Toss a Coin to Your Rich, Oh Valley of Plenty: Senate Bill Robs Poor to Pay Rich

Another Fine Mess

Well damn it all. Seems like every few years I'm forced to trade my silver sword for a quill and report on some fresh skullduggery. This time it's this "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" the Senate Republicans are tryin' to shove through. A Yale Budget Lab analysis dropped this week and the stink of it is stronger than a noonwraith on a battlefield. Mark my words this smells worse than a barghest's lair.

The Numbers Don't Lie (Unless You're a Politician)

The long and short of it? This bill is gonna squeeze the poorest among us like a lemon while the wealthy sip on the juice. According to Yale the bottom 20% – those scraping by on less than $13,350 a year – will see their income drop by about $700. Meanwhile the top 20% rolling in over $120,000 get an extra $5,700 to line their already overflowing coffers. As I always say hmm...

Medicaid and Food Stamps: The Next Victims

And how are they funding this little Robin Hood in reverse act? By gutting Medicaid and SNAP that's how. The same programs that help the poor keep their heads above water. Apparently in the eyes of some a full belly and a doctor's visit are luxuries not rights. Remember Evil is Evil. Lesser greater middling… Makes no difference. The degree is arbitary. The definition's blurred. If I'm to choose between one evil and another then I prefer not to choose at all.

Deja Vu All Over Again

This ain't exactly new mind you. Other analyses are saying the same thing – this bill is regressive. Tax cuts for the rich cuts to programs for the poor. It's a tale as old as time or at least as old as the last time a politician promised to help the common folk while lining their own pockets. Toss a coin to your politician my friends. Though I doubt they'll share it back.

The Trump Card

Of course this is all tied up with Trump's old tax cuts from 2017. And other policies like tax cuts for seniors and tipped workers. Sounds nice on the surface but it's like offering a wounded man a bandage while simultaneously stabbing him with a rusty sword. Sure some folks will get a tax cut but the overall cost is a steeper hole in the national debt thanks to $3.3 trillion (or $4 trillion if you count interest) over the next decade.

So What Now?

Well the bill still has to pass the Senate and then go back to the House. So there's still time for the politicians to change it around. But don't hold your breath. In the meantime I'll keep my silver sword sharp and my eyes open. Because when the coffers are empty and the people are hungry monsters aren't the only thing you need to worry about. Sometimes the monsters wear suits.