OK - then why is the word on the street you're going to cave, vote to reopen w/out ACA and SNAP, and let Trump have his way?

Wish I could believe you.

(6/6) Not on my watch, they won't.

(5/6) The point of what this current admin (and every authoritarian, as well) is trying to do to all of us is to condition us (create an instinct) where we just go along with whatever they want because we have been made to be completely dependent on them the way pigeons are dependent on humanity.

(4/6) This same process works on every animal on the planet (and we would all do well to remember that humanity is simply one of the most evolved animals alive today).

(3/6) Witness the humble pigeon: they are completely dependent on humanity for their survival. That's because we taught their entire species to be so over centuries by domesticating them as much as we did. Seeking out humans for food and shelter became instinct to them as a result.

(2/6) That's what we're up against; those who are so very slightly less evolved mentally.

Yes, they came out hardwired somewhat differently than liberals or centrists, but there isn't an instinct extant that won't give way to a persistent education - because that's how instincts come to be.

Here's a detail not mentioned:

The ACA tax credits expire at the end of this year.

The GOP is stalling to cause that to happen.

Sure, the premium increase is in the GOP bill, but they're trying to run the clock out.

Once that's done, anyone critical of the current admin will be detained (or otherwise), using this as pretext/justification.

Abrego-Garcia has become the flash point for all deportations.

Trump wants "the win" because in his mind, he was defied by Abrego-Garcia, and nobody tells Trump no.

Trump needs "the win" because his whole scheme will collapse if he loses this fight.

If this scheme collapses, "strongman" weakens.