Political Discussion

Hemotep said:
What a bum deal. They should have kept striking.
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How much money does a union typically have on hand? They had the initial fine of $50,000 for going on strike, and an additional $10,000 per day as the strike continues.

Could they have been looking for a deal before they were forced back to work without a deal because they depleted their funds?

Additional, these people have been working the past 3 years without a contract. Does this mean no raises for them at all over the past 3 years when we saw all that inflation?
 
RenegadeMonster said:
www.linkedin.com

Americans see ideal salary at $270K | LinkedIn

A survey by Empower reveals that Americans feel successful with an salary of $270,000 and a net worth of $5.3 million.
www.linkedin.com www.linkedin.com
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these results are fascinating. Not surprised by Boomers thinking 100K is the mark, but GenZ at $600K is WILD, and I say this as a millennial. What sort of lifestyle does one expect (or need) to live that requires that much money?

One of the responses in that chain asks if “financial illiteracy” is a cause and one could argue society does not do enough to teach us how to be financially stable, external influences aside.
 
epyon415 said:
these results are fascinating. Not surprised by Boomers thinking 100K is the mark, but GenZ at $600K is WILD, and I say this as a millennial. What sort of lifestyle does one expect (or need) to live that requires that much money?

One of the responses in that chain asks if “financial illiteracy” is a cause and one could argue society does not do enough to teach us how to be financially stable, external influences aside.
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Honestly, I do wonder what it would take to get the same kind of life style that boomers could afford.

What kind of salary would you need to own a home on a single salary, have the same student loan debt to income ratio and be able to afford luxuries such as a boat. And don't forget you need to own a truck to tow that boat.

Here in the greater Boston area, in 2024 you need an annual household income of $275,000 to be able to afford a starter home for a family of 4. Additionally, this number goes up if you have student loan debt. Anything less than the $275, would be considered living above your means and you are likely one unexpected bill or missed paycheck away from disaster if you make less than that and bought a home.
 
The teacher strike in Beverly has now tied the record for the longest teacher strike in Massachusetts state history. Marblehead is 1 day behind as as they started their strike a day later.

The latest news as of this morning is the two sides are miles apart and not budging. The state labor department has brought in a third party mediator to hold fact finding hearings starting December 2.

The teachers union is not amused because they know what the result of the hearing will be. They will be told they need to return to the bargaining table, and each side needs to have concessions.

One of the things that is angering me is the news coverage of this strike. They interview local politicians or parents who are very much against the strike and the teachers union and do nothing but vilify the teachers and the teachers union. Lot's of think of the children type responses and who could do this to the children.


Also, I heard mentioned that in addition to the fines, teachers salaries were terminated as of yesterday. They will not be making any money / taking home paychecks until they are back in the classrooms.
 
Last night NBC Nightly News has a story that said the national average for child care is now higher than the national average for rent. People are paying more for child care than they are on rent for their apartment.
 
Trump has vowed to impose 25% tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada on day 1.

Mexico just responded this morning saying they would impose their own tariffs on the US if Trump moves forward with this. Looks like a trade war is what we are in for to start the year.
 
So he's going to cost people more to buy a home because of tariffs on Canadian lumber. He's going to cost the midwest more on the price of gasoline in the Midwest because of tariffs on Canadian oil. He's going to cost everyone more on produce, drug ingredients, and all the other items we import from those 3. But hey, the dipshits voted for this. Elon told you the middle class would have to experience some pain in the remaking of the economy. He and his rich friends will be fine and that's all they really care about. They never cared about you. You didn't listen but you will soon find out.
 
I will add this, I don't fundamentally disagree with tariffs. I think tariffs on Chinese goods are needed since they flood the market with inferior products and they steal our IP. It's why Biden kept them going. We do need to force companies to produce closer to home.

The Mexico and Canadian ones are just f'ing dumb. We are way too intertwined as neighbors and trade partners. It's just being a stupid bully. The Mexican ones are going to absolutely crush Texas. Of course our dumbass MAGA governor and Legislature will lap it up as good little, obedient MAGAs are supposed to. Or certain groups will get carve outs from Trump. Basically, if you kiss the ring he will help you. He's going to try to actively pick winners and losers. That's what happens in a fiefdom. It's sadly amazing just how snowed the idiots out there were who voted for him. I love that Gavin Newsome already came out and said he will continue the $7500 tax credits on EV purchases but will not give them on Teslas. That's a wonderful flex for the nation's leading economy to pull.
 
mdmost said:
I think tariffs on Chinese goods are needed since they flood the market with inferior products and they steal our IP.
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When it comes to inferior products, the majority of Americans don't care and the overwhelming majority of Gen Z don't care. Gen Z loves Temu and Shein. When buying something, price is the number one factor of consideration, not quality. Quality is almost always looked at last these days as anything of quality is considered prohibitory expensive and not within consideration of purchase. Fast fashion where you get something to use one or for a year that is cheap and then throw out and replace is what's in. Because it saves money.

Amazon was loosing a lot of business too Temu and Shein and just launched their own competitor of cheap, low quality junk that ships from China. There is no prime shipping. You only get free shipping on orders or $25 or more and they take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive. Additionally, this new Amazon store is only available via the mobile app. Where Gen Z shops the most and similar to how Temu and what not operate.

I think the tariffs will only cause pain. It's not going to prevent people from seeking out whatever is cheapest.
 
mdmost said:
I will add this, I don't fundamentally disagree with tariffs. I think tariffs on Chinese goods are needed since they flood the market with inferior products and they steal our IP. It's why Biden kept them going. We do need to force companies to produce closer to home.

The Mexico and Canadian ones are just f'ing dumb. We are way too intertwined as neighbors and trade partners. It's just being a stupid bully. The Mexican ones are going to absolutely crush Texas. Of course our dumbass MAGA governor and Legislature will lap it up as good little, obedient MAGAs are supposed to. Or certain groups will get carve outs from Trump. Basically, if you kiss the ring he will help you. He's going to try to actively pick winners and losers. That's what happens in a fiefdom. It's sadly amazing just how snowed the idiots out there were who voted for him. I love that Gavin Newsome already came out and said he will continue the $7500 tax credits on EV purchases but will not give them on Teslas. That's a wonderful flex for the nation's leading economy to pull.
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There’s thought that the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are about forcing them to be tougher on China as well. These thinkers hope some negotiation keeps the tariffs from happening.
 
mdmost said:
I will add this, I don't fundamentally disagree with tariffs. I think tariffs on Chinese goods are needed since they flood the market with inferior products and they steal our IP. It's why Biden kept them going. We do need to force companies to produce closer to home.

The Mexico and Canadian ones are just f'ing dumb. We are way too intertwined as neighbors and trade partners. It's just being a stupid bully. The Mexican ones are going to absolutely crush Texas. Of course our dumbass MAGA governor and Legislature will lap it up as good little, obedient MAGAs are supposed to. Or certain groups will get carve outs from Trump. Basically, if you kiss the ring he will help you. He's going to try to actively pick winners and losers. That's what happens in a fiefdom. It's sadly amazing just how snowed the idiots out there were who voted for him. I love that Gavin Newsome already came out and said he will continue the $7500 tax credits on EV purchases but will not give them on Teslas. That's a wonderful flex for the nation's leading economy to pull.
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In my opinion the only real reason for Tariffs is try to bring back jobs to America, the issue with that is that in todays world most companies are owned by private equity. Private equity only worry is to make as much as many as possible, these people are not going to pay American workers $25.00 plus an hour with benefits when they can still pay the Chinese way less with no benefits. It’s a good idea in theory but American companies these days are all about the bottom line. They’ll just pass it on to the consumers in the form of higher prices, meanwhile the rich will get richer and most of us will get poorer.
 
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