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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Saturday, September 06, 2025

For employers in 2026, the total health benefit cost per worker is expected to rise 6.5% on average, the highest increase since 2010, even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures.

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The US is the only modern industrialized country in the West without universal healthcare for its citizens. The insidious for-profit US health insurance industry will continue to enrich oligarchs, while treating medical patients like customers and rubes. In six states, Medicare will start a pilot program using the same AI algorithms to determine whether a patient deserves to be treated or not, in essence a "death panel." The GOP is adamant in dismantling the ACA (Obamacare) and you can see how much more consumers will pay next year for health insurance and other necessary expenses here: Budget Analyzer.
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The GOP is quietly dismantling the ACA (Obamacare): www.cnn.com

#1 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-09-04 02:12 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Good job, President Orange Pancake Face Makeup.

#2 | Posted by Zed at 2025-09-04 02:55 PM | Reply

Trump's ugly budget bill is "the biggest rollback in federal support for health coverage ever" according to Larry Levitt, executive VPN for health policy with the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation.
The cost increases are all part of the plan by republicans so they could give their billionaire donors huge tax cuts.

#3 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2025-09-04 04:52 PM | Reply

#3: And college graduates entering the future workforce (Class of 2029) will be thoroughly screwed. Tuition and fees at some colleges are surpassing $100,000 a year. The average "Gen Zer" is carrying $23,000 in student debt. The GOP is superb at feudalizing poor Americans with mortgages, school debts, and exorbitant medical bills-- all while removing health and safety regulations: Class of '29 screwed

https://www.harebraineddesign.com/cdn/shop/products/Screen_Shot_2020-02-26_at_10.05.07_PM_1490x.png?v=1582776354

Thanks Republican voters! Had you been around in historical France or Russia, those people would still be burdened with greedy selfish fat-cat monarchies.

#4 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-09-04 05:17 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

While decrying big pharma and the insurance companies for years, Democrats have actually always been in thrall to them. Now they don't even try to hide it.

#5 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-09-05 04:51 PM | Reply

#5 You should see a doctor about that knee-jeek deflection to Democrats.

#6 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-05 05:05 PM | Reply

"Stupid Democrats wanting universal healthcare like the world-class medical treatment the Israelis get without bills or medical bankruptcies, thanks to the hardworking American taxpayer! Stupid liberals!"

#7 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-09-05 05:27 PM | Reply

Who told you the Democrats want universal healthcare? They won't do anything without big pharma or insurance company approval.

#8 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-09-05 05:58 PM | Reply

Democrats can't save you, Visitor_.

They're not in charge of any of the three branches of Federal government.

Do you have anything to say regarding health insurance costs and Republicans, or am I invading your Safe Space by asking that question.

#9 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-05 06:06 PM | Reply

Here are the Republicans and oligarchs with platinum healthcare plans and no medical bill problems to the rest of us Americans:

https://y.yarn.co/0f5c69cb-5b71-4093-b438-3cdedd0193d5_text.gif

#10 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-09-05 06:25 PM | Reply

Maybe the fat lazy ------ can put tariffs on healthcare. It's not like he knows what the ---- he's doing.

#11 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-09-05 11:49 PM | Reply

#8

HOW BOUT THEM BEEF PRICES!!!

#12 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-09-05 11:50 PM | Reply

I also remember Obamacare

#13 | Posted by THEBULL at 2025-09-06 04:52 PM | Reply

Why is this news? Hell, just about every year Medicare B payments by the recipients increase. Welcome to the club.

GOOGLE AI Oerview

Medicare Part B payments frequently rise due to the increasing cost of medical care and utilization of health services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the premium annually to cover its projected costs.

#14 | Posted by MSgt at 2025-09-06 05:08 PM | Reply

There has never been a cut, combined with price increases to patients at every level, like what's going on now, MSGT. You should probably pay closer attention.

#15 | Posted by cbob at 2025-09-07 06:11 PM | Reply

Why is this news?
#14 | Posted by MSgt

It isn't news, to you, because it doesn't affect you.

#16 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-07 06:13 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

Remember when in his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump promised to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with a plan that would provide better health care at a lower cost?

And he also claimed his plan would provide "insurance for everybody" and be "a lot less expensive".

Some of us remember.

No worries. Trumpy is still working hard on that Concept of a Plan.

It's only been 9 years. So.. Any day now!

#17 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 01:15 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

the total health benefit cost per worker is expected to rise 6.5% on average, the highest increase since 2010, even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures.

Ever notice how healthcare plans always increased their costs to match our COLAs? So that we never really got a COLA as any increase always went right into the insurance companies pockets?


And I seriously doubt we are getting a 6.5 % increase in our COLA this year.

#18 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 01:20 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

-And I seriously doubt we are getting a 6.5 % increase in our COLA this year.

Who is "we" and "our"?

#19 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 01:43 PM | Reply

Who gets COLA

Search Assist

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) are typically given to recipients of Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and certain pension plans to help maintain their purchasing power against inflation. This includes retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors who receive these benefits.

#20 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 01:48 PM | Reply

Who is "we" and "our"?

#19 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Anyone subject to a cola you dingbat.

There are more than 72.5 million Americans subject to colas each year.

If you don't know who they/we are may I suggest google or your personal AI?

#21 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 01:48 PM | Reply

I've never gotten one.

are you talking about workers or SS recipients?

government workers?

#22 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 01:51 PM | Reply

Good job, MAGA!

We appreciate all the help you give the country.

#23 | Posted by Zed at 2025-09-08 01:54 PM | Reply

"I've never gotten one."

Not under the COLA name. But top tier workers typically get a pay increase annually, and the minimum percentage is something in line with that year's inflation rate. (Meaning as a functional matter you're not really getting a raise at all.)

#24 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 01:56 PM | Reply

(Meaning as a functional matter you're not really getting a raise at all.)

Exactly.

Thank you for being Beverly's personal AI today.

#25 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 01:58 PM | Reply

Is COLA something that's written into a contract like with a labor union?

#26 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 01:59 PM | Reply

I'm asking Donner to act as my personal AI today.

#27 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:00 PM | Reply

I'm asking Donner to act as my personal AI today.

#27 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Good luck with that. He's more likely to tell you to GFY you ignat old fool.

#28 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:08 PM | Reply

-He's more likely to tell you to GFY

and it's obvious why.

Being a lifetime government worker, it would be nearly impossible for you to understand how it works for others who aren't 40+ year government workers. Those of us who haven't worked for the government a single day.

You? 40+ years government worker.

Me? Not a single day being subject to a COLA.

I just don't know how they work.

And you can't explain it...instead you lash out with "GFY". LOL

#29 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:17 PM | Reply


They're not in charge of any of the three branches of Federal government.
Do you have anything to say regarding health insurance costs and Republicans, or am I invading your Safe Space by asking that question.
#9 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

Lumpers: Lets ---- up the whole healthcare system, but say it will decrease your costs, and you can keep your doctor.
Increasing HealthInsurance Companies profits in the process.

Healthcare is now completely ------....

Voter: Lets elect someone else.

Snoofy: Whats the Republican solution? You can see why Luigi murdered the CEO right?

FFS. Such petty and little self-awareness that your solutions are killing people. This is no different than the border and 10Million illegal entries, or even Crime.

Completely ---- it up then as opposed to fixing, blame someone else for attempting to clean it up.

And now Democrats wonder why they are polling less than Trump.

#30 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-09-08 02:19 PM | Reply

"I just don't know how they work."

It's not hard to figure out.

#31 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 02:19 PM | Reply

Runt, premiums are going to skyrocket thanks to your child-raping hero.

#32 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-09-08 02:23 PM | Reply

Being an insurance salesman I can see why you don't understand the concept of COLAs.

You sell a protected (fake) product that is required by the government. All you have to be is a smooth talker. It's no wonder you don't get it.

72.4 Americans are currently subject to COLAS.

Yes Americans do receive COLAs through union contracts include negotiated COLA clauses, providing inflation-based wage adjustments to workers.

GFY Beverly. And learn to use Google or AI and maybe you won't embarrass yourself here so much.

#33 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:24 PM | Reply

#33 was for #29.

Obviously.

#34 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:25 PM | Reply

-Who told you the Democrats want universal healthcare? They won't do anything without big pharma or insurance company approval.

Obamacare is proof of that.

Obamacare, for it's good and bad...received zero republican votes. It was exactly what could be sold to the democratic party to get just enough votes to pass.

Some democrats hated it...but held their nose and voted for it even though it didn't come close to accomplishing what they wanted.

Afterall, republicans offered nothing except the same direction and they were hypocrites on the issue.

#35 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:28 PM | Reply

-72.4 Americans are currently subject to COLAS.

whatever.

I can't imagine being in a culture where such a thing is so relied upon......like you do.

But you take everything, including an innocuous question, as an insult.

#36 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:33 PM | Reply

But you take everything, including an innocuous question, as an insult.
#36 | POSTED BY EBERLY

I knew exactly where you were headed with that "innocuous question" insurance salesman.

You just insulted more than 72 million Americans.

On their behalf I say again..

GFY Beverly.

#37 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:36 PM | Reply

I can't imagine being in a culture where such a thing is so relied upon......like you do.
But you take everything, including an innocuous question, as an insult.
#36 | Posted by eberly

Huh?

You can't imagine living in a world where you suffer the indignity of knowing retirees who rely on Social Security?

That sounds like you're insulting yourself by saying you are a posh elite snob.

#38 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 02:38 PM | Reply

-You just insulted more than 72 million Americans.

Like hell I did.

You're feeling insulted because you believe you deserve an insult to a degree.

You've been angry with yourself over your lot in life for quite a while now.

Which explains the anger, the hostility, and the GFY quips.

You don't speak for anybody else any more than I speak for the insurance industry.

Enjoy your COLA....

#39 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:40 PM | Reply

"You've been angry with yourself over your lot in life for quite a while now."

With himself?

LOL.

#40 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 02:42 PM | Reply

I can't imagine being in a culture where such a thing is so relied upon......like you do.

You cannot imagine living in a culture that tries to ensure their employees and retirees income can keep pace with inflation and rising prices for essential goods and services, thus maintaining their purchasing power?

That is just too much for you!

You poor selfish instance salesman. Relying on an industry protected by that very same culture. It must be so hard for you!

#41 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:42 PM | Reply

-you are a posh elite snob.

That's the conclusion of Donner.

I was referring to workers...not retirees on Social Security.

#42 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:42 PM | Reply

Enjoy your COLA....

#39 | POSTED BY EBERLY

What COLA?

Enjoy your government protected job. Until it's no longer protected.

#43 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:43 PM | Reply

-You cannot imagine living in a culture that tries to ensure their employees and retirees income can keep pace with inflation and rising prices for essential goods and services, thus maintaining their purchasing power?

I can imagine all of that.....except the part where it's a "COLA".

What you can't imagine is a culture where performance is expected before you pay people more money. You just think it has to be guaranteed in some contract.

There are places where it's not guaranteed. Performance is measured and expected.

And we enjoy pretty high retention of our employees.

#44 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:46 PM | Reply

"What you can't imagine is a culture where performance is expected before you pay people more money."

My pay doubled since I finished grad school. That kind of culture?

#45 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 02:48 PM | Reply

I was referring to workers..

What "workers"? As I indicated many private companies have contracts that do involve wage increases for inflation.

Sorry you didn't get one insurance salesman.

And Government employees are not "workers".

WTF is wrong with you?

#46 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:48 PM | Reply

Correction

And Government employees are not "workers"???

#47 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:49 PM | Reply

Yes, employees are workers. Not sure why you would think otherwise.

There is a reason why you're always so worked up and misunderstanding things.

Why don't you just skip to the end of this conversation where you stomp off like a 13 year old girl and pretend you have something else to get to?

Because you're getting your tiny little balls stomped on.

This is all because you are pissed off that I admittingly know next to nothing about COLAs?

You took that ignorance as insult?

How ------- low can your self-worth be for that to happen?

#48 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:54 PM | Reply

-My pay doubled since I finished grad school. That kind of culture?

Since I don't know how long it's been since you finished grad school, I have no idea if that' much of an accomplishment or not.

If you finished grad school 25 years ago....then you're pretty ------ bad at math.

If you finished a few years ago, then it's significant.

If we assume the latter.....is your compensation so much higher just because you finished grad school or because your work is simply worth more?

#49 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:56 PM | Reply

Eberly -"I've never gotten a COLA"

Donner -"GFY!!!"

wow....

#50 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 02:59 PM | Reply

What you can't imagine is a culture where performance is expected before you pay people more money. You just think it has to be guaranteed in some contract.

BS Beverly. You are grasping at straws. You don't know me and what I have accomplished. I am proud of my legacy.

And yes I do expect a cola when my government causes prices to increase due to actions of that government and it's nothing I can control. But as I said I don't expect one now. Not under this hateful fool.

AND I expected those regular raises I got when I had my consistent outstanding job performance ratings.


It must suck to be an insufferable insurance salesman who depends on the government to protect his income. No wonder you are always mad or jealous of everyone here who found a better deal.

#51 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 02:59 PM | Reply

Eberly -"I've never gotten a COLA"

Donner -"GFY!!!"

wow....
#50 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Oh I'm sorry! Did I hurt your feeling?

I meant GFY and your stupid lies.

#52 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:01 PM | Reply

Since I don't know how long it's been since you finished grad school, I have no idea if that' much of an accomplishment or not.

Blah blah wishy washy blah

I think the question is that if you have never received a "cola" as you claim then your pay must not be much higher than when YOU graduated.

You poor thing. Someone got a better deal than you.

That must suck for you.

#53 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:06 PM | Reply

If we assume the latter.....is your compensation so much higher just because you finished grad school or because your work is simply worth more?
#49 | Posted by eberly

I finished grad school in 2017. My first job out of grad school, it ended in layoffs right before the pandemic. My second and current job out of grad school pays double that.

#54 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:07 PM | Reply

Hey Eberly.

Are you also new to knowing what inflation is?

Because inflation is why COLA exists.

So you might want to start at square one here champ.

#55 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:09 PM | Reply

-AND I expected those regular raises I got when I had my consistent outstanding job performance ratings.

so the COLAs aren't guaranteed if your performance sucks?

why didn't you say so? Oh....because you're obviously not much of a communicator.

"...who depends on the government"

not sure where that comes from. Yes, work comp and auto liability(with some exemptions) are government mandated coverages...the rest is forced on them by the banks who finance property, equipment, autos, etc.

Oh, and the other giants (railroads, Cargill, ADM, etc) who force high liablity limits by contract.

I'm quite appreciative of all of it.

-But as I said I don't expect one now.

I never expect them. But if I feel underpaid, I'm outta here.....

not possible for you?

#56 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:10 PM | Reply

-Are you also new to knowing what inflation is?

nope

I'm a consumer. I buy cars, tuition, houses, and healthcare.......and you know all of that....but you ask anyway?

#57 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:12 PM | Reply

"your stupid lies."

Jesus...I missed this little gem

I lied?

#58 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:13 PM | Reply

I lied?
POSTED BY EBERLY

I have to assume it's a lie.

But go ahead. Prove you have never gotten a "cost of living wage adjustment".

#59 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:15 PM | Reply

"I can imagine all of that.....except the part where it's a "COLA"."

You can't imagine a Cost Of Living Adjustment that is pegged to, and intended to offset, the rate of inflation, for people on a Defined Benefit plan like Social Security?

You live in such a self imposed bubble, it's really something else.

You are why IKEA has a 800 number for people who can't fold Tab A into Slot B.

There's no way you can't understand what a COLA is.

But I'm willing to believe you're so blinkered you never knew grandma's SSI check goes up a little bit each year, to (somewhat) keep pace with inflation. It's very easy to believe that's just one of the millions of ways the world works that you gape at in wide-eyed wonder.

Gaping wide is something you're good at.

#60 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:17 PM | Reply

so the COLAs aren't guaranteed if your performance sucks?
Still desperately trying to insult Americans?

COLAS have nothing to do with performance.

In the real world if your performance sucks there are other remedies.

But not in your insurance salesman world.

You personally don't have to excel at anything. Customers HAVE to come to you. You will have a steady income has long as folks are required to have insurance by the government.

You may think you are special or immune but you aren't. If government protections for your industry were to suddenly end your smug little world would come crashing down around you too.

Then you would have to actually work for a living.

#61 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:24 PM | Reply

59

And there it is....you finally just came out with it.

You are so married to what you get in compensation that you're forced to believe everyone else gets them?

You're struggling with YOUR bias....not mine.

#62 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:25 PM | Reply

-Prove you have never gotten a "cost of living wage adjustment".

Easy. Here goes......I've never gotten a cost of living wage adjustment.

1. most of my earning are incentives. commissions, bonuses, overrides, etc. salary is a small part of my total compensation.

2. It's simply not expected in my role. I have some administrative folks who get occasional raises for no other reason that it's just time.....but nobody calls it a COLA. That implies it's expected regardless of performance and we're not having any of that.

I didn't make these rules nor did they start once I got here....this is how it's been.

#63 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:28 PM | Reply

I'm a consumer. I buy cars, tuition, houses, and healthcare.......and you know all of that....but you ask anyway?

#57 | POSTED BY EBERLY

COLAs have been around since the 1950s ... but you ask anyway?

#64 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:29 PM | Reply

-Still desperately trying to insult Americans?

for the moment, only 1.

And it's working pretty well, BTW.

#65 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:29 PM | Reply

-You will have a steady income has long as folks are required to have insurance by the government.

Wrong. They don't have to buy it from me.

-COLAs have been around since the 1950s

I'm familiar with the term. I also didn't talk to you like you don't know what they are. I merely explained I've never had them.

You're on the record as calling me a liar because you've gotten them...I must be getting them.

#66 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:32 PM | Reply

for the moment, only 1.

And it's working pretty well, BTW.

#65 | POSTED BY EBERLY Its

Pretty silly to make a fool of yourself like that.

but nobody calls it a COLA

And you "proved" nothing. But I hope it makes you feel better that "nobody is calling it a COLA".

#67 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:35 PM | Reply

"You are so married to what you get in compensation that you're forced to believe everyone else gets them?"

The difference between Republicans including Eberly and everyone else
is
Everyone else thinks workers should get annual wage increases, just to keep pace with inflation.
Republicans think their wages should not even keep up with inflation.

If Republicans could really have their way, there wouldn't be a minimum wage at all, as is the case in most Republican states.

Federal minimum wage "purchasing power peaked in 1968, at $1.60 ($14.47 in 2024).[4][5][6] In 2009, Congress increased it to $7.25 per hour with the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007.[7]" en.wikipedia.org

$7.25 in 2007 is worth $4.72 today.
And Republicans are fine with minimum wage workers who made a $7.25 in 2007 only making $4.72 in today's purchasing power.
And then they tell those workers, cut back on avocado toast and you'll be fine.

#68 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:35 PM | Reply

-You can't imagine a Cost Of Living Adjustment that is pegged to, and intended to offset, the rate of inflation, for people on a Defined Benefit plan like Social Security?

And for the third time at least...I was referring to workers. not SS recipients.

I'm not pretending or lying when I say I struggle to imagine such a culture...one that relies on COLAs.

I've never worked in one. I've said so many times already.

#69 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:35 PM | Reply

"I have some administrative folks who get occasional raises for no other reason that it's just time.....but nobody calls it a COLA. That implies it's expected regardless of performance and we're not having any of that."

That's such an awful take, primarily because ow how wrong it is.
The reason "it's just time" is called inflation, but you are really intent on denying that fact.
"It's just time" doesn't indicate any sort of change in performance at all.

#70 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:37 PM | Reply

You're on the record as calling me a liar because you've gotten them...I must be getting them.
#66 | POSTED BY EBERLY

I am calling you a liar because you cannot prove you have never in your life gotten a wage increase not directly tied to your performance either in your contract or not.

#71 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:37 PM | Reply

-But I hope it makes you feel better that "nobody is calling it a COLA".

we don't. It's called a raise and it comes with a "good job....here is your raise and your bonus"....type message.

Not, "here is your COLA".

And you believe me. I don't have to prove anything.

#72 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:37 PM | Reply

I was referring to workers. not SS recipients.

Uh huh.
Now do workers for whom "it's just time" to give them a raise.
Why is it just time? Show us your math you weaselly little ----.

#73 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:38 PM | Reply

"I am calling you a liar"......because you're out anything new to attempt to insult me with.

I'm not insulted. Keep trying though.

You're losing. You even have help...and you're still losing.

#74 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:40 PM | Reply

"That's such an awful take, primarily because ow how wrong it is.
The reason "it's just time" is called inflation, but you are really intent on denying that fact.
"It's just time" doesn't indicate any sort of change in performance at all."

low level admin folks who get an hourly wage or a relatively low salary.

It's the equivalent to a COLA but we won't call it that.

"you weaselly little ----."

I choose to talk to you for just a little bit....and this is the thanks?

LOL

#75 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:41 PM | Reply

I'm not pretending or lying when I say I struggle to imagine such a culture...one that relies on COLAs.

Are you really that selfish?

How long have you been struggling with being an American who actually cares about other Americans?

Maybe you really don't want to be an American.

Maybe really do want to live in Trumplandia.

How long can you take it before you go full maga on us?

#76 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:42 PM | Reply

"I'm not pretending or lying when I say I struggle to imagine such a culture...one that relies on COLAs."

You struggle to imagine working in a union job.
You struggle to imagine being a cop, or a soldier.
I believe you. Those jobs require physical effort, of which you are not capable.

In perhaps your most brazen trumpeting of how disconnected from economic reality you proudly remain:
You struggle to imagine one of the largest growth engines of the United States economy, the United States automobile industry after the Second World War.

"The United Auto Workers (UAW) is actively campaigning to reinstate Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) in contracts with the Big Three automakers"General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
COLA provisions, which tie wages to inflation, were first secured by the UAW in 1946 and became a standard feature in union contracts during the mid-20th century."
uaw.org

#77 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:43 PM | Reply

"It's the equivalent to a COLA but we won't call it that."

This thread is equivalent to you eating ----. But you won't call it that.

#78 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:45 PM | Reply

"you cannot prove you have never in your life gotten a wage increase not directly tied to your performance either in your contract or not."

well now....anybody with a room temperature IQ knows that's impossible.

They don't care enough about you to tell you that Donner but they are all saying it to themselves right not.

I've had 3 professional roles. First one? 100% commission Second one? 100% commission. Third one? 40% salary and the rest incentives. I've never gotten a wage increase that wasn't tied to performance.

"How long have you been struggling with being an American who actually cares about other Americans?"

I've never said I don't care about other Americans. I haven't even attacked COLAs. I'm not against them.

I simply said I can't imagine such an environment or culture. That's the significance. I don't understand. Not I don't care or it's wrong.

Man....you are one ------ angry dude.

#79 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:47 PM | Reply

I'm not insulted. Keep trying though.

Naww I am pretty much done. I've had my fun with you and your silliness.

Tho I must have hit a functional nerve.

We sure got that mighty purse a swinging today! You're so crazy mad you just insulted over 72 million Americans.

That's some mighty shooting.

#80 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:48 PM | Reply

"You struggle to imagine working in a union job.
You struggle to imagine being a cop, or a soldier."

correct on both.

I also struggle to imagine being on unemployment.

#81 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:48 PM | Reply

-You struggle to imagine one of the largest growth engines of the United States economy, the United States automobile industry after the Second World War.

I'm struggling to imagine working in one of those companies, yes.

I'm not struggling to imagine its existence.

You're pretending to be under some delusion you're educating me on how labor works in this country.

we all know the truth....that's it's not possible you could educate anyone on it...much less me.

you're getting talked to.

It's fun. You're getting attention. That's good. Although I'm not sure it's healthy.

God only knows what's up Donner's ass.....taking everything as insult.

That's a low self-esteem at work right there.

#82 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:52 PM | Reply

"I've never gotten a wage increase that wasn't tied to performance."

How would you know? Are you writing your own compensation packages over there? And you didn't give yourself a little boost just because it's time?

#83 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:53 PM | Reply

well now....anybody with a room temperature IQ knows that's impossible.

So why did you say it?

I've never said I don't care about other Americans. I haven't even attacked COLAs. I'm not against them.

But you are "struggling" to live in a society that offers them.

You seem very confused. I am concerned about you. But I cannot help you.

Perhaps you should seek professional help.

#84 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:53 PM | Reply

"I'm so crazy mad I'm choosing to be insulted on behalf of over 72 million Americans."

FT

The truth is Donner can't imagine working in a culture such as the one I work in.

It scares the living ---- out of him. The thought of being held accountable for performance and having his compensation ride on it.........every day.

#85 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:54 PM | Reply

-But you are "struggling" to live in a society that offers them.

not at all.

I can't imagine changing a tampon but that doesn't mean I'm struggling to be married to a woman.

-So why did you say it?

because it's 100% the truth....and you know it.

#86 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:56 PM | Reply

I'm struggling to imagine working in one of those companies, yes.
I'm not struggling to imagine its existence.

--------.

You've spent the whole thread regaling us with woeful tales of your lifelong struggle.
The struggle to believe in the existence of union jobs with scheduled compensation increases designed to offset inflation.

#87 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:57 PM | Reply

"But I cannot help you."

I also struggle to imagine someone with your floor level self-esteem helping anyone.

#88 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 03:57 PM | Reply

"I can't imagine changing a tampon"

That shows.
Yours has been left in far too long.

#89 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 03:58 PM | Reply

I'm struggling to imagine working in one of those companies, yes.

also struggle to imagine being on unemployment.

#81 | POSTED BY EBERLY

But quick to denigrate those who are.

It's fun. You're getting attention. That's good. Although I'm not sure it's healthy.

Pretty sure it's not.

But it must be a real busy day at the office today watching all that gubmint required insurance money rolling in.

Sitting there doing nothing but insulting Americans on the DR while waiting for it must be tough.

#90 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 03:59 PM | Reply

"You've spent the whole thread regaling us with woeful tales of your lifelong struggle.
The struggle to believe in the existence of union jobs with scheduled compensation increases designed to offset inflation."

You've interpreted everything I've posted to mean "I'm successful and you're not".

Does it feel like I'm talking down to you a little bit....and Donner as well?

excluding the normal insults and just focus on the core issue....my lack of understanding is some cryptic way to simply place myself on a throne and look down on the rest of you serfs?

#91 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:00 PM | Reply

-Sitting there doing nothing but insulting Americans

This from someone who's trashes anybody who didn't vote the way you think they should.

I'm not insulting anybody except those who are desiring to be insulted.

you and snoofy. Everyone else is staying away from this.

#92 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:02 PM | Reply

I also struggle to imagine someone with your floor level self-esteem helping anyone.

#88 | POSTED BY EBERLY

You struggle with a lot of things. Apparently. No one here is gonna help with those kind of struggles.

And all I can do for you is to tell you to seek professional help with your first world struggles.

#93 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:03 PM | Reply

-But quick to denigrate

This from someone who denigrates millions and millions of Americans every day here.

I sure as hell don't do that.

#94 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:04 PM | Reply

Everyone else is staying away from this.

#92 | POSTED BY EBERLY

It's early. I expect "everyone else" is actually busy working real jobs.

#95 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:04 PM | Reply

-No one here is gonna help with those kind of struggles.

Something tells me I'll sleep fine tonight not knowing what it's like to work in a place like where you work.

But I don't wish anything bad on you or snoofy. If you're happy.....then I'm happy.

#96 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:06 PM | Reply

This from someone who denigrates millions and millions of Americans every day here.

I sure as hell don't do that.

#94 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Got a link for that?

And yes you did.

I have one where you did. Oh hey. It's right here!

#97 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:07 PM | Reply

It is slow here today.

And the money rolls in here where I work pretty routinely.

I'm glad we don't have COLAs here...mostly because I'm afraid it would stifle development and discourage folks from working harder, challenging themselves, and outperforming their peers.

Perhaps that's my capitalistic attitude at work and we certainly don't want to lose our best employees.

#98 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:10 PM | Reply

Something tells me I'll sleep fine tonight not knowing what it's like to work in a place like where you work.

Something tells me my career was a way better "job" than you will ever have with your government sponsored insurance salesman gig.

#99 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:10 PM | Reply

who have I denigrated except you and snoofy?

don't waste your time trying to be offended on behalf of anyone except yourself.

who have I denigrated? Anybody who gets a COLA?

--------. I merely admitted I struggle to imagine such an environment. Not that it's a bad environment. I'm not judging anyone except me.

Again, sans donner and snoofy

#100 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:12 PM | Reply

-Something tells me my career was a way better "job" than you will ever have with your government sponsored insurance salesman gig.

Did I ever say otherwise?

#101 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:13 PM | Reply

"government sponsored insurance salesman gig."

You've typed that many times now. You're quite obsessed with that....

I don't know what you do except that you've mentioned you were in the military and you went to work for the government after the military.

You've been a government employee virtually your entire adult life? Is that correct?

I couldn't care less what you do nor how much you make.

All I know is that you are concerned your COLA won't happen next time.

#102 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:16 PM | Reply

You've interpreted everything I've posted to mean "I'm successful and you're not".
#91 | Posted by eberly

Listen, Eberly.

I'll tell you something that might help next time you speak to your therapist:

You can't stop thinking about yourself and making everything about yourself.

What little empathy you have, you keep it in reserve for yourself.

#103 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:18 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

-Listen, Eberly.

back to the back of the bus......

#104 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:20 PM | Reply

Perhaps that's my capitalistic attitude at work and we certainly don't want to lose our best employees.

#98 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Or perhaps it's your short sightedness blinding you.

Blinding you to what it's like be a government worker these days with the cost of living fluctuating so wildly you can't keep up. Or being retired or too old to work or too disabled. Or god forbid unemployed at no fault of your own.

I'll bet you will be looking forward to your own cola someday. Assuming you have an actual retirement plan. Which is another story and pretty rare these days.

No worries. Life will eventually teach you. I won't have to.

#105 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:21 PM | Reply

"who have I denigrated except you and snoofy?"

You said people with COLA in their contacts are getting raises they didn't earn and don't deserve.

Those people. You insulted them. But you don't think it's an insult because you are so wrapped up in the myth of the meritocracy that you can't understand how life operates outside that mythical construct.

I'm not sure you have sufficient mental bandwidth to understand your myths are myths.

#106 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:21 PM | Reply

-Blinding you to what it's like be a government worker these days with the cost of living fluctuating so wildly you can't keep up.

That reads like it's not very fun "these days" and BTW when have you not relied on a COLA?

You just typed " my career was a way better "job" than you will ever have".

It's a little contradictory, isn't it?

One day you wake up and Donald Trump is your boss. ----...is that what it's like to work for the Federal Government?

#107 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:27 PM | Reply

-You said people with COLA in their contacts are getting raises they didn't earn and don't deserve.

cute. lie...but cute.

you you you....sniveling little ----.

LOL

#108 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:28 PM | Reply

All I know is that you are concerned your COLA won't happen next time.
#102 | Posted by eberly

"you"

See, it's always about you.

Here, you're just taking your self centered "you" view and projecting it onto Donnerboy.

You'd call Donnerboy a liar if he said he served his country, since you know people can only serve themselves.

Still, beyond your short-sightedness, COLA increase is a valid concern for 70 million people.

Some of us are even concerned how those 70 million people could be worse off, and how that impacts the overall economy we all have to live in. The same way we care about layoffs of strangers we'll never know.

#109 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:29 PM | Reply

-you are so wrapped up in the myth of the meritocracy that you can't understand how life operates outside that mythical construct.

hard to believe why you've been unemployed so many times.......

#110 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:29 PM | Reply

You can't stop thinking about yourself and making everything about yourself.
What little empathy you have, you keep it in reserve for yourself.

#103 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:18 PM | Reply | Flag

Must be Eberly.

#111 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-09-08 04:30 PM | Reply

Eberly and his tarot:

www.youtube.com

#112 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-09-08 04:31 PM | Reply

-COLA increase is a valid concern for 70 million people.

some of them voted for Trump.

and I've seen the empathy for those folks here........so please keep lecturing me on empathy.

#113 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:32 PM | Reply

You said people with COLA in their contacts are getting raises they didn't earn and don't deserve.
#106 | Posted by snoofy

cute. lie...but cute.
#108 | Posted by eberly

Eberly, please refer to:
but nobody calls it a COLA. That implies it's expected regardless of performance and we're not having any of that.
I didn't make these rules nor did they start once I got here....this is how it's been.
#63 | Posted by eberly

#114 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:33 PM | Reply

some of them voted for Trump.
and I've seen the empathy for those folks here
#113 | Posted by eberly

Yes but not from you.

#115 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:34 PM | Reply

"if he said he served his country,"

Again with the hypocrisy.

Donner served his country

Boaz is a black moocher.

#116 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:34 PM | Reply

114

you dumfuq. this is why nobody talks to you.

done.

#117 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:37 PM | Reply

hard to believe why you've been unemployed so many times.......
#110 | Posted by eberly

It's obvious why you think that's a flex.
In reality, that's just more of your ignorance showing, about another career you can't imagine doing.

The average tenure for IT workers in the United States is 4.2 years, according to data from Zippia based on 2023 statistics
www.zippia.com

#118 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:37 PM | Reply

You just typed " my career was a way better "job" than you will ever have".

It's a little contradictory, isn't it?

Nope.

I had one of the best fricking jobs in the world.

I guarantee it was better than yours and saved more American lives and helped many more Americans than you will ever even consider helping.

I am very proud of the work I did for America.

What have you done for America Beverly?

I mean besides taking advantage of them by ripping them off with your government sponsored insurance salesman gig.

#119 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:37 PM | Reply

114
you dumfuq. this is why nobody talks to you.
done.
#117 | Posted by eberly

Yeah because I rub your face in your own ----.

#120 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:38 PM | Reply

done.

#117 | POSTED BY EBERLY

lol

See you tomorrow then?

#121 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:39 PM | Reply

so please keep lecturing me on empathy.

#113 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Sorry. Like I said.

We can't help you with that.

That's probably something you need to talk to your priest or your doctor about.

#122 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:42 PM | Reply

-I had one of the best fricking jobs in the world.

if you say so. Good for you. Notice how I'm not attacking that?

Look at yourself. You're wrapped in jealousy, resentment, and you're very upset with someone who's not denigrated your profession.

that's what's happened here. You're losing your ---- over.....honestly....I really don't know.

why are you so angry?

#123 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:42 PM | Reply

114
you dumfuq. this is why nobody talks to you.
done.
#117 | Posted by eberly
Yeah because I rub your face in your own ----.

#120 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:38 PM | Reply

Eberly's kicking his dog.

#124 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-09-08 04:42 PM | Reply

"Notice how I'm not attacking that?"

You merely attacked how he got raises that weren't merit based.

#125 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:44 PM | Reply

-What have you done for America Beverly?

Boaz talks to anybody here like that and you guys lose your minds.

Here you are.......Boazboy. You're the same.

#126 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:44 PM | Reply

"I guarantee it was better than yours and saved more American lives and helped many more Americans than you will ever even consider helping.
I am very proud of the work I did for America."

I was talking about working in a job where a COLA was part of the culture and the environment.

Look where your rage took this argument.

#127 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:45 PM | Reply

-Eberly's kicking his dog.

Snoofy's not a dog.

he's more of a hissing cat that gets kicked off the chair when people are sick of looking at him.

#128 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:46 PM | Reply

why are you so angry?
POSTED BY EBERLY

You're wrapped in jealousy, resentment, and you're very upset with someone who's not denigrated your profession.

lol. This lives to denigrate my career. If only I'd give you enough ammo. So you could only go after colas.

But no worries. My profession has been denigrated plenty by maga morons. You couldn't even make a dent after the damage they face caused.

So I sound angry? If so it probably has nothing to do with you. Sorry.

Maybe it's because it's raining and I wanted to go ride my Harley today.

#129 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:47 PM | Reply

"Boaz talks to anybody here like that and you guys lose your minds."

Boaz can't begin tell you what he did for America. Not because it's classified, but because has no clue why he was even in Afghanistan, or what he was doing there, or how it had anything to do with our stated reason of going after OBL, who was in Pakistan the whole time.

He doesn't do big picture politics like that, except when blaming liberal women for the fact that blacks are still poor, and if you've seen how badly he does that, you can see why he doesn't bother when it isn't an easy way to blame others for his problems.

And Boaz certainly can't tell you how anything he did in Afghanistan made America any better.

Which is an honest answer, because nothing we did in Afghanistan made America any better. Not even killing Pat Tillman.

#130 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:48 PM | Reply

Look where your rage took this argument.

#127 | POSTED BY EBERLY

lol "my rage"

And in spite all your rage you are still just a rat in a cage.

#131 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-09-08 04:49 PM | Reply

Because my compensation has largely been incentive based and not salary heavy....I've always lived well below my income.

Years ago, I was at a party and someone there (union worker I think) was complaining that his raise was only 3% and not the 4% he was expecting and he was worried about affording his mortgage which was going up a little. I thought to myself why on earth does this guy live so thin he is worried he can't afford house over 1% of his income?

Times like that I feel very lucky to have gone the route I did.

#132 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:50 PM | Reply

-What have you done for America Beverly?
Boaz talks to anybody here like that and you guys lose your minds.
Here you are.......Boazboy. You're the same.
#126 | Posted by eberly

You don't know anything about anything.

Boaz asks me that, I point to the missile program I supported when I was a contractor for what used to be called the Department of Defense. A job I quit because unlike Republicans and Boaz, I don't think blowing up Iraq helped America. But that remains something I did for America, for better or for worse.

#133 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:51 PM | Reply

#132

I agree with Bev... it's all about him.

#134 | Posted by Corky at 2025-09-08 04:52 PM | Reply

-So I sound angry?

extremely. so angry you are insulted over a non-insult and retorted with all kinds of personal jabs at me.

Yea......you sound angry.

#135 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:52 PM | Reply

"he was worried about affording his mortgage which was going up a little."

He bought an ARM? Sounds like you party with morons.

#136 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:52 PM | Reply

"you are still just a rat in a cage."

WTF does that mean?

You were just complaining about the COLA you fear you won't get.

I'm a rat in a cage?

#137 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:53 PM | Reply

Did your union worker also vote Republican, Eberly?
Please call this jackass a fool to his face.

#138 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:54 PM | Reply

someone could have responded with something like this...."you haven't experienced a place where COLAs are a typical part of compensation but it doesn't mean it's bad...but it's a reality for 72 million Americans and it's been essential in organizations where you can't measure success as easily as you can in an insurance agency that measures success on their revenue from commissions and services".

Something like that.

#139 | Posted by eberly at 2025-09-08 04:57 PM | Reply

"you are still just a rat in a cage."
WTF does that mean?

It means your primary motivator in life is fear that you may be displaced from your comfort zone.
Ever take LSD, Eberly?

#140 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 04:58 PM | Reply

"it's been essential in organizations where you can't measure success as easily as you can in an insurance agency that measures success on their revenue from commissions and services".
--Eberly

"I have some administrative folks who get occasional raises for no other reason that it's just time"
--Also Eberly

#141 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-09-08 05:00 PM | Reply

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