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How much of our taxes go to pure fraud, waste, abuse? 30-40% More?
Hard to say, given how much every single thing which happens these days seems to have been carefully engineered to serve as a distraction.
Nov, 2011:“In order to get elected, @BarackObama will start a war with Iran.”
Apr, 2012:“Remember what I previously said—@BarackObama will start a war with Iran to prove he is tough and get elected.”
Oct, 2012:“Don’t let Obama play the Iran card in order to start a war to get elected — be careful Republicans!”
Sep, 2013:“Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin — watch for him to launch a strike in Iran or Syria. He’s desperate.”
Nov, 2013:“Remember that I predicted a long time ago that President Obama will attack Iran, because of his inability to negotiate properly — not skilled!”
Apr, 2021:"If Biden does not handle Iran correctly, we could find ourselves in another war."
Aug, 2021:"Biden's weakness is going to lead us to war with Iran; mark my words."
Aug, 2022:“Joe Biden could easily drag us into war with Iran, or worse, to distract from the disasters he’s caused.”
DHS along with the Secret Service ....seems kinda petulant and petty given the circumstances. but not surprising.
Apartial government shutdown (funding lapse) is ongoing specifically for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This began on February 14, 2026, due to congressional disagreements over funding tied to reforms in immigration enforcement (particularly related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following incidents earlier in the year). It has now lasted over two weeks. Key Affected Agency and Components. The lapse primarily impacts DHS and its sub-agencies/components. Most DHS operations continue as "essential" (with employees required to work, though many without immediate pay—retroactive pay is expected once funding resumes). Impacts include:
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Airport screening continues, but with potential delays or reduced staffing leading to longer lines/travel disruptions.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Disaster response continues for major events, but non-disaster/emergency measures may be limited or conserved (e.g., reduced resources for non-critical responses).
U.S. Coast Guard: Maritime search and rescue, port security, drug interdiction, and patrols continue but with resource constraints and potential disruptions.
U.S. Secret Service: Protective duties (e.g., for the President and leaders) continue without pay for many.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Border operations largely continue (some funding diverted to pay certain employees), but with strains.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Operations continue in some cases (with funding carve-outs in certain bills), but overall affected.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Critical cybersecurity functions persist, but broader work may slow.
Other DHS elements: Reduced non-essential activities, furloughs for a smaller portion of staff (estimates vary, but often 5-10% of workforce impacted in non-exempt roles), and conservation measures to stretch limited resources.
This is a narrow, DHS-specific lapse rather than a broad shutdown like the longer one in late 2025 (October-November). Essential national security, public safety, and law enforcement functions (including most border/airport security) remain active.
Hard to say, given how much every single thing which happens these days seems to have been carefully engineered to serve as a distraction.
Nov, 2011:“In order to get elected, @BarackObama will start a war with Iran.”
Apr, 2012:“Remember what I previously said—@BarackObama will start a war with Iran to prove he is tough and get elected.”
Oct, 2012:“Don’t let Obama play the Iran card in order to start a war to get elected — be careful Republicans!”
Sep, 2013:“Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin — watch for him to launch a strike in Iran or Syria. He’s desperate.”
Nov, 2013:“Remember that I predicted a long time ago that President Obama will attack Iran, because of his inability to negotiate properly — not skilled!”
Apr, 2021:"If Biden does not handle Iran correctly, we could find ourselves in another war."
Aug, 2021:"Biden's weakness is going to lead us to war with Iran; mark my words."
Aug, 2022:“Joe Biden could easily drag us into war with Iran, or worse, to distract from the disasters he’s caused.”
Feb 28, 2026:
Which dimension of chess are we up to now?
I think it's fine--and expected--to have ideological differences, and to see those differences play out in the media.
I don't think there's a place for waste, fraud and abuse within ANY administration. The Democrats have made it an art form, especially with USAID, Somali "learing" centers, and the homeless-industrial complex in California that's soaked the taxpayers for $27 BILLION while seeing homelessness grow.
I guess it's too much to ask to find common cause with fighting waste, fraud, and abuse. But at least on this thread we have CONSISTENCY.
I'm starting to suspect that you live in a different plane of reality from the rest of us.
Unrelated:
What I said happens every day on TV. People with differing views airing them. It's really not that surprising.
I just don't see a lot of people arguing FOR waste, fraud and abuse. It seems that we could all get on the same side with that issue, pot-shots notwithstanding.
I just don't see a lot of people arguing FOR waste, fraud and abuse.
Uh, every single Democrat and many Republicans who spoke out against DOGE, for starters. Congressman Mo Khanna (D) was recently interviewed by Shawn Ryan and he repeatedly stated that taxes should be higher, even in the face of immense fraud and waste. It's how he gets paid and maintains his seat.
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