The 2025 Government Shutdown Thread

[bèlla]

You really seem to admire the elite and and money. People’s stations in life. I wonder why. You speak of it constantly. It makes me very curious. I’m not saying this as a dig but you speak in very broad terms and are quite elusive in your flowery speech. You go to a lot of extremes in your phases in life depending on what you view on YouTube from what I have observed but you have never let go of the financial and social aspect of it. So do not take offense. I find it fascinating.

I don’t admire them at all but I’m well versed in the subject nonetheless. Understanding how the world operates is important. There’s good and bad in all groups and I glean where needed for my purposes. I make no secret about playing the game nor do you enter certain industries without the skills and interests to do so. We all have areas where we excel and I capitalize on the ones I do.

What you perceive as extremes are the result of a plan I developed in my thirties that I’ve been working through since that period. I’ve always been driven and focused on my development. Everything I do has a reason and it isn’t for naught. I may share an interest from time to time but it isn’t the whole.

My behavior is a reflection of the setting and protocols for the medium. I‘ll share things from time to time and post items of interest. But you’ll never know me intimately because the internet has a place and physical connections are my priority. I don’t want online friends or to share my burdens with strangers. I’m not saying that’s wrong and recognize it’s an outlet for many and source of support. But it‘s easy too and that’s part of the reason many feel so alone. We need to get back to life outside of here.

I center my conversation around certain topics intentionally, But when it comes to money I don’t say much at all. I don’t tell you what I do, where I go or what I buy beyond Costco. I don’t share my plans or goals or what I read for that matter. I don’t provide details about my work and you mentioned that before. I value my privacy and I’m not the sort of person who’s looking for approval.

Nothing you said is a surprise and I already knew you felt that way. Hopefully your curiosity is satisfied.

~bella

 

[Michie]

I don’t admire them at all but I’m well versed in the subject nonetheless. Understanding how the world operates is important. There’s good and bad in all groups and I glean where needed for my purposes. I make no secret about playing the game nor do you enter certain industries without the skills and interests to do so. We all have areas where we excel and I capitalize on the ones I do.

What you perceive as extremes are the result of a plan I developed in my thirties that I’ve been working through since that period. I’ve always been driven and focused on my development. Everything I do has a reason and it isn’t for naught. I may share an interest from time to time but it isn’t the whole.

My behavior is a reflection of the setting and protocols for the medium. I‘ll share things from time to time and post items of interest. But you’ll never know me intimately because the internet has a place and physical connections are my priority. I don’t want online friends or to share my burdens with strangers. I’m not saying that’s wrong and recognize it’s an outlet for many and source of support. But it‘s easy too and that’s part of the reason many feel so alone. We need to get back to life outside of here.

I center my conversation around certain topics intentionally, But when it comes to money I don’t say much at all. I don’t tell you what I do, where I go or what I buy beyond Costco. I don’t share my plans or goals or what I read for that matter. I don’t provide details about my work and you mentioned that before. I value my privacy and I’m not the sort of person who’s looking for approval.

Nothing you said is a surprise and I already knew you felt that way. Hopefully your curiosity is satisfied.

~bella

No it’s not. I’ve seen you go from trad wife wannabe to clean girl, etc. You are extremely varied depending on what the trend is. Your mainstay has been the wealthy elite and cash. Which I find fascinating. You say you do not talk politics, yet you do. You say you do not do a lot of things, yet you do. It’s just a fascinating thing to watch. I don’t want to know you intimately. There are a lot of things about you I find admirable but I do find you quite the contradiction minus the issue of money. I find people that have it do not discuss it or the so-called caste systems within that you claim. You say a lot as far as what you think or the impression you are trying to put out there but when it comes right down to it, it’s just that. Any real answers are off limits and extremely vague word salads. But you must realize when you put yourself out there as an expert in almost everything that people are going to question you. It does not mean people don’t like you or trying to stalk you. It’s a normal human reaction after years of seeing such variation in someone. So please do not take offense. It was not intended to be but I finally mustered the courage to ask. Nobody cannot say I didn’t try.

 

[bèlla]

No it’s not. I’ve seen you go from trad wife wannabe to clean girl, etc.

You’ve obviously spent a lot of time observing me which is somewhat peculiar given our lack of acquaintance. We don’t exchange private messages yet you speak with certainty. Tradwife wannabe? That sounds a little pointed. I was discussing topics like that well before social media’s inception. It was the domain of mailing lists and private forums and I participated in both.

And the clean girl movement was co-opted from black culture.

But you must realize when you put yourself out there as an expert in almost everything that people are going to question you. It does not mean people don’t like you or trying to stalk you. It’s a normal human reaction after years of seeing such variation in someone. So please do not take offense. It was not intended to be but I finally mustered the courage to ask. Nobody cannot say I didn’t try.

You’re the only one I’ve encountered thus far who felt compelled to speak as you have. I don’t expect people to share private details about their lives beyond what they choose. We’ve discussed this before in the singles community. Several acknowledged the necessity of keeping things separate and protecting their identity. They don’t mention the companies they work for or share links to their social media openly.

And truth be told I find it odd and a little disconcerting. You‘re speaking in a manner that denotes a level of familiarity that doesn’t exist. The comment on flowery language and tradwife wannabe aren’t landing well. I wouldn’t make the leap without more to go on and it’s not the thing you’d say if you’re wanted answers. But to each his own.

At any rate I’m not the topic and this is moving in a direction that seems disingenuous. Asking me not to take offense doesn’t alter that.

~bella

 

[Michie]

You’ve obviously spent a lot of time observing me which is somewhat peculiar given our lack of acquaintance. We don’t exchange private messages yet you speak with certainty. Trad life wannabe? That sounds a little pointed. I was discussing topics like that well before social media’s inception. It was the domain of mailing lists and private forums and I participated in both.

And the clean girl movement was co-opted from black culture.



You’re the only one I’ve encountered thus far who felt compelled to speak as you have. I don’t expect people to share private details about their lives beyond what they choose. We’ve discussed this before in the singles community. Several acknowledged the necessity of keeping things separate and protecting their identity. They don’t mention the companies they work for or share links to their social media openly.

And truth be told I find it odd and a little disconcerting. You‘re speaking in a manner that denotes a level of familiarity that doesn’t exist. The comment on flowery language and tradwife wannabe aren’t landing well. I wouldn’t make the leap without more to go on and it’s not the thing you’d say if you’re wanted answers. But to each his own.

At any rate I’m not the topic and this is moving in a direction that seems disingenuous. Asking me not to take offense doesn’t alter that.

~bella

It’s not disingenuous. It’s a small board. What do you expect? All one has to do is look at one’s posts. It’s just odd. And yes we have exchanged PM’s a few years ago. But it doesn’t matter. I asked an honest question based my observations. Wanted a genuine reply but it is what it is. Again, no offense. You post in an open forum eventually there are going to be questions. Take it as you will.

 

[bèlla]

It’s not disingenuous. It’s a small board. What do you expect? All one has to do is look at one’s posts. It’s just odd. And yes we have exchanged PM’s a few years ago. But it doesn’t matter. I asked an honest question based my observations. Wanted a genuine reply but it is what it is. Again, no offense. You post in an open forum eventually there are going to be questions. Take it as you will.

I think your comments are beyond the norm and you’re inferring a lot based on limited information which raises questions I have no interest in pursuing. I joined the site in 2019 and we’ve had two conversations. The first was initiated by you to pass on a message from someone I blocked and the second was a compliment. That’s our history and I’ve said all I intend to on the subject.

~bella

 

[Michie]

No you PM-ed me first. It was about someone named blueberry. Anyway, I simply asked a question based on what I have read here. Nobody is stalking you. It was an honest question but I realize now you do not like being questioned about anything. So my apologies for disturbing your peace.

 

[bèlla]

Military Pay Update

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that service members will miss paychecks by Nov. 15 if the government shutdown stretches on, despite the Trump administration's previous assurances that members of the military will be paid amid the funding lapse. "I think we'll be able to pay them beginning in November, but by Nov. 15 our troops and service members who are willing to risk their lives aren't going to be able to get paid," Bessent said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."

~bella

 

[mark46]

I don't.

An inheritance tax on farms under $14M will cause many, many to go out of business.

However, I shouldn't speak for you. You seem not to favor an exempptions.

 

[iluvatar5150]

An inheritance tax on farms under $14M will cause many, many to go out of business.

It doesn't have to. There are ways to structure the tax levy to be less disruptive. One way would be to just put a lien on the assets that isn't due until they're liquidated.

 

[Desk trauma]

An inheritance tax on farms under $14M will cause many, many to go out of business.

They should plan better.

 

[Hans Blaster]

An inheritance tax on farms under $14M will cause many, many to go out of business.

However, I shouldn't speak for you. You seem not to favor an exempptions.

I don't have a farm that would need exception, nor could I inherit one.

 

[Desk trauma]

It doesn't have to. There are ways to structure the tax levy to be less disruptive. One way would be to just put a lien on the assets that isn't due until they're liquidated.

As it stands the federal inheritance tax is a tax on those who are very rich and very stupid/lazy. I’m surprised that there aren’t tax lawyers campaigning to keep it with all the business it generates them.

 

[Bradskii]

As it stands the federal inheritance tax is a tax on those who are very rich and very stupid/lazy. I’m surprised that there aren’t tax lawyers campaigning to keep it with all the business it generates them.

I don't think that many farmers are stupid or lazy. It'd bloody hard work. And if you build up a business by (literally) the sweat of your brow and want to hand it over to your kids who no doubt helped to make it a going concern, then where is the logic in penalising the family just because the old man dropped dead?

 

[Desk trauma]

I don't think that many farmers are stupid or lazy. It'd bloody hard work. And if you build up a business by (literally) the sweat of your brow and want to hand it over to your kids who no doubt helped to make it a going concern, then where is the logic in penalising the family just because the old man dropped dead?

If they have north of $14 million in assets and have made no plans for or are ignorant of the tax implications of transferring that, they’re being stupid and lazy.

 

[Colo Millz]

I don't think that many farmers are stupid or lazy. It'd bloody hard work. And if you build up a business by (literally) the sweat of your brow and want to hand it over to your kids who no doubt helped to make it a going concern, then where is the logic in penalising the family just because the old man dropped dead?

Almost as if we should repeal the estate tax?

 

[Bradskii]

If they have north of $14 million in assets and have made no plans for or are ignorant of the tax implications of transferring that, they’re being stupid and lazy.

Their assets would be fields, land, cattle, sheep, crops, machinery...all very expensive indeed. No doubt mortgaged. You won't find many cash rich farmers. You need a lot of assets to maintain a home and keep your family fed.

So they're all working their butts off to get some income when the cattle are big enough or the crops are ready, the old man has a heart attack and the family has to sell the farm to pay the death duties?

 

[Desk trauma]

Their assets would be fields, land, cattle, sheep, crops, machinery...all very expensive indeed. No doubt mortgaged. You won't find many cash rich farmers. You need a lot of assets to maintain a home and keep your family fed.

So they're all working their butts off to get some income when the cattle are big enough or the crops are ready, the old man has a heart attack and the family has to sell the farm to pay the death duties?

As much as farming is romanticized it’s a business. No amount of aw-shucks is going to get me teary eyed over someone who ran a business worth more than $14 million dollars who didn’t know to or chose not to make plans for its future.

 

[Bradskii]

As much as farming is romanticized it’s a business. No amount of aw-shucks is going to get me teary eyed over someone who ran a business worth more than $14 million dollars who didn’t know to or chose not to make plans for its future.

Who's trying to romanticise it? It's hard work. Very long hours. No real guaranteed income. Almost all farmers are asset rich but (comparitively) cash poor. It's a mortgage heavy business. Not many farmers can drop a lazy quarter of a million on one piece of necessary machinery.

I don't know what you mean by making plans for the future? Are you happy with them bequeathing the farm to the kids to avoid death duties? Well, me too. If not...then what plans?

 

[Desk trauma]

Who's trying to romanticise it?

Your posts have with their making excuses for why a farmer wouldn’t know about the tax implications of their business. It’s a business like any other, tax planning is part of it especially when there’s tens of millions of assets involved.

It's hard work. Very long hours. No real guaranteed income. Almost all farmers are asset rich but (comparitively) cash poor. It's a mortgage heavy business. Not many farmers can drop a lazy quarter of a million on one piece of necessary machinery.

But they can’t drop a few thousand on estate planning? The banks issuing the mortgages you’re bemoaning for the poor multi millionaires tend to offer those services among their other financial planning.

I don't know what you mean by making plans for the future?

Setting up succession plans for their tens of millions in assets at their demise. As I said, federal estate taxes are taxes on the rich and stupid/lazy as there is an entire field of legal practice related to minimizing tax exposure on large estates.

If someone has north of $14 million in assets but does not have detailed estate plans, they’re being stupid unless they intend to incur as much tax as possible while having their heirs scrambling, and their heirs have no one to blame but them if they don’t like the tax bill/chaos left by their benefactor.

 

[bèlla]

As federal food assistance runs out, junior troops with families may be hit hard

Military members and families experiencing food insecurity face a “severe strain” as the government says it won’t send federal food assistance in November.

More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, among them thousands of active-duty military members and their families. The benefits, which are funded by the federal government but operated by states, are sent monthly and provide vital assistance to military families struggling with the cost of living.

Military families, like their civilian counterparts, rely on the same social safety net, said Eileen Huck, deputy director of government relations for the National Military Family Association, a nonprofit.

The exact number of service members enrolled in SNAP isn’t clear. A Department of Defense report in 2020 noted that the number of troops getting SNAP benefits ranged between 880 and 4,620. A similar report published in 2015 put the number as high as 22,000 in 2012. The USDA’s own data found that a quarter of military personnel experience food insecurity. And many troops and military families that aren’t enrolled in SNAP also regularly use military food pantries and other food banks to deal with the cost of living.

“The military families who rely on SNAP benefits are probably the most vulnerable in our community,” Huck said. “They’re predominantly younger families, junior enlisted troops, they’re families who are already struggling financially, and to lose these benefits is really going to put them at risk of severe hardship.”

Military food pantries are already seeing increased traffic. One nonprofit, Armed Services YMCA, told ABC News last week that it was seeing a rise in demand of 30% or more at its locations near bases.

The loss of SNAP benefits comes as military members face uncertainty over pay. On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS News that the U.S. won’t be able to pay troops on Nov. 15. In addition to military pay, Huck noted that many military spouses often work in federal government jobs and the shutdown means that source of income is also gone, causing additional hardships on families. Official military charity organizations have been offering assistance through the shutdown.

The loss of food assistance will also impact veterans. A 2023 Rand Corporation study found that more than 1 million veterans are food insecure, although only two-thirds of that population were signed up for benefits like SNAP. Huck pointed out that many of those veterans are older, although SNAP also helps support new veterans while they are working to transition back into civilian life.

~bella