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Happy Thanksgiving and Open Thread

I hope your holiday is filled with great food and spirits, warmth and pleasant company.

I think that there actually are a few things we can be thankful for this year -- but we are not yet out of the woods: The good news is the narcissist who posed the biggest threat to our democracy in the last century (at least) has slipped to the back-burner and faces legal hurdles at every turn, from his removal of documents from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, his or his legal team's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, especially in Georgia, troubles over his and his corporation's taxes, a pending civil lawsuit for sexual assault, and probably more.

More good news is that vaccines and new COVID treatments have lessened the likelihood of severe illness and death the past several months. [More...]

[More...]

On the flip side, Trump is making another run for the oval office. Whether out of desperation to preserve some imaginary form of immunity from prosecution, or just his delusional sense of grandeur, we have to remember he still has his under-informed, marginalized supporters who will vote for him just because they hate Democrats.

I've been saying for years, and I'll say it again, the song that most resonates with me when forced to think about Donald Trump is "Sweet Virginia" by the Rolling Stones, "it's time to scrape that sh*t right off your (our) shoes".

Nor are we yet clear of the dangers of the variants of COVID-19. I was literally the only person in my local grocery store wearing a mask today. No one in my apartment building has worn one for months. Yet Thanksgiving is a very dangerous time, because so many people get together indoors and this is an airborne virus and its mutations we are dealing with . A good piece of advice I read is to plan your event according to the risk posed to the most vulnerable persons attending your gathering. The next best piece of advice is for everyone attending an indoor gathering to do a home test in the morning, particularly if an elderly person or person at greater risk of severe illness from COVID is attending.

here is the latest from Dr. Anthony Faucci, an American treasure we'll be losing next month as White House chief medical advisor and, for the past 40 years, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:

With Thanksgiving approaching, Fauci said it “makes sense that you might want to get a test that day before” coming in contact with friends and relatives. Updated boosters against the BA.4/5 variant provide a “14 times lower risk of dying” and “at least a 3 times lower risk of testing positive compared to the unvaccinated individuals,” he added.

Dr. Faucci's final press briefing is here.

It's still hit and miss, and no one knows in advance who will get long-covid, so please be cautious and insistent if you fear your personal circumstances put you at greater risk from COVID-19 than the risk others face.

One last thing: On the Club Q shooting: We all need to protect the rights of those who are transgender or identify as non-binary. I was astonished today to read so many ignorant comments on a Fox news article in which people who identified as over 60 claimed to have never heard the word non-binary before and had to look it up. One said they thought the word was "non-dairy". Others just mocked the idea and said they'd never accept it.

Aldrich is 22 years old, extremely physically unattractive, obese and projects an unpleasant demeanor. They were obviously medicated from the beating injuries (including being pistol-whipped by the good-Samaritan who jumped them and grabbed a handgun from them.) It seemed like even their public defenders hadn't bonded with them yet. Whatever crisis, media make-over or jury selection expert is ultimately hired by the defense team is going to have their hands full humanizing them.

Yet Aldrich seems like a great opportunity to remind everyone that our constitutional rights are not there merely to protect the innocent. They are to ensure that everyone, even those we perceive to be lowest among us, receive a fair trial. If we don't protect the rights of people like Aldrich, and those we believe to be the most heinous among us, those rights may no longer be there when we or our loved ones need them.

Shorter version: You don't have to like him. As Oprah once said about why people should vote for Hillary even if they don't like her, "You don't have to like her. It's not like she's coming over to your house for dinner. You just have to vote for her." The same thing is true about Aldridge: You can think he's gross or evil or whatever other word you want. But as far as his legal proceedings, you have to urge and explain to people less informed than you that his rights must be protected, just like the rights of those who strike you as innocent and wrongfully accused. If they aren't, those rights may no longer be there when you or your loved ones need them.

Please let us know in comments how your Thanksgiving day went, and if you cooked, please share the menu. We like that kind of stuff here. I'll start: I'm cooking lasagna (3rd year in arow) with key lime pie and chocolate cake, topped with gelato for dessert.

But it's an open thread, feel free to choose the topic.

< Monday Open Thread: Heading to the Fediverse and Mastodon | War on Pain Meds Leads Man and Wife to Suicide >
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  • Display: Sort:
    OK, then, I'm going to (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by leap2 on Thu Nov 24, 2022 at 03:25:41 PM EST
    friends' house this afternoon and I'm bringing a pumpkin pie I made with a bottom "crust" of crushed pecans, cinnamon, sugar, butter, and eggwhite. (One friend is an actual sufferer of celiac disease.) The pumpkin part is loaded with fresh-grated ginger and nutmeg. Oh man does it smell wonderful!

    And I made a blueberry cobbler with a top crust of butter, whole wheat pastry flour, sesame seeds, salt, a bit of sugar for the non-gluten-free. The blueberries were from my garden crop this year. I have bags and bags, gallons of frozen blueberries and raspberries in my freezer. Also, too, frozen peaches and nectarines from my two little trees. The apricot tree lost almost all of its blossoms from back-to-back snow storms April 13 and 14. I had two cots this summer. :( They were quite large. though. No competition! Cots are the earliest blooming fruits trees around here. We must be at the northern limits of their range.

    Happy T-Day! Don't over-eat.... You'll have more leftovers.

    Happy T-Day... (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by desertswine on Thu Nov 24, 2022 at 03:27:18 PM EST
    Here's my contribution...

    Chimayo Cocktail

       1 1/2 oz gold tequila
       1 oz apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
       1/4 oz lemon juice
       1/4 oz creme de cassis

       In a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass with ice, add all ingredients and stir until glass frosts over.  Garnish with fresh apple slices and enjoy.

       by Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant


    I spent Thursday watching TV marathons (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 09:39:28 AM EST
    drinking smoking and cooking.  Three of my four favorite things along with eating.

    All my usual local thanksgiving mates were away visiting relatives or whatever else.  Both my siblings had their separate eat fests.  With grand children and great grandchildren and various hangers on a united party would probably be a hundred people.  So turkeys have been shared separately for the last several years.

    I was invited to both.  Either would have welcomed me.

    But I just couldn't do it.  Couldn't.  I stopped by to visit my brother and sister separately on Wed.  

    But all the libtard hating Trump loving yokels would have been there.  In both places.

    And I just couldn't do it.

    It was not sad or lonely.  It was actually kind of nice.  Recent years have led to days of dred leading up to the holidays.  

    I don't really care about holidays.  I do care about my mental health.

    I had Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms

    With veggie stir fry and quinoa.

    Then home made peach cobbler

    I was fine.

    Captain, (none / 0) (#7)
    by KeysDan on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 11:47:25 AM EST
    you  no doubt have much to be thankful for, particularly your ability to entertain ideas and yourself.   We have a detente of sorts---conversational topics limited to the weather, food, sports...although there was a brief breach.  The "terrible " schools crept into a discussion, including the "filth" being taught these days ala Pompeo, DeSantis/ Fox.

    Oh, like what?  Was asked. Well, they use the word p*nis. Really!  In what context and at what level, pre-school, kindergarten,  middle school. college?   In health classes, biology classes?  Answer: not sure, but no need to expose children, or something.  Ended with jokes about maybe pee pee would be acceptable, and the conversation moved along. But, still.

    Parent

    Exactly (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 12:04:49 PM EST
    That's so annoying. (none / 0) (#35)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 01:11:41 PM EST
    I'm reminded of the response offered by my late grandmother, a devout Roman Catholic, to her own sister during a similar conversation about sex education in public schools 30 years ago: "Oh, grow up! Ignorance is not bliss."

    Parent
    At Thanksgiving 2016 (none / 0) (#9)
    by RickyJim on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 01:37:17 PM EST
    Arriving guests were told, "no politics."  The rule is still in effect.  

    Parent
    FWIW (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 04:36:57 PM EST
    discussing politics has been banned from these gatherings for a long time.  Farther back that 2016.  Precisely because my family is and has always been very political.  Multiple family actually involved in politics.  And we like to argue.

    So all banning discussion really did is create an undercurrent of subtext that's like a cross between quicksand and rip tide.

    Unavoidable and inescapable.  I'm not good at subtext.

    Parent

    Small family (5.00 / 4) (#6)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 11:32:51 AM EST
    got even smaller with members out of town for Thanksgiving. Since it was just my daughter, her husband and I, we had a wine tasting at a nice restaurant and ate there. Wine was good, food was excellent and we even had leftovers to bring home.

    Even smaller here. My daughter and I enjoyed (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 05:33:46 PM EST
    a wonderful dinner at Bistro du Marche in La Jolla. Many others had the same inspiration.

    Parent
    I love La Jolla (none / 0) (#12)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 07:19:58 PM EST
    One summer, a colleague from California let me and the TL kid and a friend stay in his home there for a month while he and and wife went to Hawaii. Another summer, a friend of mine rented a condo there for the summer and I spent a month there (in separate trips, not a month all together.) The Valencia hotel has the best paella and Del Mar (a town or two away) has such a fun racetrack with really good hotdogs. The sunsets in La Jolla are the best.

    Parent
    I enjoy it too. But way too expensive to live (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 07:37:14 PM EST
    there.  20 min. drive from each is close enough.

    Parent
    I just spent six weeks total in La Mesa's ... (none / 0) (#74)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 03:31:37 AM EST
    ... Mt. Helix neighborhood on three different trips to the area since Labor Day, dealing with my uncle's passing and handling his estate. I must admit that personally, I found La Mesa, Grossmont and El Cajon to be confusing communities to navigate if you are generally unfamiliar with the area. There are so many hills and winding roads, and if it wasn't for GPS on my phone, I'd probably still be driving around lost. One night about 10:00pm, I wasn't using GPS and got disoriented, drove west instead of east and wound up at the campus of San Diego State University.

    I've also decided that San Diego Int'l Airport ranks right up there with Kahului Airport on Maui as my least favorite airport of late, both for the same reason. I flew Hawaiian Airlines, which is at Terminal 2 with Alaska, Delta and United airlines. And like Kahului, there are just way too many departing passengers at that terminal to have only one TSA security checkpoint open to process them. When I last departed SAN on Nov. 13, it took just over 60 minutes to get through security, despite the fact that it was 6:00am on a Saturday morning. That's inexcusable. (The flight to Honolulu is scheduled to depart at 7:50am PDT, then I connect at HNL for my flight to Hilo.) If I hadn't gotten there two hours early, I could've missed my plane!

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Mt. Helix is special. (none / 0) (#137)
    by oculus on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 07:53:38 PM EST
    Be happy you weren't at Terminal 1. I suppose the reason to build now is because of federal $$ becoming available. But what a mess. Parking lot closed. Cell phone lot moved.

    Parent
    SAN is an overcrowded facility ... (none / 0) (#139)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 01:50:33 PM EST
    ... compounded by the fact that it's also the second busiest one-runway airport in the world after London Gatwick. Further, there are no direct off-ramps from the I-5 North freeway to the airport. Instead, you have to drive through Little Italy in order to get to Harbor Blvd. And then, there's the traffic once you reach the airport. I agree with your assessment of Terminal 1, which is old and obsolete and needs replacement.

    The airport's location just west of downtown probably seemed like rational choice back in 1928 when it was first contemplated and built as Lindbergh Field, but it makes little sense today because facility growth and expansion are obviously restricted by geography and the surrounding neighborhoods. Of course, I'm also not telling you anything you don't already know.

    Honestly, the City of San Diego should have jumped at the opportunity to assume control of Miramar Naval Air Station during that fleeting moment in 1994 when the Pentagon was then engaged in its first round of post-Cold War downsizing, before the airfield got transferred instead to the Marine Corps.

    I suppose the City could enter into a joint operating agreement with the Defense Dept. for Miramar that's similar to the one between Honolulu Int'l Airport and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, in which the two facilities share the same runways but operate on opposite sides of the airfield complex. But that's for the future because right now, there appears to be no appetite for any relocation of SAN with San Diego voters. So, it looks like you're stuck with what you have.

    I will note in SAN's defense that its saving grace is the spectacular Rwy. 27 approach over I-5 between the downtown skyline and Balboa Park / Banker's Hill, which is as close to an amusement park thrill ride for a commercial airliner as you're likely to encounter anywhere in the country. Pilots may not care for it, but it never fails to get "oohs" and "aahs" from passengers looking out the windows as your plane glides into SAN on short final.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Coming in from the Laguna Mtns just as the sun was (none / 0) (#146)
    by oculus on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 12:37:16 AM EST
    Setting over the ocean was spectacular last week. The U.S. government has never even considered letting the commercial airport relocate to Miramar.

    Parent
    You can count me as one of those ... (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Nov 27, 2022 at 12:44:22 PM EST
    Jeralyn: "We all need to protect the rights of those who are transgender or identify as non-binary. I was astonished today to read so many ignorant comments on a Fox news article in which people who identified as over 60 claimed to have never heard the word non-binary before and had to look it up."

    ... who is over 60 and didn't know what the term "non-binary" meant. I had to ask my younger daughter. That said, I agree with you. Just because we never heard of it before, that doesn't mean it therefore doesn't exist.

    I still have trouble with the pronouns, and it had admittedly taken more than a bit of getting used to. But I'm working on it because respecting and accepting other people's self-identification is the right and decent thing to do.

    There's enough hostility and misunderstanding out there in the world as it is; why add to it? Ignorance can be cured with knowledge and greater awareness. Stupidity endures when we're so stubborn and set in our self-absorbed ways that we refuse to learn and evolve in accordance with the times.

    To be sure, it does take work to keep up. But that very challenge is often what makes life interesting. When we cease being interested and curious about the world around us, we stop growing - and then it's all quickly downhill from there.

    Hope everyone had a great weekend. Aloha.

    Thankful for Family and Health (5.00 / 4) (#22)
    by john horse on Sun Nov 27, 2022 at 02:29:57 PM EST
    Recovering from surgery.  So thankful for family and health.

    Regarding politics, I think the fundamental question in our country is whether we are a kind and decent people.  Despite all the racism, sexism, exploitation, etc. and painfully slow progress, I believe Americans are basically a kind and decent people.  Our country has come so far, yet has so far left to go.  I am so thankful to my brothers, sisters, and comrades on the Left who continue the good fight and have kept the faith.

    I hope (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 27, 2022 at 04:48:58 PM EST
    everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have been in NC and SC and not at home for over a week until now.

    I have been pretty much out of the news cycle deliberately figuring I could catch up at home.

    I have been thinking about this Trump running again thing. No one else has announced. I know it is early yet. I have to say though does any other candidate want to be asked repeatedly if they are going to pardon Donald Trump? You know it's going to be a question everyone is asked. Dodging it will win you no converts. After thinking about that I have begun to wonder if any of these ones like Youngkin and DeSantis are going to end up running. I wonder if the GOP isn't just going to write off 2024 because it's unlikely that anyone is going to knock off Trump and running is only going to damage their other candidates for any future runs. I also have thought that by the time 2028 rolls around Youngkin and DeSantis will be tired former governors.

    Just some of my thoughts on all this anyway.

    Really, really hope you are prescient. (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by oculus on Sun Nov 27, 2022 at 07:10:25 PM EST
    Trump's legacy could be the permanent (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 10:05:34 AM EST
    marginalization of the Republican party.  These people have lived in their info bubbles for so long they have no idea what they sound like to regular people.

    Like Pat.  Not one word about what he has done and said.  No mention of the clear threat to our way of life he represents.  Just a pathetic little sad face that he is now an albatross around the neck of every republican and they can't win with him as a figurehead.  

    Lindsey's truth fart about how the party will be destroyed and they will deserve it may end up being the one true thing he ever said.

    Evangelical celebrity and far-right activist Pat Boone told the Daily Beast that Donald Trump shouldn't run for president again.

    Said Boone: "I don't think there are enough Republicans who would vote for him so he could be elected. But he was his own worst enemy in his manner and his speech. And he made so many enemies that, while he could be a great president again if he muted his speech and all of that--which I'm not sure he's capable of--I would advise him, `Please don't run. I think you will divide the Republican Party even more.'"

    He added: "Sure, there are a few million people that will support him no matter what. But I think--because of the implacable, unmovable enemies he's created, even in the Republican Party--that he would not be elected."

    link

    If he had only muted his speech (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 11:42:29 AM EST
    Translation - he keeps saying the quiet part out loud.

    Parent
    Guilty (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 04:16:13 PM EST

    Oath Keepers Founder Guilty of Seditious Conspiracy
    November 29, 2022 at 5:15 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 22 Comments

    "A federal jury on Tuesday convicted Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes of seditious conspiracy for leading a months-long plot to unleash political violence to prevent the inauguration of President Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol," the Washington Post reports.

    "The verdict in Rhodes's case likely will be taken as a bellwether for two remaining Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy trials set for December against five other Oath Keepers and leaders of the Proud Boys, including the longtime chairman Henry `Enrique' Tarrio."

    "Both Rhodes and Tarrio are highly visible leaders of the alt-right or far-right anti-government movements, and were highlighted at hearings probing the attack earlier this year by the House Jan. 6 committee."



    The jury verdicts were split (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 05:38:15 PM EST
    Two of four defendants guilty of seditious conspiracy, two not guilty of that but guilty only of obstructing an official proceeding (the electoral vote count). A warning to the govt not to overcharge this very serious offense below the highest level of seditious leadership.  It also shows the jury to be discerning, not biased, and thus makes the convicted defendants' burden on appeal that much more onerous.

    Parent
    One word: (none / 0) (#48)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 04:18:34 PM EST
    Good.

    Parent
    I like some bobbleheads (none / 0) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 04:35:59 PM EST
    are calling him Elmer.  Probably the way the verdict was read.  Elmer Stewart Rhodes.

    They should all call him Elmer.

    Parent

    The US Senate (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by KeysDan on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 05:33:52 PM EST
    passed (61 to 35) The Respect for Marriage Act.  The senate-approved bill will now go back to the House for alignment with the senate changes.   Steny  Hoyer says it will be voted on next week, when it is expected to pass. It then goes to President Biden for signing into.law.

    The vote (none / 0) (#52)
    by KeysDan on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 05:39:56 PM EST
    was 61 to 36 with 12 Republicans voting for the senate bill to enshrine marriage equality into federal law. (Note vote tally change from above).

    Parent
    While not as strong (none / 0) (#53)
    by MO Blue on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 05:46:34 PM EST
    as we would want, it does offer some protection against our activist SCOTUS.

    Parent
    While good news (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 05:54:57 PM EST
    I'm not sure this is something to celebrate.   I agree the protection it offers is very important.  But it seems a tiny bit "separate but equal" to me.

    What it does not do is say a same sex marriage is just as valid and equal to a straight marriage.  And yes they are told they must recognize the marriages if performed in another state, after it has been outlawed in yours, but I'm a little nervous about the camel's nose under the tent aspect.

    If we can deny them the right to marry can deny them the right to.....this?  Or this?  How about this?

    Parent

    Also a question (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 06:53:28 PM EST
    Is this only relevant if Obergefell is reversed?

    Parent
    The mutual recognition provision (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 07:24:13 PM EST
    is irrelevant while Obergefell stands (which I personally think it will, regardless). The religious exemption provision is tricky. My initial assessment is that the "protection" against compelled participation that it gives to churches and their affiliates -- but importantly, not to individuals -- is no more than the Free Exercise Clause would require anyway. And by omitting any support for individual religious "objectors," it arguably undercuts their claims and at worst leaves them no better off than they stood without the law.

    Parent
    Yes, the (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by KeysDan on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 07:30:13 PM EST
    federal law will have merit only if the SC overturns Obergefell.  The threat arises from the concurrent opinion of Clarence Thomas in Dobbs that overturned Roe v Wade.  

    And, not only his threat to Obergefell, but also, to its "building blocks", including Lawrence (right to consensual same sex intimacy), and Griswold (contraception). The Act will repeal.DOMA, which was overturned in Windsor.

     Things would really get complicated  if Lawrence and Obergefell were overturned and Red states were required to recognize SS marriages under federal law and SS intimacy was illegal in those states.. It would be a disaster if the SC messed with the full faith and credit clause upon which the recognition is based. Then we have a confederacy not a union. Which may be right up the reactionaries alley.

    Parent

    Is it unusual (none / 0) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 08:22:10 PM EST
    for a federal law the be passed solely (or mostly) "just in case"?

    Parent
    Definitely (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 08:48:00 PM EST
    Very rare, I would say. I would like to mention, also, that I would much rather have seen a statute enacted pursuant to Section 5 of the 14th Amendment, in which Congress finds that codification of a nation-wide right to equal marriage was "appropriate legislation" to enforce the Equal Protection Clause of Section 1.

    Parent
    RIP Christine McVie (5.00 / 4) (#66)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 02:40:17 PM EST
    Another rock and roll legend is gone. I didn't appreciate Fleetwood Mac until I got older.


    Farewell, Christine McVie (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 12:46:34 PM EST
    Such a unique, soothing voice she had and such a benign presence.

    Spare me a little..

    No longer special (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 04:53:04 PM EST

    Appeals court halts special master review of documents seized at Mar-a-Lago in major defeat for Trump


    We cannot write a rule that allows any subject of a search warrant to block government investigations after the execution of the warrant. Nor can we write a rule that allows only former presidents to do so."



    They really (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 06:39:35 PM EST
    dumped on Cannon for "inserting herself into the investigation". However I'm quite sure she learned nothing.

    Parent
    To paraphrase Lord Talleyrand's ... (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 08:00:54 PM EST
    ... acidic observation about France's ruling House of Bourbon, MAGA Republicans have learned nothing and forgotten nothing.

    Parent
    How many of the millions of early votes (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 07:47:25 PM EST
    do you think are for Herschel?

    My bet is this election will not be as close as the last one.  

    Parent

    I don't (none / 0) (#100)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 02:08:15 PM EST
    know. I am worried but from what I have read most of the votes are coming from D areas so far. After the November numbers I don't know what to think.

    Parent
    I believe (none / 0) (#104)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 06:25:46 PM EST
    Senator Warnock has this.

    Parent
    The court's 21-page opinion (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by Peter G on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 09:46:07 PM EST
    (attributed to all three judges, all of whom are Republican-appointed, two by Tr*mp himself) can be summarized in two sentences:  (1) What part of "probable cause" do you not understand? and (2) You are nobody special, at least when it comes to being the subject of a criminal investigation.

    Parent
    Pretty sure Warnock is going to win (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 06, 2022 at 08:33:02 PM EST
    but GA seems like such a microcosm of the country.  The fact Walker is so close means the crazy right, that would vote for a Walker, is not going anywhere.

    We just have to beat them.  And beat them.  And beat them again.

    Makes me think (none / 0) (#123)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 06, 2022 at 09:41:10 PM EST
    of a Roman general said about the Germanic tribesman.

    They don't respect your learning or dignity of bearing, they only respect you after they've beaten down into the dust time and time again. And then only while they're still lying there groaning.

    Parent

    By over (none / 0) (#124)
    by KeysDan on Tue Dec 06, 2022 at 11:02:38 PM EST
    85,000 votes, despite the Republican voter suppression, including an attempt to ban Saturday voting, and a rainy Election Day.   Wonder if there were any arrests for giving a voter in line a.bottle of water?

    Parent
    Almost 97,587 (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 06:30:55 AM EST
    With 95% reporting

    Parent
    Ironically (none / 0) (#126)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 05:48:03 AM EST
    the rainy weather was in N. Ga. We had overcast and wet here in Metro Atlanta but N. Ga. apparently had a consistent downpour.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#125)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 05:45:29 AM EST
    the unfortunate truth. Being a now swing state Ga has at least tempered the crazy a little. But I know it is full on crazy in deep red states.

    Parent
    Hold my beer! (5.00 / 3) (#167)
    by KeysDan on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 10:31:58 AM EST
    Bloomberg News reports that Justice Brett Kavanaugh attended a private Christmas party at the home of Matt Schlapp and his lovely wife, Mercedes.

      Schlapp is chair of the far right wing Republican CPAC and operates a right wing lobbying group.  At last summer's CPAC conference the fascist Premier of Hungry, Viktor Orban, was the headliner.  Schlapp is also known as a leader of the "Brooks  Brothers " shut-down of the Miami vote recount in Nov 2000, and his hostile attacks on BLM as an affront to family values (I don't get it either).  

    Among fascist luminaries frolicking in holiday cheer with Mr. Kavanaugh were Stephen Miller, Erik Prince, Matt Gaetz, and Sebastian Gorka.(it as not noted if Gorka was wearing those Nazi medals he enjoys wearing).  

    The reactionary justices don't even try any more.  

    The outgoing governor of Oregon (5.00 / 1) (#178)
    by Peter G on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 10:38:01 PM EST
    has commuted every death sentence in the state to life without parole. Oregon's governors have imposed a moratorium on capital punishment for the last 11 years, and the newly elected governor feels the same way. Sadly, under our state constitution, Pennsylvania's outgoing governor does not have the same authority. And I'm not so sure that our newly elected governor, the current state Attorney General, who is a true "liberal," that is, not a progressive on criminal justice issues, will continue our present moratorium. (Although in the linked interview, he does eventually come around to saying he will not sign any new death warrants. So maybe that means the moratorium will continue. His wording is a little cagey.)

    Nuclear fusion breakthrough... (5.00 / 1) (#180)
    by desertswine on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 11:21:59 PM EST
    A controlled fusion reaction at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Calif., produced more energy than it consumed, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and other government officials said during a press conference from DOE headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    The milestone, known as fusion ignition, is unprecedented, according to the DOE.

    This is great news for the future, if there is one.   The only question is how soon they can weaponize this thing and drop one on the Chinese thereby turning the Earth into another sun.

    Another question (none / 0) (#181)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 14, 2022 at 09:32:35 AM EST
    How will the Petro nazis find a way to demonize it.

    Parent
    For only the third time in about 35 years (none / 0) (#3)
    by Peter G on Thu Nov 24, 2022 at 09:11:44 PM EST
    we did not host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for a large number of family members. We have three grown daughters, each of whom is (happily) married, and so far have three grandchildren. Only one of those couples lives within 1/2 hour of us; one is 2-1/2 hrs away, and the third is 2000 miles distant. Each of our kids' spouses has two living parents (all in long-term marriages). That means we are now competing (so to speak) with three other households of our generation who want at least some of our grown kids and grands to be with them just as much as we do. Plus, we were all together about six weeks ago for our youngest's wedding. Today, kind of crazily, we wound up have a big T-giving dinner at the home of the sister and brother-in-law (very nice, talented young people, but whom we hardly know) of our youngest daughter's wife. This was supposed to be a rendezvous with the new d-in-l's parents, but then they couldn't even come, because they came down with Covid! But the parents of our d-in-l's bro-in-law were there, and they turned out to be really nice, smart, lovely folks. The hosts cooked a gigantic feast (two roast chickens were the main dish, for some reason), served like turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Plus a vast number of exotic sides including celery root, rutabaga, kale salad, and string beans with mushrooms. Our daughter brought mashed sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top (which my mother used to make). Three different wines. Dessert included pumpkin bread that we brought, made from our Halloween pumpkin, a pecan and ginger pie (wonderful), a pumpkin pie (not great), and two kinds of homemade ice cream. Good thing we all took a long walk between dinner and dessert. I was kind of dreading having dinner with people we (mostly) did not know, with a menu that was not our own. But it actually worked out very well. Hoping the oldest daughter, her husband and our 3-yr-old grandson will make it for a day or two this weekend, having spent Thanksgiving at his parents, who live 90 miles north of us. We have all the fixins for our own traditional Thanksgiving dinner ready to go for Saturday, if they do make it.

    Pleased to (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by KeysDan on Fri Nov 25, 2022 at 09:03:30 AM EST
    learn that your Thanksgiving Day worked out so well, save for the pumpkin pie.  Hope you have a deja vu this weekend.

    Parent
    So we went ahead and made another (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by Peter G on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 07:33:42 PM EST
    Thanksgiving dinner today, with most of the elements of our family traditions. Because we had already done the shopping in the expectation of a larger crowd, we made enough dinner for ten adults and three kids, including roasting a 14-pound turkey, even though in the end we only had four adults and one kid at the table (eldest daughter, her husband, and our grandson). So now we have endless leftovers. We thought we had cranberry sauce in the pantry, but then couldn't find any; so we used ginger-peach chutney instead. Excellent. Actually, everything was really good. The pumpkin pie, following the recipe in my wife's Kentucky aunt's 1935 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, was the best ever.

    Parent
    Trader Joe's sells (none / 0) (#18)
    by MO Blue on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 07:54:31 PM EST
    A mango, ginger chutney that I use quite a lot. It goes well with most meats but I tend to use it with pork most often. Even use it on my ham sandwiches.

    Parent
    We had a jar of that TJ's mango chutney (none / 0) (#19)
    by Peter G on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 08:17:23 PM EST
    in the pantry also, but opted for the peach-ginger instead. The mango came in second when we discussed what to substitute.

    Parent
    I can see where the peach-ginger (none / 0) (#20)
    by MO Blue on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 09:55:16 PM EST
    would go well with turkey. I haven't seen that flavor. I'm always looking for new chutneys...what brand is it?

    Several years back, TJ had a cranberry chutney that I loved but they don't sell it anymore.

    Parent

    The ginger peach chutney is from (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by Peter G on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 10:12:47 PM EST
    Tait Farm Foods of Centre Hall, PA. They also sell a cranberry chutney. The cost of shipping may make ordering it on line prohibitive. For many years, a friend of my wife's would make cranberry chutney and give us a small Ball jar of it annually. Delicious.

    Parent
    Peach/ginger tea leaves make the (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Sun Nov 27, 2022 at 03:52:22 PM EST
    best iced tea.

    Parent
    Ha ha (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 02:33:26 PM EST

    The source familiar with the dinner conversation said the dinner grew heated after Ye -- who announced another run for president in 2024 on Thursday -- asked Trump to be his running mate. Trump then began insulting Ye's ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, according to the source and a video that Ye posted to Twitter on Thanksgiving Day recounting the dinner.



    "Don't know (none / 0) (#15)
    by KeysDan on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 03:43:58 PM EST
    why these anti-Semitic, racist, homophobic, misogynists keep coming to have dinner with me at my Club."   TFG.

    Parent
    I would pay (5.00 / 5) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Nov 26, 2022 at 04:28:33 PM EST
    To see and hear what happened after Ye asked Trump to be his running mate.

    Parent
    Not bothering to push them out windows anymore (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 27, 2022 at 02:45:04 PM EST

    Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei has died, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday, providing scant detail.

    On Facebook, the ministry wrote Saturday that Makei "died suddenly today." It also posted a picture of Makei on Twitter, writing in English that he "has passed away," without saying where or how he died. He was 64.



    After 38 years of slumber, Mauna Loa ... (none / 0) (#27)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 10:37:25 AM EST
     ... has finally awakened in the early morning hours today. The eruption is currently confined to its summit caldera (elev. 13,680 ft.) for the time being, and there is currently no indication of any migration of the eruption into a rift zone. But that could change suddenly and thus bears close monitoring. Lava flows are visible from South Kona, and Hawaii County civil defense officials are preparing to open emergency shelters for local residents in the town of Pahala, which is 55 miles southwest of us in Hilo.

    Correction: Lava flows are visible ... (none / 0) (#28)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 10:53:45 AM EST
    ... from North Kona at Waikoloa and not from South Kona. You can view the Mauna Loa summit eruption from these USGS webcams posted along the rim of Moku`āweoweo Caldera.

    Parent
    Be careful, Donald (none / 0) (#30)
    by Zorba on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 12:16:41 PM EST
    I was thinking about you earlier today when I saw the news.
    May Madame Pele be kind to you all.

    Parent
    Thank you, Zorba. (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 12:43:26 PM EST
    Mauna Loa's summit is about 60 miles from us to the southwest, and the mountain looms over us on the skyline. But if a lava flow starts heading our way as it did in 1935 and 1984, we'll likely have plenty of warning of at least two weeks.

    The big danger is to South Kona and Ka'u, because the mountain is really a lot steeper on the south and west sides than on the east, and any flows breaking out in that direction will head downhill much faster. Scientists estimate that South Kona will have perhaps five hours warning for any breakout there.

    I'm heading over to Kailua-Kona around noontime with the mayor to check on an evacuation center that's opening this morning. Apparently, some residents of South Kona have already evacuated up there. It's more of a photo op than anything else, but in this day and age of instant media coverage, the administration has to engage. I certainly didn't have "Volcanic Eruption" on "Things to Do" list at work when I left the office last Friday, but it is what it is.

    Take care and stay warm.

    Parent

    UPDATE: Here's what Mauna Loa's eruption ... (5.00 / 3) (#42)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 02:05:18 AM EST
    ... looked like tonight from Daniel K. Inouye Hwy. on our drive back to Hilo from Kailua-Kona. We were at 6,000 ft. in elevation, and the lava flow was 10 miles away.

    Here's an archived shot of Mauna Loa's Apr. 1984 eruption from Hilo as the main lava flow moved inexorably toward the town. It eventually stopped five miles from its outlying neighborhoods to the south.

    I have to admit, I was left in awe of tonight's views. We always wondered if we would ever get to see Mauna Loa erupt, since such events occur on average once every 30-40 years. And now we have. It's not at all frightening. It's simply incredible to see this massive mountain, the largest active volcano in the world, roar to life like this.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    UPDATE: I have to share ... (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 02:15:13 AM EST
    ... this view of Mauna Loa from my office window tonight. Mind you, the summit is nearly 60 miles away and 13,700 ft. high while we're at sea level. The eruption has spread down the mountain's northeast rift zone and the weather was clear, which makes for a spectacular shot. You can see the lava flow moving down the mountain in our general direction, but it poses no threat - at least, not now.

    Parent
    Could be an eventful week (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 11:06:01 AM EST
    Congress is back.  The Special Master will likely be told he is not special after all.

    Etc.

    I'm sure that's fine with him. (none / 0) (#32)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 12:53:01 PM EST
    In any event, Judge Raymond Dearie certainly wasn't giving Team Trump any breaks in their dealings with him, and we can at least appreciate that. The judge who's likely in for a verbal reaming by the appellate court is Aileen Cannon, a partisan Federalist society airhead who really has no business being on the bench.

    Parent
    I'm sure that's true (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 01:05:12 PM EST
    But eliminating him is still a big deal.  And the senate may protect marriage this week.   And maybe the first sedition convictions in a while I think.

    Feels like wheels are turning.


    Parent

    Have you listened to the podcast 'Ultra'? (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 01:16:29 PM EST
    It's about the America First movement in the early 1940s, Nazi Germany's attempts to undermine U.S. democracy, and the Great Sedition Trial of 1944. Rachel Maddow and Co. did a really good job explaining that history and its relevance to today.

    Parent
    Agreed (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by KeysDan on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 01:53:25 PM EST
    Her Ultra podcast was really good.  Recommended

    Parent
    I hope (none / 0) (#38)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 03:46:41 PM EST
    you are right.

    Judging by Trump meltdowns about Jack Smith, it would seem you are at least on the right track here.

    Parent

    Stay safe (none / 0) (#34)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 01:06:35 PM EST
    Looks like air quality will be the thing for now.

    Parent
    an effort to break down the concept (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 05:22:53 PM EST
    of political power.

    It would take some time to unpack that statement.

    Justices Signal Limit to Corruption Prosecutions
    November 28, 2022 at 3:44 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 98 Comments

    "Supreme Court justices signaled they will put new limits on public-corruption prosecutions as they considered overturning the conviction of a onetime top aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo," Bloomberg reports.

    "Hearing arguments in Washington Monday, the justices questioned whether Joseph Percoco could be convicted of so-called honest-services fraud given that he was working for Cuomo's re-election campaign -- and not the government -- during a key eight-month period in 2014. The Biden administration is defending the conviction."

    "Justices from across the court's ideological spectrum said they worried the administration's position would put influential lobbyists -- and those who hire them -- at risk of prosecution. Chief Justice John Roberts described the government's arguments as `an effort to break down the concept of political power.'"



    Any (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by FlJoe on Mon Nov 28, 2022 at 05:49:07 PM EST
    concept of political power that involves "influential lobbyists" deserves to be broken down, ground into dust and be cast into the trash bin of history.

    Parent
    I'm starting to think this could actually happen (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 10:14:54 AM EST
    Only to McCarthy.  He is such a bumbling boob he could actually make this happen.

    Interesting times

    McCarthy Warns Democrats Could Pick the Speaker
    November 29, 2022 at 10:09 am EST By Taegan Goddard 120 Comments

    House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) warned his GOP skeptics in a Newsmax interview against opposing him for Speaker on the House floor.

    Said McCarthy: "We have to speak as one voice. We will only be successful if we work together, or we'll lose individually. This is very fragile -- that we are the only stopgap for this Biden administration."

    He added: "And if we don't do this right, the Democrats can take the majority. If we play games on the floor, the Democrats can end up picking who the Speaker is."


    -----

    Anyone But McCarthy?
    November 29, 2022 at 10:59 am EST By Taegan Goddard Leave a Comment

    Tara Palmeri looked at the five GOP lawmakers who have said they won't vote for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker and found them all pretty firm in their opposition.

    The perceived squishiest of them, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), said he would only vote for McCarthy under "extreme circumstances."



    Supposedly (none / 0) (#64)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 11:08:29 AM EST
    there are 12 who will not vote for him. He's obviously promised Marge a leadership role the way she's going to bat for Kev. You know those new reps in NY and CA are seeing signs of political death in 2024. LOL.

    I have heard speculation that even if Kevin gets elected speaker don't expect it to last

    Parent

    Classical gas (none / 0) (#46)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 04:01:27 PM EST
    Tommy Enamuel

    You're welcome

    wow, very nice! (none / 0) (#55)
    by leap2 on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 06:00:08 PM EST
    I didn't think I'd ever want to listen to "Classical Gas" ever again, but, well, this. He looks like he's having so much fun, too. Thanks.

    Parent
    Tommy Emanuel (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 29, 2022 at 06:04:46 PM EST
    Might not be a popular opinion here (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 10:13:08 AM EST
    but I have been saying this should be done since I lived in NYC in the 70s and 80s.

    NYC mayor says city officials can hospitalize mentally ill homeless people involuntarily



    I'm glad that's settled (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 12:18:10 PM EST

    Supreme Court Counsel Clears Alito Over Leaked Decision
    November 30, 2022 at 12:56 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 43 Comments

    "The Supreme Court legal counsel said there is no evidence that Justice Samuel Alito violated ethics standards, according to a letter on Monday in response to questions from congressional Democrats about allegations that Alito revealed the outcome of a 2014 decision before it was released," CNN reports.



    Congress really needs to do something ... (none / 0) (#67)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 03:11:26 PM EST
    ... about the Supreme Court Historical Society where for a nice donation - an amount of which would be ruinous to one of us, but is chump change to the sort of people who are willing to drop that dime - you can have exclusive access to sitting members of the High Bench all in a social setting of course.

    Nobody should be allowed to lobby the Supreme Court through a back door, a social occasion or whatever. Nothing good can come from such ex parte discussions.

    As for the justices themselves, like Sammy Alito and Brett Kavanaugh, if they want to make political decisions, then they should resign their seats and run for public office.

    My biggest fear is rooted in the fact that the Supreme Court's authority is primarily of the moral variety. That is, we defer to their opinions out of respect for the Court itself. And the Court's conservative majority is squandering the public's respect the members and the institution.

    What will happen when that same majority issues an unpopular opinion that is roundly condemned and rejected by the public, to the point where some people and even states feel confident in choosing to ignore it? What then?

    It would be like President Andrew Jackson's alleged quote when hearing of the Supreme Court's 1835 opinion upholding Cherokee title to northern Georgia: "Justice Marshall has rendered his opinion. Now let him enforce it." Then came the Trail of Tears.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    It sometimes seems like (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 03:29:43 PM EST
    they are doing their best they give democrats enough reason to expand the court

    12 seems like a good number

    Parent

    needs to be an uneven number (none / 0) (#69)
    by leap2 on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 05:04:02 PM EST
    so as to avoid ties. As if that makes a difference....

    Parent
    I think there are (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 05:36:13 PM EST
    13 circuit courts.

    You are right.  

    Parent

    Justices (none / 0) (#72)
    by leap2 on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 07:55:13 PM EST
    as circuit justices (scroll down)

    Thirteen justices would be a good number. But it will never happen under any Democrat in charge. Pelosi wouldn't bring it to the floor. You just know the Republicans would have no qualms if they wanted to further pack the court, but they don't need to, as they have their own sleazy ways to maintain control.

    Parent

    Things (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 08:17:47 PM EST
    Change

    Parent
    One of the things (5.00 / 3) (#78)
    by KeysDan on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 04:00:55 PM EST
    that has changed is the population of the USA. When the SC was formed in 1790, there were 6 justices and a population of about 4 million people. President Andrew Jackson, with Congress, added two justices in 1837, to the then Court, bringing the court to nine members--the population at the time was about 27 million.

    During the Civil War, in 1863, President Lincoln increased the Court to 10 members so as to assure that his ant-slavery measures had the support of the Courts. The Court was returned to nine members in 1869 during the Grant Administration, where it has since remained.  The population at that time was about 38 million.

    The population in 2020 was about 330 million.  Population alone would seem to argue for an increase in the size of the Supreme Court  The addition of four justices would be a good start.  Additional changes Congress should consider are ethics rules.for SC justices and reform of certiorari procedures (e.g.,a judicial panel of appellate judges determines cases to be heard by the SC, rather than--having 4 justices decide what cases it wants to hear).

    Parent

    This is our life now (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 30, 2022 at 05:51:54 PM EST
    2.98 a gallon (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 11:07:54 AM EST
    This morning

    I (none / 0) (#76)
    by FlJoe on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 12:28:14 PM EST
    paid 3.12 the other day

    Parent
    $3.13 down here. (none / 0) (#81)
    by fishcamp on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 05:25:10 PM EST
    But that just happened today.  Yesterday it was $3.23.

    Parent
    None lower than (none / 0) (#86)
    by Peter G on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 08:06:52 PM EST
    $3.75 in and around Philly, so far. But wondering, are all the "Go Brandon" yahoos now crediting Pres. Biden for the lower gas prices?  (I didn't think so.)

    Parent
    Costco in Allentown (none / 0) (#89)
    by jmacWA on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 05:19:59 AM EST
    Paid 3.29 this week

    Parent
    Not a Brandon idolator (none / 0) (#102)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 04:13:20 PM EST
    but the national avg gas price is about 40% higher now than when Biden took office. (from 2.50 to 3.45) Why anyone would want to consider that a credit or positive thing for Biden, I don't know.

    Parent
    The average cost (none / 0) (#103)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 06:21:10 PM EST
    of gasoline on the last day of TFG's term was $2.38 per gallon. Demand at that point, had cratered owing to pandemic lockdowns and other public health measures.  Refineries reduced production accordingly creating a supply issue and price increase as the pandemic restrictions receded. That, and taking advantage of the situation by the oil industry.  

    The Biden Administration worked hard to restore normalcy to the market---a situation not entirely under its control.  Credit, it seems to me, is reasonable to give to President Biden.

    Parent

    I mean, sure, about 2.40 when Trump left (none / 0) (#105)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 06:46:20 PM EST
    and according to the data the avg price of gas was never higher than about 3.00 during his time, but it's 3.45 now, which down from a 5.00+ high under Biden in June.

    Three cheer for this?

    Parent

    Have you checked (none / 0) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 08:44:53 PM EST
    What it costs in other countries?

    Parent
    Google (none / 0) (#107)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 08:46:50 PM EST
    GlobalPetrolPrices.com, an energy data tracking company, puts U.S. gas prices in the bottom half of a global measure. And we pay the least for gasoline of any economically advanced country.
    https://www.kiplinger.com > ... > Cars
    Gas Prices Around the World - Kiplinger

    Thanks Biden

    Parent

    The subject is comparing Biden (none / 0) (#108)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 09:07:17 PM EST
    to Trump to see who deserves credit. Gas prices are much higher under Biden.

    If you want to compare worldwide prices then show us worldwide prices under Trump to compare with Biden.

    Parent

    There are four primary factors ... (5.00 / 3) (#109)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 02:06:43 AM EST
    ... that influence the retail price of gasoline in the marketplace, broken down here by approximate percentage of the overall cost:
    • Crude oil prices (54%)
    • Refining costs (14%)
    • Taxes (16%)
    • Distribution and marketing costs (16%)

    Regardless of whether or not the media and public wants to credit or blame / him or her for the cost of a gallon of gas, presidents have no real control over any of that except perhaps for federal fuel taxes, which they can suspend temporarily. It's the sort of nonsensical political discussion that serves only to feed people's misconceptions about the subject and ultimately waste everyone's time.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    `In (none / 0) (#110)
    by FlJoe on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 05:05:38 AM EST
    fact, generally speaking, presidents have very little effect on gas prices no matter what. Neither Trump nor Biden deserve credit/blame for gas prices during their term.


    Parent
    I think Biden actually has (none / 0) (#111)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 07:22:04 AM EST
    done things that have helped lower the price here.

    Limited help but still we have cheap gas compared to the rest of the world.

    Parent

    Yes. ordinarily (none / 0) (#112)
    by KeysDan on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 08:27:04 AM EST
    Presidential impact on gasoline prices is tangential, but the extraordinary factors of the pandemic impinged on the market forces causing it to go haywire.  The Biden Administration acted to restore relative normalcy to the market in several  ways from the foundational step of  vaccine distribution and other pandemic mitigation to factors of direct impact, such as release of federal reserves and similar influencers to the market.  

    Efforts were made to increase oil production and speed-up refinery.  The bone saw prince was not fully cooperative having a soft spot and hard cash for TFG and family, but some progress was made after a controversial stop by Biden in Saudi's Arabia.  

    In my view, it is justifiable to give President Biden substantial credit for a return to approximate pre-pandemic gasoline prices and restored order to the market.

    Parent

    Yep. But fan bois (none / 0) (#113)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 09:43:48 AM EST
    will fan.

    Parent
    Fan boi Newt (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 10:18:15 AM EST

    Newt Gingrich issues wake-up call to Republicans: 'Quit underestimating President Biden'
    Gingrich says Biden 'had one of the best first term off-year elections in history' and wants Republicans to pay attention

    If you read the piece he also talks about what an amazing thing it is to have gotten all the stuff done they have done, and in spite of what you hear it's a lot, with such tiny margins.

    Yes, I give Joe some small credit for lower gas prices than any of our friends.  And lots of other stuff.


    Parent

    This piece (none / 0) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 10:28:06 AM EST
    It seem as if (none / 0) (#116)
    by KeysDan on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 10:45:40 AM EST
    critics of President Biden are freaking out with his successes.   They tried to paint him as this senile old geezer all to thirr peril.  His 50-years of experience that includes senior senatorial positions and eight years as Vice President, has been put to good use and appears just right for these challenging times.  They are just catching on (cf. Newt).

    Parent
    Lordy (none / 0) (#117)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 03, 2022 at 11:05:41 AM EST
    Biden is probably one of the least "woke socialist" people ever. It only has taken Gingrich about 30 years to realize that the GOP is creating their own problems. He did not even realize this after aiding Bubba into a 1996 landslide. Gingrich also does not realize that while Biden has been effective he's not a ninja. He largely has been helped by the GOP and the supreme court. The GOP is probably going to be paying for the supreme court for a generation. They already lost a generation over their terrible foreign policy.

    Parent
    Strong jobs report (none / 0) (#93)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 12:24:02 PM EST
    for November, added 263,000 jobs. Unemployment at 3.7%, wages increase of 5.1%.  

    Parent
    Kanye says (none / 0) (#79)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 04:02:06 PM EST
    "We've got stop dissing the Nazis all the time."

    I like that he's not waiting for Trump, Alex, Mike Pillow, MTG et al to do all the heavy lifting and taking things up a notch..

    Here's a thought: maybe he's not Bipolar, maybe he's just an effing idiot who hasn't heard the words 'No' and 'You're wrong' in twenty years.


    Seen the video of this interview? (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 07:51:36 PM EST
    He's wearing a full head black mask.

    The guy is a trainwreck.  People need to stop talking about him.  Which is the obvious point of this pathetic tirade.

    Parent

    Maybe we should talk (none / 0) (#88)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 01, 2022 at 10:12:19 PM EST
    about him more, considering how much some elements in the GOP have been embracing and promoting Kanye up until today.

    The Republican House judiciary committee just erased a tweet they've been running since October that reads "Trump. Kanye. Elon."

    Parent

    Soon (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 06:33:58 AM EST
    to be replaced by DeSantis, Putin, Hitler.

    Parent
    The should just use (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 12:56:34 PM EST
    Three emojis: an assault rifle, a burning cross, and a plastic Jesus.

    Parent
    QOTD (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 10:57:19 AM EST

    "The fact that the former President had dinner with a guy that was SO Nazi, that he disavowed knowing him by saying the dinner was supposed to be with a guy who just said Hitler is dope, is definitely something unimaginable on alternate sane Earth."

    -- Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), on Twitter.

    Ye and Trump are a pair.  Ye does not seem interested in making Trump look good.  Like Trump it's just about him.  It's like an ego cage match.

    Parent

    They probably loved the idea (none / 0) (#94)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 12:26:28 PM EST
    at first, that Kanye might attract "the black vote" to the GOP - as opposed to the delusional, ambulatory schizophrenic vote..

    I kinda feel bad for the guy, but the whole the is also kinda hilarious, in a sick way - what with the orange net, the mask, and the bottle of Yoohoo.

    Parent

    I think I would be smarter (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 07:45:04 AM EST
    to let republicans talk about him.

    Parent
    It's going to be a lot of (none / 0) (#95)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 12:52:25 PM EST
    furious back peddling and la-la-la who's Kanye? We never heard of him.

    The last thing they want now is for Kanye to be associated in any way with the GOP.

    Parent

    Too late (none / 0) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 01:00:22 PM EST
    n/t

    Parent
    Yeah, I know (none / 0) (#99)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 01:19:21 PM EST
    If he keeps running as a Republican, they may have to bump him off. Especially if he keeps getting crazier in public.

    I hope there's a cozy picture of Kanye and Peter Thiel together out there somewhere. That would make my day.

    Parent

    Plan C (none / 0) (#98)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 01:03:14 PM EST

    Lee Zeldin Floated as Alternative to Kevin McCarthy
    December 2, 2022 at 2:06 pm EST By Taegan Goddard Leave a Comment

    Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) appeared on a radio show and threw more cold water on Rep. Kevin McCarthy's (R-CA) bid to become speaker.

    Said Cline: "We have to ask what's going to be different, and if it's not anything substantive, then why should we be voting for Speaker McCarthy?"

    And he had an alternative: "This is the Lee Zeldin majority. Because Zeldin has delivered these New York seats for Republicans in Biden districts."



    Lee Zeldin (none / 0) (#101)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 02, 2022 at 02:36:37 PM EST
    has also been floated as a replacement for Ronna.

    Parent
    Led Zeppelin (none / 0) (#119)
    by desertswine on Mon Dec 05, 2022 at 12:15:56 PM EST
    For a second, I thought that read Led Zeppelin.

    Parent
    Plan C-1 (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Dec 04, 2022 at 09:55:13 AM EST

    Former President Donald Trump wrapped up a busy Saturday of posts on his Truth Social platform by angrily lashing out at reports that a Republican who voted in favor of his impeachment could become Speaker of the House if Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) falls short.

    Politico this week reported on whispers among moderate Republicans and Democrats about joining together and nominating outgoing Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) as House Speaker should Republican hardliners sabotage McCarthy's bid.



    Parent
    The House Democrats should not do ... (none / 0) (#120)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Dec 05, 2022 at 01:49:53 PM EST
    ... the Republicans' job for them. The GOP wanted control, and they got it. Part of being in charge is being able to choose leaders who can actually lead.

    It's the not the fault of Democrats that Speaker-wannabe Kevin McCarthy and the House Republicans don't have their act together. And it's also not the responsibility of Democrats to figure that out on behalf of the GOP. Here's a little history lesson.

    In Nov. 1994, the Republicans took control of the California State Assembly and proceeded to spend the next 14 months fighting one another over that body's speakership. The not-unexpected result was four different speakers in less than 15 months - including one who was recalled from office by her own GOP voters in Orange County at the behest of her colleagues on Sacramento - and general legislative chaos.

    Not surprisingly, California voters swept the GOP aside in the 1996 election and returned Democrats to majority control in the State Legislature, which they've held ever since. And further, their margins of majority have only since increased. As for California Republicans, it's very clear at this point that the farther they move to the right, the more they self-marginalize with state voters.

    The California State Legislature convenes today in Sacramento to swear in all members and open a special session focused on a very Democratic agenda, namely the petroleum industry's windfall profits and price gouging. And the GOP can't do anything about it because Republicans hold none of the 8 statewide elective offices, only 18 of the 80 Assembly seats and only 9 out of 40 State Senate seats.

    I've long contended that California is a national bellwether, in which its political trends portend a similar national shift about a generation later. If Republicans in D.C. want to see the direction they're going, they need only look to their GOP brethren in California to see the fate that awaits them.

    40 years ago, California Republicans more or less dominated state politics and had even sent two of their own to the White House. Today, they're little more than a footnote and speed bump.

    And why is that? Because in large measure, they did the very things in the 1980s and '90s that national Republicans in D.C. are generally repeating today. Their toxic brew of xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia and mindless tax cuts for the wealthy may be popular with an aging, ignorant and agitated white voter base, but it tends to repel most everyone else.

    And as the U.S. becomes less and less of a white-majority country, that demographic shift - which mirrors California's trend 30 years ago - is likely fatal for them politically, unless they make a conscious effort to ditch the far-right nonsense and return to where they once were as a just-right-of-center party. What do you think the odds of that happening are?

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Jacked (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 06, 2022 at 08:19:40 PM EST

    Special Counsel Subpoenas Officials in Three States

    December 6, 2022 at 12:58 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 116 Comments

    "Special counsel Jack Smith has subpoenaed local officials in Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin -- three states that were central to former president Donald Trump's failed plan to stay in power following the 2020 election -- for any and all communications with Trump, his campaign and a long list of aides and allies," the Washington Post reports.

    "The subpoenas... show that Smith is extending the Justice Department's examination of the circumstances leading up to the Capitol attack to include local election officials and their potential interactions with the former president and his representatives."



    If Herschel Walker had been the person (none / 0) (#128)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 07:05:34 AM EST
    who gave this concession speech for the whole campaign he would probably have won.

    Gracious sincere, he didn't sound at all stupid.  He even got a couple of shouts out to the constitution.  

    I always thought (none / 0) (#129)
    by KeysDan on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 10:47:44 AM EST
    that if Walker did win, he would not stay long.  His resignation would permit Gov. Kemp to appoint a replacement, maybe Kelly Loeffler once again.  Loeffler owes Kemp already and would give $millions to his new federal PAC.  Kebmp apparently sees himself as a presidential candidate in the Nazi party (aka Republican Party).  He and Pence would have about the same chance but they don't know that.

    Parent
    I don't (none / 0) (#130)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 02:46:55 PM EST
    think Kemp sees himself as presidential material but he would have a slightly better chance than Pence.

    Parent
    Well. (none / 0) (#133)
    by KeysDan on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 03:11:42 PM EST
    Kemp is tanned, rested, botoxed and ready to go!

    Parent
    I don't (none / 0) (#131)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 02:46:55 PM EST
    think Kemp sees himself as presidential material but he would have a slightly better chance than Pence.

    Parent
    Did you hear the whole speech? (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 06:56:53 PM EST
    It's short.  But it literally sounds like a different person.

    Parent
    The slim margin of victory makes me afraid (none / 0) (#143)
    by Jack E Lope on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 03:23:34 PM EST
    ...that a if candidate just a little better than Herschel Walker had been the Republican Party candidate, they probably would have won.

    Parent
    So what? And if the dog hadn't stopped ... (none / 0) (#196)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 12:45:40 PM EST
    ... to relieve himself at the streetlight pole, he might've caught the rabbit.

    Don't waste your time worrying about something in the (immediate) past that could've happened but (thankfully) never did. Sen. Warnock prevailed and that's all that matters. Whether the margin was 10,000 votes, 100,000 or a million is immaterial to the final outcome. A win's a win.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    This thing in Germany (none / 0) (#135)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 07, 2022 at 06:39:59 PM EST
    it's strange to hear the news coverage of this goofy coup

    It seems worse to hear about Germans doing it.  I guess we can hope a few Americans can see the insanity of the whole thing more clearly watching Germans get arrested for it.

    It's so weirdly parallels J6.  USA.  Leading the way.

    Yes, goofy. (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by KeysDan on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 09:45:03 AM EST
    Reads like a Marxist plot--Groucho in Freedonia.  Except it is not a comedy!   Heinrich XIII. Prince Ruess of Grieg, former rulers of Thuringer (is there a Princess Sauerkraut?).  

    A plot worthy of Bannon, making me wonder if he is at the bottom of this pile.

    Parent

    That's due to German history. (none / 0) (#140)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 01:57:30 PM EST
    We can no doubt be sure that Berlin's disclosure of the coup plot probably sent shivers down the collective spines of Germany's neighbors, which still have vivid nightmares about the last time the country danced with fascists and nationalists.

    Parent
    Italian history too (none / 0) (#141)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 02:38:43 PM EST
    One is put in mind of the P2-Propaganda Due episode in Italy in the early eighties..

    These fascistic, reactionary undercurrents have existed in Europe for quite awhile. With tendrils that reach even to and from the Vatican.

    Parent

    I'm sure this is true (none / 0) (#142)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 02:50:46 PM EST
    which makes the fact they are ineptly copycating Americans even more disturbing

    Parent
    Spicing up (none / 0) (#144)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 03:51:15 PM EST
    the witch's brew with a little old-fashioned, knuckle-dragging stupidity, as it were.

    I mean really, German QAnon followers? That's like a weird nightmare after eating too much bad Thai food or something.

    Parent

    I think its the moldy rye bread. (none / 0) (#145)
    by desertswine on Thu Dec 08, 2022 at 11:53:13 PM EST
    Robert Schenck testimony about the Supremes (none / 0) (#147)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 09:50:06 AM EST
    this is just jaw dropping

    I've been listening to the legal bobblehead chatter about this and a theme seems to be there.

    The questioner asks the expert what can be done and the expert, which is a list of the usual legal suspects like Lawrence Tribe, takes a while to say not much really.

    Without an essay, unless you feel like an essay, could anyone tell me what if anything can be done about things like Alitos leaks and Thomas hearing arguments for Moore v Harper after his wife tried to use fake electors in the last election.

    What can Congress do as far as changing the rules to make them accountable even to the same rules every other judge in the country must follow.

    Anything?

    Making the rules for the Supreme (5.00 / 4) (#148)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 01:37:28 PM EST
    Court Justices is one thing (that Congress can do), but finding an effective way to enforce those rules is another. Justices, according to the Constitution, "hold office during good behavior", which has been viewed as being life time appointments.

    Of course, impeachment is a means of enforcement or accountability, but only one SC Justice has ever been impeached, Samuel Chase in 1805, and he was not convicted by the senate. So, this does not seem to be a viable enforcement mechanism, save for "shooting someone on 5th Avenue". Maybe.

    Having the senate or executive branches enforcing the rules, brings issues of separation of power. And, using a panel of lower court judges to evaluate alleged ethical offenses would be tricky.

     A possible mean of evaluating ethics allegations, would be to invest that responsibility in the Chief Justice (at present, each Justice makes their own decision on ethics or recusal and are  not subject to review by the entire Court).

     But, that would not be fool-proof: For example, Pastor Schenck (cf. link) wrote a letter to CJ Roberts about his information about Alito or Mrs. Alito leaking Hobby Lobby, and, even more importantly, the "stealth" project to influence SC Justices.   Schenck never heard a word back from Roberts.

    Perhaps, the entire SC justices should at least review each other's decisions to recuse or not recuse, as well as consider planned speaking engagements, and appearances with activists or others with matters before the Court.

    This photo, for example, of Alito and Kavanaugh, at the Supreme Court dining room, with their far right wing guests: the German Cardinal Ludvig Mueller, the Dowager Princes Gloria, of Thurn und Taxis, and Brian Brown, anti-gay lobbyist.

    Cardinal Mueller was relieved of his Vatican Curia duties by the Pope (who he challenges)and is anti-gay/anti-SS marriage--of course this Cardinal was also involved in cover-ups of altar boy abuses in his own German diocese), and the Dowager, a funder of such hate projects.

    Such a meeting does not engender great confidence for impartial administration of justice, with related cases coming before the Court.

    Parent

    So (none / 0) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 03:26:42 PM EST
    not much really.

    This kind of seems like a big F'up by our storied founders.

    Parent

    The design (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 03:41:33 PM EST
    of the Founders was to protect the Court from external influences with trust and confidence that the justices.would, in turn, live up to it.  They probably didn't envision a Federalist Society agenda and corrupt players such as Mitch and Alito.

    There are still steps Congress can do to mitigate the corruption.

    Parent

    Steps? (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 04:33:57 PM EST
    What kind of steps?

    Parent
    The TERM Act (5.00 / 2) (#153)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 05:55:32 PM EST
    Introduced by Rep Hank Johnson (D.GA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D.RI) is a legislative step to modernize the structure of the Court.  This proposal suggests 18-year term limits with the justices inactive in senior status, but may become active if a vacancy or otherwise needed. So, still a lifetime appointment according to these legislators.

    In addition to consideration of this idea, the Court needs to be expanded  in a number equal to the number of Circuit Courts.

    And, critical, in my view, is to change the procedure by which cases are determined to be heard by the SC.  The Certiorari (four justices decide cases) process is prone to justices selecting in accord with there interest rather than priorities. And, to signal to bring them a case, such as Clarence calling for an opportunity to rule or over-rule. The SCis to decide cases not to legislate or create policies it prefers.

    Several changes could considered such as a rotating panel of senior appellate judges could.make these decision in accord with guidelines such as need to reconcile dissimilar rulings of similar cases in the Circuits.  Or societal or other priorities.

    Parent

    303 Creative v Elenis (5.00 / 3) (#172)
    by KeysDan on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 02:45:28 PM EST
    is, to me, a good example of a case that the Supreme Court should not have taken. Issues of standing and being ripe for a Supreme Court ruling seem obvious. More like we have an interest along these lines and want to rule on it. Maybe, as part of an anti-gay crusade?

     It would seen unlikely that a panel of senior appellate judges, or similar selection body, would have presented this claim to the Supreme Court at this point.

    Evangelist Lorie Smith who for religious reasons, does not want to build/sell wedding web-sites for same sex couples, filed a lawsuit arguing that it violated her free speech and religious freedom rights.

    There is, essentially, no case. Ms. Smith had not yet formed a website design firm, but is thinking about it.  She has not yet refused to make a website for anyone--a straight or gay couple. And, no gay or other couple has lodged a complaint about her refusing to make/or make available a website to LGBTQ couples.

     Facts customarily a part of a case that would influence a finding, such as refusal to provide an existing template of a wedding website v. tailor-making a web site are missing. Questions as to whether an announcement with a "save this date" is the speech of the web designer or that of the couple have not been addressed.

    Although, the oral argument did give Mr. Alito another opportunity for his "stand-up" auditioning, with his humorless and tasteless follow-up about black children visiting Santa wearing KKK robes.

    Parent

    So (none / 0) (#150)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 09, 2022 at 03:32:09 PM EST
    The only thing that can be done is increase the number of justices?

    Term limits?

    Parent

    Elon Musk (none / 0) (#154)
    by MO Blue on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 03:13:14 PM EST
    is trying to out Trump...Trump. What an AH. Wonder if he has presidential aspirations now that he has copied TOG's playbook.

    Will any Birthers who support Musk for President (none / 0) (#155)
    by Jack E Lope on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 03:31:32 PM EST
    ...switch to a strategy of "turnabout is fair play" when someone points out that Elon was born in Africa?

    Parent
    Wonder if he realizes yet (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 03:56:59 PM EST
    how many rich liberals bought Teslas.

    Who won't anymore.

    Parent

    According to my grandson, (none / 0) (#160)
    by MO Blue on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 10:07:53 PM EST
    who is really into all electric cars, Teslas are not very good. He didn't even consider them when he recently purchased his all electric car.

    Parent
    Teslas have a reputation, among electric-car (none / 0) (#177)
    by Jack E Lope on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 07:01:53 PM EST
    ...enthusiasts, for breaking a lot, and long waits for expensive parts and service.

    When existing combustion-engine manufacturers create electric cars, those often are the most-reliable and lowest-maintenance vehicles they offer.

    Parent

    Most Certainly Not (none / 0) (#158)
    by RickyJim on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 05:38:47 PM EST
    Musk is a citizen of the Republic of South Africa since his birth in 1971, he became a citizen of Canada in 1989, and he has been a U.S. citizen since 2002. However he just might be the sort of guy who will financially back a drive to have a referendum on a new US Constitution.  Hmmm.  Anybody have a suggestion on how I might give him a pitch? :-)

    Parent
    Good point (none / 0) (#161)
    by MO Blue on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 10:11:44 PM EST
    I completely forgot that he was born in South Africa. I would not bet against him trying to get the Constitution changed. Or adopt TOG's push to eliminate it altogether.

    Parent
    Meadows is going to get a referral (none / 0) (#156)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 03:54:44 PM EST
    The J6 Committee (5.00 / 1) (#169)
    by KeysDan on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 01:30:30 PM EST
    should provide referrals to the DOJ for anyone and everyone that their investigation suggests involvement in a crime. If not included in the referrals, we can be sure that the fascists will claim that they have been exonerated (including TFG).

    While a referral is, of course, serious business, it does not necessarily mean that the DOJ will act on it.  

    An alternative would be to not provide any referrals, with the caveat that their report sets forth a comprehensive criminal undertaking along the forwarding of all the evidence/testimony that it has uncovered, to be intertwined with the DOJ's ongoing investigation.  Not my favorite, too much like the Mueller Report, although not as risky since there is no Bill Barr to muck it up.


    Parent

    There are several elected republicans (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 07:19:57 AM EST
    Who should be in trouble.  I guess we will see how much of a bulldog Jack Smith is.

    'Our last hope is Marshall Law!!': GOP lawmakers' texts to Mark Meadows revealed in new report



    Parent

    Marshall Law.. (5.00 / 2) (#170)
    by jondee on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 01:41:41 PM EST
    And if that doesn't work, they're gonna go Death Con 3.

    I think we're dealing with minds that were grown in Peach Tree dishes.

    Parent

    34 congressional republicans involved (none / 0) (#173)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 03:58:48 PM EST
    just heard this on MSNBC

    Parent
    I (none / 0) (#175)
    by FlJoe on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 04:56:06 PM EST
    continue to be gob-smacked at the breadth and depth of this insanity.

    I expected tRump and a few of a his delusional lickspittle pals to be true believers but at least 6% of the congress were ready to go the mat for him.

    I am assuming that some like Ted Cruz were just about the raw power but quite a few of them acted like they or their allies have never lost an election.

    Parent

    We start hearing from the J6 committee (none / 0) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 05:02:29 PM EST
    on Monday.  Calling these guys out is important.  Hopefully they will.
    Reportedly "war rooms" are being formed to push back on the House loonies.  This would be useful that way I think

    Parent
    In case you care (none / 0) (#159)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 12, 2022 at 06:27:49 PM EST
    I ran across this and found it very informative and entertaining.  But I live there/here.
    There is a ton of esoteric info about not just this place but planned communities in general.  
    And especially mid century modern architecture.
    E. Fay Jones has quit a presence here.
    It's very current.  

    Cherokee Village (population: 4,900), a 23-square-mile rural planned community developed in 1955. The research describes the interconnectedness of landscapes, histories, and social geographies of the Arkansas Ozarks surrounding one of America's first planned retirement‐based recreational communities.



    SITE VIOLATER (none / 0) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 07:17:34 AM EST


    SITE VIOLATER (none / 0) (#166)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 08:41:21 AM EST


    I just killed my Twitter account (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 12:48:06 PM EST
    TicToc is going.
    Tryin to learn Instagram now.

    awmakers Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Ban TikTok
    December 13, 2022 at 1:19 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 40 Comments

    Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) "announced bipartisan legislation to ban China's popular social media app TikTok, ratcheting up pressure on owner ByteDance Ltd amid U.S. fears the app could be used to spy on Americans and censure content," Reuters reports.

    "The legislation would block all transactions from any social media company in or under the influence of China and Russia."



    I'm (none / 0) (#171)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 02:21:41 PM EST
    leaving my twitter open for now...really until I find the location everybody is moving to. I understand why people are killing their accounts.

    Parent
    i see (none / 0) (#174)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 04:00:49 PM EST
    support groups.  and weekly and monthly tokens

    Parent
    I'm sure many of us saw this coming, ... (none / 0) (#197)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 12:51:55 PM EST
    ... whether we cared to admit it or not. I really can't imagine Twitter being worth $44 billion anymore, especially once new owner Elon Musk finally realizes his destiny as the mercurial host of a far-right QAnon salon that collectively is the emotional equivalent of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride."

    Parent
    Closed my account (none / 0) (#179)
    by MO Blue on Tue Dec 13, 2022 at 10:42:30 PM EST
    a week or so ago. Started getting all kinds of stuff that I found objectionable. Tried blocking a few but that didn't eliminate the problem so I just closed it. Can't say I really miss it.

    Parent
    Funny (none / 0) (#182)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 14, 2022 at 03:29:10 PM EST
    I myself have found that (5.00 / 2) (#184)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 01:47:11 PM EST
    oddly comforting whenever I've been surrounded by leopards.

    It's the next best thing if you don't have time to stop, drop, and roll.

    Parent

    Have you seen what the subject (none / 0) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 04:13:15 PM EST
    of Cheetos BIG ANNOUNCMENT today?

    I won't link but everyone should Google Trump Digital Trading Cards.

    You will laugh.  He is becoming a caricature of a caricature.  

    This can't help stop his slide.  I guess it's just one more grift on the way out the door.

    I mean, they are not even trading cards

    Parent

    Ha ha ha ha (5.00 / 2) (#189)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 04:27:50 PM EST

    Notorious Capitol rioter Tim Gionet, better known by his Twitter name "Baked Alaska," was suddenly filled with regret over his life decisions after watching former President Donald Trump hawk digital trading cards in a video in which he also declared himself a better president than George Washington.

    "I can't believe I'm going to jail for an NFT salesman," he lamented.



    Parent
    What I want are photos (5.00 / 1) (#190)
    by MO Blue on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 08:19:18 PM EST
    of the people willing to spend $99 for one of those cards.

    Parent
    Since they could take a screen shot (5.00 / 1) (#191)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 09:01:29 PM EST
    of the thing and have the same thing.   Someone who actually believes a digital image is their property is even dumber than someone who would give Donald money.

    Parent
    I can't do this anymore (none / 0) (#192)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 08:33:41 AM EST
    Political Wire (none / 0) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 10:55:35 AM EST

    Donald Trump's NFT digital trading card collection sold out early Friday, the day after its initial release, Coin Desk reports.

    CNET: "Though the NFTs were widely mocked by both Trump supporters and detractors alike, all 45,000 sold out in around 12 hours... At $99 each, that means $4.45 million has been raised. The collection's creators also receive 10% of every sale on secondary markets."



    Parent
    Trump (5.00 / 1) (#194)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 12:18:03 PM EST
    is laughing all the way to the bank.   The NTFs are trading above the $99. Better than a Cyrptobro in the Bahamas.

    Don't think a DeSantis NFT in white shrimper boots would do so well---a better sign, maybe, for Trump than those polls.  

    Parent

    Maybe a (5.00 / 3) (#195)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 12:38:50 PM EST
    Money laundering scheme or a clever way for foreign "fans" to show appreciation for those Top Secret Mar a Lago docs.  The trading is no doubt prime pumped by John Barron.

    Parent
    Anyone here (none / 0) (#183)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 09:20:36 AM EST
    on Instagram?

    I am (none / 0) (#185)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 03:09:16 PM EST
    but I don't do much with it. I don't understand moving from twitter to Instagram since the platforms operate so differently. Instagram seems to me to just be a place to post pictures but maybe I am missing something.

    Parent
    It's definitely not (none / 0) (#187)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 04:14:01 PM EST
    Twitter.   Or a twitter replacement.

    Parent
    You are not missing anything (none / 0) (#200)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Dec 17, 2022 at 05:31:10 AM EST
    Instagram is a place for people to post pictures of themselves for self-promotion and pictures of stuff they get paid to promote.

    Parent
    Alexandra Pelosi (none / 0) (#188)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 04:21:52 PM EST
    should run for elected office.

    She is very smart and articulate.

    3 strikes (none / 0) (#198)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 05:02:30 PM EST

    January 6 Panel Will Urge Criminal Charges for Trump
    December 16, 2022 at 4:04 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 95 Comments

    The January 6 Committee is preparing to vote on urging the Justice Department to pursue at least three criminal charges against former President Donald Trump, including insurrection, Politico reports.

    Among the charges that subcommittee proposes for Trump: 18 U.S.C. 2383, insurrection; 18 U.S.C. 1512(c), obstruction of an official proceeding; and 18 U.S.C. 371, conspiracy to defraud the United States government.

    The document includes an extensive justification for the recommended charges.

    The Guardian: "The recommendations presage a moment of high political drama next Monday, when the full panel will vote publicly to adopt its final report and formally decide on making referrals, and increase pressure on the attorney general, Merrick Garland, to seek charges over January 6."

    Politico

    On (5.00 / 4) (#199)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 16, 2022 at 05:35:21 PM EST
    the bright side, the NFT of him wearing a striped jumpsuit should be a big seller.

    Parent
    SITE VIOLATER (none / 0) (#202)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 27, 2022 at 08:11:24 AM EST