Al Explains Why We Need to Tax the Rich (and the very wealthy!) (June 25, 2021)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 821

  • @patunderhill35
    @patunderhill35 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    The ultra-rich were paying around 90% income tax during the 50’s. National infrastructure was being done, middle income families were growing, and they were still ULTRA RICH!

    • @waynehanley72
      @waynehanley72 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      And ... the US had the strongest economy in the world (there were, of course, other factors, but ...). History ... Republicans really don't like it ... facts and the past don't really favor their arguments (notes an actual, trained academic historian!).

    • @patunderhill35
      @patunderhill35 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@waynehanley72 I wanted to add more, starting with their hero Reagan and NTL Business Roundtable.

    • @nk-dw2hm
      @nk-dw2hm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@waynehanley72 we also were doing much better in education, Nobel prizes, technology and manufacturing

    • @scyz2807
      @scyz2807 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The super rich often contribute a lot or at least some to the wear and tear of the infrastructure. One middle class family with a couple cars is nothing like one large/huge corporation that has 10,000 tractor trailers driving millions of miles a year on our highways and over our bridges. Then there are the corporate airfreight companies that add wear and tear to the nation's airports. It's fine with me if the Super/Ultra-rich make commerce happen, but they also need to pay their fair share of taxes in order to keep our national infrastructure safe and sound!

    • @generic3725
      @generic3725 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We need to tax churches…

  • @EvolutionWendy
    @EvolutionWendy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    decades ago when I got my first paycheck and saw the unpleasant tax bite, my father explained that it was an honor to pay taxes. he pointed out that my job came from an infrastructure of roads and education and public health. he said that what made my high paying first job possible, was a lot of tax money building the infrastructure needed for workplaces and workers to thrive. my father was a poor man in oklahoma, yet he's still valued very highly the honor of paying our income tax.

    • @generic3725
      @generic3725 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      We need to tax churches.

    • @JackSquat54
      @JackSquat54 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But we should not be taxed so high we have to choose to eat or keep a roof over our heads.

    • @JackSquat54
      @JackSquat54 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@generic3725 Taxing churches would hurt poor people more then anybody. It would mean less charity to poor people. The government needs to get out of the charity business and leave that to churches. Churches give charity for nothing in exchange. Government charity is NOT free.There is a price to pay for the poor.

    • @charleswettish8701
      @charleswettish8701 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JackSquat54 LMAO. Wow, you're so wrong. Organized religion does much, MUCH more damage to humanity than little soup kitchens give back. Seriously, you're so very wrong. Please learn something.

    • @STScott-qo4pw
      @STScott-qo4pw 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      taxes are the cover charge paid to enter civilization.

  • @smadude48
    @smadude48 3 ปีที่แล้ว +122

    If a bridge collapses, a Mercedes drops as fast as a Hyundai. So well said.

    • @juliancrooks3811
      @juliancrooks3811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I would hope that the Mercedes is full of Republican politicians

    • @jasonolson3133
      @jasonolson3133 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes I agree

    • @jasonolson3133
      @jasonolson3133 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@juliancrooks3811 me too

    • @kevinw2592
      @kevinw2592 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @Jay Bee Yes, you prefer to wait til they're born to kill them.

    • @kevinw2592
      @kevinw2592 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Mercedes and Hyundai are both imports. Maybe America would be in better shape if domestic brands could compete with the world on anything but loyalty.

  • @maryrosekent8223
    @maryrosekent8223 3 ปีที่แล้ว +111

    I grew up in poverty-it’s hard to get beyond it both fiscally and mentally.

    • @COSjultrakay
      @COSjultrakay 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I am with you. Then I raised my kids. Had a decent career as a therapist but not rich (lol). Became permanently disabled and I am living again. And thank goodness for family. The republicans have no idea.

    • @Cookie-ri9pz
      @Cookie-ri9pz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Learned the hard way: I was raised upper class but sadly I'm disabled and collect SSI disability. Got a $14.97 raise this year on social security and home gas/electric went up $70, food went up and gasoline amongst other things. I now live in poverty and am kind of ashamed because I judged poor people. I saved for retirement all my life and within 5yrs it was gone on medical bills. Well, I gotta a leg up by my parents and never really knew what it was like to go without. I never knew poverty was a revolving door that never wants to quit spinning.
      I'm thankful for what I do have now instead of taking it for granted. Older people lose their nest egg by paying 20% to Doctor, hospital copays, office copay, prescription copays and deductibles. Their money gets drained because healthcare is not a human right in this country. In all other developed countries and some poorer countries they have healthcare for all. The government spreads propaganda so we think the NHS works very badly. We get the worst care and spend more than any other nation. Sadly, our health is for sale in these United States.
      I'm sorry you grew up in poverty. I wish no child had to go through those struggles. I hope as an adult things have gotten easier. ✌️💙

    • @COSjultrakay
      @COSjultrakay 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Cookie-ri9pz Any way you cut it, most of the people making the decisions can't fathom being in the situations of the poor, disabled or any lower income person or family. Even when I had a career I never made enough money to not worry about making sure my kids had clothes. Now, thankfully, all my kids are making it on their own and I live with my parents. I got that big raise this year too....woo hoo lol

    • @saliston
      @saliston 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I grew up poor to. We were homeless a couple of times. I hate that they say all you have do is hard work. What a job I have never worked harder then when I was poor. I am now comfortably upper middle class and i work less then i ever have. These rich politicians dont know what hard work is.

    • @COSjultrakay
      @COSjultrakay 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@saliston Yes very true. I worked the least in my entire life when I was at the highest point of my career! These people really have no idea what hard work is. And when they say if you help with some extra money after a global pandemic "they will just decide not to work" they clearly have no idea the motivation and needs of the working class/

  • @patbeulah6208
    @patbeulah6208 3 ปีที่แล้ว +363

    i cry a bucket of tears every time I think of you NOT in the senate

    • @stormwatcher59
      @stormwatcher59 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      The Senate...sadly lacking smart people who give a shit!

    • @michaelfant4052
      @michaelfant4052 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@stormwatcher59 Just like people buying Swanson food to keep tucker carlson..... Now dO u give a mf

    • @dll_Rhemuth948
      @dll_Rhemuth948 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I cry because he couldn’t run for President!

    • @EvolutionWendy
      @EvolutionWendy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      yeah it's so sad, I feel that Mr Franken is an upright person and EFFECTIVE Senator. Demo's turned against him due to allegations and skeletons.
      Modern generations do not realize how it used to be in the past: it literally used to be that one Had to flirt with people at work because it was polite, and expected of you, and you would be considered weird or unfriendly if no mild flirting ever occurred.
      in a valid effort to keep repugnant power driven coercion from happening, recent generations have criminalized one of the most pleasant aspects of the work environment. As an older person, I wish younger people had more understanding of the difference between mild flirting---versus a repulsive power imbalance, causing a coercive sexual dynamic

    • @gjnelsondotcom
      @gjnelsondotcom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Robert Hunt Is that literally true? (Or kinda true, but exaggerated and poetically stated?)

  • @scotthunter49
    @scotthunter49 3 ปีที่แล้ว +154

    Mr. Franken, your impression of McConnell is dead-on and HILARIOUS...

    • @scottamu7816
      @scottamu7816 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agree! SO - why not get the makeup department involved and do this whole post over again AS Mitch...? They might be slightly confused at first, but the GOP will bite on anything that Mitch is dishing out

    • @IvoMiller
      @IvoMiller 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Perfect better than Mitch’s

    • @barquerojuancarlos7253
      @barquerojuancarlos7253 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, Al doing Mitch makes me think Mitch's public speaking is the result of a student who ignored what his speech teacher tried to teach him.

  • @pelissey
    @pelissey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    I know everyone keeps telling you this, "Come Back to the Senate Al!!!" We need more brains and fewer conspiracy theorists in Congress.

    • @michelekett8450
      @michelekett8450 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Perhaps he’s getting to more people than in the Senate. Go Al❤️🙂

    • @garyc875
      @garyc875 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Which Democratic Senator do you want So to defeat, Klobuchar or Smith?!

    • @michelekett8450
      @michelekett8450 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@garyc875 I said that Al Frankenstein is getting to more people online than in the Senate, not that either of those people should lose.

    • @wendyb6446
      @wendyb6446 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Add Franken to Durkin and Whitehouse!!! WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP

  • @juliancrooks3811
    @juliancrooks3811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +205

    Reaganomics in action, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer and the middle class like old soldiers just fade away

    • @lukemcguire6363
      @lukemcguire6363 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's it and it's been that way my entire life. I dont have much hope that it's going to change while I'm living though. I should probably mention that I aas born in 1980

    • @fnregistration
      @fnregistration 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Thank you. That's the real Reaganomics, not the trickle-down smoke they blew up people's asses.

    • @jvillanueva7707
      @jvillanueva7707 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      What's a "middle class?"

    • @willbarrow8271
      @willbarrow8271 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@jvillanueva7707 After 2nd World war returning soldiers got the "GI Bill" under Eisenhower. They got free higher education and loans for houses. The US had jobs then before factories were outsourced and the economy was good. Middle class refers to peeps who have jobs, houses, autos ect. And $$ to live the so called American dream

    • @jvillanueva7707
      @jvillanueva7707 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@willbarrow8271 My sincere apologies for failing to indicate my sarcasm. And honestly that is a clear, concise explanation for anyone who didn't know the history of the rise of the modern middle class in America.

  • @batgurrl
    @batgurrl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    A live Al Franken video ALWAYS make me smile. YES, tax the rich. They can afford it and it’s just not right at all that they don’t pay anything or precious little.

    • @batgurrl
      @batgurrl 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee that was thoroughly inane

    • @SynergeticMan
      @SynergeticMan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee so what you are saying is that Minnesota should have taxed the rich so that they could avoid taxing you so that you could avoid raising rents.

    • @BigBlackRod
      @BigBlackRod 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee I am not rich, and even I know that that is what will happen. Or move their businesses overseas, where they can pay employees 2 dollars an hour,if that...

    • @johnr1294
      @johnr1294 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee I doubt that you are "rich"

  • @waltergodsoe5526
    @waltergodsoe5526 3 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    Trickle down is basically pissing down on all of us.

    • @clw4430
      @clw4430 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The word "trickle" says it all. Have you ever been in the middle of a drought and seen the rain trickle down for a few minutes at best? The rain dries up as soon as it falls.

    • @clw4430
      @clw4430 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      There will always be stupid responses such as those from jota be. The truth is that we all pour ourselves into our jobs, our families, our interests and our needs. There should be returns but there are not. I have played my own songs, I've written my books, I've taught my students well - the system does not work. Why does this guy think I'm asking for a flood of money? He has to deal in extremes to make sensible people sound otherwise. We are asking for a steady flow - the same flow into which we pour our own resources.

    • @nobodythatyouknow241
      @nobodythatyouknow241 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@clw4430 well Jay Bee is an idiot. So there is that.

    • @nunyabidnis3815
      @nunyabidnis3815 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @Jay Bee The arguments you make.. hiring billionaires.. I'd like to give you the benefit of the doubt: You don't argue such stupid positions because you're so stupid. You argue such stupid positions to virtue signal how little respect you have to truth or opponents.

    • @johnschnellbach986
      @johnschnellbach986 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's suck up economics

  • @stormwatcher59
    @stormwatcher59 3 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    Al needs to be on SNL as Moscow Mitch!

    • @frogpalpeeper4249
      @frogpalpeeper4249 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      That's a fabulous idea! Kudos!

    • @katydid2k
      @katydid2k 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Second that! Absolutely!

    • @Jhymnbeau
      @Jhymnbeau 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'd def tune in to see that.

    • @alphamegaman8847
      @alphamegaman8847 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Motion Approved!👍

  • @13699111
    @13699111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +99

    Thank you for posting this podcast. I've witnessed fifty years of nothing more than a race to a third world living standards for the majority of people.

    • @gibblespascack1418
      @gibblespascack1418 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Its funny that the people who say "third world living standard in the US" have never seen a third world living experience. Grow up. You have a computer and a phone, your not even close to third world.

    • @13699111
      @13699111 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gibblespascack1418 baiting for a reply ,HA!!!

    • @marshallsweatherhiking1820
      @marshallsweatherhiking1820 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gibblespascack1418 Some of us have.. actually.

    • @narinderchander
      @narinderchander 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@gibblespascack1418 It's a metaphor for the relative crashing of living standards under monetary policy politics.

    • @narinderchander
      @narinderchander 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Same here over in the UK. Sad to see working people needing top up benefits to feed themselves. Some people can't pay rent but are in work. Yet the rich take it all and then tell the working classes they can't afford to pay them more. Shame on them.

  • @lukemcguire6363
    @lukemcguire6363 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    This is exactly the sort of content you should be creating, imo. This video is totally kickass. This is possibly the most important issue we face, wealth inequality, and it's something on which most all everyday Americans agree. This stuff, along with your podcast, is one helluva contribution to the progressive cause.

  • @boatman222345
    @boatman222345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Whenever the subject of taxing the rich comes up I think back to an interview with the famous author James Mitchner that I read in Parade Magazine 30 years ago. Many times over a millionaire Mitchner was asked how he felt about the income taxes he paid. His answer? Mitchner said that of all the money he spent each year the money he felt was the most justified was the money he paid in taxes. Once the interviewer regained consciousness he asked Mitchner why he felt that way. Mitchner replied that the money he paid in taxes was used to fund education, to provide assistance to those in need, to operate police and fire departments, maintain a strong military...the list went on and on and on. Sadly many of today's wealthy seem to have totally lost Mitchner's sense of social responsibility. I would heartily agree with Al Franken when he says that it's past time we help them get it back...and much higher income taxes on the super rich and very affluent would represent a great start!

  • @beckajmc
    @beckajmc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love you, Al Franken! You tell it like it is. Everyone needs to listen to you!

  • @tombouie
    @tombouie 3 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    Thks AL, for Keeping-It-Simple/Concise for the millions of people just like me.

    • @chri5g3n3
      @chri5g3n3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Jay Bee this is entirely a choice. We get it, you will only do whatever gives you personally the biggest profit margin you can receive. you literally only give a shit about yourself. Disgusting.

    • @terri200
      @terri200 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Jay Bee troll get off! You only just set up your account 6 months ago and are hitting everywhere trashing people. Watch fox, etc.

    • @chri5g3n3
      @chri5g3n3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Jay Bee yea, you totally only give a shit about yourself. "my profits remain the same". This is a choice, and a selfish one. I hope they tax you out of business

  • @PurpleRhymesWithOrange
    @PurpleRhymesWithOrange 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm sorry we lost you as a representative. Glad to see you are still working to get people to understand how things really work.

  • @marvinmartion1178
    @marvinmartion1178 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I remember when Reagan got elected and said we'd get tax cuts. Mine at my income level, 12000.00 a year went from 14% to 30%! I'm so sick of the trickle down BS! WE PEASANTS ARE FIGHTING AND DIEING TO PROTECT THE CORPORATE OVERSEAS ASSETS! Enough of this rich elite takers!

    • @maryruthfast9677
      @maryruthfast9677 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yep I made less, had 4 small children and had to pay alot of income tax. I was sure I made a mistake. No mistakes in my paperwork paid the f**king taxes.

  • @kathyzielinski7673
    @kathyzielinski7673 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    Yes the Rich should be taxed. What does Joe Manchin think about it?

    • @grandwonder5858
      @grandwonder5858 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Joe Mansions goes along with all of his Republican colleagues because he gets paid by the same right-wing donors!

    • @marvinmartion1178
      @marvinmartion1178 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      He's been bought!

    • @diananutt1517
      @diananutt1517 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      While we're at raising the top 2%'s taxes, let's put some serious huge fees on money kept in overseas banks. Banks and even most credit unions have been steadily raising ATM fees, overdraft fees, money order fees, etc. for decades. If a citizen of the U.S. doesn't want to change that citizenship to the country that shelters his/her money, there should be a huge price to pay to discourage that unpatriotic behavior. You non-paying freeloading draft-dodging (whenever possible) rich b*stards make us sick. "America...Love it or LEAVE it" isn't just a song lyric!! You go, Al!

    • @diananutt1517
      @diananutt1517 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes, if domestic banks and CU's can gouge us little people with fees, there is definitely a quick, easy way for huge long-overdue fees to be applied to money in tax shelters. The Orange Dope liked to call such fees "tariffs." Let's get this done in Biden's first term!

    • @juliancrooks3811
      @juliancrooks3811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Congress won't raise taxes on the rich because it will effect them personally as most of them are very rich

  • @calkelpdiver
    @calkelpdiver 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Loved the "Accountants without Borders" advert at the end. Reminds me of some of your skits on SNL. I remember one time you were asking for receipts from people so you could get write offs on your taxes. I know it was meant in fun, and it was funny.

    • @garyc875
      @garyc875 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ask "Honest" Al about his OWN accountant and tax cheating.

  • @bert3163
    @bert3163 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Al’s McConnell impression is AWESOME.

  • @waltergodsoe5526
    @waltergodsoe5526 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    End the Filibuster. Do the Peoples Will. Democracy is Not Negotiable

    • @waltergodsoe5526
      @waltergodsoe5526 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @Jay Bee BS Putin

    • @t1meb1nder
      @t1meb1nder 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Jay Bee it is an abomination to the democratic process. Get rid of it for all of our sakes

    • @barefoot191
      @barefoot191 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Jay Bee you are wasting your time talking to a wall. Liberals and facts do not mix well. It's all about emotions and feelings for these teenaged girls.

    • @jasonolson3133
      @jasonolson3133 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee liar

    • @jasonolson3133
      @jasonolson3133 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@barefoot191 liar

  • @kenmadell5128
    @kenmadell5128 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hey Al, Thank you for accepting your leadership role in our troubled and confusing world. You are just so darned good at helping people.

  • @jleake4357
    @jleake4357 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I'm sure it's an effort, but I really appreciate the email telling us one of these is coming! I may not watch it immediately during the work day, but I always watch them. And it's fun to see Al in live conversation,

  • @goodtohaveinajam8148
    @goodtohaveinajam8148 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I had a boss once, who told me, "y'know, everybody cheats." He was a Republican, and pretty rich. HE cheats, at every opportunity, and justifies it by thinking that.

    • @christhebrickman3796
      @christhebrickman3796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I have Republican relatives who think that same way.
      Phony bunch those Republicans, always holier-than-thou attitude

    • @garyc875
      @garyc875 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Take a look at Al's corporation that CHEATED on its taxes.
      Or do you just want to sweep that under the rug?!

  • @lesseelye4747
    @lesseelye4747 3 ปีที่แล้ว +171

    “The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf (and fishing) has.”
    Will Rogers

    • @op3129
      @op3129 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      do you work for an employer?
      the only people who can "lie" on taxes are business owners and uber-wealthy. employees who earn their living via wages cannot. yet they're *_NOW_* the only target of IRS.
      www.waynedupree.com/2019/10/irs-working-poor-rich-people-audit/
      back in early '80s, IRS had a team (10-12 people) of auditors JUST for looking at IBM returns (bc IBM - back then - was SO big and SO complicated structure that you needed SME to figure it out)

    • @cpat6845
      @cpat6845 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Why can't "We the people" start over by abolishing senate entirely or by adding more senators for DC, Puerto Rico etc. which have no representation and reducing no. of senators for very small states such as North and South Dakota by combining them for senatorial representation. All readers please present your ideas about this. thank you.

    • @op3129
      @op3129 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cpat6845 senate right now is 50-50.
      the R half represents 40million more people than the D half.
      your "we the people" isn't represented in the senate - and the senate isn't going to vote themselves out of existence.
      p.s. I know people talk about making DC a state. but there was an interesting article in Harvard Review that pointed out DC could become *_DOZENS_* of new states. (it was just an "in theory" compared to requirements of UP breaking off from Michigan LP to become a separate state, but still ... interesting premise.)

    • @lesseelye4747
      @lesseelye4747 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@op3129 your statement, "the only people who can "lie" on taxes are business owners and uber-wealthy." points out an interesting thing about taxes. The federal government and most states do make employers collect taxes from their employees. What taxes would be collected if the people had to write the check and would people demand better spending of taxes if they had to write the check? The individual or an accountant does fills out the 1040 form. Human nature is what it is. One's wealth doesn't determine how honest people are on their tax returns. I believe Will Rogers's quote is spot on.

    • @op3129
      @op3129 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lesseelye4747 IRS is sent a copy of your earnings by the company you work for.
      your copy of 1099 is one of three.
      (banks do the same for interest paid on a savings account.)

  • @susanford2388
    @susanford2388 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    It is always a treat to watch your podcasts. Thanks.

  • @julieharkins6933
    @julieharkins6933 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Al Franken is an extremely smart witty man with a lot of heart knows the difference between right and wrong. And people like him!

  • @leslietgilman
    @leslietgilman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ah, so very good to see you involved in these matters again! You’ve been sorely missed. Thank you for fighting for what’s right.

  • @gwick358
    @gwick358 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I love our country. I love my fellow Americans in general. But damn our government is effed up.

    • @art2736
      @art2736 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And the next question should be "Who actually runs the Govt." Answer that and everything becomes a lot more clear

    • @gwick358
      @gwick358 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@art2736 Sorry I didn't notice this before. I know who actually runs our government. Big business. In all of its forms.

    • @rd264
      @rd264 ปีที่แล้ว

      god bless AMERICA, and the Empire, and the MIC-- and the GOP-- and our ghettos and cop killers-- and our tax breaks for the rich!! And our 302 million wonderful truth telling citizens. BTW thats a big pool of potential candidates - only 543 honest people are wanted in Congress. Given this big pool of God Fearing HONEST Americans why do Americans support people like GUMP?

  • @jinxkrug7000
    @jinxkrug7000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Al, besides your content being spot on, your impression of Moscow Mitch is the best that I have ever seen!

  • @onedaysoon3
    @onedaysoon3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I want a bumper sticker, Al, that says "End the Silent Filibuster: Defend your ideas!"

  • @mnh1956
    @mnh1956 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like your Mitch McConnal inpression, very good, adds some humor.

  • @tonymiller6847
    @tonymiller6847 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We all miss you big time, Al.
    Come on back!!!

  • @jandipeach
    @jandipeach 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    I miss having you in the Senate, Senator.

  • @katydid2k
    @katydid2k 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You're a star, Al Franken. Love it. Thanks, especially for the laughs. Boy do you have McConnell (impersonation) down pat!!

  • @bettyveronica460
    @bettyveronica460 3 ปีที่แล้ว +103

    There are a lot of skeletons in Moscow Mitch's closet. He's got to be paying favors to keep people quiet.

    • @stormwatcher59
      @stormwatcher59 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's a story that needs to be told!!!

    • @critterkarma
      @critterkarma 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Or he’s being paid a shit load to keep those tax breaks. (including his wife’s family)

    • @whoreshoe
      @whoreshoe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Just like ClosetQUEEN, lil Lindsay grammm

    • @clw4430
      @clw4430 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Let's ignore the obvious troll on this feed.

    • @clw4430
      @clw4430 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I've heard that trolls get paid every time you respond directly to them. They're easy to spot. They usually say ridiculous things and their accounts have been activated relatively recently.

  • @archiegoodwinjr
    @archiegoodwinjr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you, Al, for this clearly stated argument for increasing tax for the top 2%. Please reconsider the Senate.

  • @chiggins4399
    @chiggins4399 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Btw- you do a phenomenal McConnell!

  • @handlaidtracksand3dprinted922
    @handlaidtracksand3dprinted922 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    My kids will be just fine.
    But only because I never was never in a financial position to have them in the first place.
    I had regretted that until recent years, but not anymore.
    Now I'm very glad I do not have to explain why I brought a child into this evil short sighted and doomed world.

  • @old_romans
    @old_romans 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    The new 'Compromise" looks like the Rich WILL NOT get taxed more, all of us will with more toll roads.... Thanks Mitch

  • @gregrice1354
    @gregrice1354 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thanks for another good show - for a change, again. :-)

  • @Lulu-ue2lj
    @Lulu-ue2lj 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great and important video Al. Thank you

  • @Parmesana
    @Parmesana 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I lived a decent life until 2004..when I fell to the poverty level. The last 17 years have been difficult. If one falls to a certain monetary level(no matter their schooling or intellect) one is treated like garbage. 'They'(I guess the fat cats) do not want the poor to succeed at all. They are like Scrooge when he says, "why don't they just die and decrease the surplus population",...that I how I've felt.

  • @pollywanda
    @pollywanda 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The rich must shorten their yachts and reduce the amount of cherries in their bowls.

    • @pollywanda
      @pollywanda 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee Doesn't work that way!

  • @tanazinn8484
    @tanazinn8484 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Senator Franken!!!...I wish every American could watch this!!!🙏😣
    You're still our Senator Al Franken!!!🤗

  • @MrLcowles
    @MrLcowles 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    We say 'must be nice' in Saskatchewan too. lol

  • @michellem4287
    @michellem4287 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    And when they tell you how much they donate to charity, remember they can deduct it from taxes so are they truly Philanthropists.

  • @quietcorner293
    @quietcorner293 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The right-wing has done an outstanding job at convincing many Americans that taxing the rich will hurt them. "Don't tax our job creators!."

  • @judithrapier7500
    @judithrapier7500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Please run again. We miss you so much. Your thought process is easily understood and followed. I may be old but I am very involved in the Democratic party. If we hope to accomplish anything in the Senate, no-lie information must be broadcast loud and clear. Will definitely share.

    • @gheller2261
      @gheller2261 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sadly it ain't gonna happen. He's already in his '70s, both Minnesota Senators are Democrats and neither looks to be stepping aside anytime soon. Real poetic justice would be if he moved back to my state of New York, primaries Kirsten Gillibrand and gets her opportunistic, low character ass out of office. Dare to dream.

  • @dianemitchell1717
    @dianemitchell1717 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    We need to bring back fair and balanced legislation so Fox would be required to play your videos during their broadcast. It would blow their viewers minds with cognitive dissonance. Love you, Al. Keep up the intelligent political comments. Bless you.

  • @RBCharger
    @RBCharger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I have a feeling that Al's subscribers need no convincing about this at all.

  • @matthewmorrison8611
    @matthewmorrison8611 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love ❤️ the McConnell impression.

  • @artsygala
    @artsygala 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I don't know why businesses would want "Trump" on their buildings. In British slang, a trump is a fart!

    • @alphamegaman8847
      @alphamegaman8847 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How appropriate for the Bloated, Orange, Gas Bag of a human being that is known as T-----. (He whose name shall not be spoken)
      His power will Wither and DIE, if the world will simply stop talking about Him!

    • @recole374
      @recole374 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂

  • @addisondraper3574
    @addisondraper3574 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Maybe we need to elect some public officials who aren't rich. and while we're at maybe government positions shouldn't be paid more than minimum wage.

    • @frigginjerk
      @frigginjerk 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Some more non-rich members of Congress would be nice, but I'm not sure about making it a low-paying job. If they were, that might encourage either corruption, or only the ultra-rich to seek them out (or both).

  • @paulymac5513
    @paulymac5513 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You're good enough, you're smart enough, and doggone it people like you.

  • @laurajarrell6187
    @laurajarrell6187 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Al Franken, I sure wish 'the cult' of drumf could be forced to hear this! Excellent! 👍🥰💖💯✌🌈

    • @laurajarrell6187
      @laurajarrell6187 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jay Bee um, I'm sorry to break this to you, but a very large portion of drumfs' base are the evangelicals, extreme fundamentalists who, like pence are young earth creationists, and many are also, (and sadly, there are a lot in our government) Q-anon conspiracy freaks. Have you seen the many pastors with giant followings who still believe he's president, or will be 'reinstated? And the majority of the party love him because he gave them want they wanted. Mcturdle got some 578, barely qualified judges, besides the 3 in the supreme court, shoved into courts all over. Drumf cut regulations, so our air and water quality dropped to the worst it's been in 39 years. He gave huge tax cuts to the very wealthy and cut corporate taxes to the lowest they've been. He only gave small tax cuts to working class. The positions he filled were to loyalists who, mostly were against the departments they got, like dejoy with the post office. He wiped out the endangered species act, for money by lobbyists, setting back work there by 25 years or so. He did anything possible to reverse anything Obama did, out of sheer ego, and took, as he is now, credit for anything from the left. He was either ignorant or just uncaring enough to let them almost succeed in making this a theocracy since they would have let him be the fascist dictator. He used the office to enrich himself, family and cronies. His 'trade' deals with china moved them into position to take all the trade routes. Though we could get that back if the right would stop being only obstructionists. Again. Look at every one drumf admired, all fascist dictators. Now, he's desperate to keep power because he needs the protection from prosecution. Though I think he'll get away with most of the worst, others will go down, because he, like any good mob boss, did most through others. And he'll throw them under the bus, as usual. 🥰💖✌🌈

    • @nunyabidnis3815
      @nunyabidnis3815 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      To correct something... the right wing doesn't just have a lack of knowledge.. like if they heard the right words it would click. No. The right wing argues against all this just to signal to each other how little respect they have for you.
      They have no truth, no selfless objectivity, no concern for the health of the nation... To them, power is a zero sum game, and any means are justified.
      Where many on the left and center will view problems like an engineer.. that difficult conclusions and solutions must be reached to improve integrity? They look at it like salesmen. Hell, like snake-oil salesmen. Their ideal for the nation is an ethno-nationalist pep rally in a bomb shelter.. and they will never, will NEVER see reason. They are nothing without enemies, competition, and the concept of supremacy. It has always been, since the time of kings, that nothing mattered like the joy of the throne.
      I met a traveller from an antique land,
      Who said-“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
      Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand,
      Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
      And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
      Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
      Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
      The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
      And on the pedestal, these words appear:
      *My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
      Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
      Nothing beside remains.* Round the decay
      Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
      The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
      -'Ozymandias, by Percy Bysshe Shelley

    • @laurajarrell6187
      @laurajarrell6187 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nunyabidnis3815 I'm sure you're right for the leaders, but some of the base are just ignorant. 🥰✌🌈

    • @nunyabidnis3815
      @nunyabidnis3815 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@laurajarrell6187 "Ignorant," kind of misses the point.. it's more willful than that.
      When right wingers make such boldly false arguments, it *doesn't matter* to them that it's wrong.. and, that actually helps them. How wrong they are is a Function of the argument. This is adaptive.
      It generates controversy, to signal to their base how little respect they have for anyone who disagrees. The controversy makes them relevant, and brings attention to people who disagree instead of follow.. and that fuels a narrative of persecution.
      That is the single closest thing the right will ever have to truth, and that suits them just fine.
      Three videos on the subject if you're interested.
      th-cam.com/video/xMabpBvtXr4/w-d-xo.html
      th-cam.com/video/CaPgDQkmqqM/w-d-xo.html
      th-cam.com/video/ZEpLKRkVFwU/w-d-xo.html
      When they tell a lie within the first sentence, and someone stops them to correct them.. then they get to say, "you won't even let me finish a single sentence!" That becomes a thought terminating cliche, and a rallying cry. "They're attacking us, we're being persecuted, we can't be ourselves, we can't even speak! Our way of life is in danger! We have to act!"
      Badda bing, badda boom, affective override... and they're in Orc mode.
      ...but they LIVE for Orc mode. Orc mode IS their truth. Anyone and anything that facilitates that 'feels true.' End of story.

  • @LIGHTintheHALLS
    @LIGHTintheHALLS 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nobody does a better Mitch M. impression. It’s spot-on hilarious.
    Great video!

  • @ellenthompson4441
    @ellenthompson4441 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    The only person to benefit from Trump's "infrastructure week" was Elaine Chao (and, of course) Mitch McConnell.

  • @funkymonk984
    @funkymonk984 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Al's impression of Mitch... priceless. Plus a very good overview of the issues from a legislative standpoint.

  • @windyrhodes3453
    @windyrhodes3453 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love this...now, how exactly are you going to make them pay? They own the government....who is going to hold them accountable?

  • @edinstruction2011
    @edinstruction2011 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mr. Franken is so very intelligent!
    We are blessed with his considerable continuing efforts to reveal the truth!
    Thank you, Mr. Franken!

  • @seansallings8494
    @seansallings8494 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    your McTurtle impression is by far the best I've heard.

  • @4reelzebub
    @4reelzebub 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you sir. I wish you had stayed, but I understand why you chose not to. That choice must have been excruciating.

  • @bonniehoke-scedrov4906
    @bonniehoke-scedrov4906 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gosh, Senator Franken. I really like your TH-cam channel. You say everything that needs to be said with much less hysteria and name calling than other sources on the Internet. It’s like a breath of fresh air …

  • @windcancersurvivor5120
    @windcancersurvivor5120 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Trade schools assure we have QUALITY contractors in the future. Need your AC fixed in the middle of summer? How about a blocked toilet or drain line? Don’t you want someone with SOME classes in their background vs on the job training? Same with medical school, make schools affordable so students can drive their own career paths. Our future depends on this.

  • @jimfaris
    @jimfaris 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Al, thank you for your continued service to our country.

  • @keything8487
    @keything8487 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    keep the heat on the gop!!!!.......thanks Al !!!

  • @fredoakes7441
    @fredoakes7441 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Please ..either do a sitcom,a talk show or get back in the Senate..miss you Al

  • @michaelszczech569
    @michaelszczech569 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you, Al. Always a pleasure to hear your take on things and to hear your McConnell impression. I have often wondered what McConnell keeps in his gular pouch.
    Is it fish like a pelican?
    Or does he simply inflate it during mating?

    • @grandwonder5858
      @grandwonder5858 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      "I have often wondered what McConnell keeps in his gular pouch."
      --------------------------------------------------------
      He uses it as a bucket to hold all the cash that the rich throw his way, much like a church uses an offering bucket to collect all the donations.

  • @pattismithurs9023
    @pattismithurs9023 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How is it that Al can deliver such upsetting statistics, and yet make me so happy that he's in the world. Keep it up, Al.

  • @karenjones1897
    @karenjones1897 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    shared on facebook - "always good (most of the time)"

    • @DriveAmerican
      @DriveAmerican 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      you know...for a change

  • @susanford2388
    @susanford2388 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The question is if a school bus full of kids is on a collapsing bridge?. If that happens suddenly the bill will pass but not until then.

  • @georgeturner1090
    @georgeturner1090 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This needs to go viral, pass it on

  • @georgeb.wolffsohn30
    @georgeb.wolffsohn30 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved the ending. It's about time yo brought back that comedy stuff 👍😁👍

  • @NewMessage
    @NewMessage 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    But, but, but.. the job creators!...
    who refuse to pay a living wage.

    • @michaelszczech569
      @michaelszczech569 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      "Job creators". I always wondered what that meant I am, a "Job Taker"?
      And was that supposed to mean I was bad because I worked a job?

  • @jeffersonspace
    @jeffersonspace 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for this Al. I have been working on my Rick Diablo impression, and I'm dam sure I will get into trouble. Love MN - rode across it on a bicycle a couple of times. Beautiful state. Bless

  • @mariemartin5452
    @mariemartin5452 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Al, you’re brilliant, funny, talented, et cetera. It broke my fucking heart to have you viciously attacked and made you leave the senate. YOU are the exact kind of person we NEED in Congress. I love your TH-cam videos - I’m always excited to see a new one posted. They may have been effective in getting you out (with their false narrative) but cheers for the First Amendment that continues to provide a platform on which your freedom of speech cannot be curtailed. Much love and respect!

  • @georgesbrodeur9608
    @georgesbrodeur9608 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wonder if the collapsed condo in Florida could serve as an example for a talking point for infrastructure needs? Granted it’s a building,but it shows how neglect can be extremely dangerous.

  • @harrymortellaro8074
    @harrymortellaro8074 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hands down, the best Mitch impression ever.

  • @judyhgonzalez9715
    @judyhgonzalez9715 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    OMG best impression of the KY Senator anywhere, ever. 😂

  • @kerrfamilylaw7487
    @kerrfamilylaw7487 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the subtitles on Mitch.

  • @benharriston2532
    @benharriston2532 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you for caring about the country al

  • @cfpl2375
    @cfpl2375 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge, explanation and humor.

  • @Jefff72
    @Jefff72 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Who remembers what happened to the i35w bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in 2007?

  • @lauragn4300
    @lauragn4300 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Al! Keep on keeping on 🙂💗

  • @smallscale9243
    @smallscale9243 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Al, as a lifelong fan, listening to all these videos just infuriates me to no end that you are no longer in the senate. Please run again. I'll move to Minnesota just to vote for you!

  • @breezey54
    @breezey54 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    We need you back Al, run again.

  • @imaginaryfriend4512
    @imaginaryfriend4512 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    LOL your Mitch McConnell impression is hilarious!

  • @csf1757
    @csf1757 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    An interesting microcosm about the infrastructure is the I-40 bridge over the Mississippi river, Memphis. It was built in 1970, prior to Reagan "starving the beast" which I never hear talking about, but is the root of our current infrastructure problems. As it was being built, the state of AR decided it could not afford its contribution $ to build, so the design was changed. It is a suspension bridge, without towers, so the suspension mechanism is steel arches attached to pylons, over the bridge. The design included 4 arches, but for $ sake only 2 were installed. Next AR announced they could not afford the cost of maintenance, so a deal was made were TN pays the cost of all maintenance (hoping to be paid back by the federal gov't) and AR's only responsibility is annual inspections.. Well the guy they hired to do the inspections decided he didn't feel safe inspecting the underside of the bridge, so didn't. He didn't tell anyone, falsified his annual reports, and accepted payment, but didn't inspect.A federal guy came thru for a once a decade inspection, and found the bridge was about to collapse and then he called 911 so the police would evacuate it. Turns out 1 of 2 major support beams was broken right were the 2 arches end (and should have been a 3rd arch), and even moved a whole inch and its been cracked at least 5 years. Now they are repairing the bridge, but it looks to me like its going to need to be replaced
    So: cheaply made, not maintained or inspected enough, now costing the country huge amounts in lost time, blocked commerce, and repair costs. Luckily, no lost lives.

  • @patbeulah6208
    @patbeulah6208 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    80 billion....they'll make that back in one day

  • @pookiewood
    @pookiewood 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I remember Al hosting all those Rallys for Bernie when he ran on this! It was awesome. Oh wait that was only Earth 2978 when Bernie won the Presidency.

  • @dorothydean8643
    @dorothydean8643 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent. The numbers matter. We need to have the detail you give us. Thanks - a million times.

  • @PLINKER
    @PLINKER 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Al you hit the nail right on the head!

  • @m.k.c.5212
    @m.k.c.5212 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best part pf that video was the Accountants Without Borders ad - 🤣🤣🤣👌❤

  • @jacicrimmccrary
    @jacicrimmccrary 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love Al Franken!

  • @alphamegaman8847
    @alphamegaman8847 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The TH-cam Algorithm bombards me daily with the Ridiculous to the Offensive, as suggested videos.
    It took 2 Freaking years for the Gem that is Al Franken to show up.🤬
    Come on Man!😎
    Thank God(s) for Al Franken.🤔
    A much needed Voice of Reason packaged in Humor, so refreshing and Appreciated, during these trying times.😱
    Glad I found him again.
    I missed his Wit and Pragmatism.
    Thanks Al.👍🥰
    Mike in San Diego.🌞🚀🎸🖖

  • @patriciamartinez-lx8dy
    @patriciamartinez-lx8dy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Al , for telling us the truth!!!
    Love your show!!!!!

  • @erinkavanagh3553
    @erinkavanagh3553 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good to see you again.

  • @thomaslace4317
    @thomaslace4317 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You taught me about the states. Before you, I didn't even know where Minisota was.