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Yeah but it gave the rich more tax cuts. Totally worth it

It is important to contextualize that a lot of things this article is mourning have not come to pass.

> OBBBA sets the stage for the proposed cuts in the upcoming Presidential 2026 budget request, which aims to destroy federal research.

While it may seem hopeless and that "call your representatives" is pointless, there are several provisions that were stricken from this bill that are clear losses for the Trump admin. Trump's plan to sell off federal land was taken out of the bill due to huge backlash from Republican states for example. We are also heading in a midterm year so putting pressure on your representatives will be your best move. In the eyes of politicians, people who bother to call are people who bother to vote.

Didn't the democracy die at the onset of COVID?

No

Way earlier than covid. It died when our leaders sold us out via WTO causing loss of industry and dignity for many people who, by time Bush Jr came to power would screw further after 9/11 with the patriot act, and then citizens united ruling cemented their funding of future campaigns to oppress us further without a need for popular policy. The same families who got screwed by exporting our industrial plant to China turned into MAGA and are tearing down the system that screwed them. Neoliberalism/conservatism ushered in this age of serfdom.