Sunday, August 09, 2020

Right Hand Is Not Talking To The Left Hand


Let’s see:

1) Texas is the second most populous state in the uniiin.

2) The Texas legislature doesn’t meet again until January. So there is no appropriation for 25% of Trump’s unfunded UI extension, and no possibility of one before November.

3) Even if Abbott called a special session just for that purpose, the Comptroller has announced a revenue shortfall for 2021. Texas, like many states, can’t run a deficit.

4) How does this pressure Nancy Pelosi again? We’re rolling into October (when early voting starts) with no UI extension and the economy about to be flushed down the toilet and Trump has his hand on the lever.

5) Trump was asked at Bedminster what happens if the states don't pony up 25% (because without it, there is no UI extension for that state), and Trump said, basically, that's their problem.

6) As Eliot said:  "Shape without form, shade without colour,/Paralysed force, gesture without motion."  There is no there there, in other words.  Twitter may be aflame with cries of "constitutional slop!" and fervent prayers somebody sues over this, but the horses aren't even leaving the gate.  Because the race is never gonna start.

7) Most people aren't paying attention to Twitter, or even watching MTP (I went for decades without watching those shows).  But they do know their UI has run out, and the landlord has started eviction procedures.  And did you hear?

Second most populous state in the country, did I mention?  And no help coming; that's what people know.  Oh, in related news:

Gee, what could possibly make Texas a "battleground state"?  I can't imagine.....

7) As for the payroll tax suspension (it's not a cut):  that just delays taxes due until January, when everything you didn't have taken from your paycheck in 2020, becomes due.  Employers have to match your SSI, and are reponsible for that withholding check they send to the IRS.  Smart money says they just keep withdrawing as per usual, lest they find themselves on the hook for the balance due, or have to make you forego a paycheck or two to balance the books.  Either way, another empty gesture that won't even "trickle down" to most pocketbooks.  If you're earning a paycheck at all, which millions aren't right now.

8) Trump has done his part.  He's through.  Anybody still expecting an 'October Surprise'?

Yeah, and when they find out he hasn't done anything (because talk is cheap, especially when you need a paycheck):

SURPRISE!

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