OlDawg

One thing about it, if you vote for a Democrat and they don’t like who you picked, they’ll always pick another one for you. 😂😁

No issue with the question. It’s a valid one. I basically already answered it in my response to SmashMouth earlier. It doesn’t fit a pure Libertarian Party mantra. Just like the Libertarian Party supports open borders. However, there are as many different types of libertarians (little L) as there are liberals & conservatives. I am a limited government/states rights fiscally conservative libertarian. Again, little L. I recognize the need for government involvement in certain areas, and I don’t believe in open borders until we fix the welfare state. In those instances where government wants to be involved, It should go to the voters for approval. This is an instance that’s been shown to be very successful for cancer research using the Texas model, and the private sector is not ALWAYS the be-all-end-all. The private sector runs on profits as we all know. This effort—which will go before the voters as a possible Constitutional Amendment—would be using taxpayer money (with their permission) for a common cause that is projected to save money on State funded medical costs in the future, and generate tax revenue for Texas in the mean time. That’s what the Texas Cancer Research Institute does now, and has done since 2007. I don’t think it would be proposed if it didn’t have some monetary benefit for the State even if it is compassionate. And yes, being at the State level (closer to the people) makes a difference to me. Plus, it wouldn’t be a ‘government agency’ in that sense. It would be funded with taxpayer money, but run like a private entity with all grants peer reviewed and approved by ‘expert’ peers—not politicians—before authorization. It also would be audited like a business. I’m okay with it since it would be approved by the taxpayers paying for it for—hopefully—their benefit if needed. Texas has also shown to be good stewards for the Cancer Institute. It’s also a hybrid model of government/private sector. No real difference between it and funding University research—except overhead is capped at a much lower level, and the efforts would have to relocate to Texas. If it wasn’t being proposed to the voters, I’d have more questions. You should read the links I’ve posted. They’ll give you more info, and probably explain to you more why I’m okay with it. Chances are, it won’t help my wife. We’re on borrowed time already as she was diagnosed in 2018 & life expectancy is 6-8 years for most with her condition. But, hopefully it can help others. Basically, it’s a proven, good use of public funds in my estimation that would have public approval and more local control. Libertarian philosophy doesn’t mean no government. It means a limited, approved, justified government that doesn’t infringe on personal liberty. More people are libertarian than what they realize.

Understand. Like I said before, I’m really hoping AI can help. Our Neurologist says it’s helping medical researchers make super progress. Issue is still the regulatory approval process. Takes years… As strange as it sounds, when my wife was diagnosed & we got multiple opinions from experts a few years back, we were hoping each time it would just be “simply” typical Parkinson’s.

There is a new blood test for tau protein levels that’s very accurate for the diagnosis & stages of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & Corticobasal Degeneration. These diseases all have tau buildup in the brain that is believed to cause the issues. [Hidden Content]

Pretty impressive!

Our condolences go out to all who have lost a loved one to these cruel diseases. We’re hopeful AI can help play a big role in helping to find cures faster.

Amen

For those curious what corticobasal degeneration is, the below link is fairly easy to read. It affects around 2,000-3,000 people per year in the U.S., so it’s one of the rare ‘Parkinsonism’ diseases. It’s typically called a Parkinson’s Plus disease. Not much is known about it at this time, and research has been very limited. We’ve been told by the Head of the Neurological Dept. at Houston Methodist (who provided our 2nd opinion after a barrage of all kinds of tests), that Big Pharma hasn’t concentrated any effort on it because there’s not enough of a potential revenue base. But, since it has some similarities to Alzheimer’s, dementia, & Parkinson’s, a new offshoot treatment—if discovered—for one of those conditions might help. [Hidden Content]

Thanks for your kind thoughts! We are one of the most positive, laughing couples you’ll find. We make it a point to have a big hearty laugh at least 17 times a day. Why that number? No idea. I think I read it keeps you healthier somewhere at some time. She rarely gets frustrated. Usually, it’s when I can’t understand what she’s trying to tell me. She cries a little then, but I tell her it’s not her. It’s my bad ears, and we laugh about it. As far as the Research Center, I found some info on the Cancer Center this will be modeled after. I’m a limited government guy also. At the least, a more local control government person. This appears to be more of an ‘investment in the future’ type of hybrid initiative set up as a pseudo government sanctioned entity. I would describe as similar to the PUC I guess. Somewhat independent. But, Board members appointed by the Governor. Every grant has to be peer approved by medical experts. Attached is the latest report in PowerPoint easy to read slide form. Surprised I didn’t remember anything about it. If the Neurological effort is passed & set up similar, hopefully it can be just as successful. According to this report, it actually generates over $2 Billion/yr. in tax revenue for Texas, and still is able to be the 2nd largest grant funded initiative in the world. Pretty impressive for Texas. [Hidden Content]

I wasn’t aware of this. But, the research center idea came from Texas creating a similar center for research into cancer. Interesting read of the back story. [Hidden Content]

That’s an understandable response. I’m not posting to advocate for the Amendment. Only to tell my wife’s story if asked, and to let people know the Amendment will be on the ballot. It will be up to the voters as it should. I only found out about the legislation from an email today. So, I haven’t read it yet. Only the email I attached, and a few news blurbs later today. I will point out that the government spends over $10 billion/year for cancer research, and treatments are coming quicker than ever with AI. Universities do not research without grants & they charge an average overhead of 30%. Perhaps the authors thought the taxpayers would get more bang for their buck with a mandated 5% cap if they were going to fund research studies anyway. Attract some of the talent away from other places (Texas Universities —where our tax dollars already go—and elsewhere). I don’t know. None of this will probably be in time for my wife of 36–almost 37–years. I will say this: My tax dollars are spent to provide family restrooms at SOME Texas restaurants stops. I never really thought they were necessary, or even thought much about them at all, because the men’s and women’s restrooms had changing boards. Then, my wife was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration—which is a very cruel combination of Altzheimers, Palsy, and Parkinson’s. When she became unable to use her entire right side, unable to dress, eat, speak clearly, brush her teeth or hair, bathe, walk, sit, stand, or use the bathroom by herself, I realized that I had never thought about our aging population, and the number of people with dementia and/or Altzheimer’s that have to have assistance in the restroom. I’ve also seen more and more disabled vets who require assistance. Handicap facilities do not help these folks. There are far too few family restrooms, and—like handicap parking—someone is always using them who has no need. I have found that most men are generally okay with me bringing her into the men’s room if I holler at them first. The women don’t allow me to come in with her at all, and they don’t usually volunteer to help. So, she comes in with me. Just one of the things we have to plan for when I take her to DFW area to see our grandkids—who don’t understand what’s wrong with Nanny. The private sector will only fund research when they can make a profit. Big Pharma will always be Big Pharma. The Texas Medical Center is focused on diagnosis & treatment. Not research.

Full disclosure: My better half has given me permission to sign up as a policy advocate and use her story to speak and meet with others and legislators/policy makers about the need for research. So, I may occasionally make postings related to these issues. I’ll keep them brief when I post.

A measure will come before voters on the November ballot to create a research fund and institute for Parkinson’s, Altzheimers, Dementia & related nuerodegenerative diseases. The administrative costs have been capped at 5% by the approved legislation. So, 95% will go to research funding. The amount set aside right now is $3 Billion over 10 years. Please read the attached link from the Michael J. Fox Foundation & remember, consider, and pass along this information to your friends, co-workers and families. Thanks in advance. [Hidden Content]

Socially more liberal. Not crazy liberal. Just more of a be and let be if it does no harm kind of liberal. Who someone sleeps with isn't any concern of mine. In fact, Government shouldn't be in the marriage business at all. Government should stay out of our personal lives. Fiscal conservative. Minimal Government & Federalist/State's Rights. Consider myself more of a libertarian than anything. I'm actually pro-immigration. But, not as long as the U.S. is a welfare state. Until that changes, immigrants should be self-supporting. They should assimilate and blend. Bring their culture and celebrate it. But realize they are Americans above all now if they choose to stay. Not too much to ask I don't think. I gave some good years of my life to protect just those beliefs. Was proud and honored to do it. Sadly, I wonder if it was worth it nowadays.

Here’s you some data. Read this one. Then, come back and tell me how great the education level of the recent influx of illegal immigrants is… Hint: You’ll find a number that says 43% don’t even have a high school education, and 27% ONLY have a high school education level. That’s why they’re a drain on the system from estimates of $600 Billion to $1.15 Trillion. Not because they’re all ‘bad people.’ It’s because they can’t support themselves with that education level. [Hidden Content]

I didn’t care much either way. It’s very old data. The data I posted is from April 2024 & Jan. 2025. With a wife who can’t speak or do much, I read a lot while watching her. Most of the info I post I’ve already researched well before, and have to go back and find the/a source. Similar to the nonprofit excise tax issue earlier in the thread. Usually, it leads back to official data, or a study from someone like Cato, Baker Institute, Kaiser, or those type folks. Basically, a source typically considered ‘neutral’ and trustworthy. Once a technical person, always a technical person. I want to see the data. It’s the engineering in me even in retirement. Incidentally, I’ve always felt it’s not what a man knows that makes him smart. It’s how well he knows how to find the answers to what he doesn’t know. 😊

No idea. I assume they know by reading my posting history that I research all data, and don’t just trust media of either side without question. Have at it. As mentioned, the cost basis of $65,000–with further breakdowns—was posted already in the SCOTUS birthright citizenship discussion. [Hidden Content] [Hidden Content]

We'll see what happens after Congress comes back from their long break. They're probably getting an ear full from their constituents.

Smaller charities may be helped by the reinstatement of the $300/$150 top line charitable deduction. Not sure how much since--as I understand it--most people actually file simple nowadays. I give a recurring monthly donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I don't claim any of it. Many of us give because of the cause without seeking a tax benefit. Hopefully, this will continue.

Let me see if I can answer without falling out of my chair laughing at the awesome liberal education you received as a teasipper. 🤣 The U.S. imports 60% of it's fruit and 40% of it's vegetables. The major importer is Mexico. The U.S. issues roughly 500,000 H2A Visas (temporary farm worker visas) each year. There is no maximum allowable, and the number is set based on requests from the U.S. agricultural businesses themselves, so it fluctuates. There are approximately 2.4 million farmworkers employed each year in the U.S. Thirty percent are U.S. citizens, the aforementioned 500,000+ are here legally, which leaves about 1 million--give or take--illegal migrants. It would take an awful lot of crop harvesting to make up for a negative cost of $65,000 per illegal immigrant to even come close to breaking even on outlays. I think the cost of your fruits and vegetables would be more impacted by a 10% tariff than any loss of harvesting due to lack of illegal labor. Still, that's a heckuva lot of guacamole.

Correct. That’s why the approximately 12 Million that crossed the southern border recently are a net negative per capita on the U.S. economy. I’ve already posted the numbers and data on this provided to Congress in another thread. 😬😉 Again, I suggest waiting to see what actually winds up in the Bill. I think it’s going to have a tough time in its present form. This might wind up like Texas SB25 (MAHA Bill) after HEB lobbied against it so hard because they don’t want you to know what’s in the food you’re buying from them. It’s watered down so much now, it’s practically useless.

So, you go from 1.39 to ? You need to have a sizable investment portfolio for this to really hit your nonprofit. We’re talking in the millions to billions range. I haven’t read the numbers. But, if you say triple, that’s still only about 5% tax on investment income. As a nonprofit private foundation charity, how much investment income is needed? Is there a need to sit on that much cash? I thought the purpose of a charity was to provide support by giving? Not make income. I understand operating costs as I started and ran a nonprofit for years. But, my goodness. Will need to apportion out more carefully. That’s if this even stays in the final Bill. Note: After reading the proposed changes, a private nonprofit will still pay 1.39% on investments up to $50 Million. That’s a sizable investment portfolio. Not sure you’re gonna get much sympathy from Joe/Jane Smith who will have their taxes go up a much higher pct. when they’re barely getting by and you crying about paying—at most—10% on BILLIONS of investment income when you’re a tax advantaged nonprofit charity. That’s still less than the 12% most middle income folks pay, and most will never see a million in their lifetimes. But, many still probably give to charities. There may be many things not to like about this proposal. I haven’t read it all yet. But, I’m not sure this one is a biggie to the majority. This one strikes me as tone deaf…

I think it’s important to remember—as much as I may wonder about some aspects—if something doesn’t pass, everyone gets a major tax increase. Especially the middle to lower classes. Add layoffs on top of that because of tax increases and it’s gonna be bigly ugly. Medicaid coverage will be secondary because people won’t have money to get to the doctor anyway. Dems ran on letting the tax cuts we have now expire, raising taxes on top of that, and not doing anything to make the government more efficient. Then, they have the audacity to gripe about misuse of Medicaid? Rich…

Honestly, I haven’t read it all yet because I’ve gotten to the point where I wait until its final. This Bill is going to have massive changes before/if it gets through.

From my reading/understanding, Medicaid eligibility and enforcement is primarily up to the individual states. The Feds basically just provide the funds. I believe it’s supposed to be a 50/50 split. But, some states are taking advantage of some legal loopholes to increase their Fed matching money.