RockRaines

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 10:05 AM) Even in the City the property taxes are 6-7%, while in the burbs it can push 10. That isn't even starting to count the sheer amount of taxes and fees on pretty much anything and everything that the City has. Chicago's rate is lower than just about everywhere else surrounding it. The burbs push higher than 10, much higher. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/data/ct...-htmlstory.html

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 10:01 AM) We get the joy of not having the shame of being from Indiana and calling ourselves Hoosiers (Illinois is definitely a tire fire) Illinois is, but the immediate chicago area isnt. The suburbs surrounding Chicago are flourishing.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 09:50 AM) Chicago might present a great cover, but the fiscal situation is about as bad as there is in the country, outside of maybe a place like Detroit which has actually filed bankruptcy. Chicago is taxing everything in sight just to stay afloat, and residents are fleeing like rats. It is really bad right now. Property tax in chicago is pretty low. People are fleeing because of the school system, the ease of public transportation into the city and MUCH cheaper rent. Cities with main rail lines like western springs, Elmhurst etc have extremely high taxes but people are moving and building in droves because the school systems are awesome. Characterizing it as "really bad" is overreaction. Residential construction is way up and gentrification is increasing (which is forcing many people out). If improving the quality of housing and neighborhoods is a negative to you, then yes its very bad.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 09:07 AM) I just dont know what Joe can do here. If he responds, he is lowering himself to Trumps level(smh, "lowering yourself to the POTUS level" is a thing) and he looks bad, and if he doesnt respond, then Trump keeps repeating his lie as if it is real and people believe it and he looks bad Thats what's funny. I expect a morning host to be at that level, I DO NOT expect the president to be even close to that level.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 09:24 AM) Is that sarcasm? I saw that a mile away. She's not even really that hot. Cody seems like a superficial guy. Yes. it was fairly obvious the pairing off was going to happen quickly

QUOTE (Brian @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 08:29 AM) Yeah, didn't expect This season could be the best in awhile. Cody and Josh are nutjobs. Cast has potential.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 08:56 AM) I'm sure Trump being caught in a lie will have dramatic consequences. It's been over 100 proven lies and its made no difference. People will blindly follow him no matter what.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 08:41 AM) and Mitch McConnell smiling He already got his government paid healthcare when he was a kid.

At least show me the lowered taxes....

So many spoilers last night on the feeds. Crazy season already.

I remember when the president was smarter than me. Good times.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 04:30 PM) Entertainment Weekly released pics behind the scenes of the photoshoot. Christmas has that awesome crossfit body. I saw that. Some nice booty shots on that set.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 05:21 PM) It is bizarre to see the left wanting conflict with Russia to be a thing. You are aware that we are and have been in conflict with Russia for decades right?

NYT has hit an all time high of subscribers actually.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 12:51 PM) Any momentum to get the bill killed of late? I did read Trump said he wouldn't be that bummed if it doesn't pass. How can the politicians do this to the people. We need to stall this out for 3 years and wait for Bernie to take over (if he stays healthy it's Bernie time in 2020 baby) and get the socialism thing going (in some areas like healthcare). They are only interested in keeping their jobs Greg, thats all that matters.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 10:59 AM) I've got no problem offering them a cheap/no cost alternative for the job they do. If they want something fancy, then they can pay. Agreed. If they want to move their families there and have a nice residence near good schools then they can commute from virginia.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 10:37 AM) Build them a dorm facility. Problem solved. If they stay there, housing is free. Just like the olden days... The rest of working america is ok with commuting, some even flying every monday and then home every thursday. Why cant they? The public transportation system is pretty great in DC as well.

Start a new thread maybe. I am so excited I cant take it.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 08:54 AM) Still ascribing to Trump's Razor: the dumbest explanation is most likely the correct one. He's blindly stumbling around and by some accounts his PAC is responsible for pissing off enough Senators to get the vote pushed past this week by attacking Heller. I do think this was will pass eventually, though, much like the House bill. I just think it'll be due to more aggressive arm-twisting than due to any grand, competent strategy from the GOP at this point. Yep. I dont think the party will allow dissention here. It's a gamble for sure long term.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 08:36 AM) DC is super expensive and paying Rep's more would help attract candidates who aren't already wealthy or looking to quickly turn into lobbyists to become wealthy, at least theoretically. It's still really bad political optics, but I'm not sure how much that matters these days. Commuting 20-30 minutes out of DC to a more affordable area isnt too much to ask. You can EASILY live comfortably on that salary just out of the immediate DC area.

When will the president admit he lied even once?>

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 28, 2017 -> 06:45 AM) Talk about tone deaf... Washington • On his way out of Congress, Rep. Jason Chaffetz gave many District of Columbia residents another reason to gripe Tuesday when he called for members of Congress to receive a housing stipend of up to $30,000 a year. Chaffetz, R-Utah, who chaired the committee that has oversight of the nation's capital, said federal lawmakers have trouble stretching their $174,000 salaries to cover housing in Washington, which he called "one of the most expensive places in the world," and homes in their congressional districts. "I really do believe Congress would be much better served if there was a housing allowance for members of Congress," Chaffetz told The Hill, which first reported his stipend proposal. "In today's climate, nobody's going to suggest or vote for a pay raise. But you shouldn't have to be among the wealthiest of Americans to serve properly in Congress." http://www.sltrib.com/home/5450590-155/story.html Somewhere along the lines of history, representatives started to feel like they should be living like kings. Being a public servant should NOT entitle you to fancy upscale housing in DC. This is not supposed to be a cushy job. You were elected for that position to represent your constituents. Not to live a life of luxury.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jun 27, 2017 -> 10:32 AM) Does the red middle of the country think this benefits them or are they just voting because of the ®? Both. Many of them think the ACA is why healthcare is so expensive, and they think this will immediately make everything affordable. The rest are following whatever they see or read on Fox.

Hannity is still employed after spewing fake news on the air for months.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jun 26, 2017 -> 04:11 PM) Remember when Veronica was a smoke show? At some point age and booze catches up to everyone