What's happening with Nebraska?

[Amy10223]

Nebraska farmers have lost and are losing lots of money. Most of these farmers voted for Trump. Their workers have been deported, and now they have no one to help them run their farms. In about 6 months, Nebraska will become bankrupt. So--they will now have something in common with Trump! It will become a state where the population will decrease immensely. A ghost-state.

[msc545]

So a lot of the people in Nebraska are going to be very sorry about who they voted for. But a significant number of them will tell you that it isn't Trump's fault. It's the fault of immigrants or trans people or some other thing or the just the fault of liberals in some way. The denial and the stupidity of their excuses is just pathetic and maddening.

[OneViewpoint]

Fuck Nebraska. Fuck all these ignorant uneducated rural populations. The only way they can understand the consequences of their actions is when it bites them in the ass. We need to let them experience the consequences of their votes.

[Amy10223]

They'll come asking for Trump's help soon enough. Many are already regretting voting for him--which is about 80% of them.

[OneViewpoint]

Stupid people cannot connect the dots unless it's happening to them and it's happening right now. Somewhat like a dog, they have no concept of yesterday, they can't envision any future based on their actions today, they live in a constant single moment in time. Some would say "Ignorance is bliss". I would say yeah, until that ignorance bites you in the ass. And it does, over and over again for a lifetime.

[msc545]

Sadly, that is correct. You might also want to mention that they are the living embodiment of the Dunning - Kruger effect in that they are convinced of the wisdom of the decisions they make, no matter how many times those decisions turn out to be wrong - which is quite often.

[Ariesman81]

Yeah... it's called accountability. It's what we voted for. Letting consequences for poor choices land where they will. It's not the government's job to make people's lives easier and more comfortable. It's unfortunate the farmers are struggling, but they chose to hire cheaper, illegal workers. And they are now reaping what they've sewn. Consequences for choices.👍🏻

[OneViewpoint]

@Ariesman81 ,

And they took government crop subsidies, government loans, government infrastructure spending, government advisory help, government funded crop research, and a government created foreign market through USAID.

But these rural assholes absolutely despised "welfare queens" and people getting food assistance (SNAP), and poor kids getting a decent lunch at schools.

These imbeciles absolutely cannot see that they are the "welfare queens". They never saw it coming for themselves. They thought they were voting to screw minorities and the poor who choose to be poor. Their racism just destroyed them.

[Ariesman81]

I don't think they're imbeciles. I think they took advantage of a system that offered them free money. Is it virtuous... no. Is it dumb... no. It's also possible they saw the error of their ways and came to the realization that consequences are necessary and no one is immune. And to be honest, I think these farmers that are utilizing these subsidies know they're wrong. It's possible to hate consequences and still know they're needed.

[OneViewpoint]

@Ariesman81 ,

All the ones I've seen interviewed for the news lately have been outraged they have been "betrayed" by tRump. And they are crying about losing their farms and their livelihood. They view all that government support as an entitlement. Why not, for some of them they have never known life on a farm without government handouts. That's just how their world is supposed to work.

I call them imbeciles because they are utterly blind to the fact that they are exactly the same morally and ethically as the welfare queens they love to hate. They are all living off taxpayer charity.

When they fail in a free market and lose their farms, we will end up with a food supply 100% in the hands of a handful of corporations controlled by even fewer Oligarchs. Think about that.

[Ariesman81]

It's already happened. German companies own the majority of dairy farms in Wisconsin. And this all happened under the subsidies programs that were in place. Farming hasn't been a free market because of the subsidies. You're correct, the people suffering are suffering because they were on the government tit. And us actual conservatives recognize that a reset needed to take place to get people to be accountable once again. Trump's policies are doing just that.

[OneViewpoint]

@Ariesman81 ,

Well hallelujah, I've found common ground with the last of the actual conservatives.

[Ariesman81]

@OneViewpoint Sarcasm?🤔😂

[OneViewpoint]

@Ariesman81 ,

No, not sarcasm. People need to stop calling the USA a free market. It is not a free market. Government policy used to address market fairness imbalances is meant to be used in small doses to fix specific problems and not remain in place forever except in the case of anti trust actions.

[Ariesman81]

@OneViewpoint

Like Tariffs and trade imbalances?

[OneViewpoint]

@Ariesman81,

If you're asking about tRumps use of tariffs no! He's a moron. Tariffs specifically are meant to be used surgically and temporarily to fix discrete problems, not wholesale and blindly across an entire economy and all trading partners with no idea of the unintended consequences. And the "fix" doesn't happen overnight. The Project 2025 fever dream of bring jobs back to the US couldn't possibly happen within less than 4-5 years but it's not gonna happen at all. We let those jobs be offshored so corporations could make more profits. Appeasing the Oligarchs again. The manufacturing jobs are never coming back.

[Ariesman81]

I disagree. It's already proving itself to be effective. Toro has already trimmed corporate fat and is bringing it's manufacturing back from Mexico. Apple doing the same.

I think what we're seeing is the escalation before the de-escalation. Let's call it what it is... "We're not to be fucked with". And yeah, creating chaos in markets means companies are going to seek security. And where do people seek security? Behind the guy who can't be fucked with!

Tariffs could be reciprocal at 0% or 250%. Both are fair markets. Personally, I like the idea of some tariffs in place in exchange for no income tax. At least then I have the choice of not consuming.

[OneViewpoint]

@Ariesman81,

But a tariff is not a permanent replacement for an income tax as a dependable stream of revenue. If a tariff is a successful policy tool it eliminates itself when the market fairness issue is eliminated. A tariff's revenue diminishes over time until that happens. And a tariff is completely regressive. Those at the bottom get hammered the worst if the issue is a basic staple of life. Like I said before, a tariff is supposed to be a surgical tool for a limited period of time to address a specific issue, not a permanent source of revenue to fund a government. And a tariff is exactly the same as an income tax other than the consumption choice. It's a tax on us citizens. China is not paying a penny despite what our Liar In Chief says or what the ignorant MAGA imbeciles believe.

[Ariesman81]

It's a tax on consumers who choose to buy foreign goods... yes. But again, I'm for personal accountability, disincentivising poor choices and self reliance.
Your argument of the potential of tariffs not providing enough financially to fund the core government processes is rational, if all Americans ceased to buy foreign goods. Could/would that happen? I don't know. What I do know is the progressive bloat of government is ridiculous and I would rather have the choice be in my hands.

[Cormac995]

Part of it's the tarrifs on Canada too. America imports almost all our fertilizer from Canada and we have a tone of agriculture but shitty soil in most of those places. 25% tarrifs are increasing the cost of fertilizer meaning not only are farmers losing cheap labor their expenses have never been higher so they're losing money that way too. Also decreased fertilizer use will lead to lower crop yields which will cause food supply problems. We'll be lucky if we're still a first world nation by the time this presidency is over.

[Amy10223]

You are absolutely right. We will be probably 3rd in the world, from being the first. This country has done a lot of bad in its history, but I try to keep in mind we help other nations. Maybe we were never great, just had an interest in everything to keep us at the top. But this to me looks like, the tip of the iceberg and just one sign it's going to go down.

[Cormac995]

I'm still 50/50 Trump is going to win this time when he tries to overthrow the government because he will.

[Ez-Bri-Z_v2]

Well, now they get to work on their flexibility as they bend over backwards to blame everyone but themselves for voting against their own interests because they thought it would never affect them personally. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I hope these people get exactly what they voted for so that they get to suffer along with the rest of us.

[Amy10223]

Exactly.

[Ez-Bri-Z_v2]

So many Trump cultists in this question just plugging their ears and shouting "there's no proof" even when you give it to them. It's pathetic.

[Amy10223]

Yes. The truth falls on deaf ears with them.

[NathanDavis]

to keep it simple...

American farmers = subsidies = welfare

American policy under Trump = screw you... now the "welfare" is for the rich

I guess they can wait for those 5k dollar checks... and see what they can do with those

[AviatorTom]

@amy10223 Please cite your sources when posting this kind of information. It's unusual for farmers to have undocumented workers since they know they could be fined for that, going back to the Clinton administration. If they knowingly had undocumented workers, now is the time to pay the piper.

[Amy10223]

Tom, you are quick to blame any Democrat for anything. How about this?
nebraskaexaminer.com/.../

And this is about Nebraska:

www.npr.org/.../trumps-promise-of-mass-deportations-has-nebraska-worried-amid-labor-shortage

[Amy10223]

Just for your own info about Trump and his undocumented workers:
www.vanityfair.com/.../trump-organization-undocumented-workers

[AviatorTom]

@amy10223. I read both sources. Neither says anything about Nebraska farmers losing workers. Both state that Nebraska needs immigrants, and I agree with that... legal immigrants that Trump's policies will not affect. Trump's policies are after illegal immigrants, not immigrants as a whole.

Please don't get swayed by the liberal media's attempt to equate legal immigration with illegal immigration.

[Amy10223]

They fled because of ICE. If you had illegal workers working for you, would you mention it in public or to the press?
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
Nebraska's Dependence on Immigrant Labor:
Nebraska, a major beef producer, relies heavily on immigrant workers, who make up a significant portion of its workforce, especially in meatpacking plants.
Labor Shortage:
The state is experiencing a severe labor shortage, with a large number of job openings and not enough workers to fill them.
Trump's Deportation Pledge:
President Trump's pledge to deport undocumented immigrants has raised concerns about the potential impact on Nebraska's economy and workforce.
Economic Impact:
The potential loss of immigrant workers could disrupt the state's meatpacking industry and lead to economic hardship.
Religious and Community Organizations:
Religious organizations and community groups are standing up for the immigrant community and bracing for the potential impact of the crackdown.
Undocumented Immigrants in Nebraska:
Estimates suggest that there are a significant number of undocumented immigrants in Nebraska, many of whom work in the meatpacking industry.
Fear and Uncertainty:
Nebraska companies and residents are expressing concern and fear about the potential consequences of the immigration crackdown.
Workforce Gap:
A report released by the state's economic chamber highlighted the need for immigrants to address the workforce gap.
Potential for Mass Deportations:
Trump has vowed to deport undocumented immigrants, including those with criminal records and outstanding removal orders.

[msc545]

Every farmer in California has undocumented workers. It is NOT unusual at all.

[Amy10223]

@msc545 Of course, msc. Most of us know that.

[msc545]

Apparently, our friend does not know this.

[NoDecision]

That is because they relied on cheap illegal labor instead of paying decent wages to legal migrant workers. Now they can pay the price of their follies.

[DrPepper12]

So like Wyoming but flatter?

FAFO. Karma. Fate. Reaping what you sow. Destiny. IDC what you call it but it's all shadenfreude for me!

[RedInnocent69]

And don’t forget they’ll soon run out of fertilizer, which will be tariffed at 250% or whatever stupid fucking thing Trump comes up with sitting on the John on Tuesday. It’s okay though, Musk will buy Nebraska once it’s totally gone to shit

[lightbulb27]

really? It's freezing cold in nebraska, they use machinery to farm fields. If they need migrant help then go and migrate some people and petition the feds.

I'd think bigger issues in CA and FL and TX if lack workers.

[loveslongnails]

That's the plan - bankrupt farmers so wealthy corporations and individuals can buy the land cheap. Then they will use the undocumented workers who were not deported as slave labor. Are you catching on yet?

[Fatherhere901]

How many of the workers were undocumented?

How many of the documented workers wanted twice what the farmers were paying.

[TanyaZanes]

Obviously, all of them or they couldn’t be deported.

[Amy10223]

I have no idea of the number. The point of this is most of them have fled.

[Anonymous]

fuck 'em. They thought they could get away with paying dirt cheap wages for ONE worker, knowing that they would bring their families to help on the same paycheck too. That should be a crime... in fact, I'm sure it is. People will fill the jobs, but at fair wages. Sad to see democrats and Trump-haters in support of modern day slavery/indentured servitude. 🤡

[trumpetplayerforlife]

This is very false info and I don't know who you heard thus from lol

[Amy10223]

I've read on it everywhere. Sometimes you have to read things and FAAFO.
www.npr.org/.../trumps-promise-of-mass-deportations-has-nebraska-worried-amid-labor-shortage

[Ariesman81]

Not to worry. There'll be plenty of government workers looking for jobs soon enough to fill the void.

[TanyaZanes]

So it will all work out in the end.

[Amy10223]

I seriously doubt federal workers will do the manual labor those folks did.

[Ariesman81]

Well... they can whine and complain how they're broke then.

[beefcakebradybatson]

As the late, great Antoine "Fats" Domino once sang (and that racist a**hole Pat Boone disgustingly whitebreaded and because of 1950's racism, got the much bigger hit) "Ain't That A Shame!!!"

[Surely]

If those immigrant workers know that they need work visas. Why would they let them expire? Especially when Trump won the election!

[Dargil]

Links proving this or just conjecture?

[Amy10223]

www.npr.org/.../trumps-promise-of-mass-deportations-has-nebraska-worried-amid-labor-shortage

[Amy10223]

nebraskaexaminer.com/.../

[Ironco]

This is a lie, we all know it..

[Amy10223]

www.npr.org/.../trumps-promise-of-mass-deportations-has-nebraska-worried-amid-labor-shortage
I am guessing you don't like facts.

[TanyaZanes]

Who’s fault is it that the farmers broke the law?

[Friendlybro79]

Partly the farmers and partly the American people who won't take those jobs because it's beneath them or top difficult to do and can't afford to pay living wages.

[TanyaZanes]

American workers are at fault?

[Friendlybro79]

Partly because they don't want to do the physical labor that is required. Sometimes more than one thing can be true. Farmers can't easily hire Americans to do the job and the rate of of pay in which they can afford. They aren't always making a lot of money and can't do it by themselves. When push comes to shove they hire illegals so you and me can eat.

It doesn't make it right it just makes it reality.

[TanyaZanes]

There is such a thing as migrant work, visas, but farmers don’t want that because then they would have to pay legal wage and benefits. So it’s much cheaper to just break the law.

[Friendlybro79]

It's why I said partly their fault too. They are struggling to make ends meet as is because people want cheap food. So we're all part of the problem. If they hired Americans or more migrant work, which they do, just not everyone is legal, your price of food will be even higher.

[TanyaZanes]

I like that you’re being respectable about this unlike others. Think about all the jobs that could be done at a lesser price if the workers were illegal immigrants.
Where I live, ice busted 300 illegal immigrants working on a huge automotive place that rebuilt engines.
If you stop and think about it, we can all be replaced by your illegal immigrants. Then what we would do? For the sake of argument, let’s say you’re a construction worker. You now lost your job to somebody who’s illegal in the country. So when you complain about it, your neighbor tells you that people just like cheaper houses so what’s the problem?

And how many farm workers do you think we’re staying in those hotels in New York City?

The only two answers I can can see is automation, which won’t require any workers. And the other option is a friendly guy like you who likes farming so he just flies to Mexico leases 1000 acres for farmland and run your business from Mexico. All your workers would be legal everything would work out.

[Friendlybro79]

Well you bring up a great point in that this isn't an easy thing to solve. Automation also isn't free and has costs up front. In my opinion we should invest in our own infrastructure which to me should include our land and encourage our farmers to continue what they do because we need to eat. Subsidizing them fairly makes sense to me so we can continue to properly and in a healthy way feed our citizens.

Automation will bring a lot of folks to the unemployment line and as far as most experts see it eventually we'll have to decide what to do with all the jobs AI replaces. It will replace more jobs than it creates.

We will need to figure out how to keep people from starving to death or losing their homes because eventually only rich corporations will benefit from AI if we don't regulate it. I don't care who hates regulation. We can't allow 4 people to control us all.

Universal wage will probably happen in the next 100 years to keep people from looting and pillaging.

[TanyaZanes]

I liked Andrew Yang, but he was shooting too high on UBI. He wanted every adult American to get $1000 per month. That’s a very touchy subject for most people. It sounds like people are lazy. But the fact is, people are lazy. When I go to work tomorrow, I’m not going to put a saddle on my horse, I’m going to turn the key in my car. When I wash clothes, I’m not going down to the river and bang them against rocks, I’m going to put them in the washing machine. Automation has been happening as long as humans had brains.

And you and I are really going to have to worry about it because this is going to happen after we are long gone.

I don’t know if you experiment with AI or not, but you might like it. You will see that a lot of people on forums like this are using it to make themselves look smart.

I just asked AI to write a poem about you and it did it in about 1/2 of one second.

Sure, here's a poem for you about a friendly bro:

There once was a bro, so kind and true,
A smile on his face, for me and you,
A helping hand, he always did extend,
On his friendship, you could always depend.

Through thick and through thin, he'd stay by your side,
Never one to judge, or your secrets to confide,
A loyal companion, through life's highs and lows,
That's just the way this friendly bro goes.

So here's to the bro, with a heart made of gold,
A friend so dear, a story to be told,
A bond that endures, through the years that pass,
A friendship so strong, it's sure to last.

———

We’re screwed the machines are going to replace us. 😂

[Friendlybro79]

Hahahaha. I do use AI myself like most people are prob using it nowadays. I do agree that we're totally screwed. Lol. The first time I had a conversation with Chatgpt I asked it to spare me when it became self aware and to not destroy humanity lol. It replied with some creepy polite response how it wouldn't do that. Hopefully it will remember me when it take over and spares me. Lol

[Amy10223]

I like how Friendlybro answers this , however, it is not the migrants fault, who want nothing else but a better life, to come here and find work. As it is the ones who hire them being illegal, and pay them wages that you nor I would accept. They work well below the minimum wage, and the ones who are legal also pay taxes. My point in the question is--we need immigrants--whether or not they are legal --we still need them for our own economy in this country. Nebraska is just the start of what will happen.

[Friendlybro79]

@amy10223 you bring up a good point too. Illegals do actually pay taxes when they buy something here for ex. The idea they take more than they give is false and what the right uses to demonize them alongside as painting them as rapists and criminals when in reality they can't seem to understand they voted for a sexual abuser and a convicted felon. Their hypocrisy and stupidity has no bounds.

[Anonymous]

The first democrat death camp coming soon

[Anonymous]

They are not happy and have valid reason for it.