Short Take Politics:

Published here because political discussions seem to be more interesting when separated from coverage of Niagara Falls News. Publishing it here gives the MAGA snowflakes a safe space to kvetch. Regular Short Take will publish in a bit at www.niagaraexpress.town.news

We got kicked in the teeth economically twice this week. Once when a $330 gas bill came in the mail, a function of President Trump making it easier for suppliers to export natural gas.
Gas fetches more in the international market. Gas companies work for shareholders. Consumers don’t matter. The little guy (me and you) pays the price. Our President cares not.
Then we went to Orville’s to buy a new, stackable washer and dryer. “Assembled in the US” but with components from Mexico and China. The Trump tax is about $180. Yes, in the photo above, that is a Polly King Art original back and to the right. We are blessed to be able to go to the store and buy a new appliance when we need while remaining debt free.
The trouble with affordability is it is hard to track. This is the first new washer and dryer we purchased in more than a decade. We’ve moved since and don’t remember what we paid.
Other things are more expensive on a yearly basis. For example, that box of 75 garbage bags or the big jug of dishwasher soap pods or the gallon of olive oil we buy once a year, all up between 15 and 20%. I mark things with a Sharpie on the date of purchase with the cost and where we got it so we can actually study affordability in real time no matter what the pedophile in chief says.
Our electric bill has been up as well but not that much, I think because I unplugged the dehumidifier in the basement. You can make it a political slur if you like. “Bidenflation” has been replaced by “Trumpflation.” There was no cute phrase for the pandemic when a million Americans died, but we could still fight about whose fault it was. Should we blame masks (if your underwear doesn't stop a fart why would a cloth mask stop a virus?) Rules about social contact? (Newsom went to a party! (So did Mark Poloncarz!) Was the vaccine rushed to market? (Experimental medicine!) The whole thing had no cohesive voice, no sense of unity, just divisive politics.
This morning I read this status about our increased electric rates from Grand Island Republican Mike Madigan, as shared by Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. Obviously, our electric bills are Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fault. Here's what Madigan shared:
“Why did your electricity rates more than double in last five years when no other state’s rates followed the same pattern?
While the rest of the country ramped up preparations to build Nuclear power plants:
“In NY Hochul led the effort that closed Indian Point Nuclear plants Unit 2 and 3 in 2020 and 2021 due to alleged environmental concerns. This is the last two nuclear plants closed in entire US - not one, two closures in NY - each generated significant reliable power for the NY grid.
“The impact was significant rate hikes due to significant electricity supply drop in NY and significant increase in fossil fuel use and emissions to fill the gap of lost low cost, zero emission nuclear energy - yes higher fossil fuel emissions not less contrary to the goal and justification of the closure was to replace with green energy that never materialized.
“Here is NY rate vs rest of the country - Hochul’s failed leadership is costing you hundreds of dollars with rates continuing to ramp as Hochul pushes school bus and car electrification and natural gas and coal plant closures and use elimination with no feasible plan to replace (wind and solar is not a option). Rate hikes have only just begun.
“National average is $0.17/KWh vs NY @ $0.27/KWh.
“NY voters are a majority lemmings complaining while following Hochul over the cliff without hesitation. We will re- elect her this November endorsing this off the rails failed leadership that will again double our rates.
“If you move to escape NY, please do not then push similar failed leadership that drove you out of NY!!!!!!!”
As I read that, and watched the CBC feed of the Olympic Gold Medal hockey game, I pondered why I had no desire to see the NBC feed. I also wondered why I have this bit of me rooting for Canada just because of the schadenfreud that would come from our President melting down if we don’t win. Hey, I am sitting in my chair and I just got a “welcome to Canada” text on my phone. Maybe it is a sign.
I also thought of a loved one who lives in a delusional headspace where Russia is trying to liberate Ukraine, which is the most corrupt country on earth. George Soros is paying Antifa. And, while he lives in government housing and collects public assistance he will tell you if you listen Hochul is even worse than Cuomo and he’d be better off in a lot of states. Pray for him.
None of it makes sense.