Re- the Shutdown, my 2 cents:

[snot]

I think the Dems need to consistently emphasize that although both parties are basically holding the poor hostage (re- SNAP), Dems are doing it to try to SAVE affordable health care, while Repubs are doing it to try to END affordable health care.

(I just got an email from my Dem congresscritter in which that fact wasn't even mentioned.)

[BeerBarrelPolka]

1. The Dems aren't holding the poor hostage

Who do you think is fighting for the emergency funds?

[Brother Buzz]

2. This is how it should be framed. Full stop!

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/84taa_D99sQ

[snot]

3. He's right, of course, but imho,

an argument based on the underlying issue is more compelling; plus it doesn't evaporate if the stalemate continues after the emergency fund has been used up.

[mr715]

4. Understood but disagree

The Democrats are not a majority party in either chamber of Congress. They aren't under any obligation to govern. This is because the Republicans don't have the votes. They didn't count the votes.

Democrats own none of this. The ONLY benefit of not being in power is you are protected from claims of governance.

[snot]

5. Could I just add:

If one is talking to fellow Dems, sure, the emergency fund is the best solution in the short term; and I hope that even our current SCOTUS would agree that the refusal to use it is unlawful.

But as far as I know, the main reason the Dems haven't approved the new budget is because it slashes the ACA subsidies -- am I wrong about that? -- and thus, from the point of view of Independents or Republicans who might be reachable, it's a simple matter of logic that if the Dems in Congress caved on slashing the ACA subsidies, the the stalemate would end – so from their point of view, the Dems are just as responsible for the shut-down as the Republicans.

The difference that I think could matter to them is the reason why the Dems are holding out and the Republicans are refusing to compromise.

[lame54]

6. No wishy-washy both siderism...

It's the Epstein shutdown

[JI7]

7. Democrsts aren't holding anyone hostage