California's COVID stats proves one thing: Vaccines are working

75.3% of Californians have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In the last two weeks the rate of covid infections has went up 446% and covid deaths have decreased by 38%.

Vaccines don't completely prevent transmissions, but they do radically decrease serious hospitalizations and deaths.

Funny thing is: Even some of the most anti vax, ardent trump supporting people in my life have been convinced to get vaccinated after some discussion. It isn't a guarantee that it'll happen but personally I have seen some success in that area.

https://www.latimes.com/projects/california-coronavirus-cases-tracking-outbreak/covid-19-vaccines-distribution/

Should the US Senate remain as it is?

Just curious. Until 1913, all senators were not elected, but appointed by their state legislatures. Regardless of population, each state is given 2 senators which ends up overstating the representation of less populous states, and understating the representation of more populous sates. This is in contrast with the house of representatives, where decennial reapporitionment and redistricting nearly guarantees a slightly more proportional representation of their constituents. My question is: Should the US Senate be changed, and how?

https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Constitution_Senate.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate

No, Beto did not kill his chances with "we will take your AR15s"

Running on gun control in Texas, according to most polls, appears to be a politically savvy thing to do. This is the most recent poll I can find, which shows that a vast majority of Texans prefer more strict gun laws.

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/survey-poll-suggests-texas-voters-overwhelmingly-support-stricter-gun-regulations

On edit: okay maybe RUNNING on gun control isn't the most savvy thing to do based on the last quinnipiac. But as some folks have pointed out, that might not be the most consequential issue on peoples' minds at this point. And a 5-10 point deficit on banning assault rifles, in my opinion, is not a political killer.

https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3813

Do you think Manchin will agree to a 1.7T BBB bill?

...in some form?

Hope he succeeds.

Waiting -John Mayer

Joe Manchin votes with Republicans 54% of the time (from 2018)

From his own website:

Does anybody else doubt that BBB died when BIF passed the house?

Or do they assume that Manchin would have made this declaration regardless of whether his bill didn't make it through?

Was BBB dead all along or was there always a chance it could have passed? Is there still a chance?

Joe Manchin is a

Senator from West Virginia who has derailed
congress' landmark legislation. This action aided
Republicans as they have sought to block each
Optimal action that Democrats took. I get
our best hope of long term success rests in this
guy, but I'll be damned if we keep groveling at his feet
expecting him to do the right thing.

Just overheard today a guy in his thirties say Naruto and Goku were from the same show....

Does anybody else feel this is completely unacceptable? I had half a mind to throw a tantrum right then and there...