.

[Jim Eagle]

Don’t worry about the tax-deniers and their refunds. When you think about it is a dead minds game to give higher weekly pay for a one off yearly payoff. Economic illiteracy of the highest order perpetratrated by H. & R Block back in the sixties. Sold as a savings account.

Put $100 in every paycheck, instead of using it to your debt low and manageable, and in May you’ll get $ 1K or more to spend on even more shit while your debt stays the same.

P. T. Barnum lives long at Block. But great sales strategy when you think about it.

[daddy]

Tonto,

Great story at 04:55! What a small world of wonderful unexpected connections we have here.

[D]

OL:
I agree .
How in God’s name did AOC get in?
Sherrod Brown wasted time today asking Powell current Fed chair about Sore loser( didn’t get to stay as Fed chair) Yellen’s comment about President Yrump and the economy.
Powell gave him a disgusted look and said I won’t comment on that,to which Brown smiled.
My goal in the next 6 years is to get Brown our Dem senator from Ohio out of office.
I wish Captain Hate, Buckeye or Ann would run for the Senate

[henry]

JiB, add in the charity “tax deduction” scam and it’s even worse. Give a thousand to a [leftist] charity and get a hundred more on your tax refund!!!! Give two thousand and increase your refund enough to take your wife to dinner at a fern bar!!!

[D]

S/b. Trump..

[daddy]

That's some photo, daddy. I think Berger is reaching for documents he's hidden in his armpit.

Makes you wonder Box how he found room to shove anything else down his pants.

[D]

Henry:
I especially like the comment about how Amy invented the comb/ fork utensil.

[Jim Eagle]

OL,

For $5k I can solve most every LEST incident without expensive removal but common sense much less engineering science. Call me if you need to optimize your exposure. Special discounts for friends.

[Extraneus]

That ain’t Joe Sixpack

No, but I did say it was from a Bloomberg piece. :-)

[henry]

Hubble trouble. Our guys measured it and got a different number than the Europeans. Or Hubble is changing over time. The whole mess made fuzzier by the use of no math in the reporting:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/science/cosmos-hubble-dark-energy.html

[D]

3 senators Murkowski, Collins and Tillis will vote against the President’s emergency declaration.
Tillis is up for re-election in 2020 as is Collins.
Primary them stat!

[Rocco]

Happy Birthday Dave!

A few years ago the hospital my wife is employed by changed her deductions without her knowledge. She had been claiming zero throughout the year with an additional $10 per pay period but a new personnel hire changed it. So we ended up owing a couple of thousand dollars instead of getting a refund. When I asked my wife why she didn't notice the change in her paycheck she said, because I don't work the same hours every week and I have several bills paid through direct deposit, my check is never the same week to week. I can understand blaming people who make the same week after week for not noticing but sometimes shit happens!

[D]

Wrt Amy Klobuchar:
No one wants a mean girl inthe Oval Office.

[D]

13 Repubs voted with Dems to. Stop emergency declaration.
Find out who they are and let us offer some consequences.

[MissMarple2]

Creator unknown:

For non-right clickers:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0WRWiWW0AApxZF.jpg

[D]

Rocco:
When they want to change deductions or you do a document needs to be signed to issue the change.

[daddy]

Just noticed the compositional resemblance between these 2 photos and it tickled me:

1)

2)

[Old Lurker]

Since without the tax bill none of the growth, or jobs, or stock prices would have happened, that Joe might not understand that illustrates my point in chief.

[Rocco]

Maryrose, with an apology she was told a new hire was responsible for the mistake. We made arrangements with the IRS to pay them $200 per month until paid in full.

I hate the IRS! Growing up my mother worked as a waitress making 27 cents an hour plus tips. So she gets audited by the IRS and they try to make her prove her tips. Now here's a woman too proud for welfare raising two kids with a deadbeat husband who never gave her a dime. They suck!

[anonamom]

I wrtoe Tillis this morning, expressing my extreme displeasure with his lack of support for POTUS and high likelihood that he will have primary challenger. I guess he didn't care.

Mark Harris will not run. Health issues preclude it. Pat McCrory will not run. He aspires to higher office--either Gov (again) or Senator. Robert Pittinger (former seat holder) will not run.

There's a young guy I supported long ago when he made his first forray into local politics, Matt Ridenhour. He most recently was a County Commissioner, but lost the election to a D. I'd like to see him go for it.

[D]

Anonamom:
A name was mentioned on tv about a possible replacement candidate.

[D]

Rocco:
I hate them as well.
My husband was self-employed and I always had to pay social security taxes so he would get it after retirement.
I would save each month for that payment in April.

[Extraneus]

(Click to open.)

[anonamom]

I think Amy should take a different tack. I think she should own the "mean Mom"/Anna Wintour thing myself. The stuff her staff whines about just goes with the territory, IMHO. Yes, it is your job to pick up after her.
And get a GD fork when you get a salad, moron! That what she pays you for.

You're lucky she didn't make you hand feed her, lettuce leaf by lettuce leaf.

[D]

Anonamom:
You should run against him.
You have more common sense and intelligence and could stand up to the Dem bullies like Feinstein and Schumer.
Meetkowski continues to disappoint.

[D]

Anonamom:
Sorry,
Eating it with a comb takes it to a level I am not comfortable with.

[daddy]

Maryland House Speaker Michael Erin Busch has removed Democrat Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti from her leadership position on a subcommittee after she apologized for calling a majority black county a "n****r district"

Once confronted, Lisanti is accused of saying that everyone has used the racial slur.

When asked about it, she allegedly said, “I’m sure I have [used it] . . . I’m sure everyone has used it. I’ve used the f-word. I used the Lord’s name in vain.”

[Extraneus]

Matt Gaetz slams Cohen about ‘girlfriends’ in threatening tweet

Rep. Matt Gaetz went after Michael Cohen Tuesday, asking if his wife knew about his “girlfriends” just a day before President Trump’s former lawyer was scheduled to testify publicly before a House committee.

“Hey @MichaelCohen212 – Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends?” tweeted the Florida Republican, a staunch Trump ally.

“Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat,” Gaetz added. “I wonder if she’ll remain faithful when you’re in prison. She’s about to learn a lot.”

[Narciso79]

Evening all:

https://www.oneangrygamer.net/2019/02/youtube-terminates-don-shipleys-channel-that-exposed-nathan-phillips-stolen-valor/77685/

No good deed, goes unpunkshed.

[Narciso79]

Well didnt gates and Manafort both have mistresses, gates more than one.

[MissMarple2]

Rocco,

An old family story bears repeating here.

My dad owned a small sheet metal and furnace shop, employing 3 guys.

He got audited one year and had to pull all sorts of records. My mom helped him and I remember them stacking the stugff on the kitchen table. I was 7 or 8.

Anyway, he went in for his appointment and everything checked out. My mom went with him, which was a good thing, because she got him out of there without my dad going for the agent's throat when he propped himself back, put his feet on his desk and said,

"That's ok. We'll get it next year."

[Jim Eagle]

Follow me here but Klobchur has a certain sexy eye and smile when asking questions that can be putting off as sensible when if fact it is the opposite.

Not that I would buy it or Kavanaugh but it was interesting in watching her then.

She is at the lowest end of the totem pole, so don't worry,

[lurkersusie]

This is the Republican Party

NBC News on Twitter: "Asked by @kasie if he believes President Trump's emergency declaration is legal, Senate Majority Leader McConnell says he had not "reached a total conclusion." https://t.co/eMXV1Kh5KU" / Twitter

[Buckeye]

One thing I will say about Gaetz.

He knows how to fight down and dirty.

[Extraneus]

Follow me here but Klobchur has a certain sexy eye and smile

Yes, she is the only one with sex appeal.

[MissMarple2]

https://amgreatness.com/2019/02/26/media-proves-my-point-again/#.XHW7_Hp4Oz8.twitter

A column by Donald Trump, Jr.

Also, he will be on Tucker Carlson tonight.

[lurkersusie]

Former clerk for Justice Thomas

Senate Cloakroom
@SenateCloakroom
Confirmed, 53-46: Executive Calendar #16 Eric Miller to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

[daddy]

Amtrak Train with 183 People On Board Has Been Stranded in Oregon Snow for 36 Hours

It's "The Spirit Of Mawson" all over again.

[Extraneus]

Great piece by Don Jr.

[anonamom]

So, anybody got any questions for James Comey?

He's going to be on Charlotte Talks tomorrow at nine, 90.7 FM.

They livestream at wfae.org.

It's a call in.

I've already sent three sets of questions in to the host--one set of ten from Byron York, another set of ten, and 49 from The Hill.

Hope he does better than he did last visit to Congress, when he responded "didn't remember" or "didn't know" 245 times.

[MissMarple2]

Met with @MarcoRubio, @SenRickScott, @SenatorRisch & @MarioDB, @RepEliotEngel, @RepMcCaul, & @DWStweets today to update them on my discussions with @JGuaido & the Lima Group. Proud to stand with the people of Venezuela on their journey from tyranny to freedom. #VenezuelaLibre pic.twitter.com/C2qWOPTypk

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 27, 2019

Pictures at link.

[Narciso79]

Considering the low turnout:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/amp/27938167/only-idiot-would-vote-daley-preckwinkle-mendoza-or-chico&ved=2ahUKEwjt8sm41trgAhVuzlkKHQNvBTAQy-sDMA56BAgHEDg&usg=AOvVaw0zgCVn7RSH9gLwZ7mAXQMo">https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/amp/27938167/only-idiot-would-vote-daley-preckwinkle-mendoza-or-chico&ved=2ahUKEwjt8sm41trgAhVuzlkKHQNvBTAQy-sDMA56BAgHEDg&usg=AOvVaw0zgCVn7RSH9gLwZ7mAXQMo">https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/amp/27938167/only-idiot-would-vote-daley-preckwinkle-mendoza-or-chico&ved=2ahUKEwjt8sm41trgAhVuzlkKHQNvBTAQy-sDMA56BAgHEDg&usg=AOvVaw0zgCVn7RSH9gLwZ7mAXQMo

[Narciso79]

Too much code in the url.

[D]

Anonamom:
Great job with the questions.
Lurkersusie:
You made my day with the confirmation vote of Miller.

[D]

Who will win in Chicago primary?

[henry]

Klobuchar sex appeal? I missed it when she was 20, she has even less now.

[MissMarple2]

http://thefederalist.com/2019/02/26/sen-joni-ernst-introduces-bill-expose-billion-dollar-boondoggles/

I don't agree with Ernst on everything, but I think this is a great idea!

[D]

DiGenova says with Barr the people at DOJ and the FBI are shaking in their boots.
There will be consequences for the lawbreakers.

[henry]

Ernst should be careful... ethanol is a bigger boondoggle than any train.

[Manuel Transmission]

Heh. That stranded train was stopped just a few miles from one of my detectors we put in about 30 yrs ago. It is on the west slope of the Cascades and is quite remote. There was even a derailment over our detector that required almost a complete rebuild. Rough territory.

As much as I don’t give Amtrak much credit, there was no way they could have done anything but keep everyone there on the train. Besides, there weren’t any murders to solve, so what’s the big deal!

[D]

Klobuchar says she is a tough boss.
Why not be a good boss and motivate and inspire people.
It is so much easier for her to be demanding and belittling.
I disagree. There job isn’t to wait on her hand and foot while she verbally abuses them.
How does that promote a positive working place.
Kudos to those with enough self respect to tell her to pound sand.

[D]

MT:
An elderly passenger said : we were warm and we had enough food and drink.

[Narciso79]

That's what cut Pruitts throst as well what lost Whitaker the Senate primary.

[Extraneus]

Klobuchar says she is a tough boss.

She's a bitch. I was a boss for over 30 years. Never had a need to berate an employee.

[Jane]

MT,
That’s good to hear. It all seemed so absurd.

[Jim Eagle]

Off to bed to watch. But Klobuchar is delisioinar if she thinks she can win. Its all about legal bribes to campaigns. They are thieves and fraudsters beyond judicial review.

[Captain Hate]

According to the Horde the stranded Amtrak people have been rescued.

[MissMarple2]

More on the Methodists, from the perspective of The Atlantic:

https://www.theatlanc.com/politics/archive/2019/02/united-methodists-fracture-lgbt-plan-rejected/583693/

[MissMarple2]

Reuters Top News
‏Verified account @Reuters
10m10 minutes ago

Citgo formally cuts ties with Venezuela-based parent company: sources https://reut.rs/2EipvXq

[MissMarple2]

https://cbs4indy.com/2019/02/26/depauw-university-reduces-size-of-administration-and-staff/

This is where my granddaughter goes. She is on a full-ride scholarship. If you were just going there without help, the cost is enormous.

Looks to me like the student loan thing is causing a lot of people to have second thoughts about signing up for a private, expensive school. That's a lot of people to lay off, and it seems to me that the school is getting smart before the bottom falls out.