Yes, and her mental health!

Tobin, I agree that we all need to stop hanging labels....

...of our choice on any of our fellow man. What moral right do I have to publicly hang the label of "stupid" on a man or woman I don't even know, and certainly have not walked a few miles in their shoes?

Absolutely none.

Let's all remember - the world is watching us.

Thanks, Sunlei for pointing out those additional factors.

That Watson Report is making for interesting, informative reading.

I recall some wise heads estimating our total cost of the Iraq war at around $3T toward the (semi-)end of that conflict and most talking heads thought it was crazy.

These reports also do not - and probably cannot - factor in psychological costs, either to people in those war zones or in the USA. Nor does it include long-term costs to those economies due to loss of human capital, or the "what could have been".

There's also no accounting for loss of culture and community - two of the most important factors to peaceful human existence.

Yes. We're going to be facing some very serious mental health challenges.

As more people realize they've been hoodwinked, they will face serious fear, depression and anxiety problems. We can only hope they seek help and don't resort to violence - domestic or public.

Many I fear, will learn the heard way that keeping their minds occupied in the right-wing propaganda bubble will not help with these very serious mental issues.

Even worse news is that the Repug congress critters will be reducing access to affordable mental health care.

According to a rough calculation that is approx. $18,000 per capita.

Over a 15-year period and the population at approx. 310 million.

That would buy a lot of beans and 'taters, folks.

Agreed!

And, anyone who years ago exposed Limbaugh for what he really is - is OK by me, LOL.

Seriously, Al is a champion of the best of progressive causes every day in Congress, and he's very intelligent. If there ever was an antithesis to our very despised Sen. McConnell, Al is the one!

THIS too - Check out this cool movement - Very inspiring!

Run for Something

https://www.runforsomething.net/
and
https://twitter.com/runforsomething

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(snip)
Run for Something will recruit and support talented, passionate young people who will advocate for progressive values now and for the next 30 years, with the ultimate goal of building a progressive bench.

We’ll take a chance on people the usual “institutions” might never encounter. We’ll help people run for offices like state legislatures, mayorships, city council seats, and more. We’ll do whatever it takes to get more under-35 year-olds on the ballot.
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I love the idea of getting more young people to run for office. An analysis has already said they are winning races at an unprecedented rate!

What amazes me these days about Al is...

how he can restrain himself when doing talk show interviews. I can tell he would really like to let 'er rip on the Republicans, but manages to maintain decorum and the dignity of his office.

Better man than me in that regard, LOL.

To me, this would be unfair to the poor.

People that pay little or no tax would not benefit, and we need voters of all income levels out to vote.

Instead, why not just give each voter a crisp $20 or $100 bill to help with expenses (gas, bus fare, etc.)? That would also help anyone that actually lost income because they took time to vote.

However, you can bet that Repugs would be against it because it would cost them net votes.

I think Franken has shocked a lot of people...

with his dedication, sincerity, and thoroughness. The Repugs thought he would be a joke but they've learned better. I think they fear him now.

He's one of our best and Minnesota is very lucky!