# Random Political Thoughts **URL:** \ **Category:** Political Topics\ **Created:** [February 22, 2021, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146 "2021-02-22T15:54:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![tommie.frazier](https://community.goactuary.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/b5a626/32.png) [@tommie.frazier](https://community.goactuary.com/u/tommie.frazier)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 4:35am UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/204 "2023-07-27T04:35:52Z")
Senior moment? Was more like a petit mal event (cross post to actuaries diagnosing). He just froze and stared. Hope he got checked out and is ok enough to leave the senate and thrive at home ---
**Author:** ![Busy\_Bee4422](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/busy_bee4422/32/69948_2.png) [@Busy\_Bee4422](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Busy_Bee4422)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 9:35am UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/205 "2023-07-27T09:35:32Z")
His team left him there for a looong time before reacting as if he does that all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Nick\_Papagiorgio](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/nick_papagiorgio/32/451_2.png) [@Nick\_Papagiorgio](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Nick_Papagiorgio)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2023, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/206 "2023-07-31T18:19:32Z")
> [@Cooke](#): > > Wish politicians would retire before they get into their 80’s. > > [Mitch McConnell abruptly stops mid-sentence during press conference | Republicans | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/26/mitch-mcconnell-press-conference?utm_term=64c1ebcf0861f98aef68c2d1ff4d5d94&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTUK_email) Honestly politics seems like a bit of a retirement job at this point. ---
**Author:** ![ArthurItas](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/arthuritas/32/63_2.png) [@ArthurItas](https://community.goactuary.com/u/ArthurItas)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/207 "2023-08-01T16:36:36Z")
There should be an age limit for politicians ---
**Author:** ![Maphistos\_Sidekick](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/maphistos_sidekick/32/84973_2.png) [@Maphistos\_Sidekick](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Maphistos_Sidekick)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/208 "2023-08-01T19:52:15Z")
There is. Unfortunately it’s a lower limit. ---
**Author:** ![Nick\_Papagiorgio](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/nick_papagiorgio/32/451_2.png) [@Nick\_Papagiorgio](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Nick_Papagiorgio)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/209 "2023-08-01T22:02:57Z")
This saga is interesting. It’s political politics and it’s turning into a feud. > **[How Biden's Space Command decision became his newest feud with Sen. Tuberville](https://www.yahoo.com/news/biden-space-command-alabama-colorado-tuberville-military-promotions-pentagon-154257157.html)** > > The president’s announcement that the headquarters would stay in Colorado outraged Alabama legislators. ---
**Author:** ![EimonGnome](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/eimongnome/32/7572_2.png) [@EimonGnome](https://community.goactuary.com/u/EimonGnome)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2023, 4:54am UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/210 "2023-08-02T04:54:29Z")
Great quote in that article. > House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala. Rogers called it a “deliberate taxpayer-funded manipulation of the selection process,” adding, **“It’s clear that** far-left politics, not national security, was the driving force behind this decision.” The bolder part always sets off yellow flashing lights for me. Next we will find out that the evidence involves “a lot of people are saying that”, but “we do not comment on ongoing investigations.” In the end, it is a faith based argument, so reason and logic will not avail you. ---
**Author:** ![1695814](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/1695814/32/38506_2.png) [@1695814](https://community.goactuary.com/u/1695814)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/211 "2023-08-05T19:36:27Z")
This article from the wsj, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-founders-anticipated-the-threat-of-trump-becda1b?mod=wknd\_pos1](https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-founders-anticipated-the-threat-of-trump-becda1b?mod=wknd_pos1), which you could read the text here, [https://tinyurl.com/5n7u2cyz](https://tinyurl.com/5n7u2cyz), is not the primary reason for this post. The headline within the wsj link says " This week’s indictment of the former president outlines the sort of demagogic challenge to the rule of law that the Constitution’s architects most feared" I didn’t know what the phrase “demagogic challenge” meant, so I asked chatgpt. Here is it’s answer: > **chatgpt** > > The term “demagogic challenge” refers to a situation in which a political leader or public figure uses populist, inflammatory, or manipulative rhetoric to gain support and influence over the masses. A demagogue is a person who seeks to appeal to emotions, prejudices, and fears of the public rather than relying on rational arguments or thoughtful policies. > > A demagogic challenge typically involves exploiting people’s dissatisfaction, anger, or discontent with the status quo, presenting simplistic solutions to complex problems, and often scapegoating certain groups or individuals to divert attention away from the real issues. Demagogues are skilled at tapping into people’s emotions and using persuasive language to rally support and create a strong and loyal following. > > While some leaders genuinely seek to address the concerns of their constituents and work towards positive change, demagogues tend to use their charisma and manipulation to achieve personal or narrow political goals. They may not have a genuine interest in the welfare of the people they claim to represent, and their actions can sometimes undermine democratic institutions and principles. > > Demagogic challenges can be harmful to society as they can lead to the spread of misinformation, polarization, and a deterioration of political discourse. They may exploit divisions within the population and weaken trust in democratic processes. > > It is essential for citizens to be critical of political messages and to be informed about the issues at hand, rather than blindly following charismatic leaders who appeal primarily to emotions. Being vigilant against demagogic challenges is crucial for maintaining a healthy and functioning democracy. I thought, “Holy shit! It’s talking about Trump.” ---
**Author:** ![dr\_t\_non-fan](https://community.goactuary.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@dr\_t\_non-fan](https://community.goactuary.com/u/dr_t_non-fan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 2:53am UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/212 "2023-08-07T02:53:17Z")
> [@1695814](#): > > Being vigilant against demagogic challenges is crucial for maintaining a healthy and functioning democracy. We are failing at this. ---
**Author:** ![Nick\_Papagiorgio](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/nick_papagiorgio/32/451_2.png) [@Nick\_Papagiorgio](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Nick_Papagiorgio)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 12:04pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/213 "2023-08-11T12:04:32Z")
This is good law… … for both sides. > **['Put the American public first': Senators introduce a bipartisan law to ban...](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/put-american-public-first-senators-211500437.html)** > > Will this attempt to tackle insider trading in Washington be successful? ---
**Author:** ![Rastiln](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/rastiln/32/77682_2.png) [@Rastiln](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Rastiln)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 3:38pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/214 "2023-08-11T15:38:34Z")
I don’t think they should be banned from owning stock, they should just be forced into a standardized, diverse portfolio that’s the same for every Congressperson and invests as broadly as reasonably possible. And any purchases or sales should require filing and receiving approval for such, with a long and immutable time window between approval and actual purchase/sale. This should be open and easily accessible to the public. ---
**Author:** ![Jasper07734](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/jasper07734/32/24056_2.png) [@Jasper07734](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Jasper07734)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 4:31pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/215 "2023-08-11T16:31:11Z")
We should repeal/strike down the Permanent Apportionment Act and revert to 1 representative per 30,000 people. Then sell the Washington Commies football team to another city, and use their old stadium for the House’s business (since at that point there would be like 11,000 or so representatives). ---
**Author:** ![SredniVashtar](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/srednivashtar/32/2894_2.png) [@SredniVashtar](https://community.goactuary.com/u/SredniVashtar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/216 "2023-08-11T16:45:54Z")
> [@Rastiln](#): > > I don’t think they should be banned from owning stock, they should just be forced into a standardized, diverse portfolio that’s the same for every Congressperson and invests as broadly as reasonably possible. I like the simplicity of banning them from trading stock. Not sure how realistic either solution is. ---
**Author:** ![Rastiln](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/rastiln/32/77682_2.png) [@Rastiln](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Rastiln)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 4:57pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/217 "2023-08-11T16:57:40Z")
I mean, should one enter Congress in their 30s and remain a politician, they just can’t develop a 401k balance because you can’t buy? Not that I’m crying for the poor politicians that would have to survive on only their pensions, book deals, speaking fees, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Indy](https://community.goactuary.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/i/e480ec/32.png) [@Indy](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Indy)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/218 "2023-08-11T17:10:13Z")
I’d be fine with them investing in the funds available to all federal employees in the Thrift Savings Plan, or in a specified list of five private funds with the same strategies, (if there are legal problems with using the TSP funds directly). [Individual Funds | The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)](https://www.tsp.gov/funds-individual/) ---
**Author:** ![SredniVashtar](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/srednivashtar/32/2894_2.png) [@SredniVashtar](https://community.goactuary.com/u/SredniVashtar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/219 "2023-08-11T17:14:25Z")
> [@Rastiln](#): > > I mean, should one enter Congress in their 30s and remain a politician, they just can’t develop a 401k balance because you can’t buy? > > Not that I’m crying for the poor politicians that would have to survive on only their pensions, book deals, speaking fees, etc. I guess I don’t care enough to argue against that. But I don’t think anything would break if they were restricted to cash, t-bonds, pensions, whatever. I agree that anyone with enough money (say $10 million) might do better in the market than as a representative, but who cares? ---
**Author:** ![EimonGnome](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/eimongnome/32/7572_2.png) [@EimonGnome](https://community.goactuary.com/u/EimonGnome)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/220 "2023-08-11T17:25:37Z")
It’s a cute idea. And I get intent. But once you go to put it into text, it becomes a tar baby. - bonds? Convertible corporate bonds? REITs LLCs Hedge funds See, it gets pretty esoteric pretty quickly. Maybe just make them all subject to the same insider trading rules everyone else has to obey? ---
**Author:** ![twig93](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/twig93/32/527_2.png) [@twig93](https://community.goactuary.com/u/twig93)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 5:57pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/221 "2023-08-11T17:57:41Z")
> [@Rastiln](#): > > I don’t think they should be banned from owning stock Are they not allowed to own mutual funds under this proposal? I don’t have a problem with them owning mutual funds. Individual securities are more problematic though. ---
**Author:** ![SredniVashtar](https://community.goactuary.com/user_avatar/community.goactuary.com/srednivashtar/32/2894_2.png) [@SredniVashtar](https://community.goactuary.com/u/SredniVashtar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/222 "2023-08-11T18:53:05Z")
> [@twig93](#): > > Are they not allowed to own mutual funds under this proposal? I don’t think anyone on GoActuary does. But I’d be happy with whatever rules are simple, popular, and effective. (Admittedly it might be impossible to make something without loopholes.) ---
**Author:** ![Indy](https://community.goactuary.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/i/e480ec/32.png) [@Indy](https://community.goactuary.com/u/Indy)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146/223 "2023-08-11T19:45:04Z")
I think my proposal works. "Here’s a short list of named index funds. Also, checking accounts, CDs, bank savings accounts, and two “primary” residences (one in DC, one in your district). [Previous page](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146.md?page=10) [Next page](https://community.goactuary.com/t/random-political-thoughts/2146.md?page=12)