So, the primaries.
Unless the polling is way off, the primaries appear to be already over, with both incumbents winning easily.
The Republican Iowa Caucus is January 15th. Too early in my opinion but it's their party. We will see if Donald really is as far ahead as he appears to be. I remember in 2008, Rudy Giuliani was leading until people started actually casting votes and it was determined that nobody liked him.
I guess I'll never understand what it is about T. Wrecks that his supporters find so enthralling, but I'm pretty sure he'll never again hold office in America. I really hope I'm right about that. 🙏
The entire republican party is a fucking train wreck. Full stop.
Both parties are choosing train wrecks. Trump is a loudmouth who never thinks before he speaks. Biden is a pedophile with dementia.
Biden is a pedophile!? How so?🤔
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on January 07, 2024, 01:03:12 PMTrump is a loudmouth who never thinks before speaks
While also being a draft dodger who mocks pow's and the dead soldiers who gave their lives. How today's vets can support him is beyond me. Many of them claim it is because of their "wallets". Imagine that....willing to go to battle not for your wallet but your believed duty and then supporting someone who never had to worry about their wallet and refused to sacrifice their wallet so that now you can ignore the thousands who do not look at their wallet while claiming your wallet is the more important thing....odd that eh?
their wallet is more important to them.
Quote from: aitm on January 07, 2024, 03:17:44 PMWhile also being a draft dodger who mocks pow's and the dead soldiers who gave their lives. How today's vets can support him is beyond me. Many of them claim it is because of their "wallets". Imagine that....willing to go to battle not for your wallet but your believed duty and then supporting someone who never had to worry about their wallet and refused to sacrifice their wallet so that now you can ignore the thousands who do not look at their wallet while claiming your wallet is the more important thing....odd that eh?
their wallet is more important to them.
He also diverted funds that were budgeted for capital improvements on military bases in order to pay for his border wall (yeah, whatever happened to Mexico is going to pay for it :P). Oh, and let's not forget the fact that he is a lying piece of crap con-man.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 07, 2024, 01:54:14 PMBiden is a pedophile!? How so?🤔
Ashley Biden diary. Also he love to sniff the little girls.
There you see her, sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say but there's something about her
And you don't know why but you're dying to try,
You wanna sniff the girl
Yes, you want her, look at here you know you do
Don't matter she don't want you to you ain't gonna ask her
It don't take a word, she won't say a word
After you sniff the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la
My oh my
Look like the boy ain't shy
He's gonna sniffthe girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la
Ain't that sad?
Ain't it a shame?
Too bad, he gonna sniff the girl
Now's your moment
Flying here on Epstein's Jet
You can make her your pet
No time will be better
She don't say a word
And she won't say a word
After you sniff the girl
Trump was far in the lead in Iowa.
DeSantis beat Hillary^k^k^k Haley. Haley read a speech that sounded like she thought she would be 2nd.
Ramaswami was a distant 4th and dropped.
On to New Hampshire where Haley thinks she is going to do better.
I would just like a candidate who is below retirement age, to be perfectly honest.
Nevada had a primary. The actual delegates are chosen by caucus, so the primary doesn't actually matter.
Nikki Haley still came in behind "None of the Above" by a 2 to 1 margin.
Yeah, "None of the above" and "None of the below" either! 🤣
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on January 07, 2024, 07:03:14 PMAshley Biden diary. Also he love to sniff the little girls.
There you see her, sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say but there's something about her
And you don't know why but you're dying to try,
You wanna sniff the girl
Yes, you want her, look at here you know you do
Don't matter she don't want you to you ain't gonna ask her
It don't take a word, she won't say a word
After you sniff the girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la
My oh my
Look like the boy ain't shy
He's gonna sniffthe girl
Sha-la-la-la-la-la
Ain't that sad?
Ain't it a shame?
Too bad, he gonna sniff the girl
Now's your moment
Flying here on Epstein's Jet
You can make her your pet
No time will be better
She don't say a word
And she won't say a word
After you sniff the girl
Just so we are clear, you do realize that diary thing is so far an unsubstantiated and unverified claim?
While the other guy was not only proven to be good friends with Epstein and on the list that was recently released, but also found, in civil court, to actually be a rapist?
And i know you ain't 'pro trump', i'm not getting at that.
I just find a tad concerning that you accuse the liabally proven rapist a bad candidate for being a loudmouth and the dude accused by an unverified transcript of a stolen diary, without proper evidence, of being a sexual predator.
That is just dumb. I honestly have no other words for it.
I am not saying you are.
But that whole thing is absolutely dumb.
Yeah, I find it a long stretch to go from smelling (if he indeed did that) someone's hair to sticking your finger in her and wiggling it around.
I did read through the recent Epstein document drop. Trump was indeed mentioned. It seems Epstein and some girl he had with him stopped at a Trump casino.
So, we have had a few primaries. A very small part of the nation has voted and now we know who our front-runners are: a man who doesn't know what he's saying versus a man who doesn't know where he is.
It's a sick situation. Neither one of these individuals should be running for office, but the polity seems convinced that only Biden can defeat the chump. They may be correct. It's looking like the SCOTUS is going to bend forward for the chump. The SCOTUS is a sick joke, any more.
I think it would be comical if the SC then turned around and said "yes, the president has complete immunity", the Joe locks up Trump, MTG and about 300 other pubs and tucker and all of the Al-anon group, and why stop there? Grab the five justices as well. Now that would be worth watching
I read that Tucker might be put under sanctions for interviewing Putin. That'll be fun to watch! 🤣
QuoteSo, we have had a few primaries. A very small part of the nation has voted and now we know who our front-runners are: a man who doesn't know what he's saying versus a man who doesn't know where he is.
Or you could say:
One lying sack of shit, liable rapist who tried to disenfranchise the american people by stealing an election and staging a coup, who is now in court cases for alledgedly illegaly hoarding state secrets that compromised national security and international stability, in his swamp mansion and who is about to lose his businesses due to being found liable of fraud.
And one seemingly decent man who we all wish did more, but if you look at the metrics honestly, is at least in the top two of most efficient and beneficial presidents you guys have had in my lifetime for sure, and probably even out of the last 10 or so.
And yeah, he's old.
But honestly, if i were a betting man...
And i am, it is a SERIOUS problem...
I would bet biden will bury trump.
Mr.Obvious, I think I had it right the first time. An old man who doesn't know what he's saying, versus an old man who doesn't know where he is.
I find putting anyone on equal footing to a scumbag like trump to be an immense insult.
It is creating a false dichotomy. And i honestly find it disgusting.
Yeah
Trump has 91 counts he's being proscecuted for.
He totally mishandled covid allowing hundreds of thousands MORE of americans , and god knows how many world citizens, than we could have had.
I mean, yeah, he started a trade war.
Yeah, sure he is racist, xenophobic and sexist.
And sure, he was found liable of rape.
And yeah, he has been found liable of fraud.
And i guess he said he would want to date his own daughter.
And sure , he got completely mocked on the world stage, taking away american credibility.
And, whatever, sureb he also coddled up to dictators like putin, ping and kim.
And i guess he did promise to be a dictator on day one.
And sure, he was the only president to lose jobs, other than hoover.
And i suppose project 25 is preparing another totalitarian overreach.
Which isn' surprising because he tried to steal an ellection and gaslight the american public by fundamentally damaging their trust in ellections. Amongst which by asking a governer to recalculate and find him 11000 votes, help ruining the lives of two female, african american civil servants and witholding from the peaceful transfer of power.
And yeah, ladt time he picked such screw upq in his government and kabinet that they either quit and/or embarresed the office they held to the point that he disowns most of them without even thinking it might be that he is bad at this shit.
And sure, he is old and he makes gaffs and winded talks about dumb stuff.
But biden is old and makes gaffs too.
So he is just as bad.
Really?
REALLY?
To paraphrase trump here.
"Fella's, give me a break."
Drumph has almost twice as many indictments as the USA has had presidents.
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on January 07, 2024, 01:03:12 PMBoth parties are choosing train wrecks. Trump is a loudmouth who never thinks before he speaks. Biden is a pedophile with dementia.
Wow! That is a serious accusation you have there against Joe Biden!
Do you have any evidence to back it up?
I hope this is my last election year.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on February 10, 2024, 03:43:50 AMI find putting anyone on equal footing to a scumbag like trump to be an immense insult.
It is creating a false dichotomy. And i honestly find it disgusting.
...
To paraphrase trump here.
"Fella's, give me a break."
You list a lot of problems with Trump. I concede each and every single one of them. Biden is a pedophile and sex offender - Trump said if he wasn't related he'd date his daughter, Biden actually showered with his daughter. He made his fortune selling political favors.
Yeah. Yet another election where we don't want either candidate to win.
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on February 11, 2024, 07:21:22 PMYou list a lot of problems with Trump. I concede each and every single one of them. Biden is a pedophile and sex offender - Trump said if he wasn't related he'd date his daughter, Biden actually showered with his daughter. He made his fortune selling political favors.
Again, to claim something is very easy. Where's the EVIDENCE?
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on February 11, 2024, 07:21:22 PMYou list a lot of problems with Trump. I concede each and every single one of them. Biden is a pedophile and sex offender - Trump said if he wasn't related he'd date his daughter, Biden actually showered with his daughter. He made his fortune selling political favors.
Parents and their children naked/showering together isn't actually a crime, believe it or not. Where are the police investigations and trials (and convictions) for Biden's alleged offenses? You need to stop sucking OAN's and Faux News' teats for your information. While allegedly "sniffing some kid's hair" may have happened, that's a far cry from pedophilia. Where are the convictions for sex offenses and pedophilia?
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on February 11, 2024, 07:21:22 PMYou list a lot of problems with Trump. I concede each and every single one of them. Biden is a pedophile and sex offender - Trump said if he wasn't related he'd date his daughter, Biden actually showered with his daughter. He made his fortune selling political favors.
I showered with my parents when i was little.
If i have kids, that will likely happen again.
That is normal. You teach your kid to wash themselves and make sure they do it propper.
Seriously, think before you utter something as horrid as a baseless pedofile-accusation. Even to someone not present.
It is not making your case. Opposite, even, i'd say.
As for 'selling political favors'. That's just vague and broad off-hand. So vague i can't even concider that a point.
Am i saying Biden has a perfect track record? No. That'd be idiotic. And totally unrealistic to demand.
BIden is a life-long politician. A trade in which you HAVE to find compromises. Unless, you know, you want to be a dictator.
But unlike trump, biden can point to legislation that actually helped your country. Rather than pointing to a crumbling wall and tax-cuts for the rich.
Infrastructure, more student debt loan forgiveness than any president before him, and capping the price of insulin so low, for recent starters.
Honestly: there is no comparison here.
Suppose he was running against another candidate.
You would be out here saying. "Yeah sure, the republican has a sight impediment. But biden has a speech impediment. They are both so unfit for office."
Tell you what?
The sight impediment?
That ain't what would scare me of a second term for president jeffrey dahmer.
He was found to kill, rape and eat people.
"Yeah, but this non-proven transcript on rightwing media says biden showered with his daughter. Sooooo..."
Jason, i get jumping on the 'biden sucks' train is hip and all that.
But at least make some valid points.
There are those to be made. For sure.
There is just no putting him on equal footing to trump. And running with unverified accusations will not get you there either.
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on February 11, 2024, 07:21:22 PMBiden actually showered with his daughter.
Parents shower with their children. It's how you teach them to wash properly. Trying to frame this as an act of pedophilia is such a huge reach that the Covenant would try to invade it.
You know, if Drumph doesn't get elected again they'll stop making pencils in Pennsylvania.
Quote from: Hijiri Byakuren on February 13, 2024, 04:37:23 AMsuch a huge reach that the Covenant would try to invade it.
Steĺlar.
Not gonna lie.
Not proud.
Gonna steal that.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 11, 2024, 10:24:13 PMParents and their children naked/showering together isn't actually a crime, believe it or not. Where are the police investigations and trials (and convictions) for Biden's alleged offenses? You need to stop sucking OAN's and Faux News' teats for your information. While allegedly "sniffing some kid's hair" may have happened, that's a far cry from pedophilia. Where are the convictions for sex offenses and pedophilia?
If criticism of Biden is considered to be support for Trump, the TDS is in an advanced condition. Especially since I agreed to every criticism of Trump that you made when pointing out Biden's faults.
"Yeah I agree, Trump is Bad, and Biden is just as Bad"
"OMG you are a Trump Supporter!"
Nope.
I just heard President Biden give a great State-of-the-Union speech. He was clear, concise, and to the point.
I'll be interested to see how the Faux news crew spins it.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 07, 2024, 10:59:10 PMI just heard President Biden give a great State-of-the-Union speech. He was clear, concise, and to the point.
I'll be interested to see how the Faux news crew spins it.
"Biden's SOTU blasted as 'nakedly partisan' campaign speech: 'Utter disgrace'"
Note that they're quoting "conservatives" here, the kinds of people who have meltdowns at Target, Disney, for some reason buy Bud Light only to destroy it, occasionally shoot up a pizzeria, and get busted for dirty stuff involving minors surprisingly frequently. So...maybe not the best judges of character?
Of course, the real reason they're saying that "conservatives" hate Biden's speech is that they know their audience is audience is conservative and like true alphas, follow the herd. A conservative seeing that "conservatives" saying they don't like Biden is psychologically primed to dislike it as well. So really, it's just a in-group, out-group thing - Biden is an "other" that true conservatives dislike and therefore you should too. It's psychological manipulation in lieu of reasoned argument. But they don't know that they're being manipulated and most of them never will.
The full transcript (https://time.com/6898705/read-president-joe-bidens-2024-state-of-the-union-address-full-transcript/) without the Fox Noise
It was a good speech and the his claims are generally pretty solid and truthful (https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/07/politics/fact-check-joe-biden-state-of-the-union/index.html) (the orange blob can't hope to compete there - the guy's pants are on fire so much they're probably lined with asbestos)
Biden has an overall solid case against Trump for his abysmal handling of covid. IIRC, the official count undercounted deaths (https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2023/covid-19-deaths-in-the-us-continue-to-be-undercounted-research-shows-despite-claims-of-overcounts/). Regardless of the actual figure, about 40% could have been avoided (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/10/us-coronavirus-response-donald-trump-health-policy) by common-sense practices, not the crazy ramblings about bleach and horse-dewormer and alleged oxygen-deprivation from masks that people already wear for hours on end (did they not know?)
The gist of what Biden said is true - the US suffered over a million covid deaths in total and a large percentage of those could have been avoided with responsible leadership. Instead we got Trump, who made it political issue, gave lots of horrible advice along with that demon sperm lady and lots of people died as a result. He's responsible for that whether he accepts it or not. Hell, he apparently even showed up to the debate sick. I'll let you figure out his motive for that.
The conservatives fearmongering about the shot or playing down the severity of covid were proven to be wrong in the most devastating ways and it's tough for any sane person to forgive them for what they have done - especially when they neither admit fault nor ask forgiveness. It takes a brainwashed person (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FynExEVWwAAgMhI.jpg) to not recognize this breach in trust which has been so devastating for so many families. But to Trump Party members, it's just "fake news" that they think they can wish away so as to not have to deal with.
I still remember the lady who said that she doesn't wear a mask for the same reason she doesn't wear underwear - things gotta breathe!
I was unaware that a person's private parts were in the habit of breathing, but I guess ya learn somethin' new every day! 🤣
I voiced my dislike of Biden as the Democratic nomination 4 years ago, as I thought he was a weak choice, and I was considered an outsider. Oddly, I think he has done far better as president than I expected, and I have been pleased, but now those who wanted him seem angry with him and want someone else. Go figure. That was a very good speech content wise, although his delivery somewhat reflected his doddering age. I kept hoping he wouldn't fall down or pull a "Mitch McConnell" in the middle of it, but he prevailed.
I would have preferred Bernie Sanders, but that wasn't ever gonna happen.
(https://i.imgur.com/nv4shQAl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qpM6rD1l.jpeg)
Listened to the sotu, on my drive to work.
Was a good speech.
I very much doubt the other guy could deliver a tenth of that energy with a tenth of that cohesiveness.
Quote from: SGOS on March 08, 2024, 07:33:47 AMI voiced my dislike of Biden as the Democratic nomination 4 years ago, as I thought he was a weak choice, and I was considered an outsider. Oddly, I think he has done far better as president than I expected, and I have been pleased, but now those who wanted him seem angry with him and want someone else. Go figure. That was a very good speech content wise, although his delivery somewhat reflected his doddering age. I kept hoping he wouldn't fall down or pull a "Mitch McConnell" in the middle of it, but he prevailed.
I liked him going in and I still like him now.
He is a far cry from perfect, don´t get me wrong. But I do think he wants what´s best for your country and by extension the world and he is doing more than most i´ve seen in his job, in my lifetime, mayhaps more than any i´ve seen in my lifetime in his job, to achieve it.
Also, I also heard a few falters due to what I suspect is his age. But more I would ascribe to his stutter.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on March 08, 2024, 04:15:10 PMI liked him going in and I still like him now.
He is a far cry from perfect, don´t get me wrong. But I do think he wants what´s best for your country and by extension the world and he is doing more than most i´ve seen in his job, in my lifetime, mayhaps more than any i´ve seen in my lifetime in his job, to achieve it.
Also, I also heard a few falters due to what I suspect is his age. But more I would ascribe to his stutter.
I should qualify that I disliked him as a candidate. Mostly, because I didn't think he was highly electable. I always liked him personally, and would describe him as a nice man. I don't remember much about his early days, but he had a reputation for making gaffs, as I recall. I don't know if that "stutter" was always there or not.
He was voted in by record turnout of voters, although I think that turnout was more of a reaction to Trump's narcissistic and caustic approach to governance. Will that happen again? I don't know. Biden, with a lot of help from his advisors I think, did very well as president, even though he's been criticized for things he has done well, but that's politics.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on March 08, 2024, 04:04:11 PMListened to the sotu, on my drive to work.
Was a good speech.
I very much doubt the other guy could deliver a tenth of that energy with a tenth of that cohesiveness.
Trump has plenty of energy, but is short on cohesiveness. He's the least cohesive president I can remember.
You know, i think many thought he wasn´t all that ellectable back then, but I used to think he was most ellectable out of the bunch.
I think Bernie Sanders had better politics. But I think people saw him as too radical. (And i´m not sure he could have achieved a much as biden has, in hindsight. Sometimes carried but slow progress can get more done than a lone "revolutionary".)
I remember thinking:
Biden has that Obama link, which gives him a good familiarity.
He´s got loads of experience as a bridge builder and a unifier. Which could get the independent votes on his side and might even get a few moderate republicans to abstain from voting.
His willingness to reach across the aile is also appreciated in contrast to the trump-maga-partisan era.
He was vice president and knows the job, better than the current president.
And most importantly of all, I remember the point in which trump began singling out biden.
He began saying that he´d prefer to run against Sleepy Joe; ´the worst candidate´ of the bunch.
It didn´t just betray that he saw Joe as his biggest threat...
But biden had a great way of reacting to it and using a scrappy vigor to make himself look like the biggest threat and to get under trump´s skin.
Trump could belittle and ridicule most of his opponents. But it rolled off biden and that kept upsetting trump, fuelling his obsession with trying to get a ´gotcha´ on biden. In essence, trump created his own worst opponent by constantly feeding the flame behind biden.
If trump had simply ignored the man, biden never would have become the democratic nominee. No one would have believed he could take on trump.
I loved it. It was poetic, like a greek tragedy.
We don't know if Sanders would've fared better or worse against Trump in 2020, and we'll never know now. It's done and we have Biden. And thankfully, Biden won. Biden got Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin. He got 304 electoral votes to Trump's 232. That's a win. Granted, those margins were very close in some states, but a win is a win. Fast forward 4 years and Biden has a decent record to stand by and Trump has...to be at court next Tuesday and a different one on Wednesday and has to cough up dough or get his assets seized. Maybe this is just me, but I'd rather be a Biden supporter than a Trump supporter.
Biden looks back fondly on the day he got the US to rejoin the Paris Agreement or distributed 100 million doses of the covid vaccine to help Americans get safely back to work or pledged military support for Ukraine. Trump fondly looks back on the day he almost killed Pence.
Biden fears America falling to despotism and tyranny.
Trump fears a singer telling her fans to vote.
Biden looks forward to election day.
Trump looks forward to coup day.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 09, 2024, 03:54:15 AMWe don't know if Sanders would've fared better or worse against Trump in 2020, and we'll never know now.
I liked Sanders, but I wasn't sure about elect-ability for him either. But more important than getting elected is what happens once in Office, and this would have been difficult for Sanders. I think he is closer in philosophy to what Americans want, but not when compared to his more right leaning democratic peers on the Hill. He would have been opposed by too many members of his own party and been rendered ineffective.
(https://i.imgur.com/xt31EdSl.jpeg)
Trump seems proud that "dictator" and "revenge" come up often when people think about him.
(https://i.imgur.com/QmfF4Av.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/31Gp0wYl.png)
Tucker, roll that panda footage!
Donald is on a crash course with his mouth and ego. Every week he opens mouth and further alienates small parts of his following, but more, he continues to push independents away.. still have lots of time for him to spin more around the toilet, but as we get closer and closer and the polls start showing Joe nudging ahead he will become more erratic, more outlandish, more offensive, and those that love him don't give a shit, but those on the fence are going to really question the guys sanity.
It looks like he's in competition with himself to see how depraved he can get and not lose his cult followers.
Trump Trails Biden on 2024 Fundraising as Legal Fees Mount (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-21/trump-trails-biden-on-campaign-fundraising-as-legal-fees-mount)
QuoteDonald Trump's political operation spent an additional $5.6 million on legal fees in February, dampening the Republican presumptive nominee's political fundraising, which continues to lag his Democratic rival's cash haul.
QuoteSave America, the entity funding most of the former president's legal bills, spent $5.6 million on lawyer costs in February. His political operation has spent $63.9 million on legal expenses since January 2023 and has about $7.8 million more he can tap, which will only last him only a few months.
Despite this, Trump still has a total of ~$60 million on hand.
Meanwhile, Biden raised $53 million in February and ended the month with $155 million on hand. No rape trial. No hush money trial. No lawyers hiring lawyers. No Four Seasons Total Landscaping. No drippy hair dye. Really weird how not being a monster means you don't have to pay monstrous legal fees.
(https://i.imgur.com/Na90UNZ.png)
Trump just canceled a trip too Arizona due to being too broke (https://www.rawstory.com/trump-rally-cost/) Imho, one of Trump's staffers had a paper with "Orders: Phoenix Rally" on it and he saw it and panicked, saying "First Gryffindor, now Ravenclaw plots against me!" Just kidding, he's more of a reality TV guy.
But seriously, Biden's building a new computer chip processing plant in Arizona, creating thousands of new jobs. What'd Trump do for Arizona?
Well, Drumph kept out dem im'grunts dint 'e? 🤣
I consider that chip plant in Arizona to be a boondoggle, even though I like Biden. The plant is going to consume large quantities of water, which isn't actually available, and the (Taiwanese) company that wants to run it has no consideration for the workers. Plus, there is a large amount of infrastructure that has to be built. We do really need to wrest chip production back from the near east. I used to work in defense. Of course, chips and associated components for this were made in the US.
There are three more planned in Ohio, New Mexico, and Oregon. So if the Arizona one doesn't work out, it's not a total loss. Hopefully, they know what they're doing in selecting that site, though. And fully agreed that the US absolutely should return to computer chip production.
How nice it is to have a relatively normal President where we can even discuss our future. Back when Trump was throwing his weight around, the news was one big dumpster fire and we didn't even have the luxury of long-term plans.
https://www.newsweek.com/us-supreme-court-ruling-cited-uganda-upholds-anti-gay-death-penalty-1887085
oof!
I'm glad I'm old. Enough of humans and their insanity.
(https://i.imgur.com/PkMnlnel.png)
Such a good look (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-fired-police-officer-new-hampshire_n_6616de8ce4b0999df35397ba)
Newsmax (trying to out far-right Faux): Biden is senile because he doesn't know that Africa is a country (https://boingboing.net/2024/04/11/oh-dear-newsmax-host-slams-biden-for-not-knowing-africa-is-a-country-video.html)
I think this guy needs a cognitive test himself. And let's not forget that Trump has a ton of gaffes and out-and-out lying that far outclasses not only Biden, but pretty much everyone else.
https://i.imgur.com/Vv6MLsD.mp4
They don't like to be called cultists but they aren't opposed to behaving exactly like a personality cult.
(https://i.imgur.com/PI4N23pl.png)
(https://preview.redd.it/be-aware-of-your-surroundings-v0-m2fjdzspi4xc1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=d9cd53096358fb8107e952b83149c9e6fd341ad8)
If you don't understand the reference, I envy you.
(https://external-preview.redd.it/why-do-i-feel-like-this-is-a-bit-hypocritical-however-v0-0jWWWiPiFgCIKMcxjoLH2RPWkQzm_ICPeaJBDDilBV4.jpg?auto=webp&s=f49f738d2e4ce1588a8014f8c8e5e879654d606d)
Yeah, can you imagine going out in public and some weirdo does weird, wildly inappropriate stuff that ruins your experience?
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) paid a visit to a pro-Palestinian encampment at George Washington University on Wednesday, accessorized with her signature red lipstick and a blue bullhorn.
Seemingly intending to protest the protest that has been holding steady on campus for about a week now, she was met with some creative jeers that left her visibly rattled.In a clip that has been circulating on social media, students can be heard calling out "Beetlejuice" at Boebert, in reference to her handsy, vape-plumed wild night at the theater in Colorado last year. And, to put a soundtrack to the heckling, others joined voices in a spirited rendition of John Williams and London Symphony Orchestra's "The Imperial March" — Darth Vader's Theme, as she made her way through campus, backed by other House Republicans, including Reps. Byron Donalds (FL), Anna Paulina Luna (FL), and James Comer (KY).
(https://i.imgur.com/0nAmosil.jpeg)
And where was Obama during 9/11? And somehow, also the JFK assassination?
To be fair, george w bush's complete and utter inability to prevent the american civil war will stand through the ages as one of his greatest failures.
To be fair, Abe Lincoln is said to be livid over the Iraq debacle.
I wonder if ol' Abe drives a hot rod Lincoln? 🤔
(https://i.imgur.com/LtZNaVBl.jpeg)
Yay, my home state makes the news :/
And wouldn't you know it, the media illiterate ghouls made him Darth Diaper with a super tiny lightsaber. The jokes basically write themselves.
"New" hope?
The fuck is the matter with these idiots?
What the matter is is that they're idiots.
You don't have to be smart to know Donald Trump isn't new in any conceivable way.
Now it's "just" 6 months until this Election Debacle.
I'm not even American (Brazilian, actually), but I sure do hope the USA does not make another catastrophic decision, as was, for example, the reelection of G.W. Bush in 2004...(which would be exactly 20 years ago, now that I think of it...)
(Just to be clear, my "hope" is Trump being defeated again, though of course I'm well aware of Biden's huge "problems"; nevertheless, he is the "lesser of two evils", to simplify matters...).
https://i.imgur.com/SxFpDS3.mp4
"Biden didn't win!"
Evidence: a small room full of Trump supporters (conned losers in denial)
That damned "uniparty establishment"! 😵
I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that entire states are actually going to vote for Donald Trump for president. What the actual fuck.
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 11, 2024, 05:33:16 PMThat damned "uniparty establishment"! 😵
Yeah, that uniparty establishment that abruptly changes policies every 4 or sometimes 8 years. "The Man" just loves change, I guess.
Got 18 holes of golf in and just walked in the door. I hope Cohen put a hurt on the orange stain today. I'm sure cross examination is going to be a bitch.
Thanks Obama: 17% of Americans mistakenly believe Biden ended Roe VS Wade abortion rights (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/upshot/abortion-biden-trump-blame.html)
Trump appointed the Supreme Court justices who ultimately denied millions of Americans abortion access (while calling Roe VS Wade "settled law"), yet Biden gets the blame.
QuoteTrump supporters and voters with less education were most likely to attribute responsibility for abortion bans to Mr. Biden
*draws Venn Diagram consisting entirely of a single circle*
Quotebut the misperception existed across demographic groups. Twelve percent of Democrats hold Mr. Biden responsible
Yikes. The Dems obviously need to improve their messaging before the election. Large numbers of asleep-at-the-wheel voters may be fine for the Republicans - essential, even - but that's intolerable for the Dems.
Why are the Democrats so bad at messaging!?
Is 17% thinking it is biden's fault is a messaging error?
The other dude brags about being the one who did it.
Those 17% are willfully ignorant.
Quote from: ferdmonger on May 11, 2024, 08:36:43 PMI'm having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that entire states are actually going to vote for Donald Trump for president. What the actual fuck.
Yes, from the New York Times, the information I'm getting looks like it's going to be Trump for another four years, and I'm curious what kinds of shenanigans he's got in mind to get another four after that. I don't believe a conviction for any crime is going to affect his chances.
Supreme Court Justice, Alito, is flying a flag upside down and has some kind of a "Stop the Steal" slogan on display at his house. So much for impartial justice in our legal system.
Quote from: Hydra009 on May 17, 2024, 12:35:57 PMThanks Obama: 17% of Americans mistakenly believe Biden ended Roe VS Wade abortion rights (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/upshot/abortion-biden-trump-blame.html)
Other than pay lip service to protecting women's rights, the Democrats have done little to protect a woman's right to choose. But given our polarized leadership, it's doubtful they could have. This is a the work of the Supreme Court, and I'm guessing Democrats are happy to have it out of their hands. Although, leaving it to the court system appears to be biting them in the ass. So it's back to dark alleys and coat hangers, probably for a long time.
Maybe not for not too long.
While it remains a divisive issue (chosen by Republicans for precisely that reason, as a sort of wedge issue for religiously-minded Democrats and a way to rally their own theocratic base) pro-choice is a popular position (https://news.gallup.com/poll/393104/pro-choice-identification-rises-near-record-high.aspx) - especially among democrats - while illegal-in-any-cirumstances has nose-dived. Additionally, corporate interests are taking note that their new hires don't want to relocate to forced-birth states (https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/07/abortion-bans-drive-away-up-to-half-of-young-talent-new-cnbc/generation-lab-youth-survey-finds.html). And as we have seen, it's possible for Democrats to run on abortion and win (https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-abortion-legislature-378c3fa32dcfc2d0401f3893828482af).
So I wouldn't say we're stuck with this anymore than we're stuck with gay marriage bans or the anti-net neutrality fiasco. But it will take a lot of effort and lot of time to restore abortion rights. Meanwhile, red states are trying their hardest to get people to feel used to varying levels of theocratic rule (that's not hyperbole - anti-abortion law is literally justified with religious reasoning (https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=188.010&bid=47546&hl=)) and powerless to do anything about it.
As always, it's a battle of hearts and minds as well as a battle for the ballot. Everything may change depending on which faction out-mobilizes which.
Though I agree that leaving it up to the courts was a huge mistake and Democrats made a huge tactical error in being too slow and ineffectual in appointing judges. This left powerful court positions to far-right activists. And we're going to be stuck with that problem for a very long time.
If Christians would read their Bibles they'd see that Adam didn't become "a living soul" until he could breathe.
The party of grievance will not stop It's victimization and projection, and it's disgusting... and working. Donald Trump is to this day getting away with treason because of a DOJ lack of effort. I've said it before... ten count of obstruction of justice outlined in the Mueller report allowed to whither on the vine. It's why we're still dealing with this orange stain.
If only our system of justice would have afforded, finally, a chance for Donald Trump to take the stand and once for all put this witch-hunt behind him and us. Shucks.
Not the slightest bit surprised (https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/texas-voter-intimidation-19476949.php)
This authoritarian nastiness is not confined to their dealings with others, but is often how they deal with each other as well.
I remember Zorg being VERY DISAPPOINTED, didn't turn out well.
Quote from: Hydra009 on May 25, 2024, 01:17:46 PMNot the slightest bit surprised (https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/texas-voter-intimidation-19476949.php)
This authoritarian nastiness is not confined to their dealings with others, but is often how they deal with each other as well.
Nasty is as nasty does. Hatred of the other works until it hits too close to home.
Maybe I was too hard on Libertarians (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/26/no-wannabe-dictators-donald-trump-booed-at-libertarian-convention)
Though kicking a wannabe dictator while he's down is hardly an act of courage. Maybe next they'll do something really difficult like ask a major corporation not to despoil nature to the point of human extinction. Politely, of course. We must act our rank, after all.
Quote"The fact is we should not be fighting each other," Trump pleaded. "If Joe Biden gets back in, there will be no more liberty for anyone in our country. Combine with us in a partnership – we're asking that of the libertarians. We must work together. Combine with us. You have to combine with us."
The appeal went down like a lead balloon as delegates booed, jeered and shouted insults.
Okay, now I see his misstep. The party of book bannings and forced childbirth and going after "illegals" and shooting protestors (not hyperbole (https://www.axios.com/2022/05/02/mark-esper-book-trump-protesters)) talking about how pro-freedom they are. Give me a break. Thankfully, some libertarians also picked up on that.
Yeah, I know they don't love us center-left folks, but sheesh, pick your battles. It's a not-great status quo VS an existential danger to American democracy and associated freedoms. It's no secret that Trump is keen on becoming dictator (and republicans are in on it (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4453457-74-percent-of-republicans-say-its-fine-for-trump-to-be-dictator-for-a-day/)) and curtailing American voting rights - and if you don't have the right to vote and you aren't a billionaire, you no longer have a say in anything that goes on in this country. If Trump gets into office again, it won't matter if you're a democrat or libertarian or republican - it's game over.
I'm not center-left, I'm about as far left as I can be without falling off the edge of the Earth. 🌎
It seems like the former president believes that Amazing Grace is the national anthem! 🫡
Spot the difference:
(https://i.imgur.com/Mk31igo.jpeg)
When all else fails, and you're feeling down, remember that as a veteran Donald thinks you're left-wing scum. Thanks Donald. Don't forget suckers and losers.
You're an idiot. It has to be strange to have a cult instead of a platform.
Consensual intercourse? Not on my watch! (https://www.salon.com/2024/06/03/texas-professors-to-fail-students-seek-abortions/)
QuoteEven though the plaintiffs suing for the right to flunk female students for abortion include boilerplate arguments in which they feign concern that abortion is "killing," the legal filing makes it clear that what really outrages Bonevac and Hatfield is that Title IX prevents them from controlling the private lives of students. Along with their anger about abortion, they grouse about not being allowed to punish students "for being homosexual or transgender." They also argue they should be able to penalize teaching assistants for "cross-dressing," by which they appear to mean allowing trans women to wear skirts.
Certainly casts doubt the welfare of the "child" being their primary motivation. Rather, it seems to be more about punishing certain behaviors that they dislike, with women as their main target.
(https://i.redd.it/f4nwkdwme75d1.png)
They can't help but tell on themselves.
Trump loves "the uneducated" so much because he can manipulate them so easily with emotional bullshit!
Billionaires actually understand Donald has their interests in mind. That his vacuous followers think there's anything in it for them is baffling. Extra-credit bonus question if you donated to Donald Trump after 34 felony convictions:
A) I'm stupid
B) I'm really, really fucking stupid
PT Barnum is laughing from his grave.
Upside-Down Alito describes the difficulty in living peacefully with ideological opponents (https://archive.ph/2024.06.10-162753/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/samuel-alito-supreme-court-justice-recording-tape-battle-1235036470/) (what would he prefer?) and his desire to "return our country to a place of godliness" (which means what, exactly?)
The guy is dogwhistling his heart out.
Whoever has the Presidency next year gets to decide whether to keep these sorts of whackjobs from infesting the Supreme Court or invite them in to stay for life. Choose wisely.
I wonder why (https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4719049-republicans-block-supreme-court-ethics/)
https://i.imgur.com/II3w2Cs.mp4
Con men are trying to manipulate you. They feed you the conclusion (in sound bites regurgitated by Trump 20 times a minute) and then give you highly misleading "evidence" in that direction and let confirmation bias work its magic, hoping that you don't seek context or have a critical eye. And they do this because it's largely successful.
The republican party is devoid of any attempt at furthering America for all. The party has devolved into hypocrisy, hyperbole, and hatred, with a generous dose of projection thrown in for good measure.
Trump cultist threatens judge, get jail (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/06/18/alabama-man-pleads-guilty-to-threatening-georgia-prosecutor-sheriff-over-trump-election-case/74143747007/) (not rich enough for oligarch-tier justice)
QuoteHanson of Huntsville, Alabama, told a federal judge at his plea hearing Tuesday that he never meant harm to Willis
QuoteIn one message, Hanson warned Willis: "When you charge Trump on that fourth indictment, anytime you're alone, be looking over your shoulder."
His message for Labat warned of consequences for taking a jail booking photo of Trump.
"If you take a mug shot of the president and you're the reason it happened, some bad (expletive)'s gonna happen to you," the voice message said, according to court records.
What a fascinating - and just a tad self-serving - take on what constitutes communicating threats. These are the sorts of "tourists" who present themselves as political prisoners while trampling on the law.
Farty Five thinks he's running against some guy named Joe Bride! 🤣
Trump waves to nobody (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-waving-video-nobody-1914619)
Maybe he thinks it looks good from certain angles. Maybe he's talking to the Green Goblin mask. I don't know.
Policies? Policy scmolisy. Who needs policies when you have hateful soundbites that work on the rubes. Interviews with the man/woman on the street are special and can be found everywhere.
'Jan 6 was mostly peaceful.' No it wasn't.
'They say Trump was convicted of felonies, but I just don't see it.' I don't care if you see it. He was convicted of 34 felonies.
'The election was stolen!' No it wasn't. Fucking grow up and admit your loss.
'The border is a mess and Biden isn't doing anything about it!' Other than the bipartisan bill that Trump sabotaged and Lankford - a republican's republican - was thrown under the bus to stoke Trump's ego and deny Biden a victory. Better to have campaign issue than a solution.
These people make me cranky.
Quote from: Unbeliever on June 19, 2024, 05:21:19 PMFarty Five thinks he's running against some guy named Joe Bride! 🤣
Don't forget he announced that he wants a cognitive test because Dr Ronnie Johnson certified that he can remember: sedition, fake electors, Jan 6, conspiracy, and insurrection.
Oh, and his doctor's name happens to be Ronnie Jackson, not Ronnie Johnson. I really dislike this half-wit.
I passed dislike long ago, now I'm at the loathe stage.
Something that doesn't get talked about often is the legitimately good things that have happened under Biden. Here's an example from a couple of months ago that I somehow missed due to the wall-to-wall Trump's-a-felon coverage:
Asthma inhalers capped at $35 (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/drugmakers-cap-cost-asthma-inhalers-35-month-rcna154536) - passed in April, went into effect in June
QuoteSenate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions noted AstraZeneca charges $645 in the U.S. for the same inhaler it charges $49 for in the U.K. Teva Pharmaceuticals, another major inhaler manufacturer, charges $286 in the U.S. for an inhaler that costs $9 in Germany.
It's true. And europeans are generally shocked by the gouging that goes on in the US - the more in-tune Americans are angered and disgusted by it while a sizable, possibly larger, portion of Americans just assumes this is just what it actually costs, apparently unaware of the different situations in terms of what is spent on healthcare (including taxes) versus what is received in the US and other western countries. Spoiler alert, it's not great in the states (https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-asthma-medication-doubled-unjust-2023-7). (And while the article attributes the price increase to climate change - lemme ask you one simple question: do they have climate change in Germany?)
I can't stress enough how important it is that inhalers are capped. I have asthma and I (unfortunately) have extensive experience with the things. Fortunately, it's been a while since I've had to huff down that stuff, which is good because man, they've really gone up in price over the years. These things are literally the difference between life or death and they've gone up dramatically. Talk about making a killing.
I dunno where everyone stands politically, but I'm of the opinion that being poor shouldn't be a death sentence. Maybe that puts me way on the left with all the other bleeding hearts, I dunno. But I'd rather be in that camp than the one where you force people to decide between paying rent or living to tomorrow.
And just fyi, while we don't know the exact cause(s) of asthma, there's a fairly straightforward association between air pollution and at least some asthma cases (https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/air-pollution-smog-asthma/). So this is something that people come down with through no fault of their own, but that doesn't necessarily mean that there aren't people at fault. Let's just say that capping the price of inhalers is a good first step, but it's not the only step that needs to be taken.
I pay nothing for any of my medication.
Quote from: Unbeliever on June 23, 2024, 12:46:57 AMI pay nothing for any of my medication.
Do you have insurance for meds?
I have asthma. It got worse recently- from using a rescue inhaler maybe half a dozen puffs a year, to a couple of times a day. Doctor prescribed a different one that didn't work too well, and cost $40 each! Changed it to another drug, which does work, and only costs me $6. Either way, my former employer has an insurance plan to cover medication, so I get reimbursed, anyway. Poor people aren't as fortunate.
Quote from: SGOS on June 23, 2024, 07:01:39 AMDo you have insurance for meds?
Yeah, I'm fully covered. After my heart attack I was lucky enough to get social security, so I don't have to pay for doctor visits or meds.
Farty Five says fossil fuel truck drivers can drive from New York to Los Angeles - ALL THE WAY - without stopping for fuel! 🤣
Republican seeks to block the certification of his Republican rival (http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/bob-good-block-certification-gop-primary-virginia-rcna158648)
"I never thought the leopard klan we raised together would try to eat *my* face!"
QuoteRep. Bob Good said Monday his campaign would file a legal challenge to "try to block certification" of the Republican primary election in a key city in Virginia's 5th District as he trails his opponent in the vote count.
Take note that everything they're doing here, they're going to do in November.
QuoteGood claimed during an appearance on Steve Bannon's "War Room" podcast Monday
Oof. Going on the disgraced Trumper's podcast - the same guy who iirc has to go report to prison soon. That's how you know everything's above board.
These are totally normal election challenges that happen every time someone loses and gets really, really, really butthurt about it. And the evidence is pretty solid - apparently there were fires and those sorts of things don't just happen (there weren't really any fires, tellingly (https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/06/24/bob-good-john-mcguire-virginia-fifth-district-primary-election/74137714007/)) so the city of Lynchburg should just do a do-over election.
So in the Republican spirit of election "integrity", I'd like to throw my hat into the ring in this election. Was I born there? Nope, but neither was Ted Cruz. Did I live there? Nope, but neither did Lauren Boebert. And I might have a hard time convincing whoever's in charge of elections in Virginia, probably Nikki Haley, according to Trump. Maybe Obama. Man person woman man...something, I forget.
The point is, we need to redo the election because it wasn't free and fair.
If I lose, I get a rematch.
If I win, I keep the seat. Forever.
A tale fit for a handmaiden and a portent of things to come:
(https://i.imgur.com/TTw3pNz.png)
(red arrows are fleeing from states with an abortion ban, gray arrows are from states without such a ban but where it may still be difficult to receive care)
My local newspaper had a little blurb about how abortions are down in Texas (I'll give ya three guess as to why) and left it for the reader to decide if that's a good or bad thing - which is a strangely neutral take on Americans literally fleeing for their lives. I suppose it's more important to not be seen as "political" by taking a stand on such matters.
But in the body of the article - for all us avid newspaper readers out there and not just people who skim headlines, there are literally dozens of us - they noted that infant mortality went way up (https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/analysis-suggests-2021-texas-abortion-ban-resulted-in-increase-in-infant-deaths-in-state-in-year-after-law-went-into-effect):
Quotea 12.9 percent increase in infant deaths in Texas versus a 1.8 percent increase in infant deaths in the rest of the U.S. during the same period.
QuoteAn analysis of neonatal deaths—deaths in the first 28 days—found similar patterns, with an estimated 145 excess deaths in the post-policy period. These results were not observed in other states.
Well color me shocked. I had no idea that denying healthcare for women would have negative health consequences. Why, whoever could've foreseen that?!
Also, I can't help but note that birth control and sex ed put a huge dent in abortions. I'm not talking a 5% or 10% reduction. Free access to birth control alone reduces abortion seeking by 62-78 percent (https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/access-to-free-birth-control-reduces-abortion-rates/) compared to the national average. But apples-to-apples, the usual abortion rate in that area was 13.4 to 17 per 1,000 women, and participants were at 4.4 to 7.5 per 1,000 women. That's roughly three times less.
Republicans say they despise abortion and consider it tantamount to murder. Yet when they have power, do they champion stuff that is proven to significantly decrease the abortion rate? No. Not at all. In fact, blocking contraception access is next. These apparently deliberately ineffectual policies would be very confusing if it wasn't obvious from the onset that the "for the children" rallying cry is a cheap slogan dressing up an ugly attack on women and family planning in favor of a more "traditional" way of life - one where infant mortality increases, not decreases. A reversal of hard-fought gains and rights. Welcome to Red State Amerika.
Apparently Mountain Dew can make someone a brilliant orator and can turn Sleepy Joe into a master debater! Who knew soda was a performance enhancing drug!? 🤣
^ Well, MD does have caffeine in it.
Betcha Corrupt Clarence was all in on this (https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-06-26/supreme-court-anti-corruption-law)
Republican corruption is now 'in your face' have a nice day. And they're getting away with it. Fuck.
So, Tomorrow is the debate. Here's some recommended drinking game rules:
- Trump talks about Biden being hopped up on drugs take a sip
- If Jake Tapper or Dana Bash bring it up, do a shot.
- But if they bring it up in the context of how Trump has joked about it, do a whole shot.
- If they bring up Trump joking about it but it's clear they didn't get the joke, do a second shot
- If Biden admits that he's wasted and finally cries out for help to stop the elder abuse being perpetrated against him by Jill and his White House handlers, cheers to him for finally breaking free of his captors and take a swig out of the bottle
- When (and let's be honest, he's going to do it) Biden tries to take credit for "creating 15 million jobs," do a shot
- When Trump points out that the vast major of those "jobs" were positions returning after the COVID lockdowns were lifts, take a sip
- If that fact is brought up by either Tapper or Bash first, don't drink anything...you're either suffering from alcohol poisoning already or you've just witnessed history and will want to remember where you were when a CNN employee fact-checked a Democrat in real time
- Same goes for if Joe is corrected when he repeats his lie about inflation or gas prices being lower than when he took office
- Chug for 3 seconds if anyone informs the public that Biden drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try to get prices down, endangering our national security in an attempt to win reelection
- If Trump brings up Hunter first, do a shot
- If Joe does, then Trump says something like his brother suffered from addiction and he'd never attack someone for getting clean, the criticism is about corruption, don't drink at all because you might have just witnessed a turning point in the election
- If Biden mentions Russia, do yourself a favor and don't drink anything. He'll likely mention Russia a lot, and claim Trump is somehow a tool of Putin because he thinks ending the war in Ukraine is a good idea
- But do a shot if Trump points out that Democrats are absolutely in favor of an immediate ceasefire and negotiations in Israel, where Jews are defending themselves from a very recent terrorist attack, while calling the concept of even broaching the subject of a negotiated ceasefire in Ukraine an affront to democracy without explaining how that is
- Don't, however, drink enough to try to make sense out of this, otherwise you will die
- If Trump actually behaves take two shots
- If Biden doesn't have a senior moment take two shots
Quote from: Jason Harvestdancer on June 26, 2024, 10:37:07 PM- If Biden admits that he's wasted and finally cries out for help to stop the elder abuse being perpetrated against him by Jill and his White House handlers
Is this like some "ironic" copypasta form infowars or did you come up with this delusional stuff yourself?
I'm still not convinced that any debate will take place. If it does I'll be extremely surprised.
Well, I guess I was wrong, it looks like a debate is actually going to happen!
I'm not going to watch it. I can't stand even the sight of the orange turd. My wife's watching and laughing her ass off. 🤷�♂️
The Presidential debate is so weird this year. It's supposed to be about rival candidates debating plans and policies but the Republican guy was a no-show and some disgusting felon wandered onstage instead. I hope they escort that guy out and give him the mental care he desperately needs while the actual republican candidate gets ready.
Wife stopped watching 15 to 20 minutes. Useless "debate".
I don't like either one of them. Seeing him on TV, squinting his eyes, starting his sentences with "folks," my brain just goes, "Oh, shut up, you senile old fart." The guy is such a boring, milk-toast President. I don't trust a word he says, and I have to wonder why he wanted so badly to be President if he was going to do basically nothing. And that's something that scares me a little. If the best thing about Biden is that he's not a Republican, then whoop-de-do. Might as well hand the country over to the Republicans and let them drag us to the iron age. We know the Republicans will get out and vote, but if Biden can't get enough people motivated to go to the polls, we're all fucked.
That was bad last night. I watched for an hour and then turned it off wondering how Democrats could have let Biden run for a second term. It seems to me the White House staff and the Democratic leadership did a good job of hiding Biden's frailties from view during the last couple of years. I've seen very little of him in clips, and the ones I did see were not reassuring. The State of the Union speech was only acceptable at best. But last night was a blow out the likes of which I have never seen in one of these debates before.
Trump's lies and exaggerations will have little effect on Republicans. Biden, who has always been a bit of a stumbler, took his biggest stumble last night, and he now appears to be only qualified enough to let others make decisions for him. This would be better than having Trump make any decisions, but hardly the way to instill confidence in the White House.
The silent power figures in the Democratic Party have been working hard to be mediocre for the last 10 years. There needs to be a change at that level. There have to be qualified Democrats to run for President. Maybe none of them want the job. I wouldn't blame them. But please send someone to the plate that can at least get on base. This race to mediocrity needs to end.
Another win for dictators and American billionaires (who will continue to go untaxed) as the planet cooks biological life to mass extinction.
Why the fuck was Trump even there? Wasn't he JUST convicted on multiple felony charges? Does that mean nothing? Not that I think DeSantis or any of the others would be any better, but Trump should be disqualified from holding any position in government.
US politics are fucked up. In order for a president to do his job, he has to see classified information. Clearance for which includes not having bankruptcies, among other things. If the rules for everyone else are there, they should apply to prospective presidential nominees, as well. Somehow, that doesn't matter (though it matters immensely- just look what the chump does with classified information).
(https://i.imgur.com/fhMbXHzl.jpeg)
Don't forget to vote on policies.
Well, they let Biden on stage after being diagnosed with a cold, so his voice and manner were affected. Thus he was certainly not at his best, and we'll all pay the price. I still doubt that Drumpf will win the election, but I'm not as confident as I was before this fiasco. CNN did a lousy job of moderating the debate by letting the convicted felon get away with every one of his lies and exaggerations.
Unfortunately, facts don't win debates. Charisma does. A confident liar is more convincing than a someone calmly telling the truth. It especially doesn't help when you're stammering or struggling to find words. Biden's job was to inspire confidence in himself, and he absolutely fumbled. I don't think he swayed any undecided voters, and Democrats who usually win the popular vote, but lose the votes that matter, aren't going to be excited to vote for Biden.
Biden may have had a cold, but we conveniently didn't hear about that until after the debate. If the cold was really affecting him so badly, he should have rescheduled. The best thing Biden can do now, in my opinion, is to bow out and let another Democrat take the reigns.
(https://i.imgur.com/Vw9s25b.png)
https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-chevron-regulations-environment-5173bc83d3961a7aaabe415ceaf8d665
One giant step closer to gutting regulation on behalf of big business.
I guess there's no such thing anymore as "settled law."
Quote from: Blackleaf on June 28, 2024, 11:14:33 AMThe best thing Biden can do now, in my opinion, is to bow out and let another Democrat take the reigns.
I agree. As much as I like Joe, and think that he has done a decent job as President, I think he's probably toast.
One positive thing about last night's debate is that being a little more than a month and a half until the convention, it happened early enough for the party to recover (at least in theory). The DNC leadership is probably talking behind the scenes to some potential candidates who might be a viable alternative. If any of them agree to step into a brokered convention, perhaps the leadership can then convince Biden to withdraw.
We really need someone who can energize people to get out and vote ... someone who can give people a reason, other than fear of what will happen under Trump, to get out and vote ... someone who has a vision of hope and unity. I think that Biden, although often lacking in energy and charisma, has always had that vision, but he is having trouble, especially now, in articulating his ideas in a manner as to inspire action.
It was hope and unity that Obama instilled in the voters; it was hope and unity that Bill Clinton instilled in the voters. They were able to appeal to the best instincts in people, thereby unifying them toward a common cause.
But who could that person of hope be now? Is there a Democrat who could step in at this point and win?
Quote from: Luther Martini on June 28, 2024, 04:34:35 PMI agree. As much as I like Joe, and think that he has done a decent job as President, I think he's probably toast.
I don't think he's toast or that he could realistically be replaced as candidate after the primaries are over and with election day less than 6 months away.
FFS, his rival just got hit with 34 felony convictions and we're talking like Biden's the one in trouble. He's not. Could you imagine their roles reversed? And Democrats being confident about felon-candidate's chances? The guy would be sunk six ways from Sunday with even one of those convictions.
Yeah, Biden didn't do great in that debate, which might hurt him with all 17 Americans who haven't already made up their minds. For everyone else, nothing has changed. Trump and his dictator-for-a-day* fantasies haven't changed. His base hasn't changed all that much, though I do note that some of them have died or peeled away since 2016 and no significant number of new ones have replaced them. Biden's base hasn't changed - they're unhappy, but that unhappiness doesn't translate to Dictator Trump, at least I would hope not. That said, I do worry about Democratic engagement and enthusiasm. This is an election where people might stay home. And if they do, there will be no need to vote in the next election or the one after that.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 28, 2024, 04:55:02 PMThis is an election where people might stay home. And if they do, there will be no need to vote in the next election or the one after that.
This is exactly the doomsday scenario I am worried about. People voted for Biden the first time because they really, really wanted Trump out. They might not be as motivated to
keep him out. Even if most of America would prefer Biden over Trump, that means nothing if they don't actually get out and vote for him. I think even most Democratic voters see Biden as a lesser evil, rather than an ideal leader. We need someone who can inspire confidence.
As for Trump's felony charges, he's not in prison now, is he? I don't know what the Hell is going on with that, but maybe if he actually goes to prison, that'll take some of the wind out of his sails. But let's be real. Republicans would still vote for him anyway.
Why did Biden even agree to this debate? It would have been smarter for him not to legitimize Trump's campaign with a debate.
Biden can surround himself with competent people. Trump surrounds himself with corrupt 'yes men' who seem to be in the habit of being convicted of felonies.
The belief that Biden isn't the correct choice after that debate is a farce. The choice boils down to a lunatic who has promised to tear down the US government and make himself ruler while punishing anyone who opposes him, or a man who MAY need to be replaced by someone who also believes in the Constitution.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 28, 2024, 09:32:01 PM
Beautiful. September is another debate. Let's seen how that goes.
I don't even need to see that debate. The choice is clear. Lunacy and vengeful anarchy, or old and replaceable by another Democratic leader.
From what I'm reading, Biden isn't quitting, and replacing him even if he does quit faces so many issues making it seem impossible to put someone else on the ballot. But if Biden somehow wins, I can't see him lasting 4 more years as anything other than a cardboard cutout, unless he dies in office, which is a bet I'd take, and the Democratic Power base runs the country behind the scenes.
I get the "anything but Trump" vote at this point, but what I'm thinking right now is that Biden should know that he is no longer capable of doing the job. Does he know something that the rest of us don't, or is this just an issue of ego?
I'm also hearing a lot of talk about his wife Jill's influence in the matter. This sounds like he's not capable of making his own decisions. Where are we now? He's got something like 17 strikes, and no one is sending him back to the dugout.
Five months to the election, and Democrats are debating the issue, rather than doing something to fix the issue. How much longer do we have to settle the matter before it's too late? I suppose we could still debate whether it's already too late, and that of course won't fix anything either.
What a fucking mess.
It's not like Biden has done nothing so far. In fact, I think the economy has been running hotter than expected or even wanted and thus inflation has been hard to beat. Obviously, a recession would kill inflation, but at what cost?
-Biden signed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill into law in November 2021 to repair the nation's roads, bridges and railways, bring high-speed internet to rural communities and more.
-Biden signed into law the largest gun-safety bill to pass Congress in nearly 30 years. While historically significant, the bill was rather limited compared to what gun control advocates would have wanted.
-The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 passed in August, which allocated roughly $53 billion in federal funding to manufacture semiconductor chips in the U.S. instead of relying on China to produce them.
-Build Back Better Act
The bill tackles inflation by reducing the federal deficit, promote production of certain goods and limit the cost of some prescription drugs.
$369 billion for a climate initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions and promote lean energy technologies. $300 billion in new revenue through a corporate tax increase.
$80 billion for the Internal Revenue Service to hire new agents, modernize its technology, audit the wealthy and more. A $2,000 annual cap for out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for those insured by Medicare.
-Support for Ukraine. Not as easy to get as you would think.
Do most people even know what goes on in the government? Nah, they just focus on a guy's speech impediment. A criminal can't even join the army. Yet here we are about to make a criminal the commander in chief. We are done. Stupidity beyond belief.
Quote from: Cassia on June 29, 2024, 09:58:01 AMIt's not like Biden has done nothing so far.
This has been part of the debate, and it's the logical part. But is it strategic?
Quote from: SGOS on June 29, 2024, 10:11:10 AMThis has been part of the debate, and it's the logical part. But is it strategic?
If the dems got someone far left of center onto the ticket; the right might go crazy and energize to ludicrous speed. I dunno if the left would energize as much. Hard to tell. Young-ins are not the most reliable voters.
Quote from: Cassia on June 29, 2024, 10:19:37 AMIf the dems got someone far left of center onto the ticket; the right might go crazy and energize to ludicrous speed. I dunno if the left would energize as much. Hard to tell. Young-ins are not the most reliable voters.
The pool of possible candidates doesn't seem very large. The person who could fill the bill, might be a relative unknown, someone on the order of Obama, who was able to make the right impression in a very short time. I have no idea if anyone like that wants the job. None of the former contenders in former primaries were that impressive, except for Bernie Sanders, and the people in power weren't excited about him.
Quote from: SGOS on June 29, 2024, 10:53:06 AMThe person who could fill the bill, might be a relative unknown, someone on the order of Obama, who was able to make the right impression in a very short time.
One person whom I think might be able to do this is Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Although he is a relative newcomer to politics, he is a very impressive individual with a diverse and solid resume... US Army veteran, Rhodes Scholar, former business man, published author.
Here is a video of Jen Psaki interviewing Gov Moore:
Quote from: Luther Martini on June 29, 2024, 12:00:33 PMOne person whom I think might be able to do this is Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
I liked that guy right away.
Quote from: Cassia on June 29, 2024, 10:19:37 AMIf the dems got someone far left of center onto the ticket; the right might go crazy and energize to ludicrous speed. I dunno if the left would energize as much. Hard to tell. Young-ins are not the most reliable voters.
The Right go crazy no matter who is running on the Left. You can have the most boring, middle of the road Democrat running for President, and Republicans would still be like, "The Socialists are comin' fer our guns! They're goin' tuh destroy Amurica!" They don't live in the same world we do.
Quote from: Blackleaf on June 29, 2024, 12:40:34 PMThe Right go crazy no matter who is running on the Left. You can have the most boring, middle of the road Democrat running for President, and Republicans would still be like, "The Socialists are comin' fer our guns! They're goin' tuh destroy Amurica!" They don't live in the same world we do.
We need the dems to go crazy for a change. Young adults even in my family are too busy and apathetic to vote. They will gladly correct you if you say something 'unwoke' however.
Quote from: Cassia on June 29, 2024, 07:33:57 PMYoung adults even in my family are too busy and apathetic to vote. They will gladly correct you if you say something 'unwoke' however.
They better learn that if you don't vote, then you ain't WOKE!
I'm still of a mind that Biden may be the only hope for defeating the chump, short of a bullet. But that would get one talked in a way that one didn't like. Can't the chump just have some sort of even more debilitating problem than mere insanity? Fuxxake.
New York Times ran opinion articles on both sides of the bump Biden issue. One was from a self identified Republican, (maybe former Republican) who was telling Democrats not to panic and to let Biden Run. He did admit that Trump did poorly too, but didn't go so far as to say Biden actually won the debate. There is no doubt in my mind that Trump is now relishing the thought of a run against Biden since Biden's condition is visibly beyond that of an old man with difficulty walking.
The media has capitalized on the crisis as it sensationalizes the situation as "Democrats panicking." That sounds typical for the media. I doubt than many have panicked, but some in charge will be strategizing something orderly and legally, at least anything short of storming the Capitol, to fix the situation. That's not panic. It's a logical next step in correcting a mistake.
The most convincing argument against change that I read was the claim that nothing can be done, because delegates for states are required by rules to nominate the candidate selected by voters. Although, I don't know if that claim is true as it is for elections. It might be, and if so, I'm going to have another cup of coffee, and just watch like I usually do in my non panic, although admittedly hopeless approach to politics.
Biden on life support would still be my vote. He won't do any harm compared to what the raging maniac will do.
Quote from: aitm on June 30, 2024, 08:56:34 AMBiden on life support would still be my vote. He won't do any harm compared to what the raging maniac will do.
Imagine if a majority of voters were like you and me. What a humiliating defeat for Trump to be beaten by a doddering old man in the early stages of dementia! But I'm not holding my breath for that one.
Do we want a President leading from prison or from a nursing home? I know my pick, but it's amazing how we keep getting stuck in these situations where most voters don't want either candidate, but end up either voting for the one they see as the lesser evil or just staying home.
I was watching one of those utube man on the street videos getting strange answers from MAGA supporters. Don't overestimate the intelligence of voters.
Quote from: SGOS on June 30, 2024, 11:36:57 AMI was watching one of those utube man on the street videos getting strange answers from MAGA supporters. Don't overestimate the intelligence of voters.
Several people I know to have very sharp, scientific minds can't seem to get this one right. They sound like total morons as they spout out their idiotic diatribes.
Quote from: SGOS on June 30, 2024, 11:36:57 AMDon't overestimate the intelligence of voters
Yeah, in the fall of 2016 I made two really wrong predictions.
1. I said that there was no way the Cubs would win the World Series
2. I said that the American voters aren't stupid enough to elect Trump as President.
Well, I rather like the Cubs, so I was happy to be wrong on that one. On the second prediction -- should have known better then, and sure do know better now.
The majority of voters chose Clinton, but the Electoral College screwed the pooch.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on June 30, 2024, 02:17:15 PMThe majority of voters chose Clinton, but the Electoral College screwed the pooch.
I think I learned somewhere that the electoral college was invented to give power to states, which somehow prevents a tyranny of the majority, but apparently results in the tyranny of the minority, which is probably more in line with true tyranny.
Quote from: SGOS on June 30, 2024, 03:49:37 PMI think I learned somewhere that the electoral college was invented to give power to states, which somehow prevents a tyranny of the majority, but apparently results in the tyranny of the minority, which is probably more in line with true tyranny.
Really? I thought it was because horses are only so fast.
That and it wasn't thought that the populous would vote for the president, but people kinda wanted to so this was how it worked.
Quote from: SGOS on June 30, 2024, 03:49:37 PMI think I learned somewhere that the electoral college was invented to give power to states, which somehow prevents a tyranny of the majority, but apparently results in the tyranny of the minority, which is probably more in line with true tyranny.
Which states? Theoretically, it could have given less populous states more of a say in elections than they otherwise would have and thus not be ignored on election day (though arguably, the more populous states - where more people actually live - ought to have a say in proportional to their population)
The current situation is one in which land votes, Iowa is pandered to relentlessly, battleground states are also important, and everything else is predicted and tabulated in such a granular fashion that would make Hari Seldon jealous, districts are drawn like chinese dragons and often with racial demographics in mind, candidates can sometimes go "district shopping", money is speech and corporations are people my friend, and I almost forgot, several US territories with US citizens in them can't vote in Presidential elections.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 30, 2024, 06:53:48 PMWhich states? Theoretically, it could have given less populus states more of a say in elections than they otherwise would have and thus not be ignored on election day (though arguably, the more populus states - where more people actually live - ought to have a say in proportion to their population)
Not to mention the 3/5 compromise, which would have been a thing back then.
QuoteThe current situation is one in which land votes, Iowa is pandered to relentlessly, battleground states are also important, and everything else is predicted and tabulated in such a granular fashion that would make Hari Seldon jealous, districts are drawn like chinese dragons and often with racial demographics in mind, candidates can sometimes go "district shopping", money is speech and corporations are people my friend, and I almost forgot, several US territories with US citizens in them can't vote in Presidential elections.
Gerrymandering has been a bad thing for decades.
Biden has become outwardly more willing to consider dropping out:
NYT
QuotePresident Biden has told a key ally that he knows he may not be able to salvage his candidacy if he cannot convince the public in the coming days that he is up for the job after a disastrous debate performance last week.....
Several allies of Mr. Biden, who has huddled with the family and advisers since the debate on Thursday, have underscored that the president is still in the fight of his political life and largely sees this moment as a chance to come back from being counted out, as he has done many times throughout his half-century career.
But he is also cleareyed, they said, about his uphill battle to convince voters, donors and the political class that his debate performance was an anomaly.
I think this is probably a little more realistic interpretation of what Biden's position has privately been all along. It was probably leaked to the media as a trial balloon to check probable response from the voters.
I hate to see him leave this way. I actually like him, and he's done a better job than I thought he would 4 years ago, but other reports that leaked out from associates and foreign dignitaries have pointed to an accelerating condition in the loss of his mental faculties. I believe the White House has outright hidden his condition at worst, or just hadn't bothered mentioning it hoping it wouldn't matter.
In the end, I do believe Biden is more interested in saving democracy than taking on another term, with the understanding that 4 years from now his condition will be worse and he will more likely be a punchline than president. I'll feel sad for him no matter what he decides to do.
At least he is now strategically calculating the future of the country, which seems more rational than his original position that he is still the best chance to beat Trump. No one knows, least of all me, what the voters are thinking right now.
As far as his personal image, I think dropping out now would be better than leaving office mid term after it became obvious that a group of un-elected power brokers had been running the country their way.
Not happy about this. Switching candidates tend to tank the race. It's an easy point of weakness the opposition can point to and becomes like sending a Parcheesi pawn back to the start.
Quote from: the_antithesis on July 03, 2024, 11:44:44 AMNot happy about this. Switching candidates tend to tank the race. It's an easy point of weakness the opposition can point to and becomes like sending a Parcheesi pawn back to the start.
I do wonder is there really anyone who hasn't picked their guy yet. Biden may not give a great debate; but we know his values and where he stands. It will come down to just getting people to the polls in the swing states. If Biden steps down; can Harris energize voters? Newsom? Whitmer? Someone else from out of nowhere? I just don't know.
Quote from: Cassia on July 03, 2024, 12:33:41 PMI do wonder is there really anyone who hasn't picked their guy yet. Biden may not give a great debate; but we know his values and where he stands. It will come down to just getting people to the polls in the swing states. If Biden steps down; can Harris energize voters? Newsom? Whitmer? Someone else from out of nowhere? I just don't know.
It won't affect my vote one way or the other. I'm voting "NoTrump." I can't speak for anyone else. Nor do I know what the right strategical tactic should be for those that will decide.
I'm one of those "NEVER TRUMP" kinda guys.
Mistake to drop Biden, especially so close to the election (https://www.yahoo.com/news/historian-predicted-9-last-10-134450729.html)
(https://i.imgur.com/xn3mpRFl.jpeg)
No democrats were demanding that he step down during covid or ukraine or any other time in the past four years except during the eleventh hour of an election year. What a strange coincidence.
Meanwhile...
Trump attorney says that Trump fake elector scheme was an "official act" (https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4751339-donald-trump-attorney-fake-electors-scheme-official-act-immunity-decision/) (aka his scheme to rig the election in his favor when he figured out that he lost the election is not really a crime because he did it while he still had the Presidency at the time)
If this felon gets elected, you can bet your bottom dollar that he'll be doing so many "official acts" that our democracy will become unsalvageable.
First, we need to get rid of Trump, and then we must turn the Supreme Court into an Advisory Panel voted on by Citizens right after we get rid of the Electoral College.
Quote from: SGOS on July 03, 2024, 02:39:35 PMFirst, we need to get rid of Trump, and then we must turn the Supreme Court into an Advisory Panel voted on by Citizens right after we get rid of the Electoral College.
There are many problems in our now-shaky Republic. A great deal of them are created by or exacerbated by voting problems, either limiting actual votes (like interfering with voting by mail, purging voter rolls, reducing polling stations and hours, reducing early voting, etc) or the impact of actual votes (gerrymandering, electoral college). We can't have a republic without free and fair elections. Bottom line. After that's taken care of, a bunch of other problems will wither on the vine.
Biden might be sleepy, but Trump's creepy!
Biden might be sleepy, but Trump's creepy!
Trump still has plenty of time to open his mouth and scare the shit outa people. The more emboldened he gets the more confident and unhinged he will become. He is the ultimate narcissist, he firmly believes everything he says appeals to everyone simply because he, Donald J.Trump said it.
Right. I think way too much hay is being made over a 3 hour stint on camera. Do people want a de3mocracy or anarchy? The chump has promised anarchy.
NYT
QuoteShould Biden Quit? Democrats Weigh Potential Rewards and Steep Risks. Picking a new nominee could give Democrats a jolt of energy. But it could bring division and a crash-course campaign with no room for error.
Democratic division would be likely, and we don't have time for debates leading up to another primary election. BUT: In my case, and I'm not sure how many others this apples to:
I did not support Biden 4 years ago. He was old, not dynamic, and overly resting on the days of his vice presidency under Obama. But in the end, none of that influenced my vote in the November elections. I didn't want Trump, and I would have voted for a fourteen year old instead. So I voted for a weak candidate, Biden.
So what's different this time? For months the media has been covering a slow shift of working class males in favor of Trump. The polls have been reflecting this. I don't think he can beat Trump. He barely did it the first time, and now he has lost favor with his policies on Israel/Gaza and is turning would be supporters into the lack luster disenfranchised. Four years ago he was old. Now he is showing signs of loss of mental acuity, this is a huge change, which is hard for many supporters to to accept.
My guess is that any replacement would have a better chance than Biden of beating Trump, on the grounds that no matter who it was, it wouldn't be Trump. Sure I would have my favorites, and while that wouldn't influence my November vote, it may for many others. More than ever, Trump cannot be allowed to win this election. I'm just not sure others feel that way.
Personally, it helps me emotionally to realize that none of this is in my hands. If Trump wins, I will carry on, even if others suffer.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on July 03, 2024, 08:30:24 PMRight. I think way too much hay is being made over a 3 hour stint on camera. Do people want a de3mocracy or anarchy? The chump has promised anarchy.
He's promised fascism.
Quote from: Hijiri Byakuren on July 04, 2024, 03:23:25 PMHe's promised fascism.
Eh...I haven't really been paying attention, but he's probably selling it as a kind of anarcho-fascism but it will turn out to be the regular kind.
There will be a few less Trump voters after tonight. Darwin Evening around here. "Hold my beer".
John Ashcroft said "We have no king but Jesus."
I guess that's no longer the case.
Trumpadumpagus says the Republicans need a "landschlade."
🤔
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 05, 2024, 02:08:52 AMTrumpadumpagus says the Republicans need a "landschlade."
🤔
"I've been afaid of changing my underpants 'cause I've built my life around you..."
After last nights interview between Biden and Stephanopoulos, a hodge podge of reporters on ABC as well as other stations, gave a breakdown on what Senators and others were thinking, as opposed to what the reporters themselves were thinking. It's was minutes after the interview, and too early to tell what kind of impact the interview had on us little Americans (which is really where the focus should be, at least in the coming days).
But during these reports, I was wishing that Biden had a fifth of the mental acuity that the reporters were demonstrating. Of course, this says nothing about whether Biden's heart is the right place, and that's an important issue. BUT not the only issue, and no matter what the movers and shakers in the party think, what Americans think will be far more important, but so far I'm not hearing that acknowledgement from the party power brokers.
(https://i.imgur.com/CtjPFsDl.jpeg)
I could maybe see this working with the most gullible people if (and only if) Trump was seeking office for the first time, but he was Prez once (once is bad enough) and he most certainly went after rivals and critics with gusto (https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/prosecutions-marco-rubio-trump-biden-memory-rcna160742), like some sort of mob boss or crybully. We don't suspect he's that kind of person, we know for a fact that he's that kind of person. And the Republicans love him for it.
State department disrupts Russian bot farm (https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/09/politics/russian-bot-farm-propaganda-justice-department/index.html) being used to manipulate American voters and meddle in our election
Quotetwo internet domains and searched nearly 1,000 social media accounts that Russian operatives allegedly used to pose as US residents to spread disinformation in the US and abroad.
QuoteThe elaborate scheme was organized by an employee of RT, the Russian state-owned media outlet, financed by the Kremlin, and aided an officer of Russia's FSB intelligence, the Justice Department alleged.
(https://preview.redd.it/elon-was-supposed-to-get-rid-of-the-bots-a-long-time-ago-v0-rtalkuawukbd1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=2f0a558771e2c00408b41cc340f819b6b0bed88f)
(https://i.imgur.com/JeQPvFfl.jpeg)
Even real news can be made into fake news (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senator-blumenthal-says-he-is-deeply-concerned-about-bidens-election-bid-2024-07-10/)
That really chaps my hide! 😠
There has been much focus on Biden blaming the party elites for the faltering confidence in his leadership. But his idea of the elite is not the same as everyone else's. In my opinion, George Clooney is not part of the elite. Big donors are not part of the elite. But there is an elite within the inner Democratic Party. It includes congressmen, who privately say they want Biden to step down, but are afraid they will be pushed out of the club if they say that out loud. There are also un-elected officials.
The elite have kept Biden's failing mental acuity hidden from view, and now that everyone has had an opportunity to see it, they are arguing that it doesn't matter. If Biden steps down, they will want to appoint his successor, arguing that they don't want to start in fighting in the party, while assuming all the power to select a candidate themselves.
What can we do? Given my invisibility, I don't have a clue.
Quote from: SGOS on July 11, 2024, 08:34:38 AMThere has been much focus on Biden blaming the party elites for the faltering confidence in his leadership. But his idea of the elite is not the same as everyone else's. In my opinion, George Clooney is not part of the elite. Big donors are not part of the elite. But there is an elite within the inner Democratic Party. It includes congressmen, who privately say they want Biden to step down, but are afraid they will be pushed out of the club if they say that out loud. There are also un-elected officials.
The elite have kept Biden's failing mental acuity hidden from view, and now that everyone has had an opportunity to see it, they are arguing that it doesn't matter. If Biden steps down, they will want to appoint his successor, arguing that they don't want to start in fighting in the party, while assuming all the power to select a candidate themselves.
What can we do? Given my invisibility, I don't have a clue.
I don't exactly see it that way. The elite are the international corporations and large private companies who can afford to buy the change they want to see. Biden wants to tax them as they were back in the day, before they ran the country. The choice is a no brainer.
Quote from: Cassia on July 11, 2024, 09:24:24 AMI don't exactly see it that way. The elite are the international corporations and large private companies who can afford to buy the change they want to see. Biden wants to tax them as they were back in the day, before they ran the country. The choice is a no brainer.
It can be construed your way too, but Biden (I think) is referring to those who oppose him. Sure there are elites by any definition that are asking him to pass the torch, and that includes a lot of little people, the group that I align myself with. But my definition of elite is a much smaller inner party, who at the moment seems frozen in the headlights, even though they surely understand Biden's condition, but are afraid or dragging their feet.
I also want to make it clear that I like Biden. He has done better than expected in my opinion. I thank him for his service, but he now threatens the party's life at the worst possible time.
Quote from: SGOS on July 11, 2024, 10:10:46 AMIt can be construed your way too, but Biden (I think) is referring to those who oppose him. Sure there are elites by any definition that are asking him to pass the torch, and that includes a lot of little people, the group that I align myself with. But my definition of elite is a much smaller inner party, who at the moment seems frozen in the headlights, even though they surely understand Biden's condition, but are afraid or dragging their feet.
I also want to make it clear that I like Biden. He has done better than expected in my opinion. I thank him for his service, but he now threatens the party's life at the worst possible time.
Yes, I see. I do agree that is the case, but unfortunately it may also be the best case right now. IDK, we are in a tight spot.
Interestingly I have watched the power of my own former employer grow. As a maker of avionics, they don't care much for FAA regulations. They supported and encouraged employees to support certain anti-regulation candidates over the years. Eventually the FAA was so weak, they designated employees of the very companies they regulate to represent them. Boeing and the US industry as a whole did the same thing (meanwhile, Airbus was actually self-imposing strict safety rules on itself and suppliers.)
In the US, employees got pressured. Profits soared until planes fell from the skies. People tend to forget why we have all these regulations when things are working. They see them as very wasteful. Most people are generally small thinkers. Can't even predict two moves ahead.
Quote from: Cassia on July 11, 2024, 10:58:53 AMYes, I see. I do agree that is the case, but unfortunately it may also be the best case right now. IDK, we are in a tight spot.
Interestingly I have watched the power of my own former employer grow. As a maker of avionics, they don't care much for FAA regulations. They supported and encouraged employees to support certain anti-regulation candidates over the years. Eventually the FAA was so weak, they designated employees of the very companies they regulate to represent them. Boeing and the US industry as a whole did the same thing (meanwhile, Airbus was actually self-imposing strict safety rules on itself and suppliers.)
In the US, employees got pressured. Profits soared until planes fell from the skies. People tend to forget why we have all these regulations when things are working. They see them as very wasteful. Most people are generally small thinkers. Can't even predict two moves ahead.
NPR had a full hour devoted to the Boeing's safety violations, yesterday. They called it fraud, and I believe Boeing was found guilty and charged accordingly. Hard to believe such a beloved Corporation could come to that... or maybe not. Deregulation at work.
I see some Biden insiders are now trying to figure out how to approach Biden to convince him to drop out. The White House officially denies any such activity in the inner circle, but the Times reporting it has verification. So it sounds as if up until now, the inner circle has been protecting Biden's apparent ego issue. This sounds like Trump, although maybe more forgivable of Biden, if not of his inner circle, as I have seen senile relatives become stubborn and unreasonable during a phase of their senility, but then changed to childlike bewilderment with time. Biden looks to be like he is now in that transition phase.
I've been thinking not giving up on his run for reelection may have been an orchestrated trial balloon to see how acceptable it is to constituents before finally throwing in the towel. Maybe it is, or maybe Biden just can't see the problem. In any case, the public would not be privy to such strategies. If Biden is actually incapacitated to the extent that he can't see the problem, then as you say, "IDK, we are in a tight spot." I don't know how you gracefully avoid nominating a candidate that was approved in the primaries. Did anyone even run against him?
News Headlines: Biden avoids further gaffes at Detroit rally (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6p2nqp3nzjo)
Wow, what a low bar! And largely negative - focusing on gaffes even when they're really aren't any. What a backhanded compliment. Note that the article conspicuously lacks coverage of the substance of the rally, apparently completely focused on gaffe-watching.
BBC says it was "a strong speech in front of a friendly audience" which is a slight understatement when he got interrupted by the crowd cheering and chanting "don't you quit"
After trailing Trump for months in the polls, botching the debate, and fumbling an interview, Biden gains a slight edge over Trump in a recent poll from NPR and NYT. It may be an anomaly, and it is based on the popular vote, not the electoral college. Polls aren't always right. But from this alone, Biden's loss of mental acuity may not have harmed him. However, Trump's camp is hoping he does not pass the torch. This is the craziest election season I have ever seen.
Quote from: SGOS on July 13, 2024, 02:58:00 PMThis is the craziest election season I have ever seen.
And on that note, Trump was reportedly shot at one of his rallies (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/sounds-multiple-shots-heard-trump-rally-pennsylvania-video-2024-07-13/)
Lightly grazed his ear, most likely. Definitely not life-threatening.
As much as I loathe the guy, I don't want him to be shot. That would simply make him a martyr.
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 13, 2024, 07:36:49 PMAs much as I loathe the guy, I don't want him to be shot. That would simply make him a martyr.
The Republicans would certainly replace him with someone almost as bad. Maybe not Epstein Island bad, but definitely Jesus Camp bad.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/13/statement-from-president-joe-biden-6/
Could you imagine Trump's statement if the roles were reversed?
Biden is also one in the potential line of fire. Open season on politicians can cross party lines.
"Missed him by that much" Agent Smart with his fingers spread by a half inch
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 13, 2024, 08:39:22 PMhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/13/statement-from-president-joe-biden-6/
Could you imagine Trump's statement if the roles were reversed?
Yeah, that thought occurred to me.
I do not condone political violence. This was heinous
I deeply regret the innocent bystanders that were hurt and killed in this instance.
I must say, I am also deeply afraid that this just won trump the election. The disastrous debate´s impact seemed to be manageablr, all in all. It didn´t shift much in the polls after all. Biden even got back on top in a few.
But this... Trump is going to Milk it for every single drop. His base is going to get fired up. And many independent are going to flock to him, over this.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 14, 2024, 09:52:33 AMI do not condone political violence. This was heinous
I deeply regret the innocent bystanders that were hurt and killed in this instance.
I must say, I am also deeply afraid that this just won trump the election. The disastrous debate´s impact seemed to be manageablr, all in all. It didn´t shift much in the polls after all. Biden even got back on top in a few.
But this... Trump is going to Milk it for every single drop. His base is going to get fired up. And many independent are going to flock to him, over this.
Trump will be pro anti assault gun legislation now! Just kidding.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 14, 2024, 09:52:33 AMI must say, I am also deeply afraid that this just won trump the election.
How so? Are you changing your vote? Cause I'm not. Neither are Trump supporters.
Independents could theoretically switch, but I dunno, upon hearing that a convincted felon involved with both rape and pedophia and seeking a banana republic sort of rule - upon learning that that sort of guy got into some trouble with some nut at one of his nutty rallies - I don't immediately think, "Wow! This is my guy!" Maybe I'm just weird like that. Hopefully, that's the norm.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 14, 2024, 11:29:10 AMHow so? Are you changing your vote? Cause I'm not. Neither are Trump supporters.
Independents could theoretically switch, but I dunno, upon hearing that a convincted felon involved with both rape and pedophia and seeking a banana republic sort of rule - upon learning that that sort of guy got into some trouble with some nut at one of his nutty rallies - I don't immediately think, "Wow! This is my guy!" Maybe I'm just weird like that. Hopefully, that's the norm.
If I could vote, it wouldn´t change. And trumpeteers are going to trumpeteer, I agree.
But it is the independent vote that decide in your country. And in a close election as this was going to always be, a few ten thousand votes swayed in key election-states, could be disastrous. And what is a few ten thousand in a pool of tens of millions?
Not to be rude or cruel. But most of those who up to this point saw biden and trump as basically equally good or bad for your country, are not the most critical of thinkers or mental Giants. Imho
Yet they have as much of a vote as you.
Anyone undecided up to today, I see as very much susceptible to 'oh, poor trump! We must show we stand against political violence and extreme left Wing violence. I should vote for him, in order to show I stand against that, to protect democracy.´
I hope I am wrong.
And I do not think there is no path forward for democrats. But they have to play this smart. If there is one thing trump can do, it is sell himself as a martyr. And people will be keen to let him speak on this.
This won´t sway the smartest and brightest. But he needs not them.
Some Republicans in Congress are blaming Biden for the attempt on Trump's life.
Hiring a killer? They'd have gotten a qualified candidate. This was just some kid who can shoot a gun but doesn't know how to kill. People who get killed by and large are shot in their center of mass. That's how professionals do it. As for the chump's Nazi followers in the government, it's sheer projection of their own wishes.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on July 14, 2024, 12:23:15 PMHiring a killer?
No, I think it's more along the lines of "Biden has been picking on him."
Every accusation is an admission, when it comes to maga.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 14, 2024, 11:29:10 AMHow so? Are you changing your vote? Cause I'm not. Neither are Trump supporters.
Independents could theoretically switch, but I dunno, upon hearing that a convincted felon involved with both rape and pedophia and seeking a banana republic sort of rule - upon learning that that sort of guy got into some trouble with some nut at one of his nutty rallies - I don't immediately think, "Wow! This is my guy!" Maybe I'm just weird like that. Hopefully, that's the norm.
You have a lot more confidence in the average dumbass American than I do. We knew he was a bad guy the first time he ran. Didn't stop him from winning, did it?
Turns out that the shooter was a registered Republican. Fancy that. 🤔
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 14, 2024, 01:48:34 PMTurns out that the shooter was a registered Republican. Fancy that. 🤔
Wow. I left the computer for an hour, and I missed that one. Unbelievable! I would have lost that bet.
This is the most descriptive summary of how events went down that I could find. They literally had Secret Service set up with a sniper riffle on a nearby roof. You can see the sniper raise his head in surprise when he spots the shooter. It seems confirmed that people in the audience noticed the gunman before the Secret Service did. What an embarrassing blunder.
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 14, 2024, 01:21:14 PMYou have a lot more confidence in the average dumbass American than I do. We knew he was a bad guy the first time he ran. Didn't stop him from winning, did it?
No, but it did keep him out the second time. I'm well aware that America makes dumbass decisions and quite frequently. I'm not deaf and blind. But all I'm saying is that maybe they don't make the dumbass decision every time. And it's way too early to even talk about this election being already lost.
One thing I somewhat admire about conservatives is that they never quit and never say uncle. The MAGA folks have never lost an election. They've been cheated out of a victory, but they've never lost. Conservatives always think they're on the cusp of winning and liberals always think they're on the cusp of losing. How did Le Pen put it? "Our victory has merely been deferred" or something along those lines. It would be good for us fighting the good fight to imagine that we can succeed, even when it doesn't always seem like we can. That's what the Ukrainians did two years ago and still do today. We could learn from their tenacity.
I don´t want you all to throw in the towel.
But both elections of trump have been close, regarding electoral college. He can lose the popular vote still by millions and scrape by, by a few ten thousand votes. That is just how your system works.
And I am sad to say, presidents or presidential candidates getting attacked, helps their pollnumbers in normal situations. Reagan, teddy even Bush and that stupid shoe. The precedents are there. That is just historical fact.
Now there surely still is hope. As this most definitely not a ´normal´ election.
If even such a miserable presidential debate did little to sway the people, maybe this won't either.
Maybe project 2025 will repulse enough people.
Maybe handsy boebert, venmo gaetz, maga Mike johnson and Marjorie traitor greene will go all out in their bullshit-frenzy over this and get clobbered because the guy who shot trump was a registered republican.
Maybe more proof will come out with Trump and his connection to epstein.
Maybe a new sort of access hollywood-tape will surface.
Maybe maga nutjobs will retaliate; cause riots that will turn off moderate republicans and undecided voters.
Maybe a lot of things. It has already been a wild ride.
I am glad to see you not losing hope. But it is a Dire situation, and it is more Dire now than ever.
I don´t think it does well to deny that, personally.
The democratic party will have to regroup, unite and think on how to handle the bullshit already coming in.
By God, I hope the democrats can capture the narrativen
Typically, Americans do have to do things the hard way. Look at how many fools died drowning in their own fluids after blowing off COVID vaccinations. Look how long they the isolationists waited to try to stop fascism. Bombs had to fall on our heads.
Trump will surely make it worse for most of those who voted for him. A few will even figure it out.
I doubt that it was politically motivated, I think he just wanted to be famous. Wanted to be in the history books.
The shooter made Trump look like an action hero. This has won him some serious political points. Does it change anything about Trump's character or policies? No. But people are stupid. They're going to look at this and think, "He looks like a badass."
(https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/202407/republican-presidential-candidate-former-president-donald-trump-gestures-as-he-is-surrounded-by-us-145757658-16x9_0.jpg?VersionId=Tw6QY8OhzyX77VuJC8anNlcw6ESpRQmj&size=690:388)
Conservatives are more energized than ever. I've seen it in how people around me behave. Way more Trump themed flags and clothing than normal. Meanwhile, our guy is having trouble forming complete sentences.
This is absolutely going to be used as a weapon against Democrats. Even though Trump has made light of political violence against Democrats, he'll push this narrative that Democrats are violent thugs. He may even entertain this conspiracy theory that Biden himself ordered the hit, and people will believe him. What are they going to do? Fact check him? Exercise critical thinking skills? No. Again. People are stupid.
We're absolutely fucked.
Look how strong and manly the (charity thief, liar, insurrectionist, sexual assaulter, convicted felon) looked after that shooting! That's my guy!
My brain just isn't wired the same way as these folks.
No this is bad ass.
https://i.etsystatic.com/19535642/r/il/c3691b/1924573871/il_794xN.1924573871_rxs9.jpg
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 14, 2024, 10:11:02 PM....Conservatives are more energized than ever. I've seen it in how people around me behave. Way more Trump themed flags and clothing than normal. Meanwhile, our guy is having trouble forming complete sentences.
This is absolutely going to be used as a weapon against Democrats. Even though Trump has made light of political violence against Democrats, he'll push this narrative that Democrats are violent thugs. He may even entertain this conspiracy theory that Biden himself ordered the hit, and people will believe him. What are they going to do? Fact check him? Exercise critical thinking skills? No. Again. People are stupid.
We're absolutely fucked.
He hasn't won yet and sure his MAGA fans are even more off the hook but that doesn't add votes. There is still no way to tell. If he does win, I'd bet on the republic surviving. After 4 more years of this jack ass, just enough people will learn some things.
Quote from: ferdmonger on July 14, 2024, 10:52:12 PMLook how strong and manly the (charity thief, liar, insurrectionist, sexual assaulter, convicted felon) looked after that shooting! That's my guy!
My brain just isn't wired the same way as these folks.
I sometimes joke about it, but my experience really is like someone thawed out from centuries in status and walking around in a dystopian hellscape. Like Idiocracy but less funny and more depressing.
Looking at the response for all this, I can´t but help recall republicans making jokes, japes and cruel mockeries when pelosi's elderly husband got his head cracked open by a trumpeteer with a hammer.
Looks like J. D. Vance is going to be the convicted felon's VP pick.
(https://i.imgur.com/JFiX88Vl.jpeg)
Headlines don't change the election, votes do.
(https://i.imgur.com/32qp0Nfl.png)
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 15, 2024, 11:13:39 PM(https://i.imgur.com/32qp0Nfl.png)
I live in Texas. My vote literally does not fucking matter. I'll still do it anyway, because exercises in futility are what I do best, but we all know where all of Texas' electoral votes are going.
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 16, 2024, 11:44:47 AMI live in Texas. My vote literally does not fucking matter. I'll still do it anyway, because exercises in futility are what I do best, but we all know where all of Texas' electoral votes are going.
Yeah, I can relate to that. Plus, there's the local ballot items. At least my vote counts there.
Did you guys see rfk's leak of his call with Trump, post shooting?
You can´t convince me him leaking that was accidental.
This race is nuts.
I wonder if either biden or trump has called the family of those audiencemembers who were killed and wounded in the attack. Genuinely, I do. I don´t see trump doing so, not without some heavy convincing.
I also can´t imagine the call going well, if he did.
"It was crazy you know? Like insane. Totally insane. The almost got me. And your husband. Good man. Strong man. Sad. Not Lucky. Ar-15 is a big gun. Great gun they say. But not nice. Not at all. I can tell, they SHOT me in the FACE. Crazy, right? I was Lucky, they said. Luck´s got nothing to do with it, you know. Anyway. We gotta beat these guys. Gotta fight like hell. Well not your husband. But we gotta fight. We have to."
I heard that Biden called the family of the dead guy, but the convicted felon didn't. The lady said she didn't talk to Biden because her husband wouldn't like it.
Well, at least he made the effort.
Say what you want about biden, but he is one for reconciling if possible.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 16, 2024, 05:38:42 PMWell, at least he made the effort.
Say what you want about biden, but he is one for reconciling if possible.
He's the adult in the room. And unfortunately, the only adult in the room.
(https://i.imgur.com/FiVN2zw.jpeg)
Tellingly, he said he didn't like parts of it but declined to specify what parts he opposed.
Holy Shit, the stock market has already priced-in a Trump win this morning and has dipped a bit because of his stance on China Tariffs (inflation, baby). I saw one election-guessing website is putting him at a 66% probability.
Also the pro odds makers...hope they are all wrong
If you want to bet the presumptive Republican nominee, prepare to pay for it.
Former President Donald Trump is a heavy favorite heading into the Republican National Convention, which begins today. If you want to win $100 on Trump, you'd have to bet $227, as he's listed as -227. The odds are available on oddschecker.com.
President Joe Biden would probably be your best bet if you're going with an underdog. He comes in at +540, which is a significant underdog, especially for the incumbent.
I'll take those odds. We'd probably switch to rubles, anyway.
538 has Biden with a 53% chance of winning (https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2024-election-forecast/?cid=rrpromo), though it all depends on turnout. Don't show up, find out about Project 2025 whether you want to or not.
No one could have guessed: SEC sues Trump social media executive for securities fraud (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/17/sec-alleges-executive-misled-trump-media-acquisition/74450524007/)
First poll doesn´t give trump a post shooting boost.
Hoping I turn out to be wrong about thinking he´d get one.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 18, 2024, 01:40:40 PMNo one could have guessed: SEC sues Trump social media executive for securities fraud (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/17/sec-alleges-executive-misled-trump-media-acquisition/74450524007/)
Eight years ago NPR presented an investigative report on many of the fraudulent money dealings and cases of Trump misleading his investors, but it never gained much traction. I never fully understood why this wasn't a show stopper. Now, justice is finally trying to do something about it, probably too late, because the president will soon be above the law.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 16, 2024, 05:07:29 PMDid you guys see rfk's leak of his call with Trump, post shooting?
I haven't. Do you have a link?
Well, I watched it in a few clips on youtube.
Didn't originally see it here, but all I have seen is in this clip. Not sure if there is more
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dnB0_UYZXQ4&pp=ygUKTGVha2VkIHJmaw%3D%3D
Polls are currently neck and neck, when it should be a blowout. When's the last time a major party nominated a convicted felon? Or put forth policies this extreme and reprehensible? FFS, the Trump people have "mass deportation NOW" signs. It isn't even concealed anymore. This should be a slam dunk for the Dems. Instead, we see Musk bending the knee and acting as sugar daddy to his favorite fascist. Our election is being bought by rich assholes before anyone even has a chance to vote. And the media, which is supposed to sift fact from fiction, is often either asleep at the wheel or in collusion with these people. I saw a headline on my feed saying that Trump might get a boost from Vance's beard, FFS. Who TF cares about that?! This guy said he would throw our ally to the wolves and give a dictator the green light to attack our other allies, possibly leading to WW3. Who cares how often he shaves?
Apparently, money talks and democracy walks.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 18, 2024, 03:01:34 PMWell, I watched it in a few clips on youtube.
Didn't originally see it here, but all I have seen is in this clip. Not sure if there is more
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dnB0_UYZXQ4&pp=ygUKTGVha2VkIHJmaw%3D%3D
I didn't hear a deal being made, but maybe I missed something. Only things of note to me are Trump's usual anti-vax nonsense, and apparently he would have died if he didn't happen to lean over at just the right time.
No, I don´t think a deal was being made.
Trump tried to get rfk to back out and Kiss the ring. Didn´t hear rfk agree.
But I think the rfk campaign, and rfk himself, dropped this intentionally.
They apologized for it leaking, and on that i call bull.
RNC snoozefest '24 (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-rnc-speech-appears-send-attendees-sleep-1927442)
QuoteThe clip was also shared by James Singer, a Biden campaign spokesperson, who added: "Christ. People fell asleep."
Apparently it was due to Trump's long and meandering speech delivered to people who flocked to him because of soundbites and 30-second spots. And he can't be reasonably expected to leave his congregation voluntarily. When it comes to the White House or the podium, Trump is a big fan of overstaying his welcome.
QuoteWhen approached for comment by Newsweek Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung replied: "The only person asleep is Crooked Joe Biden."
That guy is definitely drinking the flavor aid before this year is out.
https://i.imgur.com/0PEj58X.mp4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_River_of_Blood_(monument)
What else is he lying about?
David Letterman is going to host a fundraiser for Biden. I wonder which of Trumps lies will make the Top 10 list. Please Dave, do it!
Republicans Are Worried Women Will Elect Democrats In a Landslide (https://dailyboulder.com/republicans-are-worried-women-will-elect-democrats-in-a-landslide/)
QuoteIn a bid to prevent what they fear could be a decisive voter shift, Republicans are now softening their stance on a series of controversial policies that many say disproportionately target women's rights and freedoms.
Critics have scrutinized the recent Republican platform for its array of proposals that they argue undermine women's autonomy and dignity. Key among these is a legislative push to enforce a national abortion ban without exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
Additionally, the platform supports the Life at Conception Act, a measure that threatens reproductive freedoms by potentially curtailing access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
QuoteBeyond reproductive issues, the platform includes proposals that critics view as regressive, such as efforts to legalize child marriages and restrict women's access to abortion care even in cases of health risks or sexual assault.
This is who they are. They may "soften stances", but it's not sincere and definitely won't last a minute after inauguration day. You can already see some of those policies in action in some states.
^ In the same way an abusive spouse attempts reconciliation to avoid charges. Disgusting, but it works.
I would like to say that 'softening stances' is a ruse, but republicans know full well that they love the 'in your face' politics of the moment, or the cult of Trump. They stand for nothing other than the love of a seriously flawed man.
(https://i.imgur.com/hM4GHgQl.png)
To counteract the bad guy with a gun, they should just send in a bunch of good guys with guns. More guns = more safe. An armed society is a polite society. Theoretically.
Guns don't kill people, bullets kill people. 🥸
Apparently they're more worried about someone trying to kill spray tan jesus.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 20, 2024, 10:03:30 PM(https://i.imgur.com/hM4GHgQl.png)
Khakis with hat and jacket, khakis and a tee with deck shoes, khakis and a pink shirt, a khaki shirt and shorts and oh, the PJ bottoms. The extraordinary fashion of MAGATs when they choose not to dress up like red, white and blue clowns.
They don't always wear khakis. Sometimes they wear white sheets with those pointy hoods.
Alright. Harris for president.
Please... for fuck´s sake. Choose harris.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 21, 2024, 02:48:33 PMAlright. Harris for president.
Please... for fuck´s sake. Choose harris.
Fingers and toes crossed....
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 21, 2024, 02:48:33 PMAlright. Harris for president.
Please... for fuck´s sake. Choose harris.
Well, damn. Biden did a damn good job, media coverage notwithstanding. Got us out of covid (it helps to have a President who knows that bleach doesn't belong inside the body), did a decent job with the economy, got the infrastructure bill passed, worked to protect unions, encouraged renewables, brought back net neutrality, etc (https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/02/02/joe-biden-30-policy-things-you-might-have-missed-00139046). He also did a very good job with Ukraine (though I wish he went just a little bit further). It's really a shame that the donor class went after him like that. I guess those are the people calling the shots now. That's definitely an issue that will need to be addressed in the future.
Harris, I admit I don't know as much about, but once again, it's another only-adult-in-the-room situation. Harris certainly has her work cut out for her, facing lingering discriminatory attitudes. With the redcaps, it's not so much lingering as it is metastasizing.
And I swear, this better be the last time I see a "he's so old" OP ed. If these numbskulls were alive during WWII, they would've pushed for an almost equally-aged collaborator to replace FDR in the middle of the war.
I too, think biden did an admirable job. Healso appointed so many judges, fought big pharma, restored relationships with america´s allies, ...
The remainder of time left for him, he should now agree: a 81 year old president is too old. Let alone a 82 year old president. He should claim no one in their right mind should vote for a president who will be 82 when he or she is in office.
Sleepy Trump. Old man Trump. ...let´s see how he handles being the old fart of the two now´
I almost guarantee age will disappear as an issue now that it no longer benefits Trump. Now it'll be "electability" and "experience" - it's technically not discriminatory if you phrase it as "I'm not sure that Americans will vote for a..."
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 21, 2024, 03:51:25 PMI too, think biden did an admirable job. Healso appointed so many judges, fought big pharma, restored relationships with america´s allies, ...
The remainder of time left for him, he should now agree: a 81 year old president is too old. Let alone a 82 year old president. He should claim no one in their right mind should vote for a president who will be 82 when he or she is in office.
Sleepy Trump. Old man Trump. ...let´s see how he handles being the old fart of the two now´
That's "Crazy Old Man Who Shouts at Clouds" Trump. His preference was to run against Biden, so I guess he figured he had a chance against him.
I'm not sure why Harris got such a low approval rating from Democrats. I have never paid attention to vice presidents, except maybe Dick Cheney, who seemed to overpower George Bush. Vice Presidents usually seem to earn their pay by staying out of the way. I was impressed with Harris when she took a short run against Biden, and I'm not sure why her campaign lost traction 4 years ago. I would have supported her.
I don't think this secures the nomination for her, but I don't know the rules and protocols in this situation. It will be interesting to see who else may throw their hats in the ring. I don't know who can beat Trump, but at least we have a better chance now. I think Biden did a good job, and he did it during exceptionally trying times. I've got no complaints there. He handled it well.
I think Biden's endorsement carries a lot of weight. I would be shocked if they picked someone else. People are talking as if she's already for sure the Democratic nominee.
Well, to be honest, I thinknshe is your best bet, at this point.
Not because she is best suited for the job, she might be, I don´t know for sure.
But she has biden´s campaign funds. She was on the ticket most democrats voted for in the primaries.
She can lay claim to her And biden´s accommplishments.
And most importantly of all, if the party starts infighting over who gets to be top dog, it will probably tear itself asunder.
A show of unity, resolve and quick and measured action is probably best now.
Unite; stand together. Or lose everything.
https://i.imgur.com/Jyrr0WB.mp4
She's coming out swingin'
"We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
Benjamin Franklin
My guess is the debate between Harris/Trump will be never. Trump won't get near a smart former prosecutor who won't let his lies go unchallenged like in the last debate.
Trump: 'Nancy Pelosi was responsible for Jan 6.'
Harris: 'That is a disgusting lie! Show me the paperwork that says you requested Nation Guard troops. Show the American public this order supposed order. You watched live television coverage for over two hours and did nothing while the riots you incited continued.'
Oh, how I'd love to see this debate.
I see now that Biden has left the campaign, and has endorsed Kamala Harris to take his place.
May the best woman win!
Quote from: ferdmonger on July 21, 2024, 07:51:06 PMMy guess is the debate between Harris/Trump will be never. Trump won't get near a smart former prosecutor who won't let his lies go unchallenged like in the last debate.
Trump: 'Nancy Pelosi was responsible for Jan 6.'
Harris: 'That is a disgusting lie! Show me the paperwork that says you requested Nation Guard troops. Show the American public this order supposed order. You watched live television coverage for over two hours and did nothing while the riots you incited continued.'
Oh, how I'd love to see this debate.
😄 He's already candy-assed out of the debate! I'd love to see the woman who was California's AG for 8 years "debate" his ass. It would be sliced chump roast(C).
Nikki Haley back in January (https://www.businessinsider.com/haley-first-party-to-ditch-80-year-old-candidate-wins-2024-1): "The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the one who wins this election"
Quote"Most Americans do not want a rematch between Biden and Trump," Haley said. "The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the one who wins this election."
While Haley may have a point — a majority of Americans told Business Insider in a poll they think President Joe Biden and Trump are too old to serve again as president — the two are by far the leading candidates for their respective parties.
🤔
Curious as to what historians are going to say about us.
I'm hoping we're going anti-fascist, but there are 'maroons' out there who love them a felon. Party of law and order and all that.
It's past time for prosecutions, yet the man remains a viable republican candidate.
Seven or eight NYT columnists rated 10 likely nominees to beat Trump, most of whom I'm not familiar with at all. For what it's worth:
Kamela Harris, least electable ... Josh Shipiro, most electable.
Pritzker and Murphy, Least exciting ... Gretchen Whitmer, Most exciting
I don't have a clue if I agree with any of this. I'm not familiar with the players. And not all the raters agree with each other either. It's just a limited poll.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/22/opinion/best-worst-candidates-to-replace-biden.html
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 21, 2024, 07:34:36 PMhttps://i.imgur.com/Jyrr0WB.mp4
She's coming out swingin'
Daaaaamn
I wonder how the 'pubs are going to get rid of their "Let's Go Brandon" shit. 😄
American politics; a former prosecutor facing off with a convicted felon and court-found rapist for the highest office in the land.
Interesting times.
(https://i.imgur.com/1fsET16.jpeg)
Orange Karen wants a refund because now he has to spin his lies all over again. I guess he needs the money badly, because he still has a lot of victims to pay.
(https://i.imgur.com/AxrCiddl.png)
That guy could predict if a door was a pull or a push in two to three tries.
(https://i.imgur.com/uCvkuLCl.jpeg)
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 22, 2024, 08:35:04 PMThat guy could predict if a door was a pull or a push in two to three tries.
And that's if there's a sign telling you what it is.
Trump typed that Harris has bad "pole numbers"
He needs to take another mental fitness test.
I'd ask him to sit in class with some kids, but we all saw the Epstein report.
(https://i.imgur.com/MKpdcx3l.png)
For some strange reason, the white guy who apparently forgot to change accounts ended up deleting this post.
Also, interesting word choice when deciding to impersonate a black person. Reminds me of the "training A-train" scene in The Boys.
A week ago, I would have said we need a selection of possibilities for a nomination before simply jumping on Harris. But now I'm on the fence. There are good arguments on both sides of that debate. My argument was that the power structure in the Party was limiting the will of the people, just as it was by hiding Biden's mental confusion so they could run him again.
The fact is, I would have been behind Harris all the way to the election four years ago, but her campaign faltered, and it's most likely I'll be behind her all the way in this round also. Unfortunately, what I like about her may be the very reason she was ignored by Democrats four years ago. Sometimes I think I'm too liberal to be a "good" Democrat and I'd love to see her as a president.
I can't predict the election, and I seldom get what I want, or if I do on rare occasion, it turns out to be not what I thought I was getting anyway. I would like to see an open convention to find out what voters want. Some infighting may occur, but with Trump as the enemy, I think most democrats would vote for any yellow dog when the bickering is all over. If Democrats don't come together over this, then they are shooting themselves in the foot and don't deserve the White House. But the people deserve a say in this too. Because when it comes to important part, what they decide can make or break the wishes of the Party insiders.
Harris leads presidential poll (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-leads-trump-44-42-us-presidential-race-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2024-07-23/): Harris 44% Trump 42%
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 23, 2024, 05:45:17 PMHarris leads presidential poll (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-leads-trump-44-42-us-presidential-race-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2024-07-23/): Harris 44% Trump 42%
(https://media.tenor.com/6QCq9E-0LiwAAAAM/star.gif)
I just watched the campaign speech that VP Harris delivered in Milwaukee today. She was focused, well organized, articulate, and energetic ... it was a really good speech in which she not only dissected Trump's faults and shortcoming with the skill of a seasoned prosecutor, but she offered hope and vision to the American people. This is her first campaign speech as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, but it was an excellent speech and an excellent beginning for her campaign to win in November. I think she can do it.
She has the backing of the party, money is rolling in, and people are getting excited. I just read an article stating that the two front runners for her VP choice are Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Mark Kelly. Either one of those gentlemen would add strength to the ticket and would be an excellent choice.
Here is a video of the speech:
Beyonce writes Kamal's campaign song.
I'm fairly hopeful we will win this now, but how long can we keep this up? Project 2025 was always the Republican Party's plan to grab all the power for themselves, and even if they lose this election in a landslide, all they'll do is ease off a bit. They'll try to distance themselves from Project 2025, but we know they'll just be silently moving up the date. If Kamala Harris serves a full 8 years, but the next President is Republican, won't we be just as fucked as if Trump wins this election? It feels as inevitable as Terminator's Judgement Day.
If we win, there might be some positive movement in the supreme court and other judges. This "immunity" BS will likely be rescinded. And some safeguards will be put back (though unfortunately, a lot of the damage will stick). Abortion restrictions may be struck down.
But the fantastic thing is that Trump is too old to run again and yet the Republican Party has essentially been taken over by him, throwing both their plans into disarray. Prosecution may resume as well. He accused Biden of running to stay out of jail (clearly not the case since he is no longer running) but the reality is of course that Trump is actually the one running for precisely that reason.
With Trump taking up all the air in the room yet no longer feasible as a candidate, the Republicans will no doubt struggle. But they'll eventually find their replacement - someone suitably reprehensible no doubt - and the race to dismantle democracy will be back on. This will continue until they're successful or until this strategy no longer has popular support. Fortunately, the demographics are a disaster for the Republicans (Millennials and younger despise them) so they'll only get so many tries before they're effectively shut out and will have to make serious adjustments in messaging and policy to be able to win elections again. So this Beer Hall Putsch stuff might be the last gasp of an old guard that will die out and be replaced. The Trump Cult will be defunct and will also literally die out (they're not exactly spring chickens) and be replaced by other conservatives. I can't promise that the replacements will be much better, though.
Edit - Putin will likely die before the decade is over no matter who wins the election and he's been the not-so-subtle architect of a lot of this stuff. When Putin dies...what next? That's far too unpredictable for me to even try to venture a guess.
I'm not kidding about demographics being a disaster for the Republicans (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/04/09/age-generational-cohorts-and-party-identification/).
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 23, 2024, 10:07:57 PMIf we win, there might be some positive movement in the supreme court and other judges. This "immunity" BS will likely be rescinded. And some safeguards will be put back (though unfortunately, a lot of the damage will stick). Abortion restrictions may be struck down.
But the fantastic thing is that Trump is too old to run again and yet the Republican Party has essentially been taken over by him, throwing both their plans into disarray. Prosecution may resume as well. He accused Biden of running to stay out of jail (clearly not the case since he is no longer running) but the reality is of course that Trump is actually the one running for precisely that reason.
With Trump taking up all the air in the room yet no longer feasible as a candidate, the Republicans will no doubt struggle. But they'll eventually find their replacement - someone suitably reprehensible no doubt - and the race to dismantle democracy will be back on. This will continue until they're successful or until this strategy no longer has popular support. Fortunately, the demographics are a disaster for the Republicans (Millennials and younger despise them) so they'll only get so many tries before they're effectively shut out and will have to make serious adjustments in messaging and policy to be able to win elections again. So this Beer Hall Putsch stuff might be the last gasp of an old guard that will die out and be replaced. The Trump Cult will be defunct and will also literally die out (they're not exactly spring chickens) and be replaced by other conservatives. I can't promise that the replacements will be much better, though.
Edit - Putin will likely die before the decade is over no matter who wins the election and he's been the not-so-subtle architect of a lot of this stuff. When Putin dies...what next? That's far too unpredictable for me to even try to venture a guess.
SCOTUS judges are there for life, unfortunately. As much as I would like to see the NAZI-leaning ones gone, I think that it's going to be awhile. Thomas is obviously impeachable, but what are the chances of his removal? Cohen is on record for wanting to be on the SCOTUS to cancel Roe V Wade- she even said as much to a graduating class of law students. These crooks and liars completely discredit the SCOTUS. Both sides of the political aisle should recognize the error of using biased judges. I guess that the (R)s want power badly enough that they don't care. I'm going to say that one should be careful what one asks for.
There's a reason why I phrased it so vaguely. It's conceivable that they could scale back their worst redcap tendencies without Dear Leader to guide them. It's also conceivable that the Supreme Court could be expanded or that a couple of them could die in the next four years or any number of things. The one thing we do know is that it definitely won't get more conservative.
I suddenly find myself hungry for bratwurst...
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 24, 2024, 12:17:29 AMI suddenly find myself hungry for bratwurst...
I suddenly find myself hopeful. I know hope is fickle and unreliable, but it feels good.
What really blew my mind is how this couple I know (who I considered to be weed toking, boomer-hippy folks (peace, man)) turned into MAGAt freaks. Literally heard them speak of tRump as some sort of spirit-leader-DC-outsider willing to sacrifice his own well-being to "drain the swamp". jesus fucking christ. I'm not violent but it was everything I could do not to slap them in the goddam face.
Quote from: Cassia on July 24, 2024, 08:17:45 AMLiterally heard them speak of tRump as some sort of spirit-leader
More like the anti-Christ. Too many drugs will do that to you.
(https://i.imgur.com/4z68Q19l.jpeg)
This is how you deal with these clowns. See a clown, hand them their wig and clownshoes.
Quote from: Cassia on July 24, 2024, 08:17:45 AMWhat really blew my mind is how this couple I know (who I considered to be weed toking, boomer-hippy folks (peace, man)) turned into MAGAt freaks. Literally heard them speak of tRump as some sort of spirit-leader-DC-outsider willing to sacrifice his own well-being to "drain the swamp". jesus fucking christ. I'm not violent but it was everything I could do not to slap them in the goddam face.
Quote from: Cassia on July 24, 2024, 08:17:45 AMWhat really blew my mind is how this couple I know (who I considered to be weed toking, boomer-hippy folks (peace, man)) turned into MAGAt freaks. Literally heard them speak of tRump as some sort of spirit-leader-DC-outsider willing to sacrifice his own well-being to "drain the swamp". jesus fucking christ. I'm not violent but it was everything I could do not to slap them in the goddam face.
After a round of golf last night one of the guys I've golfed with for years who never talks politics and says if it's not on ESPN he doesn't need to hear about it, asked me why I made the statement to another buddy that I would never ever vote for Trump.
"Jan 6th insurrection. Tax cheat. Charity fraud. Criminal sexual conduct and 34 felony convictions."
"I never said he was a nice guy," he responded. ""But he's s the best person to be president."
My wife said she had a similar conversation with a gal at work and said the same thing. "And you believe all that shit? They're out to get him and you can't believe any of it."
Jesus Fucking Christ indeed.
I would respond that if he's conceding that he's a cheat and felon that this sort of behavior doesn't exactly go away when handed unlimited power...
And also that being disliked doesn't automatically mean that the claims against them are false. And clearly, they were good enough to pass into evidence in the court of law. Completely made-up stuff typically doesn't earn someone 34 unanimous felony counts in a trial by jury.
Just have your henchmen appoint enough judges in the right places. I hope Mitch McConnel, for one, likes his place in US history. Add in those "judges" on the SCOTUS.
I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Trump has so defiled the judiciary that we need to pause the prosecution of an 'in your face' crime of strong-arming the the republican Georgia Secretary of State to find 11,780 votes.
A crime still begging for justice.
They love to step on the same rake:
(https://i.imgur.com/5Cg85sU.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1GzHaHJl.jpeg)
David is a strong black woman?
Google: Jezebel is characterized as totally evil in the biblical text and beyond it: in the New Testament her name is a generic catchword for a whoring, non-believing female adversary (Rev 2:20); in Judeo-Christian traditions, she is evil incarnate.
OK, I get it though. David hates Harris.
It seems to me I can actually feel the national energy over the presumptive nomination of Harris. It seems like the media and the outpouring of support is remarkably intense. I don't remember sensing this over any other candidate in my lifetime. The only people I hear pissing and moaning over it are Republicans, and of course, that is intense also, but that's always expected.
While I'm not ecstatic about Harris, I'm quite relieved that Biden has stepped aside. The Democrat ticket gained a lot of ground that day. As for all the noise regarding her alleged inexperience, at least she hasn't made noises about further tearing down our institutions and dragging the US back to the Dark Ages. She'll probably do a good job.
She has been vice president to the oldest president in history, for 3 and a half years.
I would hope she has been prepared for what to do if joe biden suddenly were ro leave this mortal plane.
I would like to think, she does have the experience necessary.
Just a thought.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on July 25, 2024, 08:11:18 PMWhile I'm not ecstatic about Harris, I'm quite relieved that Biden has stepped aside. The Democrat ticket gained a lot of ground that day.
Biden stepping aside is probably a large factor in the excitement. Democrats now have a chance. Where before the feeling was that we are a path of certain death. The lid of a pressure cooker of despair was lifted off and released an explosion of hope. I'm sure that is a big part. After I posted last night on this, I turned to an evening headline of the NYT, and there was an article on this very topic.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 26, 2024, 01:44:51 AMShe has been vice president to the oldest president in history, for 3 and a half years.
I would hope she has been prepared for what to do if joe biden suddenly were ro leave this mortal plane.
I would like to think, she does have the experience necessary.
Just a thought.
I would hope so too. But President is going to be a new role for anyone who takes the job. For all her smarts, energy, and goals, she stepped into the expected vice president role of do nothing figurehead, which must be hard for anyone with the energy she demonstrated as an up and coming California firebrand. This makes it hard to access her actual ability as president, but I think we will have a better feel for her qualifications by the convention.
As far as a behind the scenes figurehead goes, JD Vance seems to be causing problems for Trump, as he appears to be a take charge personality. In the past, aggressive vice presidents (think Sara Palin) can create chaos for the plans and hopes of a presidential nominee. Although Palin was not as smart as Vance I don't think.
Donnie not letting ANYBODY take the stage away from HIM, Vance will find out soon enough he is in the running simply because the constitution requires a VP. Donnie would do away with that if he could. There is only one master in Donnie's mind.
David Brooks, Opinion Columnist at NYT, rips Harris as "deeply flawed" in an opinion article listing strengths and weaknesses. While the article presents itself as objective and thoughtful, the title of the piece, "Making Peace With the Kamala Nomination", doesn't reflect that he clearly doesn't like her as a nominee. This also seemed to be the public reaction in 2020, when she bowed out of the campaign involving several other not so inspiring candidates, and the support ended up with a not so inspiring Joe Biden.
I'm not sure I agree with Brooks' assessment. What he suggested sounded to me like unverifiable bias, but what does bother me was her reception from the public in 2020. Has that changed or not? It's hard to tell right now, because the public seems to be engaged in a hysterical joy that comes from a place I don't fully understand. Will this carry through to November?
Never-the-less, putting aside my most analytical thoughts, I like this woman. She seems like she would be a handful for Donald Trump. Maybe that's an important factor, or maybe it's not a factor at all.
Quote from: SGOS on July 26, 2024, 07:11:42 AMI would hope so too. But President is going to be a new role for anyone who takes the job. For all her smarts, energy, and goals, she stepped into the expected vice president role of do nothing figurehead, which must be hard for anyone with the energy she demonstrated as an up and coming California firebrand. This makes it hard to access her actual ability as president, but I think we will have a better feel for her qualifications by the convention.
Well, inll just add that experience isn´t everything.
Orange man technically has four years of experience.
I think he would still be a little worse of a president than a chimp with rabiës.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 26, 2024, 08:55:18 AMOrange man technically has four years of experience.
It's more like he has four years as president to put on his resume. But most of that 4 years was spent as a narcissistic bully, followed by 4 years as a poor loser. I don't see how his "experience" has added to his abilities to serve the people.
(https://i.imgur.com/PodooXSl.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/wR5e7FLl.png)
He claimed that every house he visited had Trump crap all over it. When he lies, he tends to lie big, as no doubt comes naturally to the least racist person ever and the most innocent defendant ever.
While this is probably some weird sort of positive self-talk among conservatives and nothing serious or substantial...maybe double the police force near Congress and the White House just in case.
Then again it may be true that every house he visited had Trump shit all over it because every house he visited had Trump shit all over it.
100,000 new voters have registered since Biden withdrew from the race (https://www.rawstory.com/u-s-voter-registrations-surge-as-republicans-try-to-limit-ballot-access/)
Interestingly, 84% of them are from Americans under the age of 35. That age bracket markedly favors the Democrats over the Republicans.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 26, 2024, 08:57:16 PMWhile this is probably some weird sort of positive self-talk among conservatives and nothing serious or substantial...maybe double the police force near Congress and the White House just in case.
Ever since Harris has taken on a new role, Republicans seem to be trying to find a new footing. I would guess they are floating nonsense like this to see what sticks. Obviously, Harris is a bigger threat to them than Biden in his current condition, but I don't understand why they are reaching deeper into fantasy. There must be parts of reality that can fit into the conservative narrative. Or maybe not, at least to the low information voters that are necessary to their survival.
Quote from: SGOS on July 27, 2024, 10:27:36 AMat least to the low information voters that are necessary to their survival.
Necessary indeed -- Trump did say that he loves the poorly educated.
Quote from: SGOS on July 27, 2024, 10:27:36 AMEver since Harris has taken on a new role, Republicans seem to be trying to find a new footing. I would guess they are floating nonsense like this to see what sticks.
Yeah, there was one alleging that Harris would pass laws to allow for executing the baby immediately post birth. The Trump team certainly know their demographic. But that's not exactly messaging that appeals to a wide base. Harris is doing that much more skillfully than he ever could.
On the side, I'm not sure what the big issue is over whether Trump was hit by a bullet or shrapnel. Mostly this seems like a non issue seized on by the media as something of vital importance. Bullet or shrapnel doesn't seem related to whether the Secret Service was doing their job or not, which is the greater concern. If it was shrapnel, does this change anything?
Because the draft dodger being grazed by a bullet is more dramatic than being hit by shrapnel. Bone spurs is now considered a war vet.
Quote from: SGOS on July 27, 2024, 01:40:56 PMOn the side, I'm not sure what the big issue is over whether Trump was hit by a bullet or shrapnel.
People are still talking about that? That was over a week ago. Boring!
(https://i.imgur.com/GDVTHNWl.jpeg)
But seriously, thoughts and prayers. It works for everything else.
Trump tells Christian voters they 'won't have to vote anymore' if he's elected (https://www.npr.org/2024/07/27/nx-s1-5054272/trump-christian-wont-vote-anymore-speech)
Yeah, like no one could see that one coming ... remember back in 2018, when Xi was elected for life, Trump said that maybe the U.S. will do the same someday.
Trump says maybe U.S. will have a president for life someday (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-says-maybe-u-s-will-have-a-president-for-life-someday)
Good news! No matter who wins this election I will still be 73. And in four years I won't have clue about what's going on. So I'm good. You poor bastards, on the griping hand...
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on July 28, 2024, 08:47:34 PMGood news! No matter who wins this election I will still be 73. And in four years I won't have clue about what's going on. So I'm good. You poor bastards, on the griping hand...
I will be 81, but I'd need an actuarial table to make any further predictions than that. But reading actuarial tables at my age would be kind of weird and maybe a little creepy. I just hope we can't
Make America Hate Again, so good luck to the rest of you.
My dice are still rolling. Mom lived to be 80+, the Y-donor killed himself with circus peanuts (a pure sugar candy diabetics should avoid), so I don't know my (likely) upper limit. I have advised Boss Lady to not bury me for 48 hours after I'm declared dead.
A solid majority of Trump supporters claim to be more dedicated to Trump than to the Republican Party. I'll take that at face value, but it's interesting to wonder about. I've never been one to "vote for the man rather than the party," although some candidates have been more energizing than others, even if they didn't pan out in the end. I've usually taken party platforms as the most meaningful way to gauge what a candidate will offer. This is not foolproof by any means. But voting for the man seems the riskiest way to evaluate, especially when the man is a known liar.
What surprises me most about this poll is the lack of faith Trumpsters have in the party, if indeed that is what I can take from such data. People want one single individual to decide for the country, and they seem to see this as democracy. At least they talk about democracy while looking for what mirrors more of a dictator.
https://x.com/EchelonInsights/status/1816861930834854311?campaign_id=39&emc=edit_ty_20240730&instance_id=130160&nl=opinion-today®i_id=129705843&segment_id=173567&te=1&user_id=33a2a6e6868fd65c48b0f219d16ed7c2
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on July 30, 2024, 08:53:38 AMMy dice are still rolling. Mom lived to be 80+, the Y-donor killed himself with circus peanuts (a pure sugar candy diabetics should avoid), so I don't know my (likely) upper limit. I have advised Boss Lady to not bury me for 48 hours after I'm declared dead.
My genes may not be that good, although I'm already way past the average lifespan of my immediate family and close relatives. I never expected to be doing so well this far along. But watching my relatives pass on so much earlier is not that reassuring.
But I'm going to avoid the actuarial tables and soak up whatever is left. I believe I may have lived during the best of times.
As long as we allow the rich to buy politicians, things will continue to get worse with climate change, microplastics, the shrinking middle class, etc. It's funny. America already learned this lesson once before, but it seems we need to learn it all over again. Hopefully, it won't be too late by then.
The rich will buy anything they want. We're just along for the ride.
The massive influx of small donations and the under 35 crowd suddenly registering to vote is all I need to know how this election is shaping up.
And that is...
I thought I just succinctly explained it.
Quote from: ferdmonger on July 31, 2024, 06:19:10 PMThe massive influx of small donations and the under 35 crowd suddenly registering to vote is all I need to know how this election is shaping up.
It ain't over till it's over. And even then, DC law enforcement better be on their A game.
I remember with Obama was sworn in. HUGE picture of the crowd and the environs. BUT if you zoomed in, wayyy in, you saw a sniper team with some Barrett .50 cals. That gun will ruin your day. For a microsecond or so.
(https://i.imgur.com/S48OF1el.jpeg)
"I have so many nsfw Hunter Biden pics it's unreal. And Sojack memes where naturally, I portray myself as an "alpha chad" a special class of uber maleness that I made up for some reason. And here's me posing with guns while wearing Trump diapers.
But those Dems are pretty weird, huh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/x2AcCy1l.png)
In light of Trump "agreeing to a debate" by cancelling the planned debate and unilaterally rescheduling on some second-rate propaganda network full of weirdos and cultists where he's never going to be fact-checked:
I propose a boxing match with Jake Paul under three conditions:
1) It must be televised exclusively through a TV network of my choosing which must edit the footage to my liking
2) he must be in a medically-induced coma
3) I get to wear Iron Man armor
Will FOX turn off Trump's mike when it's not his turn? I'm not sure about moderators fact checking during the debate. This allows moderators the opportunity to help a favorite, and it's kind of hard to check all the bullshit on the fly. Fact checking should be done afterwards for sure, and done independently of the moderators and FOX News.
I have zero expectation of fair treatment if a debate were held on Faux News. They already have a track record.
Also, seen elsewhere, don't remember precisely- A DEI hire-
Don Jr
Eric
Ivanna
Harris lead continues - trend, not a bounce (https://archive.is/qUmum)
Harris says no (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-agrees-with-fox-news-debate-kamala-harris-sept-4-2024-08-03/)
Good call. Gotta be firm with weasels or they'll weasel out of everything.
Remember when a bunch of Americans died due to his pathetic covid response and his defense was simply to not take credit for it because it made him look bad? He tries to weasel out of everything that he can.
(https://i.imgur.com/WWNPvAfl.jpeg)
Parasites can't host.
How it started:
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFZJRiTuWVu0u3zJ4DJ9J9XZCtIlDgTwGKcQ&s)
How it's going:
(https://i.imgur.com/IWeQeTvl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TJIWa9X.png)
Drumpf wants to build walls, Harris wants to hire Walz.😁
It's amazing how deluted Republican voters are. Their party is literally telling them that they will tear everything down and set up a dictatorship, and they're like, "No, that's just hyperbole." Or, "He was just joking." Meanwhile, they believe every baseless conspiracy about the Left.
If there is a god out there, just wipe the slate clean and start over. The human race was clearly a mistake.
Just got back from errands today and put on a recording of the Harris/Walz rally in Philly. Man, for his first time on the national stage, this guy killed it. Polished and reasonable, While still managing to call out Trump for the fraud he is. My home state governor. Well done.
Quote from: ferdmonger on August 06, 2024, 09:18:53 PMPolished and reasonable, While still managing to call out Trump for the fraud he is. My home state governor. Well done.
We watched the last couple of hours of the live coverage of the rally, beginning with Gov Shapiro's speech, and then the speeches of VP Harris and Gov Walz. All three were great speeches. Shapiro fired up the crowd, then Harris and Walz brought the message of joy and hope for a better future, and like you said, Walz killed it. Overall, it was very positive, uplifting, and a wonderful contrast to the bullshit message of fear and hatred that comes from Trump, Vance and the sinister band of right wing sycophants and toadies on the republican side.
Trump rallies are nonsensical farces filled with boos and hate. The Harris/Walz rally was filled with cheers and joy. What a pleasant dichotomy.
Trump opens campaign office in Georgia, Republicans get in fist fight (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-campaign-office-georgia-fight-b2592189.html)
Toddlers gonna toddler, I suppose.
(https://i.imgur.com/k0libZRl.png)
Gonna be tough for his campaign to recover from this lol
Nothing like those tuff-ass libertarians who didn't save shit, now living on social security and Medicare.
Heh. If they think teachers and military are moochers living off the government dole, just wait till they find out about billionaires!
(https://i.imgur.com/wsfMzK0.jpeg)
What's next, free napkins?!
Also, tampons are great for cleaning up red accidents.
I wouldn't consider making tampons available for girls who may have had an accident or were too poor to buy them forcing. One can usually pick out a person's political bent when they use harsh rhetoric for events. That is almost always the political conservative. We have that availability here in California (according to my wife- I don't go into school girls' bathrooms, personally).
Quote from: Dark Lightning on August 08, 2024, 04:47:54 PMI wouldn't consider making tampons available for girls who may have had an accident or were too poor to buy them forcing.
Yeah, helping school girls maintain their personal dignity and hygiene ... leave it to those damn liberals.
You'd think people who wear diapers would be okay with pads. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
(https://i.imgur.com/NSklnyAl.jpeg)
Aleppo moment (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/laura-ingraham-milwaukee-minnesota-walz-b2593577.html)
OMG! Minnesota is not even in Milwaukee. It's in Fargo.
Got my voter registration card today. ♫Shout at the Devil!♫
No surprise here .. Trump gets an endorsement from the "He-Man Woman Haters Club".
https://www.startribune.com/fact-check-tim-walz-did-not-redesign-minnesotas-flag-to-look-like-somalias-flag/600986707
The Walz flag conspiracy. The rabbit hole is getting so deep they're going to start selling underground condos, or 'conspiracy bunkers' for the faithful cult.
I used to think that these sorts of conspiracy theories were just mistakes from flawed thinking.
Instead, they're deliberately and cynically crafted purely to fool rubes for political gain. They'd come up with anything just to move the polls a fraction of a point.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 10, 2024, 06:11:55 AMI used to think that these sorts of conspiracy theories were just mistakes from flawed thinking.
Instead, they're deliberately and cynically crafted purely to fool rubes for political gain. They'd come up with anything just to move the polls a fraction of a point.
It's like they craft their conspiracies from a list of common logical fallacies, searching for the one best suited for the occasion.
(https://i.imgur.com/bbUhhXwl.png)
No wonder they don't like Taylor Swift. They might wear red caps, but green is their color.
loadingOSTinyHands
MemoryClock: 64Mz, 8 bit
MemoryTest: 256K OK
https://i.imgur.com/O6M4T0Q.mp4
I would have guessed four bit.
https://i.imgur.com/O6M4T0Q.mp4
Trump is getting old. Will he step aside, or be willing to take a cognitive ability test?
Harris fumbled out of the 2020 primary for reasons I didn't understand, but Democrats are embracing her now for the same reasons I liked about her then. Did Harris change or did democrats, or is all this support just relief from guaranteed 2024 election loss with Biden off the ticket? I don't know what policies of hers will turn away some swing voters. Israel/Gaza and the Ukraine will, but there is no stand I know of that will not lose votes for any candidate on those two issues. Or is all this attention just a Party honeymoon?
It was a crowded field during the 2020 primary. Sanders and Yang had a lot of buzz, Warren and Buttigieg had some support but were trailing, and believe it or not, Biden wasn't even leading until almost all the other candidates bowed out in a deal brokered by Obama. So it makes sense that Harris wasn't dominating there. After all, VP picks are rarely the frontrunner during the prinaries.
Harris is the nominee now because Biden can't continue and everyone supports her because, frankly, it's either her or a dictator.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 11, 2024, 08:48:42 AMHarris is the nominee now because Biden can't continue and everyone supports her because, frankly, it's either her or a dictator.
Well there is that, and with Trump as an opponent, the "dictator vs X" always play a big part for any candidate. But I see more. Admittedly, I have a bias about Harris that has been there since 2020.
Speaking to the dictator/jerk issue, I read an article this morning that made an interesting point about campaign strategies. In 2020 and beyond, Biden was soft on Trump, hoping that Trump's ravings would be his (Biden's) biggest campaign asset, and it worked. This changed partly because Biden's mental acuity overshadowed everything else. But Trump is also now more unhinged than ever.
These changes play to Harris' assets. She's more of a pit bull, and uses Trump's ravings to her advantage by using outright confrontation with nary a quiver of fear or reprisal. And for Democrats, it's playing as an "it's about time" moment in history. I wonder how Obama would handle the situation.
The one thing I personally see different about Harris this year is her joyful optimism and enthusiasm. How can a pit bull be joyful and optimistic? I dunno, but she's doing it, and seems to be enjoying it.
Obama would give that scoffing laugh of his, and a salient comment, when the chump starts raving. I'd pay money to see that debate.
I don't picture Obama using Harris' strategy, but I don't know which one is best. Obama was more reserved, while Harris seems more alive. The Harris approach may be riskier politically, but that's just a gut feeling that I'd be at a loss to defend. I think when she lays out her political agenda, we will have a better feel. But I'm pretty sure running on the "I'm not Trump" platform has run it's course. Sure it carries weight, but there are other important issues.
Quote from: SGOS on August 11, 2024, 12:08:46 PMI don't picture Obama using Harris' strategy, but I don't know which one is best. Obama was more reserved, while Harris seems more alive. The Harris approach may be riskier politically, but that's just a gut feeling that I'd be at a loss to defend. I think when she lays out her political agenda, we will have a better feel. But I'm pretty sure running on the "I'm not Trump" platform has run it's course. Sure it carries weight, but there are other important issues.
Project 2025 is definitely an issue that hasn't run its course.
(https://i.imgur.com/jxr59lql.png)
You have to wonder if the guy that put those two signs up ever experiences any cognitive dissonance.
NPR Fact checked Trump's August 8 News Conference (https://www.npr.org/2024/08/11/nx-s1-5070566/trump-news-conference)
In doing so, they counted "at least 162 misstatements, exaggerations and outright lies in 64 minutes".
That's an average of 2.531 lies per minute. Well, I suppose that if lying was an Olympic event, Trump would be the gold medalist.
I'm convinced there isn't a single person alive Conservatives wouldn't vote for, as long as they were on the Republican ticket. If a demon straight out of Hell ran as a Republican and promised he'd merge America with Hell, they'd be like, "Well, at least he's not a Democrat."
^ I've actually seen people admit this when questioned.
Quote from: SGOS on August 10, 2024, 04:19:25 PMhttps://i.imgur.com/O6M4T0Q.mp4
Trump is getting old. Will he step aside, or be willing to take a cognitive ability test?
Fucker's four and half years older than
dirt me.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on August 12, 2024, 03:33:40 PM^ I've actually seen people admit this when questioned.
"I'd rather be wrong and a Republican than right and a Democrat" or something along those lines.
Yeah, he's a serial sex offender, charity thief, insurrectionist and insane grifter that doesn't have a clue about much of anything, but he's our serial sex offender, charity thief and insane grifter that doesn't have a clue about much of anything.
I was talking about this with someone and they said, "great men have great faults". He's sure as hell not a "great man", and crimes are still crimes. Having enough money to game the legal system has made him a monster.
What does the convicted felon and a black hole have in common
They both suck.
New mask, same task (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/12/us/politics/trump-charter-jet-jeffrey-epstein.html)
Quote from: Dark Lightning on August 12, 2024, 08:59:48 PMI was talking about this with someone and they said, "great men have great faults". He's sure as hell not a "great man", and crimes are still crimes. Having enough money to game the legal system has made him a monster.
One of the most out of touch responses I have gotten from one of his supporters after being confronted by the fact that Trump is a lying criminal con-man:
"Well if he gets us what we want, then it is ok."
For anyone who thinks that, I would have to say that most likely what you want is seriously fucked up.
My hillbilly, cousin-lovin', meth making cousins have started something they call "The Next Jan. 6th Committee". I wonder what that's all about.
I'm more concerned that they are your cousin-loving cousins.
You okay?
Don't see them much. And when I do it's the refugees from that mess. I help them find a situation pro tem. I drove two from St. Louis to Canada once. They were met at the border so I could pass them along.
The cause of this whole danged cousin thing is the fault of Obama, who was asleep at the wheel on 911. (Sorry.)
Quote from: ferdmonger on August 12, 2024, 08:34:40 PMYeah, he's a serial sex offender, charity thief, insurrectionist and insane grifter that doesn't have a clue about much of anything, but he's our serial sex offender, charity thief and insane grifter that doesn't have a clue about much of anything.
And countries around the are eternally grateful. I think its priceless how he admires these strong man dictators when in fact they would have him for lunch if he ever sought asylum with any of them.
Quote from: Cariboo on August 15, 2024, 08:39:48 PMI think its priceless how he admires these strong man dictators when in fact they would have him for lunch if he ever sought asylum with any of them.
Yeah, and I doubt that any of them would let the "orange one" get away with cheating at golf.
(https://i.imgur.com/K9l42uEl.png)
Oh no, not healthcare! Anything but that!
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 16, 2024, 09:38:38 AM(https://i.imgur.com/K9l42uEl.png)
Oh no, not healthcare! Anything but that!
Holy crap? Did he actually say it those words or is that a headline that states the real outcome of his conservative agenda?
As for healthcare for everyone, I'm even surprised that Harris would support what superfluously [superficially] sounds like single payer healthcare, being she is part of the Biden Administration, which is locked into the philosophy the Obama Administration that passed Obamacare, something for which I have never forgiven the Democrats.
But go girl. Maybe you can get this issue back on track. Twelve years of skyrocketing insurance rates, driven by out of control drug producers and a medical system that has not kept up with other developed countries is killing all but the wealthy.
Quote from: SGOS on August 16, 2024, 10:26:35 AMHoly crap? Did he actually say it those words or is that a headline that states the real outcome of his conservative agenda?
It's pretty much exactly what he said (https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-kamala-harris-wins-everybody-gets-health-care-1235081328/), though of course, he phrases it as a bad thing:
QuoteTrump said of Harris: "She cosponsored legislation to abolish very popular private health insurance, which 150 [million] Americans rely on, dumping everyone onto inferior socialist government run health care systems with rationing and deadly wait times, while massively raising your taxes. She wants to take away your private health care."
"It's the best health care in the world," he continued, adding: "You're all going to be thrown into a communist system ... You're going to be thrown into a system where everybody gets health care."
Conservatives often have this us vs them mentality. They're convinced the only way they benefit is if it's at someone else's expense. So of course they think healthcare for all would be a bad thing. In their minds, that's something the poor have to pay for, so the middle class and wealthy can benefit. Don't like it? Just stop being poor.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 16, 2024, 11:10:42 AMTrump said of Harris: "She cosponsored legislation to abolish very popular private health insurance, which 150 [million] Americans rely on
Uh, yeah ... who was it that tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act? Yep! it was the orange turd himself.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 16, 2024, 11:10:42 AMTrump said of Harris: "She cosponsored legislation to abolish very popular private health insurance, which 150 [million] Americans rely on, dumping everyone onto inferior socialist government run health care systems with rationing and deadly wait times, while massively raising your taxes. She wants to take away your private health care."
"It's the best health care in the world," he continued, adding: "You're all going to be thrown into a communist system ... You're going to be thrown into a system where everybody gets health care."
I'm assuming Harris wanted to replace Obamacare with a single payer universal health care, as what we all thought Obama was going to give us in the first place, so in my book, Yay Harris.
In addition, Trump wanted to get rid of Obamacare (did he actually call it "The best healthcare in the world?") and replace it with (in his words) "A healthcare system that will be wonderful, just wonderful." I remember these words, especially his signature repetitious "wonderful, just wonderful." So what's more wonderful than "the best healthcare in the world. Of course, nothing happened after he was elected.
My expectation would be that "everybody gets health care" means that the "DEI" people get it too. Heaven forfend! 🙄
MAGAts will cut off their own noses to spite their faces.
Quote from: SGOS on August 17, 2024, 11:08:44 AMOf course, nothing happened after he was elected
We were very lucky that nothing happened. Trump and his republican cronies almost succeeded in repealing a major part of the ACA in a bill that would have killed the program. The final vote was cast in a late night session on July 27, 2017, and the Democratic side of the senate needed 3 defections on the republican side in order to kill the bill. Senators Murkowski and Collins were against the bill, and everyone except the late Sen. John McCain were solidly in favor of its passage. No one knew for sure what McCain, who had never been a fan of the ACA, would do when it was his turn to vote. My wife and I watched the live coverage of the vote that night, applauding in celebration as John McCain cast his historic thumbs down vote, thus saving the Affordable Care Act, and effectively thumbing his nose at Trump.
(https://i.imgur.com/3zphCidl.jpeg)
I don't know what's more unbelievable, that lie about Harris or the idea that anyone - especially a non-citizen - can buy a house for anywhere near $25k.
Also, there are actually enough houses (https://news.ku.edu/news/article/study-finds-us-does-not-have-housing-shortage-but-shortage-of-affordable-housing). So the problem isn't the lack of actual houses - it's that the prices are too high for lots of people to afford.
I don't want anyone to worry about inflation either, because Donald Trump is going to get inflation under control not by trying to stop corporate price-gouging, but rather by using 'capitalistic means'.
He may or may not explain what this actually means in the two weeks when he expounds on his health care and infrastructure plans while displaying one of those giant checks signed by the Mexican president for the border wall.
I'm not really a proponent of murder, but if that would-be assassin had been able to point his rifle even 1/2" further to the right, this conversation would be entirely different. I'm truly hoping that US voters get rid of this turd. He'll be too old, and even further demented, at the next election cycle. The benefit of this will be that nobody in the Republican party will feel it in anyway necessary to kiss his ass. NB: I'm not a fan of Republican policies, in the first place. They used to be about fiscal conservatism, and law and order. Talk about a switcheroo!
Even if Trump were assassinated, there are plenty of Republican candidates who would be even worse than him. Imagine how much damage DeSantis would do as president. I wouldn't trust any Republican not to take full advantage of the courts they have stacked right now. Project 2025 isn't because of Trump. It's something the party has been building towards for decades.
^ Sad, but too true.
Quote from: Blackleaf on August 18, 2024, 10:05:35 AMProject 2025 isn't because of Trump. It's something the party has been building towards for decades.
How true!
In his best selling 2022 book titled "American Psychosis : A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy", David Corn presents a detailed history of the GOP descent from 19th century "Party of Lincoln" to the present day clusterfuckery of fear, loathing, and absolute madness.
The greater part of the events chronicled in the book take place since the early 1960's, so for a septuagenarian like me, many of those events are in my memory, some buried deeper than others. Once such event that I witnessed in real time was Pat Buchanan's speech at the 1992 Republican Convention. I sat at home watching live coverage of the event, horrified by what sounded like a call to arms for people to rise up in some sort of Christofascist rebellion of a culture war. In recalling the event, David Corn recalls how the late Molly Ivins reacted to the speech, saying that "Well, it probably sounded better in the original German." I really miss Molly, and I appreciate the author presenting one of her most quoted comments of humor and sanity as a counterpoint to the GOP madness of that era.
Molly was a great gift. I miss her biting sarcasm and humor as well.
Just kind of a quick side-note here, but I feel like I do in 2008 when I was certain Obama was going to win. I have that same kind of feeling about this election. Welcome, first woman president in history.
Quote from: ferdmonger on August 19, 2024, 06:25:32 PMMolly was a great gift. I miss her biting sarcasm and humor as well.
I once read a description of her (sorry that I can't remember the source) as being a one woman humor mill. Being a native Texan, I especially liked her open contempt for the Texas Legislature. Here is a collection of quotes excerpted from Wickersham's Conscience Remembering Molly Ivins (1944-2007):
QuoteI never saw anything funnier than Texas politics.
All anyone needs to enjoy the state legislature is a strong stomach and a complete insensitivity to the needs of the people. As long as you don't think about what that peculiar body should be doing and what it actually is doing to the quality of life in Texas, then it's all marvelous fun.
As they say around the Texas Legislature, if you can't drink their whiskey, screw their women, take their money, and vote against 'em anyway, you don't belong in office.
Naturally, when it comes to voting, we in Texas are accustomed to discerning that fine hair's-breadth worth of difference that makes one hopeless dipstick slightly less awful than the other.
The stakes they play for in politics are paper and money. The chips they play with are your life
The Lege [Texas Legislature] is back in session! And many a village is missing its idiot.
Molly left us way too soon. There are many here among us who would love to hear what she would have to say about Trump and the Republican party of today.
When I left Texas I knew next to nothing about its politics, but now I'm very happy that I did leave!
Who is Molly? Someone here before my time?
Quote from: Dark Lightning on August 19, 2024, 10:26:00 PMWho is Molly? Someone here before my time?
Molly Ivins was a journalist and political commentator. She passed away in 2007, at the age of 62.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_Ivins
I guess I've seen enough conventions. I would have liked to seen Biden's speech, but I got bored long before and I turned it off. Tonight each state is reporting all of it's delegates for Kamala Harris. It's noisy and boring, and just goes on and on. I'm excited about the election, but not the convention. Everyone knows the outcome, and I'll probably be in bed by the time Obama shows up. He was always a thoughtful speaker.
I just realized that The Convicted Felon isn't really fat, he only looks like he's fat because everything negative anyone says about him gets under his skin. 🫣
We have watched the Democratic National Convention in its entirety thus far, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. This is serious business, and recognizing that we are under the threat of a second trump occupation, armed with the hideous Project 2025 blueprint for dictatorship, everyone involved has acknowledged the precarious position that our country is in right now. But, the fear of what will be if we fail has taken a back seat to the HOPE of what can be if we succeed, and the joy that springs forth from that hope has enabled the participants to transform the convention into a joyous celebration.
Let's enjoy the craziness, the humor, the music, the dancing, and the often brilliant speeches as the celebration continues. And then let's get to work in the final weeks of the campaign and get people out to vote in order to make that dream of hope for what can be a reality.
Joyous celebration nails it. Compare that to fear and hate mongering. Still I can't say which holds the most power over the electorate a large. I was in bed before the Obamas but I caught clips of Michelle's speech as well as her husband's. She really commands the attention of an audience. Eloquent and powerful. I didn't realize she was that powerful.
I think that Michelle is qualified to be president. Sadly, she has zero interest in it.
I enjoyed several of the speeches given at the convention Day 2, but the highlight of the evening was when Michelle and Barack Obama spoke. Barack Obama is most certainly one of the finest orators of our time, but wow! ... no, I mean
WOW!!! Michelle knocked it out of the park and across the lake!! Her speech was strong, thought provoking, uplifting, and heart felt. And, when she talked about trump, she showed how to deal with an ignorant bully ... you make fun of him and rub his nose in his own bullshit ...
Trump: "I try to be nice to people."
Since when??? Personal attacks and fear mongering about the Left are all he ever talks about.
I just read that RFK jr has evidently struck a deal to drop out of the Presidential race later this week, and to support trump. In return, he will be trump's choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position in which Trump stated that Kennedy will do an "incredible job".
Yeah, pretty fucking incredible alright ... an anti vaxer conspiracy theorist as the head of HHS really gets to the heart of trump's core ideal of absolutely not giving a fuck about the American people.
We need not worry about either The Convicted Felon or his lackies, since none of them will ever be allowed into the White House again.
I hope.
We can't relax until the election is over, but I think everybody, including Trump, knows Harris is going to win.
I was about 100 miles from Chicago in 1968. Had to go.
Quote from: Blackleaf on August 22, 2024, 02:57:41 PMWe can't relax until the election is over, but I think everybody, including Trump, knows Harris is going to win.
Still not placing any bets, but things are looking a lot better. Maybe I'm watching the wrong clips, because the internet knows who I'm for by now so my info might be absurdly filtered, but Trump seems off lately. Like WAY off. He's just gabbing folksy with nothing of substance, and no apparent strategy. His attacks on Harris, the thing that he does best, is even lacking punch. He seems to have lost his way. What is his base thinking right now?
The Convicted Felon knows he's doomed, doomed, doomed!
He knows he'll be rotting in prison for many years, probably for the rest of his life.
So he's just feeling sorry for himself, even more than usual.
Quote from: Unbeliever on August 22, 2024, 06:14:07 PMThe Convicted Felon knows he's doomed, doomed, doomed!
He knows he'll be rotting in prison for many years, probably for the rest of his life.
So he's just feeling sorry for himself, even more than usual.
"May you live a thousand years!"
Trump and his team of Maga twits have been laying the ground work for stealing the election after a Democratic victory.
The asshole is desperate, and will do anything. I think that it would be a mistake to underestimate him, especially since getting back into the White House is his only chance of staying out of prison.
Didn't the Supreme Court basically give Trump immunity?
Quote from: Blackleaf on August 22, 2024, 07:14:35 PMDidn't the Supreme Court basically give Trump immunity?
I don't fully understand it, because there seems to be qualifications like being limited to crimes while in the process of doing his job. I don't understand it, because part of the job is not committing crimes, at least this should be assumed.
Was fanning the flames of riots part of his job? Was the hush money coverup part of his job? Was election interference his job? Is there immunity for that? He's the president. He should set an example, not be given the right to commit crimes. The Supreme court is wrong. True, it has the last say, but it's wrong. Dead wrong, and the court needs a house cleaning. It's been infiltrated by right wing lunatics.
Great speech by Kamala Harris last night. I stayed awake for it this time. It was well worth it. It will be amusing to watch the right wing fanatics pick it apart.
Quote from: SGOS on August 23, 2024, 07:24:55 AMI don't fully understand it, because there seems to be qualifications like being limited to crimes while in the process of doing his job. I don't understand it, because part of the job is not committing crimes, at least this should be assumed.
In my opinion, the SCOTUS decision was pretty much a cop-out. It provides for immunity during official acts, but kicks the burden of defining "official acts" back to the lower courts. In that case, it just adds another layer of complexity in prosecuting the asshole for the crimes that he has committed. More delays, more appeals, more chaos ... that plays into trump's game plan.
(https://i.imgur.com/tLuu7uml.jpeg)
As opposed to the delightfully festive crosshairs and nooses and tasteful tailgate truck art the redcaps were putting out. A group of people normally known for their civility and niceness, lol.
And that wasn't at all motivated by conspiracy theories and purely partisan hatred.
But now that the shoe is on the other foot and Daddy is under fire, it's just plain mean.
Besides, it's not like it's totally unreasonable to suggest that a convincted felon serve jail time.
Quote from: SGOS on August 23, 2024, 07:24:55 AMI don't fully understand it, because there seems to be qualifications like being limited to crimes while in the process of doing his job. I don't understand it, because part of the job is not committing crimes, at least this should be assumed.
Was fanning the flames of riots part of his job? Was the hush money coverup part of his job? Was election interference his job? Is there immunity for that? He's the president. He should set an example, not be given the right to commit crimes. The Supreme court is wrong. True, it has the last say, but it's wrong. Dead wrong, and the court needs a house cleaning. It's been infiltrated by right wing lunatics.
Of course they'd leave it vague... They don't want to be clear enough that they'd have to give a Democrat the same treatment. As we've clearly seen, Republicans don't care about consistency.
And, IMO, when Republicans claim that the President is immune (conveniently only when it's their President), they're admitting that they know that the President broke the law. They just don't care.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 23, 2024, 11:11:20 AMBut now that the shoe is on the other foot and Daddy is under fire, it's just plain mean.
I remember Trumps 2016 debate with Hillary Clinton, when he said if it was up to him, "You'd be in jail!" I think that was for the emails she sent from her private laptop. At any rate Hillary was never convicted of anything, poor judgement that the email issue was. When I heard that "Lock him up" chant, I remembered that debate. I think that's why everyone got so gleeful over that chant.
I see that Anne Coulter was calling Tim Walz's son weird because of his emotional reaction to his dad's speech. Got some good reactions from people all over the Twitterverse! 🤣
Quote from: SGOS on August 23, 2024, 02:08:28 PMI remember Trumps 2016 debate with Hillary Clinton, when he said if it was up to him, "You'd be in jail!"
I remember that. Also some of the more popular t-shirts and bumper stickers used by the MAGA crowd back then were emblazoned with the words "Hillary for Prison - 2016".
I have a hard time believing that was "all in good fun".
Quote from: Unbeliever on August 23, 2024, 04:11:14 PMI see that Anne Coulter was calling Tim Walz's son weird because of his emotional reaction to his dad's speech. Got some good reactions from people all over the Twitterverse! 🤣
Coulter is a cruel, heartless shell of a human being. I read that after receiving broad based condemnation from her followers, she finally deleted the original post. I doubt that her decision to do so had anything to do with remorse for her shameful mocking of a teenage boy's emotional show of love for his father, and more to do with not wanting to lose social media followers.
Quote from: Unbeliever on August 23, 2024, 04:11:14 PMI see that Anne Coulter was calling Tim Walz's son weird because of his emotional reaction to his dad's speech. Got some good reactions from people all over the Twitterverse! 🤣
She deleted it and hasn't been posting on Twitter since. J.K. Rowling has been quiet, too. The Earth is healing.
Every night of the convention, there were some great moments. Some were awe inspiring, some were enlightening, some were heartfelt in many ways, but one of the absolutely cutest moments occurred on night 4, when two of VP Harris' adorable grand nieces, with a little help from Kerry Washington, taught the audience how to correctly pronounce their auntie's name.
Quote from: Luther Martini on August 23, 2024, 04:58:04 PMEvery night of the convention, there were some great moments. one of the absolutely cutest moments occurred on night 4, when two of VP Harris' adorable grand nieces, with a little help from Kerry Washington, taught the audience how to correctly pronounce their auntie's name.
That must have been for Trump's benefit; Being taught how to pronounce "Kamala" by six year olds.
This must have been the most exciting political convention in many decades!
Even as hard core Dem, I still can't watch all that frenzy. I know that they have to do it, but it isn't for me.
As for Coulter, her sycophants are every bit as incorrigible as the chump's are. She's only keeping her head down because of the flak from the left.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on August 23, 2024, 06:14:16 PMEven as hard core Dem, I still can't watch all that frenzy. I know that they have to do it, but it isn't for me.
As for Coulter, her sycophants are every bit as incorrigible as the chump's are. She's only keeping her head down because of the flak from the left.
I could not watch much of the first three for the same reason. I watched the last four hours of the last night, because I didn't want to miss Kamala's speech. You're right, the din can be overpowering.
I tried to watch the second night, but they kept on and on talking about God, so I had to watch Farscape instead.
Made it to the '68 convention, in Chicago. We lived about 2.5 hours from Chi so it wasn't even an overnighter for me. Lots of zoo, if you know what I mean.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on August 23, 2024, 08:17:50 PMMade it to the '68 convention, in Chicago. We lived about 2.5 hours from Chi so it wasn't even an overnighter for me. Lots of zoo, if you know what I mean.
As far as "zoo," I would rather go to a Democratic convention than the Academy Awards.
Trump aides desperately trying to stop him golfing and focus on election as critic says he's 'lost his mojo' (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-kamala-harris-election-2024-b2601605.html)
(https://i.imgur.com/hLcEkShl.jpeg)
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 25, 2024, 10:37:35 PMTrump aides desperately trying to stop him golfing and focus on election as critic says he's 'lost his mojo'
I've been a little surprised too by his withdrawal. He always seemed so determined. When caught in a falsehood, he would double down, rather than skate or deny. It was hard to believe he was still pressing election fraud after being rejected by the highest sources. He did it for years. Where can that kind of obsession come from even if it was just consciously affected to see how far he could lead his cult? And he can't let go of his biggest accomplishment, creating his own puppet show with the Supreme Court. He can't let that go to waste.
I don't think he's done yet, even though he's actually not doing anything. If it were me, I would have lost all steam years ago. He's either got something up his sleeve or he's having a nervous breakdown.
Good Lord, I'd like to get him out of my mind once and for all. He's still talking in my head when he isn't even around.
Quote from: SGOS on August 25, 2024, 09:33:10 PMAs far as "zoo," I would rather go to a Democratic convention than the Academy Awards.
The Chicago PD unofficially gave up enforcing laws regarding marijuana.
I expect that by the time November rolls around, even Trump's most ardent supporters will realize that he's not fit to be the president of the USA.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on August 26, 2024, 09:39:12 AMThe Chicago PD unofficially gave up enforcing laws regarding marijuana.
Just recently? I don't know what laws Illinois has regarding marijuana. But enforcing them seems like a waste of police force.
Quote from: Unbeliever on August 26, 2024, 09:56:25 AMI expect that by the time November rolls around, even Trump's most ardent supporters will realize that he's not fit to be the president of the USA.
No. They can't be reasoned with. They'll vote red, no matter who it is.
Yeah, I was just indulging in some wishful thinking.
Harris now wants the debate mikes left on, and Trump is threatening to pull out if they change the debate rules. Speculation is that Harris believes it to her advantage to allow Trump to look like a jerk. My speculation about Trump is that he doesn't want to debate Harris under any circumstances.
As far as campaign strategy, I don't know what to think. As far as viewer comfort, I like the mike off when it's not a debater's time to speak. This started to bother me way back when Romney was debating Obama.
As far as network strategy, I believe ABC wants the mikes on all the time, because chaos sells. Also the moderators don't moderate, for the same reason.
Maybe this works in Harris' favor, or maybe not. But I'd rather have a intellectual debate.
An intellectual debate...with Trump!? 🤣
Donald spews nonsense everywhere. Incoherent ramblings do not a president make.
This man can never, ever be near a position of power again.
Traitorous and stupidity are a really bad combination.
There's no low they won't sink to (https://news.yahoo.com/news/republican-group-cites-notorious-dred-165051308.html)
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 26, 2024, 11:20:26 PMThere's no low they won't sink to (https://news.yahoo.com/news/republican-group-cites-notorious-dred-165051308.html)
(https://media.tenor.com/KOrVKWxQtpQAAAAM/john-stewart.gif)
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 26, 2024, 11:20:26 PMThere's no low they won't sink to (https://news.yahoo.com/news/republican-group-cites-notorious-dred-165051308.html)
Can....?
Can we just round up these people an exterminate them? I do not see any other solution, here.
No, we can't do that.
Quote from: Unbeliever on August 26, 2024, 07:00:31 PMAn intellectual debate...with Trump!? 🤣
Well, that is a good point. But turning the mikes on or off won't change that.
Quote from: SGOS on August 26, 2024, 10:21:39 AMJust recently? I don't know what laws Illinois has regarding marijuana. But enforcing them seems like a waste of police force.
On topic, while discussing the 1968 Convention.
The Convicted Felon says he'd win California if Jesus came down and counted the votes! 🤣
Pshaw, he'd flail that money changer!
My lawyer's gonna serve it to you: Jack White pissed off at Trump campaign (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jack-white-suing-trump-campaign-seven-nation-army-video-1235091541/) for slapping his song on a short clip of Trump boarding his private plane
Quote"Oh....Don't even think about using my music you fascists," White wrote. "Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.) Have a great day at work today Margo Martin."
QuoteHowever, White continued to rip into Trump, noting the confrontation his team had while turning Arlington National Cemetery into an unauthorized photo op. "A double fuck you DonOLD for insulting our nation's veterans at Arlington you scum," White added. "You should lose every military family's vote immediately from that if ANYTHING makes sense anymore."
I live in Trump country of rural Virginia. Some of the Trump signs have not been taken down and have been there since 2016. At one time I described them as "everywhere." Today, it seems like they are slightly fewer in number. I don't know if this is a hopeful hint of where this election is going or not. There is still no sign supporting any Democrat anywhere to be seen. Granted I don't drive every road in this and surrounding counties. As I said this is rural Virginia. I do know a few Democrats however.
Rural red district here in Minnesota. I always put up democratic signs. I'm rare here, but not extinct. People gotta know not everyone's a Trumper.
(https://preview.redd.it/this-is-absurd-this-picture-is-from-university-of-arizona-v0-6k8dqtyrnnld1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=c288502e468e16aca16bfb2bb0c5a87ac171d8ea)
Hmmm...
I hope all those rural Republicans don't decide not to sell food to the Democratic urban areas...
Quote from: Unbeliever on August 31, 2024, 07:13:49 PMI hope all those rural Republicans don't decide not to sell food to the Democratic urban areas...
They want to eat, too. That would be a quick spiral in, methinks.
A guy popped into my work to talk politics. Just casually reading the newspaper and talking to people about whatever headlines he sees, you know, normal people stuff.
"Oh no, Kahmamlla is leading the polls." *looks at me* "We can't have this!" (I'm the only other white guy in the room, btw)
"We can't have someone..." *long pause* "...associated with Biden in office" (I strongly suspect he had a different objection in mind)
I say back to him, "Oh? Why not?" He seemed kinda flustered to receive any sort of push-back at all.
He takes another second and says that "they'd" (without defining the they) would "bring in all kinds of pedophiles"
I say that it sounds like he's talking about the Republicans. I do my best job to busy myself with something else. He tries to say something else but stops, realizes I'm not a friendly audience and stops talking at me.
So sick of these regressives automatically assuming that I'm a friendly audience and I'm not going to challenge anything. They really think that their opinions are the default and it's not the default - it's fucking weird.
Also - and I wish I had the wherewithal to point this out at the time - Trump is Epstein's pal, not Harris. You don't take lots of photos with the guy and fly out to Epstein island repeatedly for no reason. They weren't exactly playing Scrabble over there. It just goes to show how little they've thought about their arguments if they think that's a winner.
A thing I've noticed about people who worship right wing theology, for lack of a better way to put it, just carry that attitude wherever they go. In 2016, I was in a carving club at the local senior center. All the chump supporters were all over about how great he was, and hammering Hilary. All the Hilary supporters (including me) were quiet. Religious fervor isn't easy to overcome, and I went to that club to learn and share carving techniques, not to spew political rhetoric. Seems like the cult attracts those "ebullient" types.
I don't know that republicans even have a platform. They love them some hatred and control of others whose behavior the disagree with.
Don't like gay marriage? Don't enter into a homosexual marriage.
Don't like abortion? Don't have one.
Or as Tim Walz said - "Mind your own damn business!"
I really enjoy seeing people walk out of Trump's rallies while he's still ranting! 🤣
I don't even know if you can call it ranting. Ranting at least implies some kind of focus. Donald vomits incoherent word salad and pretends it means something.
It amazes me that it took this long for people to finally get that he's a lunatic. Cults, smh.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on September 02, 2024, 10:03:08 PMIt amazes me that it took this long for people to finally get that he's a lunatic. Cults, smh.
Idiocracy was/is a great movie. It's borderline on how I look at MAGA's.
Because Brondo's got electrolytes. Can't argue with that.
I made the claim that Animal Farm was realized when the chump gained the presidency in 2016. I missed the release of Idiocracy, but it's spot on for the prediction of the stupidity of the electorate. I have seen it after that release.
(https://i.imgur.com/D0I3y47l.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/mjuHhYNl.jpeg)
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/06/politics/dick-cheney-kamala-harris-president/index.html
Quote"In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump," Dick Cheney said in a statement. "He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again."
Yeah, imagine a Republican president normalizing lying - lies that got hundreds of thousands of people killed. And using the Presidency to enrich his company. Horrible stuff that's definitely only happened once in living memory.
QuoteIn her remarks Friday, Liz Cheney unleashed a torrent of criticism against the Republican presidential ticket, calling Trump "a depraved human being" and labeling him and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, "misogynistic pigs."
"Every Republican, anybody who's contemplating casting a vote for that ticket, you know, really needs to think about what they are enabling, what they're embracing and the danger of electing people who will only honor election results if they agree with the outcome, and who are willing to set aside the Constitution," she said in Austin. "And you know in the case of Donald Trump, promote, provoke, exploit violence in order to seize power."
Yeah, they really need to think about the danger of setting aside the truth in favor of partisan politics, a sort of reality-blindness that may have started sometime in 2024 or 2020 or 2016 or maybe a decade or two prior. No one can definitively say when it started. *wipes away heavy sweat*
Maybe it began when Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor voted to allow George W. Bush to win the presidency so she could retire with a Republican in office.
(https://i.imgur.com/qEGIDrwl.jpeg)
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 06, 2024, 10:52:03 PMYeah, they really need to think about the danger of setting aside the truth in favor of partisan politics, a sort of reality-blindness that may have started sometime in 2024 or 2020 or 2016 or maybe a decade or two prior. No one can definitively say when it started.
I don't know when it started either, but my first awareness that democracy was in jeopardy was when Rush Limbaugh came on the scene, and was almost intermediately followed by a bunch of Limbaugh wannabees. It gave me the creeps. It shifted the emphasis of democracy from unity to division. Democracy cannot survive alongside of not-democracy. It can only be one or the other.
(https://i.imgur.com/TcqSTi5l.png)
I believe the rigged election gambit still sells.
Sad but true. One of my younger brothers voted for him twice, and will likely do so again. 😵�💫
Trump is nothing but a bloviating blatherskite.
We, the Democrats, are the ones who need to "stop the steal" this time.
Funny how it's only rigged when he loses...
I'm sure that's just a coincidence...
He didn't even win the popular vote against Hillary.
Quote from: LoriPinkAngel on September 10, 2024, 05:55:26 AMHe didn't even win the popular vote against Hillary.
The tyranny of the minority.
I spotted a few of Trump's most egregious lies on my own. Some only raised my skeptic radar, because I'm not totally familiar with every issue. I'm actually more bored with his lies than I am shocked:
QuoteFormer President Donald Trump delivered more than 30 false claims during Tuesday's presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, CNN's preliminary count found – as he did during his June debate against President Joe Biden.
Trump again delivered a staggering quantity and variety of false claims, some of which were egregious lies about topics including abortion, immigration and the economy.
Harris was far more accurate than Trump; CNN's preliminary count found just one false claim from the vice president, though she also added some claims that were misleading or lacking in key context.
Here is a fact check of some of the remarks made by each candidate.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-checking-abc-news-presidential-024834487.html?.tsrc=1013&ncid=crm_-1394557-20240911-1&bt_user_id=AHWD1ROG9zDw4EgHytlm3ezuuzeN%2BdJtxfdBmEGXMbfYCbdaePk1Z6ai%2BNUwzu%2FAfVhE%2BCEIsz24JkRsmgET0S6Nj7hY5gD6iAvzmITdmHGDfRSLv8iVITD9PznB3SL4&bt_ts=1726057165506
Didn't watch the debate, and I'm more than confused by Trump's new talking point (to distract from real issues) that "immigrants" (non-whites) are eating people's pets. And in Ohio of all places, which I just visited and found to be very peaceful and relaxing. I must've just missed the roving gangs of pet eaters. Someone should tell Noem. I'm sure she'd be willing to ride shotgun with them.
But seriously, it very much sounds like a nazish strategy - blood libel 2.0 - to denigrate some Americans and artifically induce some sort of mass panic similar to the satanic cult scare in the others - to turn Americans against Americans. A desperate move appealing to the very worst of the worst whom I'm ashamed to share a planet with, let alone a country.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 11, 2024, 10:18:22 AMDidn't watch the debate, and I'm more than confused by Trump's new talking point (to distract from real issues) that "immigrants" (non-whites) are eating people's pets.
Yeah, that one blew me away too. How he comes up with stuff is puzzling. He DID do a lot of distracting. When asked a question from the moderators, he would often launch into something totally unrelated, often without even introducing it with, "I'll get to that in a moment, but first..." The moderator called him on it a couple of times, but Trump had run out the clock by then, and they would just move on.
The male moderator would on occasion respond with an immediate fact check, when Trump would speak nonsense. That happened with the pet eating thing. Immigrants eating our pets may have been the most spectacular highlight of the debate. :)
I read an article yesterday, well before the debate, that talked about Vance having said that his comments concerning the eating of pets by Haitians in Ohio might not be true - but then again it just might be true after all! 🤣
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 11, 2024, 10:59:07 AMI read an article yesterday, well before the debate, that talked about Vance having said that his comments concerning the eating of pets by Haitians in Ohio might not be true - but then again it just might be true after all! 🤣
Be Best!
I always thought she was just having trouble speaking English, and she was trying to say "be bestial."
🤔
Cat working hard to move his family out the city so it doesn't get eaten by the haitians
😄 I realize this is mocking the Rs, but I feel for the Haitians, since MAGAts will be coming for them.
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 11, 2024, 10:59:07 AMVance having said that his comments concerning the eating of pets by Haitians in Ohio might not be true - but then again it just might be true after all! 🤣
Way to take a solid stand,JD! Trump would have been much more forceful and final, and if confronted, he would just double down to drive the point home. Pay attention and learn from the master. Don't end up with Trump calling for your head like Mike Pence.
The chump isn't in office, so JD can't do the deed. That simp would waffle six ways from the origin, anyway.
(https://i.imgur.com/R9Uf6Rll.jpeg)
*almost chokes*
You've got it figured out JD. The childless cat lady with eighty-nine thousand galjillion followers means nothing. Maybe send you a quarter to buy you a clue.
I've seen in the news that Swift may lose some followers and income over this. Last I saw (not following, I don't particularly like that music genre, and I don't follow football, so I'm only peripherally aware of the boyfriend) but also in the news is that she has over a Billion in assets. JD Vance is stupid, in a sad way.
The best part of it is that she doesn't have to buy votes. She explains her vote... to lots of people.
I don't think Swift is concerned at all about losing any of her fans, plenty more where those came from.
Not to mention we're seen conservatives boycott Kureig, Target, Nike, the NFL, Disney (lol), Bud Light (sometimes embarrassingly switching to other brands owned by the same company), etc. It makes for a short-term "crisis" for the news cycle to cover but never has any sort of lasting impact.
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 11, 2024, 11:14:21 PMI don't think Swift is concerned at all about losing any of her fans, plenty more where those came from.
I knew almost nothing about her other than her name as a pop star until Trump started fussing over whether or not she would endorse either Biden or Harris. Now
I'M a fan. I guess Trump thought she presented a crisis. And knowing how much Trump loves crisis and chaos, he couldn't help blindly lashing out and making a big fuss, just to make sure everyone knew it.
Trump is a little man, but then, so was Hitler.
(https://i.imgur.com/etGfwuel.png)
I hate to say it - in fact, I'm pretty sure the universe will spontaneously combust if I say it - but...*clenched teeth* I...agree...with...MTG.
Interesting to see that anything is off-limits with her, given her penchant for jewish space lasers and standard-bearer for Mad Vlad the genocidal dictator. Maybe it's due to J.D. Vance's wife, I don't know exactly why she picked now to grow a conscience.
If I were the pessimistic type, I would say that this condemnation is only because she figured out that this sort of rhetoric hurts felon Trump's campaign more than it helps and it's important to appear to be somewhat presidential before election day. After election day is a different story...
Seeing MTG condemn racism almost makes me want to become a racist myself. Almost.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 12, 2024, 11:49:17 AMInteresting to see that anything is off-limits with her, given her penchant for jewish space lasers and standard-bearer for Mad Vlad the genocidal dictator. Maybe it's due to J.D. Vance's wife, I don't know exactly why she picked now to grow a conscience.
If I were the pessimistic type, I would say that this condemnation is only because she figured out that this sort of rhetoric hurts felon Trump's campaign more than it helps and it's important to appear to be somewhat presidential before election day. After election day is a different story...
Maybe she's planning on making a run for the White House herself.
Quote from: SGOS on September 12, 2024, 12:12:29 PMMaybe she's planning on making a run for the White House herself.
Ha! No way! The Republican presidential ticket is reserved for serious candidates only, not blowhards and imbeciles. *looks at GOP presidential/veep candidates over the past 24 years*
*jumpscared by Sarah Palin*
*hurls laptop out of the nearest window*
I don't think the Republicans will ever have another president.
They didn't have a president when the chump's ass was parked there, either. He had 1461 days, and failed to ever act like one.
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 12, 2024, 12:45:44 PMI don't think the Republicans will ever have another president.
If we do, they will be the last President we ever have.
I really don't think The Convicted Felon can possibly win this election, but I could be wrong. If I am, God help us all!
I'm glad I'm old. My life has been crazy fun, even when the Y-donor was trying to kill me.
Trump's scorched earth management is inappropriate in a democracy.
(https://i.imgur.com/6bz26K8l.png)
Them damned Ukraines vote Democrat!
Hey! Global warming? The environment? Women's rights? Health care? Gajillionairres and corporations actually paying taxes?
C'mon man! In Springfield the nasty immigrants are eating all the pets! /s if needed.
How this man garners more than 1500 votes across the entire nation boggles my mind.
I came, I saw, I concurred. 👀
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GXXXvt9WYAAX44p?format=jpg&name=small)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVF8gYhBir0
Sorry. I think it was the hair.
^ Is that empty g?
"More charges were dropped yesterday in Georgia."
When your candidate is bragging about a couple of charges being dropped in a single state, perhaps you have the wrong candidate.
(https://preview.redd.it/congratulations-for-discovering-the-concept-of-logistics-v0-ngz5mfq4klod1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d8285583e251a24986ed552ad1b14911b94594a0)
Honey, wake up. Conservatives just discovered the concept of mass transit.
Trump tower in Chicago has been declared a public nuisance by a judge. It pulls 20 million gallons of water a day from the Chicago river for its cooling system, and has killed thousands of fish.
But Haitians are eating Ohio's pets! 👀
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 13, 2024, 11:13:10 PMTrump tower in Chicago has been declared a public nuisance by a judge. It pulls 20 million gallons of water a day from the Chicago river for its cooling system, and has killed thousands of fish.
But Haitians are eating Ohio's pets! 👀
Apparently, the pets thing was a distraction from the latest mass shooting. Gotta find some way to bury that story, might as well say the dumbest possible thing while also fanning the flames of racism. Plus, it kinda makes it seem like he cares about pets now, I guess he figured out that the "childless cat lady" angle wasn't working.
You know what really grinds my gears? To combat that "video games cause shootings" myth, I put in quite a few hours digging through studies and statistics and all that stuff to put to bed a claim that the people who started it probably never gave it much thought at all - just firing from the hip - and now I'm starting to think the whole position was disingenuous. Didn't know, didn't care. As long as the blame is on something other than easy access to guns, they're fine with whatever.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 14, 2024, 02:59:42 PMApparently, the pets thing was a distraction from the latest mass shooting. Gotta find some way to bury that story, might as well say the dumbest possible thing while also fanning the flames of racism. Plus, it kinda makes it seem like he cares about pets now, I guess he figured out that the "childless cat lady" angle wasn't working.
You know what really grinds my gears? To combat that "video games cause shootings" myth, I put in quite a few hours digging through studies and statistics and all that stuff to put to bed a claim that the people who started it probably never gave it much thought at all - just firing from the hip - and now I'm starting to think the whole position was disingenuous. Didn't know, didn't care. As long as the blame is on something other than easy access to guns, they're fine with whatever.
I have also heard violent game play phrased as being a "cause", however most of the actual studies I have seen focus on a general desensitization to violence. I recall thinking the evidence cited was underwhelming. It's not exactly a hard science.
Back in the 90s, a bunch of engineers used a Quake editor to make an arena identical to our workplace. Holy fuck, playing that level gave me "daymares". There was a zombie hiding in my office and ogres patrolled my lab aisle.
I do think games can increase your war skills. I listened to a young Ukrainian gunner who famously defeated a Russian tank with a Bradley chain gun credit his hours of playing video games. Same with drone operators.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 14, 2024, 02:59:42 PMApparently, the pets thing was a distraction from the latest mass shooting.
I saw a Pete Buttigieg interview where his explanation for the wild accusations, conspiracy theory, and mud slinging that the trump campaign centers around is a strategy to keep the press busy reporting on nonsense, rather than Trump's past failures and his lack of future plans.
Well, it's one explanation, and it may even be true. Personally, I think Trump is just obsessed with irrelevancies, his self perceived high IQ, chaos, and his "good looks." He likes to be folksy and just spew whatever is going on in his brain, as if it's somehow important. I don't think it's a strategy, but Buttigieg may be onto something.
Firehose of Falsehood (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firehose_of_falsehood), notably a Russian propaganda technique
The pets lie was made up by a group of neo-nazis (https://newrepublic.com/post/185950/neo-nazi-origins-trump-migrant-pet-eating-conspiracy), then parroted by Trump
"Only the best people"
Well, it seems that The Convicted Felon was once again the target of an assassination attempt, but I don't yet have any further details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V0TYIO6yv4
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 15, 2024, 04:35:12 PMWell, it seems that The Convicted Felon was once again the target of an assassination attempt, but I don't yet have any further details.
Someone was apparently firing a gun near a golf course Trump was playing in. I assume somebody was trying to assassinate Trump. A witness apparently saw a guy run out of the bushes, and later identified the guy after he was caught.
For fuck sake. Stop trying to make him into a martyr! What is killing him going to accomplish, anyway? He'd just be replaced with someone who's just as bad, if not worse.
Yes, another Republican whackjob with a gun goes after Trump. Very sad. Thoughts and prayers.
But have you guys heard that Vance admitted to making up the pet-eating thing (https://www.nj.com/politics/2024/09/calls-for-jd-vance-to-resign-after-he-admits-that-he-created-pet-eating-story-about-immigrants.html)?
And what's more - that he doesn't care about what's true or false, he's willing to "create stories" as a way to manipulate the media to talk about whatever he wants to talk about.
It's impossible to trust someone who so blantently spins lies, and yet many still do.
But you see, that's just, "Owning the libs".
Elon Musk can't understand why no one wants to assassinate Biden or Harris. His comment on his site met with so much criticism that he took it down and apologized for no one understanding a joke.
His sycophants laughed. Massively wealthy people get used to that bubble of sycophants and lose touch. Just like Budd(?) laughing about the chump "grabbing women by the pussy". In the moment, etc. He didn't deserve to lose his job over that, imo. All those immature people who say outrageous shit and get their chops busted, only to say they "were just joking" really aren't. They just pull back a bit until they voice the next outrageous thing. Rinse and repeat.
Elon Musk is what's known as a Schrödinger's asshole. A comment he makes is simultaneously serious and just a joke, until he sees the reaction he gets.
World's richest asshole. I'm seeing where he's going to exceed $1T in assets. Yet, he's going bankrupt potentially in some of his activities due to their insolvency. Twitter is one of them.
Elon is one of those people who somehow managed to fail his way up. Never seemed to understand business at all, but somehow managed to make money anyway. Probably helps when you come from wealth already.
(https://i.imgur.com/GpFRA8N.jpeg)
What's a little blood libel among friends? No one got hurt. ...this time.
Charge your phone. lol
Got a real bang out of it.
Trump said, on FAUX snooze, that the audience at the debate went wild because he was being fact-checked so many times!
But, here's the thing - there was no audience at the debate! 🤣
Trump tied to another Russian disinfo campaign (https://newrepublic.com/post/186137/donald-trump-allies-russian-disinfo-scheme)
QuoteAnother burgeoning conservative outlet has been tied to Russia, with former advisers to Donald Trump coordinating directly with contributors for Kremlin state media.
It's one of those "far right" websites full of fake news and assorted Trump nonsense. Suspiciously hostile to Ukraine aid. About half its board is composed of Trump allies.
I would've posted The Guardian's write-up about it, but they made the galaxy-brain decision of linking the disinfo site in question. It's not surprising that we have ongoing disinformation problems - bankrolled by oligarchs at home and abroad, spread by a media landscape that not only doesn't filter it out, but actively shares it.
Immigrant "serial numbers" (https://newrepublic.com/post/186239/donald-trump-full-holocaust-immigration)
Can't that lump of mobile excrement just cease to exist, already?
Serial numbers to be tattooed on immigrant's forearms for quick identification?
Quote from: Dark Lightning on September 23, 2024, 10:51:23 PMCan't that lump of mobile excrement just cease to exist, already?
Only the good die young.
Quote from: SGOS on September 24, 2024, 07:36:02 AMSerial numbers to be tattooed on immigrant's forearms for quick identification?
Sounds familiar. What was that character from the Bible that Conservative Christians always accuse the Democratic nominee to be? Oh, yeah. The Anti-Christ, forcing people to take the mark of the beast. But that couldn't be Trump, no. He's God's chosen.
My sister voted for Trump the first time. She's done with that. In fact, she cited the "I am the chosen one" (with an actual wave of her hand) comment to really turn her off from the guy.
I'm hearing a few stories of Trump supporters abandoning him, but where I live, there is not one Harris yard sign that I've seen, while MAGA Trump signs are a blight on the landscape.
On the bus the other day I noticed a plethora of Trump signs in one particular spot, but other than that I've seen none. But I live in Marin County, Ca., where such things aren't to be expected.
Quote from: ferdmonger on September 25, 2024, 07:32:59 PMMy sister voted for Trump the first time. She's done with that. In fact, she cited the "I am the chosen one" (with an actual wave of her hand) comment to really turn her off from the guy.
To be honest, that's a really shallow reason to turn on him, and shows she hasn't really learned her lesson. It wasn't his policies? His attempts to overturn the election? The road map his employees wrote up for him to usurp all control for himself and the Republican Party? The multiple crimes he's been convicted with?
It's just he rubs her the wrong way now? That he has illusions of grandeur? Anyone who's ever heard him speak would know that.
This is tough to articulate, but many Republicans are pretty desensitized to a lot of horrific effects of their policy positions as well as a lot of personal faults of the people they support but brazen impiety is still very noticeable. I know it doesn't sound very logical and reflects weird priorities, but that's how people are in chur...at the voting booth.
A relative who voted for Trump twice before has decided to sit this one out. Apparently, the Arlington Cemetery thing infuriated him. He has had loved ones in the military and so that hit him hard.
There's a red line with everyone, even redcaps. You gotta dig deep to find it sometimes, but it's there.
Like I said before, Trump doesn't have more supporters today than he did in 2020 or 2016. We'll just have to see if that's enough.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 27, 2024, 12:12:09 PMLike I said before, Trump doesn't have more supporters today than he did in 2020 or 2016. We'll just have to see if that's enough.
I read the occasional story of Trump losing support from someone or another. But I don't know if these articles tell us anything. It may be that they are newsworthy for no other reason than one person abandoning Trump is noteworthy, even if it isn't representative of a trend. I would still take more stock in polls, not that they are known for accuracy, either.
I am surprised at the number of inner party Republicans who are coming out against him. What that means to their constituents, I'm not sure. This election is still a nail biter for me.
(https://i.imgur.com/BU57kmKl.jpeg)
I had to wade out there myself today, but the threat to me is minimal. For other people, this stuff is life-or-death and they better start voting like it.
It seems like Trump is becoming more vicious and offensive than in the past. If this is true (not sure if it is), he is going to be stepping on more and more toes, and picking up more opposition as he may turn off even some of his supporters. But for every person he offends, someone else may admire him more for it.
One thing I pretty sure of is that he is fighting this first difficult battle. Running against Hillary was probably not that threatening to him. Biden was not a strong candidate, but after Trump's first term, Trump scared a lot of Democrats out of the woodwork and to the polls. But running against a less cognitive Biden in 2024, was going to feel like a cake walk. Suddenly, the Democrats have come up with a candidate that actually scares him.
And Trump being Trump, he's going to double down on his anger and denial, because that's his default reaction. In short, "He's losing it." And if he gets elected, I see him getting even worse while he feeds his narcissistic power hungry brain by demolishing as many American values as he possibly can.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 27, 2024, 01:47:19 PM(https://i.imgur.com/BU57kmKl.jpeg)
I had to wade out there myself today, but the threat to me is minimal. For other people, this stuff is life-or-death and they better start voting like it.
Why didn't Trump just use his Sharpie to reroute the hurricane!?
Quote from: SGOS on September 27, 2024, 03:19:04 PMIt seems like Trump is becoming more vicious and offensive than in the past.
He's like Putin in the sense that he backs off after crushing defeat, but anything less and he keeps it up. Unfortunately, our system is half complicit and half ineffectual so naturally, he's coming back for more.
In a healthy democracy, someone who tried to seize power would be in jail, not planning another go at it.
Gotta love it when my home state makes global news:
Governor candidate describes himself as "black nazi" on porn forum (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/19/mark-robinson-north-carolina)
He denies it of course, and some of his staff quit - which is what people do when the allegations are untrue - but he's still polling at 35-40ish percent, which just goes to show the sort of despicable following this lunatic has.
But if you can't get votes with your antiquated ideology, the next best thing is to block voting at all. NC voter rolls have been purged of 750,000 people (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4901476-north-carolina-purges-747k-voters/).
Presumably, this is just a routine thing, getting rid of people for changing addresses out of state (understandable) or not voting for the past two elections (significantly less understandable) but the motives of this are suspicious, given its predictable effects. And of course, the same people are against voting by mail and voting early, which paints quite a picture of a group of dictatorship-curious people who are very, very scared of voters and American liberty in general. And naturally, they call themselves patriots.
If you're worried about being unfairly purged from the voter rolls, you can always check your status here (https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/)
Garland charges three Iranians with election interference. Perhaps someday the DOJ will get around to prosecuting Trump for Jan 6, or the Georgia phone call, or the fake electors scheme. Election interference? Meh. Move along. Nothing to see here, and besides - the man is running for president and we wouldn't want the appearance of interfering in the election.
Quote from: ferdmonger on September 27, 2024, 07:02:02 PMGarland charges three Iranians with election interference. Perhaps someday the DOJ will get around to prosecuting Trump for Jan 6, or the Georgia phone call, or the fake electors scheme. Election interference? Meh. Move along. Nothing to see here, and besides - the man is running for president and we wouldn't want the appearance of interfering in the election.
Speaking of fake electors, 14 of the 84 fake electors are returning to do it again (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/20/fake-electors-for-trump-2024/74955704007/).
If Trump somehow wins this election, I'm not sticking around for 2025. If America shits its bed, let the people who made the mess clean it up or fester in their own filth. Don't look to me to help fix it. I'm not ending up on a long list of political martyrs.
(https://preview.redd.it/always-got-to-blame-something-something-besides-climate-v0-58aaflv1gerd1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=028c82159ec1ea976eab53d17113caa1ca0d780f)
Redcaps: Did we make a mistake by ignoring climate change? Nah, it's the liberuls controlling the weather with their weather control device (definitely a real thing) and intentionally steering hurricanes into red counties.
The Hurricane will hit Atlanta as well, so definitely not a whole lot of oxygen is making its way to Redcap Cory's brain. And I don't know about other liberals, but I would prefer it to not hit anyone at all. I wouldn't even think about the political ramifications in such a situation. But Redcap Cory here does and evidently projects a lot.
"We have enough baloney" (https://www.rawstory.com/jd-vance-primanti-bros-sandwich-parking-lot/)
Their loss. I hear the Four Seasons Total Landscaping is still open. Just go past the sex shop but not past the crematory.
J.D. Vance had a whopping "about 50 people" waiting for him. Those are the real victims here. And the people turned into frogs by Haitian voodoo priestesses.
Quote from: Blackleaf on September 26, 2024, 11:41:15 PMTo be honest, that's a really shallow reason to turn on him, and shows she hasn't really learned her lesson. It wasn't his policies? His attempts to overturn the election? The road map his employees wrote up for him to usurp all control for himself and the Republican Party? The multiple crimes he's been convicted with?
It's just he rubs her the wrong way now? That he has illusions of grandeur? Anyone who's ever heard him speak would know that.
I never said 'now'. Her comment to me was all of a week after he uttered it, long ago. And I'm certain she agrees with all the ugly Trump shit happening now.
I saw where a sandwich shop in Pennsylvania wouldn't let Vance and his people into the store, they said "We have enough bologna here."
🤣
Lance Wallnau, an evangelical preacher who accuses Harris of using witchcraft, will appear tomorrow at an event with J. D. Vance.
🤔
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 27, 2024, 10:55:54 PM(https://preview.redd.it/always-got-to-blame-something-something-besides-climate-v0-58aaflv1gerd1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=028c82159ec1ea976eab53d17113caa1ca0d780f)
Redcaps: Did we make a mistake by ignoring climate change? Nah, it's the liberuls controlling the weather with their weather control device (definitely a real thing) and intentionally steering hurricanes into red counties.
The Hurricane will hit Atlanta as well, so definitely not a whole lot of oxygen is making its way to Redcap Cory's brain. And I don't know about other liberals, but I would prefer it to not hit anyone at all. I wouldn't even think about the political ramifications in such a situation. But Redcap Cory here does and evidently projects a lot.
I thought hurricanes were God's punishment for all the gays. Y'all got a case of the gay, Florida?
Quote from: Unbeliever on September 29, 2024, 01:22:21 AMLance Wallnau, an evangelical preacher who accuses Harris of using witchcraft, will appear tomorrow at an event with J. D. Vance.
🤔
Vance is going all out for the kook vote.
What's a phone app? (https://time.com/7026339/donald-trump-speech-app-comment-public-reaction-kamala-harris-campaign/)
And how do I pront PDF?!
I love it when the bloviating blatherskite brags about not needing any teleprompter - while having teleprompters in front of him! 🤣
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 01, 2024, 07:35:33 PMI love it when the bloviating blatherskite brags about not needing any teleprompter - while having teleprompters in front of him! 🤣
The fact that the blatherskite bloviates using a teleprompter is a
feature, to his cult followers. Deeply religious people, seeing obvious lies in church, stay at church. Rinse and repeat, with the chump.
They don't care about truth.
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 29, 2024, 05:15:54 PMWhat's a phone app? (https://time.com/7026339/donald-trump-speech-app-comment-public-reaction-kamala-harris-campaign/)
And how do I pront PDF?!
As usual, Trump assumes he knows more about a subject than most people, when he's clearly very ignorant.
Anyone listening to/watching the VP debate? It's not as entertaining, so far at least, as the presidential debate was.
Seems like Vance keeps referring to Walz as Walsh, for some reason.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 01, 2024, 07:35:33 PMI love it when the bloviating blatherskite brags about not needing any teleprompter - while having teleprompters in front of him! 🤣
Couldn't like your comment until I understood what a 'blatherskite' was. You taught me new word today... thanks. Perfectly descriptive.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 01, 2024, 09:32:31 PMAnyone listening to/watching the VP debate? It's not as entertaining, so far at least, as the presidential debate was.
Walz seemed really nervous at the start, but is settling in now.
Yeah, I was afraid Walz wouldn't be able to hold his own against a seasoned debater, but he seems to be doing well.
JD is masterful at using his two minutes of time to totally ignore the question asked of him.
Walz just killed it on the 'democrats are going to steal your guns' issue. Wow.
JD Vance seems to be repeatedly nodding his head in agreement with Tim Walz' comments. I think anyone watching this will notice. Weird but very enjoyable to see.
Closing statements coming up...
Walz killed it. Repeatedly pointed out areas of agreement which left Vance nodding his head. I think he absolutely nailed the middle ground.
Yeah I agree, I think Walz "won" the debate, but then, I'm kinda biased.
I caught the later half of the debate. I thought it went pretty well. Just wish Waltz had pushed harder against Trump's "peaceful transer of power." When Biden was sworn in, Trump was notably absent, and that was after he tried every option he had to overturn the election.
Vance was quite smooth at not answering questions.
I do think Waltz is right about Vance. When Trump asked Pence to refuse to sign in Biden, to his credit, Pence did not cave. He put the system over Trump, and because of that, he lost Trump's favor. Unlike Pence, Vance will whatever Trump tells him to do.
To this day, Trump still claims that the election was stolen from him. He's even pre-emptively declared that if he loses this election, it is because it is rigged. To pretend that Trump respects the system and the will of the people is blantantly absurd.
Or as I like to succinctly put it... three years later and Trump is still trying to steal my vote.
Trump did say that he lost the 2020 election "by a whisker."
Vance did a good job on stage presence. He's one of the best debaters I've seen. He avoided direct answers, which is what politicians do. But he excelled at the things most people watch in a presidential debate. The big winner was Donald Trump.
Very little fact checking was done by either of the candidates. Oddly, I only noticed one fact check done by a moderator who were originally supposed to leave all fact checking to the debaters.
Here is a fact check of several misstatements by Yahoo News:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/vice-presidential-debate-fact-check-230009238.html?.tsrc=1013&ncid=crm_-1417798-20241002-1&bt_user_id=UfscSR986r53y%2BjK1RpD9DWlTGslL9OWKMPYQXiblShbtTNIWT7GEWU4TeVjEzVKyG42UdD%2FfSgKpYUcYMAmvkYiSoYVdHlrDMB1QJBYKGE2HN2fxeL%2FqUYEWeGZ5Pm9&bt_ts=1727871468452
(https://i.imgur.com/d4jZN2Xl.jpeg)
Why is he against fact-checking? 🤔
(https://i.imgur.com/QcD0bcdl.png)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-2020-election-filing-special-counsel-jack-smith/
Jack Smith filing. Sure am glad that his campaign spokesman pointed out that apparently it's now "unconstitutional" to prosecute crimes. Well, thanks for that.
Whoever wins this years election, it will represent a historic event. If Harris wins, the Democrats will be the first party to elect a woman. If Trump wins, the Republicans will be the first party to elect a felon.
I heard that Melanoma Trump says, in her new book, that she's all for abortion rights! 🤔
Lock her up: Former County Clerk in Colorado sentenced to 9 years in prison (https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/election-denying-ex-county-clerk-receives-9-year-prison-sentence-rcna173916)
She was found guilty of seven of ten charges of engaging in a security breach to advance a false conspiracy theory of election fraud. Take a wild guess what political party (and cult of personality) she's affiliated with (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Peters_(politician)).
She was notably defiant, unreasonable, and unremorseful throughout the entirety of case - from arrest to conviction to sentencing. Her arrest was surprisingly gentle considering her belligerent attitude. Most Americans are not nearly as fortunate.
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 03, 2024, 05:11:36 PMTake a wild guess what political party (and cult of personality) [/url]she's affiliated with (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Peters_(politician)).
Hmmm...the Moonies?
🤔
(https://i.imgur.com/xpPagOUl.png)
I guess we're doing Red Alert 2 now. Biden calling down lightning storms, lol sounds legit. And since it was designed by Einstein, it technically makes it a jewish superweapon (although neither space-based nor a laser)
"Empty G" has an empty head.
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 04, 2024, 06:13:06 PM(https://i.imgur.com/xpPagOUl.png)
I guess we're doing Red Alert 2 now. Biden calling down lightning storms, lol sounds legit. And since it was designed by Einstein, it technically makes it a jewish superweapon (although neither space-based nor a laser)
The scary part is she is a U.S. representative.
As an aside - 20 years ago I was talking to an elected official who told me it "was so cold last night the stars were falling out of the sky." That's scary too.
I think my favorite bon mot from someone who was at one time an actual high-ranking elected official - a tragic mistake - was the idea that schools perform gender-assignment surgery over the course of a weekend.
In middle school, many of my classes were undertaken in "temporary" trailers outside the actual school building and a couple of the desks had bad legs that would wobble. If the word didn't end in -ball, it didn't get funding. But yeah, they totally routinely perform complex surgeries in their spare time, which teachers naturally have a lot of.
I guess they get the pyromaniac chemistry teacher (a mishap involving a magnesium rod, which the fire department didn't like), the bio teacher too timid to say the word evolution (it might have been a legal thing or maybe a religious thing, idk), and the almost impossibly world-weary gym teacher to tie little Timmy down to one of the cafeteria tables...and the craziest part, they do it all pro bono. Trabajo gratis. Travail sans d'argent. Sweat without cheddar. Sounds legit.
https://i.imgur.com/6zAOBbc.mp4
Sure, Grandpa. Let's get you to bed now.
(https://i.imgur.com/O0zlf05.png)
Elon's mom casually soliciting voter fraud. #JustFascistThings
(https://i.imgur.com/8j6zk1z.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/tLTZmxWl.jpeg)
Weirdos.
Wonder if the Vulcan mind meld could penetrate the MAGA cult. Inquiring minds want to know.
Gotta have a mind for the mind meld to work. 🤣
True enough.
Oh, I'm sure that they have minds. But I sure wouldn't want to experience those charnel pits.
I saw that Elon Musk's mother was encouraging people to commit election fraud!
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 08, 2024, 01:29:26 AMI saw that Elon Musk's mother was encouraging people to commit election fraud!
Some people don't like democracy.
Quote from: SGOS on October 08, 2024, 08:16:21 AMSome people don't like democracy.
They're called politicians.
Quote from: ferdmonger on October 07, 2024, 07:58:48 PMWonder if the Vulcan mind meld could penetrate the MAGA cult. Inquiring minds want to know.
Too late. They've already been Borged by the Republican Party.
Hah! The MAGA Collective! 😄
SHEEP! LOADING LAUGHING PROTOCOL... HA HA HA.
(https://i.imgur.com/1iya44Zl.png)
I mean, otherwise, we'd have to take a look at what we're doing and reassess our own positions, especially regarding climate change. But that's too hard, so let's find a group to blame that we already dislike!
So true. We have a neighbor who had a habit of vandalizing our property. Didn't see proof, but when I put up CCTV cameras, the vandalism stopped. Whenever something happens now, my wife still blames the neighbor gal. She does still go around the neighborhood smack-talking about us. Sick. Most people see it for what it is, though.
I always had an impression that Florida would slowly submerge into the rising sea level as residents idly paddled off in their canoes to higher ground. OK, the first part of that description was honest anticipation. The canoe part was just added to imply an orderly withdrawal. But I'm thinking now that Florida will be destroyed and unlivable long before it goes under water.
Another thing I did anticipate, which few people even talk about or possibly don't even believe is the economic devastation of the global economy the likes of which will make the great depression seem like picnic.
(https://i.imgur.com/FDHXUBul.png)
(https://preview.redd.it/how-awful-do-you-have-to-be-to-lie-and-say-that-marines-are-v0-pddq6l7xyktd1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=c3437f095a26218072b7f9d455fc53ed1613232b)
It's wild seeing Republicans lie about something that I actually know about very well. A lot of the time, I have to do about a 15-second google search to disprove what they're saying. This stuff is like saying that lions prowl downtown Durham and sabertooth tigers hunt gazelle along the Outer Banks. Immediately flagged as lying.
And as always, the baloney detection kit is always on the lookout for two things in combination:
1) Bold claims held with extreme certainty
2) Not supported at all with facts
(https://i.imgur.com/pvx76Ezl.jpg)
Not powerful enough to influence the climate, but powerful enough to conjure hurricanes out of nowhere and steer them with pinpoint accuracy.
Kinda like the lazy immigrants who take over 100% of the jobs and the limp-wristed liberals who simultaneously can't handle the wrong pronouns but can handle rounding up all the conservatives and putting them in death camps lol.
Was it a good thing for Trump to have visited North Korea?
I don't think anything The Convicted Felon did was a good thing - but then, I've got Trump derangement syndrome.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 13, 2024, 01:37:15 AMI don't think anything The Convicted Felon did was a good thing - but then, I've got Trump derangement syndrome.
The people who coined that also believe in pizzagate, jewish space lasers, and "woke mind virus". So, consider the source.
In their warped perspective, Daddy Trump is above criticism. It's a decidedly religious stance. And we all know the dangers of a religious mindset.
(https://i.imgur.com/fJbFj3ol.jpeg)
Honestly, I don't doubt it. Conservative Christians are the opposite of everything Jesus says they should be in the Bible. Jesus said to take care of the poor. They're worried about "government handouts." Jesus said to turn the other cheek. They are the most vindictive people I've ever met. Jesus said not to worry about things you can't control, and just trust that God will take care of them. They have a new conspiracy to freak out about every other week. Jesus said to pray in private, because people who perform public acts of devotion are only doing it for the attention. They made an entire day to pray on live TV, and they want to force other peoples' kids to pray to their version of God in public schools. It's hard to think of a single Christian tenant they actually follow to any respectable degree.
(https://i.imgur.com/r09wK1th.jpeg)
"Nefarious and criminal" What a choice of words from the "I'm voting for the felon" people. These sorts of crimes don't just have hypothetical victims, they hurt real Americans.
I'll be so glad when this election is over! Unfortunately, the Trump-turds won't go away when their god figure loses, they'll just be getting started. Who knows what havoc they'll be up to? Trump himself will still be in the news for months, at least. Will they really try to have a civil war? They certainly won't go away just because The Convicted Felon isn't in the White House again. They'll just choose another messiah and be back stronger next time.
Well, at least the security in DC won't be caught flat-footed again. They're probably stocked up on rubber bullets and tear gas.
What's really needed is dumdum bullets.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 14, 2024, 11:46:42 AMWhat's really needed is dumdum bullets.
Sweets to the sweet.
(https://i.imgur.com/DfcA8b0l.png)
Pizzagate all over again (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/hurricane-relief-north-carolina-militia-threats-b2628968.html). And the liars do this knowing full well that someone listening to them will "do something" to cause someone else to get hurt. In fact, that's the goal. This isn't just someone getting their facts wrong, this is someone lying with malice. Stochastic terrorism.
#JustDictatorThings (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/14/trump-military-enemy-within-armed-forces-election-day)
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 14, 2024, 08:42:51 PM#JustDictatorThings (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/14/trump-military-enemy-within-armed-forces-election-day)
Can't this sorry sack of shit just choke on a Big Mac and die? He is truly the #enemy of the state.
It concerns me that a substantial portion of our population supports this utterly inept excuse of a man to be the republican nominee for president of the the United States of America.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 14, 2024, 09:17:20 PMCan't this sorry sack of shit just choke on a Big Mac and die? He is truly the #enemy of the state.
I hope that if he dies it will be from natural causes, since otherwise all hell will break loose. And it might regardless of how he goes out.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 14, 2024, 10:56:56 PMI hope that if he dies it will be from natural causes, since otherwise all hell will break loose. And it might regardless of how he goes out.
Yabut, death by choking on a Big Mac would be
so fitting.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 14, 2024, 11:46:24 PMYabut, death by choking on a Big Mac would be so fitting.
Republicans would claim he was assassinated by the Democrats. Maybe poisoning his food. Facts wouldn't matter.
Yeah, no matter what happens, they'll come up with a plethora of conspiracy theories to try to damage the Democratic party.
Jesus could turn out to be real, return to earth and beg people not to follow this false idol, and his followers still wouldn't abandon him.
"I did... It's sad, very sad. I used to like him very much. Made him some bibles, we have the most beautiful bibles but we... and then he just STABS me in the back. It's not nice. Let me tell you. Not nice. He's a good guy, i think. But he is being very nasty. Nasty because he... knows i'm right. He does. Knows i'm right.Jesus Christ! Born in, a lot of people don't know this, born in a barn like dawg. My people, they tell, sir, jesus was born in a manger. I said 'a manger'? What is that? Right? What is that? A manger? Like, what is that? You gotta be smart to know this. And trump knows it now. A manger, just a fancy word for a feedbucket. It's real. It's... and he was born in it like an animal. Like a dawg. But trump knows it. Trump knows. I prefer... let me tell ya! I prefer people who don't get crucified. The media will go, 'oh, i cant believe he said that'. 'Oh, i can't believe trump said...' well it's true! It's true, let me tell ya. Last week a samaritan came up to me. I know, we don't like samaritans. Nasty people. Poisoning the blood of israel. But this one was good to me. He cams up to me. Big samaritan. Strong samaritan. Tears in his eyes. He said to me... he said, 'sir...'jesus wen't crazy in the bank and chased out all the money changers. He did. It was horrible.' And i couldn't believe it. I told him, i couldn't believe it. But it is true. He's deranged. Deranged jesus christ. Who does that? Who goes to a bank and just... deranged. Completely deranged. I call him JC deranged. Lot of people don't know this, JC stands for Jesus Christ. I just found out about that last week. Can you believe it? JC, jesus christ. I say that makes sense. By the way. Ever seen this guy salve someone's feet? Always salving peoples feet. Prostitute's feet. What a freak. JC Deranged feetsniffer. That's what i call him."
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on October 15, 2024, 01:32:08 AMJesus could turn out to be real, return to earth and beg people not to follow this false idol, and his followers still wouldn't abandon him.
"I did... It's sad, very sad. I used to like him very much. Made him some bibles, we have the most beautiful bibles but we... and then he just STABS me in the back. It's not nice. Let me tell you. Not nice. He's a good guy, i think. But he is being very nasty. Nasty because he... knows i'm right. He does. Knows i'm right.Jesus Christ! Born in, a lot of people don't know this, born in a barn like dawg. My people, they tell, sir, jesus was born in a manger. I said 'a manger'? What is that? Right? What is that? A manger? Like, what is that? You gotta be smart to know this. And trump knows it now. A manger, just a fancy word for a feedbucket. It's real. It's... and he was born in it like an animal. Like a dawg. But trump knows it. Trump knows. I prefer... let me tell ya! I prefer people who don't get crucified. The media will go, 'oh, i cant believe he said that'. 'Oh, i can't believe trump said...' well it's true! It's true, let me tell ya. Last week a samaritan came up to me. I know, we don't like samaritans. Nasty people. Poisoning the blood of israel. But this one was good to me. He cams up to me. Big samaritan. Strong samaritan. Tears in his eyes. He said to me... he said, 'sir...'jesus wen't crazy in the bank and chased out all the money changers. He did. It was horrible.' And i couldn't believe it. I told him, i couldn't believe it. But it is true. He's deranged. Deranged jesus christ. Who does that? Who goes to a bank and just... deranged. Completely deranged. I call him JC deranged. Lot of people don't know this, JC stands for Jesus Christ. I just found out about that last week. Can you believe it? JC, jesus christ. I say that makes sense. By the way. Ever seen this guy salve someone's feet? Always salving peoples feet. Prostitute's feet. What a freak. JC Deranged feetsniffer. That's what i call him."
Well, actually Jesus was conjured up an asshole....people don't even know what he supposedly said...
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.One example of him being a douche bag, Jesus is approached by a woman of an "inferior race" (a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22-27), who asks him to use his healing powers to help her. He calls the woman a "dog", refusing to heal her unless she begs like one.
In general, he is an apocalyptic doomsdayer, threatening skeptics with eternal torture. He certainly didn't invent Confucius's golden rule and seen to have trouble following it himself. He didn't understand germ theory, telling his followers not to bother washing their hands before eating and would prefer to drive demons from a leper or two rather than present us with anti-biotics. This is supposed to be the creator of the universe incarnate. Nah....he is so much like the previous dying-and-rising Gods, Osiris, Dionysus, Zalmoxis, Inanna, Adonis, Romulus, Asclepius, sharing so many traits like baptism, a passion, virgin birth, etc.
A Trump voter will never come close to understanding how wrong their fucked-up life-view and presuppositions really are.
Manchild impotently lashes out at own propaganda network (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/14/trump-criticize-fox-news-kamala-harris-00183614)
Some good news:
US judge bars Alabama from purging thousands of voters before election (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/16/election-alabama-voting-rolls-registration)
Georgia judge rules election officials can't delay certification because of "fraud concerns" (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/georgia-election-certification-judge-fraud-concerns/)
I guarantee you they'll try some serious BS on election day, but this helps.
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 15, 2024, 07:52:16 PMManchild impotently lashes out at own propaganda network (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/14/trump-criticize-fox-news-kamala-harris-00183614)
In Donald Trump's defense, the man is totally unhinged.
I just heard, on Jimmy Kimmel's show, that Vance said his book could be bought "wherever book stores are sold." 🤣
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 15, 2024, 07:52:16 PMManchild impotently lashes out at own propaganda network (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/14/trump-criticize-fox-news-kamala-harris-00183614)
Bret Baier of FOX News, tried anything but being soft on Harris, but it sounds like it was a frustrating experience for him. I didn't watch the interview, but I read a description in the NY Times.
(https://i.imgur.com/L0QVPgZ.jpeg)
Source: https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/the-polls-and-the-press-want-you
Don't get complacent, obviously. But the pro-Republic people have more to be happy about than the pro-dictatorship people.
https://i.imgur.com/XJjFuhL.mp4
No wonder he needs the dancing breaks. Those two brain cells get worn out quickly.
Trump doesn't do "the weave," he does the Monster Mash. 👀
"The weave" is the latest "4d chess"
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 15, 2024, 07:52:16 PMManchild impotently lashes out at own propaganda network (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/14/trump-criticize-fox-news-kamala-harris-00183614)
Harris: "Trump threatens anyone who disagrees with him."
Trump: Immediately proves her point by threatening Fox News for daring to let Harris speak.
There is something deeply wrong in the US, when this lunatic has a chance (I won't say good) of getting elected again, let alone the first time. FFS
Trump may be a sexist, a rapist, a con man, a terrible business man who bankrupted a fucking casino, an ego maniac, a sociopath who asked his dying father for a bigger portion of the inheritance, a wannabe dictator, a complete moronic clown, with no plans for the economy or any issue other than removing the competition from office and throwing his critics in prison...but at least he's not a Liberal, am I right?
(https://i.imgur.com/y4GkFITh.png)
Holy fuck. Trump must be REALLY depressed if he won't visit an NRA rally. Those people would sing his praises no matter what stupid things he says. Or maybe he's afraid another nutcase will try shooting at him.
Could you imagine? A Conservative Presidential candidate being assassinated at an NRA rally? I could think of no better endorsement for gun control.
I'm sure they would have checked guns at the door too. I thought more guns = more safe! What if someone tries to shoot at Trump and there aren't any good guys with a gun to shoot back? No self-awareness whatsoever.
Gagging to death on a Big Mac is my preferred solution.
My preferred solution is the American public coming to its fucking senses and realize that Donald Trump is a virus on the American nation.
Quote from: ferdmonger on October 18, 2024, 09:10:52 PMMy preferred solution is the American public coming to its fucking senses and realize that Donald Trump is a virus on the American nation.
The Republican party has invested many years in the making of an ignorant populace that can be led by the nose. Those people are so deep in their ignorance that I fear for the future of the US. They are a cult, and the chump is the preacher under the big tent.
Perhaps at some point in my life I will understand a vote Donald Trump, but I ain't holding my breath. Historians are going to have a hoot figuring this out.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 18, 2024, 09:48:54 PMThe Republican party has invested many years in the making of an ignorant populace that can be led by the nose. Those people are so deep in their ignorance that I fear for the future of the US. They are a cult, and the chump is the preacher under the big tent.
Yes, and this kind of ignorance poses a threat to our most basic freedoms. However, for many years we have seen it coming, and many have warned us, but their warnings have gone unheeded by a large percentage of the population who prefer the temporary and false sense of comfort that they find in remaining ignorant.
Carl Sagan foretold of this acceptance and celebration of ignorance in his mid 1990's book,
"The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark"Quote"I have a foreboding of an America in my children's or grandchildren's time -- when the United States is a service and information economy; when nearly all the manufacturing industries have slipped away to other countries; when awesome technological powers are in the hands of a very few, and no one representing the public interest can even grasp the issues; when the people have lost the ability to set their own agendas or knowledgeably question those in authority; when, clutching our crystals and nervously consulting our horoscopes, our critical faculties in decline, unable to distinguish between what feels good and what's true, we slide, almost without noticing, back into superstition and darkness...
The dumbing down of American is most evident in the slow decay of substantive content in the enormously influential media, the 30 second sound bites (now down to 10 seconds or less), lowest common denominator programming, credulous presentations on pseudoscience and superstition, but especially a kind of celebration of ignorance"
― Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
and ...
"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we've been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We're no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It's simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we've been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back."
― Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
Sickening indeed is the success that the purveyors of superstition have had in peddling their nonsense while shunning the truth as though ignorance is some kind of a virtue.
Judge stops NC voter roll purge (https://www.wral.com/story/gop-officials-can-t-purge-225-000-voters-in-nc-trump-appointed-judge-rules/21678839/)
Sometimes, conscience wins. We'll see if we can say the same on election day.
For the last few days I've been listening to an audiobook version of The Demon-haunted World. It's engrossing. I've read it at least twice before and listened to it just last year, but it never gets old.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 14, 2024, 11:46:42 AMWhat's really needed is dumdum bullets.
You'd fire stupid at Trump supporters? "Fire? I was made of this!"
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 19, 2024, 11:37:36 AMFor the last few days I've been listening to an audiobook version of The Demon-haunted World. It's engrossing. I've read it at least twice before and listened to it just last year, but it never gets old.
I read it many years ago, but it is definitely worth a re-read. Maybe I'll do that this winter, when it gets too cold to enjoy the outdoors.
Good news for the GOP:
Non-religious millennials are now welcome in the GOP because it turns out that you don't have to read a single page of the bible to preach that the country should be following its "religious values" (which you get to define, which is super convenient). The exact message isn't important, so don't worry about making any textual or interpretive mistakes. So long as it causes societal harm, whatever you want is a-okay.
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 19, 2024, 11:29:06 PMNon-religious millennials are now welcome in the GOP because it turns out that you don't have to read a single page of the bible to preach that the country should be following its "religious values" (which you get to define, which is super convenient). The exact message isn't important, so don't worry about making any textual or interpretive mistakes. So long as it causes societal harm, whatever you want is a-okay.
Coming from a source that tries to look like CNN, I'm a bit suspicious that this may be overblown propaganda from the right. The anchor and her talking head seem a little too delighted with the news to be considered unbiased.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 19, 2024, 11:37:36 AMFor the last few days I've been listening to an audiobook version of The Demon-haunted World. It's engrossing. I've read it at least twice before and listened to it just last year, but it never gets old.
I haven't read this yet and will do so. Already ordered. (I've got 'Cosmos' and 'Pale Blue Dot' somewhere in my books.)
I just saw where Trump was on some interview in which he said that Harvey Weinstein "got schlonged"!
I keep thinking Trump can't possibly get any worse, and then he does!
Maybe Weinstein got schlonged by Arnold Palmer?
🤣
Quote from: SGOS on October 20, 2024, 10:39:21 AMComing from a source that tries to look like CNN, I'm a bit suspicious that this may be overblown propaganda from the right. The anchor and her talking head seem a little too delighted with the news to be considered unbiased.
ONN = the Onion News Network
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 20, 2024, 07:09:41 PMONN = the Onion News Network
Damn. I'm too easy. Those little guys got me one more time.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 20, 2024, 07:08:29 PMI just saw where Trump was on some interview in which he said that Harvey Weinstein "got schlonged"!
I keep thinking Trump can't possibly get any worse, and then he does!
Maybe Weinstein got schlonged by Arnold Palmer?
🤣
He should have picked Harvey for his VP. That would have made a great team.
Better yet. Dig up Jeffrey Epstein's corpse to run for VP.
Don't know much about the late Arnold Palmer, but I doubt he would want that douche bag talking about his junk.
I agree, and I also doubt his family wants that douchebag talking about Arnold's junk.
I was on the fence before, but now I'm voting for Donald Trump, 'cause Arnold Palmer's got big junk.
My fucking brain's going to explode.
(https://i.imgur.com/n9rb9r6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/84CdtG2l.jpg)
"He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money!"
― George Carlin
I'd like to add:
my group project partners
financial advice from a NFT bro
medical advice on Facebook
Comcast customer service hotline
Russian elections
the police in a sundown town
a sex ed class at a Southern Baptist church
a history class taught by the Heritage Foundation
chinese antivirus software
North Korean airlines
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 21, 2024, 11:37:03 PMI'd like to add:
my group project partners
financial advice from a NFT bro
medical advice on Facebook
Comcast customer service hotline
Russian elections
the police in a sundown town
a sex ed class at a Southern Baptist church
a history class taught by the Heritage Foundation
chinese antivirus software
North Korean airlines
My favorite was
Stevie Wonder in the driver's seat
What was the reaction here when Trump won in 2016? And when he lost in 2020?
Surely, it would be amusing to look back into that.
I wasn't a member of this board during that period.
2016 disbelief
2020 relief
Quote from: Susan on October 22, 2024, 01:06:38 PMWhat was the reaction here when Trump won in 2016? And when he lost in 2020?
Surely, it would be amusing to look back into that.
I wasn't a member of this board during that period.
I thought Trump was a clown when he was first elected, and I suspected he wasn't really conservative. Part of me still thinks he only runs as a Republican because he knows they're the only ones dumb enough to vote for him. But now, I see him as the greatest risk for America.
Quote from: Susan on October 22, 2024, 01:06:38 PMWhat was the reaction here when Trump won in 2016? And when he lost in 2020?
2016: shock and appall (particularly about the fate of the Supreme Court, so that nothing is either checked or balanced. Don't wanna say I told you so, but...)
2020 was a huge relief. Covid was raging at the time and it was nice to have a sane President put that to bed quickly so I could get back to work.
Also, it was nice to not doomscroll every day. People sometimes forget how chaotic Trump's presidency was and stable and sane his opponents' (Obama and Biden) administrations have been.
(https://i.imgur.com/8Jqm8w7l.png)
Man, it's so obvious when they're lying when it's about something I know.
Trump and Harris are polling very close in NC. He has his supporters, Harris has hers.
As is typical, there's a strong rural/urban divide. In cities, where people can spell their name and find the US on a world map, Harris is the favorite. In places where Klan flags fly and the Civil War is remembered as "the war of northern aggression", Trump is the favorite.
Major airports here have a lot more of the former than the latter. Unless the crowd was handpicked for a photo op or something, more people were repulsed than cheering, as is typical in the country.
Whatever the outcome, I wish all of you a safe four years ahead. Of all my forums I visit every day, this place is #2 on the list. (No. 1 is only in Tralfamadorian.)
Does the number 541 mean anything to you?
Trump finally said something I can agree with: he has "no cognitive." Never a truer word was spoke! 🤣
Trump cancels again (https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/10/22/2024-elections-live-coverage-updates-analysis/trump-rfk-gabbard-town-hall-00184884) - a "Make America Healthy Again" event, ironically enough
He cancelled on these two:
(https://www.politico.com/dims4/default/resize/1040/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.politico.com%2F4b%2Feb%2F86ef77ab43d3966b7b4deed28ed3%2Felection-2024-trump-24895.jpg)
The guy who got his brain eaten by a worm and subsequently supported Trump - to no one's shock - and the most Putin-curious former Democrat (https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacheverson/2022/03/14/tulsi-gabbards-biggest-political-donor-in-2021-is-a-putin-apologist/), Tulsi Gabbard, who voted herself present.
Whatever the reason for the cancellation (maybe Trump was unused to working for a living and cut himself on that fry scraper and needed the day off to recover), America's health was markedly improved - Americans' blood pressure skyrockets when these leeches and traitors are given free reign to spread their cancerous beliefs.
I would rather listen to fingernails on blackboard than hear Konspiracy-Kennedy speak. Such a disappointment that family.
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 23, 2024, 04:07:44 PMtulsi-gabbards-biggest-political-donor-in-2021-is-a-putin-apologist/"]the most Putin-curious former Democrat[/url], Tulsi Gabbard, who voted herself present.
That she switched parties didn't surprise me after she was part of bipartisan group that floated a bill to disallow US citizens from purchasing medications from Canadian pharmacies. I buy two expensive meds from Canada, because US prices are absurd. A typical medication that costs $400 US costs around $40 Canadian at the pharmacy I use, and a law like that would personally hurt me financially in a major way.
The groups stated rational for the Bill was to curtail opioid addiction in the US. But that was bullshit from American Pharma, because Canada does not ship opioids to the US. I tried to verify this on the net, but couldn't find anything to support what is true for the pharmacies I use happens illegally at others. Nor could I find support the claim that you can supposedly get opioids from Canada.
Most people in the US don't utilize the price savings on Canadian meds, so it probably sounded legitimate to most Americans. But as it turned out, cooler heads prevailed and the bill died, and later, state health departments said they were going to start buying medications from Canada to save on their own state health care costs.
Tulsi was either stupid, or a liar. I suspect she and her group were conspiring with big pharma. Stupid or Liar? Which one is worse?
^ Why not both- a stupid liar?
The Convicted Felon wants to be a dictator, but, instead, he's just a dick!
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 23, 2024, 08:45:43 PMThe Convicted Felon wants to be a dictator, but, instead, he's just a dick!
Exactly!
(https://i.imgur.com/q6y96pWl.jpeg)
Totally not a cult. Not weird at all.
Yeah, perfectly stable and normal... 👀
Voter intimidation in NC (https://www.wral.com/story/nc-advocacy-groups-call-on-board-of-elections-to-remove-targeted-polling-signs/21687242/)
Guess the party.
They claim they have the best policies that appeal to "the people", yet don't want actual people to vote because they know what'll happen when they do.
I have a gut feeling that right-wing politics is slowly supplanting traditional christian religion.
Those signs actually give me the chills, even though I am not the target. I think they will have a negative effect on the election. I hope not, and if they do, I hope it will be negligible.
Quote from: Cassia on October 24, 2024, 11:39:32 PMI have a gut feeling that right-wing politics is slowly supplanting traditional christian religion.
There's a surprisingly large amount of overlap. You have your messiah figure, your tan-suited devil, your commandments (thou shall not aid the foreigner), your battle of good and evil, your "moral order" of chosen people ruling lessers, etc.
The Washington Post: Democracy Dies In Darkness
Me: Yeah, that's true.
The Washington Post: Wanna see me turn out the lights?
(https://i.imgur.com/IWqVV8Sl.jpeg)
And hit pieces by truly well-meaning and genuine people with America's best interests at heart
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 24, 2024, 09:37:10 PM(https://i.imgur.com/q6y96pWl.jpeg)
Totally not a cult. Not weird at all.
This is fake, right? It looks very convincing, but it's also too stupid to be real.
Quote from: Blackleaf on October 26, 2024, 01:07:30 PMThis is fake, right? It looks very convincing, but it's also too stupid to be real.
The compositing on his hands and legs doesn't quite look right.
Would love to see the original
(https://i.redd.it/e620f6ku3nwd1.jpeg)
"Faith leaders praying for Donald Trump at Turning Point rally in Duluth, GA (10-23-24)"
"Are you gonna, present this, ever?" Joe Rogan shuts down Trump 2020 denialism (https://www.salon.com/2024/10/26/are-you-going-to-present-it-ever-stunned-by-rogans-ask-for-evidence-of-fraud/)
QuoteThings took a turn toward the confrontational when Rogan brought up Trump's claims that he was "robbed in 2020."
"What I'd rather do is, we'll do it another time," Trump said, promising he could bring in pages of evidence despite his failure to produce any in the four years since his loss.
"Are you going to present this ever?" Rogan finally asked, leaving Trump momentarily speechless.
Russians create fake video of Trump ballots being destroyed (https://apnews.com/article/misinformation-fact-check-trump-ballots-destroyed-pennsylvania-d75fdc56c71d77c7a48d8fca96b03288)
Hmmmm...
The fact that it was debunked will mean nothing to the brain-dead MAGA fools.
(https://i.imgur.com/IUlmM5Gh.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/mKnbZn4h.png)
The Trump cult tries to make Trump look tall by having him stand on other people's shoulders.
This is some seriously sick, disgusting shit.
I'd rather believe an altered photo than acknowledge the truth.
Here's an idea. Admit that your neighbors abortion or gay marriage actually has no effect on your life. None. And then vote accordingly.
And I woke up this morning to find someone stole my Harris sign - because of course they did.
Someone has tried to burn ballot boxes in Washington and Oregon. I bet it wasn't a Democrat. 🤔
Soon.
... tbh the fatigue of it all is getting to me, and i am not even voting in your election. But i am invested and it is wearing me out. Especially after our own elections this year.
I can genuinly say i will be extremely sad if trump manages to get re-elected. And fearfull for global economy and stability of the coming years.
But even so. I'll be glad when the race itself is over.
I am going to give farron balanced, david pakman, msnbc, etc a wide berth, for a while.
Bit burned out on politics
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 27, 2024, 04:16:13 PM(https://i.imgur.com/IUlmM5Gh.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/mKnbZn4h.png)
The Trump cult tries to make Trump look tall by having him stand on other people's shoulders.
Wow.
That is like...incredibly dishonest. INCREDIBLY so.
Well, Trump is, after all, incredibly dishonest.
Quote from: Unbeliever on October 28, 2024, 06:18:51 PMWell, Trump is, after all, incredibly dishonest.
You are quite right. And I suppose he spread some of that "dishonesty virus" to his followers. Or maybe they were just born with it.
Or maybe Trump just reinforced it, who knows.
Well, since I am here, I might as well ask the opinion of those who are apparently more knowledgeable than me.
First of all, I'm not American myself, but I am well aware that this election affects the WHOLE world, so this should concern all of us, literally.
So, my question is: what could possibly have happened with American society in these last 4 years, so that Trump is not only a candidate, but has actually real odds of winning, even if barely?
I mean, maybe I am misremembering, but when Biden-Harris won in 2020, there was enthusiasm before they won and celebration AFTER they won.
This time around, even if there is enthusiasm, it seems to me to be less than the last time. This shouldn't justify Trump coming back, but it seems like Trumpsters/Republicans/MAGA are more vocal now than Dems. This even could lead to the belief that they actually ARE the majority, and that a Democratic Party victory, if it happens, would indeed be likely a fraud.
So to me, the only logical explanation for Trump to be STILL running for POTUS and having a large number of voters to boot, is that the Biden-Harris administration was not "successful" in the minds of millions of Americans. So that a lot of voters could even be turning to the other side.
But this is only speculation, of course. I would like to hear the opinions of others.
@Hydra009, if you are reading this, how would you explain the decreased support for the Democratic ticket this time around?
Of course, anyone can chime in, if they want to.
Well, to REALLY sum up my latest inquiry, it seems like many Americans are "honestly" (kinda, sorta) simply DISSAPOINTED (yep, I found the right word) with the current government, and want a change. Is this really the case, though?
There's so much disinformation being promulgated to people who sit in far-right "stovepipes" of information that they are largely "disappointed. It's interesting that FAUX news can tell a horror story about the economy and then turn around and report another 250,000 jobs added to the economy. These people are so bamboozled that they don't know what to think. I worked in radio frequency communications for 25 years, and when the COVID shots came out, one of my neighbors told me that he heard that the shot had microchips for tracking people. This is a physical impossibility, given the size of the alleged particles and the frequency range that this would operate in. Not sure he believed me, and all his friends will tell him differently, anyway. He flies a "Trump" flag on the flagpole in his front yard. His "being tracked", if it were true, would be with his cell phone!
Quote from: Susan on October 28, 2024, 09:33:43 PMWell, to REALLY sum up my latest inquiry, it seems like many Americans are "honestly" (kinda, sorta) simply DISSAPOINTED (yep, I found the right word) with the current government, and want a change. Is this really the case, though?
As soon as the great war of dictators fades from living memory, monkey brains once again think we need a dictator to straighten it all up. People are fucking morons.
Quote from: Susan on October 28, 2024, 09:22:11 PMSo, my question is: what could possibly have happened with American society in these last 4 years, so that Trump is not only a candidate, but has actually real odds of winning, even if barely?
I mean, maybe I am misremembering, but when Biden-Harris won in 2020, there was enthusiasm before they won and celebration AFTER they won.
That is accurate. But Trump didn't just ride off into the sunset. He dominated the news with his court cases. Then he got hit with 34 felonies, which didn't really seem to affect him all that much in the primary, which he won. Also, the Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade and ruled that the President would have some sort of vague "immunity" when committing what would otherwise be crimes. Then the Republicans vowed to push through even radical changes with Project 2025, which a surprisingly large portion of the US is a-okay with. Soo...not exactly a festive atmosphere at the moment.
QuoteThis time around, even if there is enthusiasm, it seems to me to be less than the last time.
Depends on what you mean. There's more enthusiasm for Harris than there was for Biden. And there are even moments in which I forget about Trump even exists and consider Harris and her proposals in a vacuum. Those are nice moments. I genuinely am excited about the prospect of a Harris administration more than I would be another term with Biden, and I think Biden has done a lot of good.
But do I buy Harris t-shirts or bumper stickers or Harris sneakers or Harris Bibles? No.
QuoteSo to me, the only logical explanation for Trump to be STILL running for POTUS and having a large number of voters to boot, is that the Biden-Harris administration was not "successful" in the minds of millions of Americans. So that a lot of voters could even be turning to the other side.
Too early to tell. We won't know that until the votes are counted. What we do know is that early voting has set records and generally, the Democrats do better when more people vote.
Unfortunately, this is a deeply partisan country and those roots run deep and Trump has effectively taken over the Republican party. So Trump will get about 40% of the vote no matter what. Also unfortunately, some really bad actors with some incredibly deep pockets have taken up the Trump cause and waged a sort of information war on the US, with considerable success.
This upcoming election could be very close or extremely close depending on how much the little guys get bamboozled by the big guys.
And here's something I've been shouting from the rooftops for years:
Americans do generally want change, but the sorts of changes they want aren't on the ballot.
They want progressive policies enacted (https://www.citizen.org/news/progressive-policies-are-popular-policies/) - whether it's single payer healthcare, living wage, subsidized college, climate change to be taken seriously, etc. You sit people down and explain this stuff to them and they're on board.
There's just one tiny hiccup - they're just not on board when it comes to actually voting for candidates. The instant those hit pieces come out, they get cold feet, just like Republicans and gun control. Instead, we get to choose between a centrist and an absolute lunatic. Clown shoes and everything. And on the left side of the aisle, we need someone "presentable" and "realistic" and "presidential" - which to be honest is something the right needs to concern itself with much more than the left. But we're always losing till we've won, so we always have to concede to avoid risk and go with the centrist. (For some reason, the right is neither dissuaded from the risky approach nor particularly harmed by taking it, generally)
It's like the family asking itself what everyone wants to eat for dinner, 2 people say leftovers and 3 say cowpies (one said it as a joke to "troll" the family). And you want chicken scampi. What choice do you have?
Also, what the average joe wants and what'll pass in Congress are two very, very different things, which I am finding out with increasing sadness and frustration every year.
In a vague response to susan:
Also, you know, there is no doubt in my mind harris will get a plurality of the votes.
Hell, she might even get more votes than biden did.
But she might still lose, through the electoral college. And that is exhausting. You can have millions of people more voting for the not insane rapist, and still not come out on top. A few hundred thousand voters in a few key states can make the difference. In a true popularity contest, trump wouldn't stand a chance. But now, he does.
From what I've seen, Harris needs a two-point lead just to break even in the electoral college.
This is due to some people's vote being worth more than others in the current system. That's not a joke. If you boil it down, this is the reality of how the electoral system operates.
(https://preview.redd.it/magas-not-understanding-how-population-density-works-v0-y4i4idxvlmxd1.png?auto=webp&s=6e52ff04f35457835b127cdf4787e72663ceaf5e)
I feel like every four years, conservatives have to once again be taught the concept of population density.
Oh yeah...Yaphank, Long Island, New York. Home to Camp Siegfried.
(https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/media/filer_public_thumbnails/filer_public/67/c3/67c33f67-90d9-4401-8d6b-53cf65086368/alamy-cpj6df.jpg__800x566_q85_crop_subsampling-2.jpg)
Harris snags an endorsement from George W Bush......'s daughter (https://people.com/george-w-bush-s-daughter-barbara-breaks-silence-on-election-to-campaign-for-kamala-harris-exclusive-8735810) *subdued fanfare*
George W Bush wasn't available due to some sort of medical issue. Apparently, someone misplaced his spine.
How about Romney? He's famous for his (non)handling of another Republican who insisted that Republican candidates for President should be Christian, since after all, it is a church office /s
He bravely responded by saying that the Presidency is a secular office, any American who meets the age requirement can run by law, and that for the government to be truly representative - it should be as diverse as its people.
Just kidding, he kept the religious requirement - bizarrely agreeing with the bigot's logic - and just amended it to "person of faith" to let himself in. And then he failed to win the Presidency and watched in horror as the Republican party - that shining beacon of open-mindedness in his previous encounter - degenerate into Trump's private fanclub.
Yeah, his lips are sealed (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/08/us/politics/mitt-romney-trump-harris.html).
No biggie, just make or break time for the Republic.
https://i.imgur.com/f6EAbTZ.mp4
Trump imagines MTG blowing up in order to fearmonger about electric vehicles (https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-marjorie-taylor-greene-hydrogen-car-b2637330.html)
Soo...where are we at in terms of dementia? Is there some sort of Richter Scale or something? This isn't the same guy who ran in 2016. This guy really struggles to convey thoughts that never even had any value at all. It's like asking someone what 2 plus 2 and he just smashes his head into a wall. I can't even argue against that, I just have to back up slowly.
Quote"I won't say...," Trump sniggered as he cut off his tale. "We love her. Stand up Marjorie, stand up."
Jeez, and he said that right in front of her?! Fantasizes about her dying gruesomely, communicated that to the world, and right in front of her to boot. Yikes.
Trump's Promise to Young Men: I Am Your Retribution Against Women (https://newrepublic.com/article/187419/trumps-promise-young-men-retribution-against-women)
Lotta incel energy at that rally. I guess it's just mask off time with this guy.
QuoteA mid-October poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University found that Trump's appeal is rooted in voters' perceptions of his masculinity. While Harris leads Trump by three points in the national survey, 41 percent of likely voters say that Trump is "completely masculine," a view Daniel Cassino, the executive director of the poll, said is central to Trump's support. Notably, 68 percent of Republicans describe Trump that way, but just 14 percent of Democrats do.
QuoteIronically, Flood says, Trump embodies the very "feminine" qualities he disparages: He's highly emotional, throws tantrums, and gets his feelings hurt easily. As retired pro wrestler Dave Bautista said recently in a brutal takedown for Jimmy Kimmel's show, "Look at him: He wears more makeup than Dolly Parton.... The guy's afraid of birds.... The guy's barely strong enough to hold an umbrella.... He's got jugs—big ones, like Dolly Parton.... You know that dance he does? He looks like he's jacking off a pair of giraffes."
Arnold Schwarzenegger Endorses Kamala Harris (https://www.newsweek.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-endorses-kamala-harris-dont-recognize-our-country-1977324)
He put out a novel-length post on Twitter about it, but the cliff notes' version is essentially that even though he's not a fan of either party right now, he favors Harris over Trump.
Florida teen with machete arrested for voter intimidation at polling place (https://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-teen-machete-arrested-voter-intimidation-polling-place/story?id=115310490)
QuoteAn 18-year-old was arrested outside a Florida polling location Tuesday after police said he wielded a machete in order to intimidate voters.
Caleb James Williams faces charges of aggravated assaulted on a person 65 years of age or older and improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon.
In a press conference after the arrest, Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael J. Key said Williams "brandished a machete in an aggressive, threatening posture over his head" at two women, ages 71 and 54.
Williams was accompanied by seven other male teens, ages 16 and 17, who police said went to the Beaches Branch Library "to protest and antagonize the opposing political side."
"antagonize the opposing political side" is certainly one way to put it. Intimidate voters. Disturb and disrupt democracy in action. Threatening/using violence against civilians in pursuit of a political goal - that's basically the FBI definition of terrorism right there.
So let's play my least favorite game: Guess the political affiliation!
(it's like Jeopardy! but instead of answering trivia answers with a question, it's trying to keep both yourself and American democracy alive in the midst of rancid corruption in the halls of power and thuggery in the streets)
Need a hint? (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-supporter-wielding-machete-arrested-florida-polling-station-us-presidential-election-1977220)
QuoteSome of the juveniles had Donald Trump flags, while the two victims were holding Kamala Harris signs. Key said Williams "decided to brandish the machete over his head."
I'm sure they will all grow to be fine well established young men after this. Nothing says compromise like wielding a machete at a voting place.
Not really, Just go look at "Florida Man" memes. 😵�💫
Anyone else hoping it's a blowout in the first hours of the election? I can't stand the thought of things not going this direction early. If they do start out this way, it's over for Donny.
That won't stop him or his MAGAts from stamping their feet and contesting the results. This shit ain't over until (maybe then) the chump is dead.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 30, 2024, 09:12:08 PMNot really, Just go look at "Florida Man" memes. 😵�💫
On Fridays the Mark Thompson Show on YouTube has a segment called Friday Fabulous Florida, about stupid people in Florida doing stupid stuff! 🤣
It's funny as hell, and a good distraction from all of the political bs that they talk about the rest of the time.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on October 30, 2024, 10:26:30 PMThat won't stop him or his MAGAts from stamping their feet and contesting the results. This shit ain't over until (maybe then) the chump is dead.
Remember when these MAGA idiots thought that JFK was going to rise from the dead to legitimize Trump's victory? lol
Quote from: Blackleaf on October 31, 2024, 08:42:08 AMRemember when these MAGA idiots thought that JFK was going to rise from the dead to legitimize Trump's victory? lol
I'm glad I'm not so ignorant as to be lead around by the nose by cult personalities.
Quote from: ferdmonger on October 30, 2024, 09:59:49 PMAnyone else hoping it's a blowout in the first hours of the election? I can't stand the thought of things not going this direction early. If they do start out this way, it's over for Donny.
It's kind of a longshot, but I'm hoping on at least one battleground being handedly won by Harris. Lots of early voters and there are significantly more women early voting than men (https://www.newsweek.com/women-dominate-early-voting-trump-supporters-nervous-1977757).
Quote from: Susan on October 28, 2024, 09:22:11 PMThis time around, even if there is enthusiasm, it seems to me to be less than the last time.
About that...according to to early voting polls, the Dems have a significant lead in terms of voter enthusiasm.
Quote from: GallupSeventy percent of registered voters say they are more enthusiastic than usual about voting, similar to the 71% measured in August but higher than the 56% in March. The increase this summer was largely a result of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents expressing heightened enthusiasm after Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket, surging from 57% to 79% "more enthusiastic."
Now, Democrats maintain elevated election enthusiasm, at 77%, compared with 67% among Republicans.
Source (https://news.gallup.com/poll/652853/half-votes-likely-cast-election-day.aspx)
Quote from: NewsweekBoth numbers are the highest they've been since the President Barack Obama years, where the Democrat swept in on a 76 percent enthusiasm compared to 61 percent among Republicans, or when he won despite a surge in enthusiasm for Mitt Romney with 73 percent compared to 61 percent for the Democrats.
The 2016 election had a very narrow difference, with only 53 percent of Republicans enthusiastic compared to 50 percent for Democrats.
Source (https://www.newsweek.com/democrat-voter-enthusiasm-republicans-double-digits-poll-1978203)
Granted, turnout, not enthusiasm, is the true gane-ender. And so far, turnout has been very high.
In Springfield they're eating the hot dogs! They're eating the catfish! They're eating the goose livers! They're eating the duck a l'orange! 😱
🤣
In 1974 a story by William Jon Watkins was published, called The People's Choice, about an advertising executive who answers the question: "Given unlimited funds, could you make a short fat, ugly woman president of the United States?"
A story that I think about these days when I see what the public relations people have done with, and for, Donald Trump.
By the way, the answer was a resounding "Yes!"
I read an interesting article this morning on the NPR website about a couple of guys who are trying to make porn viewers aware of the possibility of one of their favorite pastimes getting rubbed out (no pun intended, well maybe it was) if Trump is elected. The message is simple: "Trump and Vance's Project 2025 will BAN PORN -- Enjoy while you can".
https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5168877/2024-election-pac-trump-porn-sites
The threat of porn elimination is no shit, no exageration. Here is the actual verbiage on page 5 of the Project 2025 document:
QuotePornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should
be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed
as registered sex offenders. And telecommunications and technology firms that
facilitate its spread should be shuttered.
Since the porn audience is predominately male, I hope this will make at least some of them realize that they will suffer a tremendous loss to what they regard as a personal freedom if Trump is elected.
To further drive home the point of impact, here is a clip from an episode of South Park where an internet outage has created a dire situation for the men of South Park.
I expect that the ban on porn is likely aimed at sex-education classes and associated materials.
A great read is "THE RAPE OF THE APE", By Allan Sherman.
APE: American Puritan Ethic.
Haven't read this book in a long time since I checked it out from the library. Just bought a copy for me and my son and daughter. The book is a damned hoot. Can't wait to read it again.
Oh, I'm also hoping that America comes to its senses, and massively and early decides on election night Donald Trump cannot be anywhere near the presidency of the United States again.
Quote from: ferdmonger on November 01, 2024, 08:54:48 PMOh, I'm also hoping that America comes to its senses, and massively and early decides on election night Donald Trump cannot be anywhere near the presidency of the United States again.
Bear in mind that Donald Trump never won the popular vote. If the USA held elections like most other democracies, Trump would've never been in office.
Also, if several layers of people we trust hadn't betrayed that trust, Trump would never have gotten traction in the first place. Without deep pockets and reality tv show producers and corrupt judges and disinformation amplifiers backing him, he's just a weird guy.
(https://i.imgur.com/mtc1J1el.png)
Well, all 5 of the young men and women in the extended fam reported in and voted blue down right down the line. We are so happy to hear that. I kidded the oldest, asking if his white-man ass feels emasculated by voting for a black women, LOL. He said he went on her website and actually liked what she stands for. Yey!
Quote from: Cassia on November 01, 2024, 09:19:28 PMWell, all 5 of the young men and women in the extended fam reported in and voted blue down right down the line. We are so happy to hear that. I kidded the oldest, asking if his white-man ass feels emasculated by voting for a black women, LOL. He said he went on her website and actually liked what she stands for. Yey!
Same. Even a couple Republicans. The governor race in NC has gotten a tad one-sided (https://elections2024.thehill.com/north-carolina/north-carolina-governor-stein-robinson/).
While I don't deny that some people vote in an...*tries to think of a nice way to put it*....erratic fashion, my experience is more with straight-ticket people, especially in recent years. Cause it doesn't make much sense to vote in people who oppose each other to the core.
With the Democrat the clear favorite for Governor, I wonder how many people will realistically vote Democrat for Governor and Trump for President, especially given that the Republican has gotten Trump's blessing (inadvertently confirming the nazi allegations). I suppose it's happened before - in 2020, Trump won NC with less than a 2% margin but the Governor went to the Democrat by 4.5% of the vote. We'll see.
I've never understood why 10 counts of obstruction of justice outlined in the Mueller report were allowed to wither on the vine.
Merrick the Meek. Sounds a lot like Sir Robin.
I must admit that I'm getting just a bit antsy about this farce of an election. I'm sure Harris will win the popular vote with no problem, but the Republicans are cooking up a bunch of shenanigans. But at least the Democrats know something of what they will attempt, so maybe they can prevent a travesty of justice from occurring. But they don't know how to play hardball.
Can anyone tell me what the hell "nuclear warming" is? Trump says we don't have to worry about global warming, we have to worry about "nuclear warming," but I don't know what that is. 🤔
WAG- he means "nuclear winter", but he's demented, so maybe something else.
Whether trump meant winter or warming, the greatest threat to us all would be if the codes are in his slimy hands.
A few of you might remember this ad from the LBJ campaign toward the end of the 1964 Presidential campaign.
The chump called off that fighter jet whose pilot was going to ace Suliemani (sp) near the last minute. He's a chickenshit and I don't think he has the mental fortitude to be responsible for that much death, his laissez -faire attitude during Covid notwithstanding.
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 02, 2024, 02:50:10 PMCan anyone tell me what the hell "nuclear warming" is? Trump says we don't have to worry about global warming, we have to worry about "nuclear warming," but I don't know what that is. 🤔
It's what happens when you have too much covfefe in the atmosphere.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on November 02, 2024, 05:51:22 PMThe chump called off that fighter jet whose pilot was going to ace Suliemani (sp) near the last minute. He's a chickenshit and I don't think he has the mental fortitude to be responsible for that much death, his laissez -faire attitude during Covid notwithstanding.
Remember that he asked why can't we use nuclear weapons since we have them. Also he suggested nuking a hurricane. In a second trump presidency, the only advisors around him would be sycophants saying nothing but "yes mr president". And for the hurricane suggestion, there would not be any scientists on staff to explain to him why nuking one would be colossally stupid, because as per Project 2025, NOAA would be dismantled.
Quote from: Luther Martini on November 02, 2024, 08:19:27 PMRemember that he asked why can't we use nuclear weapons since we have them. Also he suggested nuking a hurricane. In a second trump presidency, the only advisors around him would be sycophants saying nothing but "yes mr president". And for the hurricane suggestion, there would not be any scientists on staff to explain to him why nuking one would be colossally stupid, because as per Project 2025, NOAA would be dismantled.
The chump knows everything, by his book. As for nukes, again I will say that he's chicken and will back down. As for his sycophants , they will be equally inept at moving the levers of the "Deep State" government. I hope.
Quote from: Luther Martini on November 02, 2024, 08:19:27 PMRemember that he asked why can't we use nuclear weapons since we have them. Also he suggested nuking a hurricane. In a second trump presidency, the only advisors around him would be sycophants saying nothing but "yes mr president". And for the hurricane suggestion, there would not be any scientists on staff to explain to him why nuking one would be colossally stupid, because as per Project 2025, NOAA would be dismantled.
Holy fuck. Just what we need. A hurricane carrying nuclear fallout.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 02, 2024, 09:08:25 PMHoly fuck. Just what we need. A hurricane carrying nuclear fallout.
Yeah, I wouldn't want to have to chart the survivability of that one!
Quote from: Dark Lightning on November 02, 2024, 09:01:12 PMThe chump knows everything, by his book. As for nukes, again I will say that he's chicken and will back down. As for his sycophants , they will be equally inept at moving the levers of the "Deep State" government. I hope.
Well, I hope that Kamala Harris is our next president, and therefore discussions of what a second trump term will be remain just that -- discussions and moot.
We've only got a few more days to find out. I wonder how much violence will occur after Trump loses? He said his supporters won't be violent, but, knowing him, I'm sure he was lying.
^ Yeah, I don't believe that for a New York Second. That asshole is going to be stirring that MAGA hornet's nest right up until he can't. And none of the social media is going to let his shit fall off the RADAR screen, either. Too much click bait. I miss socially responsible news stories.
Harris currently has a slight lead in Iowa (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/iowa-poll/2024/11/02/iowa-poll-kamala-harris-leads-donald-trump-2024-presidential-race/75354033007/), which wasn't even a battleground state. It was a red state. 47% to 44%. Not a huge lead, but enough to make it a toss-up.
In 2020, Iowa voted for Trump 53% and Biden ~45%. So that's a big shift, if it continues through to election day.
Garbage decision: Trump blows his lead (https://fortune.com/2024/11/02/election-odds-donald-trump-lead-kamala-harris-madison-square-garden-rally-electoral-votes/) (and microphone) shortly before election, giving Harris narrow edge
QuoteThe spectacle boasted around three-dozen speakers, but few top politicians and no widely-respected statesmen. They divided mainly between highly controversial Trump loyalists who embodied—and from the podium, championed—the candidate's most extreme views, and marquee names from the worlds of entertainment and right-wing media.
To be fair, that's all he really has going for him. No former Presidents and I very much doubt the former Vice President will want to say a few words considering the whole "trying to kill you" thing.
Harris leads by 10 points in Virginia (https://virginiamercury.com/2024/11/01/harris-expands-her-lead-over-trump-to-10-points-in-virginia-new-roanoke-college-poll-says/)
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 02, 2024, 10:37:37 PMWe've only got a few more days to find out. I wonder how much violence will occur after Trump loses? He said his supporters won't be violent, but, knowing him, I'm sure he was lying.
He still claims that his people on January 6th were "peaceful protesters," and that they didn't have a single gun. Despite how obviously false that is, and how easily footage of the contrary can be found, lots of stupid people believe it.
Nobody died.
Ashley babbot died.
We didn't have guns. They had the guns.
After everything Trump has said and done, I will never understand how this isn't a landslide for Harris. This guy is really your hill to die on, Republicans? This guy:
(https://i0.wp.com/www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trump-wisconsin-rally.jpg?fit=990%2C557&ssl=1)
When things start to go south early for Donny, I predict that within three hours of the polls closing he takes the stage at Mar A Lago (stolen documents discretely moved to another room) to begin denouncing the results.
"I won those counties hugely big last time, and now they're saying that sleazebag Harris is running even with me. We've already caught them cheating! Stop the counting now! This election is hugely rigged and illegal!"
(https://i.imgur.com/kpKBYaXl.jpeg)
Lotta people making big promises lately.
And yes, this is the same assbreather who pretended to be black online as some sort of weird astroturfing for Trump but was too dumb to realize he hadn't switched accounts, so he posted it under his real name. I doubt he would have enough marksmanship to make good on his threat.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 03, 2024, 06:54:47 PM(https://i.imgur.com/kpKBYaXl.jpeg)
Lotta people making big promises lately.
And yes, this is the same assbreather who pretended to be black online as some sort of weird astroturfing for Trump but was too dumb to realize he hadn't switched accounts, so he posted it under his real name. I doubt he would have enough marksmanship to make good on his threat.
Didn't he pretend to be a black woman, at that?
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 03, 2024, 07:01:28 PMDidn't he pretend to be a black woman, at that?
Yes. Complete with horrible grammar, which is a very telling assumption.
(https://i.imgur.com/MKpdcx3l.png)
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 03, 2024, 07:04:13 PMYes. Complete with horrible grammar, which is a very telling assumption.
(https://i.imgur.com/MKpdcx3l.png)
😄 (I) Can't make this shit up! I truly think that "Chump Derangement Syndrome" is one of the BEST projections these magats can come up with. Giant flags on their diesel trucks, chump bibles, chump bitcoin, chump MAGA hats (made in China), chump gold sneakers. This is religion/snake oil at its finest. The same crowds.
You must be proud Joey. Do you have a bottom, or can you go even lower? Inquiring minds want to know.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on November 03, 2024, 07:22:35 PM😄 (I) Can't make this shit up! I truly think that "Chump Derangement Syndrome" is one of the BEST projections these magats can come up with. Giant flags on their diesel trucks, chump bibles, chump bitcoin, chump MAGA hats (made in China), chump gold sneakers. This is religion/snake oil at its finest. The same crowds.
Go easy on them, they don't even have the courage to say Fuck Joe Biden directly. They had to make it some sort of enigma machine cryptogram that a 4-year-old could crack. No wonder the fascists lost WWII (that means World War Two, for those burdened with MAGA mental acuity)
--No wonder the fascists lost WWII (that means World War Two, for those burdened with MAGA mental acuity)--
Ouch. And so true.
"What do you think of Peleliu?"
"Peleliu? I'd never vote for her. Too radical."
Well, one thing HAS changed. One side decided it didn't want to bother with the whole voting thing. Soon, they won't need to pretend. They can do whatever they want. Don't like it? Oh, you'll just have to vote them out next time. Oh, wait! That's right. It's rigged now!
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 04, 2024, 07:19:05 AMWell, one thing HAS changed. One side decided it didn't want to bother with the whole voting thing. Soon, they won't need to pretend. They can do whatever they want. Don't like it? Oh, you'll just have to vote them out next time. Oh, wait! That's right. It's rigged now!
It's not a stretch to imagine violent retribution against all vocal anti-MAGA people if these assholes are given power again.
Even if they're not given power again.
In case i don't log in tomorrow.
Best of luck, to my online american friends tomorrow and in the coming days.
May the bullshit be minimal.
Here is hoping to a NO-TRUMP NOvember
Hello,
Well, thanks to everyone here who kindly answered to what I deemed to be pivotal questions regarding this election. Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to reply back, continue the conversation, or even make some comments on those answers in the following days. But since precisely tomorrow is Election Day, there should be plenty of relevant discussion not only on that day, but in the rest of the week as well and probably even after that.
Anyway, again, thank you all for indulging me. 🙂
Can't speak for everyone, but ifi could, i would be certain in saying we all appreciate your input too :D
(https://i.imgur.com/OduDS8Jl.png)
I fully expect Harris to win the popular vote, but I'm concerned about all the shenanigans the GOP has planned to put Trump a l'orange back into the White House. 😱
(https://i.imgur.com/G1EIgErl.jpeg)
Just got a conservative spam text. It recommended voting conservative straight ticket and told me that they're a "biblically-centered" (aka theocratic) organization.
I basically told them that they suck and I hope their ship goes down in flames.
I don't think Trump a l'orange expects to win by getting more votes, I think he expects to win by hook and crook. The GOP has a plethora of shenanigans to get him back into the White House.
They tried to swing my vote by showing my a clip of a transexual playing volleyball. We just got hit hard by a hurricane. Our allies are credibly threatened. Our democracy is equally threatened. There's a long list of existential threats to care about. Volleyball players aren't on that list.
If these clowns think that'll swing the vote, they're going to lose and lose hard. They didn't even bother to get in touch until literally the night before - indicating poor foresight and last minute panic.
Good. They should be terrified. They should sleep terrified. Wake terrified. Shower terrified. Sit on the toilet terrified. They're going to fall and fall hard. Maybe tomorrow maybe in four years, maybe longer. But their theocratic crusade is going to crash and burn and when it does, I want to sit and watch it burn and tell them what fools they were to try to subvert America and turn back the march of progress. Their kind will be resigned to the dustbin of history, known only as bigots and troublemakers - an irritant and embarrassment - that stood in the way of American greatness and eventually got trampled underfoot.
Tucker sweetens the deal (https://www.newsweek.com/tucker-carlson-elon-musk-kamala-harris-1979949)
My only regret is that I have but one vote to give.
I watch the tuck about as much as the chump, which is to say as little as possible. I really hope Harris is the next prexy. I'd love to see these guys look like this-
(https://i.imgur.com/Y0UovyT.gif)
Well, I'm pretty sure Robert Burns was right when he said, "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley."
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 04, 2024, 06:22:06 PMThey tried to swing my vote by showing my a clip of a transexual playing volleyball. We just got hit hard by a hurricane. Our allies are credibly threatened. Our democracy is equally threatened. There's a long list of existential threats to care about. Volleyball players aren't on that list.
If these clowns think that'll swing the vote, they're going to lose and lose hard. They didn't even bother to get in touch until literally the night before - indicating poor foresight and last minute panic.
Good. They should be terrified. They should sleep terrified. Wake terrified. Shower terrified. Sit on the toilet terrified. They're going to fall and fall hard. Maybe tomorrow maybe in four years, maybe longer. But their theocratic crusade is going to crash and burn and when it does, I want to sit and watch it burn and tell them what fools they were to try to subvert America and turn back the march of progress. Their kind will be resigned to the dustbin of history, known only as bigots and troublemakers - an irritant and embarrassment - that stood in the way of American greatness and eventually got trampled underfoot.
Y'all got more hurcains cuz a da homo trans agenda, dontchaknow?
No, seriously though. Hope you and yours are recovering well.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 05, 2024, 03:43:14 AMY'all got more hurcains cuz a da homo trans agenda, dontchaknow?
No, seriously though. Hope you and yours are recovering well.
I have an aunt in Asheville and there wasn't much damage at her place. The main problem was damage to the roads and lack of water/power/internet for an extended period of time. Things have more or less returned to normal, though.
Trump and other conservatives using her plight to sow disinfo in the hopes of both making it worse and scoring political points infuriated the entire family. We've never been as united politically as we are now.
It's one thing to have a different point of view or different plan of action. It's quite another to exploit and attack Americans for personal gain. I hope enough Americans wake up to that to derail the Trump train for good.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 05, 2024, 07:31:43 AMI have an aunt in Asheville and there wasn't much damage at her place. The main problem was damage to the roads and lack of water/power/internet for an extended period of time. Things have more or less returned to normal, though.
Trump and other conservatives using her plight to sow disinfo in the hopes of both making it worse and scoring political points infuriated the entire family. We've never been as united politically as we are now.
It's one thing to have a different point of view or different plan of action. It's quite another to exploit and attack Americans for personal gain. I hope enough Americans wake up to that to derail the Trump train for good.
Well, we will find out by tomorrow if the US has enough brain power to continue. So many spoiled snowflake boomers and disenfranchised young males who feel hopeless and just want to watch it all burn. And they have just the guy to do it. The internet has sucked their brains right out of their heads. Morons who believe every dogshit, garbage thing the see.
Financially I have protected the portfolio from the inevitable Trump-policy recession, just in case he wins. Trailing stop-loss, extra income bonds. It will be a stock-buying opportunity at the least. From what he has been saying, the experts agree, Trump doesn't understand a fucking thing about the economy. Investors like Warren Buffet are sitting on piles of cash for when the stock bubble bursts, they will swoop in for the scraps.
Quote from: Cassia on November 05, 2024, 08:26:56 AMFinancially I have protected the portfolio from the inevitable Trump-policy recession, just in case he wins. Trailing stop-loss, extra income bonds. It will be a stock-buying opportunity at the least. From what he has been saying, the experts agree, Trump doesn't understand a fucking thing about the economy. Investors like Warren Buffet are sitting on piles of cash for when the stock bubble bursts, they will swoop in for the scraps.
I'm acting along those same lines, but it is only self defense. I don't relish doubling my investments as the world burns.
Trumps ends campaign at Raleigh - NC capital - at a very small venue with lots of empty seats (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-met-empty-seats-final-rallies-1979972)
I was there during the state fair - 5000 seats total and that's only if people are packed like sardines. It was never meant for super large events, so I guess it's perfect for Trump.
QuoteIn North Carolina, Trump kicked off his marathon final day of campaigning, calling the state "ours to lose."
Disgusting but true - North Carolina has long been a red state, albeit with progressive urban areas ringed with heavily conservative rural areas, like most other red states.
It has also been taken for granted by Republicans - and its demographics are changing. NC is a mix of North and South, recent immigrants and people who have been here for generations, not to mention the divide between young and old. None of that favors the Republicans.
Trump's doubling down on fascism and election violence has infuriated progressives, alienated moderates, and delighted cryptofascists here. Hopefully, the first two outvote the last one.
I would very much love to see his meltdown if Harris takes the state, since that would almost certainly doom his run, much like Georgia doomed his run four years ago.
Trump doesn't hold political rallies, he holds religious revivals.
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 05, 2024, 03:29:16 PMTrump doesn't hold political rallies, he holds religious revivals.
All he talks about is himself and how mean and stupid everyone else is. He just holds these rallies so his audience can cheer for him and go, "It'll be okay. You're so smart and competent at everything you do." It's pathetic.
I feel like this should be obvious, but don't freak out about early results (https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/dont-be-fooled-early-us-vote-counts-they-might-be-misleading-985551). They're not predictive and usually are wildly different from the actual results. It's not over till it's over - no one's lost until the votes are in, and no one's won until the votes are in.
In 2020, there was a "red mirage" of Trump seemingly dominating only for the results to shift against him as cities started being counted. Hence the infamous "count the votes" simultaneously with "stop the count" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq1vWMCIF-M) followed by "stop the steal".
A popular conservative argument was that it's impossible for one person to lead during the day and then another to lead during the night without some sort of malfeasance. Clearly, an indictment of our educational system.
Another popular theory was that Biden isn't popular because there aren't tons of Biden bumper stickers and t-shirts and tattoos and therefore not as many people voted for him as the vote count says. Watertight logic.
And finally, there's the evergreen argument that more empty land goes for Republicans than comparatively smaller civilized and urbanized areas. Therefore, because of the square footage rule (one of the amendments in the Bill of Rights, surely) the Republicans are the real victors. Again, schools should receive better funding.
Yeah, the proverbial fat lady ain't sung yet.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 05, 2024, 10:26:23 PMAnother popular theory was that Biden isn't popular because there aren't tons of Biden bumper stickers and t-shirts and tattoos and therefore not as many people voted for him as the vote count says. Watertight logic.
Did they ever consider that maybe Liberals just aren't as obnoxious or fanatical as they are?
We'll see how it goes. It's depressing that after all Trump has said and done, he still has any chance of winning. The world's biggest narcissist, who promised to fuck over the whole system if elected, and people actually vote for him. Fuck this country. Goddamn it.
As far as i can see, for now it is 210 vs 230. With trump in the lead and even polling higher in the popular vote, which really surprises me.
Can anyone tell me, the remaining states, do they count their mail in ballots last?
And is it feasible to get 60 more for harris at this point?
Nytimes gives trump a 95% chance at this time, but not sure i wholly believe them.
This fucking country.
Quote from: Sargon The Grape on November 06, 2024, 01:29:47 AMThis fucking country.
I should be sleeping, but I'm truly stressing over this election, like no other. If the chump regains the WH, this isn't a country that I truly want to live in. Though I'm not sure where I could possibly go. I'm in California, but still, the massive blow just to women's rights will still be immense. If he wins, I will be disgusted by my "fellow" Americans. One of my sons thinks that a lot of people are disaffected with the way Kamala got on the ballot. I get it, I don't like it either, but the
alternative? What a clusterfuck.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 05, 2024, 10:26:23 PMI feel like this should be obvious, but don't freak out about early results (https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/dont-be-fooled-early-us-vote-counts-they-might-be-misleading-985551). They're not predictive and usually are wildly different from the actual results. It's not over till it's over - no one's lost until the votes are in, and no one's won until the votes are in.
In 2020, there was a "red mirage" of Trump seemingly dominating only for the results to shift against him as cities started being counted. Hence the infamous "count the votes" simultaneously with "stop the count" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq1vWMCIF-M) followed by "stop the steal".
A popular conservative argument was that it's impossible for one person to lead during the day and then another to lead during the night without some sort of malfeasance. Clearly, an indictment of our educational system.
Another popular theory was that Biden isn't popular because there aren't tons of Biden bumper stickers and t-shirts and tattoos and therefore not as many people voted for him as the vote count says. Watertight logic.
And finally, there's the evergreen argument that more empty land goes for Republicans than comparatively smaller civilized and urbanized areas. Therefore, because of the square footage rule (one of the amendments in the Bill of Rights, surely) the Republicans are the real victors. Again, schools should receive better funding.
If anyone remembers (or even cares to remember), I said I wouldn't post here for some days at least, but due to the events of this catastrophic Tuesday night, I have no choice but to reply to your post with the following question (since it is kind of unavoidable in the light of what you wrote, anyway):
You seriously see some kind of even
remote chance to reverse this 214-248 scenario (as of now) tomorrow, or at
any time in, say, the following days?
No irony whatsoever here, truly. I just can't see how anyone can be "optimistic" given these very recent results. I just know *I* ain't.
EDIT: If I said something dumb on this post, please forgive me. I am 30 years old, not American, and this is the only USA election I have followed that closely so far (2020 was the real first time, but the "awful truth" is that I didn't care much back then).
I am not surprised. I had hope, but the Covid fiasco clued me in with just how stupid America has become.
Quote from: Susan on November 06, 2024, 02:01:43 AMIf anyone remembers (or even cares to remember), I said I wouldn't post here for some days at least, but due to the events of this catastrophic Tuesday night, I have no choice but to reply to your post with the following question (since it is kind of unavoidable in the light of what you wrote, anyway):
You seriously see some kind of even remote chance to reverse this 214-248 scenario (as of now) tomorrow, or at any time in, say, the following days?
No irony whatsoever here, truly. I just can't see how anyone can be "optimistic" given these very recent results. I just know *I* ain't.
I think it is over, now that he has claimed pennsylvania.
Disheartening.
Makes me worried about the future.
I forsee a bleak global future.
Let us hope i am equally bad at predicting that.
Well, I suppose there's one silver lining. He's by far the most meme-able president we've ever had.
(https://gifdb.com/images/high/iconic-donald-trump-dancing-r768603gz4n8b7xb.webp)
Quote from: Susan on November 06, 2024, 02:01:43 AMIf anyone remembers (or even cares to remember), I said I wouldn't post here for some days at least, but due to the events of this catastrophic Tuesday night, I have no choice but to reply to your post with the following question (since it is kind of unavoidable in the light of what you wrote, anyway):
You seriously see some kind of even remote chance to reverse this 214-248 scenario (as of now) tomorrow, or at any time in, say, the following days?
Apparently, being optimistic doesn't always work out for me. :(
I have a feeling we'll all regret the results, including Trump supporters, who have dressed up in diapers and garbage bags and gleefully embraced racist identity politics, dictatorial rule, and abandoning our allies and have not only remained in the race but been rewarded for it. Many people will die because of their many failings and we may even lose many of our rights for a time.
My only solace is that my state has elected a democratic governor and some ballot measures have gone in favorable ways, but that's cold comfort.
It was always an uphill battle against deep pockets, gerrymandered districts, and russia-backed disinformation - another thing we'll see a lot more of due to it being rewarded - and sadly, there simply aren't enough decent, patriotic Americans to compensate.
America is no longer a place where cooler heads prevail and the world will see the dark results of that firsthand.
(https://i.redd.it/0l6gsyzrx7zd1.png)
I didn't watch the results last night. I didn't want the stress. I turned on my computer this morning, and there it was. I was braced for it, however.
I'm betting the war in Ukraine will be over in a hurry. They refused to do Trump's dirty work, and now it's payback.
(https://media.tenor.com/RJrgBlJ61Y8AAAAM/star-wars-padme-amidala.gif)
Look at the bright side. Elon is a very, very smart man and will be in charge of lots of things, warm weather and hurricanes are a hoax, be lotssa cute extra babies for jesus, we gonna round up all them Mexican rapist/fruit pickers, we will be great friends with Pootin' and cute lil Kim and no more Ukrainian and there Nazis. Kid Rock is the bestest musician, and we gonna git all them free-loadin, old folks back to work, soins they can go see the doctor.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 06, 2024, 06:31:34 AM(https://i.redd.it/0l6gsyzrx7zd1.png)
Was that the 2004 election? So, that means literally 20 years have passed, and Americans did not learn squat...what a fucking tragedy. That's all I can say, unfortunately...
The bright side is we'll never have to vote again. This election is the last time that will mean anything.
Means i am 0 for 3 for predicting presidents, btw.
Makes me question the 200 bucks i paid for my online diploma from 'psychics and oracles'.com
Just goes to show. No amount of checks and balances can protect humans from their own stupidity. If America didn't fail today, it would have only been a matter of time. Corruption always finds its way in eventually, and the rot has existed in American politics for a long time.
Time to ignite Project Sundial. Put humanity out of its misery.
The problem is that the bad guys have a major advantage: they don't have to follow the rules.
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 06, 2024, 10:15:09 AMThe problem is that the bad guys have a major advantage: they don't have to follow the rules.
Well, they didn't have to break the rules this time. We took one look at Project 2025 and said, "Yeah, alright. Sounds good to me. Here's all the power you need to make it happen."
Quote from: Cassia on November 06, 2024, 08:31:16 AMLook at the bright side. Elon is a very, very smart man and will be in charge of lots of things, warm weather and hurricanes are a hoax, be lotssa cute extra babies for jesus, we gonna round up all them Mexican rapist/fruit pickers, we will be great friends with Pootin' and cute lil Kim and no more Ukrainian and there Nazis. Kid Rock is the bestest musician, and we gonna git all them free-loadin, old folks back to work, soins they can go see the doctor.
Don't forget that brainworm guy in charge of health policy (https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/05/what-trumps-health-pick-rfk-jr-could-mean-for-patients-drugmakers.html). Last pandemic, under Trump 1 out of 300 Americans died of covid. This guy would work hard to top that. Even without a pandemic, that would be disasterous. With a pandemic...let's just say that Putin need not threaten us with nukes.
Hey, it's been awhile.
If yall really want to understand why Trump had a landslide victory of Harris from the perspective of someone not in the echo chamber, I can only do my best to try and answer that question. I've been poking my head in a few times to see if a variety of topics have been discussed, but didn't feel it was my place to say anything as it might be seen as an attempt to sway votes.
These are in no particular order, but all of these factored in heavily in switching me from a Democrat of nearly two decades to a MAGA (not Trump) Republican.
1. Refusal to hold a primary election. Despite my last statement, this one perhaps does hold the largest sway, and I will put it shortly to allow for examples in later reasons; you cannot claim that someone is trying to destroy democracy while you yourself are not allowing people to democratically chose a candidate they support but instead telling them that the party will chose for them. They have been pushing their luck on this for cycles and they finally pushed too far.
2. Accusing everyone who disagrees with Harris/votes for Trump of being a racist is not a winning strategy, particularly when Harris, her campaign, and her supporters have been marred by racism for over a decade as best as I can remember.
In this cycle alone harassment of Jews and vandalism of their property, assaults of Asians, accusations that African Americans who don't vote for her are traitors to their race, and whites who don't vote for her are doing so because they are inherently racist and predisposed to an inherent sense of superiority and privilege due to the hue of their complexation.
Before that the use of African American criminals being killed while committing crimes as a means to spark social outrage - and thus political and economic benefit -, the erasure of Southern history, the identity politics of Democrats, calling people concerned about illegal immigrations bigots all have pushed people away from the party.
For brevities sake, the rest...
3. Accusing everyone who doesn't support Harris/supports Trump sexist is not a winning strategy - I *do not care* what is between her legs. And this ties closely into abortion - opposition to abortion is not sexism nor proves hatred of women.
4. Sending FBI agents into Catholic Churches, harassing Amish and other minority Christian groups, and actively targeting politicians to be harassed or denied government positions due to their faith is not a good way to attract new voters.
5. Lying about Trump at a nearly constant level, often through the method of misquoting or outright misinterpreting his statements, cutting and editing videos, etc. - leads to curious minds looking more into him, and when people learn you've been lying about him the entire time it drives them towards him.
6. Refusing to do interviews, failing each interview in *unbelievable fashion* (including an incredibly sexist remark about men in the... "Call Her Daddy"... interview,) and using the few minutes you chose to be on camera to demean everyone else and refuse to talk about your own policy cost Harris many supporters - and it went down ticket as well, as I saw first hand between Ted Cruz and Allred who lied and avoided questions the entire debate he was given.
There are quite a few more, but I feel like this should be a good start to dispel the myth that it has to do with sexism, hatred of women, racism, ignorance, or any of the other nonsense that has been pushed on us for awhile now.
Otherwise, good to see yall and it makes me sad to see how deeply ingrained this ideology still holds here.
I'm surrounded by Conservatives. If I'm stuck in an echo chamber, it's theirs. The reason why Trump won is simple. People are stupid. That's it. If you believe the obvious lie that Trump was miraculously ignorant of Project 2025, you're gonna be in for a surprise.
I mean, sure - I wouldn't mind being pleasantly surprised.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 02:59:16 PMI mean, sure - I wouldn't mind being pleasantly surprised.
You'd be pleasantly surprised to live under a one-party government?
I can hone up to having been in somewhat of a echo-chamber. I mean: i work in a societal-serving sector. Most of my colleagues are left leaning. Most of them are women. Most of them don't think poverty is a choice, and that people who are down should get empathy and help and support.
My friends, most of them, are like that too, though not all. And my family, the same.
And sure, when i look up talking heads to do the dishes to, it's not gonna be ben shapiro.
So, i can say that i had been left in a daze, in so much that i dared hope and yes even expect harris to win.
But honestly, i don't think that is more of an echo chamber than most are in. And i don't agree with most of your points, shiranu. Explaining why not, would probably take me a few pages, as i don't even know where to start with some of them.
But i do want to say this, i think many of trump's voters have been in a echo chamber themselves. Yes; they won. I am not denying that. But i feel, as admittedly a none-american, that the choice could not have been clearer. And that to vote for trump must meant a lot of people kept some serious blinders on. It is not that they weren't in echo chambers. I expect theirs to have been more efficient, though.
One last thing.
I never had an interest into going into politics. We had a bad run here too. But seeing the results in your country, i feel, is cementing something for me.
I am thinking of joining our green party. Who also got pummeled but who i have voted for since the second bout of elections i could participate in. I mighr join. And try to get active in that world.
Because... well, i always have felt that politics should be left up to people who are better than me. People who are smarter.
But i am starting to comprehend that by leaving it to others, i might just be leaving it to those who are more dumb and worse.
And i do not want to see happen here what happened in your country.
Well, so much for Trump going to prison.
Yup, and all those 1/6 assholes are going to get out of prison, and the remainder won't even go to trial. He'll pardon Giuliani and the rest of his henchmen and rule the roost.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on November 06, 2024, 03:58:57 PMYup, and all those 1/6 assholes are going to get out of prison, and the remainder won't even go to trial. He'll pardon Giuliani and the rest of his henchmen and rule the roost.
They are all like cartoon characters. We have an ARK-shaped building down the road from a creation "museum". We have preachers who live in multi-million-dollar houses and have personal jet aircraft. And people on Medicare and social security voting for billionaires who as Warren Buffet says about himself... "pay less taxes than the cleaning lady". This is what happens when they tell you at age 5 that an iron-age, second-tier Canaanite storm god named YWHW needs you to worship him so you can be happy forever. It's never going to be easy for Americans who have rational brain power.
I'm glad I'm old. Good luck to you poor fucks.
@Shiranu Hi and welcome back. I hope you're doing okay.
While I do admit to having lots of liberal friends/family and know few conservatives - the conservatives I do know have positions akin to Romney or Liz Cheney. I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing. I vividly remember having to debate "no-go zones" and Pizzagate and "vaccine shedding" and "mandatory gay marriage" and other similarly incorrect opinions based on very, very, very little but held as if there were mountains of evidence in their favor. These sorts of things require a surprising amount of effort to debunk but a trivial effort to accept as truth. I note that these sorts of beliefs have a tendency to endure not because of their veracity but primarily because of ideological/psychological reasons.
I don't think it's necessarily a good thing to surround oneself with people of different beliefs
if those beliefs lack merit. For example, I don't think it's good to have friends who deny that the holocaust happened or that the Earth is flat. Though I admit that those examples are low-hanging fruit and acknowledge that delineating that gets more difficult the closer we get to positions based on well-documented evidence.
I do note that many conservatives, maybe even yourself, also hold very negative views of Trump for reasons that are shockingly similar to the reasons liberals give. Former staffers, former critics in the Republican Party, former Presidents who are Republican, etc. So if disliking Trump constitutes an echo chamber, it is a surprisingly spacious one.
As for figuring out the reasons for the loss - I actually agree with you that switching candidates after the primary was a bad idea and said as much at the time - for an echo chamber, posters here on AF disagree a lot. But in recent years, it's usually been in an amicable way, which is something I greatly appreciate. I was okay with the switch to Harris because I view Harris's policies as an extension of Biden's policies. If there were some big policy shift, then I would have much more of a problem with it.
I will give your idea that Harris lost because liberals lie about Trump the due consideration it deserves and examine the available evidence for that to the best of my ability.
If I may, I would humbly suggest that there are a variety of factors involved in the election loss - including but not limited to: Biden's unpopularity, the suddenness of Harris' campaign, apparently poor campaign efforts in Pennsylvania, billionaire support for Trump, Musk's takeover of Twitter and the deluge of pro-Trump posts there, - the elephant in the room - lingering bigoted attitudes, etc. I would venture that we don't actually know exactly what went wrong...yet. But one or more reasons will ultimately be decided on, correctly or incorrectly. Perhaps we could circle back to this topic then.
I'm willing to entertain the idea that I'm wrong about Trump. Tell you what, let's make a couple predictions about the next administration and see who gets closer to the truth. I say that Trump's reign will be a shitshow, much like his previous administration. Specifically, I predict that US aid to Ukraine will be stopped by Trump and Ukraine's position will become precarious. I predict that Trump will NOT solve the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine in a day - I agree with Zelenskyy there. Instead, Ukraine will be pressured to accept Russian rule over even more of its territory and accept some sort of "peace" deal. I have no idea what happens after that. I also predict that getting an abortion will be much harder for American women and that corruption/criminal activity will happen under a new Trump admin on a level that would put the old one to shame. Again, I have no idea what happens after that.
If you have a different prediction, I challenge you to present it here and invite the entire forum to check up on both our posts on Jan 1, 2029 and comment on which one of us got closer to the truth.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 06, 2024, 03:14:21 PMYou'd be pleasantly surprised to live under a one-party government?
I would be pleasantly surprised if Trump actually read a 600+ page document from an organization that has nothing to do with him.
The chump is competent to look at the pictures and turn the pages, that is all. He has lot of asshole lined up to do his worst for him.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 06, 2024, 03:15:46 PM...So, i can say that i had been left in a daze, in so much that i dared hope and yes even expect harris to win.
Most Trump supporters aren't like the characters you just portrayed, which is exactly what I am talking about; judgement from ignorance and intentional bigotry based upon political beliefs and regional racism.
QuoteI am thinking of joining our green party.
My condolences.
QuoteIf you have a different prediction, I challenge you to present it here and invite the entire forum to check up on both our posts on Jan 1, 2029 and comment on which one of us got closer to the truth.
I actually share your predictions; I do expect to see aid to Ukraine decrease and that a peace treaty is pushed, as well as that large parts of America will make it harder for women to choose to medically and electively kill their children.Both of which are positive things; less Ukrainians dying so that the Russian ruble can be collapsed and Blackrock can get new contracts is a good thing and potentially 100,000s of children will be saved every year.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 06:18:55 PMI actually share your predictions; I do expect to see aid to Ukraine decrease and that a peace treaty is pushed, as well as that large parts of America will make it harder for women to choose to medically and electively kill their children.
Man, you really have changed quite a lot over the years. And to think, I hardly noticed a thing. How would 2017 Shiranu react to that hot take?
Quoteless Ukrainians dying
That's something I think most people would be perfectly fine with - if the Russians left the Ukrainians in peace, which I think we both know isn't what would be happening in that scenario. Students of history might be tempted draw some parallels to other "peace in our time" scenarios and judge if that was either morally correct or policy that worked in favor of our strategic interests.
QuoteMan, you really have changed quite a lot over the years. And to think, I hardly noticed a thing. How would 2017 Shiranu react to that hot take?
I have; like I said, breaking out of the echo chamber (and I don't mean this forum or even leftist) has done wonders.
QuoteThat's something I think most people would be perfectly fine with - if the Russians left the Ukrainians in peace, which I think we both know isn't what would be happening in that scenario.
What do you believe Trump's policy towards Russia would be and why would it lead to Russia continuing to engage against Ukraine later on?Let me also ask - do you think Ukraine wins the war under a Harris adminstration?
A transformational change was certainly performed, I'll grant you that.
QuoteWhat do you believe Trump's policy towards Russia would be and why would it lead to Russia continuing to engage against Ukraine later on?
I think you already know perfectly well. I warn you that I expect people to operate in good faith.
But I'll give you a hint. There was "peace" in Ukraine - in reality, a frozen conflict - after Russia took over Crimea. But it was not a particularly long peace nor was Putin satisfied with peace, even after he had taken some territory.
QuoteLet me also ask - do you think Ukraine wins the war under a Harris adminstration?
No idea. Though Ukraine at least gets some equipment to defend itself and somewhat stave off Russian advances - which flatten Ukrainian towns and create refugees - which is what I thought us Americans decided should be how we handle things. Apparently, I am mistaken about that as well.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 05:42:46 PMMost Trump supporters aren't like the characters you just portrayed, which is exactly what I am talking about; judgement from ignorance and intentional bigotry based upon political beliefs and regional racism.
My condolences.
I don't think i said anything about racism. (Or id regional racism referring to me being racist to americans?)
And as far as describing trump supporters. I didn't really in that post? At most you could infer that i said they were in echo chambers themselves, which is, you know, no worse than what you came into the conversation with?
I mean, shir, if you are saying i am being judgemental here, please read your own posts and tell me with a straight face i al being more so than you.
I mean, ffs, you respond to me being interested into going into local politics for something i believe in, with 'my condolences'
You can't have it both ways buddy. I mean, i don't mind the joke, honestly i don't, but i do find it a bit hypocritical, dont you think?
Also, to your later posts: women aren't killing their children through using the right to an abortions. They are terminating foetuses. For various reasons. And i would love you to go and explain that to the women whose horror stories have made the news, and who have suffered (or even died) due to not getting the care and procedures they needed.
As i would love for you to come to my workplace and explain to the ukrainian refugees we help every day that it would be best for their government to give up their land and autonomy to Putin.
Cause i am sure as heck not going to tell them that.
I mean, i am hoping i am misunderstanding your arguments. I really do.
QuoteI think you already know perfectly well. I warn you that I expect people to operate in good faith.
From his previous remarks, going back to 1987, I expect that he will increase tariffs on Russia that will have more financial impact on Russia; as it stands our corporations are being punished while Russia seizes their assets and strengthens their local industry, with only the slaves suffering any meaningful economic impact.Following that it would likely depend on Ukraine and their willingness to abide by the treaty rules; likewise going back to statements as far back as the 80s, Trump is going to do what he did before as president and what he said he would do from the beginning - put American interests first and rely on targeted strikes and economic pressures rather than writing a blank check to a foreign regime that - while the "good guys" - are not our friends.
In 2022 it was revealed in a leak call that Trump had bragged that he would bomb Putin; in May he likewise repeated that he told Putin on multiple times that, "If you invade Ukraine, I like you, you're my friend, but I have to blow you up in the middle of Moscow, that's just the way it is."
Between his previous military actions against those who pose a threat to American interests and his statements from the 80s to today, I see little to nothing that would indicate his policy would be more likely to lead to a third world war but would instead work on lowering global tensions through applied violence upon high ranking generals and government officials as well as manipulation of the world's largest economy to pressure both foes and allies into achieving *our* goals.
QuoteNo idea. Though Ukraine at least gets some equipment to defend itself and somewhat stave off Russian advances - which flatten Ukrainian towns and create refugees - which is what I thought us Americans decided should be how we handle things. Apparently, I am mistaken about that as well.
Nope, dead right unfortunately.The tactics adopted by the left and the neo-conservatives who jumped ship when Trump took office and joined their party (Cheneys, Kinzingers, Bushes) simply do not work; it hasn't for the last 20 years and it won't start now.
The problem is that seems to be the point; while Ukraine is given a slow drip of aid and support, tens of thousands are killed and mutilated, millions displaced, as an avoidable war continues to wage in their land just so the United States can hurt a geo-political rival and Putin can expand his monetary interests - all while Blackrock, Haliburton and a litany of the usual suspects come in and seize land, resource rights and the multi-billion dollar contracts to rebuild the country.
Like what has happened a handful of other countries the Obamas, Clintons, Bushes and Cheneys have managed to get their claws on and spilled American blood in.
Russia wins, America wins, Ukraine loses - I just cant accept that scenario for 4 more years.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 07:24:36 PMIn 2022 it was revealed in a leak call that Trump had bragged that he would bomb Putin; in May he likewise repeated that he told Putin on multiple times that, "If you invade Ukraine, I like you, you're my friend, but I have to blow you up in the middle of Moscow, that's just the way it is."
Look at the feet and you would notice that he's on his knees when it comes to Putin. I'm willing to concede being wrong, but first I'd need to see it. Simply saying your tough doesn't make you tough.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 06, 2024, 07:42:44 PMLook at the feet and you would notice that he's on his knees when it comes to Putin. I'm willing to concede being wrong, but first I'd need to see it. Simply saying your tough doesn't make you tough.
Likewise.
In what way is he soft on Russia, or Putin? He spent his campaign imposing tariffs and sanctions on Russia *before* the invasion, he sent arms to Ukraine that Obama/Biden had refused to provide, he put sanctions on countries like Iran/China/Venezuela/North Korea that now assist Russia after some of those were cut by the Biden admin, and he has outright said he would have the guy killed.
I have a hard time seeing any of that as "soft" - what, he said "my friend" once?
QuoteI don't think i said anything about racism. (Or id regional racism referring to me being racist to americans?)
Close; rather a certain subset of Americans (Southerners) who often face racist caricatures from West Coast and New England liberals since the "Reconstruction" era and that have been used to create an image of the "Trump loving, ignorant bumpkin" that think poverty is a choice, hate women, and are ignorant because they listen to people you disagree with.Quote You can't have it both ways buddy. I mean, i don't mind the joke, honestly i don't, but i do find it a bit hypocritical, dont you think?
It's nota joke, those were my legitimate condolences; the Green Party is so heavily influenced by Islamic oil money and Chinese/Russian propaganda that you will actually be driven insane if you want to take it seriously.Otherwise, no - I do not see anything hypocritical though I understand how that part could be taken that way.
That's not a judgement of you or Green voters in the least, just a remark on the people in charge of the global "left" from my own experiences with both the Greens and Communist Party of America (Austin chapter) in the last 5 years.Quote Also, to your later posts: women aren't killing their children through using the right to an abortions. They are terminating fetuses.
Right; a fetus is a child.Quote As i would love for you to come to my workplace and explain to the ukrainian refugees we help every day that it would be best for their government to give up their land and autonomy to Putin.
Emotional manipulation is not working anymore, and it's only going to continue to push the left further back in the world.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 05:22:44 PMI would be pleasantly surprised if Trump actually read a 600+ page document from an organization that has nothing to do with him.
He doesn't need to. He's not smart enough to make his own decisions. The document is for his
people to execute for him. If Trump needs any instructions, I'm sure someone will walk him through it.
I should have said it earlier, but I'm glad to see you back. Hope you're doing well. I don't think we're going to see eye-to-eye on this, but we'll see what happens in a few months.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 06, 2024, 08:26:24 PMHe doesn't need to. He's not smart enough to make his own decisions. The document is for his people to execute for him. If Trump needs any instructions, I'm sure someone will walk him through it.
And have they indicated any intention to carry out the proposals in 2025, other than the majority which already align with Republican doctrine and honestly just is basic fiscal understanding and a rejection of the social madness the left has attempted to grift off of?
QuoteI should have said it earlier, but I'm glad to see you back. Hope you're doing well. I don't think we're going to see eye-to-eye on this, but we'll see what happens in a few months.
Good to see you too; health has been so-so, but partied a lot for a few years so I cant blame anyone but myself for that.
Probably not, and that's okay; like I said, I waited till after because this is not to try and convince anyone or anything like that.
I just legitimately do not see the fear around Trump/religion/conservatism anymore and yall are easily the smartest people I know from the "opposite camp" so this seemed the best place.
Plus I missed yall ;).
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 08:28:46 PMAnd have they indicated any intention to carry out the proposals in 2025, other than the majority which already align with Republican doctrine and honestly just is basic fiscal understanding and a rejection of the social madness the left has attempted to grift off of?
How else do you interpret, "Vote for me, and you'll never have to vote again?" That language seems pretty clear to me. When Trumps says he wants to sick the National Guard on the "enemy within," who do you think he's talking about?
I'd love to be wrong about Trump, but I think things are about to get very bad. Someone here posted a video earlier about Trump not fitting the definition of a fascist. That's technically true, but he surrounds himself with fascists. Look at the people he put on his cabinet last time. They were the absolute worst people for the job.
The people who kiss Trump's ass the most get his attention, and that tends to be extremists, while critics get his scorn. I trust Trump to do one thing: Put his own interests first. He wants to be our first dictator? He will. He wants to silence critics? He will. You want anything else to get done? Worship him.
Maybe that should be the Liberal's winning strategy. Kiss Trump's ass harder than the Right, so he'll listen to us instead. lol
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 06, 2024, 08:31:48 PMHow else do you interpret, "Vote for me, and you'll never have to vote again?" That language seems pretty clear to me. When Trumps says he wants to sick the National Guard on the "enemy within," who do you think he's talking about?
I would interpret it exactly as he said it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EexXf2xJkA
"Christians, get out and vote - just this time. You won't have to do it anymore! Four more years, you know what? It'll be fixed, it'll be fine... in 4 years you don't have to vote again, we will have it fixed so good you won't even have to vote."
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 08:53:07 PMI would interpret it exactly as he said it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EexXf2xJkA
"Christians, get out and vote - just this time. You won't have to do it anymore! Four more years, you know what? It'll be fixed, it'll be fine... in 4 years you don't have to vote again, we will have it fixed so good you won't even have to vote."
Yeah, because Christians have such a
low turn out rate, right? No.
How's he plan to fix things so good that you won't have to vote anymore?
Option 1: It'll be "fixed" to such a degree that even if a Democrat is elected next, it won't matter. Fat chance that's what he meant. He and the rest of the Republican party are constantly fear mongering about how Democrats are going to destroy America if you let them win. That's never going to change. Unless...
Option 2: It'll be "fixed" because he won't leave office again. Republicans enact Project 2025, which was written by Trump's employees, I'll remind you.
And JD Vance, his VP, wrote the foreword. In this case, Democrats won't be able to mess anything up, because they'll be removed from the equation. This sounds like a way more likely interpretation to me.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 08:28:46 PMI just legitimately do not see the fear around Trump/religion/conservatism anymore and yall are easily the smartest people I know from the "opposite camp" so this seemed the best place.
Most people would take that as a wakeup call. If the smartest people you know are yelling fire, it's a really, really good idea to take that advice.
Speaking of, Trump allies admit that Project 2025 is their agenda now that the election is over (https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/republicans-celebrate-project-2025-trump-win-1235155322/) and there's no political cost to being honest. Before that? No idea.
Slimy and dishonest as hell. Feigning ignorance is 100% on brand with these cretins.
Well, it doesn't matter now. If we're right, that will be made very apparent in a few months, and there's nothing we can do about it.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 06, 2024, 10:05:00 PMMost people would take that as a wakeup call. If the smartest people you know are yelling fire, it's a really, really good idea to take that advice.
I didn't say yall were the smartest people I know; far from it nowadays, though I wouldn't even pretend to be more book-smart or experienced in useful trades and crafts as just about any of you.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 06, 2024, 10:07:35 PMSpeaking of, Trump allies admit that Project 2025 is their agenda now that the election is over (https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/republicans-celebrate-project-2025-trump-win-1235155322/) and there's no political cost to being honest. Before that? No idea.
Slimy and dishonest as hell. Feigning ignorance is 100% on brand with these cretins.
Not a single name in that list is currently affiliated with the Trump campaign.
I have had checkmark Democrats call for the stripping of my constitutional rights, but I wouldn't pretend that internet celebrities represent the Harris campaign.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 06, 2024, 10:07:35 PMSpeaking of, Trump allies admit that Project 2025 is their agenda now that the election is over (https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/republicans-celebrate-project-2025-trump-win-1235155322/) and there's no political cost to being honest. Before that? No idea.
Slimy and dishonest as hell. Feigning ignorance is 100% on brand with these cretins.
I 100% believe that Project 2025 was on Trump's agenda the whole time, but I checked the Twitter posts. They're passing it off as sarcasm. They're not being serious. At least Bo French isn't.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 10:11:26 PMNot a single name in that list is currently affiliated with the Trump campaign.
Bruh (https://archive.is/IDIRL). It doesn't matter if they currently work for him or not. You're not fooling anyone.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 10:11:26 PMNot a single name in that list is currently affiliated with the Trump campaign.
I have had checkmark Democrats call for the stripping of my constitutional rights, but I wouldn't pretend that internet celebrities represent the Harris campaign.
JD Vance isn't affiliated with the Trump campaign?
What constitutional rights are you talking about?
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 06, 2024, 10:17:07 PMBruh (https://archive.is/IDIRL). It doesn't matter if they currently work for him or not. You're not fooling anyone.
Occam's Razor - the people not affiliated with, not working for, not paid by, not in active communications with, not seen with, not in any other meaningful or tangible way affiliated with Trump are not affiliated with Trump and that he - this man all of you believe to be dumb as a rock - has somehow sledged through.
Yet again - do you *truly* believe Trump read the entire thing? Or did maybe, just *maybe,* a people affiliated with him wrote a wish list that he has *zero* binding obligation to read, much less actually enact.
Yeah - no shit some of it agrees with him. Writing a book after someone said something makes that *really* easy to do. That doesn't mean you agree with the rest or even know it exists.
You are asking me to believe that the evidence presented is wrong; don't talk down to me, prove to me why your statement - despite being both illogical and contradictory to the situation - is right.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 06, 2024, 10:20:10 PMJD Vance isn't affiliated with the Trump campaign?
My mistake; the three grifters who are not associated with him, who were the focus of the article and whom was being insinuated he was affiliated with, are not affiliated with him.
J.D. Vance, the future vice president of the United States chosen by Trump and often spotted at Trump rallies and with his family, is affiliated with Trump despite any confusion as to if I might have meant the man who is most closely politically linked to Donald J. Trump.
QuoteWhat constitutional rights are you talking about?
I. The first on several counts, and on this one they have taken several meaningful steps in the last few years in regard to both speech and religion;II. The second on several counts, though the reality is just a single - they would like to see *all* firearms removed from public ownership;III. The fourth they advocate for the violation of in that they believe that political opposition should be detained, that those who don't buy into their political and sexual ideologies should be arrested for hate crimes, and a myriad of other causes;IV. Arguably they oppose the sixth amendment through the prolonged delays - based on political biases - of the Trump fiasco to both delay and harass his campaign.V. The hatred of the 10th amendment in just about every way imaginable.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 10:58:38 PMI. The first on several counts, and on this one they have taken several meaningful steps in the last few years in regard to both speech and religion;
II. The second on several counts, though the reality is just a single - they would like to see *all* firearms removed from public ownership;
III. The fourth they advocate for the violation of in that they believe that political opposition should be detained, that those who don't buy into their political and sexual ideologies should be arrested for hate crimes, and a myriad of other causes;
IV. Arguably they oppose the sixth amendment through the prolonged delays - based on political biases - of the Trump fiasco to both delay and harass his campaign.
V. The hatred of the 10th amendment in just about every way imaginable.
It's looks to me like you've been watching too much Fox News. As Time Walz said in his debate with Vance, he's a gun owner. They're not interested in taking your guns away. That's just typical Conservative scare mongering. As for the rest, just no.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 06, 2024, 11:14:54 PMIt's looks to me like you've been watching too much Fox News. As Time Walz said in his debate with Vance, he's a gun owner. They're not interested in taking your guns away. That's just typical Conservative scare mongering. As for the rest, just no.
Nope, Fox News is just about as bad - though they at least get a *few* issues right compared to the left, mostly on softball issues.
I advocated, on this forum, for restrictions to the Second Amendment under a variety of flawed understandings of constitutional law and the changing of language between the 1700s and 2000s, and you are deluding yourself if you don't believe there have been calls for large scale gun recalls and bans - such as the shotgun that would be illegal under Tim Walzs' ban on "assault weapons" that he showed little understanding of operation of.
We have advocated for the taxation of churches and for a variety of state intrusions into church affairs, a violation of the first.
These are not "something I saw" - these are me remembering things I myself advocated for years ago and "fought hard" on social media and at college to help spread; something I was unfortunately fairly successful at at school and through CUSA(Austin.)
I have been in plenty of social media forums as well as seen advocated on a variety of internationally-owned channels that proport to be "news" while pushing social and political agendas often at odds to America's foreign and domestic interests
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 11:25:55 PMNope, Fox News is just about as bad - though they at least get a *few* issues right compared to the left, mostly on softball issues.
I advocated, on this forum, for restrictions to the Second Amendment under a variety of flawed understandings of constitutional law and the changing of language between the 1700s and 2000s, and you are deluding yourself if you don't believe there have been calls for large scale gun recalls and bans - such as the shotgun that would be illegal under Tim Walzs' ban on "assault weapons" that he showed little understanding of operation of.
We have advocated for the taxation of churches and for a variety of state intrusions into church affairs, a violation of the first.
These are not "something I saw" - these are me remembering things I myself advocated for years ago and "fought hard" on social media and at college to help spread; something I was unfortunately fairly successful at at school and through CUSA(Austin.)
I have been in plenty of social media forums as well as seen advocated on a variety of internationally-owned channels that proport to be "news" while pushing social and political agendas often at odds to America's foreign and domestic interests
Fox News is pure propaganda. It's always good to be skeptical of any news source, but Fox News is on a whole other level of bullshit. They can't even legally call themselves a news channel. They're "entertainment."
Different Liberals have different ideas about gun control. Some may want them completely banned, but they're in the minority. People said Obama was comin' fer our guns. He didn't. People said Biden was going to take them. He didn't. People said Harris was going to take them. She wasn't. How many times do Democrat Presidents have to not take our guns before people think, "Hmm. Maybe Conservatives are full of shit?"
As for churches, they regularly tell their congregations how to vote, which is a clear violation of their tax-exempt status. They can either pay taxes and be politically pro-active, or they can be politically neutral and keep their tax-exemption. They want to have their cake and eat it too.
And now they're invading our public schools too. The Heritage Foundation is literally writing school curriculums now. They don't want freedom of religion. They already have that. They want the freedom to force their religion on other people, including other peoples' kids.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 06, 2024, 08:24:04 PM
Close; rather a certain subset of Americans (Southerners) who often face racist caricatures from West Coast and New England liberals since the "Reconstruction" era and that have been used to create an image of the "Trump loving, ignorant bumpkin" that think poverty is a choice, hate women, and are ignorant because they listen to people you disagree with.
It's nota joke, those were my legitimate condolences; the Green Party is so heavily influenced by Islamic oil money and Chinese/Russian propaganda that you will actually be driven insane if you want to take it seriously.
Otherwise, no - I do not see anything hypocritical though I understand how that part could be taken that way.
That's not a judgement of you or Green voters in the least, just a remark on the people in charge of the global "left" from my own experiences with both the Greens and Communist Party of America (Austin chapter) in the last 5 years.
Right; a fetus is a child.
Emotional manipulation is not working anymore, and it's only going to continue to push the left further back in the world.
Emotional manipulation isn't working anymore. Abortion is killing kids.
Just about in the same breath
Really, man?
Also
I don't know if you remember history well, but the ukraine situation, on top of the humane and conscious level, which you try to write off as emotional, has another level too. Last time we tried appeasement with a dictator on the european mainland, things didn't go well. I think trump is going to work to pretty much give putin what he wants and show him his tactics work. To be fair, i am not sure ukraine could have 'won' under harris, but putin could have lost, if you understand my meaning.
And shiranu, my man, let me make absolutely clear: i am not looking down on you for being a 'bumbling southern idiot'. I do have my thoughts for some of the things you are saying right now which sound, to me, completely idiotic. As, i imagine, vice versa. But believe me, my criticism stems from your ideas, their lack of merrit in my view and the way you present them here.
If i remember correctly, you are from a southern state? If so i can imagine you having come into contact with regional racism as you call it. For which i am sorry, if you did. Genuinely. But this ain't it.
I don't automatically think you are wrong for being a 'southern bumpkin' or trying to put words in your mouth. But if you say 'abortion is killing children', that is a dumb argument. It does not, in my view, make you look any better at all, but not due to your heritage, instead solely due to that argument being dumb.
I don't think you 'hate women' because you are from the south. But if you say: they shouldn't have the option to choose for an abortion or that they should feel bad for killing children, then yeah, that is grinding my gears.
Likewise, i am not saying people from the south or no one except on the left can think people who are poor don't choose to be poor and should be helped. But it is simply true that relatively more people on the right have that viewpoint or one more closely aligned to it.
(Edit:) There are things you can say leftists are more prone to as well. Doesn't mean all of us think the same on the same issues. Doesn't mean your saying that would come from bias and a judgmental attitude either..
Why does text keep turning gray? I had to remove that from the last message I replied to so I could actually read it. lol
Personally, for me, the real question is, will Trump pardon the Jan 6th perps? I have my doubts that he even cares, but he has people around him to remind him of his wife's birthday and shit and pardoning those people would go a ways toward solidifying his fanbase. So, if he doesn't do that, it's telling. No one will lose faith in him, but it will show he doesn't deserve it.
I honestly don't know if this world is worth living in anymore. Definitely not worth bringing a kid into, if you even have that option. We're already running too far behind to stop climate change, and literally every single person in the world is filled with microplastics. In Trump's world, any positive steps we might have taken to limit the damage from either of those issues is only going to get rolled back. So we're just leaping headfirst into the furnace. Women will continue to suffer and die, because we prioritize the lives of single-celled organisms that aren't capable of thoughts or feelings over theirs. Christian nationalists will continue to spread their tendrils into public schools as well as the government, basically killing any notion of freedom of religion and poisoning the minds of future generations. Minority races, as well as the LGBTQ+, will continue to be persecuted and treated as sub-human. Everything will get more expensive, thanks to Trump's tariffs. Ukraine will likely lose the war, without our support. Israel will only be emboldened to continue their genocide against innocent men, women, and children. AI is taking over art. Home ownership will not get any more accessible. The gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow. It's hard to think of a single thing that is not only going to get worse and worse with the coming years.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 07, 2024, 11:48:08 AMI honestly don't know if this world is worth living in anymore. Definitely not worth bringing a kid into, if you even have that option. We're already running too far behind to stop climate change, and literally every single person in the world is filled with microplastics. In Trump's world, any positive steps we might have taken to limit the damage from either of those issues is only going to get rolled back. So we're just leaping headfirst into the furnace. Women will continue to suffer and die, because we prioritize the lives of single-celled organisms that aren't capable of thoughts or feelings over theirs. Christian nationalists will continue to spread their tendrils into public schools as well as the government, basically killing any notion of freedom of religion and poisoning the minds of future generations. Minority races, as well as the LGBTQ+, will continue to be persecuted and treated as sub-human. Everything will get more expensive, thanks to Trump's tariffs. Ukraine will likely lose the war, without our support. Israel will only be emboldened to continue their genocide against innocent men, women, and children. AI is taking over art. Home ownership will not get any more accessible. The gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow. It's hard to think of a single thing that is not only going to get worse and worse with the coming years.
I stepped outside under a tree this morning and a little yellow butterfly landed on my shoulder for a few seconds. A cool breeze sent a few maple leaves swirling around. It's those moments that matter. I don't expect much from our tribal ape societies, awash in superstitions, irrational nonsense and huge egos that foolishly expect to live forever. Then I might be happily surprised once in a while.
Also, the independence of women from men has thrown many monkey brains for a loop, now that so many young guys are left riding solo. They will gravitate towards the "badass" alpha male greyback to stop this shit. Egalitarian society requires sacrifice from the strong to benefit the weak.
Anytime I want to explain poor behavior, I think of it in terms of our humble beginnings. It wasn't that long ago, wearing skins and hunting with spears. And we were already self-aware and able to imagine voices in our heads to help us survive. That's not gonna end well.
Quote from: Cassia on November 07, 2024, 01:01:57 PMAlso, the independence of women from men has thrown many monkey brains for a loop, now that so many young guys are left riding solo. They will gravitate towards the "badass" alpha male greyback to stop this shit. Egalitarian society requires sacrifice from the strong to benefit the weak.
Anytime I want to explain poor behavior, I think of it in terms of our humble beginnings. It wasn't that long ago, wearing skins and hunting with spears. And we were already self-aware and able to imagine voices in our heads to help us survive. That's not gonna end well.
I'm thirty-four and single, and it definitely contributes to my depression. Fortunately, I'm not stupid enough to think I am owed anything from women. I see it as the result of a combination of factors.
1. I was raised homeschooled all the way from pre-K to 12th grade. As a result, I am irreparably damaged. I am socially awkward, unable to express myself well verbally or through body language. Yet at the same time, I'm somehow hyper aware of social cues. I can read people, but they can't read me. Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking I don't care. I wish I didn't care, then at least I wouldn't feel trapped in my own head. If I were a cutthroat asshole, I'd be better off. I have the worst of both worlds.
2. I'm stuck at a dead-end job. I make good money and have benefits, but who wants to date a cashier?
3. The world is becoming increasingly isolated. We do everything online now. We do everything in our power to avoid leaving the house.
4. We're increasingly divided as a society. I might date someone and find out they're a Christian nationalist or a flat-earther. We are also overly sensitive to a lot of stupid things. People get so worked up over nothing.
5. And yes, women are independent now. They can survive just fine without a man. Do I wish I could change this? That a woman would be so desperate to stay with me, because men make all the money? No. I would be a selfish asshole to wish that. But still, it would be nice to feel wanted.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 07, 2024, 01:46:21 PMI'm thirty-four and single, and it definitely contributes to my depression. Fortunately, I'm not stupid enough to think I am owed anything from women. I see it as the result of a combination of factors.
1. I was raised homeschooled all the way from pre-K to 12th grade. As a result, I am irreparably damaged. I am socially awkward, unable to express myself well verbally or through body language. Yet at the same time, I'm somehow hyper aware of social cues. I can read people, but they can't read me. Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking I don't care. I wish I didn't care, then at least I wouldn't feel trapped in my own head. If I were a cutthroat asshole, I'd be better off. I have the worst of both worlds.
2. I'm stuck at a dead-end job. I make good money and have benefits, but who wants to date a cashier?
3. The world is becoming increasingly isolated. We do everything online now. We do everything in our power to avoid leaving the house.
4. We're increasingly divided as a society. I might date someone and find out they're a Christian nationalist or a flat-earther. We are also overly sensitive to a lot of stupid things. People get so worked up over nothing.
5. And yes, women are independent now. They can survive just fine without a man. Do I wish I could change this? That a woman would be so desperate to stay with me, because men make all the money? No. I would be a selfish asshole to wish that. But still, it would be nice to feel wanted.
As for relationships your generation had the "luck of timing" to be at the leading edge of a major shift. People are headed in all sorts of directions. Some running back to old ways, some are running so far ahead they scare conservatives. It will take more time, more maturity and self-love to really connect now. Only took me 46 years to find my liberal atheist musician who digs a goth aesthetic, LOL. Otherwise, I'd honestly prefer to live alone because I had that choice.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 07, 2024, 01:46:21 PMI'm stuck at a dead-end job. I make good money and have benefits, but who wants to date a cashier?
You'd be surprised. Personally, I've seen it happen quite a lot.
If the Republicans win the House again, Trumplestiltskin will control every branch of our government! 😱
QuoteEmotional manipulation isn't working anymore. Abortion is killing kids.
Just about in the same breath
Really, man?
Without getting too far off topic, yes; there is nothing "emotional" about stating the objective fact that abortion leads to the death of over 900,000 American children every year; that abortion in America overwhelmingly and disproportionately affects the African American (330,000 abortions a year) community through institutions founded out of the eugenics movement. This is simply not acceptable in a first world nation.I realize the historical context of abortion will vary outside the States, but even if they aren't American they will still remain children.More than happy to discuss abortion more if it comes up at some point, just not at risk of derailing the main topic.Quote I think trump is going to work to pretty much give putin what he wants and show him his tactics work.
Trump has been consistent on his views about the war.Per the Kyiv Independent on July 16th on 2023, quoting from his Fox Interview in which he promised to end the war in one day, he then went on to say quote..."I would tell Zelensky, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don't make a deal, we're going to give him a lot. We're going to (give Ukraine) more than they ever got if we have to."On March 5th, 2022 leaked phone calls between Trump and golfer John Daly revealed that he had threatened multiple times to bomb Russia; "We're gonna hit Moscow." and "...he sort of believed me, that's all you need. He never did it during my time, John. He didn't during the last four years because he knew he couldn't." Per the Wallstreet Journal Interview with him (I believe from this year) - "I said, 'Vladimir, if you go after Ukraine, I am going to hit you so hard, you're not even going to believe it. I'm going to hit you right in the middle of fu**ing Moscow."To clarify the stereotype statement; by what I meant with that is when you mention echo chambers you include the "kind, compassionate, decent" - as if this is not the same echo chamber most Trump supporting individuals likewise belong to.Edit - And I think one more interesting thing to add would be his statements on NATO and the fear that lead to; that he was anti-NATO, going to pull us out of it, etc. etc.
What were the results? NATO members increasingly began paying their fair share, no longer relying on Americans to subsidize their security. That's a net win for everyone, American and European.
There's nothing objective about a fetus being a child. That's just a semantics game, which I'm not interested in. What I'm interested in are facts.
Facts:
1. Fetuses do not have brains capable of emotion, pain, thoughts, dreams, etc. Adult women, by contrast, do.
2. Denying women their right to an abortion results in unnecessary deaths, disease, and poverty.
It is absolutely absurd to prioritize the life of a single-cell over the life of a woman. I'm willing to compromise a bit on the issue, but full ban on abortion is just plain evil, and that decision should ultimately come down to a doctor and their patient, not some old men who doesn't know the first thing about the female reproductive system. And definitely not some pastor who uses a 2,000 year old book of fairytales as a history/self-help book.
It's not a semantics game to make sure a conversation is using accurate language, and it remains a fact that a fetus is a human child regardless of how that statement makes you feel. This is a scientific and semantic reality.
Allowing women to kill their children results in nearly a million children being killed each year; that is what the process of abortion does at a very literal level.
Saying, "It's okay, because they are inferior to women!" is a horrible argument; human rights do not get to be selectively applied based on your physical traits.
I expect this in some ways anti-scientific, anti- Western ethics nonsense from Twitter or Instagram but I do have to confess to being shocked to see it here.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 07, 2024, 06:28:53 PMIt's not a semantics game to make sure a conversation is using accurate language, and it remains a fact that a fetus is a human child regardless of how that statement makes you feel. This is a scientific and semantic reality.
Allowing women to kill their children results in nearly a million children being killed each year.
Saying, "It's okay, because they are inferior to women!" is a horrible argument; human rights do not get to be selectively applied based on your physical traits.
I expect this anti-scientific, anti-basic Western ethics nonsense from Twitter or Instagram but I do have to confess to being shocked to see it here.
Do you think that a braindead person on life support should be kept alive indefinitely, at the expense of their family? Hopefully not.
You keep ignoring the point that fetuses are incapable of thoughts or feelings. They have no personalities. No dreams. No matter what word you use to describe them, you're willing to sacrifice the life of a woman for this thing. That is not logical. It is cruel.
And by the way, most medical doctors see abortions as medical care. If they don't agree with you, a layman, which one do you think most likely has science on their side?
Told myself I wouldn't get into this, but why not..
QuoteDo you think that a braindead person on life support should be kept alive indefinitely, at the expense of their family? Hopefully not.
While this is a false analogy, I will go ahead and say that I agree with the current laws - that a patient on life support may designate someone with the medical power of attorney to make the decision; in the situations where the patient was not able to pre-designate someone then the family should have the choice if all medical consensus points towards the inability of the patient to ever recover in any meaningful form.
It's not perfect, but it's what we got - and to touch upon the fact that it was a false analogy, a human fetus *will* become a human being; it's not a medical trauma that may or may not heal nor is it a mystery how the gestational process works that can be compared to a patient who has suffered a medical emergency and has countless possibilities in their recovery.Quote You keep ignoring the point that fetuses are incapable of thoughts or feelings. They have no personalities. No dreams.
I haven't ignored this; as I said before, human rights cannot be selectively applied based upon the physical traits - mental capability amongst them. Quote No matter what word you use to describe them, you're willing to sacrifice the life of a woman for this thing. That is not logical. It is cruel.
Less than 2% of abortions happen in non-elective situations. Quote And by the way, most medical doctors see abortions as medical care. If they don't agree with you, a layman, which one do you think most likely has science on their side?
Lobotomies were once viewed as medical care, forced upon both the mentally disabled and unruly woman as a "scientific, humane, efficient" way to deal with their behavior. Cigarettes were once promoted by doctors and anyone who said they caused cancer was a quack. Eugenics and the forced sterilization of "undesirables" was an extremely vogue and bonne croyance to hold - a belief of a high society that invented Planned Parenthood and an academia that denied healthcare to children because they had deformities. With all do respect, I'm not interested in having "science" on my side - I'm interested in human rights and the protection of them, particularly when the arguments fundamentally clash with Western ethics.
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 07, 2024, 04:17:20 PMIf the Republicans win the House again, Trumplestiltskin will control every branch of our government! 😱
I would say "that's going to be educational" but we still have people fighting the Civil War here.
"bonne croyance" = "Good belief"?
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on November 08, 2024, 08:45:19 AM"bonne croyance" = "Good belief"?
It is comical watching all the dupes voting for billionaires behind that biblical veil. Musk and Trump are worried about your soul, LOL. So yesterday Republicans started working to reduce social security for those who get government pensions. I wonder how those particular dummies who voted MAGA feel now. I guess there is absolutely no way to fix social security by raising the tax on billionaires, like 3%. No, we gotta go after the elderly on fixed income.
The top 1% alone hold 1/4 of the nation's wealth, thankyou Jesus. Ah hell, billionaires just live off perpetual low cost "loans" held against their immense wealth so as not to look like they have income. Americans are as dumb as a box of rocks.
It's hysterical behavior like that, the strawmen used to attack individuals intelligence, that was the point of my original post.
There is no way you believe with a straight face religion is the reason Trump won, and per the government itself Social Security trust fund is set to go bankrupt by 2035 - cutting the ability to pay benefits down to at least 83% of scheduled benefits. That is going to cause more damage than tightening the strings now.
If the goal is to continue to push people away from both leftism and atheism - as is the global trend over the last few years - then continuing to demean and throw logical fallacies at people who disagree with you, insisting the *only* reason that could be is because they have been brainwashed by religion or are just not quite bright enough to figure stuff out, will do a *wonderful* job at it.
I guess I will add one more to the list; if Democrats want to win any coming elections they need to take active and immediate measures to stop presenting themselves as the "intellectual/academic/'educated'" choice while primarily engaging in fear mongering, identity politics, anti-scientific and anti-Western ethic ideologies, and stop with the logical fallacies as an excuse to talk down to someone without having to actually be right about anything yourself.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on November 08, 2024, 08:45:19 AM"bonne croyance" = "Good belief"?
Yep - that which is considered a enlightened and respectable position to hold amongst society.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 08, 2024, 12:42:24 PMIt's hysterical behavior like that, the strawmen used to attack individuals intelligence, that was the point of my original post.
If the goal is to continue to push people away from both leftism and atheism - as is the global trend over the last few years - then continuing to demean and throw logical fallacies at people who disagree with you will do a *wonderful* job at it.
Democrats share the blame. Don't get me wrong, they are party to killing education even if through good intentions. A democracy requires rational informed citizens. The US ranks 39th for intelligence. Perhaps that is unavoidable. It's the willingly ignorant that are the real problem. I live in Florida and have lived in Georgia. I know how so many of the people here are proud of their lack of knowledge and awareness. They literally compete with each other to say and do the stupidest things. It wasn't like that around here 30 years ago. Trump speaks to those who make no effort to understand science, medicine, history, geography, math or the proper use of language.
Do you go on social media and listen to these MAGA idiots? It is painful. Let me direct your gaze to RFK Jr. An MAGA anti-vaxxer who has no medical training but a really big mouth. When smallpox makes its triumphant return, I hope he is the first victim, so that others may be spared.
Vaccines have micro-chips, Clintons are satanists who drink baby blood, flat-earth, moon landing was a hoax, global warming is a hoax, guns make us safer, lets arm teachers, gays and trans are ruining the country, Trump was a shadow president behind Biden, the blood of Jesus will save me from Covid, creationism is true, The US is a "Christian Nation" that should be run by evangelicals. Trump didn't use campaign money to pay-off a hooker, Putin and Kim Un are examples of good leaders, Ukraine is Nazis. We are pro-life, but executing criminals is OK. Bush prayed and god told him to invade Iraq. Trump is religious Christian. If you ask a random 20-year-old to point to Mongolia on a globe, half will not get close. Absolutely all examples of willing morons.
It was through talking to those "MAGA idiots" that I came to vote for them.
They never called me an idiot for disagreeing with them.
They never implied that it was because of my race that I *must* believe one thing or another, or else I am a traitor to my race for not voting along party lines.
They never insisted that due to me being a man I need to be punished and denied the same benefits of others just because as a man I have inherent benefits that no one else gets.
They never proposed for legislation that promotes certain categories of individuals as being "more deserving" of rights and government benefits merely for the color of their skin or who they choose to sleep with.
When I disagreed, they provided evidence of their claims.
When race came up, they pointed out how minorities have done better under Trump than Obama/Biden and that the MAGA movement has consistently outperformed Democrats in engaging with *minorities. (Edited that one to avoid hyperbole on my part; the DNC still holds a raw advantage, but the swing over the last 4 years (particularly amongst male minorities) will see that advantage quickly disappear.)
They staunchly opposed legislation that prioritized skin color over competency.
They don't view human rights as a matter of 'sexism."
You bring up RFK Jr. - yes, I listen to him quite a lot; over the last few months I've probably listened to over 5 hours of interviews with him as well as learned about his background; over 40 years of legal battles against poorly run state programs on the East Coast to large companies like Monstano and Purina to improve the safety and quality of our food, campaigning for things like coal-tar product and saw dust to be removed from our food, and raising alarms about the pharmaceutical industry corruption within the government.
The Clintons absolutely are... something... but I don't know about the baby blood - though that could be a reference to the practice of aristocrats using blood and plasma transfusions from pre-pubescent individuals - a story I first learned about here years ago, IIRC when it broke about some rich guy trying it out; flat-earth is not something i've seen once; same with the moon landing; guns do make us safer; teachers probably should be armed; gays and trans are taking steps to destabilize and harm our country; again, haven't seen the blood, hyperbole, Ukraine does have a fairly sizable Nazi issue that cant be ignored, though I do think it is overplayed by Russian propaganda as a means to attempt and decrease funding for the state.
Pro-life and executing criminals is okay and not a contradiction.
Trump was opposed to the war in Iraq.
He is.
Yes. It's clearly the Democrats who overly judgemental. Not like demonizing the "other" has been the basis of the Republican's political platform for years.
Umm... What rock have you been under? Did you miss that ridiculous lie about Haitian immigrants "eating the dogs?" A racist lie that has popped up over and over again, just about every time some non-white group moves to America?
Oh, the media is so mean to Trump! They just lie and take his words out of context. Here's an idea for a drinking game. Watch one of Trump's campaign speeches and take a shot every time he insults someone. He doesn't just limit himself to political opponents either. He recently rambled for at least fifteen fucking minutes about how "stupid" the people operating the sound equipment were because his mic wasn't working right. How charming. The guy is a man child, and he can't take what he dishes out.
Oh no you don't. I'll fact check a few things I saw in you post. Let's see if Blacks did better under Trump or Biden as for employment.
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000006
The record low for the Black or African American unemployment rate, 4.8%, was set under Biden in April 2023. That beat the Trump-era low, 5.3% in August 2019 and September 2019.
Let's check the poverty rates. Oh,no. More misinformation. Not a good start.
The official poverty rate of the U.S. Black population reached a historic low of 17.1% in 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released today.
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/black-poverty-rate.html
As for the Clinton blood reference you are somewhat unaware of. It didn't take me long at all checking into MAGA forums to hear all about "Pizza Gate", LOL.
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/hillary-clinton-qanon-borat-blood-b1853638.html
RFK is an environmental lawyer, conspiracy theorist with no formal medical training. Since Musk, Trump and the congress will be cutting Federal agencies like the FDA to the bone, he is an odd choice.
Trump said last week he would let Kennedy "go wild" on health in his administration, but has not stated what role Kennedy would be appointed to, though the Washington Post reported Trump may appoint him to a "health czar" role, circumventing the Senate confirmation he would need to lead a government agency.
Trump, has refused to rule out vaccine bans as president, and said he would consult Kennedy and others before making a decision, while his transition team co-chair Howard Lutnick said Kennedy wants access to federal data about health to pull vaccines he deems "unsafe" from the market.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/11/06/heres-what-an-rfk-jr-health-role-in-a-trump-administration-could-look-like-vaccine-skepticism-fluoride-ban/
Guns make us safer
(https://www.thetrace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/snowballs_fixed-768x614.png)
But the belief among Americans that guns are a tool for self-defense is a persistent one, regardless of what the data says. And it remains the centerpiece of the NRA's strategy, according to internal documents recently unearthed by my colleague Will Van Sant. "What we do know for sure," Hemenway said, "is that having a gun in your house increases suicides, it increases gun accidents, and it increases homicides, at least of women in the house. And we can't find any benefit from it."
https://www.thetrace.org/2022/06/defensive-gun-use-data-good-guys-with-guns/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAire5BhCNARIsAM53K1idPyk8CB11pfOr9CrIp2bO6GiGo1njGtFnxa2urhQi8OwL-tp9LuwaAsBQEALw_wcB
As it is odd that a MAGA you missed the flat-earth stuff from Tucker addressing his fans(The same Tucker who actually admitted he really hates Trump)
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/tucker-carlson-flat-earth-theory-1234931330/
So yeah, you can take time to learn the truth or just go with what you wanna believe.
Quotees. It's clearly the Democrats who overly judgemental.
Correct.QuoteNot like demonizing the "other" has been the basis of the Republican's political platform for years.
Yall can repeat this all you want, but minorities are not buying it anymore.
No, you see. Trump inherited Obama's economy, and when things get worse during his second term, it will be because he inherited Biden's economy. But when things were bad during Biden's economy, it totally wasn't because he inherited Trump's. It definitely didn't have anything to do with this little thing called Covid. lol
Quote from: Shiranu on November 08, 2024, 04:18:40 PMYall can repeat this all you want, but minorities are not buying it anymore.
Your double standards are very typical of a Conservative, and very transparent. Just ignore all evidence to the contrary and stick to your trenches.
We're the ones in the echo chamber.
QuoteThe record low for the Black or African American unemployment rate, 4.8%, was set under Biden in April 2023. That beat the Trump-era low, 5.3% in August 2019 and September 2019.
"Unemployment" under the Biden administration stopped being counted after several months; meaning you were still without work, you were just no longer "unemployed."
I lost benefits during this period for exactly that reason. It's easy to cook the books when you are also the auditor for them.
QuoteThe official poverty rate of the U.S. Black population reached a historic low of 17.1% in 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released today.
To each their own, but I will take the word of actual African Americans and other minorities who voted for him in record numbers - and rejected Democrats in record numbers as to what their living situation is like.
Funny enough, I don't trust the party that intentionally keeps them poor and oppressed when they tell me African Americans are doing okay...
Now this one is really good... on your article about gun safety...
"
The reality is that estimates of defensive gun use are so squishy that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May removed all figures from its website. But below we do our best to separate fact from fiction."The statistic they are talking about showed that firearms were used in self-defense cases at something like a 3-to-1 ratio; when the Biden adminstration came into power this study was removed from the CDC website and only around 22 or 23' did internal memos come out revealing this.QuoteAs it is odd that a MAGA you missed the flat-earth stuff from Tucker addressing his fans(The same Tucker who actually admitted he really hates Trump)
Ah, so you are going to quote someone who explicitly says they don't like Trump to be representative of what Trump and his supporters believe...
Explain that, explicitly.
My double standards about precisely what evidence?
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 08, 2024, 04:22:12 PMNo, you see. Trump inherited Obama's economy, and when things get worse during his second term, it will be because he inherited Biden's economy. But when things were bad during Biden's economy, it totally wasn't because he inherited Trump's. It definitely didn't have anything to do with this little thing called Covid. lol
Good lord, what are you on about...
Sorry to interrupt the thread, but when will it be OK to elect a woman president, much less a woman of color? Apparently not now. I think we will grow into a progressive nation, but it may take awhile.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 08, 2024, 04:25:03 PMExplain that, explicitly.
My double standards about precisely what evidence?
You think Democrats are racists because they support abortion, as if we're forcing them on black women or something. I think Republicans are racist because:
1. The KKK, Proud Boys, and Neo Nazis all vote Republican.
2. Republicans think that forcing out all the immigrants (legal as well as illegal) will solve our economic issues...somehow.
3. Republicans tend to believe and spread every racist stereotype they hear, without question. "In Springfield, they're eating the dogs."
4. In response to police murdering black people, Republicans come to the defense of the cops, every single time. "Defend the thin, blue line." "All lives matter."
Quote from: Shiranu on November 08, 2024, 04:26:52 PMGood lord, what are you on about...
Oh, just preparing myself for all of the excuses people will make when Trump's tariffs don't make anything cheaper, and kicking out all the Mexicans doesn't solve the housing crisis.
Is AmeriKKKa great again yet?
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 08, 2024, 10:22:52 PMIs AmeriKKKa great again yet?
"This is what you wanted" will be my response when the bitching starts. Trump has killed the christian religion for young Americans because it is so obvious they are full of shit about everything. People insured on the Affordable Care Act voted for the orange king. Kiss that insurance goodbye suckers. People surviving on Medicare and Social Security voted for Trump. Good luck with tent life. Ask any economist what inflationary effect Trump tariffs will have, LOL. The bond market went nuts the day after he was elected. And when a hurricane smashes the trailer park there will be no FEMA. But Trump says hurricanes are good because they make us more waterfront property. Yeah, and when the cheap-labor immigrants who work the fields are gone, I'm sure they will love paying for them apples. So yeah, "This is what you wanted". Elon Musk who had been selling "full self-driving" cars that don't work for a decade will clear up all the safety regulations red tape and get his shit cars on the road, ready or not.
That Old felon will probably just croak in office and leave us with that squirrely VP who also admitted he hated Trump, LOL. Such integrity.
Like, I don't know what to say.
https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/fema-confirms-workers-told-to-avoid-homes-with-trump-signs-during-hurricane-response-milton-helene-supervisor-memo-teams-chat-federal-aid-ron-desantis-politics
This is the reality; government agencies have legitimately been weaponized against good people, Americans; not just Trump but essentially all of us, are suffering as out-of-control agencies continue to manipulate the culture wars that I thought myself so immune, so above.
The FBI has repeatedly lied about Donald Trump, running multiple investigations that have come up bunk; the DoJ has repeatedly attempted to find dirt on him and the best they can do is "defamation" of a psychotic woman paid to accuse him of rape and 34 charges of "paying his attorney, but we think it was sketchy!" by a jury that had been tom-fooleried into being in a 90%+ Democrat district; the Secret Service has been caught with Iranian agents at multiple occasions and failed to do it's job the first time - only becoming more competent after the DEI appointed director was removed.
I hate to say it, but the unappointed politicians in Washington who are making trillions of dollars off of exploiting the legal system and the foreign agents of China, Russia, Iran and a variety of other "Death to America!" nations are not our friends and might have lied to us.
QuoteYou think Democrats are racists because they support abortion, as if we're forcing them on black women or something.
Incorrect.
I will use "Democrat" as a catch-all for the left, from central to far.
I believe a large majority of Democrats engage in a form of passive racism; the belief that minorities need a white knight to ride along and save them from their inferior intellects, from the unjust chains that still bind them, and that their simpleton minds simply lacking the necessary means to understand concepts such as I.D.s, taxes, or even basic laws like "don't murder your neighbor" privilege them to commuted sentences and extra government handouts.I do believe a large chunk of Democrats are currently engaged in a very active form of racism; the strongest is, *without doubt,* towards Mexican men, but that has become a very new phenomenon - as has the violent racism towards Jews and Asian Americans.Quote1. The KKK, Proud Boys, and Neo Nazis all vote Republican.
Okay. This is a free nation.Quote2. Republicans think that forcing out all the immigrants (legal as well as illegal) will solve our economic issues...somehow.
No, we don't.Quote. Republicans tend to believe and spread every racist stereotype they hear, without question. "In Springfield, they're eating the dogs."
Some do, sure; some Democrats tend to believe and spread the anti-scientific misconception that children are not human beings without a bat of an eye; personally, I'll take gullible over heartless any day but try not to judge parties composed of tens of millions of individuals as one giant group mind.Quote4. In response to police murdering black people, Republicans come to the defense of the cops, every single time. "Defend the thin, blue line." "All lives matter."
Mhmm; and 90% of the time when you look at the case the cop was in the right - the media has a wonderful habit of cutting out 5+ minutes of video to show you the 10 seconds of action.
In the other 10% they normally get the book thrown at them, as it should be - though yeah, I 100% agree there needs to be some work done on the police unions and their privs.QuoteOh, just preparing myself for all of the excuses people will make when Trump's tariffs don't make anything cheaper, and kicking out all the Mexicans doesn't solve the housing crisis.
For what it's worth, and I can only speak for myself on this one - I'm not particularly concerned about Trump's tariffs making things cheaper and I don't know many who are.
The tariffs are two-fold; foreign companies do massive amounts of trade on American soil while prohibiting a large amount of American goods in their own country. I think this should be very obviously an unfair deal and it's something he has fought strongly against, tariffs being one means he found successful with Japan during his adminstration.The second is forcing American companies to see it as more profitable to bring production back to America. Yes - this might indeed cause some economic issues, but I would contend that any medicine that brings Americas' economy back to America is going to be bitter, and the policy of the Harris administration would have left us in *far* worse of condition and so... lesser of two evils.
Quote from: Cassia on November 08, 2024, 11:40:51 PMAnd when a hurricane smashes the trailer park there will be no FEMA. But Trump says hurricanes are good because they make us more waterfront property.
I suppose that this is his attempt of looking on the bright side of a bad situation. Another potential bright side would be the creation of a new source of entertainment and windfall income for the winners of a new game of sports betting -- "WHERE WILL IT LAND?" In the new MAGA States, after NOAA is dismantled, our ability to accurately predict where these precious storms will make landfall will be greatly diminished -- but, do not despair, for hooray!! this is an opportunity to make money!!! Sports betting sites can capitalize on this great opportunity to entertain the masses and to make tons of cash!!!
Quote from: Shiranu on November 07, 2024, 05:31:35 PM
Without getting too far off topic, yes; there is nothing "emotional" about stating the objective fact that abortion leads to the death of over 900,000 American children every year; that abortion in America overwhelmingly and disproportionately affects the African American (330,000 abortions a year) community through institutions founded out of the eugenics movement. This is simply not acceptable in a first world nation.
I realize the historical context of abortion will vary outside the States, but even if they aren't American they will still remain children.
More than happy to discuss abortion more if it comes up at some point, just not at risk of derailing the main topic.
Trump has been consistent on his views about the war.
Per the Kyiv Independent on July 16th on 2023, quoting from his Fox Interview in which he promised to end the war in one day, he then went on to say quote...
"I would tell Zelensky, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don't make a deal, we're going to give him a lot. We're going to (give Ukraine) more than they ever got if we have to."
On March 5th, 2022 leaked phone calls between Trump and golfer John Daly revealed that he had threatened multiple times to bomb Russia; "We're gonna hit Moscow." and "...he sort of believed me, that's all you need. He never did it during my time, John. He didn't during the last four years because he knew he couldn't."
Per the Wallstreet Journal Interview with him (I believe from this year) - "I said, 'Vladimir, if you go after Ukraine, I am going to hit you so hard, you're not even going to believe it. I'm going to hit you right in the middle of fu**ing Moscow."
To clarify the stereotype statement; by what I meant with that is when you mention echo chambers you include the "kind, compassionate, decent" - as if this is not the same echo chamber most Trump supporting individuals likewise belong to.
Edit - And I think one more interesting thing to add would be his statements on NATO and the fear that lead to; that he was anti-NATO, going to pull us out of it, etc. etc.
What were the results? NATO members increasingly began paying their fair share, no longer relying on Americans to subsidize their security. That's a net win for everyone, American and European.
You know what? I am done.
Part of me wants to continue the conversation. Maybe we will, at some later time. Maybe in private or on another thread. But it is clear we don't agree on fundamentals for this.
There are dozens of things racing through my head to respond. But you are just going to have your response back up, which i'll find infuriatingly, obviously wrong. As, i suppose, you'll find mine.
And amidst all that frustration, your comment about talking later at some point and not derailing the discussion is clinging to my mind.
There was a time i gound you a bit too far to the left, and i now kind of regreg not really getting into it. But now, i don't think i want to keep spending time on convincing someone whose idealogical ideas are so far removed from my own.
I've followed this american campaign very closely, the past few years. Kind of like i did with brexit. Because, even though i didn't really have a dog in the fight, i felt it was important and knew it would, inadvertently, affect me.
I'm sure it still will, down the line. But i can't change anything about that. I can't even get through to you, shiranu. And just keeping up the dogpile won't help either of us.
If you want to talk in private, talk to me in about a month or two. I imagine I'll have the willpower for it then. If not, fine as well. Are my words ever going to change your mind about anything substantial? Probably not? Are yours going to change mine? Yeah, probably not either? But maybe, in a while, i'd be willing to give it a shot.
For now, however, as i posted right before your election: i am looking forward to being done with this election. And thus, this is me ending it, for my part.
Shitstorm may come. I'll deal with that as may come. But i'm done with this election. You won it. Enjoy the next four years.
Shiranu joining MAGA was not on my bingo card this year.
All politics aside, Trump is simply not a anything like a good person. I would not want my children to look up to him or be a like him.
(https://i.imgur.com/SZhdyuzl.png)
https://i.imgur.com/I0xsGlz.mp4
There are going to be lots of well-fed face-eating leopards in 2025.
I feel really sorry for people who genuinely tried to fight this and lost, but to the people who were complacent or careless or delusional, you're reaping what you sowed.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 11, 2024, 11:48:11 PMThere are going to be lots of well-fed face-eating leopards in 2025.
My favorite will be the ones who held out on Harris because of Gaza; because apparently the guy who is encouraging Netanyahu to "finish the job" is somehow going to be better for them.
This will now be the second time I've watched sanctimonious liberals pave the way for a president whose policies could hardly be more opposite of what they want. All because they didn't get their dream candidate.
Quote from: Sargon The Grape on November 12, 2024, 03:08:36 AMMy favorite will be the ones who held out on Harris because of Gaza; because apparently the guy who is encouraging Netanyahu to "finish the job" is somehow going to be better for them.
This will now be the second time I've watched sanctimonious liberals pave the way for a president whose policies could hardly be more opposite of what they want. All because they didn't get their dream candidate.
You have hit the nail on the head, I think. Plus, lots of people on each end of the R/L spectrum are focused in one or two issues and forget about the big picture. This 2-party system is crap to start with and then we have the electoral college on top of that. Then throw in huge campaign financing and all the paybacks that must happen and we have nothing like a democracy. As if that wasn't enough now it's all about Trump cronyism and deregulation into Russian-style oligarchy.
It will take a good while for all the dopes to remember why we have regulation in the first place. Oh, wait, so air-traffic controllers actually do something? What is that chemical truck dumping into the stream behind the house? No one ever wonders why we still have an ozone layer. Why are there still hurricanes in Nov/Dec?
Nobody ever lost an election by underestimating the intelligence of the voting public.
BTW, this is NOT what I wanted.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on November 12, 2024, 08:38:57 AMNobody ever lost an election by underestimating the intelligence of the voting public.
BTW, this is NOT what I wanted.
Last week I saw a MAGA voter being interviewed and he was very surprised that when the Republicans repeal "Obamacare", he will lose his ACA health insurance. Blank stare from under that red dunce hat, as his 15 Trump yard flags blew in the breeze. I am hoping that the least they will do is get rid of anything mandatory about the plan and rebrand it as ChumpCare or something.
(https://i.imgur.com/bTgk7da.png)
Some real 3000 IQ judgment calls went down that day.
Btw, I do agree that some change is absolutely necessary. But this is like being annoyed by a broken arm and so you try a "herbal remedy" from a snake oil salesman and sell your house to pay for it. Lots of risk, no guarantee of anything good, and you're blowing up the good things you still have in the process.
"I consider him like Hitler, but I voted for the man."
Fuck. What's a little Hitler when the price of eggs is $5000 a dozen.
Hispanics, blacks and women for Trump are already getting a dose of white nationalism. Dept. of Education is in the crosshairs as are all special grants and enrollment programs for minorities. The trickle-down valve is going to tighten up.
Trump said he would direct the Department of Justice to go after diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
https://thegrio.com/2024/11/12/trump-doubles-down-on-eliminating-education-department-vows-to-give-restitution-to-victims-of-dei/
However, Trump's vow to eliminate the Department of Education faces a procedural hurdle. Congress would have to pass legislation to do so, and Republicans don't have enough votes in the U.S. Senate to pass such a bill without eliminating the filibuster.
"That is highly unlikely," said Cross. However, she cautioned that Trump could essentially "kill" the department through executive actions, including dramatically defunding the agency and eliminating positions and programs.
It's funny, when I was much younger, I looked at some of these programs and thought "well that's not very fair". As I learned and matured, I started to understand why these programs are a good idea and how they more than pay for themselves through the general uplifting of our society. But that actually takes a little analysis, some rationality to see causal relationships. Like carbon fuels->greenhouse gasses->great peril. It's just too much for the greedy fucks.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 12, 2024, 08:33:22 PM(https://i.imgur.com/bTgk7da.png)
Some real 3000 IQ judgment calls went down that day.
Btw, I do agree that some change is absolutely necessary. But this is like being annoyed by a broken arm and so you try a "herbal remedy" from a snake oil salesman and sell your house to pay for it. Lots of risk, no guarantee of anything good, and you're blowing up the good things you still have in the process.
Mussolini was popular because he made the trains run on time. No one cared that he did it by having soldiers hold the engineers at gunpoint.
Well, surprise, surprise! People who voted for Trumplestiltskin are already regretting having voted for Trumplestiltskin! Who could've guessed that would happen? 🥸
Insert leopard face eating meme
I'm surprised at the number of comments in news articles that report people not knowing who they were going to vote for when they entered the booth. All the ones I've seen like that voted for Trump. Some reported they even surprised themselves after they were done.
You know, i've been thinking about that.
I think there was a subtantial amount of 'undecided voters' until right the end.
In hindsight, that may have been a huge red flag.
I hypothesize that a great chunk of those knew damn well who had their vote, but were to embarresed to admit it to even the person taking the questionaire. Not all who voted for him were die-hard blind loyalists.
If the candidates are so fundamentally opposed and the media coverage is so intense, and the personalities are so dominant in everyday life; it seems nigh on impossible to think either might be about as bad or good for the job.
I would argue even taking into account many don't follow politics as intensely as we all might've done.
Just a thought, in case we ever want to take a look at future polls.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 18, 2024, 10:47:05 AMI hypothesize that a great chunk of those knew damn well who had their vote, but were to embarresed to admit it to even the person taking the questionaire. Not all who voted for him were die-hard blind loyalists.
Embarrassment! I think that too. Then, once Trump wins overwhelmingly, they are emboldened to tell you they were in the group that voted for Trump.
It's also possible they haven't been following the news for the last 8 years years, but I find that hard to believe.
Too many voters aren't just uninformed, they're misinformed.
Dr Oz, LOL. The colloidal silver, bullshit TV guy will be in charge of Medicare. Trump's cabinet should save gas and go to work in a clown car. The big salary 'elite libs' with their million-dollar homes and fancy college degrees are really gonna suffer now when affordable care (basically free insurance for the poor) and social security are gutted.
(https://www.statesman.com/gcdn/presto/2021/06/29/NAAS/f6dc95ce-6d92-4ac9-9c6a-f0bfda89d545-jwj_06282021_Border_0091.jpg?width=660&height=433&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
(https://www.thedailybeast.com/resizer/v2/CZFX2CCXDJG4RHQYTZQLDOCYEM.gif?smart=true&auth=565168b18682edb409f2bd849a56e724a45da3317706ce9097b5b708323b4778&width=1600&height=899)
Thanks Oprah!
This American election has been such a dissapointment, and I wasted my time following it closely! Not only has the most powerful far-right extremist won for President in the most powerful nation in the world, he will probably boost other right-wing-extremist forces worldwide, given the influence of the USA!
I thought 2025 had a CHANCE, at least, to be an awesome year...it looks loke it won't, unfortunately!
I will quit following politics as much as possible for the next few months, at least. I don't want to be more upset and/or depressed than I already am now...
Good luck to you all, though!
I've finally settled into accepting that the chump will be president. I could move to Sardinia and live in one of the better houses, but what kind of life is it away from all my family and friends? As for anyone voting for the chump and regretting it, I have no sympathy. It would be best if the leopards started in on their faces, first.
Gaetz is out as Attorney General pick (https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-transition-news-11-21-24/index.html)
A disappointed Gaetz remarked, "Drats. I was hoping to be Attorney General for 17 years. But I don't want it after that."
Quote from: Sargon The Grape on November 09, 2024, 06:52:00 PMShiranu joining MAGA was not on my bingo card this year.
I've never been a dyed-in-the-wool radical, I just bought the lies whole heartedly and legitimately thought I was on the right side of history.
We live, we learn; we get new information, we process it, we improve as people.
Hard to judge so far other than his previous experience which was good, but other than one pick (Dr. Oz... bleh) he's looking good so far.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 21, 2024, 05:44:55 PMI've never been a dyed-in-the-wool radical, I just bought the lies whole heartedly and legitimately thought I was on the right side of history.
We live, we learn; we get new information, we process it, we improve as people.
Hard to judge so far other than his previous experience which was good, but other than one pick (Dr. Oz... bleh) he's looking good so far.
Well, I have a sneaking suspicion you'll get plenty of new information to process over the next 4 years, as will we all. And I genuinely hope you're true to what you've said so far and approach it with an open mind. I will as well. And you know what? If I'm proven wrong about the guy and he does a bang-up job, I'll go buy a MAGA hat and film a tik tok of me wearing it and post it here.
But obviously, I don't think that's likely. I mean, we're talking about putting Dr Oz in high office. That's the equivalent of putting Ellen Degeneres as the Secretary of State and Dr Phil as the DoD head. These are serious posts with serious responsibilities, not the cast of the newest talk show.
None of the tentative Cabinet picks look all that great to me, to put it mildly. To put it bluntly, it looks like another fox-guarding-the-henhouse situation and those never end well, so I very much doubt I'll need to make good on my promise.
I'm surprised Trumplestiltskin didn't pick Cannon for AG. Maybe she wouldn't let him grab her by the...uh...kitty cat?
At least Bondi is easy to look at, but she's really hard to listen to.
Texas is gonna offer to teach the babble in public schools because they don't need that precious school time to learn anything real, I guess. Texas has the sixth highest rate of bullying, and the eighth highest dropout rate in the nation. The state ranked No. 34 for its median ACT scores, and No. 40 in the nationwide ranking of median SAT scores. There is a lot of biblical guidance on slavery, so maybe just planning ahead? Way to Fuck-The-Constitution as well.
https://houston.innovationmap.com/texas-school-system-ranking-wallethub-2668852876.html
The rural states all voted for Trump, yet they get huge regular farm handouts from taxpayers -up the yazoo. Hey, isn't that sOCiaLiZisM? Wait till he rounds up all the Mexican agri-workers that pick our food (for peanuts) and pay into fake SS numbers without getting anything back. Then come the agri-trade/tariff wars. Gonna be lots of meth cooking in Kansas and Iowa, LOL. Inflationary policy, so loans will not be cheap, either. Thousands of these same mental giants went to church and drowned in their Covid juices, finally begging for vaccines but "owning the libs". Brilliant.
Farm Subsidies Ballooned Under Trump
EWG's analysis of records from the Department of Agriculture finds that subsidy payments to farmers ballooned from just over $4 billion in 2017 to more than $20 billion in 2020 – driven largely by ad hoc programs meant to offset the effects of President Trump's failed trade war.
Not only did the amount of subsidies skyrocket, but the richest farms also increased their share: In 2016, about 17 percent of total subsidies went to the top 1 percent of farms and about 60 percent to the top 10th. In 2019, the richest 1 percent received almost one-fourth of the total, and the top 10th received almost two-thirds.
https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2021-farm-subsidies-ballooned-under-trump/
Quote from: Cassia on November 22, 2024, 08:47:36 PMTexas is gonna offer to teach the babble in public schools because they don't need that precious school time to learn anything real
It's not that they care about the Bible at all, or their students, come to think of it. It's that Trump's $60 bible is specifically geared to meet the extremely specific wording of the law (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/05/oklahoma-schools-trump-bible), which requires that the Bible also have a copy of the Declaration of Independence and US constitution - things that aren't normally found in Bibles.
So in essence, it's a grifting operation in which taxpayer money is diverted to Trump
If more people would read the entire Bible there would be a lot fewer Christians in AmeriKKKa.
This week, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters insisted he would "absolutely" penalize schools that don't show a video of him praying for President-elect Donald Trump.
The state ranks 44th for education, top 10 in poverty. Yep, keep it up and you "okies" can just "taliban" yourselves until you are equals with Afghanistan.
Why don't any of these "pious" Christians seem to know that their lord and savior, Jesus, said (Matthew 6:5-6) not to pray in public? Haven't they read their holy book?
Quote from: Unbeliever on November 23, 2024, 10:23:09 AMWhy don't any of these "pious" Christians seem to know that their lord and savior, Jesus, said (Matthew 6:5-6) not to pray in public? Haven't they read their holy book?
Well, some guy said that Jesus said that. It's like when apologists say, "500 hundred people saw Jesus ascend to heaven", like that is some sort of evidence. Well, no...but yes, someone did say that, LOL. Oh, and BTW, which way is heaven? Up, I guess? I hope he timed his lift-off from this spinning globe just right.
Actually, we know that they don't read their holy book, hardly at all. They just listen to a preacher read them the huggy-fuzzy, touchy-feely parts that make them feel good about themselves.
Trump picks Dr Janette Nesheiwat as Surg-idiot General. She's an author of "Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine," which highlights "miracles" in medicine and the benefits of faith healing. For COVID, she advocated hydroxychloroquine and spread misinformation about vaccines.
Just sprinkle some holy water on it.
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExaGhyOGN2aG91a2Y3MGgwYmFqZzNoODB2c2lyaDhrYmF0OXdwdjd5ZyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/oX74fzNcSNXAs1eou3/giphy.webp)
He's not even President yet, and Trump's leadership is already a shit show.
Can't wait to see how boldly terrible he will be when he has ultimate power and a Supreme Court that says he is accountable to no one.
Unfortunately, he's going to fuck up the whole world, not just AmeriKKKa.
RFK Jr more unhinged than you think (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-vaccines-cdc-fascism-abuse-catholic-church-autism-conferences-rcna181605)
Unsuitable for running a hot dog cart (especially considering his choice of meats - worms al dente), definitely unsuitable for running anything related to healthcare.
For anyone "skeptical" of vaccines, here's a handy chart (https://graphics.wsj.com/infectious-diseases-and-vaccines/) regarding disease rates before and after the vaccines for them were introduced. Not only do they save lives, but they also keep people on the job and boost economic growth. It's a fantastic thing from several vantage points. But for those fighting a religious war against science, they're "fascism" - which is rich considering the source!
Trump fires or just plain loses cabinet members faster than any other president. He needs people he can push around. The dumber the better. Too many people qualified for important positions would debate his most stupid ideas.
Thanksgiving dinner costs less this year than last year (https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/11/21/thanksgiving-dinner-cost-turkey-price-inflation/76407490007/)
Just in case people cast their vote based on (perceived) egg prices based on a guy telling you one thing while the price tags behind him say another (https://newrepublic.com/post/186233/jd-vance-caught-lying-egg-prices-video). Do you think that's the only thing he's lying to you about?
Those fuckers lie even when they don't have to.
Wound up reading a Pro-Trump forum whose members were lamenting with very poor writing skills ("to bad there closed") how awesome the local "Sambos" restaurant was and that it closed because of 'political correctness'.
I was a line cook at a "Denny's", formerly a "Sambo's." The busboys and dishwashers still employed there when it was Sambo's, would sometimes spit in the pancake batter or drop cigarette ashes in it. Instead of taking time to open the plastic bag with frozen chicken pieces, the cooks would dip the unopened bag in the fryer, melting the plastic so the chicken and melted plastic would fall into the fryer. Yum.
That's why I seldom eat out anymore. I just don't trust people to be sane.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 28, 2024, 10:52:55 AMThanksgiving dinner costs less this year than last year (https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/11/21/thanksgiving-dinner-cost-turkey-price-inflation/76407490007/)
Just in case people cast their vote based on (perceived) egg prices based on a guy telling you one thing while the price tags behind him say another (https://newrepublic.com/post/186233/jd-vance-caught-lying-egg-prices-video). Do you think that's the only thing he's lying to you about?
We're long overdue for a recession. Biden managed to delay it, but Trump's tariffs alone will push us right over the edge. Shockingly, it turns out that foreign countries
don't pay for the tarrifs. We do. Who knew?
Oh yeah, and countries tend to place retaliatory tarrifs themselves, which means fewer people buying American goods internationally. So not only will we be paying more for what we import, but we'll also be making less money on things we sell. Oh boy! That sounds like the perfect way to jumpstart our economy!
A perfect political storm. Will AmeriKKKa survive? Only your hairdresser knows for sure.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 29, 2024, 12:03:48 PMWe're long overdue for a recession. Biden managed to delay it, but Trump's tariffs alone will push us right over the edge. Shockingly, it turns out that foreign countries don't pay for the tarrifs. We do. Who knew?
Oh yeah, and countries tend to place retaliatory tarrifs themselves, which means fewer people buying American goods internationally. So not only will we be paying more for what we import, but we'll also be making less money on things we sell. Oh boy! That sounds like the perfect way to jumpstart our economy!
Well, look on the bright side. After four years, it'll be easy for whoever is next to make it better.
Quote from: the_antithesis on November 29, 2024, 04:51:17 PMWell, look on the bright side. After four years, it'll be easy for whoever is next to make it better.
No, it won't. Especially if Trump gets to assign ANOTHER Supreme Court justice. The mess Trump leaves behind will take DECADES to recover from, and that's just to break even. Plus, there's no guarantee that the election will even mean anything in four years. If Trump is as power hungry as I believe he is, Project 2025 will ensure that he and his eventual successors have unchecked power. Basically, like Russia, we'll have an election to provide the illusion of choice, but the outcome will be set in stone from the start. If I'm right, America is fucked, and there's no recovering from it.
Super easy, barely an inconvenience.
Oh really?
His current three judges have done a really good job; DoE vs. Brown (economy), 303 Creative LLC vs. Elenis (1st amendment), Merrill v. Milligan (protection against racial discrimination in drawing voting districts) are just a few examples across a wide range of issues where they have simply put made the right call.
I wouldn't worry too much about it.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-threatens-100-tariff-brics-countries-abandon-us-dollar-rcna182300
Proposed 100% tariff on BRICs (Russia and friends) countries if they decide to start their own currency to compete with the US dollar.
Beautiful.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 29, 2024, 08:21:51 PMHis current three judges have done a really good job; DoE vs. Brown (economy), 303 Creative LLC vs. Elenis (1st amendment), Merrill v. Milligan (protection against racial discrimination in drawing voting districts) are just a few examples across a wide range of issues where they have simply put made the right call.
I wouldn't worry too much about it.
I'm sure you have nothing but nice things to say about Trump's cabinet picks too.
Quote from: Shiranu on November 30, 2024, 09:34:18 PMhttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-threatens-100-tariff-brics-countries-abandon-us-dollar-rcna182300
Proposed 100% tariff on BRICs (Russia and friends) countries if they decide to start their own currency to compete with the US dollar.
Beautiful.
Lots of IFs here. IF it's more than words, IF he successfully implements it, IF everything works out as well as you think (long list of things here that haven't exactly gone according to plan - "who knew healthcare could be so complicated?!") THEN and only then will I agree to you.
Honestly, with this guy and the record he has, prematurely celebrating isn't exactly a good idea.
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 01, 2024, 10:26:47 AMI'm sure you have nothing but nice things to say about Trump's cabinet picks too.
For the most part, yeah; not big on Oz and wish he would have picked Sid Miller for Ag., but otherwise my biggest complaint is I think he may be a little too focused on making sure he gets "first woman, first PoC, first LGBT+" in different cabinet positions just as a middle finger to the Democrats.
Quote from: Hydra009 on December 01, 2024, 07:18:53 PMLots of IFs here. IF it's more than words, IF he successfully implements it, IF everything works out as well as you think (long list of things here that haven't exactly gone according to plan - "who knew healthcare could be so complicated?!") THEN and only then will I agree to you.
Honestly, with this guy and the record he has, prematurely celebrating isn't exactly a good idea.
His records on tariffs and leveraging our economic power against China and Russia are quite good, it's something he was criticized for in his first term.
"If" he becomes a dictator, "if" he throws out the Constitution, "if" he persecutes minorities... I'll hedge my bets on this if first.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 01, 2024, 08:44:18 PMHis records on tariffs and leveraging our economic power against China and Russia are quite good, it's something he was criticized for in his first term.
"If" he becomes a dictator, "if" he throws out the Constitution, "if" he persecutes minorities... I'll hedge my bets on this if first.
He actually delivered on the Muslim ban and pulling out of the Paris climate accord, not on improving on Obamacare. His failures from the border wall that Mexico would allegedly pay for to "draining the swamp" to the covid fiasco are not difficult to recall. "Doomscrolling" was a thing under this regime. His conduct was so bad that he eventually got impeached twice over it and found guilty of 34 felonies.
Of course, some people say it was great and can't wait for seconds, but you can't change facts with your opinions. You can't say something is fine when it's not - the current Cabinet picks come readily to mind - and expect to be taken seriously, much less believed.
"To treat your facts with imagination is one thing, to imagine your facts is quite another."
John Burroughs, Journal, October 24, 1907
Now that Biden has pardoned his son, I don't think any of us need to worry about either party pretending to care about ethics in politics anymore. These next few years are gonna be wild.
Quote from: Hydra009 on December 01, 2024, 09:22:48 PMHe actually delivered on the Muslim ban and pulling out of the Paris climate accord, not on improving on Obamacare. His failures from the border wall that Mexico would allegedly pay for to "draining the swamp" to the covid fiasco are not difficult to recall. "Doomscrolling" was a thing under this regime. His conduct was so bad that he eventually got impeached twice over it and found guilty of 34 felonies.
Of course, some people say it was great and can't wait for seconds, but you can't change facts with your opinions. You can't say something is fine when it's not - the current Cabinet picks come readily to mind - and expect to be taken seriously, much less believed.
In order to support the incoming administration, I will be leaving my body to pseudoscience. They may not know what to do with it (bury it in Central Park?) but it does show my support.
Quote from: Cassia on December 02, 2024, 09:32:09 AMIn order to support the incoming administration, I will be leaving my body to pseudoscience. They may not know what to do with it (bury it in Central Park?) but it does show my support.
Good for you!! Pseudoscience is mankind's only hope.
Quote from: Sargon The Grape on December 02, 2024, 12:16:02 AMNow that Biden has pardoned his son, I don't think any of us need to worry about either party pretending to care about ethics in politics anymore. These next few years are gonna be wild.
I suppose it was Biden's parting shot. But I think it's the wrong message to Americans. Trump will capitalize on this when he pardons all those who tried to subvert the 2020 election.
Yeah, I think it was a bad move, too. Trump used the opportunity to lobby for Jan 6th insurrectionist "hostages" (bizarre terminology for everyone except zip tie guy, who certainly seemed keen on the idea).
Trump being mad about a miscarriage of justice is rich, though I doubt he's actually mad about it. Hunter was just his way to get under Biden's skin and whip up his base, and with Biden leaving the picture and his power secure, he doesn't need that tactic anymore.
United Healthcare CEO killed in targeted shooting. This before Trump's goons start dismantling what pathetic insurance Americans have left. Violence is never the best answer.
I certainly hope he did not fail to obtain prior authorization before seeking care for the gunshot wound to his chest. While they acknowledge the emergent nature of the situation, their policy requires that all non-preventative services, including "unexpected chest injuries," be pre-approved through the 24/7 Prior Authorization Hotline. Unfortunately, the hotline received no such call during his ambulance transport or at any point before his admission to the emergency room.
(https://preview.redd.it/public-opinion-on-the-u-s-economy-by-political-affiliation-v0-cbrus9mj2n4e1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=aa3038b5e61d806ba54536b96b495df5638ea509)
Source (https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/business/economy/consumer-sentiment-trump.html)
Hmmm...quite a few very sharp, miraculous turn-arounds. I bet egg prices will be fantastic in January.
Quote from: Hydra009 on December 01, 2024, 09:22:48 PMHe actually delivered on the Muslim ban and pulling out of the Paris climate accord, not on improving on Obamacare. His failures from the border wall that Mexico would allegedly pay for to "draining the swamp" to the covid fiasco are not difficult to recall. "Doomscrolling" was a thing under this regime. His conduct was so bad that he eventually got impeached twice over it and found guilty of 34 felonies.
I know this is a long response, but... I just don't know how to refute things in just a few words and there are so many important issues here that do need to be hit.
- I see very few bad things there; the "Muslim ban" (beyond hyperbolic) was a necessity that must be expanded; the PCA allowed BRICs and other hostile nations to fleece the West to the tune of billions of dollars while they dwarf of us in climate damage and the expansion of dirty energy (while making us more and more beholden to their natural resources.)
- The border wall was a failure of Democrats - it was something they were *extremely* proud of keeping funding from and ran on just this election cycle. Ask ICE and BP what they think of the wall and if we need more or less of it.
- Obamacare is a step in the wrong direction that needs to be ended and again you are blaming the failing of Democratic states on Trump; the economic damage came from closing down the economy, something he was opposed to - and the vaccines something he supported.
- He was first impeached for putting pressure on Ukraine - a nation he had previously supported against Russia - to give information on Hunter Biden's unlawful dealings; he was impeached for accusing Hunter of something Biden just gave his son a 10-year carte blanche pardon for.
- The second impeachment was over Jan 6th, something that they still cannot pin to him because there is just nothing to pin to him.
- Donald Trump was convicted of 34 cases of paying his lawyer; under New York law, the jury was left to decide what "unlawful means" Trump had actually taken - a jury that had been fought tooth and nail to get in a 92% far-left Democrat stronghold district.
His policies are fine; the country was good under him; they have spent nearly a decade trying to nail him with an actual crime and they haven't managed yet - in the process, revealing several crimes they themselves were involved in.
I'm sorry, I just don't think Epstein and Diddy Party attendees are telling the truth anymore...
You lost me at the Muslim ban part. You're upset that I called it a Muslim ban, but that's that's what Giuliani called it (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/29/trump-asked-for-a-muslim-ban-giuliani-says-and-ordered-a-commission-to-do-it-legally/) and Trump himself called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLgTF8FrYlU) - "Muslim ban" is not an unreasonable takeaway from that. It's not a term that I came up with. This is not a term I crafted to embarrass or denigrate the proponents of said policy. This is pretty much verbatim what the proponents of the policy came up with. You seem find that term upsetting, calling it "beyond hyperbolic" why?
I will humor this, but please promise me that if I do we can please start discussing reality and what really happened rather than media tabloid bullshit and, "he said, she said!" to try and twist things into what they want you to see?
Executive Order 13769 - Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry to the United - aka "The Muslim Ban;" effective from January to March of 2017 banned individuals from *one* nation - Syria.
Other than this, EO13769 lowered the admittable refugees for 2017 to 50,000 and gave DHS the ability to screen and accept/decline refugees on a case-by-case basis from the countries of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Iraq and Yemen; no leaders of the Islamic world but rather those lawless and radicalized lands that even the Saudis and peninsulars have no use for.
Evil does not donate billions to media personalities just because they are big fans of movies.
It would additionally give cabinet secretaries 90-day periods to halt immigration from these nations if they violated screening and vetting laws or otherwise deemed to be a risk to the United States and her peoples.
This is the reality - this is the "Muslim Ban" bill in all it's evil horror; a bill that provided more safeguards against terrorists from countries that were occupied by ISIS, by the splinters of Al-Qaeda, by Iranian-backed terrorist organizations and that provided our law enforcement more tools to make sure both the evil who wish us harm could be denied entry and the good who are fleeing them could have a lawful means to entering the country.
This is what was weaponized, what I was lead to believe was an evil injustice against the poor and downtrodden, that America would riot over...
What the fruitcake Giuliani did or didn't think of it is just that - what a fruit cake thought of it, and the reality is that while a Muslim ban is necessary and a good thing, it's not what this bill ever was or ever intended to be.
RE: A little science estranges men from God, but much science leads them back to Him.
LOL, fortunately some Americans are still good a detecting bullshit, but not as many as we need to sustain.
This alleged quotation is attributed to Pasteur at least as early as 1952, in Miracles, by Morvan Lebesque. A similar quotation reportedly appeared in a Pittsburgh Observer letter, written by Monsignor Joseph Guillot about Pasteur, which was reprinted in "Note and Comment: Latest Evidence Regarding Pasteur's Catholicity", in the February 7, 1920 issue of the magazine, America: A Catholic Review of the Week, but the author of the letter quotes Blaise Pascal as saying, "a little knowledge estranges one from God, whilst great knowledge brings one nearer to God." The letter author says that the Pascal quote applies to Pasteur. Neither the original letter author nor the America magazine author provides the source of the alleged, Pascal quote. It may be a paraphrase of Francis Bacon, in "On Atheism" in Essays (1597): "A little Philosophy inclineth Mans Minde to Atheisme; But depth in Philosophy, bringeth Mens Mindes about to Religion."
Quote from: Shiranu on December 04, 2024, 07:49:50 PMI will humor this, but please promise me that if I do we can please start discussing reality and what really happened rather than media tabloid bullshit and, "he said, she said!" to try and twist things into what they want you to see?
I linked to Trump himself announcing it. Doesn't get less twisty than that.
QuoteExecutive Order 13769 - Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry to the United - aka "The Muslim Ban;" effective from January to March of 2017 banned individuals from *one* nation - Syria.
Other than this, EO13769 lowered the admittable refugees for 2017 to 50,000 and gave DHS the ability to screen and accept/decline refugees on a case-by-case basis from the countries of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Iraq and Yemen; no leaders of the Islamic world but rather those lawless and radicalized lands that even the Saudis and peninsulars have no use for.
I think your characterization of it only banning individuals from Syria and restricting Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen is a bit strange considering a 5-second google search revealed other countries, including Chad (https://www.france24.com/en/20180411-usa-lifts-travel-ban-chad-trump), where nationals were unable to receive visas to the US for 6 months. Unless my cartography skills are failing me, Chad isn't in Syria, is it?
You'd think Trump would've specified Syria rather than Muslim if that was his intent, but he chose to word it in a very specific way when pitching it to the American people, indicating a very specific intent. And while it certainly sounds reasonable to restrict and vet people coming from these countries, which have had significant instability and religious extremism. But weren't we already vetting people? And how have these policies affected actual people?
Quote from: articleWhile their plane was allowed to land at Dulles, the family was not allowed to leave the airport. Instead, they received stamps that read "canceled" on each of their visas. Almorisi watched officials throw away their visa applications. They were also forbidden from coming into contact with anyone. Years of persistence, all for nothing, he thought.
"I was trying so hard to show them I am a legal guy, and I have all my paperwork done correctly from the U.S. embassy in Djibouti," said Almorisi. "I said, 'I am a doctor. I have small children and a wife.'"
But to no avail. The family was sent back to Addis Ababa, where they spent nearly a week living in the airport. Almorisi says he'll never forget the sight of his children as they slept on the floors.
"The worst thing was that the Ethiopian Airlines expected the family to pay for all 7 flights from Virginia back to Ethiopia," said Fadel. "But they had no money left."
Source (https://richmondconfidential.org/2018/02/28/one-year-later-a-look-back-at-the-impact-of-the-travel-ban-that-aimed-to-prohibit-entry-of-people-from-countries-with-a-muslim-majority-population/)
You have said that the Muslim ban was a necessary move. Do you think this specific outcome was also necessary?
And finally, what's the thought process behind targeting specifically Muslim immigrants? I'm not sure if you're aware, but voters had/have a bit of a problem being rational when it comes to things even vaguely arabic or islamic, like wanting to bomb agrabah (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/18/republican-voters-bomb-agrabah-disney-aladdin-donald-trump) (ignore the subheadline, it's someone going beyond hyperbole) and opposing algebra (https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/poll-56-percent-of-americans-dont-want-arabic-numerals-taught-in-schools). If I may go out on a limb, it almost seems like Americans have some serious prejudice that an unscrupulous person might exploit for political gain. I know it's pretty hard to believe about a guy like Trump, but that appears to be the main motivation.
QuoteEvil does not donate billions to media personalities just because they are big fans of movies.
Good thought. Let's hold onto that for a future discussion about billionaire support for certain candidates.
QuoteI linked to Trump himself announcing it. Doesn't get less twisty than that.
The video you posted was from 2015, two years before EO 13769 was passed, following the San Bernadino terrorist attack.
Using quotes from years earlier and claiming he is referring to the contemporary EO is the definition of twisting things.
QuoteUnless my cartography skills are failing me, Chad isn't in Syria, is it?
Chad, along with several others, were left out for convience - all of them share the same trend of being currently occupied by Islamic extremists who butcher minority communities and the Christian majorities as well as Russian warlords and their small fiefdoms. QuoteYou'd think Trump would've specified Syria rather than Muslim if that was his intent...
He would also probably have specified Muslims and targeted countries with higher rates of immigration to America.QuoteYou have said that the Muslim ban was a necessary move. Do you think this specific outcome was also necessary?
In the sense that some necessities arise out of inevitability, sure. QuoteAnd finally, what's the thought process behind targeting specifically Muslim immigrants?
If directed at me - historical, political, cultural incompatibility. If at the EO, again - never specifically directed at Muslims.
Don't take an evil white mans' word for it either; the Arab world itself is aware of who these people are and are warning us themselves that we need to be more aware of who we let into our countries - that we need to take our national security seriously.
Muslims are not the enemies, and you can listen to 30 seconds of Trump to realize that has never been his position.
But political Islam does exist and it is aware of certain mechanisms within the West that allow them to smuggle terrorists and their sympathizers into positions of power - they know because they bought these paths through billions of USD worth of donations to colleges, to political campaigns, to think tanks, to medical institutions.
We cannot be so obsessed with our shinning set of armor that we find ourselves blinded by the glare - or less romantically, we cannot be so determined to be the good guys that we become both fools and sheep.
It *is* absolutely sick that they use good people to carry out acts of evil against our people, but it remains the truth all the same. No amount of sympathy, pity, good will or best wishes will ever change that.
Yeah, Islam is a set of mostly bad ideas based on a myth, as is Christianity. Islam is a more extreme offshoot sect of Christianity and goes that extra mile of insisting on world domination in writing. Obviously, the wars and hatred between worshipers of the imaginary Canaanite storm god, YWHW will be endless until our extinction.
Now that this clueless generation of Americans has allowed Christian Nationalism to become embedded in our US Federal government, with Trump as their useful idiot, it will not be long before Christian sects are fighting each other over control. We will find out exactly why theocracies are shit and why every region ruled by religious morons always suffers for it.
Define Christian nationalism... that's not a "gotch'ya" or anything, it's just such a vague concept in colloquial use as to be borderline useless, encompassing everything from Theocratic Autocrats wanting to install the Pope as Emperor to Joe down the street voting for Sean Smith out of a shared religious value.
I consider myself one as the Declaration itself is a Christian nationalist works of art, so I'm just curious if you really are using it as a pejorative.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 05, 2024, 05:58:13 PMDefine Christian nationalism... that's not a "gotch'ya" or anything, it's just such a vague concept in colloquial use as to be borderline useless, encompassing everything from Theocratic Autocrats wanting to install the Pope as Emperor to Joe down the street voting for Sean Smith out of a shared religious value.
I consider myself one as the Declaration itself is a Christian nationalist works of art, so I'm just curious if you really are using it as a pejorative.
The document's key author, Jefferson took a razor to the New Testament, cutting out all miracles by Jesus, mentions of the supernatural, including sections of the four gospels that contain the resurrection and passages that portray Jesus as divine.
Since so many iron-age minded Americans don't understand why any god or religion should never be given preference, I wonder how they would they feel if their local, state and federal government and legal systems were controlled by Muslim Mullahs or Buddhists?
And since the bible says: "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." Jesus comes along and says: "Do not think that I have come to abolish Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." In theocratic Saudi Arabia, the maximum punishment for homosexual acts is public execution by beheading because it is "haram" in the scriptures.
This is why a "Christian National" government is repulsive. When we have congresspersons on the senate floor sounding like demented preachers this nation is done. A democracy requires rational adult thinkers who vote. Not children who believe Mohammud flew to heaven on a winged horse or tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
QuoteThe document's key author, Jefferson took a razor to the New Testament, cutting out all miracles by Jesus, mentions of the supernatural, including sections of the four gospels that contain the resurrection and passages that portray Jesus as divine.[/qute]
And yet he didn't get rid of Jesus nor his teachings, indeed going so far as to make the key emphasis the teachings of Christ.
Christian nationalism can be boiled down to one simple claim; "The government should favor or be dictated by a Christian worldview."
A man who emphasis the moral teachings of Christ and states that all rights are derived from God the Creator sure sounds like a Christian nationalist.
QuoteSince so many iron-age minded Americans don't understand why any god or religion should never be given preference...
We absolutely give some religions preference over others, and thank God we do - for example, Christian marriage laws are given preference over Mormon or Islamic marriage customs and we give tax relief to Christian churches while not giving it to Black Hebrew Israelites or the Nation of Islam.QuoteThis is why a "Christian National" government is repulsive.
Because you fundamentally misunderstood what was said about the law and Jesus' role in it?
*Pre-edit sarcasm aside, all that really shows is how bad education on Christianity has gotten, which is why we have got to put the Bible back in the classroom. To take out the fundamental book upon which Western art, society and civics is based is lunacy and is a large part of why we are where we are - the ignorant are easy to control.
Fulfillment of the law means that punishments such as those were no longer necessary and has been the commonly held belief since the first Christian communities mentioned in Acts.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 05, 2024, 11:25:14 PM*Pre-edit sarcasm aside, all that really shows is how bad education on Christianity has gotten, which is why we have got to put the Bible back in the classroom.
The Bible never left the classroom. It isn't taught about in *science* class, because the Bible is not science. It is the collected works of ignorant, superstitious primitives who lived thousands of years ago. I was taught about the major world religions in 7th grade social studies, with an emphasis on Christianity and Islam due to their relevance to the West. This was 20 years ago in very liberal Washington.
I am glad you finally took the mask off and properly revealed your conversion to Christianity. It explains why you have a convert's enthusiasm all of a sudden. Now I don't need to wonder where your recent insane takes are coming from.
Quote from: SGOS on December 02, 2024, 09:54:17 AMTrump will capitalize on this when he pardons all those who tried to subvert the 2020 election.
I will die of shock if he even gives those yahoos a second thought, much less a pardon.
I would almost bet on it except he has people around him who might suggest such a thing. Otherwise, he would not care about the Jan 6th insurrectionists.
He'd rather play the accordion.
QuoteThe Bible never left the classroom.
In 1960, 3 years before federal regulation would make it illegal to make it mandatory in the classroom, 42% of schools allowed or required it; Western scholasticism was built upon the works of Christian monastics who most certainly incorporated it into their educational systems.Quote It isn't taught about in *science* class, because the Bible is not science.
Absolutely; in the same way we should not put Plato's "Republic" or 1987's, "The Oxford Companion to The Mind" (Edited bby Richard L. Gregory) in biology either.Quote Now I don't need to wonder where your recent insane takes are coming from.
I invite you to name one more insane than, "the Bible was not in American classrooms."
I could become a Muslim, and pronounce this forum a heretical bastion of Satan. That way I could draw attention to myself. Or maybe I could do something that would be more productive.
Because you fundamentally misunderstood what was said about the law and Jesus' role in it?
*Pre-edit sarcasm aside, all that really shows is how bad education on Christianity has gotten, which is why we have got to put the Bible back in the classroom. To take out the fundamental book upon which Western art, society and civics is based is lunacy and is a large part of why we are where we are - the ignorant are easy to control.
Nah, the age of Christianity was The Dark Ages. It was The Enlightenment with its emphasis on science and rationality, the revival of the Democracies of ancient Pagans and rejection of The Church that moved humankind away from iron age nonsense. Our government buildings don't resemble cathedrals. They have Greek and Roman columns and for a brilliant reason.
It is sad how the wake of female independence has so many young males confused and running back to a bullshit story. And, of course Jesus is a most irrational, devised character. Tells you to abandon your family to follow him. Doesn't understand basic germ theory. Says he will be back to "Armageddon" within the lifetimes of those around him. Could have dropped an E=MC2 to signal he was real, but no. Says nothing that persons with motives 40 years later couldn't conjure up. Much of it is just a retelling of the OT (often with the same exact wordage) but usually as a Pesher.
PS: Thinking about the immensity and wonders of "the universe" and how we know so little of it and the incredible diversity of life on this planet, it is amazing how the supposed creator inspires a flawed rule book that doesn't even rise to our secular moral standards. The main thrust of this twice promoted Canaanite storm/war god is all about belief against real evidence or else: eternal torture. Do not rely on your own intelligence. What a croc of shit. This has tribal ape-brain fingerprints all over it and is completely lost on the Chinese somehow. Especially as it was assembled during the Jewish wars, when there was no temple to offer YWHW his pleasing burnt flesh and people were very, very desperate. That is exactly what appeals to the clans and cults of today. Because apes and all living things are always desperate, living is a struggle, and the ends always justify the means.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 04, 2024, 10:07:43 PMThe video you posted was from 2015, two years before EO 13769 was passed, following the San Bernadino terrorist attack.
Using quotes from years earlier and claiming he is referring to the contemporary EO is the definition of twisting things.
Irrelevant. Obviously, the name for the policy came long before the actual executive order and not knowing that the name came mostly from proponents was such a embarrassing thing to get upset over that I was very surprised you made that blunder.
QuoteChad, along with several others, were left out for convience
An intentional blunder? Doubtful, especially in a post that tried to seem as thorough and knowledgeable as possible. I think you actually had no idea about the details but decided to go to bat for the policy anyway and to prepare, did a quick search and pasted the results, which was obviously very incomplete. Very disappointing.
I see the same attitude and procedure from you with the rest of Trump's policies, from complaining about China's dirty energy (you'd probably hate Trump's energy policy then) to being strangely unaware about Trump's foreign policy nominees like Tulsi Gabbard (https://www.newsweek.com/tulsi-gabbard-russia-views-memo-crimea-rt-nato-1996579) - a devout consumer of Russian state media according to her ex-staffers (https://abcnews.go.com/US/gabbards-views-russia-shaped-part-kremlin-propaganda-outlet/story?id=116430097) - but being dead certain that it's nothing to worry about and Trump's foreign policy is going to be fantastic.
When you emerged after the election, I wondered how and why someone would change so many positions so quickly - like viewing abortion as murder and assuming that Trump got convicted not because he actually committed serious crimes, but because he was tried in a liberal district. Well, you told me yourself that your attitude towards Trump changed dramatically and that seems to be the ultimate reason for everything else. So having a dialogue with you on this policy or that policy is pointless because at the end of the day, you're just going to believe that Trump is a great guy and therefore whatever policies he comes up with are good and necessary and tell yourself that I'm just trying to defame him for some reason or another. This pattern is actually pretty frustrating because we've tried a lot of this stuff before - skyhigh tariffs, trade wars, nativism, etc. Even sitting down Putin and telling him to back off has been done before. These are not new and exciting ideas that might work, these are old and bad ideas that we already know don't work cause we've already done them and they didn't work.
Given that you've said that you were very active on Twitter and Twitter has had a bit of an "change" recently, I think I could venture a guess as to why you've changed your view on Trump, and it has nothing to do with leaving an echochamber - quite the opposite, really.
QuoteIrrelevant.
"Here is a video claiming this specific thing is a specific thing."
"That video is from two years earlier, when he wasn't even president, proposing an entirely different set of rules."
"Irrelevant."
Come on, man.Quote An intentional blunder?
Or I just didn't feel like typing out every nation, hence the reason I left a few others caught up in the bill out.Quote I see the same attitude and procedure from you with the rest of Trump's policies
Funny, I see the exact same thing you people accuse Trump supporters of; sharing tabloid articles as truth (ex-staffers, "Giuliani said!", really?,) misquoting videos to try and twist the truth to your agenda, engaging in whataboutism to justify your position.Quote I think I could venture a guess as to why you've changed your view on Trump, and it has nothing to do with leaving an echochamber - quite the opposite, really.
Out of all those pots I expected to be so covered in soot... you were the last; the nonsense I see here being pushed as truth - happily jumped upon and cheered without even a second's fact checking - is madness.
For fucks sake man, one of the links here has been to r/Dionysus talking about how evil Trump is; you really think *that* isn't some echo chamber bullshit?
I won't insult you for being brainwashed by pagans and deviants because I believe you to be smarter than that.
QuoteNah, the age of Christianity was The Dark Ages.
My god, don't tell me "Dark Ages" is something atheists still believe in...
QuoteIt was The Enlightenment with its emphasis on science and rationality....
... and I guess yall do; the "Enlightenment" was one of the worst periods in European history (hell, human history with the lasting damage it has done) and has directly lead to the destruction of most of Europe's cultural legacy.
I graduated in 1969, all my school years in Indiana. Never saw a bible in any of them. Not sure about my hillbilly cousins, but some of them undoubtedly had their New Testament in their book bags.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on December 06, 2024, 08:16:44 PMI graduated in 1969, all my school years in Indiana. Never saw a bible in any of them.
Nor in my suburb of Chicago, but there were also Catholic schools close by.
When I was going through boat training in '69 we lived in barracks built in WWI. Open bays with four men to a bay, double bunks. For fun I replaced the usual grid showing who bunked where with a peace symbol with our names in it.
The next day I was called into my CPO's office. He and another chief told me that the peace symbol was "actually" the Cross of Christ, inverted and the arms broken downward. I told him that was the dumbest thing I'd ever heard. I was reassigned to a different team the next day.
Two years later I heard that the original chief had lead his boats into an obvious ambush and they died to a man.
God's will.
Quote from: SGOS on December 07, 2024, 07:35:01 AMNor in my suburb of Chicago, but there were also Catholic schools close by.
Do Catholics even read the Bible?
Quote from: Unbeliever on December 07, 2024, 10:45:25 AMDo Catholics even read the Bible?
I can't remember talking about what they learned in school. Oddly what I do remember is my Catholic friends joking about priests having sex with boys. None of my friends ever admitted being molested. It was always about some others, maybe a bit older, who were never identified. It was treated as humor, and I thought it was funny, because it sounded absurd. But in retrospect, they may have gotten the idea from what was taken as rumor. This was about 40 years before the big scandal became public knowledge.
Maybe they were just making it up. But in fact, it turns out that these sexual activities were known by some parents who were paid to keep quiet. But stuff like that leaks out sometimes. Of course, at the time, I just wrote it off like dirty jokes that kids tell.
Quote from: Unbeliever on December 07, 2024, 10:45:25 AMDo Catholics even read the Bible?
Nearly half don't (https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/database/frequency-of-reading-scripture/) and only a quarter do regularly, which is probably why 37% of Catholics don't believe in the Eucharist - a dogma of the Church.
Add on top of that...
- a priest shortage (1 priest for every 2000 American Catholics...)
- the financial issues of the Catholic Church represent the broader financial issues of the communities they represent (minority, low social-economic backgrounds)
- an American population with an average reading level (optimistically) around 6th grade when the Bible is an academic-level work in English, much less it's original Koine Greek, Hebrew, and assorted bits of other regional languages...
... it's no surprise people are about as religiously illiterate as they are politically and socially/culturally. They aren't learning it at home, they ain't learning it in school, and they sure as hell aren't learning it from Hollywood.
To tie it into the topic... it's also why many "middle-of-the-road, on-the-fence" type voters ended up holding their nose and going for Trump - Kamala had been increasingly hostile towards Christians in the run up and the Biden admin/FBI/federal government had been harassing Christians and Catholics specifically through spies and talks of taxation.
The Democrats bred a climate where Trump only had to do the bare minimum to appear as a hero, regardless of if you think he is telling the truth or lying through his ass.
Quote from: Unbeliever on December 07, 2024, 10:45:25 AMDo Catholics even read the Bible?
Most
Christians in general don't read the Bible. It's bad for their faith. Better to have a Pastor or Priest hand select a few flowery verses out of context and skip over all the indefensibly evil and/or stupid shit attributed directly to God.
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 08, 2024, 01:06:44 AMMost Christians in general don't read the Bible. It's bad for their faith. Better to have a Pastor or Priest hand select a few flowery verses out of context and skip over all the indefensibly evil and/or stupid shit attributed directly to God.
I went to catholic high school, Amen. The only thing we studied less than math and real science was 'the babble'. We spent hours on church dogma, however. We learned all about purgatory, papal infallibility, The American catholic patriarchy org chart, and how to wash the black spots from your soul by confessing to perverts in closets. I taught myself calculus while a hapless nun tried to teach us algebra. She could not grasp 'infinity', and I had fun messing with her in class. Got sent to the dean's office but he didn't do math either, LOL. The biology books were missing the three chapters on evolution.
One of my classmates became a priest and got caught sexually abusing women while administering the sacrament of exorcism. I have yet to meet so many morons and morally bankrupt people per square meter as I did at that high school. That's only because I never attended a mass after getting out of there. They have that blank stare just like the MAGAs. Nothing going on behind those dead eyes.
Later I read the babble, some of the dead sea gospels (that didn't make the cut) and looked through the koran. I read about living in the belly of a fish, talking serpents, giving your daughters sexually to strangers, a giant load of horse cum, beheading gays, cursing out-of-season fig trees, zombies crawling out of graves, parting of the seas, the firmament and the ocean above the skies, the cleansing of lepers (and a lot of feet), human sacrifice, rules on slavery, rules on murdering POWs and genocide. Obviously bullshit stories told and rehashed and mistranslated for generations by desperate people. Very similar but different to all the other bullshit stories told by other peoples for generations. And then I learned when and how the babble was assembled into a "book" and the obvious evolution of god and his wife, Asherah, from the Canaanite pantheon. They don't touch that on Sunday mornings, hallelujah.
Being a sheep IS much easier and probably happier for many. You never really die and will be welcomed into those outstretched arms of a blond, blue-eyed American jesus and grandma and paw paw and fido. And none of those libtards will be there. Ah, the bliss.
If Heaven is full of Conservatives, I'd rather go to Hell. But considering Jesus' metric for who gets into Heaven and who doesn't, according to Revelation, is how well they treated the poor and the outcasts of their communities, Conservatives ain't getting into the Good Place.
I'm sure there is a cushy seat right next to the throne for those who manipulate the poor in the name of ideology and to prove how shiny their white knightly armor is.
But those intentions sure seemed good, and it felt good, so that's what really matters in the end.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 01:38:03 PMI'm sure there is a cushy seat right next to the throne for those who manipulate the poor in the name of ideology and to prove how shiny their white knightly armor is.
But those intentions sure seemed good, and it felt good, so that's what really matters in the end.
Which side rolls their eyes when they see a poor woman using food stamps, blaming them for the state of the economy? Which side complains about how good prisoners have it behind bars? Which side demonizes gay people, transpeople, people of non-Christian religions, and minorities? We both know. Call it "white knighting" all you want, but it's clear which side is concerned with the outcasts of society, and which uses the hate of those groups to fuel their ideology.
QuoteWhich side rolls their eyes when they see a poor woman using food stamps, blaming them for the state of the economy?
Neither, though the left does see them and rub their hands, thinking about how that poor woman can be used to further their political and ideological agendas and give them a sense of being the "heroes" of their own stories.
Of course they won't help her; she is far more useful poor.Quote Which side complains about how good prisoners have it behind bars?
Three days ago over half of Californians voted against Proposition 6 - "Eliminating Forcing Inmates to Work," a bill that would prevent state prisons from punishing inmates if they refused to do dangerous disaster relief and back-breaking labor for 9 cents an hour.
QuoteWhich side demonizes gay people, transpeople, people of non-Christian religions, and minorities?
I don't know; which side has been marching through streets harassing and even assaulting Jews for over a year?
Which side instantly began blaming the cultural failings of Hispanics the moment they didn't receive as many brown votes as they thought they would?
Which side demonizes men and straight individuals?Quote but it's clear which side is concerned with the outcasts of society...
Oh, that sure as shit is clear; it's clear which side is concerned with the outcasts as a form of social currency, a useful tool to manipulate the emotions of others to spread their ideological cancer.Quote
You are so clearly brainwashed.
Says the man trapped in the echo chamber.
Again, I'm surrounded by Conservatives every day. I hear enough of their bullshit. You're the one in an echo chamber. The Right's policies are based on fear, hate, ignorance, scientific illiteracy, and a general lack of empathy for anyone outside their in-group. The fact that you can't see that just shows how far gone you are.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 03:45:28 PMNeither, though the left does see them and rub their hands, thinking about how that poor woman can be used to further their political and ideological agendas and give them a sense of being the "heroes" of their own stories.
Of course they won't help her; she is far more useful poor.
One side is in favor of a program that helps her, but that same side would much prefer she remain poor even though this program saves her money to help her stop being poor.
You must be exhausted from the mental gymnastics it took to come up with that one.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 03:45:28 PMThree days ago over half of Californians voted against Proposition 6 - "Eliminating Forcing Inmates to Work," a bill that would prevent state prisons from punishing inmates if they refused to do dangerous disaster relief and back-breaking labor for 9 cents an hour.
Red herring.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 03:45:28 PMI don't know; which side has been marching through streets harassing and even assaulting Jews for over a year?
When you redefine anti-Israel as anti-semite, I suppose you can spin any narrative you want.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 03:45:28 PMWhich side instantly began blaming the cultural failings of Hispanics the moment they didn't receive as many brown votes as they thought they would?
Well, it is rather frustrating when a group of people constantly complain about a certain set of socioeconomic issues, only to vote for the party with a history of propagating said issues.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 03:45:28 PMWhich side demonizes men and straight individuals?
The Right. They'll demonize straight men for doing anything that doesn't meet their purity test of masculinity.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 03:45:28 PMOh, that sure as shit is clear; it's clear which side is concerned with the outcasts as a form of social currency, a useful tool to manipulate the emotions of others to spread their ideological cancer.
And that side is Christian Nationalism. Like any fascist ideology, they'll use half-truths and misinformation to gobble up useful idiots and convince them that they're "the good ones" long enough to get into power. Then the Night of the Long Knives happens.
I'm not really surprised that you were swayed by their rhetoric, Shiranu. 11 years ago our first argument was about the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman. I didn't believe that Zimmerman would be convicted, but you were so deep into your far-left zealotry at the time that you interpreted this as me being on Zimmerman's side, when I repeatedly and clearly clarified otherwise. Now you've gone so deep into the other end of the spectrum that you're on the side that
actually liked Zimmerman.
You say you've never been a dyed-in-the-wool extremist. But on the contrary, extremism is all I've ever observed from you. Even when changing your views, you've only gone from one extreme to the other. If you ever change them again, I somehow suspect you'll just flip to the far left again. You're allergic to moderate opinions.
QuoteBTW, Shiranu, you are aware that my social life isn't limited to these forums, right? I live in the South, and you're accusing me of living in a Leftist echo chamber? /quote]
Correct; an echo chamber does not refer to your physical position - I don't believe you have been literally forced into an acoustically-oriented room - but rather an active decision to choose sources that only agree with your biases.
We can do that by going to media sources that only agree with our ideology or going to forums that will reinforce wrong and illogical thought because it agrees with the groups opinion, for example.
QuoteDo you need your head examined?
I would take your own advice and save the sass for others, because saying that you are too lazy to respond and then going to the personal attacks as an attempt to sound wise and superior is not working.
QuoteOne side is in favor of a program that helps her, but that same side would much prefer she remain poor even though this program saves her money to help her stop being poor.
Yeah, I've heard that line for 30 years; my parents were hearing it 30 years before that.
Funny enough, she is still hungry and the billion dollar homeless shelter in downtown Austin that houses 10 people hasn't solved the problem.
QuoteRed herring.
Extrapolate.
QuoteWhen you redefine anti-Israel as anti-semite, I suppose you can spin any narrative you want.
I mean when Jews are physically assaulted, synagogues are vandalized, "Missing Persons" posters are torn down, and Muslims are chanting "Gas the Jews!" on the steps of the Sydney Opera House and attacking men with yamukas at Yale.
Or am I mistaking innocent anti-Israeli bigotry for bad anti-Semitism since all Jews are guilty by association for anything Israel does? Not even giving the rest a response if that's what you truly mean to justify.
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 08, 2024, 10:22:58 PMMmhm. And what sources do you consider for your information?
Depends; what sort of topic? Even in the broad sense of "politics" that's going to change so drastically based on what exact field is being discussed.
Generally I use somewhat "live/current" social media as a way to learn topics exist and then break down the 5 W's from there - who, what, when, where, why.
For that... honestly, anything I can get my hands on; I want to know everything about them and what they have done and said in the past, or if it's an action that has been taken in the past and what it's direct results were or what future consequences it could cause.
Once it gets to numbers and specifics I try to use federal sources (FBI, Department of State, Pentagon, etc.) to get into the nitty gritty; they aren't sources I always trust, but at the end of the day they are *the* official sources.
Once that's done I try to sit on it and think about it for awhile.
Outside of politics, JSTOR (massive academic online library) and the public library are great and what drove me so emotionally and dramatically away from both leftism and atheism - or perhaps even more accurately, away from the deformed monstrosity that has been European thought post-Renaissance.
Oh yeah. If it's one thing I know about academics, it's definitely that they totally support the idea of an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, benevolent, Christian god. Concepts like the soul totally haven't been made redundant by fields like neurology.
It's funny. I used to go to church to get indoctrinated three times a week, but now that I don't do that, that's when I entered an echo chamber. Thank you for helping me to see the error of my ways.
QuoteOh yeah. If it's one thing I know about academics, it's definitely that they totally support the idea of an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, benevolent, Christian god.
Christians and Jews (65% and 20% of Nobel Lauriat's over the last century) are incredibly over-represented in the scientific field given they are both global minorities - Christians being roughly 2x over-represented and Jews over 20x over-represented, which makes sense when you consider they both created the modern scholastic system and hold spiritual reverence for the art. Quote t's funny. I used to go to church to get indoctrinated three times a week, but now that I don't do that, that's when I entered an echo chamber.
Right, because it turns out being an echo chamber has nothing to do with religion or physical location but rather how we choose to limit and throttle the information we are presented with.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 11:03:13 PM
Christians and Jews (65% and 20% of Nobel Lauriat's over the last century) are incredibly over-represented in the scientific field given they are both global minorities - Christians being roughly 2x over-represented and Jews over 20x over-represented, which makes sense when you consider they both created the modern scholastic system and hold spiritual reverence for the art.
And? Did their work have anything to do with Christianity? No? It's an unrelated trait about them; an assumption they compartmentalized away from their scientific skepticism, and this proves...? What? If 75% of them tested as Ravenclaws, would this prove that Hogwarts existed?
And excuse me? Christians are minorities? What?
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 11:03:13 PMRight, because it turns out being an echo chamber has nothing to do with religion or physical location but rather how we choose to limit and throttle the information we are presented with.
So let me get this straight. Going to church multiple times a week, surrounding yourself with Christian family and friends, reading Christian material like "The Case for Christ," none of that counts as an echo chamber. But existing as a Liberal does.
Perspective taking is something I've pretty much always been good at, although my Christian upbringing stifled it for the first two decades or so. I understand how people on the Right think and why. But I also know their positions are willfully ignorant. For example, your side is literally the one Neo Nazis fall on, but you think Liberals are the anti-Semites because we oppose Israel's genocide.
QuoteAnd? Did their work have anything to do with Christianity?
Your statement was that Judeo-Christian beliefs would not hold support within the scientific community; you specifically said that science has made certain concepts, " redundant."
The statistic that 80% of scientists who have won the world's most prestigious award in the field held those beliefs directly contradicts your statement and shows that their Judeo-Christian beliefs clearly have not held their work back.Quote And excuse me? Christians are minorities? What. The fuck. Are you smoking?
I gave up smoking years ago - drinking as well, right about the time I got out of here.
Christians make up roughly 32% of the global population - and that is being *beyond* generous on what gets called a Christian, rarely on any fault of their own.
QuoteAre you starting to see why I no longer take you seriously?
Buddy, I saw that awhile ago - when I noticed that every atheist... from Twitter and Reddit to forums and on YouTube - all were repeating the same *absolute trite, illogical, fallacious, historically ignorant garbage.*
If you realized how ignorant you sounded you would be blushing, but you won't because atheism *thrives* on making sure that any dissenting thought is silenced through ridicule and illogical monkey screeching.
For what it's worth, I did legitimately think more of yall - it's why this was my *last* resort, to know that I truly did not waste the prime on my life on a moronic and foolish ideology.
Sometimes I need to trust my dead sense of optimism to be accurate.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 11:49:45 PM
Your statement was that Judeo-Christian beliefs would not hold support within the scientific community; you specifically said that science has made certain concepts, " redundant."
The statistic that 80% of scientists who have won the world's most prestigious award in the field held those beliefs directly contradicts your statement and shows that their Judeo-Christian beliefs clearly have not held their work back.
No. It's a non-sequitur. Most
people are Christians, and historically, being openly atheist wouldn't win one many friends. You're also leaving out the part about scientists being more likely to be atheists than the general population, or that the more highly educated one is, the more likely they are to be both atheists and Liberals. There's a reason for that. It's because the Right have no facts on their side, and religion is built on assumptions. Meanwhile, the poorly educated that Trump love so much, much more likely to be Right-Wing, Bible-thumping nutcases.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 11:49:45 PMChristians make up roughly 32% of the global population - and that is being *beyond* generous on what gets called a Christian, rarely on any fault of their own.
31% is the largest religion in the world, being followed by Islam at 24%, Hinduism (15%), and Buddhism (7%). About 7% identify as atheists or agnostics, by the way. And these numbers are not equally distributed throughout the world. Here in America, one of the leaders in science despite all the scientifically illiterate, 66% identify as Christian, and they hold nearly all of the power in government. You call that a minority?
Quote It's because the Right have no facts on their side...
Quote You do not argue in good faith, ironically.
Right, convinced me you are speaking in good faith and not just speaking to an ideological strawman.
QuoteWhat you're leaving out is that that 31% is the largest religion in the world...
Quote You twist and manipulate statics to try to justify the positions you already assume are correct, and then you accuse us of doing that.
Right, trying to make 31% a global majority sure isn't twisting statistics to try justify your position.Quote You make assumptions about things you don't know, instead of just asking questions, as if you know us better than we know ourselves.
You've made your position quite clear, do not act like you have not been a boor with how loudly you proclaim it.
I have made few statements about you, and I hope that one is the first and the last - but your ideology is dog water, abusive, and some fucking *David Korsch levels of cultish.
At least he only got his own people killed...
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 09, 2024, 12:16:50 AMPfft. You try to get away with something as absurd as calling Christians a minority, and you think I'm manipulating facts to suit my agenda. Sure buddy. Ignored. Maybe when things inevitably get much worse next year, it'll be enough to jolt you awake, but I'm not wasting my time trying to reason with you.
Oh yeah,
@Blackleaf. Remember that conversation with faith-biased folk whose brains are awash with the supernatural is for entertainment purposes only, just like Faux News. American Christians soldiers are perpetually sacrificed at the hands of Muslims, communists, gays, atheists, and other forces of Satan, LOL. They get reassembled and fed to the lions over and over again. Oh, the huge suburban crosses they bear. That's why they need those big SUVs and pickup trucks. But now, with the righteous Lord and Savior, Trump; the battle will be won!
Muting someone because the fact that Christians are a minority offended you and you won't admit it is peak atheist rationality and logic.
Quote from: Cassia on December 09, 2024, 06:57:07 AMOh yeah, @Blackleaf. Remember that conversation with faith-biased folk whose brains are awash with the supernatural is for entertainment purposes only, just like Faux News. American Christians soldiers are perpetually sacrificed at the hands of Muslims, communists, gays, atheists, and other forces of Satan, LOL. They get reassembled and fed to the lions over and over again. Oh, the huge suburban crosses they bear. That's why they need those big SUVs and pickup trucks. But now, with the righteous Lord and Savior, Trump; the battle will be won!
I'm concerned about the fact you people seem to think America is the only country that exists in the world - yall okay? You get out much?
Christians are the single most persecuted religious minority in the world; that is just objective fact stemming from the fact they are also a minority.
I get "facts" seem to be something that trigger very emotional responses in atheists and leftists, but try to stop acting like a child of the Cult of Reason and just use actual reason. Behaving like a snotty brat over millions of people suffering is something and spewing insults and sarcasm as an attempt to appear intelligent and informed lost it's allure years ago.
Then again, I guess screaming at anyone speaking truth is all we ever had.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 09, 2024, 04:21:53 PMI'm concerned about the fact you people seem to think America is the only country that exists in the world - yall okay? You get out much?
Christians are the single most persecuted religious minority in the world; that is just objective fact stemming from the fact they are also a minority.
I get "facts" seem to be something that trigger very emotional responses in atheists and leftists, but try to stop acting like a child of the Cult of Reason and just use actual reason. Behaving like a snotty brat over millions of people suffering is something and spewing insults and sarcasm as an attempt to appear intelligent and informed lost it's allure years ago.
Then again, I guess screaming at anyone speaking truth is all we ever had.
Christianity is the majority world religion, and its adherents colonized the globe. The Catholic Church owns approximately 177 million acres of land worldwide, making it one of the largest landowners globally. The Catholic Church in the United States alone has an estimated annual spending budget of $170 billion. Poor bastards, LOL. So glad they saved the souls of all the savages they raped, murdered, enslaved and killed with diseases. They didn't need, ask or want their nonexistent souls to be "saved", mind you, but it makes Christians feel better.
If Christianity is a minority religion, then what is the majority? There is literally no other religion that is bigger.
(https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2017/04/FT_17.04.05_projectionsUpdate_globalPop640px.png)
Granted, this is from about a decade ago, but these sorts of figures don't change all that rapidly.
Without a doubt, Christianity is the largest religious group in the world.
The only way you get Christianity as a "minority" religion is by gatekeeping, splitting off one's own version of Christianity from the "fake" Christians. So many of them do this. The Baptists think the Catholics aren't "true Christians." The Catholics think the Protestants are obviously wrong. The Mormons think they're the only ones who got it right. They all have their flimsy justifications, but the obvious truth (to us on the outside) escapes them; that they're all equally full of shit.
Baptists: "You don't even fully submerge people when you baptize them. That doesn't count!"
Catholics: "We're the oldest living version of Christianity. You guys take things too literally."
Mormon: "You're not even reading the right book!"
Atheist: "You're arguing over fairy tales. They're all made up."
Christians:
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/1gdtvpK5fZZReKX5MV/200w.gif?cid=6c09b952tlyw1tc2e5vw7cbr7w0z2f0kr6a8dp52xq6vztkq&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200w.gif&ct=g)
Quote from: Hydra009 on December 09, 2024, 09:05:50 PM(https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2017/04/FT_17.04.05_projectionsUpdate_globalPop640px.png)
Granted, this is from about a decade ago, but these sorts of figures don't change all that rapidly.
Without a doubt, Christianity is the largest religious group in the world.
Sure, I've yet to argue otherwise; "largest religious group in the world" and "majority/minority" are two entirely different concepts.
I'm not particularly interested in a false equivalency argument; that "largest" and "majority" share A and B does not mean they share C, as is being implied by Black - either out of ignorance of the English language or out of an illogical attempt to deflect.
QuoteChristianity is the majority world religion, and its adherents colonized the globe.
See above - that is an objectively false statement on the first and a goofy beyond hell on the second.
QuoteThe only way you get Christianity as a "minority" religion is by gatekeeping, splitting off one's own version of Christianity from the "fake" Christians.
Or just have a basic understanding of the English language.
https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/minority
QuoteHe probably doesn't think that Catholics are "real Christians™."
You could just ask instead of continuing to make yourself come across as having a brick for a brain; yes, I count Catholicism as "real Christian" as they can trace a direct lineage back to Christ - as is every other Apostolic sect of Christianity, the big names being Orthodoxy and the Coptic faith. Protestants have to be taken on a sect-by-sect basis instead of trying to use the broad brush - their various progenitors had various levels of affect on the theology of their followers, but for the most part I would say 80 percent or more of Protestants are Christian in theology as well.
Well, here we go. Sorry, Chump. The constitution does not call on the storm deity, Yahweh or the acknowledged-as-fictitious character of Moses. But there are actually 3 differing versions of the 10 commandments.
The coveting of some guy's wife or his slaves, or his animals, or anything of thy neighbour is the 'thought crime' that drives capitalism. Best we all become socialists to avoid the fires of hell. Unless we believe and repent. Then it is all OK. In fact, do whatever you want (except for not believing in the holy spirit) and then repent. Just don't get caught dead without repenting. Christianity is so fucking stupid.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GeT0lLaXIAAA7Ap?format=jpg&name=small)
Quote from: Shiranu on December 10, 2024, 03:33:57 AM
Or just have a basic understanding of the English language.
https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/minority
You could just ask instead of continuing to make yourself come across as having a brick for a brain; yes, I count Catholicism as "real Christian" as they can trace a direct lineage back to Christ - as is every other Apostolic sect of Christianity, the big names being Orthodoxy and the Coptic faith. Protestants have to be taken on a sect-by-sect basis instead of trying to use the broad brush - their various progenitors had various levels of affect on the theology of their followers, but for the most part I would say 80 percent or more of Protestants are Christian in theology as well.
I don't ask, because I know in advance that whatever mental gymnastics you use to justify
CHRISTIANITY being a "minority," it's going to be stupid. Most of my family are Christian. Most of my friends are Christian. Most of the strangers I interact with are Christian. Christians have a stranglehold on every level of government, not just in America, but in most Western countries in general. And you call them a minority? Seriously?
So, christians don't read the Constitution, either?
Matt Gaetz pivots to conservative tv after failed attorney general bid (https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/12/10/matt-gaetz-gets-job-on-conservative-one-america-news-network/)
Reportedly, the show will focus heavily on a 12-17 female demographic.
The network - already crowded with conservative "personalities" - had no problem taking on another one: "The venmo, the venmerrier", they said.
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 10, 2024, 10:15:39 AMI don't ask, because I know in advance that whatever mental gymnastics you use to justify CHRISTIANITY being a "minority," it's going to be stupid.
I'm sorry that you find the English language stupid, but don't pretend that you "know" shit when you are dying on the hill of an illiterate fuck and continue to make presumptions that are wrong again and again.
Since you clearly struggle to open a dictionary when it's linked to you, let me take a photo for you - maybe pictures are more your intellectual level.
(https://i.imgur.com/iZwKmWo.png)
Now - either mute me, grow the fuck up, or continue to prove my point that you belong to an absolute joke of an ideology based on ignorance and circle-jerk nonsense - I truly don't care, I am just going to respond to the stupid remarks you make to make sure any future children don't get brainwashed by a clown with his head up his ass who is left uncalled on his bullshit.
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 10, 2024, 02:19:35 PMNobody is impressed with your word games or misapplications of statistics. Go run back to your MAGAt friends, who totally aren't an echo chamber, so you can LARP as a victim. It won't work here, and I'm not giving you the attention you crave anymore.
"Word games" is when the English language disagrees with the agenda your echo chamber tells you to repeat.
I thought you ignored me? It will be refreshing to point out your mistakes and fallacies without also having to deal with your dog-shit, childish attitude and think an ignore will work best for both us.
Remember, guys. The Left are the ones who exhibit cult-like behavior.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrVDVfzoRhpZZAZ06Xj_tXPgaT0lAMkyQbWA&s)
The Left are the hateful ones.
(https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_social_share_1024x768_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best/newscms/2021_02/2117786/170812-charlottesville-rally-3-1122a-rs.jpg)
The Left are sore losers.
(https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/106822651-1610409078172-wind.jpg?v=1610409131)
The Left are ideological and don't care about the facts.
(https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/64d6f87758b8159b20d9eed8/Tweet-falsely-suggesting-a-space-laser-hit-Hawaii-/960x0.png?height=552&width=479&fit=bounds)
And white, Christian men are the most oppressed minority in the world.
I don't need a picture reference for that. Anyone with a fully functional brain knows how ridiculous that is. lol
(https://i.imgur.com/XCtqmq9.png)
Takes like this are what cost the left the election, to go back to my original post as to behavioral changes the left could take to invite more members in as well as stop the bleed of voters they have suffered - as well as that other girl from Texas who continued to use racial attacks on me.
Kamala Harris courted atheists with her left hand while shoving down Christians and Jews with the other - as with any politician, this was calculated.
Where do those calculations come from, and what are the opinions that influence them?
Whom must a politician court and agree with to take power?
Edit - also, holy shit I think I see where the "majority/minority" problem is, if anyone wants to inform him - yes, "majority" is absolutely correct in the second way you were using it - that they make up the greater share of religious members in the world and I have no - nor never have had - any disagreement with that statement.
The first context you presented was scientists who would believe in the Judeo-Christian God and those who wouldn't; in that regard Christians/Jews are a minority.
I'm sorry I didn't realise we were having a categorical issue that lead to us talking past one another.
I apologize,
@Shiranu. I've been unnecessarily aggressive lately. I don't want to run you off when you just got back. I've deleted some of my nastier comments, and I'm just not going to engage in political debates. I think I would rather tear out my brain stem, carry it into the nearest four-way intersection, and skip rope with it than argue about the broken American political system.
Surprise surprise (https://newrepublic.com/post/189316/surprise-key-witness-reveals-lied-biden-corruption)
QuoteIn a plea deal, Alexander Smirnov admitted to completely fabricating the conspiracy that became central to a Republican effort to impeach the sitting president. Smirnov agreed to plead guilty to four felony charges, which include one count of obstruction of justice and three tax evasion charges, in exchange for the end of two pending criminal cases against him, according to court documents.
But how many people saw the accusation and how many people will see the accusation retracted?
Quote from: Shiranu on December 08, 2024, 10:26:20 PMYeah, I've heard that line for 30 years; my parents were hearing it 30 years before that.
Funny enough, she is still hungry and the billion dollar homeless shelter in downtown Austin that houses 10 people hasn't solved the problem.
I will be the first to tell you that the Democrats are not a left wing party. They are right wing neo-liberals who occasionally throw the left a bone to get votes. The last one who was remotely close to center was Obama, and I think Bernie is the only one who has ever really been in it for the people instead of his pocket book.
I'm often reminded of something I read about the revolution of 1848: national workshops. They were supposed to be a solution to unemployment, but the guy they put in charge of it was against the idea and basically sabotaged the whole project by only assigning make-work jobs, like digging holes and filling them back in.
QuoteI mean when Jews are physically assaulted, synagogues are vandalized, "Missing Persons" posters are torn down, and Muslims are chanting "Gas the Jews!" on the steps of the Sydney Opera House and attacking men with yamukas at Yale.
Or am I mistaking innocent anti-Israeli bigotry for bad anti-Semitism since all Jews are guilty by association for anything Israel does?
Don't be vague next time, and I won't assume your meaning. You wouldn't be the first right-winger I've ever argued with who genuinely believes anti-Israel and anti-Jewish are synonyms.
Yes, there are leftists who go after Jews, and a lot of it is guilt by association with Israel. It stems from the far left's longstanding obsession with defending Islam that I still, to this day, have never understood.
Edit: words, because typing on phone no good very bad
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 12, 2024, 07:06:48 PMI apologize, @Shiranu. I've been unnecessarily aggressive lately. I don't want to run you off when you just got back. I've deleted some of my nastier comments, and I'm just not going to engage in political debates. I think I would rather tear out my brain stem, carry it into the nearest four-way intersection, and skip rope with it than argue about the broken American political system.
You're good man, I spent more time trying to be a smart ass than figure out where the disconnect was as well, more than happy to move on and and never talk politics again.
QuoteI will be the first to tell you that the Democrats are not a left wing party.
I don't disagree for the most part with this, nor with the majority of what you said - (partial quoting for the sake of saving space); that said there does exist within the DNC an extremely radicalized leftist party (celebration of murder, celebration of racism and sexism, hatred of America and her values, some terrible moral positions, it's position on Islam you noted, etc.) that has increasingly been courted by the more corrupt individuals within the party.Or shorter - many of us agree, it's why we left the party; we were told we weren't as welcome as others, tried to stay, and eventually just accepted we were no longer welcome.
Funny enough, I joined the Democrats a Bookchin/Calhoun Syndicalist/Socialist/Libertarian-hybrid and left it an anti-Democratic republicanism monarchist lol.
QuoteDon't be vague next time, and I won't assume your meaning. You wouldn't be the first right-winger I've ever argued with who genuinely believes anti-Israel and anti-Jewish are synonyms.
Fair enough.
Who will be Trump's pick for presidential science advisor?
Maybe Franklin Graham?
Maybe William Lane Craig?
Maybe Tucker Carlson?
Dr. Kelvin Drogemeier was his last choice, haven't seen anything for this year.
Maybe Creflo Dollar?
Wicked Witch of the West?
(https://forum.atheistrepublic.com/uploads/default/original/3X/c/5/c5517b50c091a825aa0b4651211d465d0183b3a7.jpeg)
There are many ideas being thrown around for why the Democrats lost. IMO, it's not just one reason, but several. But this also seems to be one of the major reasons. It used to be that Democratic organizations would meet up for food, beer, and community. Candidates would physically appear, listening to their community's concerns. Now? The only engagement the Democratic Party asks for is money. It's no wonder Liberals often sit at home instead of vote. The Democratic Party has basically told them, "We don't care about you. We just want your money."
And after this last election, I'll be one of those choosing to sit at home. Assuming elections won't be fixed from the start anyway, like in Russia, I don't see any point in it. I have no faith in humanity, much less the Democratic Party.
(https://preview.redd.it/they-hold-no-convictions-v0-1a5c39pcilae1.png?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=840d8e618bd8968d6720d39bc71f9ae249eb4c19)
Follow-the-leader / herd mentality on full display, which is not good and very predictable. Though the genuine desire to think and reflect, especially how it pertains to the little guy is a very good thing, but sadly much too late. For a political faction that boasts of its "strong convictions", these convictions are remarkably malleable.
It would be good if the Chump got his "formal victory" on January 6th certified the same way Biden got his in 2021. With violence and disruption. Maybe a little more severe, though. To the point that say, for example, his VP or some other high-ranking officials dying during the event. The Chump would have to be kept alive so he could have the chance and proper time to experience some of his own medicine. He himself should be left for a later opportunity.
I know this all may sound horrific and all, but Trump is just a sociopath, a cancer that should have be gotten rid of for good this time around. There is no excuse for this treason of these American citizens/voters against their own country and against the world at large. There is no excuse for voting in the "OMB".
Sorry, I just hate Trump and his fucking party. Had to get this off my chest.
I'd prefer no violence on jan 6th.
For a pletora of reasons.
I expect there will be violence, but it won't be on January 6th, and it won't be from Liberals. It will be directed at them. Hopefully, I'll be proven wrong, but I really don't think I will be.
If you can find that HUGE image of Obama's Inauguration try zooming straight in; you'll come to a roof top with men in black uniforms and .50 cal. machine guns behind a bulwark of sandbags. Serious shooters, those lads.
One of them was a friend of the retired USMC Gunny Sgt. that essentially raised me. Came to visit Gunny's Indiana farm (2.5 miles from my house) and I got introduced. The shooter was good with a .50, very good.
Gunny was rewarded with one and a federal license for same when he lost the lower half of his left leg. "Slowed me down some." I would have put good money on that bad guy not seeing the next sundown.
Gunny's .50 is now in the possession of the Missouri emergency reaction team. I passed along Gunny's wisdom on the issue. Couldn't do a lot of humping the Missouri boonies, but we thinned the coyote population every year.
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 04, 2025, 07:00:53 AMI expect there will be violence, but it won't be on January 6th, and it won't be from Liberals. It will be directed at them. Hopefully, I'll be proven wrong, but I really don't think I will be.
Just look at the news. The MAGAts are starting to eat each other.
Hey, guys. It's supposed to be our turn to do an insurrection today, right? Are we storming the capital or what? I never got the invite.
"Have fun storming the castle!"
Miracle Max
As of yet, Kamala has not directed anyone to storm the castle. I don't know what to do.
There's never a Dread Pirate Robert around when you need one.
Trumplestiltskin will be entering the Oval Office as a convicted felon, but his fans don't consider that to be a stigma, they think he's got stigmata.
I'd be interested in knowing what was in those classified documents Trump was hoarding. Hoarding documents is one thing, but the content of those documents is obviously important. It could be for national security reasons, but I don't remember anyone saying why it should not be disclosed. Maybe because it's classified. OK, I guess I don't need to know, but I'd like to know why Trump wanted them so bad.
Ego. He's been reported as waving classified documents around, showing them to people, saying, "See what I get to look at?". These people weren't necessarily sworn to secrecy via a background investigation and a briefing at which they promise not to disclose the information they receive to people with that security clearance, and even if they have the necessary clearance, should only be shown the information if they have a need to know. Further, classified information is to be kept in a secure facility where only people who have the necessary clearance are allowed in. People not cleared may enter with an escort and any area they are in must have any classified material removed or covered. Leaving it in boxes, unsecured, is a travesty, in my book, and he should be behind bars. Contrast that with some classified documents discovered somewhere, which was a place Biden had. He immediately turned it over and apologized. He didn't keep it, or move it around so that the FBI wouldn't/couldn't find it. If I had pulled something like that, I'd already be in prison, 10 years for each count. He belongs in prison, but Eileen Cannon is sucking his dick and got him out of it.
I thought I had coined a new word: coprocracy. But I googled and found out that it's already a word. It means "rule by shits."
I also like the word kakistocracy, but I didn't come up with that one, I heard Rachel Maddow use it.
Aristocracy
Trump has a clean conscience, because he's never used it.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 18, 2025, 10:59:25 AMTrump has a clean conscience, because he's never used it.
Just like Yahweh, who is blameless in his own sight. Even when he breaks his own moral codes, it's okay, because he's God. lol
God murders and enslaves countless people, but the entire human race is guilty by association, because a couple of them...
[Checks notes...]
Ate a magic fruit that made them understand the difference between right and wrong.
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 18, 2025, 02:04:21 PMJust like Yahweh, who is blameless in his own sight. Even when he breaks his own moral codes, it's okay, because he's God. lol
God murders and enslaves countless people, but the entire human race is guilty by association, because a couple of them...
[Checks notes...]
Ate a magic fruit that made them understand the difference between right and wrong.
And of course the people had to be running around naked in a garden, but that was just to get everybody's attention so they be listening when it got to the talking snake part.
I wonder if the guy that wrote that actually expected people two thousand years in the future to take that literally? Did they have something like a Pulitzer Prize for children's literature two thousand years ago, and what would have been the standard of excellence used to award such a prize?
No wonder people don't have a hard time believing Trump. We are a planet of lizard brains that are drawn to the wisdom of con artists and charlatans, while they reject the hard work of those who actually make life better for everyone. May the coming apocalypse put us out of our misery once and for all.
Yeah, if the apocalypse doesn't come, then maybe in 2000 years people will actually believe that a fat bearded guy flew through the sky behind flying reindeer and brought presents to good little girls and boys. 🎅
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/499/742/36c.jpg)
I want one of those Canada Is Not For Sale hats!
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 19, 2025, 02:14:39 PMI want one of those Canada Is Not For Sale hats!
I saw those too. I like the one that said, "Canada Is Already Great."
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 18, 2025, 10:59:25 AMTrump has a clean conscience, because he's never used it.
That feather isn't winning this one. (Egyptology 101)
Sieg heil! (https://bsky.app/profile/imposteredits.bsky.social/post/3lg74ubgxc22j)
Haven't been keeping up, how did T.rump blame the cold weather on "illegal" immigrants?
I wanna know how proclaiming that there are only two genders is going to reduce the price of eggs.
We could've been a normal, decent country. We really could have. That's what hurts the most.
Pretty sure that we never really did, despite some real attempts for it. #sad
Quote from: Dark Lightning on January 20, 2025, 11:20:50 PMPretty sure that we never really did, despite some real attempts for it. #sad
No shit. 1956. First grade, first time riding a school bus. ALL the busses get diverted to the town square. Black man hanging from a tree, guilty of doing what black men couldn't do with white women.
This bastion of the Old South was Alexandria, Indiana.
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/492194330665156610/1331165672364838942/20250120_232937.jpg?ex=6790a024&is=678f4ea4&hm=8680df26e28fcefb8ce6556b2c92da23c2d79e89508346cb6d93770b393848b1&=&format=webp&width=1156&height=1156)
"He's autistic! He has asperger's! It was a Roman salute!"
https://news.usni.org/2025/01/21/adm-linda-fagan-removed-as-coast-guard-commandant (https://news.usni.org/2025/01/21/adm-linda-fagan-removed-as-coast-guard-commandant)
QuoteAdm. Linda Fagan was the first female commandant of the Coast Guard. She assumed duties as commandant on June 1, 2022.
Fox News first reported Fagan's termination, citing issues with recruitment, operations concerns and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as the reasons for her relief.
Trailblazer. Can't have that.
Btw, the recruiting figures dropped largely due to covid. And we all know how poorly that was handled and who was hosting superspreader events throughout.
And finally, she was unanimously confirmed in 2022 under *gasp* a Democrat. Petty tyrants act in petty ways.
Trump reverses Biden policies on drug pricing (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/trump-reverses-biden-policies-drug-pricing-obamacare-rcna188555)
QuoteBiden's bigger health care initiatives, such as a $35 monthly cap on insulin, a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs and Medicare's negotiating drug pricing provision weren't affected by Trump's executive actions Monday.
Quote"When administrations change over, many of them want to undo some of the actions of other presidents, even when those are more symbolic," Dusetzina said.
Still, she said, Trump's move signals that the incoming administration may be unwilling to move forward on any policies laid out by its predecessor.
"It could mean that the Trump administration is not interested in pursuing any of the work that has since developed out of these executive orders," she said.
You don't have to fool all of the people all of the time, you only have to fool enough of the people enough of the time.
https://i.imgur.com/mmw6iiD.mp4
(https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/15819590_012025-cc-trump-inauguration-bible-swearing-in-img.jpg)
Can you imagine how much the Conservatives would be freaking out if a Democrat didn't put his hand on the Bible during his swearing in?
Hey. Hey, Christian nationalist morons. He's not one of you. He played you like a fiddle. He doesn't exemplify a single Christian value, couldn't name a single one of the beatitudes, and you thought he was God's chosen leader for our country.
I'd say I hope Jesus comes down and raptures all the Christians to save us from their stupidity, but we'd still be stuck with him. In fact, lots of Christians would probably be surprised by how many would get left behind.
In other news, Trump demands public apology from "nasty" bishop who asked him to show compassion on others. No, I'm not joking. This is the world we live in. The GOP is trying to put the Onion out of their jobs. They cannot fabricate a more ridiculous reality.
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 22, 2025, 08:31:31 AMHey. Hey, Christian nationalist morons. He's not one of you. He played you like a fiddle. He doesn't exemplify a single Christian value, couldn't name a single one of the beatitudes, and you thought he was God's chosen leader for our country.
He did eliminate the Federal right to abortion, and in the minds of the holier than thou, I think this makes him a saint. The assumption is that he will do the same for mandating creation science in public schools, and who knows what else? Stoning of women who are unfaithful? Well, that may be pushing it.
But,then again, it may not be pushing it.
I'm not kidding when I say this guy is petty:
(https://i.imgur.com/km08EVhl.jpeg)
Apparently, her church was the same one Trump had people teargassed in front of, so he could take pictures of himself holding a Bible upside-down.
I really wish Christians would read own fucking Bibles. You know that part about not casting the first stone unless you are sinless yourself or turning the other cheek? No, just be super petty instead. You know that part about it being impossible for the rich to make to Heaven? Oh, no. What Jesus ACTUALLY meant was...
Just fucking admit you guys don't give a fuck about Jesus actually said. I have some problems with things Jesus supposedly said or did, but if more Christians were actually Christ-like, they'd be a lot more tolerable to be around. Trouble is, you can't build an empire on meekness and forgiveness. So ignore Jesus and act like Old Testament Yahweh instead.
Don't believe what the Bible says believe what Christian apologists say it says.
The Speaker of the House will be Helmuth. /obscure
No sympathy. You were fucking warned.
(https://preview.redd.it/american-muslim-learned-the-consequence-of-punishing-the-v0-zbm75nt55oee1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=8e6f4701e2954b68667a592700efea27b816dd43)(https://preview.redd.it/american-muslim-learned-the-consequence-of-punishing-the-v0-nteanxy55oee1.jpg?width=1076&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7836f5e0f46b9f169ab8e8379106e0e40855128e)
And the "yeah, but" begins.
Quote from: Sargon The Grape on January 23, 2025, 01:10:46 AMNo sympathy. You were fucking warned.
(https://preview.redd.it/american-muslim-learned-the-consequence-of-punishing-the-v0-zbm75nt55oee1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=8e6f4701e2954b68667a592700efea27b816dd43)(https://preview.redd.it/american-muslim-learned-the-consequence-of-punishing-the-v0-nteanxy55oee1.jpg?width=1076&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7836f5e0f46b9f169ab8e8379106e0e40855128e)
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/xT9IgpTy4UVnddmso0/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952o42aigwq9nvj3re5aslkzz8boqfpas7chq8f31hy&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
So, you voted for Republicans, thinking they wouldn't support the genocide in Hamas. Where do I even begin?
Edit: I know it doesn't say that they voted Republican. Just that they didn't vote Democrat. But I just find it funny that they didn't think that Democrats would be the obvious better option of the two. I understand that the Democratic party wasn't being a good ally (probably out of fear of backlash), but when the alternative is the party that will actively tell them to get fucked? With Democrats, they at least have a chance, but Republicans do not care about them at all. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Trump heard someone suggesting turning the whole Middle East into glass, and he decides to actually do that.
(https://i.imgur.com/sqjPySxl.jpeg)
I don't know how this is possible, but I'm pretty sure these people are less religious than I am. They just drape themselves in it to appear virtuous.
If you take the established leader of a troop of chimps and paint it yellow the troop will attack it and tear it to shreds.
Religious people aren't that gentle.
Religion is a substitute for decency. They say things like, "he's Christian," as if that equates to being good. There are businesses that use "Christian" in their names, because they know that people will assume that that means they are trustworthy. I'd rather trust someone after they earn it, through their actions, and I'm very suspicious of anyone who would try to use religion to skip that process.
Should it come as a surprise that the world's shittiest people are almost always Christian? When you believe that humans are broken and sinful by default, and that you can only get to Heaven via a scapegoat, why bother trying? You've got a free pass to Heaven, and you can never be a good person in God's eyes, no matter how hard you try.
Empathy? The heart is evil and can't be trusted. So you can't make moral decisions based on logic or how it affects people. Instead, trust an ancient collection of books that say that the sky is held up by pillars and that you can breed striped sheep by making them stare at sticks while they get it on. That's the only way to get an objective moral standard.
I remember years ago, that a guy who was jeweler made a really nice ring on order for some people who were going to present it to a visiting bishop. When they came to pick the ring up and he asked for payment, they told him, "God will pay you for it". Fortunately, he hadn't handed it over before asking for payment. He told this story because he'd been ripped off in the past. I guess a person could convince themselves that they aren't stealing through some sort of mental gymnastics.
It must be time for the 2 minutes hats.
Lauren Boebert, self-appointed "bathroom police" busts a woman for using the women's bathroom (https://www.rawstory.com/lauren-boebert-2670984520/)
Imagine thinking you know better than the people themselves what bathroom they belong in. Though they do the same thing with reproductive healthcare, so I guess this tracks. Sad Karen behavior under the guise of religion and morality.
Yeah, i just read this a few minutes ago. Boobert disgusts me.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 24, 2025, 10:20:21 PMYeah, i just read this a few minutes ago. Boobert disgusts me.
Yeah. Partially, I think she acts this way so people forget about that Beetlejuice fiasco. Partially, I think she gets the shakes if she doesn't see her name in print every week.
Why do conservatives act like the nosy neighbor in a sitcom?
Sorry if this is out of the blue, but would it be correct to categorize the far-right, extreme right or whatever Trump and all his shit falls in, as "alt-right"? I realize this may be merely a semantics argument, but could Trumpism and most of these more abominable American conservatives be labeled as alt-right?
I ask because I used the term once and a Trumpist said I didn't know what the alt-right is. And well, even Trumpists can be right sometimes, like broken clocks and whatnot...
But...was he? Lol
The Father of Latvian Orthodox asks George Costanza,
If you can fake sincerity you've got it made! 🤣
Quote from: Susan on January 25, 2025, 04:00:40 AMSorry if this is out of the blue, but would it be correct to categorize the far-right, extreme right or whatever Trump and all his shit falls in, as "alt-right"? I realize this may be merely a semantics argument, but could Trumpism and most of these more abominable American conservatives be labeled as alt-right?
I ask because I used the term once and a Trumpist said I didn't know what the alt-right is. And well, even Trumpists can be right sometimes, like broken clocks and whatnot...
But...was he? Lol
I think they're more like the alt-wrong.
But yeah I think they'd be considered that, at least as I understand the term.
Quote from: Susan on January 25, 2025, 04:00:40 AMSorry if this is out of the blue, but would it be correct to categorize the far-right, extreme right or whatever Trump and all his shit falls in, as "alt-right"? I realize this may be merely a semantics argument, but could Trumpism and most of these more abominable American conservatives be labeled as alt-right?
I ask because I used the term once and a Trumpist said I didn't know what the alt-right is. And well, even Trumpists can be right sometimes, like broken clocks and whatnot...
But...was he? Lol
"Alt-Right" is the term for people who are Leftists, who align with Right-Wing "values." Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either. I remember lot of atheist YouTubers went Alt-Right when it was in vogue to make fun of blue-haired college students. They used to call them "social justice warriors." Now they call it being "woke."
Basically, the Alt-Right are Leftist turncoats. They're shortsighted reactionaries.
Psychology study: Adolescents with authoritarian leanings exhibit weaker cognitive ability and emotional intelligence (https://www.psypost.org/adolescents-with-authoritarian-leanings-exhibit-weaker-cognitive-ability-and-emotional-intelligence/)
QuoteA recent study published in the Journal of Personality has found that adolescents with lower levels of both cognitive and emotional abilities are more likely to hold authoritarian attitudes, whether on the left or right of the political spectrum. The findings highlight how limitations in reasoning and emotional regulation are tied to authoritarianism, shedding light on the shared psychological traits that underpin these ideological attitudes.
QuoteOne of the primary motivations for the study was to address the assumption that ideological development primarily occurs during adulthood, particularly following exposure to higher education. This assumption has been widely discussed in political psychology, with theories suggesting that adolescence is too early for meaningful political engagement due to limited cognitive capacities.
However, recent research has challenged this view, arguing that proto-ideological beliefs emerge even in childhood and that understanding these early beliefs can shed light on how ideological attitudes develop.
QuoteEmotional abilities, however, emerged as even stronger predictors of ideological attitudes than cognitive abilities.
Sometimes I think I'm a walk-on character in "Visit to a Small Planet II".
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on January 25, 2025, 12:26:52 PMSometimes I think I'm a walk-on character in "Visit to a Small Planet II".
I don't know what that is, but I often feel like The Onion accidentally wrote a story that took on sentience, and I'm stuck in that article's universe now.
"Nation Elects Man Who Bankrupted Casinos to Fix Their Economy"
"Christians Choose Egomaniacal, Rapist Felon as Champion of Christian Values"
"California Goes Up in Flames for the Tenth Time This Year. Experts Say it's Because They Voted Democrat."
(https://preview.redd.it/sutoeijiymd51.jpg?auto=webp&s=7df84f777aaf9f0a67cf0f382a3cda2607bdd99a)
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 25, 2025, 05:27:11 PMI don't know what that is, but I often feel like The Onion accidentally wrote a story that took on sentience, and I'm stuck in that article's universe now.
"Visit to a Small Planet" was a Jerry Lewis movie IIRC.
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 25, 2025, 05:27:11 PMI don't know what that is, but I often feel like The Onion accidentally wrote a story that took on sentience, and I'm stuck in that article's universe now.
Yeah. I kinda figured we were in trouble when weirdos were booing Walz (https://www.npr.org/2024/08/07/nx-s1-5066878/tim-walz-tampon-law-minnesota) for providing sanitary pads and tampons to schoolkids. He was basically handing out boxes of Kleenex and that's some sort of scandal? They must really spike the spirit juice that those people drink, cause man, that's a weird thing to be mad about.
The "eating cats and dogs" thing - sans evidence of course - would've been a showstopper in a healthy democracy.
A candidate says "yeah!" in a weird way, political suicide. A candidate lies unabashedly and with a deliberate racial angle - weird, cult-like applause and rewarded with keys to the kingdom. He may love the poorly educated, but he truly adores the deliberately inhuman and unscrupulous.
Trump environmental policy already an unmitigated disaster (https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-climate-change-environmental-policy-e4fb2b2495c0bcf880fab46605936b09)
Quote"These orders will make our air dirtier, make people sicker, make energy more expensive, and make our communities less prepared for extreme weather," wrote Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist
* pulling out of Paris Accords (again) (https://www.npr.org/2025/01/21/nx-s1-5266207/trump-paris-agreement-biden-climate-change)
* "drill, baby, drill" stance on oil and gas expansion (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/business/energy-environment/oil-trump-drill-baby-drill.html) - thankfully, the oil industry plans more efficiency-related ways to make more money, rather than just going nuts and ramping up production. Can't help but notice the "positivity" surrounding attacks on renewables, though.
* weakening the Endangered Species Act (https://apnews.com/article/trump-climate-change-oil-whales-turtles-9d068d755e8ac4060fd7381178d87421) (specifically, allowing for drilling to proceed regardless of the impact to endangered species)
* eyeing ending incentives for buying electric vehicles (https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/trumps-transition-team-aims-kill-biden-ev-tax-credit-2024-11-14/)
* push to eliminate "environmental justice" (https://apnews.com/article/climate-health-trump-environmental-justice-pollution-59baf164c81049d3995d2dfe1eceda8c) (addressing how emissions disproportionately affect marginalized communities)
Of course, Trump part 1 wasn't a picnic, either (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks-list.html). So people who weren't a fan of that likely aren't fans of this, either. And people who are fans of this stuff, well, some things can't be fixed.
I heard Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian, doing a video called Coping & Hoping in the Time of Trump 2.0.
It was uplifting.
I've read that California might become an independent country. If that happens and Canada becomes a state, at least the number of stars on the flag won't change.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 29, 2025, 12:40:02 AMI've read that California might become an independent country. If that happens and Canada becomes a state, at least the number of stars on the flag won't change.
It's been tried before, with disastrous results. Though I, too, would like that.
Geographic pin the tail on the donkey. What will Trump think of next?
Pardon me if I can't help but feel a bit of schadenfreude:
Quote"Let's work something out" - Florida Trump supporter begs president to "let me keep my wife" after ICE deports her back to Venezuela
Maybe we could put the military that turned on the spigot to work picking the citrus.
I usually do a dry february. Started early this year. Mid january.
Might be my best decision all year.
Not sure how many beers i would otherwise have downed, drowning my sadness for this surreal shitshow.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on January 29, 2025, 02:41:43 PMI usually do a dry february. Started early this year. Mid january.
Might be my best decision all year.
Not sure how many beers i would otherwise have downed, drowning my sadness for this surreal shitshow.
I didn't have any alcohol for eleven years. It can be done.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on January 30, 2025, 08:12:16 AMI didn't have any alcohol for eleven years. It can be done.
My last drink was 29 years ago as of Jan 3, of this month.
I've been dry for about a year now, but only because I take medication that alcohol could interact with.
(https://i.imgur.com/xS0XJMYl.png)
The FAA has had Trump-sized problems as well (https://www.yahoo.com/news/faa-administrator-quit-jan-20-045322293.html)
I'm sure that'll be fine. I mean, what are the chances that there's some major aviation cata...
Just had a cat at strophy.
"As a Turk, looking at Trump from here, he seems more like a showbiz celebrity than a politician.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 06, 2024, 11:16:36 PMI guess I'll never understand what it is about T. Wrecks that his supporters find so enthralling, but I'm pretty sure he'll never again hold office in America. I really hope I'm right about that. 🙏
Well, I certainly was wrong about that. 😭
I guess you could say he... frocked around and found out.
(https://i.redd.it/y3nliag8m6ge1.jpeg)
Similar to setting a forest on fire to mock the firebombing of Dresden.
Quote from: Sargon The Grape on January 30, 2025, 04:20:28 PMI guess you could say he... frocked around and found out.
Wasn't rich enough to be immune to consequences.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 29, 2025, 11:46:11 AMPardon me if I can't help but feel a bit of schadenfreude:
Quote"Let's work something out" - Florida Trump supporter begs president to "let me keep my wife" after ICE deports her back to Venezuela
(https://imgflip.com/s/meme/Who-Killed-Hannibal.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rXF7ntMl.jpeg)
The chump TOLD us what he was going to do. People followed him right to the gates of hell, but he's wearing a fireproof suit labeled "wealth, power and immunity". If ONLY the stupafucks were hurt by him following through, I'd be sort of OK with it.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on January 30, 2025, 10:45:55 PMThe chump TOLD us what he was going to do. People followed him right to the gates of hell, but he's wearing a fireproof suit labeled "wealth, power and immunity". If ONLY the stupafucks were hurt by him following through, I'd be sort of OK with it.
Trump himself posted this word cloud well before the election:
(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rPpzJNOhh2oM68e0hbjACQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc0OQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_new_republic_521/2d5bd10fa6ecf44a898c9be40a9c131d)
Kinda gives the whole game away.
Everyone with half a brain took alarm. But lots of people didn't notice or care or take it seriously, often because they trusted that Trump was a "good guy" who's on their side. Newsflash: if you're not a billionaire, you're either a rube or a target. Either way, your interests are not his interests.
NC Jan 6th almost-couper pardoned by Trump, faces child sex crimes charges (https://www.newsweek.com/january-six-rioter-pardoned-trump-faces-child-sex-charges-2024043)
And he's far from the only one with a supplemental rap sheet:
QuotePresident Trump has said he represents the party of "law and order." However, in issuing a blanket pardon for over 1,500 rioters, he has let people with pending charges such as child sexual assault, online solicitation of a minor, death by drunk driving and federal gun charges out of prison. And, in Daniel's case, he has made it potentially more difficult for the police to follow through with charges.
As part of his Jan 6th arrest, police found his child porn collection. And also a pending statutory rape charge in Mint Hill, NC. Doing my state proud. :/
While I'm on the subject of the "lovely" intersection of sickos, right-wing flying-monkey criminal activity, and my home state - the Pizzagate gunman was shot and killed by police (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/pizzagate-gunman-killed-police-traffic-stop-north-carolina-rcna187082) earlier this month.
Sadly, there's no shortage of people like him - people eager to believe absurdities and (nearly) commit atrocities. Terrorizing some poor restaurant workers and customers all because some wackjob came up with some weird story and used him as a catspaw to do criminal activity that he was too scared to do personally.
One outfall from Jan 6 is that his cult followers were less likely to try something like that again. Given that they are getting out of jail, it's possible that they'll try again after the next election cycle, if that even happens. I'm hoping that the chump dies before we have to find out. He's already not a well man (physically or mentally).
I'm glad I'm old.
I hate living in the dumbest timeline.
Maybe Trump will hire a bunch of illegal immigrants to keep the White House grass mowed so he can claim to be the lawn order president.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 31, 2025, 10:18:25 PMMaybe Trump will hire a bunch of illegal immigrants to keep the White House grass mowed so he can claim to be the lawn order president.
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 31, 2025, 09:34:29 PMI hate living in the dumbest timeline.
It's the misinformation age. Thank High Tech.
Quote from: SGOS on February 01, 2025, 07:38:10 AMIt's the misinformation age. Thank High Tech.
It's an age ruled by Christians whose policies are very anti-Christian. Where people vote against their own best interests, because the uber rich who exploit them tell them to do so. A world were we've seen the idiotic and cruel things Trump did the first time, and then people said, "Let's do it again."
So this is how the world ends, not with a bang but with a facepalm.
Ms Information Age.
So, uh... When are we declaring war on Canada, Panama, and NATO? Are we going to do them one at a time or all at once?
Make AmeriKKKa Greenland Again!
Been pretty happy with his performance so far - pretty much all the fears have so far proved to be unfounded and he has taken some wonderful military and economic steps towards combating several foreign national threats.
His war against BRICS needs to get the attention it deserves, as well as getting the Catholic and Lutheran churches out of the money laundering business through immigration crackdowns... but that's costing some very powerful people billions of dollars so that's not worth talking about.
Looking forward to the purges of the FBI who have been covering up leftist terrorists plaguing America over the last few years while simultaneously placing spies in Catholic Churches that maintain pre-1970s traditions; some eyes will really be opened.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/30/us-news/killing-of-border-patrol-agent-appears-linked-to-zizian-radical-leftist-trans-cult/
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 01, 2025, 01:07:00 PMMake AmeriKKKa Greenland Again!
The Y-donor was a Kluxxer. Evil fuck.
I'm watching an episode of The Green Hornet called The Silent Gun, from 1966, that has a bad guy named Trump! 🤣
(https://i.imgur.com/n78xrwcl.jpeg)
Just in case anyone saw the photo-op and thought what the Orange King tweeted out was anywhere close to reality.
Musk - an unelected "official" - seized government computer system containing personal data of millions of American citizens, locks out some of the actual government officials (https://mashable.com/article/elon-musk-opm-seize-computers)
QuoteMusk's exact motivations for seeking unfettered access to the Treasury Department and government personnel databases remain unclear. However, his actions suggest a push for sweeping control over federal systems, granting him unprecedented influence under the guise of cutting $2 billion from government spending.
QuoteOn Sunday, CNN reported that DOGE personnel attempted to improperly access classified information and security systems at the US Agency for International Development and that top USAID security officials who thwarted the attempt were subsequently put on leave. The Associated Press reported that DOGE personnel had indeed accessed classified material.
Musk's lackeys (https://mashable.com/article/elon-musk-opm-seize-computers) - whom I presume would prefer to remain anonymous - are Akash Bobba, Edward Coristine, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, Gavin Kliger, and Ethan Shaotran.
(https://i.imgur.com/XG7688ml.jpeg)
Reminder: administrations change and criminal behavior that was condoned by one administration - with tortured logic - can and will be prosecuted by the next.
(https://i.redd.it/u972fvfrgyge1.png)
^ It gets even stranger with Musk's bizarre rant against the Lutheran Church (https://religionnews.com/2025/02/03/musk-spotlights-federal-funds-for-lutheran-social-services-calls-them-illegal-payments/)
Catholics, too:
QuoteVice President JD Vance, a Catholic, recently accused U.S. Catholic bishops of "resettling illegal immigrants" — a claim made without evidence — in an interview with CBS, as well as accusing prelates who defend the work of only being concerned with their "bottom line."
Didn't take 'em long to go after Christians. And once again, I have to come to religious peoples' defense, despite being antireligious myself. I'm sure they'd do the same for me. Definitely. Probably. Maybe.
Obviously, religious groups' humanitarian work is their own business so long as it doesn't violate the law or hurts people. And from the looks of things, these religious groups seem to genuinely be trying to help the needy and the stranger in a strange land, hence why they're at odds with Musk/Trump.
QuoteWithout citing evidence, Flynn accused the groups — who have longstanding funding agreements with the government — of "money laundering," a federal crime. He also insisted the numbers amounted to "billions" of American taxpayer dollars, a claim not supported by the attached spreadsheet.
I actually would argue that religious groups often do operate a racket of some sort. But the crypto pump-n-dump guy talking about money laundering is rich. He's not exactly clean when it comes to financial crimes (or crime in general), either.
And whether it's Musk or Trump, under the thin veneer of religiosity is someone who cynically manipulates religious people by posing as one ("cultural" or otherwise), whose politics have a decidedly more German than jewish inspiration, and to put it bluntly, someone who operates more like the sin of wrath or greed made manifest than a truly pious man. Genuinely religious people ought to be disgusted by them. Christians and atheists may have our differences, but we can all agree to boot out authoritarian conmen.
Breaking news! Conservative makes shit up! Their source: Trust me bro!
I get that the world is utterly fucked up by now, and it seems like things which made sense in the past, simply aren't applicable to today's depraved Western societies.
But logic would dictate, if I am remembering at least Aristotle correctly, that:
1. Trump is a convicted felon.
2. Convicted felons should be in jail.
3. Therefore, Trump should be in jail.
Then why this isn't the case? How can a person who should in jail be elected president of the United States?
If it were any other American "citizen", surely he/she/they would spend at least half a decade behind bars for such crimes, now wouldn't they?
What's the excuse from these lawyers/Supreme Court/conservatives pundits/whatnot?
Whatever *it* is, I am sure it doesn't have a solid legal basis and probably doesn't even make sense. So, special pleading at its finest.
Of course, I can be wrong at the end of the day...but am I?!?!?!?!?
🤦
I don't think you're wrong, but I don't understand it either.
I suspect T.rump has dirt on a lot of people. Calling him a potential blackmailer does tend to give real blackmailers a bad name, but that can't be helped.
Quote from: Susan on February 04, 2025, 05:43:46 AMI get that the world is utterly fucked up by now, and it seems like things which made sense in the past, simply aren't applicable to today's depraved Western societies.
But logic would dictate, if I am remembering at least Aristotle correctly, that:
1. Trump is a convicted felon.
2. Convicted felons should be in jail.
3. Therefore, Trump should be in jail.
Then why this isn't the case? How can a person who should in jail be elected president of the United States?
If it were any other American "citizen", surely he/she/they would spend at least half a decade behind bars for such crimes, now wouldn't they?
What's the excuse from these lawyers/Supreme Court/conservatives pundits/whatnot?
Whatever *it* is, I am sure it doesn't have a solid legal basis and probably doesn't even make sense. So, special pleading at its finest.
Of course, I can be wrong at the end of the day...but am I?!?!?!?!?
🤦
No. Trump and other rich asshole have a way of avoid the consequences of their actions, even after due process. But there is a solution.
(https://cdn.britannica.com/27/194327-050-C7E8A94A/guillotine-French-Revolution.jpg)
Well, instead of deporting migrants, they're going to start today sending them to Gitmo. I'm sure that will make MAGA ecstatic.
T.rump won't survive this term. Judged mentally incompetent before end of term. "You read it here first."
It can't happen soon enough for me!
So much worse than last time (https://newrepublic.com/article/191153/trump-musk-treasure-government-breach)
But there is emerging resistance: 1000 gather around US Treasury building (https://wtop.com/dc/2025/02/hundreds-gather-outside-treasury-department-to-protest-elon-musks-government-influence/) to protest Elon "German salute" Musk's illegal seizure of sensitive taxpayer data for who knows what purpose.
"Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing easier than flattery."
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 05, 2025, 10:30:55 AMBut there is emerging resistance: 1000 gather around US Treasury building (https://wtop.com/dc/2025/02/hundreds-gather-outside-treasury-department-to-protest-elon-musks-government-influence/) to protest Elon "German salute" Musk's illegal seizure of sensitive taxpayer data for who knows what purpose.
The bright light of day is the best weapon we have left.
I was hoping I would be able to buy a couple hundred feet of ocean frontage in Gaza so I could have a place to go in the winter, but officials at the White House are now saying Trump might be changing his mind on annexing Palestine.
Quote from: SGOS on February 05, 2025, 06:43:23 PMI was hoping I would be able to buy a couple hundred feet of ocean frontage in Gaza so I could have a place to go in the winter, but officials at the White House are now saying Trump might be changing his mind on annexing Palestine.
Nativism and taking someone else's land. Two great tastes that go great together!
Federal judge blocks Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship (https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/05/politics/judge-blocks-birthright-citizenship-executive-order/index.html)
QuoteThe order "conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment, contradicts 125-year old binding Supreme Court precedent and runs counter to our nation's 250-year history of citizenship by birth," Boardman said during a hearing on Wednesday.
"No court in the country has ever endorsed the president's interpretation," she said. "This court will not be the first."
Beyond the headlines: Mass deportation news appears more recent than they were to create misleading impressions (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/06/ice-us-immigration-deportations-google)
QuoteThe lawyer noticed a strange pattern. In almost every state, at least one press release from Ice's website appeared in Google's top results. Nebraska, for example, surfaced links for two press releases. One said "ICE executes federal search warrants in Nebraska", the other said "ICE fugitive operations team arrests 44 absconders". Both displayed their dates of publication as 24 January 2025 on Google search. But when the lawyer clicked through to the report, the actual dates of publication were August 2018 and June 2008, respectively.
"I've now done it in all 50 states ... and I've done it in multiple cities. And it's the same thing," the lawyer said. "They all had the last update of 1/24/2025 and they were all popping up at the front of the algorithm."
Getting accurate recent ICE figures has been...tricky (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/05/metro/ice-arrests-data-mass-deportations/)
QuoteICE also has not explained what's happening to the migrants who are arrested. NBC News reported this week that some migrants arrested by ICE under the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign have already been released in the United States, on a program that monitors them.
Kocher said questions about the data are especially important to ask because the administration has a "political incentive right now to put numbers out, to try to show that they're doing something."
"That incentive may mean that they put something out that's not true, rather than taking the time to get it right," Kocher said.
I wonder when "the Reichstag" will burn, and exactly what that will be.
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 06, 2025, 07:27:50 PMBeyond the headlines: Mass deportation news appears more recent than they were to create misleading impressions (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/06/ice-us-immigration-deportations-google)
Getting accurate recent ICE figures has been...tricky (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/05/metro/ice-arrests-data-mass-deportations/)
So if I'm understanding correctly, some of the mass deportations we're hearing about are actually years or decades apart, and ICE isn't booting out nearly as many people as they're making it look like right now.
The question I want answered now is, to what purpose? Scare immigrants? Look more impressive to Trump and his base? Some combination thereof?
It's definitely to make Trump seem more "productive" than he's actually being.
It's just more Republican/MAGA lies, it's what I've come to expect.
Quote from: Blackleaf on February 07, 2025, 09:02:32 AMIt's definitely to make Trump seem more "productive" than he's actually being.
A couple of weeks ago some sanctuary cities like Chicago, were going to get invaded by large Customs enforcement patrols that were going to do some serious house cleaning, but since then, I haven't read anything about it. Why make public that it was going to happen (they even gave the date it was to begin) and then report no results?
Maybe it's harder to do than just walk in and start knocking heads. Maybe there aren't as many illegal aliens as we thought? Actually, I think there are a lot, so they shouldn't be that hard to find. But why tell them you're coming?
Surely, not my face (https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/07/elon-musks-actions-not-what-some-ri-trump-voters-signed-up-for/78292974007/)
QuoteBut "Paula" echoed a string of callers who told Amo they are uncomfortable with the free rein President Donald Trump has given unelected, non-Cabinet member "tech billionaire" Elon Musk to root around in government records.
"I think there is a lot of distrust ... as to what power he has," she said.
QuoteAmo also used the Town Hall as a platform to voice what Democrats and others have been saying: That "rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in the government" was the concept voters were sold and isn't a bad thing, but the "wholesale closing" of federal agencies and giving "people barely out of college" access to the sensitive data of millions of Americans "wasn't part of the pitch."
Telling one thing and doing another? How unexpected!
Trump signed an executive order to settle the architects of apartheid from South Africa here in AmeriKKKa. Fancy that.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 08, 2025, 03:40:04 PMTrump signed an executive order to settle the architects of apartheid from South Africa here in AmeriKKKa. Fancy that.
So conveniently after President Musk advocated on Twitter for an influx of specifically white South Africans to escape "persecution" in South Africa.
(https://i.imgur.com/QQwkeQPl.png)
The supporters of this sort of thing must spin their heads trying to square mass deportations with this and pardoning insurrectionists. This is in line only with a very specific ideology and Musk is very fond of its salute.
Neo-nazis sure have been a lot more aggressive lately. Fortunately, the ones who aren't draped in wealth and power get kicked out...for now. Though I do note that the police seemed more concerned with the counter-protestors than the nazis.
Trumplestiltskin wants his fingers in everybody's pie: he just made himself chairman of the Kennedy Center For the Performing Arts.
Gov. J. B. PRITZKER, Poking fun at Trump, Says Lake Michigan Is Now Called 'Lake Illinois'
QuoteIllinois gov. JB Pritzker (D) jokingly announced on Friday that the name of Lake Michigan had been changed to Lake Illinois, poking fun at president Donald Trump's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Pritzker said that Illinois was annexing Green Bay, mocking the president's interest in taking over Greenland. In a video posted to X, Pritzker intoned with faux seriousness, "The World's finest geographers, experts who study the Earth's natural environment, have concluded a decades-long council and determined that a Great Lake deserves to be named after a great state. So today, I'm issuing a proclamation declaring that hereinafter, Lake Michigan shall be known as Lake Illinois. The proclamation has been forwarded to Google to insure the world's maps reflect this momentous change."
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 08, 2025, 07:06:19 PMThough I do note that the police seemed more concerned with the counter-protestors than the nazis.
The Nutzis
want an incident.
USAID was soft power, but Trump only cares about hard power, such as the US military.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 09, 2025, 03:36:31 PMUSAID was soft power, but Trump only cares about hard power, such as the US military.
US soft power is incredibly important. Especially its economic power and its network of alliances - the soft power of the West is vital for the maintenance of a rules-based international order and the US is the West's lynchpin. If I were some sort of foreign puppet deliberately trying to weaken America and its associated rules-based international order, that's what I'd go after first. Hypothetically.
What's the difference between Greenland and Donald Trump?
Greenland is not for sale.
(https://i.imgur.com/vxgNH8fl.png)
It's real. (https://meidasnews.com/news/internet-reacts-to-golden-hoofed-trump-cash-covered-goat-idol-at-mar-a-lago) I wanted it to be satire but here we are. Complete with God replaced by Trump. The jokes write themselves, but it's a lot less funny with people suffering under his misrule.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Worshiping_the_golden_calf.jpg/220px-Worshiping_the_golden_calf.jpg)
Are we still pretending Trump is a Christian man, Republicans?
Edit: What did I say about us living in an Onion article? Life is a satire of itself now. Somebody take me out. This is too stupid.
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 10, 2025, 01:59:03 PM(https://i.imgur.com/vxgNH8fl.png)
It's real. (https://meidasnews.com/news/internet-reacts-to-golden-hoofed-trump-cash-covered-goat-idol-at-mar-a-lago) I wanted it to be satire but here we are. Complete with God replaced by Trump. The jokes write themselves, but it's a lot less funny with people suffering under his misrule.
Is that a golden calf in your pocket, or are you glad to see me? 🤣
I feel like we're going to be saying this a lot in the coming 4+ years, so to save time, we should condense it into an acronym.
RYAT
Remember, you asked for this.
I never asked for this, any of the three times.
USAID was investigating Starlink incidents in Ukraine and Musk tries to shut it down (https://www.newsweek.com/usaid-elon-musk-starlink-probe-ukraine-2027054)
USDA inspector general who was investigating Neuralink got purged (https://www.newsweek.com/former-usda-inspector-general-defies-trump-order-escorted-her-office-2023069) (Neuralink was investigated in 2022 for animal testing concerns and the investigation was still ongoing (https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/))
Musk partners with Visa to inroduce X-brand credit card (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/28/elon-musk-x-visa-digital-wallet.html)
Musk moves against Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (https://archive.is/8uyZa#selection-2833.4-2833.40)
Quote"We'd be back to the wild, wild west for financial services that affect families all over the country in terms of what their terms would be on their credit cards, on their mortgages, and other products. There would be no oversight of that," Richard Cordray, who first led the CFBP when it was established in 2011 after the Great Recession to help prevent another financial crisis
The inmates have the keys.
You'll hear this again, I suspect.
I can't remember any presidents or staff that were marketing their own products while in office. I've recently been getting ads for Trump Whiskey glasses. And then there are the Bibles, Trump model trains in HO scale, and occasional T shirts, hats, and watches. I guess it's OK, but it's degrading to the office when the president becomes a pitch man for gimmicks. What comes next? A shopping channel for Trump/Musk products?
Get you flaming gold Tesla with the chump's stolen coat of arms on the roof! Step right up! Only 100 chump bit coin per ticket!
I see where Felon Musk's car sales are dropping. Funny, all the blue-leaning people buying them "to save the planet" don't like him enough to pass on one of those things. Quelle surprise.
It seems that our Fearless Leader is going to completely ignore anything the courts have to say.
Judge orders HHS, CDC, FDA to restore information deleted by Trump regime (https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/11/nx-s1-5293387/judge-orders-cdc-fda-hhs-websites-restored)
Trump says it's about getting rid of "gender ideology" (whatever that means, ask Musk's daughter) but like almost everything he says, that's not really accurate:
QuoteThe pages that are now set to be revived include information for patients about HIV testing and HIV prevention medication, guidance on contraceptives, datasets that show vulnerability to natural disasters and emergencies, and an action plan for improving enrollment of underrepresented populations in clinical trials.
This is relevant information that is definitely within the public's interest. Literally lifesaving. The judge is correct to restore it and Trump's infantile boundary-testing behavior (among other, much less savory behaviors) is unsuitable for an adult, let alone a POTUS.
In the wake of these middling attempts by the judiciary to reign in a chaotic, reckless, and deeply unwell executive branch, Vance once again floated the idea that the Presidency shouldn't abide by the judiciary (https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/10/defy-court-orders-trump-vance-musk/). Checks and balances, what's that? For the time being, it looks like Vance isn't getting his way...yet. But it's concerning enough for John Roberts to be alarmed:
QuoteRoberts added that "violence, intimidation and defiance directed at judges because of their work undermine our Republic, and are wholly unacceptable."
What are the odds that a guy who led a mob of violent insurrectionists would direct violence against judges who defy him? Something that Americans should've asked themselves before election day, so they wouldn't have to ask it after.
Republican ghoul plans on "investigating" JFK assassination a mere 61 years later (https://www.latintimes.com/republican-congresswoman-reveals-plan-bring-warren-commission-members-jfk-investigation-they-575361) (they'll get around to climate change any day now) and naturally, plans on talking to the Warren Commission, who are all dead now because of how time works
(https://i.imgur.com/sYfXQOnh.png)
Only the best people are in charge.
You know it really galls me that these people say they're against DEI because they're into merit-based promotions. If that were actually true, none of y'all would be anywhere near political office!
Why this topic and why now? Apparently the brainworm guy is a really into it and if our masters are into something, it jumps up to high priority, as we have already seen with the Gulf of Mexico. Grocery prices? Nah, too difficult. Housing crisis? Boring! Healthcare crisis? Unexpectedly complicated. Some 60-year-old conspiracy theory? Urgent!
"Trump is kind of like the movie Snakes on a Plane. Sure the idea is entertaining. But an actual snake on your plane would be terrifying. And that's what's happening now. The plane is American democracy. And the snake is Trump."
Seth Meyers
Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 11, 2025, 08:16:00 PMGet you flaming gold Tesla with the chump's stolen coat of arms on the roof! Step right up! Only 100 chump bit coin per ticket!
I see where Felon Musk's car sales are dropping. Funny, all the blue-leaning people buying them "to save the planet" don't like him enough to pass on one of those things. Quelle surprise.
From what I understand, Teslas aren't even good. They're overpriced and low quality. Not to mention, if something goes wrong (which it will), you have to find someone specifically certified to work on Teslas to fix it. Other companies make better electric/hybrid vehicles for a better price.
Until Teslas are mandatory, that is.
I don't know anything about the quality of Tesla. Musk was a kind of pioneer, but other companies are joining in, and where there's competition, prices will come down, and can lead to improvement. I'm getting the feeling Musk is losing interest in the concept, and I'm not sure what joining forces with Trump does knowing Trump's commitment to the browning of the environment. Maybe he's throwing in the towel for something bigger.
Quote from: Blackleaf on February 12, 2025, 11:59:28 AMFrom what I understand, Teslas aren't even good. They're overpriced and low quality. Not to mention, if something goes wrong (which it will), you have to find someone specifically certified to work on Teslas to fix it. Other companies make better electric/hybrid vehicles for a better price.
Don't forget that insurance is often higher (https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/tesla-insurance) (sure, you can buy Tesla brand insurance, but good luck with those premiums (https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/tesla-insurance-unit-must-face-lawsuit-over-inflated-premiums-judge-rules-2023-12-04/)) and infamously, often doesn't pass the carrot test, while their competitors do. (Fun fact, as a kid, I actually did get my hand stuck in a van door when someone unexpectedly slammed it shut, so this is a thing that does happen on occasion)
To be fair, Tesla has updated it since (apparently, the customers are the Q&A team)
I suppose it is technically true that Tesla owners no longer risk getting appendages cut off, but jeez, that still looked painful.
And now the profit goes to fund some weird middle-age crisis and mental breakdown turned into political power-grabbing and flirting with decidedly dated German politics? Hellll Noooo. I'd rather buy a 3-wheeled car than a Tesla.
My daily driver: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Veyron
253 mph, huh? Maybe on the Autobahn.
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 12, 2025, 08:37:20 PMDon't forget that insurance is often higher (https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/tesla-insurance) (sure, you can buy Tesla brand insurance, but good luck with those premiums (https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/tesla-insurance-unit-must-face-lawsuit-over-inflated-premiums-judge-rules-2023-12-04/)) and infamously, often doesn't pass the carrot test, while their competitors do. (Fun fact, as a kid, I actually did get my hand stuck in a van door when someone unexpectedly slammed it shut, so this is a thing that does happen on occasion)
To be fair, Tesla has updated it since (apparently, the customers are the Q&A team)
I suppose it is technically true that Tesla owners no longer risk getting appendages cut off, but jeez, that still looked painful.
And now the profit goes to fund some weird middle-age crisis and mental breakdown turned into political power-grabbing and flirting with decidedly dated German politics? Hellll Noooo. I'd rather buy a 3-wheeled car than a Tesla.
[Sticks in carrot. It gets cut up.]
"Okay. That didn't work. But now, let's see what happens when I stick in my actual finger. AAAHHHHHH!"
These people vote.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 12, 2025, 09:14:17 PM253 mph, huh? Maybe on the Autobahn.
Nurburgring Ring. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrburgring
I checked it out on Google Earth. Looks pretty cool! 🏎
Top Gear ran it a few times. Sub-orbital.
For the first time ever I've finally seen someone wearing a red MAGA hat!
It's just some old guy in my doctor's office. Of course, I'm not gonna say anything at all to the guy, I'm just surprised I haven't seen one before.
Missouri here. See them everywhere. Presumably they're under those pointy white hoods as well.
A toddler breaking his toys. Case in point Yosemite National Park (https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/yosemite-national-park-in-chaos-20163260.php)
Quote"I've never seen anything like this in my 55 years," says Beth Pratt, a regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, who lives near Yosemite and is working on a book called "Yosemite Wildlife." "Just to want to gut the Park Service? I don't understand it."
So long as the donor class has all its needs met, Trump has no problem with screwing over everyone else.
Warming up for "Damnation Alley II", the live action epic?
I hope the FAUXTUS doesn't intend to steal all of the federal land that he now has at his disposal.
"Disposal" is the operative word.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 14, 2025, 10:22:08 PMI hope the FAUXTUS doesn't intend to steal all of the federal land that he now has at his disposal.
If it's mismanaged and languishing, it would theoretically make it much easier to privatize.
(https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:sk6jryjhuavqchpa53jlcsyu/bafkreigycbwbadasicns6ebdvc6obkvrmpefpxfquiedbhr4z3yohtx77q@jpeg)
Kristi "puppy love" Noem with some choice words.
Don't be evil: Google's acquiescence to Trump is about more than his bizarre Gulf of Mexico renaming obsession (https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/google-calendar-month-black-history-pride-women-indigenous-b2696660.html)
QuoteGoogle Calendar has removed references to months celebrating and honoring African Americans, women and LGBTQ+ communities because keeping the events wasn't "sustainable".
The tech giant previously marked the start of Black History Month in February and Pride Month in June but the events don't appear for 2025.
The company has also removed references to Women's History Month in March and Indigenous Peoples Month in November among other observances.
The official rationale is that adding cultural holidays got too cumbersome, scope creep with hundreds of countries each with holidays of their own, it was apparently too difficult to just manually type those in and have them automatically appear every year. If that's the case, the timing is certainly suspect.
(https://i.imgur.com/9hCWhVD.jpeg)
Associated Press banned from White House (https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/14/media/white-house-ap-ban-air-force-one-oval-office-gulf-of-mexico/index.html) after referring to Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of Mexico (they have an international audience who aren't lunatics and use the usual terminology)
Expect this to have a chilling effect among American media with some newspapers afraid to ruffle orange feathers.
Useful notes: Calling a deer a horse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhao_Gao#Calling_a_deer_a_horse) dictator's guide to testing loyalties and revealing adversaries
QuoteZhao Gao was contemplating treason but was afraid the other officials would not heed his commands, so he decided to test them first. He brought a deer and presented it to the Second Emperor but called it a horse. The Second Emperor laughed and said, "Is the chancellor perhaps mistaken, calling a deer a horse?" Then the emperor questioned those around him. Some remained silent, while some, hoping to ingratiate themselves with Zhao Gao, said it was a horse, and others said it was a deer. Zhao Gao secretly arranged for all those who said it was a deer to be brought before the law and had them executed instantly. Thereafter the officials were all terrified of Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao gained military power as a result of that.
Pursuing a deliberate error is and seeing if other people will go along with it is a fantastic way to test the loyalties of those around you - those who play ball are under your influence and those who stubbornly insist on the correct terminology are not under your influence and you may proceed from there with repercussions.
I'm sure Google making this move has absolutely NOTHING to do with the rise of Emperor Trump.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQaBomTwoaxej1w-OrtaBGjsL69WXEnzf5AXA&s)
Oh. This is a totally normal thing to say. Definitely not cause for alarm.
What happens to the guy who totally fucks over the country?
Quote from: the_antithesis on February 15, 2025, 07:37:08 PMWhat happens to the guy who totally fucks over the country?
Gets a third term?
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on February 15, 2025, 07:40:03 PMGets a third term?
(https://media.makeameme.org/created/aww-shucks-03eebeedec.jpg)
I read that a bunch of nuclear guys got fired, but fortunately they were soon rehired.
Quote from: the_antithesis on February 15, 2025, 07:37:08 PMWhat happens to the guy who totally fucks over the country?
He gets Luigied.
(https://i.imgur.com/Pr48hXKl.png)
https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/voting-for-the-mayor-who-promised-to-blow-up-the-city-doesnt-mean-i-approve-of-the-mayor-blowing-up-the-city
QuoteIt's so easy to label people these days. From the way folks have been talking, you'd think everyone falls into two buckets: those who voted against the mayor who promised to blow up the city and those who voted for the mayor who promised to blow up the city. And now that the mayor, whom I voted for, is blowing up the city, as he promised, I'm one of many people who are being unfairly blamed for something I didn't want. Okay? I didn't want the mayor to blow up the city like he mentioned many times; I just wanted him to fix the old bowling alley like he promised in passing once. Anyone saying I'm partially responsible for the explosions is just a sign that they have no argument.
On Friday, while waiting to start my cardiac rehab session, one of the people behind the desk said they were going to be closed on Monday because of the holiday. I asked one of the guys waiting with me what holiday it was, and he said it would be president's day. So I looked at him and said "oh, we have a wonderful president now!"
He gave me an odd look, but a lady in a chair behind me and to the side, whom I could see with my peripheral vision, looked at me with total disdain, as if I was completely insane! So I couldn't help but to laugh out loud, something I very seldom do in public. 🤣
My wife has decided not to bump me off and take widow's benefits, given the results of this election there won't be any.
Sometimes, I like to look at old rhetoric (https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/29/politics/fact-check-biden-executive-orders-dictator/index.html) and man, it's interesting to watch positions shift. Were they ever real positions? Or were they just things people said to score points for their guy?
QuotePresident Joe Biden has signed more than 35 executive orders, actions and memorandums in his first week-and-a-half in the Oval Office. And some of Biden's critics are saying or suggesting that his frequent early use of the presidential pen contradicts a dramatic statement he made on the campaign trail in October.
"Biden signed off on a record number of executive orders during his first week – but just three months ago, according to Biden himself, that's something only a dictator would do," Fox News host Sean Hannity said on air Tuesday.
Obviously, Trump's second term tops Biden in sheer numbers (https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/tracking-trumps-executive-orders-rcna189571). But sheer numbers aren't really a good indicator of executive overreach. One of Trump's earliest acts was to establish Musk's Department by changing the existing United States Digital Service and well, we've all seen how that's going. Many of Biden's earliest acts were related to covid, which is unsurprising considering his predecessor.
So taking covid seriously is "dictatorial" but this checkless-and-unbalanced thing we have going on right now is just peachy? If it weren't for double-standards, he wouldn't have any at all.
I saw Rudy Giuliani at dinner. But it might have been just a run of the mill goblin.
White House: Musk is not a DOGE employee, but an advisor to the President and has no decision-making authority (https://www.reuters.com/legal/white-house-says-musk-is-not-doge-employee-has-no-authority-make-decisions-2025-02-18/)
Hmmm...good news? A reining in of billionaire-in-chief and the establishment of a pecking order? (It's otherwise been pretty nebulous who's actually in charge) Or is this an attempt to shelter Musk from pushback by declaring him to be the Hand of the President King? I suppose we'll have to wait and see.
Pennsylvania lawmaker (you'll never guess the party) introduces "Two Gender Protection Act" (https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania-politics/pennsylvania-lawmaker-introduces-two-gender-protection-act/)
QuoteThe legislation would enforce single-sex spaces to be based on biological sex rather than gender identity.
So...I guess at the gym, the women's locker rooms will have cis women and trans men (asigned female at birth, transitioning to male) and men's locker room having a similar problem with wildly-diverging people sharing the same intimate space. Instead of the far too complicated and not invasive enough "just let people sort out their own business" procedure. I can't imagine that going horribly, horribly wrong and someone potentially getting hurt because of it.
QuoteAccording to Senator Mastriano, Senate Bill 213 would also mandate the Pennsylvania government to use sex instead of gender in official communications and require all state-issued identification documents to use a person's biological sex as identified at birth.
*stares at the title of the bill, which doesn't even obey its own rule*
Also, we recently had a wonderful time of government records being deleted by some shitty AI because they featured the word "diverse" or "diversity" in a completely different context than what some shitty Republican thought. I can't imagine government records with the word sex going through a similar problem, like let's say some corporation's overly harsh profanity filter. Note that I say this while watching Youtube videos where the creators sometimes have to say "unalived" instead of killed or dead. Also, "unpaid intern" instead of slave.
But let's say the implementation goes off without a hitch - the rare thing for the government - we're just going to let some overripe turnip with "strong feelings" about biology say what's okay and what's not okay in terms of gender? (they tend to weigh in on sexuality and child-bearing, too. Not to mention the "correct" religious beliefs and political beliefs and family size and even whether or not you should take vaccines or prescription medication. It's a mess.) Where does that path lead? Cause I bet lots of people living in the Middle East can let us know.
I expect it will get worse before it gets better.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 18, 2025, 04:17:27 PMI expect it will get worse before it gets better.
You think things will get better?
Well, yeah, once humans go extinct.
Quote from: Blackleaf on February 18, 2025, 04:36:43 PMYou think things will get better?
Yeah, right after Chicxulub II.
His wikipedia:
QuoteMastriano is a prominent figure in fundamentalist Christian nationalism and has called the separation of church and state a myth.[5][6] He has made social media posts referencing QAnon and has spoken at events that promoted QAnon and 9/11 conspiracy theories.[1][7][8][9][10][11] An election denier and self-professed close ally of former President Donald Trump, Mastriano received national attention for his efforts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election.[12]
He attended Trump's January 6 rally in Washington, D.C., prior to Trump supporters' storming of the United States Capitol,[12][13] and was seen on video passing through Capitol Police barriers after they had been breached by others in the crowd.[12]
What a scumbag.
King Trump orders firing of all "Biden-era" U.S. attorneys (https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5152413-trump-firing-biden-era-us-attorneys/)
Naturally, he claims that they've all "been politicized like never before". I agree with him there, though as usual every accusation is a confession.
Tellingly, Trump moved to protect disgraced New York Mayor Eric Adams from corruption charges by directing the Department of Justice to drop the charges. The US attorney handed in her resignation letter instead. Good for her, though I doubt her replacement will be as principled.
I wonder how bad the corruption needs to get before Republican voters realize they fucked up. Will they ever admit they were wrong?
I've heard that many Trump voters are regretting their votes, but I don't know how many that amounts to.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 19, 2025, 01:21:40 PMI've heard that many Trump voters are regretting their votes, but I don't know how many that amounts to.
I haven't heard that, but then I haven't heard anything to the contrary either. I'm sure there are some. But it seems too early for many to be disenfranchised. But I've lost all confidence in my ability to explain politics.
Yeah, the thing about voter regret is just because it's newsworthy doesn't mean it's widespread. Sometimes, it's just the opposite. It's newsworthy because it's rare. I don't see Conservates seeing the error of their ways any time soon. They're thoroughly brainwashed.
Careful, Pence. The Right Wing don't take kindly to people speaking the truth. Might try to put you in that guillotine again.
(https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:t6ubj2wlhc34awzcymh3qpur/bafkreietdpvxsapsh4zid72aitlh3vo6kpsknau2oet5w7sqkze5owhvzq@jpeg)
Does Pence think T.rump listens to other people?
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on February 20, 2025, 12:22:47 PMDoes Pence think T.rump listens to other people?
Or that his opinion isn't already bought?
Quote from: Blackleaf on February 20, 2025, 12:16:06 AMCareful, Pence. The Right Wing don't take kindly to people speaking the truth. Might try to put you in that guillotine again.
Kudos to Pence for that. Unfortunately, he doesn't hold office right now, so it has less of an impact.
King Orange will probably send his goons after him, but Pence has survived that before.
Shameful that we're in the situation where obvious facts are threatening to the regime currently in power.
Orangeutan.
https://i.imgur.com/C30RgRW.mp4
Well, yeah.
Drumpf is the czar of the bizarre!
Drumpster.
(https://i.imgur.com/3d9oqw1.jpeg)
Gen Alpha: "Why haven't you Millennials fixed the country yet?"
Millennials: "Hold your fucking horses! We've only just become old enough to RUN for President, and we won't have a realistic chance at winning for another forty years! We barely have any presence in the White House at all!"
And not just the presidential age barrier (though in these days, it's more of a wealth barrier), Millennials are also less represented than older generations were when they were the same age (https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/19/politics/millennials-genxers-baby-boomers-congress-representation-dg/index.html).
(https://i.imgur.com/g5GMvE2.png)
There's about half the number of under 50 members of the House as there was in the early 80s. 4.5 times less for the Senate. And you better believe that the ones who are aren't getting a seat on the committees.
In fact, here are the current House committee chairs:
(https://www.peoplesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/republican-leaders.jpg)
Anything stand out to you guys?
Well, I can't tell how old they are with any precision, but what's obvious is that they're all white males.
Why on earth was the 97th congress such a sharp dip in the age like that. I looked it up and it was the congress at the end of Carter's term and then during Reagan's first term. It was also the first time the Republicans held one of the houses since the 50's
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 22, 2025, 12:18:27 AMAnd not just the presidential age barrier (though in these days, it's more of a wealth barrier), Millennials are also less represented than older generations were when they were the same age (https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/19/politics/millennials-genxers-baby-boomers-congress-representation-dg/index.html).
(https://i.imgur.com/g5GMvE2.png)
There's about half the number of under 50 members of the House as there was in the early 80s. 4.5 times less for the Senate. And you better believe that the ones who are aren't getting a seat on the committees.
In fact, here are the current House committee chairs:
(https://www.peoplesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/republican-leaders.jpg)
Anything stand out to you guys?
Yeah, only five of em waear glasses.
Those able-ist motherf***ers.
You know something I realized recently? Trump could have pardoned the January 6th rioters before he left office during his first term, but he chose not to. Instead, he distanced himself from them, hoping to escape accountability. Now, four years later, he pardons them. Why throw them under the bus, only to come to their rescue later? The reason seems pretty clear to me. It's because they're just tools to him. Four years ago, they were an inconvenience. They failed him, and he thought it was all over. (If only.) Now that he's back, he realizes he has a use for nutjobs like them again, so he has them released. These people don't even realize they're being used. He doesn't give a shit about them.
President sets precedent. Government by riot, here we come.
Speaking of:
(https://i.imgur.com/gbqzYYkl.jpeg)
Trump broadens the pardons to include other crimes (https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/nx-s1-5304454/jan-6-pardons-drugs-firearms) after quite of a few of them come down with other charges, landing them right back in jail.
QuoteBall had a criminal record before his arrest for Jan. 6, including for "Domestic Violence Battery by Strangulation," "Resisting Law Enforcement with Violence," and "Battery on Law Enforcement Officer." Ball pleaded not guilty to the Jan. 6 charges, and his case was dismissed when Trump took office.
It must be so nice to have friends in high places. Probably not a great feeling for the victims, though. "Law and Order"™ working as intended.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Anticonsumption/comments/1ix6k24/these_are_your_gods_now/#lightbox
Stay asleep.
Have you heard about the HUD video that shows Trump kissing and caressing the feet of Elon Muck, along with a caption that read: LONG LIVE THE REAL KING?
🤣
What was once referred to as a "basket of deplorables" has now become a bucket of sludge.
Trouble at Oligarch HQ:
(https://i.imgur.com/eelaAKrl.png)
Link (https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/25/upshot/doge-spending-cuts-changed.html)
21 DOGE staffers quit (https://www.npr.org/2025/02/25/nx-s1-5308095/doge-staff-resignations-elon-musk), saying that they refuse to use their skills to put Americans' data at risk and "dismantle critical public services." These are people who had previously held reputable jobs at the agency before Musk's takeover and who watched in horror as the oligarch took a chainsaw to agencies that were investigating his dealings, stole US taxpayer data, and now tries to sabotage important American public services.
Quote from: Hydra009 on February 26, 2025, 10:16:19 AMTrouble at Oligarch HQ:
(https://i.imgur.com/eelaAKrl.png)
Link (https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/25/upshot/doge-spending-cuts-changed.html)
21 DOGE staffers quit (https://www.npr.org/2025/02/25/nx-s1-5308095/doge-staff-resignations-elon-musk), saying that they refuse to use their skills to put Americans' data at risk and "dismantle critical public services." These are people who had previously held reputable jobs at the agency before Musk's takeover and who watched in horror as the oligarch took a chainsaw to agencies that were investigating his dealings, stole US taxpayer data, and now tries to sabotage important American public services.
I thought Musk was supposed to be really smart.
Yeah, and Trump is a stable genius.
Well, they've got the power now, and they're not going to give it up.
I like how she calls Muskrat "Red Skull."
(https://i.imgur.com/E5t3bMLl.jpeg)
I'm telling you, if someone were to Luigi Musk right now, they'd be doing America a big favor. He's done so much harm in such a short span of time. All of it illegal, of course, yet no one is doing anything about it.
Quote from: Blackleaf on February 27, 2025, 06:38:14 PMI'm telling you, if someone were to Luigi Musk right now, they'd be doing America a big favor. He's done so much harm in such a short span of time. All of it illegal, of course, yet no one is doing anything about it.
Him and his protégé.
Republicans want to replace Benjamin Franklin on the $20 bill with the face of Donald Trump. But it's unlawful to put a living person's face on our money.
I know a great way to resolve that problem.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 04, 2025, 04:24:37 PMRepublicans want to replace Benjamin Franklin on the $20 bill with the face of Donald Trump. But it's unlawful to put a living person's face on our money.
I know a great way to resolve that problem.
Like they care about the law. They let an unelected drug addict seize control of the national treasury and fire people neither he or Trump have the authority to fire.
Oops, it's the $100 dollar bill! 🤑
Why stop there? Why not put his face on the $1,000,000 bill?
There isn't a -$1M bill, is there? That would be more fitting.
Yeah, but T. Wrecks could just sign an executive order and have it made.
(https://preview.redd.it/mj7885t2wnme1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=3ef9a6bb742ef9310084b14c26dcb312916126bf)
(https://i.redd.it/lol60x3xbkme1.jpeg)
Apre moi, le deluge.
Oopsie, nevermind: ~6,000 USDA workers reinstated (https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/politics/usda-employees-fired-reinstatement/index.html)
QuoteProbationary workers, meaning those who have been in their positions about a year or less, lost their jobs at USDA beginning on February 13. The reason the Trump administration gave for the cutbacks was that these employees "demonstrated that [their] further employment" wouldn't be "in the public interest."
A special counsel who looked at the employees' claims argued to the workers' board the mass layoffs appeared not to follow the law for how the government can cut back its workforce.
A 34-count felon not following the law? Well, isn't that surprising!
(https://i.imgflip.com/1qn9as.jpg?a483552)
Russian roulette:
(https://i.imgur.com/c8mxn6Fh.jpeg)
The guy can't even commit to his incompetent decisions.
Claiming to be cutting costs, chaos engine is going to cause the entire world a lot of misery.
Jack Daniels pulled from Canadian shelves (https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/international/2025/03/05/jack-daniels-maker-says-canada-pulling-us-alcohol-off-shelves-worse-than-tariff/)
QuoteJack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman's CEO Lawson Whiting said on Wednesday Canadian provinces taking American liquor off store shelves was "worse than a tariff" and a "disproportionate response" to levies imposed by the Trump administration.
Oh no, a disproportionate response in our trade war and/or maybe actual war for funsies?! Who would have thought! Man, that's awful. Also, it highlights the real victims here: massive corporations.
But let's face it, corporate products don't just get pulled from shelves for no reason. What were they wearing? How did they provoke it? Don't get touchy, I'm just asking questions. Vulnerable little whiskey bottles gotta make sure they take their own safety into account and not just flaunt their glassware on any old shelf. Some aisles are dangerous and they shoulda known better. You play a risky game and sometimes you get thrown in the dumpster. It happens. Now, before this gets reported to the authorities, did you do anything, anything at all (https://www.advocate.com/news/jack-daniels-harley-davidson-dei) that might've riled people up? Cause that might hurt your case.
Hit the road, Jack Daniel's, and don'tcha come back no more no more no more no more, hit the road, Jack Daniels, and don'tcha come back no more.
🤣
Trump lackey: Canada "taken over by Mexican cartels" (https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5180208-navarro-canada-has-been-taken-over-by-mexican-cartels/)
He didn't cite any sources and you know why and I know why. Cause he's BSing you. Their gameplan is literally just making stuff up to get mad about and then doing whatever they want using that as a pretext.
But here's something that does have a source: More drugs by weight come from the US into Canada than vice versa (https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-complaints-drugs-guns-border-1.7457605).
Works well on my hillbilly cousins.
Taken off the group chat: Allies weigh sharing less intel with the US (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-pivots-russia-allies-weigh-sharing-less-intel-us-rcna194420) due to fears of the US sharing it with Russia
QuoteOne Western official said the Trump administration has shaken how longtime allies view the United States and whether it can be relied upon.
Even if he wasn't a Russian asset, Trump is infamously inept when it comes to keeping intelligence secret (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump%27s_disclosures_of_classified_information), like keeping stacks of classified documents in the bathroom and sharing nuclear info with an Australian billionaire (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-allegedly-revealed-classified-info-nuclear-submarines-according-rcna119173) with no security clearance. No looser or fatter lips in the entire country. And Putin loves it.
QuotePics of WWII Bomber Flagged For Removal Under Pete Hegseth's 'DEI' Purge - Because 'Gay' Is In Its Name
QuotePete Hegseth's Pentagon's DEI Purge is wiping out more than just diversity initiatives - it's reportedly erasing history, as images of black soldiers, pioneering female service members, and even photos of World War II Hiroshima bomber Enola Gay, have been flagged for deletion.
There's more in the Mediaite article, but I can't stand writing any more of it. I'm sickened and disgusted with these tyrants! I knew things were going to get bad, but this? The sooner they all go to hell the better!
Too bad hell doesn't really exist.
Yeah, the Enola Bi-curious doesn't exactly have the same ring. That's asinine but trivial imho compared to the very serious removal of displays of American pioneers. He did a similar thing at NASA where pictures celebrating women in science were taken down (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trumps-dei-purge-is-hitting-nasa-hard/).
And redcaps have the nerve to say that taking down some Confederate statues is "erasing history" while at the same time defending actual censorship. I'm surprised their pants don't spontaneously combust.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 07, 2025, 11:44:05 AMThere's more in the Mediaite article, but I can't stand writing any more of it. I'm sickened and disgusted with these tyrants! I knew things were going to get bad, but this? The sooner they all go to hell the better!
Too bad hell doesn't really exist.
Wasn't "Enola Gay" the pilot's mother-in-law?
Maybe they'll delete themselves. Trump has to be gay code for something and so is Musk.
I think she was his mother, Enola Gay Tibbets.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 07, 2025, 03:48:44 PMI think she was his mother, Enola Gay Tibbets.
Which brings the phrase "Let's go get bombed with Mom" to mind.
(https://preview.redd.it/jtq69inhrdne1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=ad3de75a46ee50e54092851650579a54b6bf28e6)
Trump lackeys turn on Trump lackey for not being enough of a bootlicker (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/maga-world-turns-supreme-court-justice-amy-coney-barrett-rcna194283)
(https://i.imgur.com/vrzhyP8.jpeg)
Oh man, taking a photo with *checks notes* ...people? How scandalous!
Definitely worse than the censorship, the corruption, the racism (case in point), the sexism (case in point), the rapes, the felony crimes... *several hours pass* ...siding with a dictator, harming an ally, threatening war on an ally, threatening war on a different ally (jeez), and facepaint so fugly that trying to copy it made Giuliani look like a literal cartoon villain.
(https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.5043699524.1068/st,large,507x507-pad,600x600,f8f8f8.jpg)
Trump hires nazi (https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/03/06/pentagons-no-2-spokesperson-has-long-history-of-antisemitic-bigoted-social-media-posts.html)
I realize that some people use that term frivolously, but when someone affirms a nazi slogan, among lots of similar behavior - it's a pretty clear signal that they are in fact a nazi.
Well, color me surprised.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 09, 2025, 09:26:06 PMWell, color me surprised.
Yeah, I know. But someone has to archive this stuff lest some disingenuous person comes along and says something along the lines of "Trump's never been affiliated with nazis. That's ridiculous. You're the one making the claim, prove it." that way, exhibits A through X stand waiting and they can't weasel out of it with feigned amnesia.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 09, 2025, 09:33:53 PMYeah, I know. But someone has to archive this stuff lest some disingenuous person comes along and says something along the lines of "Trump's never been affiliated with nazis. That's ridiculous. You're the one making the claim, prove it." that way, exhibits A through X stand waiting and they can't weasel out of it with feigned amnesia.
You almost used "Trump supporter" and "evidence" in the same sentence. Be warned.
State Department official deletes insulting tweets about Rubio (https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/10/politics/darren-beattie-marco-rubio-deleted-tweets-kfile/index.html)
Here's a pretty typical tweet from him:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErI1EFkXUAA-kCk.jpg)
Guy is obsessed with white males taking power - the identity politics they gnashed their teeth about for years and now we find out they loved the concept all along. I'm sure MAGA women are thrilled about the treatment they receive from these slimeballs.
QuoteOne deleted tweet also attacked Rubio for criticizing possible Russian actions in Ukraine.
Why would he delete that one? 🤔
It was stunning how fast the market reacted to Trump's economic agenda, just so Trump can bully our neighbors and show them who's boss. And I see the market as usually partial to conservative economics.
Anyone know where I can get a good deal on a halo brace? This tariff whiplash is getting to me. <--- Stock market going this way. Squirrel going that way --->
Yeah, I had to get one of those neck braces to keep from getting whiplash. It's like being at a tennis match with multi armed players.
Why do they keep misspelling MЯGA?
Trump posted that Americans are "illegally" boycotting Tesla due to Musk. (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-said-boycotting-tesla-illegal-201240898.html) The chief executive is clueless when it comes to the law. I guess he'd have to be to rack up that many felonies.
Kevin Sorbo infamously said that the left shouldn't boycott companies they don't like, they should just not shop there instead - apparently oblivious to definition of the word. But he has had various personal and health problems that arguably made him this way, what's Trump's excuse?
All 6,000 fired USDA workers rehired (https://wildfiretoday.com/2025/03/11/usda-hires-back-all-fired-probationary-workers-forest-service-national-parks/)
They even get backpay, which is well deserved, but a curious strategy. "We don't like waste, here's unnecessary disruption plus waste" Who TF voted for this and thought it was a good idea?!
MAGAtards voted for exactly this chaos!
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 12, 2025, 08:51:32 AMAll 6,000 fired USDA workers rehired (https://wildfiretoday.com/2025/03/11/usda-hires-back-all-fired-probationary-workers-forest-service-national-parks/)
They even get backpay, which is well deserved, but a curious strategy. "We don't like waste, here's unnecessary disruption plus waste" Who TF voted for this and thought it was a good idea?!
Government shutdowns are a waste. Thousands get sent home from work and no services are available except a few are considered essential. Then Congress agrees to start it up again, and everyone goes back to work and gets back pay. No money was saved, but services were unavailable. I agree that government workers should get back pay. It wasn't their idea to stay home, although I'm sure some of them thought it was great, but which they never admit. The whole thing was political ineptitude. And they keep doing it.
Trump puts 25% tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium, ducks calls from Australia (https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/its-bad-for-our-relationship-australia-slams-donald-trumps-tariff-move/news-story/cd4c18090b040beab5eed528c669ec7f)
QuoteAustralia has slammed US President Donald Trump for the "bad decision" to slap 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium warning it will damage the US-Australian relationship.
I'm starting to think the damage is the point. Cause it sure as shit isn't helping ordinary Americans.
Yeah, I think the damage is exactly the point. F'King Trump is trying to damage America enough so that Putin can take it and abuse it the same way he's trying to do abuse Ukraine.
"Apres moi, le tariff."
The Dow is still plummeting. Now that Trump has eased off a little on tariffs, I think the plummet is based on uncertainty about what he will still do. Maybe others have more certainty than I do, but I don't know what that guy is doing. Although I'm pretty sure he doesn't know either.
During his first term he had advisors and staff that were dropping like flies, and I recall a few stating outright that he didn't know what he was doing. He was the king that killed the messengers who brought messages not suited to his liking. This time he's put in place a staff that will do his bidding rather than advise him. Qualified people are not helpful to this administration.
Chaos? Not a problem for Trump. He thrives on it.
He is only happy when things are out of control. That's when his mind tells him he's GOD.
(https://banner2.cleanpng.com/20180626/yjy/aazasb14s.webp)
Tariffs are a tariff-ically bad idea!
I'm sure, in Trump's mind, he's the best President ever. Never have stock prices been so affordable. lol
I just found out that "tesler" is a Yiddish word that means "carpenter."
A second batch of prisoners sent to Guantanamo Bay have also been returned to the US (https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/us/politics/ice-migrants-guantanamo.html)
These futile plane rides are expensive - and paid for by your tax money.
Apparently, f'King Trump is quite mercurial.
Also inconstant as well as incontinent.
(https://www.hfcc.edu/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2022/2022-0103-jonathan_harris_painting.jpg)
Arlington Cemetery website changed to hide or remove references to women and minority veterans (https://taskandpurpose.com/news/arlington-cemetery-scrubs-website-dei/)
Trump thanked Schumer for his cooperation, and then went to the DOJ to announce the start of his "I am your retribution" tour. Investigations to begin into those who had the audacity to investigate his crimes.
"Just find 11,780 votes" is ignored, and is now grounds for revenge. And poor Canada. I don't even know where to start. An utter ignoramus is 'running' our country.
According to Meidaa Touch, f'King Trump is begging foreign countries, like Denmark, that he has been economically attacking, for them to send eggs to the USA!
I fart in his general direction!
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 13, 2025, 09:21:10 PMI just found out that "tesler" is a Yiddish word that means "carpenter."
So, a Karen?
Yeah, among the most popular singing duos ever! 🤣
You know, Nikola has rolled over in his grave so much he's crossed three state lines.
Who, Tesla?
Quote from: ferdmonger on March 14, 2025, 10:15:22 PMTrump thanked Schumer for his cooperation, and then went to the DOJ to announce the start of his "I am your retribution" tour. Investigations to begin into those who had the audacity to investigate his crimes.
Some of those who are investigated by Trumps vengeance squads may even be found guilty of something. Who knows? But no one else's illegal activities justifies what Trump has done. Although Trump surely feels like it does. But as of now, he is the convicted felon.
I remember from his debates with Hillary Clinton, Trump saying, "I would put you in jail." That was for using her private email for government business as best I can remember. And then he steals classified documents and stores them in his bathroom. All of his own crimes and slimy behavior, he projects on everyone else.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2025, 10:47:43 AMYeah, among the most popular singing duos ever! 🤣
And 100% American. She chose to starve to death.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2025, 01:38:00 PMWho, Tesla?
Yes.
He's like "Who let that pitiful excuse for a nazi use my name?"
Yeah, if Tesla was alive he'd be spinning in his grave!
DOdGE has now gotten rid of bomb sniffing dogs! I guess that's one way to balance the budget.
A couple bombs go off and that'll be less people to collect social security.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2025, 03:26:39 PMDOdGE has now gotten rid of bomb sniffing dogs! I guess that's one way to balance the budget.
Please tell me this is from The Onion.
I wish I could tell you that, but I can't.
The writers at the Onion must be really struggling to come up with stories more absurd than real life right now.
I wonder if The Kennedy Center will be having a performance of TRiUMPh of the Will?
Rachel Maddow just told a story, and showed a video, about f'King Trump in 1988, inviting Gorbachav to his office and greeting a Gorbachav impersonator! 🤣
Quote from: Blackleaf on March 15, 2025, 10:32:53 PMThe writers at the Onion must be really struggling to come up with stories more absurd than real life right now.
Not long after the chump was elected in '16, the Onion actually published an article about telling truth from fiction. That's going some, for a satire publishing entity.
(https://i.imgur.com/p5TegzBl.png)
I just checked and it's true - the first official government link 404s and there is indeed a "deimedal" in the url. Dei isn't so much a dogwhistle as it is a foghorn. Shame on these people for attempting to censor history and denigrating heroic Anericans.
"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 16, 2025, 04:06:47 AM(https://i.imgur.com/p5TegzBl.png)
I just checked and it's true - the first official government link 404s and there is indeed a "deimedal" in the url. Dei isn't so much a dogwhistle as it is a foghorn. Shame on these people for attempting to censor history and denigrating heroic Anericans.
Three of my brothers served during Vietnam. I am also a veteran. I felt adrenaline enter my system when I saw this. Sickening.
f'King Trump said that the economy is "in transition." But I expect this "transition" to last for 4 years.
And I thought he was trying to scrub everything out of everything that contains the prefix "trans-"!
Government by buzzword.
I just saw that Republicans want to make "Trump derangement syndrome" a mental illness! 🤣
Third graders are now members of Congress.
Yeah, they might have to get old, but they don't have to mature.
Donald Trump is a sick, ignorant and vengeful wart on the ass of American society who would be serving this country better behind bars. There. I feel better.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 16, 2025, 08:28:56 PMI just saw that Republicans want to make "Trump derangement syndrome" a mental illness! 🤣
I have it big time. Can't wait for my disability payments.
https://www.startribune.com/gop-minnesota-senators-introduce-bill-that-defines-trump-derangement-syndrome-as-mental-illness/601237381
A French lawmaker has demanded the return of the Statue of Liberty! He says that we no longer deserve to have it.
Quote from: ferdmonger on March 16, 2025, 11:12:57 PMhttps://www.startribune.com/gop-minnesota-senators-introduce-bill-that-defines-trump-derangement-syndrome-as-mental-illness/601237381
TDS should be defined by a picture of a MAGAt wearing that red ballcap and gold chump sneakers, and holding a box of worthless trading cards and bitcoin, not by someone who rationally objects to his insane rants.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 16, 2025, 04:06:47 AM(https://i.imgur.com/p5TegzBl.png)
I just checked and it's true - the first official government link 404s and there is indeed a "deimedal" in the url. Dei isn't so much a dogwhistle as it is a foghorn. Shame on these people for attempting to censor history and denigrating heroic Anericans.
But remember, guys: Democrats are the
real racists! /s
Quote from: ferdmonger on March 16, 2025, 11:02:54 PMI have it big time. Can't wait for my disability payments.
You're just disabled for the parking!
f'King Trump says he'll withhold aid to countries that reject his Gaz-a-Lago plan.
If he expects those middle eastern countries to roll over like he expects our former allies to do then he'd best be ready for a big surprise.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 16, 2025, 04:06:47 AM(https://i.imgur.com/p5TegzBl.png)
I just checked and it's true - the first official government link 404s and there is indeed a "deimedal" in the url. Dei isn't so much a dogwhistle as it is a foghorn. Shame on these people for attempting to censor history and denigrating heroic Anericans.
They whine about us "erasing our history" when we tear down Confederate statues, but they're perfectly fine with this. The only history they care about is white history.
We also have "fun" immigration policy where we deport people for basically no reason (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/milwaukee-laos-ma-yang-deported-ice-b2715931.html)
The reason it's this heartless is because those pushing for it to be as punitive as possible are those who expect to be least affected.
The MAGots should visit a slaughter house and watch what happens to the sheep.
Maybe they should read The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair.
I'd worry about long pig if they went into a slaughter house.
Minnesota senator arrested, accused of soliciting minor for prostitution (https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/1jeb209/minnesota_senator_arrested_accused_of_soliciting/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
This is the same POS who was trying to pass a bill to make "Trump Derangement Syndrome" a mental illness.
If TDS is a mental illness, then I'm proud to be crazy!
Quote from: Blackleaf on March 18, 2025, 09:40:53 PMMinnesota senator arrested, accused of soliciting minor for prostitution (https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/1jeb209/minnesota_senator_arrested_accused_of_soliciting/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
This is the same POS who was trying to pass a bill to make "Trump Derangement Syndrome" a mental illness.
Not surprised. Republicans in general have had a "rules for thee, not for me" mentality for a long, long time and Trumpers in particular have long excused and defended criminal activity, especially of a sexual nature (Epstein Island), so long as they have a R next to their name. No principles, no morality, just a warped sort of loyalty.
Quote from: Blackleaf on March 18, 2025, 09:40:53 PMMinnesota senator arrested, accused of soliciting minor for prostitution (https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/1jeb209/minnesota_senator_arrested_accused_of_soliciting/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
This is the same POS who was trying to pass a bill to make "Trump Derangement Syndrome" a mental illness.
I got a look at the book, I mean "kit", for the TDS advocates. I was shocked, shocked I say!, that the kit had so few crayons.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 18, 2025, 10:19:43 PMNot surprised. Republicans in general have had a "rules for thee, not for me" mentality for a long, long time and Trumpers in particular have long excused and defended criminal activity, especially of a sexual nature (Epstein Island), so long as they have a R next to their name. No principles, no morality, just a warped sort of loyalty.
And they don't feel the footsteps as T.rump walks over them.
Ex-Proud Boy leader released from prison by Trump complains about not finding a job (https://dailyboulder.com/ex-proud-boys-leader-released-by-trump-complains-hes-treated-like-a-terrorist-lost-his-pension-and-cant-find-a-job/)
QuoteBiggs is now one of only 14 people in the country still facing serious consequences for the Capitol attack, which has been called the worst assault on U.S. democracy since the Civil War. His story is full of contradictions, much like the extreme elements of Trump's base: He went to jail for Trump, was forgotten by Trump, but still believes in him.
Over time, Biggs' views about January 6 have shifted. At his sentencing, he expressed regret for what happened. "On January 6, I was seduced by the crowd," he said, admitting that he was swept up in the moment. However, now he says, "No, not really" when asked if he regrets his actions that day.
Very sorry during sentencing, not so much when released. Justice system working just great.
Quote"It's like you're out of jail, but you're still in jail," Biggs says, speaking about his feelings after being released. "Now I'm more of a burden on my family. I'm not bringing anything to the table."
Wow, who would have thought the *checks notes* jackbooted thug job sector would be doing so poorly? Troubling economic times, we live in. Be brave.
QuoteBiggs also regrets losing his pension. As a veteran, he used to receive a monthly pension and health care to treat PTSD and a brain injury from his service in Iraq. But his conviction cut off those benefits.
"I have PTSD, I have anxiety, I have sleeping issues," Biggs explains. "I'd like to be able to go to the doctor. I'd like to be able to talk to somebody and work on some stuff."
JFC if only there were some people in office and some sort of political movement trying to work for some sort of universal coverage so that everyone - even despicable people - can get the healthcare they obviously need.
Or maybe we give billionaires even more money. I dunno, just spitballing ideas here.
QuoteBiggs reached out to MAGA leaders for help after his release, but feels ignored. "All they care about is having you on their show to sell their products," he complains.
That reminds me. Wanna buy some beans? How about an electric car? Got the sales pitch right here. I'm sure the people who just got laid off can afford it.
QuoteAlthough Trump initially condemned the attack, he later shifted his stance, even calling January 6 a "day of love" and referring to the rioters as "hostages." Many Republicans now support pardoning those involved in the attack, reflecting Trump's influence.
World's bendiest spines. Every day, these people wake up in fear of getting savaged by Trump on social media and having their base turn on them. The thrill of "victory". Must be nice.
How much would he have to pay for a Presidential pardon? Going rates published anywhere?
(https://i.imgur.com/0FhadWGl.png)
How much prison time do you get for a felony? Depends on your wallet.
Trump does not have the fucking power to end the Department of Education. WTF is wrong with our country, just letting a wannabe dictator take all the power he wants? Does not a single person in Congress have a goddamn backbone?
Nailed it.
(https://i.redd.it/x5gkezzlnvpe1.jpeg)
Trump regime pulls out of tree replanting effort (https://www.npr.org/2025/03/21/g-s1-55090/trump-dei-trees-removal-climate-change)
QuoteTrees are proven to reduce heat in cities, take up stormwater when it rains and improve air quality – all important needs in New Orleans as climate change intensifies storms and raises temperatures.
Yeah, trees are an excellent investment and the least politically controversial thing on the planet. I have no idea why the redcaps would dislike...
QuoteThe city still hasn't recovered the estimated 200,000 trees lost to Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago. That lack of canopy is visible in the Lower 9th Ward, a majority Black neighborhood and one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina.
Oh wait, there it is.
It's also possible that some shitty algorithm picked up the word "equity" (here used in the context of planting trees in neighborhoods without trees), assumed it was a DEI thing and therefore a bad thing (flawless logic) so some numbskull hit the cancel button without putting any thought into it. But if it's some sort of weird racial axe-grinding (a phenomenon not new to these people, sadly) or just brainless hipfiring from someone who didn't bother to understand anything, both are really, really bad. This particular issue isn't exactly super high-stakes, and if there's a lot of carelessness going on here, there's probably similar carelessness involved in other decisions.
US border officials have caught more people with eggs than fentanyl this year (https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/us-border-officials-have-caught-more-people-with-eggs-than-fentanyl-this-year/)
QuoteIn the first two months of 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized fentanyl on 134 occasions, down from 197 seizures in the same time frame in 2024. Meanwhile, CBP intercepted egg products on 3,254 occasions this January and February, compared to 1,508 occasions in the first two months of 2024.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 22, 2025, 07:57:23 PMUS border officials have caught more people with eggs than fentanyl this year (https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/us-border-officials-have-caught-more-people-with-eggs-than-fentanyl-this-year/)
Almost like they should fix the problem.
They're probably smuggling eggs in for Easter.
Give a person an egg for breakfast, they're sort of fed. Give them that much fentanyl, people will be dead for blocks around.
(https://i.imgur.com/my3QdJFl.jpeg)
Amateur hour: US war plan leaked on group chat (https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/24/hegseth-national-security-group-chat-atlantic-reaction-00244983)
Apparently, they even let some rando on the group chat (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/) while discussing highly sensitive plans to attack the Houthis.
QuoteSeveral highly sensitive, potentially classified pieces of information were included in the chat. For example, Ratcliffe listed the name of an active intelligence officer, whose identities are usually kept closely under wraps, as his point of contact for the discussion.
QuoteInside the Pentagon, officials expressed shock that the officials used a Signal chat for such sensitive discussions.
"No, no they didn't," said one Defense official. "Just absolutely unbelievable."
"DOD either doesn't have a strong cybersecurity posture right now, or Hegseth is simply not engaging it," said a second Defense official.
JFC. I don't know what I expected from a guy who stacks classified documents in his bathroom, but jeez, this is low. Everyone involved was just pants-on-head to let that continue. The lack of basic OPsec could botch the operation and/or get Americans killed. There's a reason why intelligence officers' identities are classified.
(https://i.imgur.com/eCaYs1B.png)
There's a tweet for everything.
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 24, 2025, 09:13:28 PM(https://i.imgur.com/eCaYs1B.png)
There's a tweet for everything.
"...unless it's MY tweet, in which case ignore any possible consequences..."
I was an early adopter for fentanyl. Had to have glaucoma surgery "a few years ago" and they gave me F. Was out for eight hours. Had to spend the night in the hospital "just in case." Learned that I don't do well with F. (And they had the dosages off just a wee bit.)
FF two years. Getting surgery for prostate cancer. They give me F. Was out for eight hours. Planned on getting a tattoo some place appropriate for drs. to see.
So pro-life they'll kill ya: Sepsis rate in Texas doubles after abortion ban (https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-abortion-ban-sepsis-maternal-mortality-analysis)
QuoteThe new reporting shows that, after the state banned abortion, dozens more pregnant and postpartum women died in Texas hospitals than had in pre-pandemic years, which ProPublica used as a baseline to avoid COVID-19-related distortions. As the maternal mortality rate dropped nationally, ProPublica found, it rose substantially in Texas.
Abortion bans have such awful healthcare ramifications that they reverse otherwise improving maternal mortality rate trends.
QuoteProPublica previously reported on two such cases in which miscarrying women in Texas died of sepsis after doctors delayed evacuating their uteruses. Doing so would have been considered an abortion.
In other words, "two women died because they didn't get life-saving treatment in time because of the abortion ban" Murder. This is state-sanctioned murder.
The "for the children" BS is incredibly naive and exploitably bad thinking (and boy oh boy is it exploited) at best and a smokescreen at worst.
We should have elected Pat Paulson when we had the chance.
We could have President Sanders right now. But he's too old. Just look at him. He's... He's too old!
Sanders still has a very sharp mind, though!
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 26, 2025, 01:57:50 PMWe should have elected Pat Paulson when we had the chance.
Emily LaTella as Secretary of Confusion.
Quote from: Blackleaf on March 26, 2025, 04:31:59 PMWe could have President Sanders right now. But he's too old. Just look at him. He's... He's too old!
"He'd almost certainly die in office" - said when he was running in 2016. Also, I have to wonder if people know why a VP is chosen. Sure, it's not great to have a super old President, but I think we can (mostly) all agree that there are worse things than that!
I see that Canadians have their own red hat, that says: Make Autocratic Grifters Ashamed.
They also have one that says: Make America Go Away.
Maybe the reason f'King Trump wants Greenland so badly is that he's seen a Mercator map of the globe, so he thinks Greenland is much bigger than it actually is. He probably thinks it's about the size of Africa.
Well, that groupchat airstrike thing was ridiculous, but it's over now. Trump said he learned his lesson and apparently everyone under questioning can't recall anything about anything, which is always a good sign. So finally, this scandal is over and done. Whew.
Officials' phone numbers, email addresses, and even some passwords are just freely accessible on the internet (https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/hegseth-waltz-gabbard-private-data-and-passwords-of-senior-u-s-security-officials-found-online-a-14221f90-e5c2-48e5-bc63-10b705521fb7)
Yikes. About as secret as Mar-a-Lago bathroom documents.
QuoteHostile intelligence services could use this publicly available data to hack the communications of those affected by installing spyware on their devices.
No kidding. I'd be surprised if they aren't already compromised. It's certainly low-hanging fruit.
QuoteMost of these numbers and email addresses are apparently still in use,
JFC, they didn't even change their contact info? I swear to IPU, these people are about 2 life alerts away from asking me how to search a PDF or log into their AOL account. How do such young people (relative to Trump) get so foggy-minded that they can't remember anything and don't know basic security let alone the sort of stuff you're supposed to know when you're a high-ranking official?
f'King Trump reminds me of Sgt. Schultz from Hogan's Heros, who also knew nothing - ever.
Maybe he's got what Reagan had.
Hell, Reagan was a stable genius by comparison!
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 27, 2025, 12:52:48 AMHell, Reagan was a stable genius by comparison!
I am trying to get someone to say "Alzheimer's?"
Well, I would have, but I was afraid I'd spell it incorrectly.
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 27, 2025, 07:22:51 AMWell, I would have, but I was afraid I'd spell it incorrectly.
That's why I have autoincorrect turned on.
So I could then say, "No, Nancy."
But it's stable Alzheimer's dementia, so don't worry about a thing. (I'm not entirely certain that "stable Alzheimer's dementia" is a real thing, but it should be.)
I've worked in a few stables, he's defo a horse's ass.
Elon couldn't be bothered to attend a congressional hearing. Had he and his DOGE team actually discovered multiple billions in fraud, Elon would have attended with giant charts showing all of the money he saved Americans. His no show speaks volumes to the farce this is.
I'm really sick of these people.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on March 27, 2025, 06:30:15 PMI've worked in a few stables, he's defo a horse's ass.
Yeah, that's why he's a "stable genius," just like Mr. Ed.
(https://i.imgur.com/d0tVQGi.png)
Betcha she can recite TASS's programming schedule by heart, though (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tulsi-gabbard-russian-connection-dni-trump-syria-b2692244.html).
(https://yt3.ggpht.com/vLETwts58s9snGtLkv2zwS8ncodntqux2wywlHQAf8QMQxC6lg_lizqCNv6DUKlW5gBQw8vcsZ-mATA=s1600-rw-nd-v1)
(https://i.imgur.com/rutoqO1h.jpeg)
Watch the feet, not the mouth.
TDS, they leave out the "e", "i" and the "u".
Pas plus Pen: LePen banned from 2027 French election (https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/31/europe/marine-le-pen-embezzlement-trial-verdict-france-intl/index.html)
Turns out - quelle surprise -that she's a criminal guilty of embezzling EU funds. This verdict even carries a prison sentence, albeit under house arrest.
Imagine jailing corrupt officials and barring them from office? C'est le rêve!
Apparently, f'King Trump is now saying that AmeriKKKa doesn't need Canada after all. 🤔
Guy on another forum said "You may be getting Trump all wrong."
"You may be getting him all wrong too."
"No I'm not."
"And that's what he needs from you people."
The intentions are clear merely from the people he hires. It's an oligarch smorgasbord.
The kakistocracy is fully under way.
Avoided like the orange plague: Travel to the US is projected to decline by 5.5% this year (https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/trump-tourism-cancel-holidays-cananda-b2723824.html). It was projected to increase by nearly 9%, but we have Trump.
Canadians are the most common international visitors and we effectively drove them away with Trump. Now, travel is down by as much as 45% in some places.
Ultimately, the US will lose about $18 billion dollars.
Art of the deal.
QuoteReached for comment Friday, a White House spokesperson said by email that "everybody wants to come to President Trump's America."
Canadians "will no longer have to endure the inconveniences of international travel when Canada becomes our 51st state" and that "Europeans are eager to enjoy the Golden Age of America if they so choose to," the spokesperson said.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/28/canada-united-states-travel.html
(https://i.imgur.com/FXLThSZl.jpeg)
Apart from sadists who want to see our empire crumble in real time, I don't know why anyone would choose to come here right now.
Quote from: Blackleaf on March 31, 2025, 04:13:44 PMApart from sadists who want to see our empire crumble in real time, I don't know why anyone would choose to come here right now.
You've never watched a democracy burned at the $ before?
Worm guy forces out respected scientist (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/28/rfk-jr-fda-vaccine-scientist-peter-marks/)
QuoteIn his resignation letter, Marks rebuked Kennedy for seeking "subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies" about vaccines.
Have no fear though guys, Dr Worm (unaccredited) is in the house and showing his "scientific" skill:
Texas kids coming down with measles for some strange reason? (https://www.yahoo.com/news/after-rfk-jr-recommends-vitamin-a-as-a-measles-treatment-some-texas-patients-show-signs-of-toxicity-214353603.html) (why is measles making a comeback?) Then your kids should take *moves planchette over a ouiji board* ...A. Vitamin A, obviously. You will not regret following a quack and taking a whole bunch of vitamin A.
...slight risk of serious liver damage...oops!
Granted, vitamin A does have legitimate uses. BUT---it's not a cure all and shouldn't be used willy-nilly, the key phrase here is "appropriately administered by a healthcare professional". Not a quack. Not a denialist. Not some guy on a podcast. An actual expert. But if actual experts were respected, they wouldn't be forced out by lunatics, now would they?
Just before the election, Donald went on Joe Rogan and said he had papers to prove the 2020 election was stolen.
62 lost court cases and four years later and he's suddenly got the goods. Sorry Donnie... wasn't buying it then and ain't buying it now.
I'm calling tomorrow "libation day."
Booker can speak volumes for hours and still be cogent. Trump can speak for minutes and be completely unintelligible. Here we are folks.
f'King Trump is already absolutely corrupt, so now he wants absolute power.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 02, 2025, 09:39:12 AMf'King Trump is already absolutely corrupt, so now he wants absolute power.
Zeig HEEL!
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 02, 2025, 12:25:18 AMBooker can speak volumes for hours and still be cogent. Trump can speak for minutes and be completely unintelligible. Here we are folks.
Booker did us proud (https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/politics/booker-senate-floor-speech-trump-protest/index.html). That's how Democrats should be on the regular. It's long past time to replace "when they go low, we go higher" with "$*%# you, make me"
Trump emphasized stopping illegal immigration along with mass deportation during his last 8 years of political control. Democrats attempted to get some control, but Trump nixed that while out of office. So what should we expect now? I admit, I've been avoiding the news and may even end my subscription to the New York Times, but I get the impression that not much is really happening at the border.
I hear that Trump is doing stuff, but even unchained by congress, and given more power than any previous president, is any real progress on this issue taking place in either direction? I always thought fixing immigration wouldn't be that hard if politicians really wanted to do anything about it. It seems there is more bluster than action right now. Granted some of the action is too Draconian to be realistic, but if fixing this issue is possible, it seems like now would be the time.
Also, Trump was going to end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office.
Some really bad weather heading for several states in the next few days. They seem to be very worried about the storms, but I don't know why. I'm sure their savior Trump will save them.
Sen. Mitch McConnell privately indicated to Sen. Tim Kaine he would back the Virginia Democrat's resolution to undo Trump's tariffs on Canada (https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/04/02/congress/mcconnell-breaks-with-party-to-reject-trumps-canada-tariffs-00266037)
(https://i.imgur.com/cTACheQ.gif)
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 02, 2025, 07:39:12 PMSome really bad weather heading for several states in the next few days. They seem to be very worried about the storms, but I don't know why. I'm sure their savior Trump will save them.
Starting in Texas and fucking with Michigan. Three days in a row now.
To eat cheese own! 🤣
Doctor behind Parkinson's breakthrough fired by Trump (https://www.wired.com/story/doctor-breakthrough-parkinsons-research-nih-purge/)
This is "waste" according to multi-billionaires who own multiple mansions and yachts.
I saw a cybertruck today. First one I've seen. And it was at a food bank in San Rafael.
(https://i.imgur.com/PK96w7bl.jpeg)
He actually did it. (https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5228328-trump-canada-tariffs-resolution-gop-senators/) Wow.
I respond to "TDS syndrome" with "used by people with DOWNS Syndrome" OR "You mean TeDiouS Syndrome".
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 03, 2025, 05:52:58 AM(https://i.imgur.com/PK96w7bl.jpeg)
He actually did it. (https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5228328-trump-canada-tariffs-resolution-gop-senators/) Wow.
That's unexpected. Can we have Musk deported, while we're at it? lol
Or vivisected?
Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for the billionaires.
Dow is down 1500 points in first half hour of trading as investors react to tariffs. Vance on Fox News says tariffs will bring down inflation, but maybe not right away so don't worry.
I'm not necessarily against tariffs, but using them as a bully tactic to pump up Trump's ego doesn't make a lot of economic sense. Maybe annexing Canada and Greenland will work better for us.
Step #1 promise guillible people the moon, get presidency
Step #2 screw up the economy with terrible policies
Step #3 you and your rich buddies buy the dip
Step #4 Profit off of regular joes, like you've been doing this whole time
I'm really glad I'm not invested in the stock market! The Dow Jones fell more than 1,400 today! 🤑
So, Laura Loomer is firing people now? (https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/03/politics/nsc-firings-trump-laura-loomer-meeting/index.html) Anyone vote for her, either?
I swear, it's like a Wormtongue convention at the White House. Most pliable President ever, yet utterly immune to reason. Surrounded by crazies.
Speaking of, Dr Oz was somehow confirmed to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (https://apnews.com/article/oz-hhs-cms-kennedy-health-medicare-medicaid-ef02cafd3100a4794d8e882fdf2ad7b0). The hydroxychloroquine guy. Which, shocker, he has a vested interest (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/07/dr-oz-has-ties-to-hydroxychloroquine-companies-as-he-backs-covid-treatment.html) in companies that produce that stuff. What a strange coincidence.
He at least condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so he's not a complete POS. But that's an awfully low bar to clear. And really, it might be a good idea for the guy in charge of actual people's healthcare to not promote homeopathy and literal magic (https://www.businessinsider.com/dr-oz-treatments-that-other-doctors-say-are-bogus-2015-4).
Would be a good idea if he's going to treat T.rump.
I think Trump is trying to push the American people hard enough that they'll revolt, giving him ample reason to declare martial law, giving him complete power.
Hitler had the burning of the Reichstag to get complete power. What will Trump's Reichstag be?
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 04, 2025, 09:12:24 AMI think Trump is trying to push the American people hard enough that they'll revolt, giving him ample reason to declare martial law, giving him complete power.
Hitler had the burning of the Reichstag to get complete power. What will Trump's Reichstag be?
Maybe his advisers are planning for that, but I don't think Trump himself is smart enough to have a plan. The guy can barely form a coherent sentence.
(https://i.imgur.com/kx7LAsQl.jpeg)
link (https://archive.is/20250404022654/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/03/south-korea-president-removed-martial-law/)
Interesting. 🤔
Quote from: Blackleaf on April 04, 2025, 09:27:35 AMMaybe his advisers are planning for that, but I don't think Trump himself is smart enough to have a plan. The guy can barely form a coherent sentence.
You may be right. His "advisors" are smart enough to manipulate him into doing whatever they want him to do, all they have to do is flatter him enough.
Maybe it's fElon who's really the power behind the throne.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 04, 2025, 09:12:24 AMI think Trump is trying to push the American people hard enough that they'll revolt, giving him ample reason to declare martial law, giving him complete power.
Hitler had the burning of the Reichstag to get complete power. What will Trump's Reichstag be?
More history than I expected. Sehr gut!
(https://i.imgur.com/EfYcPnzl.jpeg)
Cassandra
Yeah, the oracle who was always right, but no one ever believed her! 🤣
As trillions are lost, a commenter on another site says when things get bad enough, folks will begin to turn on Trump. Ha! Man on the street interview today: "If Trump says this is good for the economy, I'm all in." 1) Dear Leader is never wrong. 2) If Dear Leader is wrong, see #1.
Do cults just disperse when their predictions don't come true? No. They just change the date, or say that it happened, and you just didn't notice.
There have been some who actually do admit they were wrong about tariffs or are unhappy with Trump (they're not the cultists, just people who got swept along with low-quality "Trump good economy, Harris bad economy" messaging). Those people are waking up and eating crow, and may eventually be a part of the solution. Particularly interesting are Republican officials who are against this stuff (https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-raise-alarm-donald-trump-tariffs-bad-idea-2054758). I suppose someone has to run after Trump kicks the bucket, and it'd be a good thing to be against something that's overwhelmingly negative. Fingers crossed that they can cross party lines more often.
But generally, the cult is silent or try Tucker Carlson's Pandas approach where they try to get mad at something fairly trivial and besides the point, like hair dye and pronouns. Or worse, they stick to Musk and Trump's messaging and admit that there's economic pain but it's temporary and a necessary step to an even better economy (spoiler: it's not)
(https://i.redd.it/bpszgm8u2tse1.jpeg)
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 04, 2025, 08:00:27 PMAs trillions are lost, a commenter on another site says when things get bad enough, folks will begin to turn on Trump. Ha! Man on the street interview today: "If Trump says this is good for the economy, I'm all in." 1) Dear Leader is never wrong. 2) If Dear Leader is wrong, see #1.
"We have always been at war with Oceana."
When Donny was asked to comment on the visit by Usha Vance to Greenland, he had this to say: "I have great respect for, uh... the the wife of the great Vice President. I think she's doing, uh... she's a brilliant woman. A very nice woman, and she loves the concept of Greenland."
Our president hard at work. When he's not crashing the economy or golfing that is. JFC.
Oh, so Dumbold just has "concepts" of Greenland? 🤔
Today I'm going to attend a protest at Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
My sign says:
DJT =
Do Jail Time!
✊️
T.Rump
QuoteToday I'm going to attend a protest at Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
My sign says:
DJT =
Do Jail Time!
✊️
There's a Tesla dealership not far from me. I was driving down the street, but I had to slow to a stop despite the green light because apparently the Tesla delivery truck can't just drive forward into the dealership, it has to back up into it. So it has to turn itself sideways, temporarily blocking all traffic lanes, then slowly back up. Very inconsiderate and poorly designed, so it's right on brand for Musk.
Anyway, I saw a massive protest there. Everyone on the sidewalk as legally allowed, holding signs critical of DOGE and Musk. A couple people even had signs in support of Ukraine and one guy had a huge Ukrainian flag. (Musk considers it "traitorous" to support a country defending itself from Russian invasion, and surprise, surprise, it comes out that the Musk family are big fans of Putin (https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/04/musk-family-in-awe-of-putin-billionaires-father-says-a88614), which is a hell of a coincidence)
Everyone was happy and animated, in good spirits and not in the least bit hindered. How democracies should be. And this sort of action is necessary in order to keep it that way.
They really made my day. It's been a very lonely few months and this sort of thing is fantastic at showing people that you're not alone, that other people are just as pissed off and tired of all the goosestepping as you are. Just being near them briefly really raised my spirits. I plan to come over there and join them as my schedule permits.
I just got home from the protest, and I'm glad to say that it was a rousing success! Lots of people were there, most of them with great signs showing how disgusted they are with the current situation.
Here are a couple of signs I've seen that protesters carried:
SUPER
CALLOUS
FASCIST
RACIST
SEXIST
NAZI
POTUS
and
THE ONLY PERSON
TRUMP EVER HIRED
WHO WAS ACTUALLY
QUALIFIED
TO DO THEIR JOB
WAS
STORMY DANIELS
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 04, 2025, 10:49:42 PMWhen Donny was asked to comment on the visit by Usha Vance to Greenland, he had this to say: "I have great respect for, uh... the the wife of the great Vice President. I think she's doing, uh... she's a brilliant woman. A very nice woman, and she loves the concept of Greenland."
Our president hard at work. When he's not crashing the economy or golfing that is. JFC.
Or slaughtering the English language.
Yeah, I heard Rand Paul say "Hawt-Smooly" in a video and it had me rolling on the floor! 🤣
I wonder what the people from Arkansas and Kentucky are thinking right now concerning Donald's comments on March 21: "I say you don't need FEMA, you need a good state government. FEMA is a very expensive, in my opinion, mostly failed situation."
Good luck with your clean-up is all I'm saying.
Or Florida. Or NC.
There has been a lot of understandable frustration with FEMA. (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/months-after-hurricane-helene-many-grow-frustrated-as-they-still-wait-for-federal-aid) We don't exactly have a fantastic system. But what's the alternative? Something even worse?
Trump/Musk is the kind of President to chop the mast off a becalmed ship because "it's doing nothing right now".
Trusk!
Don't say that you love me.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJfocbkY2UlKHYhzpfioqSMP3O2I5yOAdHzw&s)
National Park Service removes references to Harriet Tubman from 'Underground Railroad' webpage (https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/06/us/national-parks-underground-railroad-harriet-tubman/index.html)
The before and after (https://web.archive.org/web/diff/20250121004926/20250319095227/https://www.nps.gov/subjects/undergroundrailroad/what-is-the-underground-railroad.htm) to see the censor's handiwork for yourselves. Glorious Leader duckspeakify ewords doubleplusgood.
"Tubman has always not existed."
(https://i.imgur.com/2Kf0xCCh.jpeg)
führerbunker
Maryland man mistakenly deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador (https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-deportation-salvador-maryland-40136c5aa844b6c12ba20ee67ab4df9a)
That's a helluva oopsie right there. I wonder if they mistakenly gave him Signal chat access as well.
Then the Trump regime does a little-known "no backsies" appeal to the Supreme Court to temporarily stop the court order to take him back, which somehow works.
QuoteThe administration has conceded that Abrego Garcia should not have been sent to El Salvador because an immigration judge found he likely would face persecution by local gangs.
But he is no longer in U.S. custody and the government has no way to get him back, the administration argued.
JFC. Just make a good-faith effort to bring him back. This is wrongful arrest, among other things. You'd think that they'd be on the ball, but this bunch is really something else.
What happened to the 8th ammendment, against "cruel and unusual punishment"?
Did it go the way of freedom of speech and freedom of the press?
--JFC. Just make a good-faith effort to bring him back. This is wrongful arrest, among other things. You'd think that they'd be on the ball, but this bunch is really something else.--
Kristi Noem and Marco Rubio have no problem getting photo ops at the prison for the propaganda machine, but it's just not possible to ask to get him back as this is a foreign nation after all. Absurdity on its face. He would have already been on a plane had the Trump administration wanted him on one.
His tariff policies have all the thought of a monkey hammering on a typewriter and presenting it to the American people as a Trump University term paper.
Our government is becoming more and more kakistocratic every day!
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 07, 2025, 11:26:21 PMHis tariff policies have all the thought of a monkey hammering on a typewriter and presenting it to the American people as a Trump University term paper.
Government by impulse.
"Don't be a PANICAN!" 🤣
The 22nd ammendment states:
"No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of the President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office more than once."
Is there some way that Trump can gain the office without having been elected? Perhaps he could become the Speaker of the House, after which the elected President and vice President could either voluntarily step aside (or no longer be among the living), opening the way for Trump, as the Speaker of the House, to acquire the office without having been elected.
I certainly wouldn't rule out such a scheme by the Republicans.
That's the OLD Constitution. It's full of illegal immigrants.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 08, 2025, 07:31:05 PMThe 22nd ammendment states:
"No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of the President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office more than once."
Is there some way that Trump can gain the office without having been elected? Perhaps he could become the Speaker of the House, after which the elected President and vice President could either voluntarily step aside (or no longer be among the living), opening the way for Trump, as the Speaker of the House, to acquire the office without having been elected.
I certainly wouldn't rule out such a scheme by the Republicans.
Does anything about the way Trump and Republicans have conducted themselves give the impression that they care about following the rule of law? They've been breaking the law since day one of this term. Trump will simply run a third time, and no one will stop him.
Yeah, no consequences for breaking any rules. That's why the bad guys have an advantage, they don't have to follow the rules.
QuoteKristi Noem and Marco Rubio have no problem getting photo ops at the prison for the propaganda machine, but it's just not possible to ask to get him back as this is a foreign nation after all. Absurdity on its face. He would have already been on a plane had the Trump administration wanted him on one.
Yeah. They say animal cruelty is a good indicator of sociopathy later in life. For puppy-killing Noem, it's not so much one then the other but one as a profession and one as a pasttime. Fits right in with the rest of them.
Update: Supreme Court removed temporary stop to deadline to return wrongfully arrested/deported US citizen (https://reason.com/2025/04/08/the-supreme-court-rejects-trumps-claim-that-he-can-summarily-deport-anyone-he-describes-as-an-alien-enemy/) So, the clock is ticking.
QuoteVenezuelans detained under the AEA must file habeas corpus petitions in Texas, where they are being held, rather than seeking relief in the District of Columbia under the Administrative Procedure Act.
I would put "Venezuelans" in scare quotes because apparently the guy from Maryland isn't Venezuelan at all. At least, not in terms of nationality.
Quote'it is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law' in the context of removal proceedings,"
Due process even to "illegals". You know why? Because otherwise, some autocrat can strip an American of all their rights simply by claiming that they're an illegal immigrant.
QuoteThat order decisively rejects the Trump administration's attempt to deport suspected gang members without judicial review.
QuoteThe AEA applies only when "there is a declared war" between the United States and a "foreign nation or government" or when a "foreign nation or government" has "perpetrated, attempted, or threatened" an "invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States." In those circumstances, it authorizes the president to deport "natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects" of that "hostile nation or government" who are at least 14 years old.
Don't give this guy any ideas!
(https://i.imgur.com/u1gi5JBl.jpeg)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/09/ice-todd-lyons-deporation-amazon
(https://i.imgur.com/RnEFdMFl.jpeg)
https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/democratic-senators-accuse-trump-of-facilitating-insider-trading-after-markets-rally
Hmmm...
(https://preview.redd.it/we-are-so-cooked-v0-wz5tmxzmx0ue1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=94dd41b56673086c60a5110eadf2e0dd53930a92)
The people who want to abolish the Department of Education, ladies and gents.
Math is, apparently, quite hard. 🦧
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 10, 2025, 03:21:09 PM(https://preview.redd.it/we-are-so-cooked-v0-wz5tmxzmx0ue1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=94dd41b56673086c60a5110eadf2e0dd53930a92)
The people who want to abolish the Department of Education, ladies and gents.
Peggleggregg has a prosthetic brain.
Abbey Normal! 🧠 🤣
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 10, 2025, 02:31:03 PM(https://i.imgur.com/RnEFdMFl.jpeg)
https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/democratic-senators-accuse-trump-of-facilitating-insider-trading-after-markets-rally
Hmmm...
That's one advantage of being in a network. You hear the intelligence well in advance.
Nowadays in Turkey there's big money in soccer bets, if you can have the news beforehand which team is gonna win, you can be rich enough overnight.
That's all about the network.
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 10, 2025, 02:31:03 PM(https://i.imgur.com/RnEFdMFl.jpeg)
https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/democratic-senators-accuse-trump-of-facilitating-insider-trading-after-markets-rally
Hmmm...
At least Trump is looking after
somebody.
Yeah, himself!
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 10, 2025, 04:09:26 PMMath is, apparently, quite hard. 🦧
And
thinking is even harder.
Trump today signed executive orders demanding investigations into Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor. https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-probe-krebs-taylor-officials-opposed-election-lies/ Oh, he signed another one as well going after Susman Godfrey LLP, the law firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems and won $787 million from Fox News.
How dare these people think they can get away with opinions and facts. "I am your retribution" seems to be one campaign promise he intends to keep.
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 10, 2025, 08:00:09 PMTrump today signed executive orders demanding investigations into Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor. https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-probe-krebs-taylor-officials-opposed-election-lies/ Oh, he signed another one as well going after Susman Godfrey LLP, the law firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems and won $787 million from Fox News.
How dare these people think they can get away with opinions and facts. "I am your retribution" seems to be one campaign promise he intends to keep.
He's kept a lot of promises. It's just that a ton of people were constantly in denial, like, "Oh, he's not actually going to do that." And then he does it, and they're all shocked, like, "Who could have seen this coming?" I'm getting really tired of this pattern...
When he failed to fulfill the whole 'Mexico will pay for a big, beautiful wall' and the bestest ever health care on day one turned into a concept, he can do no wrong among his supporters. I keep hoping his followers will change. They won't. As long as there's a trans kid out there somewhere trying to live their life that they can fuck with, they're in until the bitter end.
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 10, 2025, 10:52:53 PMWhen he failed to fulfill the whole 'Mexico will pay for a big, beautiful wall' and the bestest ever health care on day one turned into a concept, he can do no wrong among his supporters. I keep hoping his followers will change. They won't. As long as there's a trans kid out there somewhere trying to live their life that they can fuck with, they're in until the bitter end.
The way you know the difference between Trump lying his ass off and him being serious is asking, "Why is he saying this?" Sometimes, he's making bold promises, because he's too stupid to realize how dumb his plans are. Other times, he's just saying shit to pander to his audience. When he says he wants to make Canada the 51st state, I believe him, because he's that stupid. He almost certainly won't actually be able to keep that promise, but firing a bunch of politically neutral people in order to place loyal puppets in their place? Check. Going wild with tarrifs on literally everyone, including fucking penguins? Check. Dismantling our system of checks and balances, giving himself near ultimate power? Check.
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 10, 2025, 07:31:47 PMAnd thinking is even harder.
"Rational thinking", please. "I think I'll have another beer, then drive home" is very, very common.
Quote from: Blackleaf on April 10, 2025, 11:13:31 PMWhen he says he wants to make Canada the 51st state, I believe him, because he's that stupid.
Wait until he finds out the US-Canadian border is the longest undefended international border on the planet.
Live a short life while impoverished: Trump White House budget proposal eviscerates science funding at NASA (https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/trump-white-house-budget-proposal-eviscerates-science-funding-at-nasa/)
QuoteThis initial version of the administration's budget request calls for an approximately 20 percent overall cut to the agency's budget across the board, effectively $5 billion from an overall topline of about $25 billion. However, the majority of the cuts are concentrated within the agency's Science Mission Directorate, which oversees all planetary science, Earth science, astrophysics research, and more.
According to the "passback" documents given to NASA officials on Thursday, the space agency's science programs would receive nearly a 50 percent cut in funding. After the agency received $7.5 billion for science in fiscal-year 2025, the Trump administration has proposed a science topline budget of just $3.9 billion for the coming fiscal year.
I couldn't help but notice that the targeted cuts appear aimed at the part of NASA that monitors Earth's human-caused climate change, a bugbear of plutocrats. Also, crippling NASA would make private companies - like a certain one owned by the world's richest man - more attractive in comparison.
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 10, 2025, 10:52:53 PMWhen he failed to fulfill the whole 'Mexico will pay for a big, beautiful wall' and the bestest ever health care on day one turned into a concept, he can do no wrong among his supporters. I keep hoping his followers will change. They won't. As long as there's a trans kid out there somewhere trying to live their life that they can fuck with, they're in until the bitter end.
I think you're right. I don't have my finger on the public pulse, but I don't think many of his followers are waking up to who he really is. I think they fully understand what he's doing and think it's wonderful.
The top 1% don't need to worry about climate change, since they expect to be gone before things get really bad.
The rich are building bunkers to save themselves. (https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/sep/04/super-rich-prepper-bunkers-apocalypse-survival-richest-rushkoff)
I hope they get eaten by radioactive cockroaches.
Or we could just fill their Hobbit holes with cyanide gas.
'nother link
https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/07/style/underground-bunkers-super-rich/index.html
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 11, 2025, 01:28:25 PMThe top 1% don't need to worry about climate change, since they expect to be gone before things get really bad.
Love to help them on their way.
(https://i.imgur.com/GyEm87zl.jpeg)
Source (https://newrepublic.com/post/193930/ports-not-collecting-trump-tariffs-glitch)
I give up.
(https://i.imgur.com/vxbpIe8.gif)
Can this administration get any dumber?
You bet your sweet ascot it can!
Don't worry about a thing. The administration that gave you open war plans is meticulously negotiating tariffs among 70 nations within hours. Did I already mention don't worry about a thing?
It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing. 🎼
Donald Trump is on the phone right now with Websters demanding a redefinition of 'permanent'. We're beholden to a maniac.
I hope they don't capitulate, but he'll put tariffs on them if they don't.
(https://i.redd.it/tib4vzz32iue1.jpeg)
ArmagedDonald needs Brawndo - it's got ejaculates.
I don't think most Republican leaders or voters have any respect at all for the office of the President.
I just found out that in the Netherlands they have a saying: "Trust comes on foot but leaves on horseback."
10 things money can't buy:
1. Manners
2. Morals
3. Respect
4. Character
5. Common sense
6. Trust
7. Patience
8. Class
9. Integrity
10. Love
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 14, 2025, 10:29:30 AMI just found out that in the Netherlands they have a saying: "Trust comes on foot but leaves on horseback."
That's why I go bareback, even when I'm riding.
(I know where your mind just went. Shame on you.)
I'm saddled with a dirty mind. 🤣
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 14, 2025, 12:24:08 PM10 things money can't buy:
1. Manners
2. Morals
3. Respect
4. Character
5. Common sense
6. Trust
7. Patience
8. Class
9. Integrity
10. Love
11. Skills
12. Knowledge
It took way too long for people to realize that Elon was not a quirky genius, but just a weirdo moron. The guy pays people to play video games for him, so he can log in and pretend he earned everything he has. He pays people smarter than him to do the work, then takes all the credit. That's how the Musk do. lol
He's a musk ox.
Quote from: Blackleaf on April 14, 2025, 07:52:55 PMIt took way too long for people to realize that Elon was not a quirky genius, but just a weirdo moron.
I admit, I fell for his act. Conservatives, much less nazis, tend to not present a progressive vision for the future - one with Mars colonization, electric cars, etc. It seems obvious now that that stuff was just a way to grab as much government funding as possible while basking in undeserved adulation. He certainly proved a lot of suspicions correct over the past couple of years, both about him personally and about the nature of the billionaire class.
13: Compassion
14. Magic powers
15. Real life Pokémon
16. Ideas for things to expand this list with
17. Immortality
18. My booty.
Really? Not even for a billion dollars? 🤑
254. Whatever this is:
(https://images-cdn.9gag.com/photo/a4RgWLm_700b.jpg)
Aw, that thing is so cute! 🦂
Harvard will not comply with dotard demands (https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/04/harvard-wont-comply-with-demands-from-trump-administration/)
(https://i.imgur.com/WApvllzl.png)
Last night i think i had a weird dream. I dreamt i was watching the news live on youtube, late at night, and i saw trump declaring war on greenland.
Then i decided to just turn it off, because i was too tired to deal with that shit.
I woke up this morning thinking it was real. Was a very realistic dream. But i don't see anything about it on my feed. Did i see it, or was it a dream? Fuck if i know. The world has gone weird.
I guess it's still the case that only Congress can declare war, but I wouldn't put it past Trump to try it anyway.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 15, 2025, 08:25:19 AMReally? Not even for a billion dollars? 🤑
I went to Monaco once while stationed in Sicily. Walking along the quay I heard someone speaking English. Looked left to see a guy standing on the third upper deck of a yacht.
"You're pretty! How much."
"About what three of those boats would cost."
European Commission gives staff burner phones when visiting the US (https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/15/ec_burner_devices/) - a move traditionally reserved for China
Can't say I blame them a bit.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 16, 2025, 11:01:51 AMCan't say I blame them a bit.
Especially after that French scientist was stopped and cell phone searched and apparently, denied entry after they found messages critical of Trump. (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/19/trump-musk-french-scientist-detained) Snowflakes in power.
Yeah, apparently free speech only applies to MAGAts.
When right-wingers say they're for free speech, what they really mean is that they want to be an asshole and not have to worry about the consequences or being fact-checked. You will never catch one of them defending a left-winger's right to free speech.
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 16, 2025, 03:26:32 PMEspecially after that French scientist was stopped and cell phone searched and apparently, denied entry after they found messages critical of Trump. (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/19/trump-musk-french-scientist-detained) Snowflakes in power.
This is just insane. It's what happens when voters read at a 5th grade level and vote for hating on others instead of some semblance of coherent policy. Fuck.
Trump's White House is full of gold. Apparently, he likes everything golden, especially his showers.
(https://i.redd.it/m517inpq7dve1.png)
"The kindest person in the room is often the smartest." (https://www.reddit.com/r/interesting/comments/1k2r2u1/the_kindest_person_in_the_room_is_often_the/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
A very consistent pattern, in my experience. The cruelest, most evil people are often complete idiots. For example...
(https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2572859/marjorie-taylor-greene-donald-trump.jpg?w=1200&f=293d7c5fe78edaad0ea423e701ecc402)
Speaking of:
(https://i.imgur.com/wtLNtlXl.jpeg)
Wolf of Wall Street really undersold the vast communist presence there. /sarcasm
She should go to Middle Earth and become Bimbo Baggins.
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 19, 2025, 05:31:09 PMSpeaking of:
(https://i.imgur.com/wtLNtlXl.jpeg)
Wolf of Wall Street really undersold the vast communist presence there. /sarcasm
Damnit! Not while I'm eating. Hand me some wet wipes, the monitor is splattered.
Trump actually "wrote" The Art of the Kneel.
Make America Great Depression Again.
America should change its motto from "E Pluribus Unum" to "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here."
♫Don't Stop Believin'♫
Oh, yeah, I guess the national motto is "In God We Trust." We still should change it, though.
If only stupidity carried the death penalty. They still wouldn't shut up and we'd have much less traffic to deal with.
Think of the parking.
The stupid don't know they're stupid. It's a problem. Was talking to the sheriff twenty years ago and he said "It was so cold last night the stars were falling out of the sky."
Think of it. So cold, the stars were falling out of the sky. An elected official.
'The great colander of the sky failed us and stars started falling.' I already said fuck, but I'll say it again... fuck.
I guess God didn't wannna pony up the funds for all weather/all universe lights for our sky.
No shit. He actually wants to cut the folks that are trying to help. God help us.
(Insert favorite totally unnecessary sarcasm emoji here.)
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 20, 2025, 05:48:38 PMThe stupid don't know they're stupid. It's a problem. Was talking to the sheriff twenty years ago and he said "It was so cold last night the stars were falling out of the sky."
Think of it. So cold, the stars were falling out of the sky. An elected official.
'The great colander of the sky failed us and stars started falling.' I already said fuck, but I'll say it again... fuck.
Surely he jested. 🤔
Jestticulous tariffsauraus.
That Signal security snafu was pretty bad, but at least it's all over with...
US defense secretary texted strike information to his family in group chat he created (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/20/pete-hegseth-signal-chat-yemen-attack)QuoteBefore the US launched military strikes on Yemen in March, Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, sent detailed information about the planned attacks to a private Signal group chat that he created himself, which included his wife, his brother and about a dozen other people
And with an unsecure phone, to boot. Why not just text it directly to Putin and Xi while you're at it?
JTDC, how tf does this guy still have a job??! The last guy graduated from West Point, was a 4-star General, and actually knew how to do his job. This guy is just some idiot who only got promoted because he's buds with an even bigger idiot.
Heads had better roll for this. Even the strongest strongman falls when support plummets, and Trump isn't the strongest anything.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 20, 2025, 07:23:08 PMSurely he jested. 🤔
(https://i.giphy.com/3oEjHLzm4BCF8zfPy0.webp)
"I'm not dressed right to be called Shirley."
That's a bad start for a new page.
We'll let it slide this once, but don't let it happen again! 🤣
I was wondering when Trump was going to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates. Saw it coming early on.
Go tariff crazy.
Crash the stock market.
Drive up inflation
Pressure the Fed to lower interest rates.
Drive up inflation some more.
This is so "Trump." It's going to take long time to fix this. Remember the inflation of the 70s and the languishing stock market? Brace yourself for this one.
<- living through his 8th "once in a lifetime" event
"Fun" fact: all of them were planned and orchestrated with minimal interference
The markets tank as Trump prepares to have tanks driven through Washington DC, so he can have a military parade.
Pete Hegseth texted my grandmother about bombing Yemen. Told her is was probably just spam.
Extra credit bonus question: Can Hegseth or Trump find Yemen or Crimea on a map?
Uh, no. 🧐
Every single day I wake up and wonder what new dastardly thing has King Con done this time.
Quote from: ferdmonger on April 21, 2025, 11:27:12 PMPete Hegseth texted my grandmother about bombing Yemen. Told her is was probably just spam.
Extra credit bonus question: Can Hegseth or Trump find Yemen or Crimea on a map?
Not a chance. I can't either, but I'm not President of the United States. lol
(https://i.imgur.com/Ot26Oqfl.jpeg)
This is the guy he would've chased with a whip.
(I don't actually believe the Gospel stories, of course. But for a figure as famous and as influential as this - only behind the Beetles imho - people sure lose sight of the overall message, especially those who say they're ardent believers)
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 20, 2025, 09:05:20 AMAmerica should change its motto from "E Pluribus Unum" to "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here."
I just saw that a post I made about this on YouTube has gotten over 6,000 comments!
King Con's poll numbers are going down like he went down on Putin's pole!
Trump is gonna claim winning the papal election.
Yeah, just like he "wins" golf tournaments! 🤣
It seems that impeachment proceedings have begun. I just hope it does more good this time than it has in the past.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 22, 2025, 10:34:41 PMIt seems that impeachment proceedings have begun. I just hope it does more good this time than it has in the past.
If his lawyer is as competent at his job as Trump is at his, he'll plea bargain him into the electric chair.
Wouldn't it be ironic if ice just rounded up trump and/or melania and shipped him off to some third world country without due process?
I know it is pure fantasy. But man, one can dream.
After all, he is a convicted fellon and she is a migrant. They are the targets of his tactics
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on April 23, 2025, 06:06:24 AMWouldn't it be ironic if ice just rounded up trump and/or melania and shipped him off to some third world country without due process?
Fuck that. Put them on that SpaceX cock and shoot them into the center of the sun.
ArmagedDonald needs to be in a straight jacket and a padded cell.
I keep hoping that Trump's first 100 days will also be his last 100 days, but I probably won't be that lucky.
Trump is putting up flag poles at the White House to distract himself from his flagging polls.
(https://i.imgur.com/S5Yux5Xl.png)
I can't imagine why births are down in a country where a miscarriage can be lethal thanks to anti-choice laws, there's no maternal leave and no universal healthcare. It's a mystery.
$5k will probably help though. I mean how expensive can it possibly be to raise a kid? *googles* Oh no. Oh no no no.
I have a kitten when I read the news, can I get a bonus check?
Is the price of eggs the reason Trump has no huevos?
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 22, 2025, 03:59:42 PM(https://i.imgur.com/Ot26Oqfl.jpeg)
This is the guy he would've chased with a whip.
(I don't actually believe the Gospel stories, of course. But for a figure as famous and as influential as this - only behind the Beetles imho - people sure lose sight of the overall message, especially those who say they're ardent believers)
Wouldn't want a Pope who commits the "sin of empathy."
Quote from: Hydra009 on April 24, 2025, 02:52:06 PM(https://i.imgur.com/S5Yux5Xl.png)
I can't imagine why births are down in a country where a miscarriage can be lethal thanks to anti-choice laws, there's no maternal leave and no universal healthcare. It's a mystery.
$5k will probably help though. I mean how expensive can it possibly be to raise a kid? *googles* Oh no. Oh no no no.
Seriously, if they think 5k would be enough to incentivize people who weren't planning to have kids to have them, they're severely out of touch. I don't know if they're suggesting this to be a one-time payment or a once-a-year thing until the kid turns eighteen, but either way, it's not nearly enough to cover the costs. I do not make enough money per year to afford a kid, and I'm better off than a lot of people.
In addition to all the Signalgate stuff, Hegseth intentionally used an unsecured internet setup (https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-dirty-internet-line-6a64707f10ca553eb905e5a70e10bd9d)
The Great Depression lasted about a decade. How long will the Trump Depression last?
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 25, 2025, 11:45:36 AMThe Great Depression lasted about a decade. How long will the Trump Depression last?
Longer than I will.
Yeah, me too.
No warrant, no problem (https://dailyboulder.com/ice-can-now-enter-your-home-without-a-warrant-to-find-migrants-doj-memo-says/)
🎵 These jackboots were made for goosesteppin' and that's just what they do
And one day soon these jackboots are gonna walk all over you 🎵
What "little more than suspicion" do they need?
Oh, I see, "a reasonable belief that someone is part of a Venezuelan gang" is all they need.
Wonder if the SCROTUS will have anything to say about that?
Quote from: the_antithesis on April 23, 2025, 11:52:10 AMFuck that. Put them on that SpaceX cock and shoot them into the center of the sun.
Yeah, I'm just dying to get onboard one of those flying firecrackers.
The Donald says he's got agreements with 200 countries on trade policy.
Total conjecture on my part, but I'm leaning towards a total fucking lie.
Nothing about about who the countries might be or what they've agreed to. Not to worry - he'll get back to you in a month.
I'm not just leaning, I'm careening towards a total fucking lie!
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 25, 2025, 11:33:35 PMWhat "little more than suspicion" do they need?
Oh, I see, "a reasonable belief that someone is part of a Venezuelan gang" is all they need.
Wonder if the SCROTUS will have anything to say about that?
Hopefully, they come down hard against it. Otherwise, it's a police state that we might never see revert back to normalcy in our lifetimes.
Waiting for T.rump to state that the US will no longer deal with countries that allow foreigners into their country. Even the foreigners born there.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on April 26, 2025, 11:11:09 AMWaiting for T.rump to state that the US will no longer deal with countries that allow foreigners into their country. Even the foreigners born there.
Oof. That'd be rough for Qatar, UAE, and Monaco, among others.
Swooshed you?
Yes anding you (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_and...) (humoring the point)
If that were to happen, there are a bunch of countries with more foreign-born people (migrant workers, expats, etc) than native-born people.
It was a play on T.rump's constant illogical hysteria.
US military says it will limit disclosing details on strikes in Yemen (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-military-says-it-will-not-reveal-details-about-strikes-yemen-2025-04-27/)
To the press or to random people on Signal? Cause I'm Guest123 over there and there's a nonzero chance some drunk idiot will add me to a "secret" chat.
No more "Indigenous People's Day," it's now just Columbus Day again.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 27, 2025, 08:31:48 PMNo more "Indigenous People's Day," it's now just Columbus Day again.
How long would it have taken to "discover" the Americas if Columbus knew about π?
Probably about 2.718281828 centuries.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 27, 2025, 10:15:13 PMProbably about 2.718281828 centuries.
He was robustly confident about the distance to be traveled. Considering he'd have to take the Northwest Passage or go around Cape Horn to get to the Pacific and STILL not be half done with his actual miles to be traveled to circumnavigate...
But the Northwest Passage, if transited, would have put him within relatively easy distance to the "Orient".
Most liars lie for personal gain of some sort, but Trump lies just because he thinks it's fun.
Quote from: Unbeliever on April 28, 2025, 08:58:08 AMMost liars lie for personal gain of some sort, but Trump lies just because he thinks it's fun.
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard!
No fuckin' way does he THINK!
(https://i.imgur.com/k0Myd8nl.png)
https://www.politico.eu/article/pierre-poilievre-mark-carney-canada-election-conservative-liberal
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on April 28, 2025, 11:34:11 AMThat's the dumbest thing I've ever heard!
No fuckin' way does he THINK!
On the bright side, Trump's set the bar so low, it's almost impossible for the next President to be anything but an improvement.
Great Slave Lake is looking better and better. I won't have to outside for six months out of the year. When I do go out I'll be fishing for lake trout that are auditioning for JAWS II (or whatever.)
Amazon considered showing how much you're charged for Trump's tariffs on the price breakdown, but Trump threw a fit so Bezos bended (https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/29/business/white-house-calls-report-that-amazon-is-adding-a-tariff-charge-a-hostile-action/index.html)
They already show the price of the product and the price of taxes, so it's not necessarily a shot at Trump, but the manbaby threw a tantrum and apparently even billionaires tremble.
Some Trump lackey said this:
QuoteShe said that was "another reason why Americans should buy American," adding that "it's another reason why we are onshoring critical supply chains here at home, to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here."
Alright, I'm looking to buy a desktop PC. Show me computer parts made in the USA. Do me one better, show me computer parts made in the USA that are equal in value as foreign-made parts. If I can realistically build a PC with nothing but American-made parts, her comment isn't completely delusional.
They're playing to their fan base, nothing realistic about that shit. T.rump's mission is to stay in power. He has no rational plan after that. I took a few abnormal psych classes at Purdue, to bad he wasn't cavorting back then.
Last night I heard Rachel Maddow talk about a family in Oklahoma City that got raided by ICE, homeland security and the FBI. They are citizens of the US, but their house was broken into and they were held at gunpoint while the cops destroyed their house, took all of their electronics and their money, and then left, never to be seen again. The woman and her kids were made to go out in the rain, in their underwear and stand around for a long time.
They had recently moved to Oklahoma City from Maryland for a quieter life and a cheaper home. They thought they had found a nice, safe neighborhood to live in. The father was still in Maryland, tidying up their affairs there, and was going to be in Oklahoma soon, but hadn't arrived yet.
When the cops left, after they'd found out that their prey didn't live there, they gave no apology, kept the money and electronics, and disappeared.
There's more, but I can't bear to continue.
We should just call ICE what it is. They're the Secret Police, here to terrorize and torture people on behalf of Orange Mussolini.
Man, it's gotta be extra extra special to be able to sign your own fucking warrant. This is totally bizarre shit. Someone tell me the attorney general hasn't decided this is just fine. Where's the check and balance for something this disgusting and disturbing.
The checks go to ArmagedDonald's bank to improve his bank balance.
(https://i.imgur.com/CiM5dY8.png)
(https://i.redd.it/em0buqw2jmee1.jpeg)
Waltz has left the chat: Mike Waltz ousted as National Security advisor (https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/01/trump-plans-to-oust-national-security-adviser-mike-waltz-00321200)
Though he will get to stay as ambassador to the UN, so it's more like moving a priest to a different parish than firing him.
Also, Hegseth still has his job, and he's the main wrongdoer in the ongoing Signalgate blunder. Playing favorites.
(https://i.imgur.com/pE75P0il.jpeg)
Yesterday, I put out the recycling. I have saved approximately 42 Earths 🌎
So, she's a liar.
To be fair, it's hard to be clear with the President's dick in your mouth. Or in this case, in your ass.
Most liars lie for personal gain. Trump lies for fun.
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 02, 2025, 01:11:18 PMMost liars lie for personal gain. Trump lies for fun.
Masturbatory.
Trump is Fat Man and Little Boy rolled into one!
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 02, 2025, 02:52:58 PMTrump is Fat Man and Little Boy rolled into one!
What? Did he eat the boy or is he stuck in Trump's belly flap?
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/01/trump-religious-commission-church-state-00321814
-- What? Did he eat the boy or is he stuck in Trump's belly flap? --
Man, there's horrible ways to die and then there's horrible ways to die.
Trump's belly flap? That's just nasty.
Fat Man and Little Boy were the names of the 2 atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII.
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 03, 2025, 12:03:51 AMFat Man and Little Boy were the names of the 2 atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII.
Fat Man was an implosion bomb, uranium chunks were blown together to create a critical mass. Little Boy was a gun-type, one hemisphere of plutonium was fired at another.
There were two more atomic bombs in the Pacific when the war ended. Both were used in the Bikini tests, the ones that produced the enhanced Gojira.
Yeah, Trump is both a fat man and a little boy. And America is experiencing a (metaphorical) nuclear disaster.
I just saw an AI-generated picture of Trump dressed as the Pope! I hope it pisses off every Catholic in the world!
I hear he's been darkening his hair because he heard some hoped he would dye while in office.
Trump, Musk, and Vance - the 3 Scrooges.
This year Black Friday will be known as Black and Blue Friday.
(https://i.imgur.com/pKVToyNl.jpeg)
Albanese and Labour win in Australian elections (https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cevdw14r1mgt), beating Trump surrogate Dutton (aka Temu Trump)
To quote wikipedia:
QuoteDutton is aligned with the "National Right" faction of the Liberal Party, which he leads.He has been described as a right-wing populist, as well as the "Temu Trump". Dutton is opposed to an Australian republic.
Opposed to an Australian republic. That sort of thing has gotten a lot less popular when people see what opposition to popular sovereignty really looks like. It certainly never seems to be the benevolent dictatorship people naively expect.
Trump didn't intend to drain the swamp, he intended to drain the treasury.
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 04, 2025, 03:15:31 PMTrump didn't intend to drain the swamp, he intended to drain the treasury.
I don't think he
intends to do anything. He's a living pachinko machine.
Worm Guy's antivaxx stance rooted in germ theory denialism (https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/04/rfk-jr-s-anti-vaccine-stance-is-rooted-in-a-disbelief-in-germ-theory/)
QuoteIn the chapter, Kennedy promotes the "miasma theory" but gets the definition completely wrong. Instead of actual miasma theory, he describes something more like terrain theory. He writes: "'Miasma theory' emphasizes preventing disease by fortifying the immune system through nutrition and by reducing exposures to environmental toxins and stresses."
Kennedy contrasts his erroneous take on miasma theory with germ theory, which he derides as a tool of the pharmaceutical industry and pushy scientists to justify selling modern medicines. The abandonment of miasma theory, Kennedy bemoans, realigned health and medical institutions to "the pharmaceutical paradigm that emphasized targeting particular germs with specific drugs rather than fortifying the immune system through healthy living, clean water, and good nutrition."
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SVqlKmgt1VU/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLBVIBx7cqD3mn_RBXMEwi7qO_azcQ)
QuoteIn all, the chapter provides a clear explanation of why Kennedy relentlessly attacks evidence-based medicines; vilifies the pharmaceutical industry; suggests HIV doesn't cause AIDS and antidepressants are behind mass shootings; believes that vaccines are harmful, not protective; claims 5G wireless networks cause cancer; suggests chemicals in water are changing children's gender identities; and is quick to promote supplements to prevent and treat diseases, such as recently recommending vitamin A for measles and falsely claiming children who die from the viral infection are malnourished.
For some experts, the chapter was like a light bulb going on. "I thought 'it now all makes sense'... I mean, it all adds up," Paul Offit, pediatrician and infectious disease expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told Ars Technica. It's still astonishing, though, he added. "It's so unbelievable, because you can't imagine that someone who's the head of Health and Human Services doesn't believe that specific viruses or bacteria cause specific diseases, and that the prevention or treatment of them is lifesaving."
Just part of Putin's plan to conquer America.
Pump and dump: 760,000 people lost money on Trump's trashcoin, and 58 laughed all the way to the bank (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/06/trump-meme-coin-crypto.html)
The same people who were super upset about the $3-4ish price of eggs under Biden somehow keep scrapping together hundreds or thousands in handouts for the rich guy who farts gold. Makes total sense.
Trump likes everything to be golden, especially his showers.
Quote from: Hydra009 on May 07, 2025, 10:40:38 AMPump and dump: 760,000 people lost money on Trump's trashcoin, and 58 laughed all the way to the bank (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/06/trump-meme-coin-crypto.html)
The same people who were super upset about the $3-4ish price of eggs under Biden somehow keep scrapping together hundreds or thousands in handouts for the rich guy who farts gold. Makes total sense.
New day, new rug pull. You'd think people would wise up to this trick by now, but people are stupid.
(https://preview.redd.it/should-have-thought-it-through-v0-qh7myf2vvrze1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ae048f6171c95110e2cd91bc0ae671d21e94b996)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ywg2LQs.jpeg)
Nike and all the big brands give Trump money.
Best government the rich would be willing to buy.
The difference between Trump and Canada is that Canada is not for sale.
And Canada's not hostile to all life.
Abducted university student freed after 6 weeks of captivity (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rumeysa-ozturk-bail-hearing-tufts-student/)
I say abducted because the circumstances of her "arrest" much more closely resembles a kidnapping than a legitimate use of law enforcement. A masked man stopped her in the street as she was walking home from classes and similar people surrounded her and took her away. What are bystanders supposed to think was happening? I bet 911 calls surged in the vicinity that day.
Stephen Miller called the release a "judicial coup" which is yet another telling case of projection. His affiliates tried an actual coup and are currently working to destroy any semblance of law and order in this country. He deserves arrest far more than her.
If Trump gets rid of habeas corpus, it may well not be back as long as he's president.
(https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/alexautographs/33/650233/H0171-L178134869_original.jpg)
Trump is the Turd Man of Alcatraz! 💩🤣
Quote from: Hydra009 on May 09, 2025, 08:01:44 PMAbducted university student freed after 6 weeks of captivity (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rumeysa-ozturk-bail-hearing-tufts-student/)
I say abducted because the circumstances of her "arrest" much more closely resembles a kidnapping than a legitimate use of law enforcement. A masked man stopped her in the street as she was walking home from classes and similar people surrounded her and took her away. What are bystanders supposed to think was happening? I bet 911 calls surged in the vicinity that day.
Stephen Miller called the release a "judicial coup" which is yet another telling case of projection. His affiliates tried an actual coup and are currently working to destroy any semblance of law and order in this country. He deserves arrest far more than her.
This isn't the United States anymore, is it?
Yeah, we now have an American Pope and a Russian president.
T.rumpistan.
Trump hails China reset (https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-us-china-negotiated-total-reset-geneva-talks-2025-05-10/)
Good?
I don't believe anything ArmagedDonald says.
He must've found out Viagra is manufactured in China.
(https://i.imgur.com/aoHwm1Gl.jpeg)
These sorts of arrogant tools are all over twittter and their confidence is often mistaken for expertise. They have a tell, though - they almost never cite sources.
I know this is a generic reply, but when I keep thinking things can't get more absurd, I wake up every morning and things are more absurd.
I know. It's absolutely insane. But every now and then, there's a headline that puts a smile on my face. United Healthcare imploding due to Medicare fraud federal investigation (https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/15/business/unitedhealth-stock-ceo-investigation)
QuoteThe developments have stunned investors, triggering a dramatic loss of confidence. UnitedHealth's (UNH) stock has lost half its value – a staggering $288 billion – in the span of a month.
"Let's-a go!"
Late last year I got signed up with UHC, not knowing that I would thereby lose my Humana coverage, which I was quite happy with.
I'm back on Humana now, though.
Kristi "puppylove" Noem decides that the constitution doesn't apply when the President finds it inconvenient, even though the President is elected to uphold the constitution (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/20/kristi-noem-habeas-corpus-immigration.html)
Quote"Secretary Noem, what is habeas corpus?" asked Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.
"Well, habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country," Noem replied.
"That's incorrect," Hassan interjected. "Habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea."
This is a very clear statement of intent. Anyone who supports this idea of unlimited executive power in any way supports dictatorship, a form of government fundamentally at odds with what the Founders' envisioned and against the wishes and rights of the American people.
Why don't Republicans understand that without the Constitution there is no America?
Have you heard about Trump's "big beautiful bill"?
I think Hillary used to call her husband big beautiful Bill.
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 20, 2025, 07:54:01 PMWhy don't Republicans understand that without the Constitution there is no America?
Unless that's their goal.
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 21, 2025, 12:21:15 AMHave you heard about Trump's "big beautiful bill"?
I think Hillary used to call her husband big beautiful Bill.
T.rump's a big beautiful dick.
Did that sound gay?
You said it, not me. 🙈🙉🙊
"If Trump gets dementia, how will we know?"
Lawrence O'Donnell
Quote from: Unbeliever on May 21, 2025, 09:09:30 AMYou said it, not me. 🙈🙉🙊
I was just going by the Orange House press releases.
ABC News (https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pentagon-accepts-luxury-jet-qatar-air-force/story?id=122038664)
SO Donny has decided a $400 million gift from Qatar is perfectly acceptable. Apparently he declined a $400 million gift from Mexico to pay for the wall.
Don't like his policies? Wait thirty seconds.
UnitedHealth secretly paid nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/unitedhealth-nursing-homes-payments-hospital-transfers)
Quote from: wikiIn May 2025, The Guardian published an investigative report which uncovered a systemic effort by UnitedHealth to secretly pay nursing homes bonuses to deny hospital transfers for nursing home residents who needed immediate hospital care. Other tactics uncovered by the Guardian include UnitedHealth managers pressuring nurse practitioners to persuade members to sign onto Do not resuscitate agreements and payments for leaking confidential patient data to UnitedHealth sales teams
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedHealth_Group#Criticism_and_controversiesThey've been up to some serious wrongdoing for a long, long time.
Sure glad I got off of UHC!
I just heard Kimmel call RFKJ the Secretary of Health and Human Sacrifice! 🤣
Kristi Noem is like a box of chocolates: they'll both kill your dog.
Robin Hood stole from the rich to give to the poor, Musk steals from the needy to give to the greedy.
"And I want all foreign students out of Harlem right now!"
(Oops. Thought I was Donald Trump there for a minute.)
In Your Face (https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-hold-gala-top-investors-meme-coin-critics/story?id=122043244)
I'm not certain how much more in your face the grift can get, but this is corruption/bribery the Supreme Count decided is just fine, and Donald is jumping through every hoop.
Quote from: ferdmonger on May 23, 2025, 07:49:22 PM"And I want all foreign students out of Harlem right now!"
(Oops. Thought I was Donald Trump there for a minute.)
"I study one year at International High School in New Yawk!" (Name that movie.)
Trump knows that his days of collecting filthy lucre are numbered, so he's scarfing up as much as he can as quickly as he can.
American citizen abducted by ICE, who claimed his proof of citizenship was fake (https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2025/05/alabama-worker-says-ice-dragged-him-from-job-despite-being-us-citizen-color-of-our-skin-has-become-a-crime.html)
These people can't even figure out who won the 2020 election or whether or not covid is real. Putting them in charge of who can be here and who can't was a wildly disastrous idea.
Back in the '60s a gentleman was deported as being illegal based on his inability to speak English. He was a ~90 year old Navajo who had never been off the Res. Failed that test, so he had to go. Then they had to figure out where to send him. They finally sent him to another res in Utah. Why that one? Nobody would answer that.
(https://i.imgur.com/GPl3ndyl.png)
I don't know what that place is, but I checked it out with Google Earth and it don't look like any kind of a fun place.
Without checking the map I'd say Yemen.
Well it ain't Paris France!
I tracked my brother when he was doing Desert Shield. His wife didn't have internet at the time (I was at Purdue, so we did) and she'd ask me to find where he was. When the SCUDs started flying David had me move his location out of the area of impact. I'd lie to his wife for him.
Then one day he didn't reply for three days after an attack. She was having a full scale hissy fit so I created a mission to Yemen for David to be traveling with. He had been getting my messages since there were in his "family group" and those always went through. The 'rents didn't know that could be done so they never asked.
(https://i.imgur.com/hFMSiWzl.png)
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fema-staff-confused-after-head-said-he-was-unaware-us-hurricane-season-sources-2025-06-02/
That's gotta be a joke but man, read the room. Jokes aren't normal in a place where you're dealing with life-or-death disasters. Save the jokes for the bar.
You want someone who knows what they're doing and this sure ain't it. It looks like Trump just put this guy in charge because he ousted the last guy for not firing enough people and shifting the burden on the states quickly enough for his liking. Several states, like my own, get hit hard during hurricane season and you can't exactly wave a magic wand and make everything peachy afterwards. I'll give you guys three guess as to why agencies like FEMA exist in the first place.
If by merit you mean white and fucking useless.
Quote from: the_antithesis on June 03, 2025, 02:40:00 AMIf by merit you mean white and fucking useless.
Hey! I resemble that remark! /Curly Joe
MTG didn't read the bill (https://www.thedailybeast.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-admits-she-didnt-read-trump-mega-bill-she-voted-for/)
Personally, I don't think she can accurately read the menu at a McDonald's, but it's important to document this massive cognitive and moral failure. That way, when things go south, everyone knows who to blame.
From the emails I get from the Democratic committee, It looks like they are trying to keep Harris and Waltz in the forefront of everyone's mind for 2028. Maybe they just need some familiar faces to ask for donations, but I'm starting to worry.
Republicans will surely run Vance the next time, and if the democrats couldn't beat Trump, they won't have a chance against Vance. I read all kinds of articles about how Democrats must change, but I'm not seeing any change. At least not yet. I doubt even their constituents could agree on what direction to take the party.
We all chose what we read.
(https://i.imgur.com/FKCsA4yl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3nfZasPl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QYbRalkh.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/IEhUH9th.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/bYA8dQU.jpeg)
That guys sure has a love-hate relationship with masks...
(https://i.imgur.com/Gi7TJUgl.png)
Tenuous connection with reality combined with a God complex fueled by a fanbase that has no idea where they're headed.
(https://i.imgur.com/76Ag9Ynl.jpeg)
Military personnel are bound by the UCMJ to disobey unlawful orders. But who among today's military will follow the UCMJ?
(https://i.imgur.com/NYML6ykl.jpeg)
Police shoot reporter with rubber bullet live on camera (https://www.nbcnews.com/video/australian-reporter-shot-with-rubber-bullet-during-l-a-protests-241161797663). Totally unprovoked aggression.
Guess the country. Venezuela? Georgia? Israel? Nope, it's the good old US of A. And they wonder why Americans are less optimistic about the country's future.
Can we impeach and execute them yet?
I wonder how many MAGAts will be infiltrated into the protesters with the goal of inciting or committing violence in order to give the cops/military an excuse to use extreme tactics.
I expect a lot of "evidence" to be manufactured in Garcia's case. And the government will probably get away with it.
(https://i.imgur.com/qJ0lj4Gl.png)
I saw that TACO will have 34 horses in his b-day parade. That's 1 for each felony conviction. How appropriate.
Whitewashing history (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/10/nx-s1-5429773/national-park-service-signs)
QuoteThe Department of the Interior is requiring the National Park Service (NPS) to post signage at all sites across the country by June 13, asking visitors to offer feedback on any information that they feel portrays American history and landscapes in a negative light.
(https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781668056912/erasing-history-9781668056912_lg.jpg)
Of course, TACO wants to reinstall R. E. Lee's name to miliary forts. He has a soft spot for traitors.
Lee considered himself to be a patriot towards his own country, Virginia. The conglomerate of other independent states Virginia had joined back in 1776 was not a superior authority to that of his "country", Virginia.
Agree or disagree, it was an honest opinion albeit not a wise one in the long run. I find it interesting that Washington University changed its name antebellum. https://www.wlu.edu/
Anyone else smell a fascist dictatorship? I can't quite place it, but I know there is one around here somewhere.
I never knew what one smelled like before, but now I am definitely detecting an acrid stench! 🤢
Thankfully, some last vestiges of democracy and the rule of law are still alive and kicking:
(https://i.imgur.com/hoGg0eYl.jpeg)
Judge blocks Trump armed aggression in California (https://abcnews.go.com/US/california-emergency-motion-trump-deployment-troops-hearing/story?id=122773137) (the site may use a slightly different wording in the headline, but I believe the thought is still there, both author and reader)
I hope DC gets totally rained out, like Niagara Falls, on Saturday! ⛈️🌧🌨🌩
The rain would be blamed on "libruls! [drool]"
They can just use the weather control techology that the government definitely has to ensure that there are clear skies for the fascist birthday blast.
We could say it's God's will, that Trump isn't his chosen Savior after all! 😇
(https://i.imgur.com/IqMBewRl.jpeg)
The ghosts of JFK and FDR look down and laugh.
Several high-ranking Republicans have "warned" (read: threatened) that there will be violence during the protests this weekend and suggested that Americans stay home for their own safety (so compassionate)
"The violence was inevitable when one Democrat (age 14) started watching the proceedings on TV."
Two Democratic lawmakers shot in their homes in politically-motivated attacks (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/14/democratic-lawmakers-minnesota-shot)
Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband died - murdered by a man impersonating a police officer.
QuoteDemocratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were both shot multiple times and are out of surgery, and Walz said he was "cautiously optimistic" both will survive.
So, are people awake enough yet for us to tell them "I told you so?"
I doubt it.
Many were never awake and never will be awake. They just do what they're told.
That's why Republican Senators and Representatives don't read the bills they vote for - they know that if Trump wants it, they'll vote for it, so why waste time reading the damned thing.
Quote from: Blackleaf on June 14, 2025, 12:04:57 PMSo, are people awake enough yet for us to tell them "I told you so?"
A lot already know, some might need gentle prodding in that direction, and a sizable minority are essentially braindead and beholden to a wannabe dictactor like he's a part of their family or something. That last group is gone and they're never coming back. They will forever be the willing thralls of some cretin or sociopath or other inhuman forever. You know the saying, some people die at 40 and are buried at 80? It's a lot like that.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 14, 2025, 05:32:12 PMA lot already know, some might need gentle prodding in that direction, and a sizable minority are essentially braindead and beholden to a wannabe dictactor like he's a part of their family or something. That last group is gone and they're never coming back. They will forever be the willing thralls of some cretin or sociopath or other inhuman forever. You know the saying, some people die at 40 and are buried at 80? It's a lot like that.
This is very true. There are cognitive limitations, often due to irrational emotional issues such as fear. I had a coworker who got hooked on conservative radio. I listened (and suffered) during a car ride from the airport during a business trip. The same veiled racist messages, over and over. And over and over. Like training a dog or something. He got chatty with me and told me his wife had died years ago, and the rest of the family doesn't want anything to do with him. It was sad. He knew why, too.
I'm wondering whether the rural areas of the country are more susceptible to right-wing propaganda because of ingesting such things as pesticides and fertilizers. They've been at it for decades, so it wouldn't surprise me, but I don't know of any studies that show a causative relationship.
Apparently, several 10s of people showed up in DC for the birthday parade of The Turd Man of Alcatraz.
(https://i.imgur.com/MgWQXynl.png)
Meanwhile, on the other side of the WWII trenches:
https://i.imgur.com/oosbpND.mp4
(https://i.imgur.com/PmS5KfD.png)
At least the parade had a chance of wetness.
The "no king day" turnout vs the Coinbase/UFC sponsored Trump birthday "military charade" turnout gives some hope. Meanwhile Iran has been developing nukes since the stable genius broke the agreement his 1st term. The xtians are yearning to bring on their Armageddon.
I say we give it to them. Just them. Send them home.
Quote from: Cassia on June 15, 2025, 08:39:24 PMMeanwhile Iran has been developing nukes since the stable genius broke the agreement his 1st term.
Well, Israel seems to be pretty comprehensively solving that problem. Though of course, it's only a problem because our idiot abandoned diplomacy.
I can't say I approve (it's safe to say that we've all seen too much war over the past few years), but I'm also not shedding any tears over the death of the guy who was in charge of Iran's drone deliveries to Russia (https://kyivindependent.com/irans-commander-sanctioned-over-drone-supply-to-russia-killed-in-israeli-airstrike/). I looked through my old bookmarks about Iran and I found this article (https://kyivindependent.com/iran-russia-israel-nyt/) pretty funny in hindsight.
Quote from: Nobody on June 14, 2025, 08:18:56 PMI'm wondering whether the rural areas of the country are more susceptible to right-wing propaganda because of ingesting such things as pesticides and fertilizers. They've been at it for decades, so it wouldn't surprise me, but I don't know of any studies that show a causative relationship.
They're putting chemicals in the water that make the freakin' Rednecks homophobic!
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 15, 2025, 10:18:22 PMI looked through my old bookmarks about Iran and I found this article (https://kyivindependent.com/iran-russia-israel-nyt/) pretty funny in hindsight.
Isn't that ironic? I recall that India was buying up lots of Russian arms before the war. Suckers.
Murderer taken into custody (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/vance-boelter-taken-into-custody-minnesota-lawmaker-shootings-sources/)
QuoteOfficials said Brooklyn Park police arrived at Hortman's home around 3:30 a.m. and found a car that looked like a police SUV with emergency lights on. Boelter then left the home and exchanged gunfire with police officers before fleeing.
Quote from: Blackleaf on June 15, 2025, 10:49:52 PMThey're putting chemicals in the water that make the freakin' Rednecks homophobic!
"Physician, heal thy self!"
I really hope this Minnesota assassination won't be considered a federal crime, because if it is, then Trump will very likely pardon the m'f'er. MAGA will call him a political prisoner and a hostage, and he'll be a hero!
Laura Loomer is already claiming that the anti-Trump protestors did it. Without evidence, of course, but who needs facts when you have convictions?
Previously, I used to consider this sort of denialist rhetoric to be errors in thinking that could be corrected with actual facts.
But it really is a deliberate attempt to shift the blame unto a scapegoat and to counter facts with alternative facts to the point where the average person can't tell the difference.
It's not buffoonish, it's calculating and evil. And it works.
Trump has convictions - 34 of them!
Please clap: Fox News adds fake cheering for Trump to fool audience (https://www.latintimes.com/fox-news-accused-adding-fake-applause-during-trump-parade-live-stream-they-had-help-him-out-585089)
I wonder if anyone is actually evacuating Tehran just because Trump told them to evacuate Tehran? 🤔
I wish him a long life and continuous life support.
Watch the feet, not the mouth (https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/06/16/trump-farms-hotels-immigration-raids/):
(https://i.imgur.com/9YEfMGtl.png)
Well, how else will they be able to arrest 3,000 immigrants every day? Gotta keep Miller happy!
So, there's a dude at work who's a Trump supporter, unfortunately, and as he was leaving, I overheard him mutter to himself "Gotta get some dinner... what to get.... what would Trump get for dinner?..."
And, I didn't say anything, but the answer is, probably something expensive but he'd make you pay for it and expect you to thank him for the privilege.
Huge waste of money...and life, apparently (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/17/army-tank-kills-dc-pedestrian-birthday-parade/84246151007/)
Almost everything this guy does costs someone else something. Someone loses their job, their house, their liberty, their life...
That was a parody of a parade, a GI Joke.
The next move in the disastrous dictator playbook might be to start a war, uniting the nation behind them, right? Works every time. Ready for some of that good 'old "pray for our troops" bullshit? Everything that this administration and right-wing congress understands about Iran would fit on a microscope slide. I just hope there are enough smart people left in the miliary and intelligence service to advise these knuckleheads.
Man, I really hate when people say things like this:
"I do not know why this man was filled with such hatred that he would come to my door; divine intervention led my family to change our plans keeping us safe," she continued.
https://www.startribune.com/maple-grove-dfler-says-gunman-stopped-at-her-house-too/601375410?utm_source=copy
The Hortman family received no such 'divine intervention'. Yeah. Sucks to be the Hortman family.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 16, 2025, 05:15:40 PMPlease clap: Fox News adds fake cheering for Trump to fool audience (https://www.latintimes.com/fox-news-accused-adding-fake-applause-during-trump-parade-live-stream-they-had-help-him-out-585089)
I'm glad I have a conscience. I can't believe anyone has beliefs that allows them to post such nonsense. When you don't care that you're spewing lies, you don't care about anything.
Can NASA ever be great again? Was there something wrong with the model that was working for decades? Congrats to the billionaire cosplay cameltoe "astronauts". Private space companies are about profit, not science.
(https://flyingmag1.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/GoguBGTXEAAn9OB-1.jpeg?width=1024&height=732)
I was surprised to learn that whiz kid Elon Musk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics. Not a Bachelor of Science. Real cute for a guy who presents himself as some sort of tech genius. Undergrad 'physics lite'. Oh, the ground-breaking medical advances thanks to that weirdo RFJ Jr. Another moron's genius.
(https://preview.redd.it/sorry-but-true-v0-to5vbuqt1o7f1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d7742f4c1e6381492f01d08d5b05ae7a9858508d)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/db/bc/17/dbbc173dfa96a40bdbf6554983f146ad.gif)
MAGA=Make America Greatly Ashamed.
My Ass Greatly Annoyed
Gun control laws reduce deaths, actually (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/20/state-gun-control-laws-children-deaths-study)
I don't know why we can't simply look at other countries' laws and gun death statistics and figure this one out in like 5 minutes of compare-and-contrast rather than burying our heads in the sand for decades, but apparently the USA is the only data point to be considered.
I forget where online, but I encountered someone who bizarrely argued that any restrictions on guns would lead to an exactly equal number of knife homicides, apparently under the impression that reality runs on Final Destination logic. And it was especially bizarre because the statement had nothing backing it up but was held as some sort of "obvious" truth in a ludicrously firm way, which always sets off my BS detector (I think his was broken). Unsurprisingly, this claim is objectively untrue in the USA and also in countries that passed restrictions on guns decades ago.
Lobbyists are the reason. Any time you try to have a discussion about gun control, the NRA come crawling out of the walls to shut it down.
Just like Christians, gun-nuts can only argue by assertion.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 20, 2025, 10:31:29 PMGun control laws reduce deaths, actually (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/20/state-gun-control-laws-children-deaths-study)
I don't know why we can't simply look at other countries' laws and gun death statistics and figure this one out in like 5 minutes of compare-and-contrast rather than burying our heads in the sand for decades, but apparently the USA is the only data point to be considered.
I forget where online, but I encountered someone who bizarrely argued that any restrictions on guns would lead to an exactly equal number of knife homicides, apparently under the impression that reality runs on Final Destination logic. And it was especially bizarre because the statement had nothing backing it up but was held as some sort of "obvious" truth in a ludicrously firm way, which always sets off my BS detector (I think his was broken). Unsurprisingly, this claim is objectively untrue in the USA and also in countries that passed restrictions on guns decades ago.
It's the "common knowledge" syndrome. "Well, everybody knows that ..."
Bombs Away! But we're OK. I have no idea if it is the right move. The mullahs are maniacs too.
I wish I could sleep better tonight knowing there is draft-dodging commander in chief that doesn't have a clue about anything but loves him some power. A president that decides between the first and second hole if Iran gets bombed or not. People voted for this. Yikes.
(https://i.imgur.com/wL0MTlxh.jpeg)
Lotsa people with buyer's remorse. Still, they fell for it last year and 9 years ago and they'll fall for it again in a week. And they'll fall for the dumbest pre-recorded talking points, too.
I just learned they bombed the place a couple of days after unusual activity including lines of trucks leaving the facility. They may have saved the weapons grade material.
(https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/styles/medium_crop_simple/public/2025-06/trucks1.png?VersionId=sP0ta0kPYaiQmw4sU76vpL1mt.tBJtGC&size=750:*)
(https://preview.redd.it/its-always-this-guy-v0-5rx5k1klon8f1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=671d3da45d3027adf8437ab4790fb937cd98f60e)
It's amazing how MAGAts can just flip their opinions on a dime, whenever convenient.
Totally normal White House speaking in tongues session (https://meidasnews.com/news/viral-white-house-prayer-ignites-debate-over-faith-politics-and-trump)
That's just what this nation needs: a devout Christian president who will bring Armageddon to the world! 😇 🙏
Good luck to you boys and girls. And via con diablos, Senor President T.rump.
(https://i.imgur.com/csNk5R9l.jpeg)
The Nobel Peace Prize is in the mail.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 23, 2025, 04:22:28 PMTotally normal White House speaking in tongues session (https://meidasnews.com/news/viral-white-house-prayer-ignites-debate-over-faith-politics-and-trump)
Man, that's some spooky shit.
My cousins pretend to understandeach other when they do that.
We all pretend to understand you Gawdzilla.
Hai! Dozo.
(https://i.imgur.com/EyfPkstl.jpeg)
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/25/trump-expressed-support-hanging-pence-capitol-riot-jan-6-00035117
Trump tried to have Mike Pence hanged, but it was a fake noose.
I have yet to see an article about who built the noose and the stand. Nowhere.
There must be cameras that if they didn't record the event, were caught on camera carrying the wood, etc. Who did this, and who started the 'hang Mike Pence' chants?
The fake news started the chants and they provided the fake noose.
Critical hurricane forecast tool abruptly terminated (https://www.local10.com/weather/hurricane/2025/06/26/critical-hurricane-forecast-tool-abruptly-terminated/)
But it's okay, he has a sharpie!
(https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PRI_83151767-e1567672020497.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=424)
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 26, 2025, 02:37:59 PMCritical hurricane forecast tool abruptly terminated (https://www.local10.com/weather/hurricane/2025/06/26/critical-hurricane-forecast-tool-abruptly-terminated/)
But it's okay, he has a sharpie!
(https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PRI_83151767-e1567672020497.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=424)
What is even the point? Who gains from this?
Killing poor people seems to be a running theme.
Quote from: Blackleaf on June 26, 2025, 03:42:36 PMWhat is even the point? Who gains from this?
It's all about power and loyalty to the king these days. It does seem like all these gateway fascist MAGA politicians missed the main points during poly sci and history class. Little details like separation of church and state, independency of government branches and habeas corpus.
Quote from: Hydra009 on June 26, 2025, 05:01:19 PMKilling poor people seems to be a running theme.
Don't a lot of rich people live in Floriduh?
Not for long.
More than 200,000 people in the USA have been rounded up by ICE!
How long will this go on!?
Remember the song Bomb Iran by Vince Vance and the Valiants?
Where Trump is concerned, my whelm is very much under.
During drought, Utah citizens asked to pray and fast for rain (https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2025/06/27/drought-gov-cox-again-declares-day/)
I just want to be clear about something: rain dances are totally idiotic and ridiculous but not eating food to bring about much-needed rain is a totally rational, acceptable thing?
To whom are they going to pray? Joseph Smith? Moroni? The Great JuJu in the mountain?
Trump thinks that the Declaration of Independence had something to do with the Civil War! 🫣
Well, this is how I will probably die. I have to stop looking at the news and had to block a few youtubers whom I think are doing good work calling this shit out because it's just upsetting me.
I keep thinking of Victor Wong (Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Emperor (1987), Tremors) who died on September 12, 2001 because the stress of the 9/11 attacks (his sons were in NYC, but unharmed) eventually led to a heart attack.
I hate these people because they have taken away any hope for the future I might have had. I would take up arms against them, but who am I kidding? I wouldn't last seven seconds. Worthless
There is no optimism any more.
There is no reason to laugh.
Everything only reminds me.
I hate them.
I hope they die, too.
Quote from: the_antithesis on June 29, 2025, 02:25:35 AMWell, this is how I will probably die. I have to stop looking at the news and had to block a few youtubers whom I think are doing good work calling this shit out because it's just upsetting me.
I keep thinking of Victor Wong (Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Emperor (1987), Tremors) who died on September 12, 2001 because the stress of the 9/11 attacks (his sons were in NYC, but unharmed) eventually led to a heart attack.
I hate these people because they have taken away any hope for the future I might have had. I would take up arms against them, but who am I kidding? I wouldn't last seven seconds. Worthless
There is no optimism any more.
There is no reason to laugh.
Everything only reminds me.
I hate them.
I hope they die, too.
I just try to remember we have ape brains that evolved slightly beyond the basic requirement. Unlike all other animal species, we are lost in tribal/social confusion and delusion, having evolved beyond DNA's mandate to simply survive. Evolutionary mistakes such as Homo Sapiens always work themselves out relatively fast. The "feel like" around here yesterday was around 100 Deg F (38Deg C). It won't even take 1,000 years. Hail the crocodilians.
I just watch The Princess Bride often, and the Red Green show. And the late night talking heads keep me sane, like Seth Meyers, Colbert, and Kimmel. I can't watch Fallon, though.
You should all be watching "Cabaret". Just replace "Jew" with "Liberal" and you're done.
Shit, I keep waking up every day and Donald Trump is still president... and is going to be for awhile.
Our president is a narcissistic, vengeful simpleton. Not a good combination.
Yeah it seems to me that if God really did exist he'd've taken care of T. Wrecks long before now.
(https://i.imgur.com/urL9jS9l.jpeg)
This just a couple months after everyone and their brother says that these crazy tariff wars would drive up prices, and the MAGA crowd suddenly deciding that high prices are great.
(https://i.imgur.com/qPjKGGHl.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/P0q7VD3l.png)
Just in case you don't know that this isn't really about immigration.
It's about following Putin's orders.
Could really use a Death Note right about now...
Brainworm guy says AI will approve new drugs very quickly (https://gizmodo.com/rfk-jr-says-ai-will-approve-new-drugs-at-fda-very-very-quickly-2000622778)
Quote"We are at the cutting edge of AI," Kennedy said. "We're implementing it in all of our departments. At FDA, we're accelerating drug approvals so that you don't need to use primates or even animal models. You can do the drug approvals very, very quickly with AI."
QuoteKennedy is often effective at manipulating an audience, but also says things that don't make any sense, even if you agree with his worldview. At one point during his interview with Carlson he said that when Pfizer's covid-19 vaccine was studied there were two people who died in the control group and one person who died in the vaccine group.
"You remember they were saying the vaccine is 100% effective? Well, that's why they were saying it because there was... there was... two is 100% of one," Kennedy said.
Well, apparently, he's living proof that healthcare (especially mental healthcare) in this country isn't great. Whether it's drinking raw milk like it's some sort of elixir of immortality (https://www.masslive.com/politics/2025/05/rfk-jr-slammed-raw-milk-shots-with-podcast-host-in-the-white-house.html) or vaccine "skepticism" and telling people to "do their own research" (i.e. trust online cranks over actual medical professionals), not to mention doing lots of disturbing stuff with animals (https://people.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr-alleged-troubling-history-with-animals-8782714).
He also fired all of an important vaccine panel (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/health/rfk-jr-cdc-vaccine-panel.html) and filled it with lunatics, so it's not just one clown in office, it's the whole circus.
Trump is "A most notable coward, an infinite and endless liar, an hourly promise-breaker, the owner of no one good quality."
Act 3, scene 6, All's Well That Ends Well, by William Shakespeare
"A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing he has the gods on his side."
Aristotle
It is really something seeing people admit online that they voted Trump even though the husband or wife were illegal immigrants. They seem surprised that voting Trump is not a personal exemption and then they tweet to him explaining their situation. So stupid.
Quote from: Cassia on July 06, 2025, 08:12:15 PMIt is really something seeing people admit online that they voted Trump even though the husband or wife were illegal immigrants. They seem surprised that voting Trump is not a personal exemption and then they tweet to him explaining their situation. So stupid.
Probably the same people who think defending billionaires will somehow work out for them in the end. It won't.
I just got a notification that informs me that the IRS says churches can endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status.
Who could possibly have seen that coming? 🤔
Literal bleach drinkers (https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/bleach-cure-covid-autism-bleacher-movement-3zdjt2bkt)
QuoteWhen Christina Dominguez complained of a scratchy throat, a friend from the small community church she attended in Liberty Hill, Texas, told her to do something she had read about online: gargle with chlorine dioxide — also known as industrial bleach.
"I gargled three drops with a very sore throat and it was gone the next day," Dominguez said. "My friend said it cured her Covid. I am new to it and don't know much, but I'm a believer."
Ignoring health authority warnings around the ingesting of chlorine dioxide, alternative health influencers are recommending people drink it with water, spray it on skin and even use it in enemas as a "cure" for everything from measles to cancer, HIV and autism.
Why is it always Texas?!
And just think about the mechanics of how bleach would work for a second. It doesn't just magically spread through the body, killing bacteria (we actually need some of that bacteria, btw) and cancerous cells and whatever they think autism is (brain cells, I guess) and leaves normal tissue intact. People have accidentally or intentionally done the human trials for that stuff, and bleach causes everything from irritation to tissue damage to death. There's a reason why there's warning labels on that stuff - it's because someone got hurt/killed.
Well, according to Joni Ernst, we're all gonna die anyway, so who cares? Die now, die later, it's all the same.
I just found out, from the Turd Man of Alcatraz, that "skedaddle" means skedaddle! I like learning new things every day!
Detained as an illegal immigrant – Maga mom still has faith in Trump's mass deportation plan (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vd1vn9n06o)
Quote"He's doing the right thing because lots of these people don't deserve to be here," Arpineh told the BBC over the phone from the Adelanto immigrant detention centre in California's Mojave Desert.
"I will support him until the day I die. He's making America great again."
QuoteShe says those being held at the building "were treated like animals".
Another tally for the functionally braindead column.
Check the AI for "confirmation bias". It's a fun read to post in some places.
Trump: "Are you people still talking about the Epstein files? Oh my god. There was a flood in Texas, people. Move on already. There is no list, and if there was one, I definitely wouldn't be on it. And if I was on it, it would be phony information. Anyone saying I was friends with that creep is fake news."
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 10, 2025, 08:31:31 PMTrump: "Are you people still talking about the Epstein files? Oh my god. There was a flood in Texas, people. Move on already. There is no list, and if there was one, I definitely wouldn't be on it. And if I was on it, it would be phony information. Anyone saying I was friends with that creep is fake news."
Flood in Texas with no warning and weather services have been wracked by Trump. What a coincidence. Oh, and forget FEMA, no don't need no stinkin' FEMA. It is a stupidity epidemic.
Trump regime drops charges on fraud who gave children fake vaccinations, destroyed life-saving vaccines, and created fake vaccination cards to allow others to lie to the authorities about their vaccine status (https://apnews.com/article/utah-doctor-covid-fraud-charges-dropped-41927573624f0e8e2ee08822633ca5de)
(https://i.imgur.com/Pi8dku0l.jpeg)
https://www.newsweek.com/jeffrey-epstein-files-republicans-block-move-trump-release-documents-2098982
(https://i.imgur.com/PgdYKDjl.png)
Beware those who would rejoice in the suffering of educators and children. Real "sin of empathy" people showing you their true colors today and faking being patriots tomorrow.
NC could lose $165 million for education, costing about 1000 educators their jobs (https://www.wral.com/news/education/attorney-general-jackson-nc-leaders-save-federal-education-funding-july-2025/)
Schools here certainly aren't the greatest (hence Trump voters) but the only reason NC is a relatively decent southern state (22 out of 51 (https://abc11.com/post/education-inequality-gap-test-scores-math-reading-nc/12710020/) - DC is counted - ahead of all other southern states except Virginia) is because of its relatively strong education system. All that could go down the tubes and we really could truly become a Rip Van Winkle state under Trump.
Conservatives: "Trump, what are you doing? Why won't you release the files?"
"Uhh... Crooked Hillary!"
"No! Nono! You can't call Hillary's name to distract us. Not again."
"Uh, Radical Left! Fake news! Thanks, Obama!"
"...Trump, are you on those files?"
"Russia, Russia, Russia hoax!"
Trump is "The rankest compound of villainous smell that ever offended nostril."
William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor (act 3 scene 5)
The adult diapers probably don't help with that. I don't mean to be agist, but like...I've heard that he often smells gross.
Yeah, I've heard that too, but I'm just glad I've never been close enough to have first hand experience of it. 🤢
Well, I guess if Nobody says it, it must not be true. lol
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 16, 2025, 11:44:59 PMThe adult diapers probably don't help with that. I don't mean to be agist, but like...I've heard that he often smells gross.
Depends.
Epstein prosecutor is fired (https://www.yahoo.com/news/maurene-comey-daughter-james-comey-223602336.html?guccounter=1)
(https://preview.redd.it/good-memory-v0-iub09waduedf1.png?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e47106849a54e86cc884619d21983f28d43bd62e)
Everything is like that with this guy.
Everyone talking about the cover-up: "They think we're idiots."
Well, we elected him twice, so... How about them egg prices, huh?
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 17, 2025, 03:39:24 PMEveryone talking about the cover-up: "They think we're idiots."
Well, we elected him twice, so... How about them egg prices, huh?
It really is something else living in a once-great country as it quickly degenerates before our eyes. Is it really so hard to just not be a complete dickhead? And these people follow Jesus, the guy that supposedly washes the feet of poor dying lepers?
The guy who said he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword.
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 17, 2025, 03:39:24 PMEveryone talking about the cover-up: "They think we're idiots."
Well, we elected him twice, so... How about them egg prices, huh?
"We" didn't elect him at all. "We few, we brave, we band of idiots" elected him twice.
What's the definition of insanity? "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Oh, and you all do know that he can run again in 2028. The three term thing is "consecutive."
"We bought a home here on this private beach on the Gulf of America in order to be able to vacation in quiet, to be able to enjoy our time without any attention or drama."
-Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, dickhead.
(https://cdn01.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2025/07/brian-littrell-america.jpg)
Just can't seem to understand mean high tide laws, can he? Its bad enough taxpayers have to pay for beach dredging to keep these homes out of the water. They call it "beach renourishment". Right.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on July 18, 2025, 09:27:19 AM"We" didn't elect him at all. "We few, we brave, we band of idiots" elected him twice.
What's the definition of insanity? "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Oh, and you all do know that he can run again in 2028. The three term thing is "consecutive."
Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but I think this Epstein thing will be a deal breaker for a lot of Conservatives. But hey, there are plenty of others they can pick, who are just as bad, or worse. President DeSantis?
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on July 18, 2025, 09:27:19 AM"We" didn't elect him at all. "We few, we brave, we band of idiots" elected him twice.
What's the definition of insanity? "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Oh, and you all do know that he can run again in 2028. The three term thing is "consecutive."
The 22nd Amendment just says; "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice". Very clear. Does it even matter? Nah.
One of the hard Right said that "no President has ever been elected twice in one election, so there won't be a problem." In other words, if you hold the Constitution just right a turd term for the turd Presidentish would be legal to them.
The President can't commit a crime, so no problem.
I'm making a prediction. Trump will run a third time, despite pressure from his party for him to back out.
Elon Musk will fund a new party to run against him, thinking if he throws enough money at it, he can buy the election. Since these people never studied history, it'll come as a shock to them when the Conservative vote being split between two parties gives Democrats an easy win.
I pray to God that you're right! 🙏
Bull Moose Party.
The GOP is the Know Nothing Party.
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 18, 2025, 03:38:05 PMThe President can't commit a crime, so no problem.
I'm making a prediction. Trump will run a third time, despite pressure from his party for him to back out.
Elon Musk will fund a new party to run against him, thinking if he throws enough money at it, he can buy the election. Since these people never studied history, it'll come as a shock to them when the Conservative vote being split between two parties gives Democrats an easy win.
Yeah, that would be alright by me.
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 18, 2025, 03:38:05 PMThe President can't commit a crime, so no problem.
I'm making a prediction. Trump will run a third time, despite pressure from his party for him to back out.
Elon Musk will fund a new party to run against him, thinking if he throws enough money at it, he can buy the election. Since these people never studied history, it'll come as a shock to them when the Conservative vote being split between two parties gives Democrats an easy win.
Unfortunately (and also fortunately, if that makes sense) Elon Musk's third party play will fizzle and we'll be stuck with increasingly authoritarian maga overshadowing any semblance of normal policy. Until this guy croaks, this country will be his little playground because too many people refuse to tell him no at the top and too many people buy his scam artist crap hook line and sinker at the bottom. And even then, I see a lot of people wanting to make this break from sanity permanent, all the way up from minor officials to supreme court justices.
(https://i.imgur.com/f4LilFwl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Bx1SuKgl.png)
It would be so fucking typical for the tyrant to die of old age before facing justice.
I don't really care how it happens, as long as it happens soon.
This MAGA bullshit is the same old story. A reaction to a black president and the BLM movement. The racism of white christian nationalism has much in common with the 2nd Klan (centered in Indiana, for some good christian reasons) and Woodrow Wilson's endorsement of "the lost cause" revisionism and segregation.
What's wrong with The Washington Redskins? Don't tear down those monuments to Confederate traitors. Round up them Mexicans. There are good people on both sides. It was about state's rights.
Americans will always do the right thing after exhausting every other possibility. The really ironic part is the rich and powerful again have their poor constituent simps fighting against their own good.
Quote from: Nobody on July 20, 2025, 06:17:54 PMI don't really care how it happens, as long as it happens soon.
Trump dying wouldn't fix the problem. He's a symptom of a much more serious sickness that has infected the world, not even just America. If Trump dies, someone just as bad or worse will rise up to take his place.
If Trump dies, people will breathe a sigh of relief, say, "Thank God that's over." Then they'll let their guards down for the next tyrant.
Sorry for going on and on about this whole Epstein thing. I know it's really boring, and really only pretty bad people care about it. But I just can't get over the fact that MAGA elected a rich and powerful pedophile, thinking he'd expose all of the rich and powerful pedophiles. I mean, like... How did they ever convince themselves that Trump would release the files?
Did they not know Trump was rich and powerful? They treat him like he's one of them, taking the fight against the elite, but... He IS an elite. Is that not super obvious?
Okay, maybe they didn't know he was a pedophile. But again, umm... How could they possibly not know that? I know for a fact they heard the whole "grab 'em by the pussy" thing. It was impossible to miss. It wasn't a secret that he liked to barge into women's dressing rooms. He liked bragging about how he could get away with it. I mean, for fuck sake. There are photographs of him and Epstein together. They were clearly good friends.
Was every single member of MAGA dropped on their heads as babies? How did they not see this coming? Are they just stupid?
Edit: Just to remind everyone, THIS was in 2018.
https://www.reddit.com/r/WatchPeopleDieInside/comments/1m6j34j/trump_freaks_out_when_photo_of_him_and_epstein/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Over 173,000,000 people in the US are below average in intelligence. The average person is incredibly easy to fool. You just create fear, target a minority group of people and just blame everything on them. Have simple slogans and iconic symbology. Best to do this right after a travesty like an economic depression or plague. Hitler 101.
Quote from: Cassia on July 22, 2025, 06:53:48 PMOver 173,000,000 people in the US are below average in intelligence. The average person is incredibly easy to fool. You just create fear, target a minority group of people and just blame everything on them. Have simple slogans and iconic symbology. Best to do this right after a travesty like an economic depression or plague. Hitler 101.
Also, it really helps to own or to be able to manipulate major media networks and/or social media.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 22, 2025, 09:02:59 PMAlso, it really helps to own or to be able to manipulate major media networks and/or social media.
Very true. Joseph Goebbels understood this well and used mass media and film to continue the propaganda even when Berliners could experience Russian gun shells hitting their own buildings.
Yeah, I've been waiting for someone to make TRiUMPh of the Will.
🧐
YouTube removes a bunch of Russian, Chinese propaganda channels (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/21/youtube-channels-propaganda-china-russia.html)
So if your favorite "conservative" has been on a bit of a hiatus lately, now you know.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 15, 2025, 08:36:54 PMNC could lose $165 million for education, costing about 1000 educators their jobs (https://www.wral.com/news/education/attorney-general-jackson-nc-leaders-save-federal-education-funding-july-2025/)
Update: NC is getting about $36 million (https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/22/trump-administration-frozen-north-carolina-education-funding)
NC continues to sue for the rest.
Quote from: Cassia on July 22, 2025, 06:53:48 PMOver 173,000,000 people in the US are below average in intelligence.
Actually, the average IQ is done by testing and averaging the results. So yeah, 1/2 the population would be at or just below or just above the average.
Me? I struggle on with my 128.
(https://i.imgur.com/5ruqPXbl.jpeg)
I love it when Conservatives tell on themselves.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 24, 2025, 10:24:04 PMUpdate: NC is getting about $36 million (https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/22/trump-administration-frozen-north-carolina-education-funding)
NC continues to sue for the rest.
NC will get all $165 million (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article311458870.html). Good. This wouldn't even be a question in a normal Presidency. Fuck them for even trying to steal it and screw over thousands of educators and hurt 1.5 million students. This delay has already caused some damage, and hopefully, people will bear that in mind in the midterms.
I was watching narrated film of some Allied soldiers patrolling bombed-out, 1945 Berlin. One US soldier who also spoke German said something to the effect that somehow "nobody in Berlin was ever a Nazi". In fact, the German civilians all hated Nazis and were utterly bewildered about how this all came to be. Right.
I see the same tactics that were used in 1930s Germany being used today. The attempts to erase America's racist history is especially infuriating.
(https://i.imgur.com/CdKaOUbh.png)
Who's Eric?
🤣
Fucking Eric... I knew it.
That fucker! Still shooting elephants from his hamster wheel. Think he brought me cofeve a time or two.
Firehose of falsehood meets bagpipes of disruption. The rich may buy up all the slots on the airwaves, but the poor own the air itself.
(https://preview.redd.it/or-even-one-v0-8rgjhuvmwtff1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=f40e9f80121d90afb4faab0faa4c78cfd25ea258)
In his defense, he did publically disapprove of several conflicts (both sides, naturally) and I'm pretty sure he actively took part in another, but he did schedule some sort of peace talks quite a few times, which may or may not have gone well, which is basically the same thing as making peace, just ask Chamberlain.
TL;DR: Give the guy a Nobel Peace Prize already. He's rich enough, he's wealthy enough, and doggone it, some cultists like him more than life itself (RIP Herman Cain)
Well, there are those three countries he wanted to go to war with to forcibly anex them, and then he didn't. There was that time he carpet bombed people in the Middle East, and then said, "It's not a war, guys. We just attacked, unprovoked, as we do." So that's four wars Trump stopped himself from starting.
I don't understand how [f]King TACO's approval rating could still be so high! It's apparently hovering around 40%, with 65% disapproval. Is it because of the right-wing echo machine? Or are that many people really that stupid!?
These people elected Dubya twice because they said he'd be fun to have a drink with.
This is the political equivalent of choosing your doctor based on who'd be the life of the party.
They're that stupid.
Oh woe is us.
Quote from: Hydra009 on July 31, 2025, 07:39:00 PMThese people elected Dubya twice because they said he'd be fun to have a drink with.
This is the political equivalent of choosing your doctor based on who'd be the life of the party.
They're that stupid.
To be fair, one of those elections was likely stolen. America has no such excuse with Trump. People should have known better.
I may be wrong, but I think it's likely that both of Dubya's elections were stolen, as well as both of TACO's.
The federal prison in Bryan, Texas looks more like a college campus than a prison! I'm sure Maxwell will do much easier time there than she was doing in Floriduh.
Well, it's about time someone stepped in and stopped the genocide in Rwanda! Trump has finally put an end to it! He said so himself!
🤔
Quote from: Nobody on August 04, 2025, 12:51:41 AMThe federal prison in Bryan, Texas looks more like a college campus than a prison! I'm sure Maxwell will do much easier time there than she was doing in Floriduh.
You know, Floriduh was a Democratic state and liberal compared to the rest of the South. That was until Northern states like New Jersey, Michigan and Ohio started sending us their scum. The state added over 3 million people between 1990 and 2000, representing a 23.5% increase. All of a sudden you have a New Yorker in your coffee shop bitching how the bagels suck and some obese cheese-ass from Wisconsin, fishing the beach and just butchering everything inedible like sharks and catfish for no reason. Yeah, I confronted him. Millions of Trump ass-wipes moved here so they didn't have to wear a Covid mask and pay state taxes. They are all reborn Confederate rebels now who voted for dirty sanchez. So sad. Glad I'm old. Who said that?
Being old means you no longer have to worry about dying young.
Quote from: Nobody on August 04, 2025, 03:42:26 PMBeing old means you no longer have to worry about dying young.
Yeah, everybody complains about things; I know how lucky I am. Especially in a historical context. I hope my time and place was not the human pinnacle (good place for a malapropism like pineapple or pinochle), but that is a distinct possibility.
Quote from: Blackleaf on July 26, 2025, 08:41:11 PMFucking Eric... I knew it.
You weren't the only one fucking Eric. Them Viking boats were ... cozy.
Quote from: Nobody on August 04, 2025, 03:42:26 PMBeing old means you no longer have to worry about dying young.
74.5 years old and I died a few times. Nothing to get upset about.
I'm only 69 - a young whippersnapper by comparison! 🤣
Quote from: Nobody on August 04, 2025, 07:47:03 PMI'm only 69 - a young whippersnapper by comparison! 🤣
Have a sister that age. Had? Don't know, she knows to stay away from me. Better that way.
Hey boys and girls. Don't worry about anything. Donald's envoy is meeting with Putin about ending this war by Friday, or oh boy... look out! Sanctions which will never be enforced and more drivel while Vlad strikes more and more civilian targets. What a fucking farce. Corrupt is bad enough, but incompetent is a really bad addition. I hope we make it through this lunacy.
Use the Farce, Luke!
The 'farce' is with me, because I'm on the right side of history.
Oh. That old end the war thing? Yeah, Vlad says he's not meeting with Zelinski, so there's that. Donald will end the war by meeting with only Vlad the Invader. I've never seen a more clueless or criminal president in my life.
You mean "President colored object"?
Did anyone notice the holes in the couches at Mar-a-Lago in last night's Southpark episode? 🤣
I hope the peace talks make it into South Park. I could see Putin sitting on one side, Zelenskyy on the other, Trump in the middle.
Putin: "Tell Zelenskyy that I will accept nothing but total surrender."
Trump: "Putin says--"
Zelenskyy: "Yeah, I can hear him. Tell Putin that he can eat shit."
Trump: "He says you should eat shit."
Putin: "Oh yeah? Well, tell him that I'm gonna launch a nuke at his ass!"
Trump: "Now, Putin. We discussed this. We all know you're too much of a pussy to do that."
How long will it be before Putin decides he wants Alaska back? He's apparently meeting with Trump in Alaska next week. I don't know yet what the meeting is about, though.
It is amazing how people can turn and idea such as physical fitness/health into something like fascism. This RFK Jr Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) bullshit is becoming embraced by gym bros. Many signed on to team MAGA and that athletic 'master race' look is in again, lol. How this manages to work in Trump's favor is mind boggling when you look at him (or RFK Jr).
Quote from: Cassia on August 08, 2025, 08:20:54 PMIt is amazing how people can turn and idea such as physical fitness/health into something like fascism.
They try to do that with everything. Religion is the most obvious thing, but they try to co-opt basically everything they can and use it as a vector for their sickness.
There's a reason why they're keen on gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 08, 2025, 08:27:26 PMThey try to do that with everything. Religion is the most obvious thing, but they try to co-opt basically everything they can and use it as a vector for their sickness.
I remember when I first heard about Christian sports. I asked what was different about Christian sports. Oh, it's just regular sports, except everyone is a Christian. Why does that matter? Because everything needs to be Christian.
Quote from: Cassia on August 08, 2025, 08:20:54 PMIt is amazing how people can turn and idea such as physical fitness/health into something like fascism. This RFK Jr Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) bullshit is becoming embraced by gym bros. Many signed on to team MAGA and that athletic 'master race' look is in again, lol. How this manages to work in Trump's favor is mind boggling when you look at him (or RFK Jr).
Libs will say this is fake.
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e2c62646f454b30ff9882efbef20c28f32d53191/0_0_805_1005/master/805.jpg?width=465&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Libs say the darndest things! 🤣
How long before Republicans say that people (even white men) who don't own land have no right to vote?
'People are going to die' (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-trump-surgeon-general-rfk-mrna-vaccine-research/), says former Surgeon General of worm-brained scheme to gut US vaccinations
There's a reason why I frequently say this phrase of right-wing policies. Because it's true. Because misguided policies and misguided people who support those policies actively support objectively worse outcomes for Americans, including death.
Elections have consequences. Reckless stupidity has consequences. Make smarter decisions, for your own sake, for your family's sake, for your community's sake, for your country's sake, and for the world's sake.
The people who voted WRONG in this last election will not remember (or will not admit) that they voted wrong when the cycle comes around again.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on August 11, 2025, 11:36:26 AMThe people who voted WRONG in this last election will not remember (or will not admit) that they voted wrong when the cycle comes around again.
Many of those Covid "blood-of-jesus" anti-vaxxers are good and rotted by now. We should dig them up and put them on display for RFK Jr to admire.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on August 11, 2025, 11:36:26 AMThe people who voted WRONG in this last election will not remember (or will not admit) that they voted wrong when the cycle comes around again.
Of course. But everyone else better remember for them and get their asses to the ballot box in 2026. The dum-dums are numerous, but they don't represent the majority. And the majority better vote like they've never voted before.
I'm still not convinced that there will be a ballot box in '26.
But then, I'm a pessimist.
I don't want any of you worrying about a thing. Donald is in charge and knows what's best.
Last weeks sanctions are next weeks deadline or lookout... "Severe consequences".
Everyone feel free to laugh with me when we hear Trump will hold Putin accountable for anything.
Quote from: ferdmonger on August 13, 2025, 09:32:27 PMEveryone feel free to laugh with me when we hear Trump will hold Putin accountable for anything.
He said he'd "try". Not sure if he meant it like "try to lose 10 pounds" or "try to rough up those illegals". Cause one of those is a lot more likely than the other one.
He doesn't 'mean' or ''know' anything. It's a serious problem.
(https://i.imgur.com/ERxI1gPl.png)
Quote from: Nobody on August 11, 2025, 12:51:35 PMI'm still not convinced that there will be a ballot box in '26.
But then, I'm a pessimist.
We'll vote like it's 1939!
(https://histoire.museeholocauste.ca/data/timelines/gen/images/large/1936-03-29_Stimmzettel_RTW_1936_Hessen-Nassau.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PbZ7Cb1l.jpeg)
More spineless than a sea sponge.
Not even an earthworm is so spineless! 🪱
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on August 11, 2025, 11:36:26 AMThe people who voted WRONG in this last election will not remember (or will not admit) that they voted wrong when the cycle comes around again.
Trump couldn't have fumbled the Covid situation harder if he tried, and America decided to give him another chance. I have no faith in this country.
"It's a Leftist hoax, just like the Russia thing!"
"It exists, but it's no more dangerous than the flu."
"Pay no attention to the health experts. They don't know what they're talking about. Listen to me, the guy who looked directly at the eclipse without glasses."
"You should drink bleach to cure Covid. Horse de-wormer could also do the trick!"
"Look, everyone! A vaccine exists now! Praise me for saving your lives from this virus I told you doesn't exist!"
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 11, 2025, 12:06:23 PMOf course. But everyone else better remember for them and get their asses to the ballot box in 2026. The dum-dums are numerous, but they don't represent the majority. And the majority better vote like they've never voted before.
I live in Texas. This state is going red, no matter who's running. I'm not wasting my time anymore.
Do they give peace prizes to warmonger's ship's wives?
Quote from: Blackleaf on August 17, 2025, 08:59:34 PMTrump couldn't have fumbled the Covid situation harder if he tried, and America decided to give him another chance. I have no faith in this country.
"It's a Leftist hoax, just like the Russia thing!"
"It exists, but it's no more dangerous than the flu."
"Pay no attention to the health experts. They don't know what they're talking about. Listen to me, the guy who looked directly at the eclipse without glasses."
"You should drink bleach to cure Covid. Horse de-wormer could also do the trick!"
"Look, everyone! A vaccine exists now! Praise me for saving your lives from this virus I told you doesn't exist!"
My favorite is the ol' "if we don't track the data, it goes away". I feel like I need to explain object permanence to these dum-dums. But of course, they're not that stupid, their plan was actually malicious - they wanted to control the headlines, not the pandemic. Whoever dies is of no concern to them. They just step over the bodies.
Quote from: the_antithesis on August 17, 2025, 09:03:14 PMDo they give peace prizes to warmonger's ship's wives?
You have to commit at least one war crime to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Why does Bill Maher invite actors like Chris Pratt to give us political insight. If there was ever a group out-of-touch with typical daily life...it is Hollywood actors. He defends RFK Jr because, well he is family. Sure, so don't let the kids eat food coloring while they're dying of measles. He cut cancer and vaccine research already. Slashed FDA, food inspections. Morons are dying of raw milk. He is like 5% good ideas and 95% bad.
Is it too much to ask for someone in a T-Rex suit to come out of the audience, stare Pratt down and then just eat him alive?
https://www.reddit.com/r/TikTokCringe/comments/1mu76ln/the_american_nightmare/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Sounds a lot like me, and most of the people I've known.
Saw this posted. I'll give you one guess...., LOL
The festering carcass of American rot shoved into an ill-fitting suit: the sleaze of a conman, the cowardice of a draft dodger, the gluttony of a parasite, the racism of a Klansman, the sexism of a back-alley creep, the ignorance of a bar-stool drunk, and the greed of a hedge-fund ghoul—all spray-painted orange and paraded like a prize hog at a county fair. Not a president. Not even a man. Just the diseased distillation of everything this country swears it isn't but has always been—arrogance dressed up as exceptionalism, stupidity passed off as common sense, cruelty sold as toughness, greed exalted as ambition, and corruption worshiped like gospel. It is America's shadow made flesh, a rotting pumpkin idol proving that when a nation kneels before money, power, and spite, it doesn't just lose its soul—it shits out this bloated obscenity and calls it a leader.
Sounds like something Jimmy Kimmel would say...
I believe our president should not throw out idle threats of 'severe consequences' if there's no cease-fire straight to nothing. NOTHING! Don't make bellicose statements and fail to back them up while Putin continues to pound civilian targets in Ukraine. You are an international joke, but at least you've got those trans folks and immigrants marginalized, and your base loves it, because they can't think their way out of a wet paper bag.
Yeah, the J in DJT stands for "jape."
It used to be called the Oval Office, but now it's the Evil Office.
Saw a video of a kid crying because he found out that Trump was a real person.
https://www.reddit.com/r/CringeTikToks/comments/1mx9w2v/kid_finds_out_trump_is_a_real_person_and_he/
Yeah. I get it. The real world feels too absurd to be real. Donald Trump is a fucking cartoon villain, and people actually CHOOSING him as President is laughably stupid. Yet, here we are.
It's even worse than finding out that Snidely Whiplash is a real person.
Apparently Trump thinks he can suspend elections if we're in a war. So, how long before we're in a war?
3 1/2 years? Less?
2 home invaders posing as police shot and killed in Houston (https://abc13.com/post/homeowner-shoots-kills-suspects-allegedly-impersonating-officers-serving-warrant-hpd-says/17624729/)
Two guys showed up to someone's home in ski masks and bulletproof vests and tried to force their way inside while firing through the front door. The victim fired back, killing the two aggressors.
I may not be super okay with the idea of people stockpiling guns or going to Subway with 4 pistols or waving guns around to intimidate protestors or shooting guns in the air for no reason or leaving loaded guns around (the list goes on and on), but I actually do think there are legitimate uses for guns. The first is hunting for sustenance (i.e. not big game hunting) and the second is protecting yourself and others in a life or death situation where you're on defense (i.e. you're not the aggressor). In those very specific circumstances, I don't have any issue with using guns.
But I'm a liberal, so of course this runs against my natural instinct to snatch everyone's guns (heavy sarcasm) to usher in some sort of orwellian police state...oh wait...
Man, I'm just hoping for normalcy. An out of control revenge seeking president that hasn't a fucking clue about anything. That whole packed Supreme Court and a pliant congress isn't helping anything either. Neither are armed GI's in the streets. (GI's used intentionally.)
I think this may be the new normal. I sure hope I'm wrong about that.
(https://i.imgur.com/jQqIoXdl.jpeg)
Not only Trump is senile. Or faking it for political gain. We have always been at war with Eastasia.
This is difficult, but liberals should understand how we failed. Just when we as a nation started thinking "green", we blew it. I think there are three basic and key mistakes that many liberals endorse that opened the door to right-wing lunatics.
-Males and "maleness" are plain toxic and females can hardly do wrong.
-Muslims can integrate into liberal society (and all Palestinians are victims)
-Every self-declared Transsexual person is automatically given full, unbridled acceptance to be considered as being their non-biological gender.
These ideas became almost a liberal religion and turned moderates in droves towards Trump-ism or Brexit-ism. These issues need to be dealt with nuance and on an individual basis, not as ideologies.
Let's take the Palestinians. Ever wonder why Palestinian refugees are unwelcome in nearby regional Muslim nations? Well Jordan, Lebanon and even Kuwait tried that. They ended up having civil wars against the PLO. And of course, the super-rich Arab Kings don't provide paths to citizenship for any of the millions of foreign laborers they use to build shit, even if they are fellow Muslims. Palestine became a proxy state for repressive Iran through Hamas. They are essentially a young society of radicalized 20-year-olds. They actually still approve of the Oct bloodbath against Israel and now Isreal has become a terrorist state themselves (an antisemitism machine). Sweden now has fully Muslim-controlled areas where national laws and liberal values are completely usurped by Islam. Believers in Islam cannot integrate. Sorry.
Let's face it. Males have been considered to be toxic buffoons by liberal media for over a decade now. Beer can fondling, suburban fools who live to be taught lessons by their know-it-all wives. The US mating game is up in flames. So many young males admit that they are porn-addicted and have all but given up. Can't really blame them. Girls who are not all that great are walking around thinking they deserve 6-foot rich hunks who drive lambos. Girls whose bedrooms are porn studios. This is not healthy. Let's give our men hope, please.
Trans-rights issues are not binary just like their identity. It will take time and patience to help trans people achieve max potential. To just throw away all social norms overnight works against reforms and makes positive changes take longer. And that is exactly what happened. It is a fantasy world where an identity declaration is a fact. Let's take it issue by issue and come up with real life solutions.
We will all be lucky if Western democracies survive these mistakes after this fascist-like, knee-jerk reaction. Also, the pandemic communication could have been better, granted. I shudder-to-think what would happen now that we live in a world so divorced from basic science if we had another outbreak. Can liberals learn from what happened? Do I hear them saying any of the above. No. I don't. The only thing that will save democracy will be the depth to which the christian nationals/quasi-fascists fuckup when as the try to fake out the masses. Last time it took a world war to get rid of them.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 24, 2025, 05:19:59 PM2 home invaders posing as police shot and killed in Houston (https://abc13.com/post/homeowner-shoots-kills-suspects-allegedly-impersonating-officers-serving-warrant-hpd-says/17624729/)
Two guys showed up to someone's home in ski masks and bulletproof vests and tried to force their way inside while firing through the front door. The victim fired back, killing the two aggressors.
I may not be super okay with the idea of people stockpiling guns or going to Subway with 4 pistols or waving guns around to intimidate protestors or shooting guns in the air for no reason or leaving loaded guns around (the list goes on and on), but I actually do think there are legitimate uses for guns. The first is hunting for sustenance (i.e. not big game hunting) and the second is protecting yourself and others in a life or death situation where you're on defense (i.e. you're not the aggressor). In those very specific circumstances, I don't have any issue with using guns.
But I'm a liberal, so of course this runs against my natural instinct to snatch everyone's guns (heavy sarcasm) to usher in some sort of orwellian police state...oh wait...
IMO, Liberals need to exercise their right to bear arms in their protests, otherwise they come off as all bark and no bite. Violence against protestors would be way less likely if they were armed, because the abusers would know the protestors can and will fight back.
Quote from: Blackleaf on August 25, 2025, 01:22:37 PMIMO, Liberals need to exercise their right to bear arms in their protests, otherwise they come off as all bark and no bite. Violence against protestors would be way less likely if they were armed, because the abusers would know the protestors can and will fight back.
We inherited some WW2/Korean war era rifles and I gotta say, they are fun to shoot even if they are bruisers. Only thing is, if the SHTF, we won't be using them to hunt squirrels, LOL. I think more liberals are armed than one may assume, just that they are not assholes about it.
I must confess. I overestimated Americans. I thought we were ready for big positive changes. We were not. In fact, I am still befuddled over the depth and breadth of hatred, racism, xtian nationalism, greed, and ignorance. I was living in a bubble. That's today's internet. Targeted.
We really need to think about the big picture, not just those issues we are passionate about. Losing sight of the big picture is why we will be lucky to save a democracy. So much loss of rights and freedoms already under this administration, it's hard to keep up or even care anymore. Fucking soldiers taking over cities. Jesus Fuckin Christ, what a shit show.
The toxic brew of reality TV and social media hit them like a freight train. I remember this stuff really taking root around 2010, festering like a cancer, then spreading to the brain in 2016.
While I wouldn't say that Americans as a whole have adopted regressive views - Democrats continue forging forward, albeit in a beleaguered fashion - Republicans in particular have regressed significantly. For example, aligning more closely with Y'all Qaeda on gay rights than with gay Americans (https://news.gallup.com/poll/691139/record-party-divide-years-sex-marriage-ruling.aspx).
In the 2000s the joke idea of North America split between the United States of Canada and Jesusland appears to be the sad reality due to the ongoing conservative regression widening the gulf between the two main political ideologies.
Snoop "scared" to see gay people in movies because then he'd have to explain the existence of gay people to a child (https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5469270-snoop-dogg-lightyear-grandkids/)
It must be nice to be so rich and so out of touch to have these sorts of "problems".
Imagine having to explain to your kid that mommy was abducted by maybe police and you don't know where she is or if the family will ever be reunited again. Or that the Trump slump means that daddy has to work two jobs now to make rent. Or that the President of the United States is probably a pedophile who spent a lot of time at Epstein Island and loved to cruise around on the Lolita Express (Epstein's jet). Or explain that weird salute that Elon Musk made and what happened when lots of people were making that salute decades ago in Germany. Lots of stuff is a lot harder to explain than gay people.
I remember the first time I saw gay characters. It was in an episode of Barney Miller. I asked my mom, what's with those guys? and she said "You know how men like to do whoop-dee-doo with women? Some men like to do whoop-dee-doo with men." It's not fucking hard, Snoop.
How to explain gay people, for dummies:
"Grandpa, why are those two boys kissing?"
"Some boys like other boys, and some girls like other girls."
"Oh."
The end.
Iowa (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/catelin-drey-democrat-wins-iowa-state-senate-election)
Nice win out of nowhere. Hopefully this spreads.
Please vote to reign in this sickness.
Quote from: ferdmonger on August 27, 2025, 10:39:49 PMPlease vote to reign in this sickness.
For real. Voting in a smart way is the single best thing Americans can do right now. It also doesn't hurt to fire off emails and make calls. You'd be surprised how effective that is at a local level. Every act of pushback or defiance helps, no matter how small.
Quote from: ferdmonger on August 27, 2025, 08:14:59 PMIowa (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/catelin-drey-democrat-wins-iowa-state-senate-election)
Nice win out of nowhere. Hopefully this spreads.
Farmers in Iowa got what they voted for. They are going broke. Can't export their crops. Plus, Trump and RFK JR hate corn-sweetened Cola. Conservative's skulls must be full of rocks or Jesus-flavored bubble gum or something.
No fascist government has ever lost power due to an election.
When he is gone, Trump deserves what the Romans gave to imperial traitors: damnatio memoriae.
Nothing named after him, no presidential library, none of the perquisites given to past office holders.
Just shame and silence.
If they want to stop school shootings, they should just issue every kid a gun when they show up to school in the morning, and gather up the guns after school.
Problem solved! No more school shootings!
Archie Bunker said to stop the hijacking of airplanes by issuing every passenger a gun as they boarded the plane. Why wouldn't that work just as well now with the school shootings?
NC elections board chairman for Surry county arrested for drugging granddaughters' ice cream with cocaine, MDMA (https://www.wral.com/news/local/surry-board-elections-drug-ice-cream-wilmington-august-2025/)
Guess the party! Betcha can't get it right on the first try.
The Know Nothing party?
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 28, 2025, 08:46:50 PMNC elections board chairman for Surry county arrested for drugging granddaughters' ice cream with cocaine, MDMA (https://www.wral.com/news/local/surry-board-elections-drug-ice-cream-wilmington-august-2025/)
Guess the party! Betcha can't get it right on the first try.
Do I even want to know what he could have possibly wanted to accomplish with this? Kids are crazy at the best of times. I don't want to see them coked up.
I'm so happy I'm 75.5 years old. I won't have to deal with this much longer.
Bad news is my maternal grandfather lived to 84. And lived alone the last ten years. Ambivalence reigns.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on August 29, 2025, 08:08:14 PMI'm so happy I'm 75.5 years old. I won't have to deal with this much longer.
Bad news is my maternal grandfather lived to 84. And lived alone the last ten years. Ambivalence reigns.
Why do you count the extra 0.5? It passes like when you close your eyes and wake up 6 months later.
Quote from: SoldierofFortune on August 30, 2025, 03:19:54 AMWhy do you count the extra 0.5? It passes like when you close your eyes and wake up 6 months later.
Just my thing.
I thought we were supposed to get wiser with age. Looking around, I sure see foul, angry, bitchy boomers and older zoomers. Many of them running our failed country. My recollection of grandmas was caring gentle folk....baking pies, knitting, gardening...not running around drunk and screaming at Mexicans or gays.
Old people blasting their speaker phones in waiting rooms, cutting ahead in lines or running you over with shopping carts. Telling their kids and grandkids to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" instead of helping. I think that pretty much sums up the legacy of my "me generation". Entitled destroyers of the greatest democracy and killers of science.
Some of us do get wiser with age. Myself, for instance. I was really stupid when I was a kid. Ran away from home several times, got in trouble with the law, drank and caroused, didn't finish high school, was seldom working a job, was homeless much of the time. Such things are definitely not wise. But now I don't drink, smoke tobacco or marijuana, don't carouse, stay out of jail, have a home to live in, and generally have a pretty good life. Too bad I wasted so many decades being an idiot, but there's nothing I can do now about that, I just have to get myself through life until I no longer have to deal with it.
Quote from: Nobody on August 31, 2025, 11:38:00 AMSome of us do get wiser with age. Myself, for instance. I was really stupid when I was a kid. Ran away from home several times, got in trouble with the law, drank and caroused, didn't finish high school, was seldom working a job, was homeless much of the time. Such things are definitely not wise. But now I don't drink, smoke tobacco or marijuana, don't carouse, stay out of jail, have a home to live in, and generally have a pretty good life. Too bad I wasted so many decades being an idiot, but there's nothing I can do now about that, I just have to get myself through life until I no longer have to deal with it.
It's like that with some people I know too. After the parents divorced I lived some years in a small dump of a town on the edge of The Everglades. Drug planes would make drops all the time and the sheriff never came out there. Half the kids were dealers/users. Most are long dead now, but some got out of there and flourished. Those kids later told me they thought that I thought, I was too good for them, LOL. I was busy. They always wanted a lift to score a dime bag. Sorry, got a calculus exam tomorrow. My bro made it out of there too, so glad of that. I understand how (as the song goes) you usually wind up where you began, but not always ;)
I was getting picked up from the hospital a few months ago and they wheeled me out in a chair. There was a construction crew partially blocking the patient pickup drive thru. So, I guess we were blocking it as I was getting picked up. I turned and looked behind us, and a boomer driving a courtesy golf cart was losing his shit, flailing like he was drowning or something. When we sopped at the stop sign to get out of the lot, he comes driving towards our car and screams "asshole". We ignored him. I called the hospital and told them they have a maniac volunteer driving the cart. I bet parking lot Hitler is still there bossing patients around.
My parents (adopted when I was 3) got divorced when I was 10. Neither wanted me so they put me in a boys' camp in East Texas for about a year and a half or so. They let me skip the 5th grade, so that was OK.
Then I was in a foster home, again in East Texas. 4 years of that, then ran away enough times that they wouldn't keep me anymore, so when I was 16, I went to an orphanage in Dallas. Finished the 10th grade, got in trouble with the law, and was allowed to join the US Navy. Got in trouble again and got kicked out of the Navy. Then just bummed around the country, never staying in one place very long.
Fortunately, I was never into drugs, except marijuana.
Finally ended up going to prison 4 times.
Never went to the same school twice.
Had a lot of fun, though!
Quote from: Nobody on August 31, 2025, 02:57:24 PMMy parents (adopted when I was 3) got divorced when I was 10. Neither wanted me so they put me in a boys' camp in East Texas for about a year and a half or so. They let me skip the 5th grade, so that was OK.
Then I was in a foster home, again in East Texas. 4 years of that, then ran away enough times that they wouldn't keep me anymore, so when I was 16, I went to an orphanage in Dallas. Finished the 10th grade, got in trouble with the law, and was allowed to join the US Navy. Got in trouble again and got kicked out of the Navy. Then just bummed around the country, never staying in one place very long.
Fortunately, I was never into drugs, except marijuana.
Finally ended up going to prison 4 times.
Never went to the same school twice.
Had a lot of fun, though!
Wow. That's a hell-of-a start. So glad you ended up in a good place !!!
Well, I haven't exactly "ended up" yet, but wherever I'm going, I'll get there soon.
Quote from: Nobody on August 31, 2025, 08:17:13 PMWell, I haven't exactly "ended up" yet, but wherever I'm going, I'll get there soon.
I know sometimes life is not so great even for rich kids if their parents are insufferable pricks. I mean, what would it take to raise a jackass like DJT?
So, flags were at half-mast today and since I am and will always be out of touch, I didn't know we had another damned mass shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But news outlets peopled by similarly out of touch reporters were speculating that Trump had died.
Because people are hoping he dies.
I, for one, hope he doesn't because I do NOT want Vance to become president.
(https://i.imgur.com/jeKeuFjl.jpeg)
Oof. The worm must've chowed down on that part of the brain.
That worm died of starvation.
With Jr, was the worm brain or heroin addiction. I'd say both. What a clown.
https://i.imgur.com/PhUUfsu.mp4
Fascists break under pressure. Just ask Hitler.
How much will it cost the American taxpayers to change all of the Defense department's paperwork to Department of War!?
Has there been any sign of life from Trump yet, or is he still mysteriously quiet? lol
I never believed he was dead. But dying? Maybe. Could just be trying to save face by not showing him in a place of weakness.
The whole world will be better off when that guy is 6 feet under.
I would prefer he go to prison first. Too many evil men get to live long, comfortable lives, without ever facing justice. Let him die behind bars.
Quote from: Blackleaf on September 06, 2025, 09:43:28 AMHas there been any sign of life from Trump yet, or is he still mysteriously quiet? lol
I never believed he was dead. But dying? Maybe. Could just be trying to save face by not showing him in a place of weakness.
He has had a few meetings. Mr War dept. is probably looking to start and win an easy war just to boost his popularity. That's why they are blowing up speed boats 1000 miles away.
Americans at We Are All D.C. march (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/washington-dc-residents-protest-against-trumps-troop-deployment-city-2025-09-06/): https://i.imgur.com/Znw8dQ3.mp4
(https://i.imgur.com/fKFKMNPl.jpeg)
America has disastrous energy policy because Trump didn't like "windmills" near his golf course in Scotland (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15l3knp4xyo) (and because of rich oil barons who buy politicians/policy)
Hyundai plant workers will be returned home (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/south-korea-deal-workers-detained-hyundai-rcna229610)
I guess Trump doesn't know enough photoshop to digitally place MS-13 tattoos over all their knuckles.
By the way, the individual who called for the raid is a Republican candidate (https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-branum-republican-hyundai-georgia-immigration-raid-1235422245/). No word yet how she plans to make the plant safer since regulations are communism and unions are satanic.
These Americans and their families have endured a lot from this brutal administration. I might hope that public sentiment in this country has changed, but I very much doubt it. Those who like barbarity inflicted on their "under-man" still do and those who prefer a more normal, less sadistic approach are just as concerned now as they were last year. Besides, public sentiment isn't as important when you're king, so it's super important to recognize the warning signs well in advance and act accordingly that way these sorts of situations never happen in the first place.
(https://i.imgur.com/AlEgLNZl.png)
Adults must govern when lives are at stake.
Did you guys hear? It turns out, Trump was actually an FBI informant on Epstein. lol
Quote from: Blackleaf on September 10, 2025, 12:32:36 AMDid you guys hear? It turns out, Trump was actually an FBI informant on Epstein. lol
The whole thing was a hoax made up by the Democrats, though. No wonder Trump's ankles are swollen. He keeps eating his cake then having it, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/CVwliKll.jpeg)
I heard that Epstein was working with the FBI, and that's why he got such a sweet deal with Acosta.
If Trump actually helped bring Epstein down, we never would have heard the end of it. No one likes to brag like Trump does.
Good work guys, keep it up.
Shame you don't have a president who would of covered for you, though.
(https://yt3.ggpht.com/prplO6c-90X_yPm7JaHkdCCMwVPAkXwYiIFOp_3EkaWSCHhDqkNem5J_DsbJ3jMJnBlgzJI6auYvius=s969-rw-nd-v1)
I find this extra funny, because I know that face is from when he was nodding off at the 9/11 memorial ceremony yesterday. This guy had the nerve to call his opponent "Sleepy Joe."
Quote from: Hydra009 on September 08, 2025, 11:03:17 AM(https://i.imgur.com/fKFKMNPl.jpeg)
America has disastrous energy policy because Trump didn't like "windmills" near his golf course in Scotland (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15l3knp4xyo) (and because of rich oil barons who buy politicians/policy)
U.S. Dept of Energy
Utterly inept or disgusting lies. It's what I've come to expect from this maladministration.
This insane (https://www.startribune.com/trump-officials-to-link-covid-shots-to-child-deaths-alarming-career-scientists/601472781?utm_source=copy)administration is literally no shit dangerous.
You're not going to see the pro-life people shed any tears over child deaths due to poor access to medical care or for those gunned down at school. The real tragedy is losing the grifters and shit-stirrers, apparently.
Goose-stepping in Memphis (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/12/trump-memphis-national-guard-crime.html)
🎶 Soothed my swollen ankles and gave my jackboots a buff
And boarded the Lolita Express
Touched down near the fourth Chickasaw bluff
-all funded by government largesse
Chorus:
Goosestepping in Memphis
Treading on Americans for "protection"
Goosestepping in Memphis
Never again a real election.
Clubbed a peaceful protestor
Swung with all my might
She asked, "Is this is a fascist country?!"
I said, "Ma'am, it is tonight!"
Chorus:
Goosestepping in Memphis
Treading on Americans for "protection"
Goosestepping in Memphis
Never again a real election 🎵
The "just deserts" inflicting so many MAGA losers will be legendary for a century or more. MAGA Mexicans cuffed and deported and even Miami MAGA Cubans are being told to "speak American", MAGA Soybean farmers plowing down their unsellable crops and begging for sOCiAlism. The MAGA elderly who drowned in their own lung juices while begging for a too late COVID "Jab". MAGA blacks who are chime in how they are "different" now learning, well, not really. Florida hotel owners who really miss their Canadian vacationers as there will be a lot more Kentucky "aged whisky" sitting around in barrels. The MAGA babes who suddenly realize they don't want to have that dumb-ass redneck's baby. The poor in the red states that were getting all sorts of federal handouts like food stamps and Medicaid just watching them evaporate as their once subsidized rural hospitals close down. People who want guns on campus are for some reason getting gunned down on campus. After all Jesus's people need to suffer. It's all just a test of their faith. Like all them dinosaur bones.
I heard that Trump has chronic penis insufficiency.
Quote from: ferdmonger on September 12, 2025, 05:35:24 PMThis insane (https://www.startribune.com/trump-officials-to-link-covid-shots-to-child-deaths-alarming-career-scientists/601472781?utm_source=copy)administration is literally no shit dangerous.
Was meinst du damit?
So, uhh... Is America great again yet? How many more terms will that take? We all know Trump is planning to shoot for a third, if he lives long enough. Dementia Don is getting up there.
Source: Trust me, bro.
(https://yt3.ggpht.com/OgC7n6imZWxejPo9oJYObnXJ5UDPM6-uhB12w9SG9xamy1ooHCTPruqHdyWivP6oZMJpDsZigItLqgU=s1232-rw-nd-v1)