The faux outrage that Biden is stockpiling baby formula...

[scgal]

May 20, 2022 12:19:47 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

190 republicans voted against a bill to deal with this issue. 9 also voted against a bill to expand access for low income families to get formula. They appear to have no desire to help this situation. The party of life, yeah right!

what bill was that?

[justme]

I scanned but didn't see it, but I read an article about how this was basically a perfect storm. You have a market that has only 4 players - already a bad thing for an essential item. Furthermore one company is almost 50% of production. You also have a market that's shrinking - less babies are being born now. A company's only hope of growing is stealing from competitors (leading them to lobby to be exclusive wic brand) or convincing new moms formula is better. It's also a very regulated item so importing if something happens is virtually impossible. And it's not an item that that can keep increasing the price to go after profits that way. Add in all the covid problems of shortages and staffing problems. And boom one company having an issue fucks it all up.

It wouldn't be near as bad if Abbott wasn't practically half of the supply. I saw a post on fb that mentioned that the beef, cereal, and pasta (among others) also have very few competitors.

[Tiny]

May 20, 2022 20:23:43 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 20, 2022 12:19:47 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

190 republicans voted against a bill to deal with this issue. 9 also voted against a bill to expand access for low income families to get formula. They appear to have no desire to help this situation. The party of life, yeah right!

what bill was that?

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/05/19/republicans-baby-formula/

House GOP leaders were among the 192 Republicans who voted against providing $28 million in aid to the Food and Drug Administration to address the shortage of baby formula — within days of criticizing President Biden for not doing enough on the issue.

Do you think the 192 Republicans thought Biden should have spent MORE money   <--- sarcasm  (based on the fact that most politicians elected to the house or congress more than likely spend more than 28 million to get elected  so either it's a pittance or perhaps an astronomical amount... not sure...  )

On a separate bill, the House voted Wednesday overwhelmingly to ease the burden on low-income parents by allowing the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program — a major national purchaser of formula — to source it from more foreign suppliers. The vote was 414 to 9 with all the opposition coming from Republicans. The Senate approved the legislation Thursday by voice vote. It now heads to Biden, who will sign it into law.

[djAdvocate]

this issue is politically stupid.
shame on the GOP for making it political.
seriously.

[scgal]

May 20, 2022 21:34:01 GMT -5 Tiny said:

May 20, 2022 20:23:43 GMT -5 scgal said:

what bill was that?

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/05/19/republicans-baby-formula/

House GOP leaders were among the 192 Republicans who voted against providing $28 million in aid to the Food and Drug Administration to address the shortage of baby formula — within days of criticizing President Biden for not doing enough on the issue.

Do you think the 192 Republicans thought Biden should have spent MORE money   <--- sarcasm  (based on the fact that most politicians elected to the house or congress more than likely spend more than 28 million to get elected  so either it's a pittance or perhaps an astronomical amount... not sure...  )

On a separate bill, the House voted Wednesday overwhelmingly to ease the burden on low-income parents by allowing the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program — a major national purchaser of formula — to source it from more foreign suppliers. The vote was 414 to 9 with all the opposition coming from Republicans. The Senate approved the legislation Thursday by voice vote. It now heads to Biden, who will sign it into law.

Trying to did up information without taking a ton of time....From what I read the original bill was voted down for no clear direction of how the money was to be spent. It was a blank check to the FDA who already was whining about pay raises. From what I been reading about the shortage money to the FDA wouldn't help all that much. This is a supply issue. 

[pulmonarymd]

May 21, 2022 6:45:22 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 20, 2022 21:34:01 GMT -5 Tiny said:

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/05/19/republicans-baby-formula/
Do you think the 192 Republicans thought Biden should have spent MORE money   <--- sarcasm  (based on the fact that most politicians elected to the house or congress more than likely spend more than 28 million to get elected  so either it's a pittance or perhaps an astronomical amount... not sure...  )

Trying to did up information without taking a ton of time....From what I read the original bill was voted down for no clear direction of how the money was to be spent. It was a blank check to the FDA who already was whining about pay raises. From what I been reading about the shortage money to the FDA wouldn't help all that much. This is a supply issue. 

If you think something is a problem, propose a solution to the problem. What are the republicans proposing we fo about this. Do they have any ideas. If not, I do not care about your objections to this bill. They just want to stir people up, not solve problems

[Value Buy]

May 20, 2022 23:03:23 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

this issue is politically stupid.
shame on the GOP for making it political.
seriously.

AH, it was not even an issue until mainstream media made it an issue. Turns out some media personnel had relatives who had no formula and it became personal to the media head honchos.

[dondub]

May 21, 2022 8:06:54 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

May 21, 2022 6:45:22 GMT -5 scgal said:

Trying to did up information without taking a ton of time....From what I read the original bill was voted down for no clear direction of how the money was to be spent. It was a blank check to the FDA who already was whining about pay raises. From what I been reading about the shortage money to the FDA wouldn't help all that much. This is a supply issue. 

If you think something is a problem, propose a solution to the problem. What are the republicans proposing we fo about this. Do they have any ideas. If not, I do not care about your objections to this bill. They just want to stir people up, not solve problems

I don’t seem to remember Repo-cons ever offering solutions. That’s not their deal.

[weltschmerz]

Canada has baby formula but.....

In July 2020, the U.S. entered into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which discouraged formula imports from Canada due to an increased surcharge per kilogram.
"Trump bears much of the blame for the current shortage of baby formula in the U.S, since his Administration's USMCA free trade agreement has made it virtually IMPOSSIBLE for our country to import infant formula from Canada," tweeted Jon Cooper, a prominent Barack Obama fundraiser and former National Finance Chair of Draft Biden 2016.

www.newsweek.com/baby-formula-shortage-trump-cananda-usmca-1708188

Yep, due to the huge tarrifs Trump imposed with his ridiculaous NAFTA overhaul, you can't get formula from Canada.
Absolutely everything that bastard touches turns to shit.

[scgal]

May 21, 2022 8:06:54 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

May 21, 2022 6:45:22 GMT -5 scgal said:

Trying to did up information without taking a ton of time....From what I read the original bill was voted down for no clear direction of how the money was to be spent. It was a blank check to the FDA who already was whining about pay raises. From what I been reading about the shortage money to the FDA wouldn't help all that much. This is a supply issue. 

If you think something is a problem, propose a solution to the problem. What are the republicans proposing we fo about this. Do they have any ideas. If not, I do not care about your objections to this bill. They just want to stir people up, not solve problems

What they are wanting to do is like kicking a car that won't start. It won't help but could hurt. Why do think its ok to just throw money at a problem with no clear indication on how it will address the issue. Just because people object to something without having a proposal themselves does not mean they are wrong. They may be calling bullshit on the proposal because it is useless

[pulmonarymd]

May 22, 2022 6:57:23 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 21, 2022 8:06:54 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

If you think something is a problem, propose a solution to the problem. What are the republicans proposing we fo about this. Do they have any ideas. If not, I do not care about your objections to this bill. They just want to stir people up, not solve problems

What they are wanting to do is like kicking a car that won't start. It won't help but could hurt. Why do think its ok to just throw money at a problem with no clear indication on how it will address the issue. Just because people object to something without having a proposal themselves does not mean they are wrong. They may be calling bullshit on the proposal because it is useless

What the hell were they elected for if it is not to help solve problems?
If there is nothing they can do about it, then it’s not Biden’s fault
If there is nothing they can do about it, then they should STFU

It’s easy to say no. When people come to see me, they expect me to do something. If I can’t, I explain why and we come to the best decision we can, or get a second opinion. I expect nothing less from our elected representatives. The GOP has become the party of no. They claim that government is broken. Yes, it is, and they broke it

[justme]

May 21, 2022 16:26:34 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Canada has baby formula but.....

In July 2020, the U.S. entered into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which discouraged formula imports from Canada due to an increased surcharge per kilogram.
"Trump bears much of the blame for the current shortage of baby formula in the U.S, since his Administration's USMCA free trade agreement has made it virtually IMPOSSIBLE for our country to import infant formula from Canada," tweeted Jon Cooper, a prominent Barack Obama fundraiser and former National Finance Chair of Draft Biden 2016.

www.newsweek.com/baby-formula-shortage-trump-cananda-usmca-1708188

Yep, due to the huge tarrifs Trump imposed with his ridiculaous NAFTA overhaul, you can't get formula from Canada.
Absolutely everything that bastard touches turns to shit.

Yea my gop relatives were like are there not shortages in Canada? A two second Google had me telling them no. I really fucking wish the articles I saw mentioned trumps tariffs so I could have said that.

[justme]

May 22, 2022 6:57:23 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 21, 2022 8:06:54 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

If you think something is a problem, propose a solution to the problem. What are the republicans proposing we fo about this. Do they have any ideas. If not, I do not care about your objections to this bill. They just want to stir people up, not solve problems

What they are wanting to do is like kicking a car that won't start. It won't help but could hurt. Why do think its ok to just throw money at a problem with no clear indication on how it will address the issue. Just because people object to something without having a proposal themselves does not mean they are wrong. They may be calling bullshit on the proposal because it is useless

It's well documented what the problem is. The "free" market has made it so one supplier of baby formula supplies almost 50% of the US market with only 3 others making up the rest. So when the main supplier is shut down for violations the only option is to import until that supplier is back up - importing requires money due to transportation, taxes, tariffs, and inflation. But specifying a specific country or supplier is stupid because if they say know we're fucked and back to another bill. Seriously GOP bills aren't known for being specific.

If money is earmarked for something as specific as importing baby formula the only reason why I can think of repubs thinking that's not specific enough is a neon sign pointing towards them frequently siphoning off money.

[saveinla]

They showed a flight full of special formula that landed from Germany yesterday.

Next week, there is supposed to be a flight to Dallas from the uk.

But it still needs to be checked before its sent out to the stores or medical providers.

Looks like This is already happening with lower profit generic medicines as per the 60 minutes piece yesterday. We should be prepared to see more of this across the board.

[scgal]

May 22, 2022 7:21:37 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

May 22, 2022 6:57:23 GMT -5 scgal said:

What they are wanting to do is like kicking a car that won't start. It won't help but could hurt. Why do think its ok to just throw money at a problem with no clear indication on how it will address the issue. Just because people object to something without having a proposal themselves does not mean they are wrong. They may be calling bullshit on the proposal because it is useless

What the hell were they elected for if it is not to help solve problems?
If there is nothing they can do about it, then it’s not Biden’s fault
If there is nothing they can do about it, then they should STFU

It’s easy to say no. When people come to see me, they expect me to do something. If I can’t, I explain why and we come to the best decision we can, or get a second opinion. I expect nothing less from our elected representatives. The GOP has become the party of no. They claim that government is broken. Yes, it is, and they broke it

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

[justme]

You're only made to think it was far left. Seriously, go look at not biased views of the political spectrum in a world wide view. The "far left" of the US is pretty much in the center.

Trump tariffs helped make this even worse because Canada is not having a shortage, but with the tariffs he imposed we're having to go to Europe. Which is fucking ridiculous, but yay far right (who btw are actually far right).

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

May 23, 2022 9:57:49 GMT -5 justme said:

You're only made to think it was far left. Seriously, go look at not biased views of the political spectrum in a world wide view. The "far left" of the US is pretty much in the center.

Trump tariffs helped make this even worse because Canada is not having a shortage, but with the tariffs he imposed we're having to go to Europe. Which is fucking ridiculous, but yay far right (who btw are actually far right).

If you suggest letting a hungry kid have a free sandwich during school hours you are now part of the radical extreme left.  That's how far right our government has swung.

I was surprised because this  would be cheap easy political points for Republicans.  They could smooth over the outrage about R vs W by showing people "look they really do care about babies AFTER they are born!"

Or if they don't like what the Democrats offer they could have. . .I don't know. ..actually worked together to craft policy rather than taking their ball and going home like they do every single time a vote comes up anymore.  I haven't seen the most vocal Republicans out there craft a policy in years.  HOW LONG has it been now that they have promised they would come up with their own better bill to replace the ACA as one example?

[justme]

May 23, 2022 10:04:43 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

May 23, 2022 9:57:49 GMT -5 justme said:

You're only made to think it was far left. Seriously, go look at not biased views of the political spectrum in a world wide view. The "far left" of the US is pretty much in the center.

Trump tariffs helped make this even worse because Canada is not having a shortage, but with the tariffs he imposed we're having to go to Europe. Which is fucking ridiculous, but yay far right (who btw are actually far right).

If you suggest letting a hungry kid have a free sandwich during school hours you are now part of the radical extreme left.  That's how far right our government has swung.

I was surprised because this  would be cheap easy political points for Republicans.  They could smooth over the outrage about R vs W by showing people "look they really do care about babies AFTER they are born!"

Or if they don't like what the Democrats offer they could have. . .I don't know. ..actually worked together to craft policy rather than taking their ball and going home like they do every single time a vote comes up anymore.  I haven't seen the most vocal Republicans out there craft a policy in years.  HOW LONG has it been now that they have promised they would come up with their own better bill to replace the ACA as one example?

It's just wild that feeding kids is radical. Even when there's studies out there pointing to how many kids go hungry, studies showing how much better kids learn when fed, or the study that should sway repubs (notice me pointing out that helping kids isn't what will say them) that schools save money when it's "free" because they don't have to employ cashiers, pay for an online site, or hunt down people that owe money.

Similar to how is radical to remove late fees from the public library when it's been shown they actually save money when they do and their use goes up.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

May 23, 2022 10:12:36 GMT -5 justme said:

May 23, 2022 10:04:43 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

If you suggest letting a hungry kid have a free sandwich during school hours you are now part of the radical extreme left.  That's how far right our government has swung.

I was surprised because this  would be cheap easy political points for Republicans.  They could smooth over the outrage about R vs W by showing people "look they really do care about babies AFTER they are born!"

Or if they don't like what the Democrats offer they could have. . .I don't know. ..actually worked together to craft policy rather than taking their ball and going home like they do every single time a vote comes up anymore.  I haven't seen the most vocal Republicans out there craft a policy in years.  HOW LONG has it been now that they have promised they would come up with their own better bill to replace the ACA as one example?

It's just wild that feeding kids is radical. Even when there's studies out there pointing to how many kids go hungry, studies showing how much better kids learn when fed, or the study that should sway repubs (notice me pointing out that helping kids isn't what will say them) that schools save money when it's "free" because they don't have to employ cashiers, pay for an online site, or hunt down people that owe money.

Similar to how is radical to remove late fees from the public library when it's been shown they actually save money when they do and their use goes up.

But removing books from the school library because the parents feel it's "icky" and suggesting we go so far as to remove said books from PUBLIC libraries is just conservatives protecting our rights.

Well not "our" rights but their rights to not even be exposed to the merest whiff of ideas different from their own.  You might catch liberal cooties if a copy of Beloved is in the library when you walk in.

I was just reading some schools in red states are now removing services like Epic that allow children to check out books for free online anywhere as long as they have an account.  Since they haven't figured out how to force independent online platforms to ban books yet they are banning the platform itself.

But it's the "radical left" that is trying to transform America into something bad.  Uh huh.

[tallguy]

May 23, 2022 9:49:51 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 22, 2022 7:21:37 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

What the hell were they elected for if it is not to help solve problems?
If there is nothing they can do about it, then it’s not Biden’s fault
If there is nothing they can do about it, then they should STFU

It’s easy to say no. When people come to see me, they expect me to do something. If I can’t, I explain why and we come to the best decision we can, or get a second opinion. I expect nothing less from our elected representatives. The GOP has become the party of no. They claim that government is broken. Yes, it is, and they broke it

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

Obama actually governed like a moderate Republican.  If you think he was far-left your vision is seriously skewed.

You may not think of yourself as far-right, but you are certainly hitting a fair number of their talking points.

[weltschmerz]

May 23, 2022 9:49:51 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 22, 2022 7:21:37 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

What the hell were they elected for if it is not to help solve problems?
If there is nothing they can do about it, then it’s not Biden’s fault
If there is nothing they can do about it, then they should STFU

It’s easy to say no. When people come to see me, they expect me to do something. If I can’t, I explain why and we come to the best decision we can, or get a second opinion. I expect nothing less from our elected representatives. The GOP has become the party of no. They claim that government is broken. Yes, it is, and they broke it

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

Wait....what?   You think Obama was far left?  That's pretty funny. You don't know the meaning of far left.

[djAdvocate]

May 23, 2022 10:28:46 GMT -5 tallguy said:

May 23, 2022 9:49:51 GMT -5 scgal said:

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

Obama actually governed like a moderate Republican.  If you think he was far-left your vision is seriously skewed.

You may not think of yourself as far-right, but you are certainly hitting a fair number of their talking points.

Obama actually governed quite a bit like Reagan, whom he admired.  i have mentioned this before.  the GOP has moved SO FAR from where Reagan started the neo-con revolution (neo-cons were reformed liberals, according to their own accounts) that they can't seem to recognize the common roots to politicians like Obama.

and i will grant them that.  they have become more like the Taliban than any sort of conventional US party we have seen since the Civil War.  they think stealing elections and SCOTUS seats is normal.

[seriousthistime]

May 23, 2022 9:49:51 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 22, 2022 7:21:37 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

What the hell were they elected for if it is not to help solve problems?
If there is nothing they can do about it, then it’s not Biden’s fault
If there is nothing they can do about it, then they should STFU

It’s easy to say no. When people come to see me, they expect me to do something. If I can’t, I explain why and we come to the best decision we can, or get a second opinion. I expect nothing less from our elected representatives. The GOP has become the party of no. They claim that government is broken. Yes, it is, and they broke it

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

I've done a quick search and can't find a link to any story about how the FDA planned to use the money for pay raises, or even that they have been whining about pay raises. 

Federal workers are usually tied into a pay system per OPM. Pay raises are not given out willy-nilly outside the pay system.  It's based on time in grade and increases are limited to moving up steps and grades within that system or come from COLAs.  SES and GS employees CAN get bonuses.  Is that what you're talking about? 

[teen persuasion]

May 23, 2022 10:12:36 GMT -5 justme said:

May 23, 2022 10:04:43 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

If you suggest letting a hungry kid have a free sandwich during school hours you are now part of the radical extreme left.  That's how far right our government has swung.

I was surprised because this  would be cheap easy political points for Republicans.  They could smooth over the outrage about R vs W by showing people "look they really do care about babies AFTER they are born!"

Or if they don't like what the Democrats offer they could have. . .I don't know. ..actually worked together to craft policy rather than taking their ball and going home like they do every single time a vote comes up anymore.  I haven't seen the most vocal Republicans out there craft a policy in years.  HOW LONG has it been now that they have promised they would come up with their own better bill to replace the ACA as one example?

It's just wild that feeding kids is radical. Even when there's studies out there pointing to how many kids go hungry, studies showing how much better kids learn when fed, or the study that should sway repubs (notice me pointing out that helping kids isn't what will say them) that schools save money when it's "free" because they don't have to employ cashiers, pay for an online site, or hunt down people that owe money.

Similar to how is radical to remove late fees from the public library when it's been shown they actually save money when they do and their use goes up.

Circulation goes up when libraries go fine-free because then poor people can checkout books without worrying about paying off late fees that block their account. Lots of people stop using the library rather than talk to us to work out a solution when fines become a problem.

Libraries really hate imposing fines - they are just a blunt tool to get non-conscientious people to return their checkouts in a reasonable time frame, so others can enjoy the items, too. Unfortunately, those few thoughtless patrons keeping items too long (or damaging them) are the reason we still need some fines. Otherwise, libraries are all about sharing - you get a free copy to read, and you get a free copy to read, and you... Everyone is entitled to free stuff from the library.

I think that's part of the Right's issue with libraries - we share with everybody, not just the deserving few.

[justme]

May 23, 2022 12:38:08 GMT -5 teen persuasion said:

May 23, 2022 10:12:36 GMT -5 justme said:

It's just wild that feeding kids is radical. Even when there's studies out there pointing to how many kids go hungry, studies showing how much better kids learn when fed, or the study that should sway repubs (notice me pointing out that helping kids isn't what will say them) that schools save money when it's "free" because they don't have to employ cashiers, pay for an online site, or hunt down people that owe money.

Similar to how is radical to remove late fees from the public library when it's been shown they actually save money when they do and their use goes up.

Circulation goes up when libraries go fine-free because then poor people can checkout books without worrying about paying off late fees that block their account. Lots of people stop using the library rather than talk to us to work out a solution when fines become a problem.

Libraries really hate imposing fines - they are just a blunt tool to get non-conscientious people to return their checkouts in a reasonable time frame, so others can enjoy the items, too. Unfortunately, those few thoughtless patrons keeping items too long (or damaging them) are the reason we still need some fines. Otherwise, libraries are all about sharing - you get a free copy to read, and you get a free copy to read, and you... Everyone is entitled to free stuff from the library.

I think that's part of the Right's issue with libraries - we share with everybody, not just the deserving few.

The article I read about it - I think it was Chicago and somewhere in California - also mentioned they had a lot of books returned to them. The people had the books, but the fines got so big it made more sense to just stop using the library than just pay the fine. Especially when it gets to the replacement cost because library books are expensive!

[saveinla]

I am in CA and my city library has gone fine free, since last year. These are the new policies:


Are there still any costs associated with using the Library?

Yes. Fines are no longer assessed for items returned late, nor for lost Library cards or reserved items that are never picked up. However, if you lose or damage an item or simply never return it, you will still be charged the cost of that item. Lost fees are assessed 14 days after the due date. Upon returning items so they can be used by others, lost fees will be removed from accounts. Charges remain in place for other Library services, including copies and printouts, room rentals and interlibrary loans.


What about old fines on my account from before this change?

All historical overdue fines are also being waived as part of this change. If you continue to have fees listed on your account, they are likely related to lost or damaged items or interlibrary loans. If you believe there is an error on your account, please contact us.


Does this impact the Library’s budget, services or programs?

No, the City Council continues to support funding at the same level. Fines are part of general City revenue and did not directly fund Library operations. Monetary contributions to the Friends of the Library are always welcome; the Friends provide additional resources beyond the City budget for special programs and eBooks.


Are there any other changes accompanying the elimination of fines?

Yes, we are always looking for ways to make use of the Library less stressful and more enjoyable. To that end, we have recently implemented automatic renewals for items not on hold for others; longer loan periods; higher limits for loans and holds; and the ability to register for a Library card online. Please make sure your account includes your email address so you receive notifications of automatic renewals, upcoming due dates and items that are overdue.

[scgal]

May 23, 2022 12:27:13 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

May 23, 2022 9:49:51 GMT -5 scgal said:

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

I've done a quick search and can't find a link to any story about how the FDA planned to use the money for pay raises, or even that they have been whining about pay raises. 

Federal workers are usually tied into a pay system per OPM. Pay raises are not given out willy-nilly outside the pay system.  It's based on time in grade and increases are limited to moving up steps and grades within that system or come from COLAs.  SES and GS employees CAN get bonuses.  Is that what you're talking about? 

Tomorrow if I get a chance or remember I will try to dig up the story. If I can't copy paste it I will show where I got it from

[teen persuasion]

May 23, 2022 18:41:01 GMT -5 justme said:

May 23, 2022 12:38:08 GMT -5 teen persuasion said:

Circulation goes up when libraries go fine-free because then poor people can checkout books without worrying about paying off late fees that block their account. Lots of people stop using the library rather than talk to us to work out a solution when fines become a problem.

Libraries really hate imposing fines - they are just a blunt tool to get non-conscientious people to return their checkouts in a reasonable time frame, so others can enjoy the items, too. Unfortunately, those few thoughtless patrons keeping items too long (or damaging them) are the reason we still need some fines. Otherwise, libraries are all about sharing - you get a free copy to read, and you get a free copy to read, and you... Everyone is entitled to free stuff from the library.

I think that's part of the Right's issue with libraries - we share with everybody, not just the deserving few.

The article I read about it - I think it was Chicago and somewhere in California - also mentioned they had a lot of books returned to them. The people had the books, but the fines got so big it made more sense to just stop using the library than just pay the fine. Especially when it gets to the replacement cost because library books are expensive!

There's two separate fine structures here - late fees, and lost/damaged replacement fees.  

Our late fees top out at $5.00, but if you NEVER return an item it is eventually declared "assumed lost" and you are billed the cost of the item.  What patrons often don't realize is that when you DO return the item, it reverts back to late fees only (replacement fee is reversed, because - duh, we no longer need to replace it).

With some people there's an embarrassment factor - they don't want to face us.  We really just want the items back, so someone else can enjoy them before they lose relevance.  Drop them in the book drop overnight.  We get them back, you don't need to face us, next patron gets their hold, everybody is happy.  And every so often, we have a fine amnesty week - if you come in and ask us we will wipe out the fines on our items (unfortunately, can't do it for items belonging to the other libraries).  We also find ways to forgive kids' fines - write us a book review for a $1 off coupon, get a $1 off coupon for attending a program or meeting a reading goal, etc.  We frequently *fix* fines if there's extenuating circumstances - quarantining for Covid (obviously), family emergency, travel, car out of commission - though many situations can be handled by a phone call to us before fines trigger.  You know you are going on vacation for 3 weeks?  I can modify the due date when I check it out so it's after you return, for example.

Before Covid, we were gradually making more collections fine free.  First children's books, then YA.  During lockdown, all fines were suspended for over a year.  We've reduced DVD fines - unfortunately we need some way to encourage people to return them in a timely fashion, and some fine works here.

We've had a few patrons paying it forward - they donate a few $$ and ask that we use it to pay down somebody's fines. 

[scgal]

May 23, 2022 10:28:46 GMT -5 tallguy said:

May 23, 2022 9:49:51 GMT -5 scgal said:

?What
I never mention Biden. I was referring to the bill giving the FDA money when the FDA did not specifically say what they are going to use the money for all the while they are whining about pay raises.
As far as broken govt it has been broken a long time and both sides fucked it up. Trump would never gotten into office if it wasn't for how far left the previous administration was compared to earlier years. 

Obama actually governed like a moderate Republican.  If you think he was far-left your vision is seriously skewed.

You may not think of yourself as far-right, but you are certainly hitting a fair number of their talking points.

So since the last democrat president before Obama was Clinton. My question is who was farther left Clinton or Obama? 

[dondub]

May 23, 2022 19:52:06 GMT -5 scgal said:

May 23, 2022 10:28:46 GMT -5 tallguy said:

Obama actually governed like a moderate Republican.  If you think he was far-left your vision is seriously skewed.

You may not think of yourself as far-right, but you are certainly hitting a fair number of their talking points.

So since the last democrat president before Obama was Clinton. My question is who was farther left Clinton or Obama? 

Neither. They governed as centrists while you Repo-Cons have consistently moved further right. Nixxon would NOT be acceptable anymore even though he had a criminal regime like Reagan, W, and Trump. Just too liberal.