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Happy Birthday (Mine) and Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Colorado News
Posted on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 02:01:28 PM EST
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I'm no longer counting, but it's my birthday.

If you'd like to donate some appreciation, it would be more than welcome. Here is the link.(link fixed)

It has been more than a few years since I last asked readers for donations, mostly because my posting activity decreased during COVID. But I'd like to keep writing. I also intend to continue rejecting ads on the site. That said, the site does cost a significant amount to maintain, and help is always welcome. (And of course, no one should feel compelled to contribute).

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Happy Birthday (Mine) and Open Thread | 202 comments (202 topical)
    Happy Birthday young lady, (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by fishcamp on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 02:54:31 PM EST
    with many more to come.

    Happy birthday (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 03:02:34 PM EST


    Happy (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by FlJoe on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 05:02:38 PM EST
    birthday fellow Libra. mine is tomorrow, with a hurricane as a gift.

    Happy Birthday, Joe. (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by KeysDan on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 07:45:30 PM EST
    have that wind in your sails!  

    Parent
    Death threat? (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by KeysDan on Sat Oct 01, 2022 at 01:19:36 PM EST
    "Is McConnell approving all of these Trillions of Dollars worth of Democratic sponsored Bills, without even the slightest bit of negotiations, because he hates Donald J Trump, and he knows I am strongly opposed to them, or is he doing it because he believes in the Fake and Highly Destructive Green New Deal and is willing to take the Country down with him?  In any event, either reason is unacceptable.  He has a DEATH WISH.  Must immediately seek help and advise from his China loving wife, Coco Chow."

    And, Elaine Chao, Mitch's wife, is maligned and added- in for good measure.  ( Chao was appointed by Trump as his Secretary of Transportation).

    Someone (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Oct 01, 2022 at 06:25:25 PM EST
    said and I wish I could remember the exact quote but it was to the effect that Trump should have been removed by the senate in 2021 after the attack on the capitol. If they had done what they should have done Trump would be just an old man yelling at the clouds. Because of McConnell's incompetence or fear he is now reaping what he sowed letting Trump get away with everything.

    Parent
    Feels like (none / 0) (#24)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Oct 01, 2022 at 06:30:16 PM EST
    the wheels are coming  off the Trumpmobile

    Parent
    I hope (none / 0) (#31)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 03:07:30 PM EST
    you are right. Apparently there are MORE missing documents from Trump. Maybe Bedminster needs to be searched.

    Parent
    Bragging rights (5.00 / 2) (#35)
    by MO Blue on Mon Oct 03, 2022 at 09:24:16 AM EST
    St. Louis County Library has been named the 2022 Missouri Library of the Year for distinguished and outstanding work for the community by the Missouri Library Association. The award was presented during the Missouri Library Association's annual conference on September 29, 2022 in Springfield, Missouri.

    This is so well deserved. They consistently do great things for our community. Not only do they supply a large quantity of fantastic books for all ages, they provide computer access, labs and training, help with preparing for and applying for job opportunities, diapers and formula and they feed children year around. This is just a sample of all the things they provide to the community.

    I think we have one of the best library systems in the entire country.

    "Dr. Oz," Republican candidate (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by Peter G on Mon Oct 03, 2022 at 08:27:30 PM EST
    for U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania (where he does not live), supervised a research lab at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital between 15 and 20 years ago that was fined for animal cruelty in the design and execution of experiments. I wonder whether this will be worse for him than the fact that when he became a TV doctor his schtick was promotion of quack cures.

    And GA (5.00 / 3) (#40)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 06:13:48 AM EST
    tells PA to hold my beer:
    Herschel Walker paid for at least 1 abortion for his mistress and his son goes on twitter and confirms every awful thing about Herschel is true.

    Parent
    Herschel Walker (5.00 / 3) (#42)
    by KeysDan on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 01:27:16 PM EST
    A no exceptions forced birther except for his girl friends. Perfect Republican credentials: liar, hypocrite, secret kids, and hidden abortions. However, the empathy and thoughtfulness of sending that get well card does raise questions.  Maybe, a RINO.

    Parent
    I would (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 02:10:00 PM EST
    love to ask every Republican if they think Herschel should be brought up on accessory to murder charges.

    Parent
    Not sure how I posted an one (none / 0) (#51)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 09:37:49 PM EST
    to your comment. Definitely was in error and I'm fixing it.

    Parent
    Great (5.00 / 4) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 02:31:21 PM EST

    Biden Pardons All Convicted of Marijuana Possession
    October 6, 2022 at 3:24 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard Leave a Comment

    "President Biden on Thursday pardoned all people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law and said his administration would review whether marijuana should still be a Class 1 drug like heroin and LSD," the New York Times reports.

    "The pardons will clear about 6,500 people who were convicted on federal charges of simple possession of marijuana from 1992 to 2021 and thousands more who were convicted of possession in the District of Columbia... Officials said the president would urge governors to follow his lead for people convicted on state charges of possession."

    "The moves are striking shifts for the federal government on an issue that was a campaign promise that Mr. Biden made in 2020."

    link

    Unfortunately, strictly limited to cases of (5.00 / 5) (#78)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 07:37:11 PM EST
    "simple possession" and not "possession with intent to distribute," importation, conspiracy, "laundering" of marijuana distribution proceeds, or anything else. And of course it only applies to federal cases. Simple possession of pot cases are rare to non-existent in most federal districts. (The overwhelming majority of marijuana possession convictions are in state and local courts.) So, this blanket pardon (also called an "amnesty") will have the greatest impact on Native American reservations and in the District of Columbia. The directive to begin the process of removing cannabis from "Schedule I," on the other hand, is a really big deal.

    Parent
    Yes, removal from (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by KeysDan on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 12:13:38 PM EST
    Schedule I (same as for Heroin and LSD) would also open the door to research and medical trials.

    Parent
    Nor even cases of "manufacturing" pot (none / 0) (#79)
    by Peter G on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 10:07:05 AM EST
    that is, growing. Perhaps the biggest omission of all from the Biden amnesty.

    Parent
    A gay man (5.00 / 3) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Oct 08, 2022 at 09:03:05 AM EST
    is running for mayor of my city.  And he's probably going to win.

    I even did a yard sign

    Gay Agenda (5.00 / 2) (#85)
    by KeysDan on Sat Oct 08, 2022 at 09:20:26 AM EST
    Good governance: fix the streets, balance the budget, raises for police and other city employees, safety for all citizens, and keep the taxes low. I

    Parent
    Good googling (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Oct 08, 2022 at 10:31:06 AM EST
    He is already on the city council.  He and his husband have been locally visible for a long time.

    Parent
    Heres (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Oct 08, 2022 at 10:33:13 AM EST
    a video

    Parent
    The 11th (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Oct 08, 2022 at 05:58:09 PM EST
    district next to me (also my old district) has a gay Venezuelan immigrant running for congress. I have heard him speak. He said he was inspired to run for congress because of January 6th and it reminded him of all the things he thought he had left behind in Venezuela. Anyhow I don't think he's going to win because it is gerrymandered BUT man would I be happy if he did.

    Good luck to your candidate.

    Parent

    Baltimore drops charges against Adnan Syed (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by McBain on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 04:37:49 PM EST
    Link
    Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said Tuesday she instructed her office to dismiss the charges after results of advanced DNA testing of Lee's shoes, skirt, pantyhose and jacket ruled out Syed.

    "The items that we tested had never before been tested," Mosby said. "We used advanced DNA to determine that it was not Adnan Syed."

    Prosecutors will continue to investigate Lee's death and prosecute whoever is responsible. As for Syed, "this case is over," she said.

    Mosby said the responsibility for the conviction belonged to past administrations, though she still apologized to Lee's family as well as to Syed and his family.


    Syed's conviction had been vacated last month.  It will be interesting to see if he qualifies for any compensation for the 23 years he spent in prison.

    On a related topic, I'm still waiting to find out if Scott Peterson get's a new trail.  I thought he had his  hearing a couple months ago.

    The story of three cows a bull (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 12, 2022 at 07:29:36 AM EST
    and 2 very uncomfortable senators

    Bizarre (none / 0) (#97)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 12, 2022 at 07:46:23 AM EST
    parable in the first place let alone when you are in hot water for impregnating several women in the first place. He may win anyway but having the Republican establishment go all in on him should very clarifying to anybody who is paying attention, with emphasis on the should.

    Parent
    I do not think (none / 0) (#98)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 12, 2022 at 07:56:57 AM EST
    he will win.

    I can't stop watching that video.  Just for the look on Tom Cottons face.  It's like a cool breeze on a hot day.

    Parent

    I (none / 0) (#99)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 12, 2022 at 08:18:54 AM EST
    don't think he will win either but there is a non zero chance he will.

    I liked the way Cotton kept forcing a laugh or a smile, occasionally taking a panicked glance at Scott, who mostly kept the beady eyed lizard stare he was born with.

    Parent

    Georgia (none / 0) (#100)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 12, 2022 at 08:41:26 AM EST
    has been a nonstop laughingstock for about 4 years now.

    I'm old enough to remember when this type of thing would be a career ender. Now it's not only a career ender it's seen as a positive.

    Parent

    Aloha, everyone. (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Oct 15, 2022 at 08:17:28 PM EST
    I'm back in Hawaii after three weeks away. It's good to be home, even if it's only for a couple of weeks. (I have to return to San Diego on Nov. 2) I was welcomed home with a monsoon. Just hanging out at home today. I'll catch up with you all later when my energy returns.

    Durham (5.00 / 5) (#102)
    by FlJoe on Tue Oct 18, 2022 at 03:22:59 PM EST
    strikes out again, Dancheno not guilty on all counts.

    It would (5.00 / 3) (#103)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 18, 2022 at 06:20:42 PM EST
    have been nice if he was investigating actual crime instead of trying to prove GOP talking points. What an embarrassment and waste of time and energy.

    Parent
    Monday (5.00 / 2) (#108)
    by Zorba on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 05:03:31 PM EST
    was my last radiation treatment for my breast cancer. And I'm so glad that's over.
    In two weeks, I will start the estrogen inhibitor pills.

    A milestone&#10083;&#65039; (5.00 / 2) (#109)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 05:41:50 PM EST


    Parent
    That was a heart! (5.00 / 3) (#110)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 05:42:20 PM EST


    Parent
    Mme. Zorba, (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 07:38:58 PM EST
    All good wishes.

    Parent
    Nice going.... You're doing great. (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by desertswine on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 11:27:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Great news (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by MO Blue on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 10:40:03 AM EST
    I'm really glad you caught this early and have finished treatment.

    Parent
    When election deniers are elected (5.00 / 2) (#195)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 04:25:28 PM EST
    do they remain election deniers?

    I keep asking Scott Perry (5.00 / 2) (#197)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 05:02:07 PM EST
    that question. If the vote in PA in 2020 was so fraudulent, why are you in office? He is pure unadulterated $cum. It sucks that I have no representation in Congress.

    Parent
    @Donald from Hawaii (1.00 / 2) (#202)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Oct 27, 2022 at 04:09:07 PM EST
    I mean, yeah, there are sh1tty Republicans, but you must be aware of your chosen party's repulsive behavior on the LA City Council, no?

    Birthday. greetings, (none / 0) (#3)
    by KeysDan on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 03:18:10 PM EST
    may you be gifted with good health and great joy.

    happy day, Jeralyn (none / 0) (#4)
    by leap2 on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 03:40:47 PM EST
    Eat lots of cake!

    Happy birthday, Jeralyn. (none / 0) (#5)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 03:44:29 PM EST
    May your next year be full of wonder and joy.

    P.S.: Your hyperlink doesn't work. :-)

    Thanks, Donald (none / 0) (#7)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 04:12:42 PM EST
    I fixed the link! Much appreciated, as are the birthday wishes from everyone.

    Parent
    The link in your post didn't work for me (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by McBain on Sat Oct 01, 2022 at 11:06:26 AM EST
    but the yellow "Donate" button link did.  Happy birthday!

    Parent
    Happiest of birthdays, Jeralyn! (none / 0) (#6)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Sep 28, 2022 at 03:53:26 PM EST


    You are not the boss of me (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 12:23:07 PM EST

    Trump Objects to Verifying List of Property Seized
    September 29, 2022 at 11:42 am EDT By Taegan Goddard 127 Comments

    "Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are resisting a federal judge's instruction to submit a sworn declaration on whether they believe the government's list of property taken from Trump's Florida estate is accurate," Reuters reports.

    "According to a letter publicly filed by Trump's lawyers on Wednesday, the former president's legal team told Senior U.S. Judge Raymond Dearie, who is reviewing the materials taken in the federal raid of the Florida property, that they don't believe Dearie has the authority to require them to make such a filing."
    Not so sure they are wrong, technically. (none / 0) (#11)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 01:53:45 PM EST
    But Dearie can ask Judge Cannon to endorse that order on his behalf. In any normal world, that request from a Special Master (or U.S. Magistrate) to a U.S. District Judge for a procedural order in aid of the task they had been assigned would be rubber-stamped with a Yes. Of course, Dearie happens to be a U.S. District Judge in his own right, but he is not functioning as such in this task, so he may have been wrong in thinking he could issue an "order." On the other hand, he may not have been wrong in the first place. I have never been a party to a proceeding assigned to a Special Master, so I have no direct experience with the normal procedures that apply in that situation.

    Parent
    As I said, "In any normal world, (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 07:27:35 PM EST
    that request ... would be rubber-stamped with a Yes." So, of course, Judge Cannon said No.

    Parent
    AG Garland has had enough (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by Peter G on Sat Oct 01, 2022 at 12:10:51 PM EST
    DoJ has moved in the Eleventh Circuit to expedite the appeal. They will argue that the entire obstructionist suit before Judge Cannon is invalid and that the prosecutors should be able to proceed with their investigation. This would include unfettered use of the fruits of the search warrant, as they would in any other case. As usual, Lyle Denniston nails it with accuracy and clarity.

    Parent
    Again, appalling ruling by Loose Cannon (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Towanda on Sat Oct 01, 2022 at 05:42:06 PM EST
    I think she aka Trump is trying to get  Dearie to quit.

    Parent
    This whole thing (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 04:52:00 PM EST
    looks like another massive Trump self own.

    Parent
    Yes, this seems (none / 0) (#15)
    by KeysDan on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 05:07:23 PM EST
    to be an attempt to dodge obligations as a plaintiff to provide proof of claims.  My read is that both SM Dearie and DOJ are telling Trump to either affirm facts necessary to make his civil case (and which establish elements of the crimes DOJ is investigation) or drop his civil suit.

    In the DOJ response: "If Plaintiff wants the SM to make recommendations as to whether he is entitled to the relief he seeks, Plaintiff will need to participate in the process by categorizing documents and providing declaration as the Amended Case Report Plan contemplates."  

    This sounds a lot like"put up or shut up."  Of course, Judge Cannon can fire SM Dearie, or not heed his recommendations.  Firing her appointed SM would be brazen, especially with the 11th Circuit's smack down, but she has been keeping her head down of late and it would not be surprising if she lets it all play out and then step in as Trump's "attorney".  With the corrupt Cannon, who needs Kise.


    Parent

    Congrats. (none / 0) (#12)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 02:59:32 PM EST
    Many more happy days to come.

    Unbowed and unhinged (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 03:38:46 PM EST

    Ginni Thomas claims 2020 election was stolen in meeting with House Jan. 6 committee

    From the link: (none / 0) (#16)
    by KeysDan on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 05:32:31 PM EST
    Nov 6, 2020.  "Do not concede, it takes time for the army who is gathering for his back."  Of course, she is opposed to violence, just an army of Quakers.

    This from the wife of a Supreme Court Justice--a senior member of the Court that, essentially, has veto power over both elected branches of government, the executive and the congress.

    If a First Lady was a political miscreant actively working to overthrow the government, I would expect a media firestorm and calls by Congress for ethical standards for Justices that had applications to spouses.  

    Parent

    Have a wonderful birthday! (none / 0) (#17)
    by desertswine on Thu Sep 29, 2022 at 06:41:00 PM EST
    Eat, eat, and eat. (and drink too)

    Nice (none / 0) (#25)
    by FlJoe on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 11:55:40 AM EST
    paid $2.93 per gallon for gas today.

    Yes (none / 0) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 01:37:04 PM EST
    Had a similar experience recently.

    Parent
    However, it is only Biden's fault (none / 0) (#32)
    by Peter G on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 03:32:13 PM EST
    when prices go up, not when they go down. Or so it seems.

    Parent
    sheesh (none / 0) (#28)
    by leap2 on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 01:45:39 PM EST
    I just paid $4.80, and that was at Costco, the least expensive gas station in the area, where the average price is ≈$5.19/gal.

    Parent
    It's been below 3 (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 01:56:47 PM EST
    for at least a few day here.  My fill-up was several day ago.  

    Parent
    It (none / 0) (#30)
    by FlJoe on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 02:10:30 PM EST
    was hovering around 3.25 here, I think the hurricane created a glut of gasoline in the undamaged parts of FL.

    Parent
    Today (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 04:33:51 PM EST
    It was 3.14

    Parent
    Here in San Diego, it's still over $6.00/gal. (none / 0) (#38)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Oct 03, 2022 at 11:02:11 PM EST
    Don't know why. It's even higher than it is in Hawaii.

    Parent
    When I lived in Ocean Beach (none / 0) (#41)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 09:34:03 AM EST
    we'd always buy gas if we had to go inland. It was always cheaper away from the beach. And generally the only time we had to burn gas. Living in Ocean Beach didn't require using a auto much. We pretty much walked or biked everywhere. One of the great things about living in a small beach community. (Though I am sure it has changed greatly since the days I lived there.)


    Parent
    Also (none / 0) (#46)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 04:36:01 PM EST

    California has the highest tax rate on gasoline in the United States. As of March 2022, the gas tax in California amounted to 68 U.S. cents per gallon, compared with a total gas price of 5.79 U.S. dollars per gallon.Aug 2, 2022



    Parent
    Oddly (none / 0) (#47)
    by FlJoe on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 04:41:47 PM EST
    the cheapest gas around here is on beachside.

    Parent
    Duh (none / 0) (#49)
    by FlJoe on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 06:02:23 PM EST
    The state's Florida Motor Fuel Tax Relief Act of 2022 went into effect Saturday, suspending the state's 25.3-cent tax on each gallon of gasoline through the rest of October.
    shows how much I pay attention to FL politics.

    Predictably, the oil companies have managed to hold on to half of it

    The state average price for gas has already declined 13 cents per gallon since the gas tax holiday began, AAA said in a Sunday statement

    Link

    Parent

    Interesting plan (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 01:42:15 PM EST
    I'm glad they are doing it.  But once again Trump can probably have something like plausible deniability.

    Oath Keepers to Blame Trump in Sedition Trial
    October 2, 2022 at 11:53 am EDT By Taegan Goddard 86 Comments

    Associated Press: "Lawyers for Stewart Rhodes, founder of the extremist group, are poised to argue that jurors cannot find him guilty of seditious conspiracy because all the actions he took before the siege on Jan. 6, 2021, were in preparation for orders he anticipated from the then-president -- orders that never came."
    Interview With the Vampire series (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 06:09:50 PM EST
    starts tonight on AMC

    trailer.

    This is very good (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Oct 03, 2022 at 02:04:54 PM EST

    Interview With The Vampire definitely does not suck



    Parent

    Not an endorsement (none / 0) (#34)
    by KeysDan on Sun Oct 02, 2022 at 06:12:39 PM EST
    of Bill Maher, whose Friday night show is, generally, insufferable, but his setting forth of President Biden's accomplishments was good to hear.  Especially, in light of his hapless guests who agreed, but were reluctantly supporting the president running for a second term because age.  And age only.  

    If these were normal times, I'd concur ... (none / 0) (#39)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Oct 03, 2022 at 11:05:34 PM EST
    ... with the age argument. But we're not there, and Democrats really need to retain the White House in 2024. The consequences of a fascist GOP in power are too frightening to contemplate.

    Parent
    Off to the Supremes (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 04:32:54 PM EST

    Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in Mar-a-Lago case
    Trump's team asked the high court to block part of a lower court ruling allowing the Justice Department to use classified documents taken from Mar-a-Lago in its criminal investigation.

    With the federalist (none / 0) (#48)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 05:23:44 PM EST
    society supreme court you never can count on how they might rule but if they rule for Trump here it would be like a robber robbing a bank and the DA not being able to use the money he found in the robber's house.

    Parent
    Politico had a story today (none / 0) (#50)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 04, 2022 at 07:19:22 PM EST

    Walker's team knew of an abortion allegation months before it surfaced
    His team was aware and had time to prepare. They just hoped it wouldn't come out before the election.

    The reporter who had the Daily Beast story just said on Chris Hayes he thinks the Politico thing is a different woman.

    One story is one thing.  If more women start coming out saying he paid for abortions that's a different thing.

    Parent

    This is being reported by numerous news agencies (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by MO Blue on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 01:26:38 AM EST
    Warnock,  a first-term Democrat and pastor of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, leads Walker by 50% to 38%, according to a poll of 1,076 likely voters taken from Sept. 30 though Oct. 4 by Survey USA for an Atlanta-based television outlet. Previous polls showed the race to be much closer or even statistically tied.

    Poll was taken prior to the daily beast story. Walker is getting slaughtered by women voters. Hopefully, this poll is accurate.

    Parent

    Survey USA (none / 0) (#70)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 09:21:55 AM EST
    has been the most accurate polling in GA. So I hope that is right. If it is right it means that the constant loop of Herschel's ex-wife talking about him pointing a gun a her and the beatings took a toll. This obviously does not help.

    Parent
    Honestly (none / 0) (#52)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 09:04:05 AM EST
    it seems that the allegation doesn't change any minds. Even if there's 5 more it won't make a difference with the GA GOP BUT it gives the entire party something to beat over the heads of the GOP with especially in southern states where Walker would be serving a 10 year jail sentence for paying for an abortion.

    I'm laughing because these people are being exposed as the frauds they are.

    Parent

    I think it (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 06:30:12 PM EST
    will have an electoral impact, albeit a modest one.  But, in this close election, it will be enough. And, the fraudulence of the Republicans  on this issue may wake up a few in other parts of the country.

    Herschel's supporters were having a prayer-in for him and like him because of his deep commitment to the Lord.  Of course, if they were really looking for a candidate who was committed to the Lord,  why aren't they running  to Herschel's opponent who is actually a reverend who preaches every Sunday.  It is a mystery!

    Parent

    Amazing (5.00 / 2) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 07:43:19 AM EST

    Woman Is Also the Mother of Herschel Walker's Child
    October 5, 2022 at 9:22 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 486 Comments

    Daily Beast: "After a woman revealed that Republican senatorial candidate Herschel Walker had urged her to have an abortion, Walker adamantly denied the story and claimed he had no idea who this woman could be."

    "But there's a good reason the woman finds that defense highly doubtful: She's the mother of one of his children."

    Said the woman: "I've been very civil thus far. I keep my mouth shut. I don't cause any trouble. I stay in the background. But I'm also not gonna get run over time and time again."



    Parent
    Probably (none / 0) (#55)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 04:08:58 PM EST
    but I want to see some of these hypocrites say he just made, another, mistake.

    Parent
    Worse (none / 0) (#56)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 04:21:11 PM EST
    than that
    "Henry Olsen, a fellow at the inaptly named 'Ethics and Public Policy Center,' assures us this morning that politics 'is too important these days for questions of character to matter.'"
    Rick Scott and plenty of others have been basically saying the same thing (after calling it fake news of course).

    Parent
    It's true (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 05:31:36 PM EST
    At least as far as repiblicans.  We are in a post policy, post qualifications world.

    All that matters is he is he of us.  I expect we see more of this in the next 3 weeks.  

    Parent

    The (none / 0) (#60)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 06:01:45 PM EST
    mask is off, the party of "personal responsibility" blatantly putting raw political power over any kind of moral stance.

    Parent
    One can only enjoy (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 06:05:19 PM EST
    watching them squirm on the hook.

    Shorter version, if they don't back Walker they walk away from that race and controll of the Senate.

    Parent

    Saw this on the twitter machine (5.00 / 2) (#72)
    by MO Blue on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 11:42:43 AM EST
    Thought it was very appropriate.

    Imagine the histrionics from Republicans and Faux News if Herschel was a Democratic candidate.

    It'd be like a pack of howler monkeys jacked up on Mt. Dew.

    I can think of sooooooo many places I can use the bit of howler monkeys jacked up on Mt. Dew

    Parent

    I just saw Newt (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 05:34:11 PM EST
    saying he should win because of his commitment to Christ.

    Parent
    And, (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 05:46:53 PM EST
    he added, concussion.   One would not, ordinarily, think of concussion as a defense, but Republican.

    Parent
    Repubs say that Fetterman, the Dem (5.00 / 4) (#71)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 10:38:37 AM EST
    candidate for U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania, is not mentally capable of the job because he had a stroke this spring, which caused no reported brain damage and from which he is making a good recovery. But somehow permanent brain damage from multiple concussions as a football player is an excuse for Walker's many otherwise disqualifying features as a candidate. The shameless hypocrisy knows no limit.

    Parent
    Presumably (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 11:57:43 AM EST
    DR OZ doesn't have Jesus to lean on so it all evens out...or something.

    Parent
    Indeed, imagine if the Democratic candidate (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 12:31:38 PM EST
    were a (secular) Muslim, and the Republican a purported "Christian." In fact imagine if the Democratic candidate were a self-professed secular humanist OR a Muslim, much less both, like Humbug Oz.

    Parent
    These boots (none / 0) (#53)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 12:56:27 PM EST
    are made for walking, but we can't say more about it, since illegal to do so in Florida.

    Seems like (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 04:06:56 PM EST
    they should come with a cape

    Parent
    An overweight white guy (none / 0) (#62)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 06:05:31 PM EST
    in white go go boots. Not a good look.

    Also, they do not have even a speck of dirt on them. Doubt he has done any walking through any of the areas that were completely destroyed.

    Parent

    Yes, and (none / 0) (#64)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 05, 2022 at 06:56:33 PM EST
    the others in the photo have regular work boots.

    Parent
    As much as I dislike DeSantis (none / 0) (#67)
    by fishcamp on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 08:18:02 AM EST
    I must say most all commercial fishermen on big boats  down here wear those white boots.  They are fishing boots.

    Aren't they (none / 0) (#69)
    by KeysDan on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 08:40:23 AM EST
    Shrimp boots, or Cajun reeboks?

    Parent
    The shrimpers all wear them. (none / 0) (#74)
    by fishcamp on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 11:59:15 AM EST
    Not sure about the cajuns.  They are crummy boots, cheaply made, and never fit right, but when there are hooks and snapping teeth on the deck they're a must have.  Of course the water and fish stuff always get inside, but when you're catching fish you don't notice.  Feet look very ugly at the end of the day when you pull them off.

    Parent
    Huh. They wear black boots, generally, (none / 0) (#77)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 04:47:22 PM EST
    on the boats here in CA

    Parent
    P.S. I don't have a pair anymore. (none / 0) (#68)
    by fishcamp on Thu Oct 06, 2022 at 08:19:33 AM EST


    Nine army bases that memorialize... (none / 0) (#81)
    by desertswine on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 04:16:38 PM EST
    the olde confederacy are going to be re-named.

    The nine bases (all in Southern states) were listed in the first part of the Commission's final report: Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Fort Benning and Fort Gordon in Georgia; and Fort A.P.Hill, Fort Lee, and Fort Pickett in Virginia.

    I think that they should be named after artists, maybe, or musicians.  How about Fort Georgia O'Keeffe, or Fort Elvis.

    I think one of them should be renamed ... (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 09:08:24 PM EST
    ... "Fort Courage" in honor of the mid-'60s sitcom F Troop.

    Parent
    Not sure Georgia would want (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 05:15:13 PM EST
    a military base namesake.  If they want to own the cult they should name them after banned books.

    Fort Lord of the Flies

    Fort Farenheit 451

    Fort Maus

    Parent

    Fort (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by FlJoe on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 05:40:20 PM EST
    Woke has a certain ring to it, at least until the crazies take over and they will all be named Fort Q.

    Parent
    TV (none / 0) (#89)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 04:34:23 PM EST
    So a number of people had said don't watch the Netflix show on Jeffrey Dahmer because it was too horrific. After watching I didn't see it as especially horrific unless you didn't know what he did. Everything he did was horrific but that was the point of the show. I found it incredibly creepy that he and his dad went and found roadkill and dissected it as a bonding experience.

    The series (none / 0) (#95)
    by KeysDan on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 09:58:32 PM EST
    is very well done.   Evan Peters does a masterful job as portraying Dahmer.  The series title setting forth Dahmer as Monster tells it all.  If not based on the true crime story it would be rejected out of hand as an unbelievable B slasher-type horror movie.  

    Parent
    I just started this (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 11:20:23 AM EST
    It is hard to watch.  Because some parts of it, the gay cruising parts, are so familiar.  And well done.

    It is very disturbing.

    Interview With the Vampire on AMC is also great.

    Midnight Club is also very good.

    And

    Andor on Disney is really excellent.  Most of the Disney series have been pretty bad.  But it's living up to the movie Rogue One.  Which is IMO the best Starwars movie

    Parent

    Any reviews of: (none / 0) (#105)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 04:50:34 PM EST
    "Barry". HBO Max, The "Staircase", or "Big Little Lies".  These look good in the crime/mystery genre.   Just finished "Southland" which is a different kind of cop series-- very good.  Also, Bosch Legacy-- liked better than the Bosch series(which were pretty good).   Looking for a good police procedural.

    Parent
    Barry is a family favorite. (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 01:35:40 PM EST
    My wife really got into Big Little Lies.

    Parent
    Barry is great (none / 0) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 04:56:13 PM EST
    Staircase, if it's the one I'm thinking of, is very strange.  Not always in a good way.  Big little Lies is very well made.

    There is also a new season of The Sinner on NETFLIX.

    Which has been consistently great.

    Parent

    The new Sinner. (none / 0) (#173)
    by KeysDan on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 03:49:38 PM EST
    series lives up to its past acclaim.   Detective Ambrose (ret.) figures it out with some New Agey stuff along the way.

    Parent
    Tim Ryan (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 04:43:09 PM EST
    kicked Vance's butt last night

    And (none / 0) (#92)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 04:53:45 PM EST
    so did Mandela the other night. I hope it's enough to push them both over the line.

    Parent
    I have been predicting Stacy will win (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 06:51:40 PM EST
    I still think it's totally possible but I think she has an unusual problem.

    I think there will be a lot of ticket splitting.  People (republicans) are going to vote for Warnock.  That's already one democratic vote.  Two is asking a lot.  If not for Walker and his flameout,if there was just a race for governor, she would get more votes.  IMO.

      And the fact Kemp is hated by Trump will give many people cover to vote for him also.  

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#94)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Oct 11, 2022 at 08:10:41 PM EST
    there has been much discussion of that here locally. And you are right about those voters voting for both Walker and Abrams. My thoughts are if there is enough of a gap between Warnock and Walker, Warnock may be able to pull Stacey over the line.

    You are more hopeful overall about Stacey winning than I am. Kemp should be taken out simply because he is too radical & anti-freedom.

    Trump may hate Kemp & Raffensperger but the rest of the GOP candidates are 100% pro-Trump. I feel like it is going to take an act of God to get rid of all the Republicans here.

    Parent

    We do live in stressful times (none / 0) (#107)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 04:57:25 PM EST

    GOP Candidate Caught Masturbating in Public
    October 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 156 Comments

    Randy Kaufman, a Republican candidate for a college board in Arizona was arrested after police say he was caught ma$turbating across the street from a preschool, the Arizona Republic reports.

    Said Kaufman to police: "I'm sorry... I fvcked up. I'm really stressed."
    Hey (5.00 / 2) (#117)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 09:02:41 AM EST
    maybe him and Toobin can get a pundit show and call it "Naked Crossfire".

    Parent
    Or (none / 0) (#119)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 04:18:59 PM EST
    maybe "Beat the Press"

    Parent
    Yes, but (none / 0) (#112)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 08:51:56 PM EST
    Democrat candidates have problems, such as having auditory processing issues as a result of stroke requiring closed captions, so bothsides.

    As the campaigns are in the final stretch, the media bothsiderism and "aren't we fair", are in full bloom, for example Ari Melber having Matt Schlap, head of  the contemptible CPAC.on his show.,

    The media continues to treat the Republican Party as a legitimate political party, rather than as the fascist movement that it is, There   are not two sides to a lie or neutrality to anti democracy and violent overthrowing of the USA government.

    Parent

    As soon as I saw Schlap's ugly kisser ... (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by desertswine on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 11:25:01 PM EST
    on Melber's program I turned the channel. WTF. If I wanted to listen a Nazi like Schlap I'd turn on fox.

    Parent
    Kevin McCarthy has already promised ... (none / 0) (#114)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 19, 2022 at 09:11:24 PM EST
    ... to cut military aid for Ukraine if the Republicans win control of the House. Not surprising, given the party's pro-Putin bend over the last six years, but certainly disappointing.

    Parent
    Also promising (none / 0) (#120)
    by KeysDan on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 04:50:46 PM EST
    the "Liz Truss Economic Plan" to WIN( whip inflation now).   Cut taxes on the rich and corporations and deregulate.  Trickle down sounds like a novel economic idea, especially during inflationary times-- let's do it what could go wrong?  

    Parent
    D's (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 05:31:52 PM EST
    should be running ads with the GOP's plan being the same as Truss that literally collapsed the value of the pound within days.

    Parent
    They (5.00 / 2) (#124)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 06:06:27 PM EST
    should be running ads that the GOP wants to "defund" social security, I am baffled that they are not shouting that from coast to coast.

    Parent
    One of many things (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:06:59 PM EST
    they are not doing.   But it's a big one.  Democrats suck at the campaigning stuff.

    If they win it will only be because republicans are so incredibly repulsive

    Parent

    I know (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:31:04 PM EST
    and they used to be good. I don't get it. I remember ads in the 90's talking about how Dole/Gingrich voted to defund Social Security. Obama was terrible at messaging and we need to unlearn his lessons.

    Parent
    Josh Shapiro, Dem candidate for governor (5.00 / 3) (#151)
    by Peter G on Sat Oct 22, 2022 at 04:05:22 PM EST
    in PA against Christo-Fascist Republican candidate Doug Martriano, has this 30-second gem up today.

    Parent
    Yes. Incredibly bad at it. (none / 0) (#141)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 04:38:47 PM EST
    But that's because they have to "woke." Or be the adult. Or be sensitive. Go high when they go low.

    Eff all of that. Those days are gone, gone, gone. Get in the dirt. Call them on everything. Make stuff up (what the hell, they do).

    They Dems should be screaming from the rooftops that Oz is Muslim. Me, I don't care. He could worship satan for all care. I wouldn't vote for him if was the tooth fairy. But it means something to idiot GQPers in PA. They are too stupid to find out about Oz on their own, so let's tell them. They might not vote for Fetterman, but they damn sure won't vote for no mooslim.

    I'm with Michael Cohen. Take the gloves off. Throw dirt, or pig feces in their faces. Indict the orange moron. NOW. Not later. Eff the election. He's a criminal that belongs in an orange jumpsuit. None of us would be getting the play that POS is getting with regard to investigations. We'd all be waiting it out in a cell.

    I have no hope for this country. None. Zero. It's going to $hit in the next couple of years.

    Parent

    I really think this election (none / 0) (#142)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 04:57:06 PM EST
    could be a turning point.  And it could turn either way.

    I still think we are going to do better than the MSM  seems to hope we do.  After all the more the country goes to shite the more clicks and eyeballs they get.

    I've reached a very cynical spot.  I think if we elect a bunch of fascist election deniers we deserve what we will get.  If this country is that far gone it deserves to stop circling the drain and be gone.
    The stakes could not be more clear.

    That's what I think.  Being 71 I no longer really care.  I'm sick of caring.  I apologize for that but that's it.  

    Parent

    I am two years older than you, Howdy, but (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by Peter G on Sat Oct 22, 2022 at 10:57:50 AM EST
    I cannot agree. I have three terrific adult daughters with solid values who continue to work every day to make the world better, as does each of their spouses. Through them, we also have three grandchildren under the age of five. I do not have the option of saying I no longer care.

    Parent
    I do not believe (5.00 / 3) (#152)
    by KeysDan on Sun Oct 23, 2022 at 11:19:16 AM EST
    we have the option not to no longer care.   Age is no safe harbor from fascism.  Indeed, older Americans are likely to be among prime candidates for eugenic policies.  Republican threats  to Medicare and Social Security are not just cost saving policies.  

    The general concern mantra of "what about our children and grandchildren" is to assuage immediacy and to seek refuge in the notion of this is for "the next guys" to deal with.  The Republicans take the long look knowing that human beings are nothing if not adaptable.  For example, the DeSantis "don't say gay" law is to change, over time,  the outlook of the present day youth toward gay, and, especially, trans people. The goal  is that the culture will shift and shape, thus permitting  their reactionary policies.    Policies that do not necessarily exclude historic fascist treatment of enemies, I,e., the hated liberals. Indeed, it does not require 20/20 vision to see the churning of anti-semitism, racism, misogyny, and homophobia. And, it's purpose.

    But, the white Christian nationalism will not start slowly.  The power of a Republican congress, presidency and judiciary will be deployed until the new norms and laws catch up and dissenters can be dispatched. The Dobbs decision brought protests, but if the Republicans take Congress in November they will be emboldened-- sure there will be protests but the populace will get over it.  And, so their agenda continues unabated.

    A gloomy scenario is painted, but, I fear, not a far-fetched one.. A concern for all, even to many of  those who relish the idea of an America under a grifter like Trump or a freak like DeSantis.

    Parent

    Wouldn't presume to give advise (none / 0) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Oct 22, 2022 at 01:28:46 PM EST
    but I would probably be discussing with them contingency plans to leave the country.

    If that becomes necessary.

    Parent

    I am having that conversation (none / 0) (#153)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Oct 23, 2022 at 05:11:35 PM EST
    with my cousin's granddaughter next weekend.

    She lives in California (after graduating Santa Clara University with a full ride). But she was born in Mexico City. She is the offspring of an American mother and a British father. So she has options. She is a Mexican citizen by birth and I think she may have UK citizenship from her father. Plus, of course, she is a US citizen by virtue of her mother.

    Anyway, I plan ask her this weekend when she visits if she has an escape plan. She may be OK in CA, but there are people there who want to split the state up.

    Civil war is coming and I want her to have a plan to get out and go elsewhere since she may options other than remaining in a US filled with turmoil and possible violence.


    Parent

    I (none / 0) (#143)
    by FlJoe on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 05:10:40 PM EST
    am with you, although I reached the "cynical point" years ago.


    Parent
    I can't imagine the stakes (none / 0) (#144)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 05:43:28 PM EST
    being more clearly defined.  If this country chooses the dark side it deserves what it gets.

    The most frightening part IMO is that we are post policy.  Policy, spending, social safety net, even taxes, mean nothing to these people. At this point most of them would not know what "policy" even means.  When it not even ABOUT policy what do you do?

    there is only one path.

    Beat them.  Or be beaten.

    Parent

    When (none / 0) (#145)
    by FlJoe on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 06:34:39 PM EST
    it's not about policy you pound the table, so to speak. The Republicans are good at that and the media cheers them on, the Democrats kind of suck at it and the media always scolds them for it anyway.

    Generally Democratic policies actually poll well across the board reproductive rights, safety net support even tax hikes on the rich among others, however the Republicans have managed to convince a huge hunk of of Americans that anything passed or proposed by the Democrats is a highway to hell (except for that new bridge in their district of course).

    It's a cult, that explains everything. A cult larger and more persistent then I ever could have imagined in this country a cult with "own the libs" as it's central tenet.

    I wish I was joking, more than frightening it's terrifying, we are looking into the abyss.

    Parent

    We are (none / 0) (#146)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 06:43:23 PM EST
    look long enough into the abyss and it looks into you.

    Parent
    On doing what republicans do...... (none / 0) (#147)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 07:16:13 PM EST
    my comment below about the pro leagalization pot ads is interesting.

    It's a very republican tactic. As I understand it, the funds from legalization CAN be used for funding police.  Among lots of others things.  That's not what the ad say.  Or certainly suggest.

    It's a republican tactic.  And you know what?  I think it's going to work.  

    Parent

    Actually (none / 0) (#125)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 06:23:30 PM EST
    an even handed both-siderism would be improvement.

    In reality they treat Democrats as an adult party while setting bar incredibly low for Republicans, allowing them to get away with stuff which would get a kindergartener in hot water.

    Democrats are constantly quizzed and criticized over policy, the Republicans are never even required to provide any.

    When they slip up and put forth one of their noxious ideas, the media helps there bury it (to be honest Democrats drop the ball on all the time)

    Parent

    Yes, like this (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:04:24 PM EST

    A national 'Don't Say Gay' law? Republicans introduce bill to restrict LGBTQ-related programs
    The bill's definition of "sexually-oriented material" includes anything that relates to sexual orientation or gender identity.



    Parent

    Why do the Republicans want to bar (none / 0) (#129)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:42:33 PM EST
    books for kids that refer to any family that includes a "mommy" and a "daddy" -- i.e., parents with specified gender identities? Or books that refer to women falling in love with men, thus revealing their sexual orientation?

    Parent
    Because the entire point (none / 0) (#130)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:49:57 PM EST
    s to make it so vague and broad that they can target people for simply existing. Or for an off handed mention by a gay or trans person or teacher about a friend or spouse.

    Everyone knows no one is going to have a problem for doing what you said.  Not how it works.  Not the target.  This is known.

    Chris Hayes was just explaining how this federal thing is far worse than the FL thing of the same name.

    Parent

    Vague with purpose (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:55:00 PM EST

    The bill defines "sexually-oriented material" as "any depiction, description, or simulation of sexual activity, any lewd or lascivious depiction or description of human genitals, or any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects."



    Parent
    vague (5.00 / 2) (#134)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 08:44:59 PM EST
    enough so that eventually Thomas, Alito et al can make sht up out of thin air.

    Parent
    Vague helps. (none / 0) (#135)
    by KeysDan on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 10:24:17 AM EST
    but Alito and Thomas don't need it .  They just work backwards from what they want
    .

    Parent
    It also (none / 0) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 07:56:40 PM EST
    gives parents the right to sue any federal employee they think has transgressed.

    Parent
    Sorry if the ironic intent (none / 0) (#136)
    by Peter G on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 11:42:02 AM EST
    of my post was not clear. Seriously, the proposal is patently unconstitutional on its face under the First Amendment's vagueness doctrine. And if it is understood to target the belief systems that it actually targets (rather than as intending a fake neutrality, which was the target of my tongue-in-cheek comment) then it violates the First Amendment viewpoint-neutrality requirement for ideological governmental regulation).

    Parent
    I don't think it's a serious policy proposal (none / 0) (#138)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 03:41:43 PM EST
    it's a stunt.  A way to show the hateful base they are on their side.  Even if they won the Senate Biden would not let it become law

    It's all about who we (they) are.  And I think it's pretty smart.  As far as it goes.  It will win them votes.  Don't doubt that.

    Parent

    Lindseybelle, Bless His Heart (none / 0) (#121)
    by KeysDan on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 05:17:37 PM EST
    A three-membered panel of the 11th Appellate Court denied Graham's request to block his  Fulton County Grand Jury subpoena.  The grand jury investigation involves the disruption of the 2020 presidential election by Trump and his pals in Georgia.

    The court held that Senator Graham failed to demonstrate that this will violate his rights under the Speech and Debate Clause.  Lindsey can appeal to the full Circuit or ask the SC to intervene.

    Clarence Thomas (5.00 / 1) (#154)
    by KeysDan on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 12:54:53 PM EST
    granted a temporary temporarily blocked the lower court's order requiring Lindsey to testify to the grand jury in Georgia investigating whether Trump and his allies attempted to overthrow the 2020 election in that state. This action is pending a further order to come either from him or the SC.

    Thomas should have recused himself. Ginni, who was a part of the coup, makes that clear. These reactionary, corrupt justices care not about the institution of the court or the country.  And, we seem to be helplessly at their hands.

    Parent

    It should be unbelievable (none / 0) (#155)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 12:58:16 PM EST
    but it's not even a surprise

    Parent
    The Fulton County DA, Fani Willis, (none / 0) (#157)
    by KeysDan on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 01:19:22 PM EST
    Has until this Thursday to tell Clarence why Lindseybelle should be required to testify.   It would seem Clarence could read the case and the appellate  court panel's ruling.

    It will surprise many of the TV lawyers who claimed Lindsey's appeal to the SC would go nowhere, because honest Clarence and no pillow talk with Ginni.  

     Clarence should be no where near any case regarding the overthrow of the government, although his love for dear Ginni makes it understandable that he would block investigation into a coup that she supported and did her best to make happen. . It is so romantic.

    Parent

    A mental mage (none / 0) (#158)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 02:57:32 PM EST
    I did not need

    Parent
    But, you have (none / 0) (#159)
    by KeysDan on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 03:26:27 PM EST
    to admit, it's so sweet. Clarence willing to tarnish his sterling reputation so as to protect the love of his life.  Ginni owes him big: at least a case of Coke.

    Parent
    No (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 05:03:59 PM EST
    I don't

    Parent
    Don't (none / 0) (#167)
    by FlJoe on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 07:25:23 PM EST
    forget the pubic hairs.


    Parent
    Excuse me (none / 0) (#170)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 06:53:17 AM EST
    What is this sterling reputation of which you speak. His reputation is much like that piece of jewelry that you thought was sterling but quickly turned green on your neck. ;-)

    Parent
    This is the point -- Thomas's stay of the subpoena (none / 0) (#161)
    by Peter G on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 03:38:57 PM EST
    is effective, for all intents and purposes, for two days or a few more, until the DA files her response. I agree that Thomas really should have recused himself, and that Graham's motion appears to be baseless, but in the end I really cannot object to allowing due process, where both sides get to be heard prior to the ruling (which I expect will then dismiss Graham's petition) without Graham's objection (such as it is) becoming moot, for lack of a stay, in the meanwhile.

    Parent
    If baseless. (none / 0) (#163)
    by KeysDan on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 04:33:39 PM EST
    as the lower courts ruled and the SC is likely to find, Thomas' refusal to recuse seems all the more defiant and arrogant.  His action only brings further discredit to an already embattled court.

    Moreover, Thomas let's the specter arise that he may be able to get four more votes, but he needs time. He could have avoided this but he is either flipping the bird or he naively believes he is not a hack. I don't think he is naive.

    Parent

    Not naive (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 05:01:15 PM EST
    this is pure poke in the eye own the libs.

    He doesn't give a rats azz about appearance.  Quite the opposite IMO.  it's intended to show he is beyond control

    Parent

    Which (none / 0) (#168)
    by FlJoe on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 07:33:23 PM EST
    is true of all the Republican power mongers, cruelty is the point, the uglier the better.

    Parent
    I'm sorry, but when one side ... (none / 0) (#172)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 02:17:12 PM EST
    ... endeavors to play by the rules while the other clearly does not, I don't consider that to be due process. The very fact that Justice Thomas won't recuse himself given his obvious conflict, and instead issues a ruling on a case involving Republican sedition in which his friggin' WIFE!! is self-admittedly implicated up to her eyeballs, belies any notion that due process and fair play are at work here.

    The only thing Thomas's order confirms for me is that once again, there are no boundaries and there is no bottom when it comes to the GOP right's lack of ethics. They will do whatever it takes to gain power.

    And if that means intimidating voters of color at the polls, stationing armed vigilantes at neighborhood ballot dropboxes, threatening election workers and public officials, cheating in the electoral count, robocalling citizens with false election information, ignoring legal subpoenas, slamming their fists down upon the scales of justice in court, and kicking Uncle Sam in the nuts while grabbing Lady Liberty by the hoo-hah, then so be it, as far as Republicans are concerned.

    I wish I still had your faith in the rule of law in these times, Peter. I really do. I once did not all that long ago, but not anymore. The GOP has crossed the Rubicon. The rule of law is not the guardrail of democracy we once thought it was, particularly when one side is now openly refusing to respect it with alarming regularity, and one in two Republicans are now thinking that it's okay to resort to political violence if that's what it takes to get their way.

    The sooner we recognize the hard truth about our adversaries and ready ourselves for the coming political confrontation, which at this point is anyone's guess whether or not it will eventually devolve into violence, the better our chances of obtaining a favorable outcome over the long term.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    If the US Had an up to Date Constitution, (none / 0) (#174)
    by RickyJim on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 04:31:27 PM EST
    where all judges and prosecutors were civil service, such abominations would be much rarer.  It amuses me that you guys keep moaning, groaning and cussing without suggesting any remedies.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#175)
    by FlJoe on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 05:55:11 PM EST
    we'll just say the magic words and presto chango a wonderful updated Constitution is pulled from the hat. Also, everybody gets a pony.  

    Parent
    It is not Hopeless (none / 0) (#176)
    by RickyJim on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 06:28:51 PM EST
    Here is a possible scenario:

    1. A billionaire, a scholar of constitutions and a charismatic politician get together.
    2. The scholar comes up with a new constitution and convinces the other two that this it would make a far better system for the US to be governed under than the one from 1787.
    3. The billionaire agrees to foot the bill for a popular vote national referendum on the new constitution to be held in two years.
    4. The politician starts appearing on TV explaining how much better it would be for most people to live under the new system.  Support starts snowballing.
    5. The referendum is held after some emendations of the original proposal and 60% of the country supports the new constitution.
    6. After some violence, Congress agrees to a transition plan.


    Parent
    Nonsense (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by FlJoe on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 07:10:16 PM EST
    there is no such thing as a national referendum, your ideas are pure fantasy. The Constitution is quite clear on the mechanism for "updating" itself, and there is nothing about national referendums nor congress transitioning.

    Your ideas would be slam dunk unconstitutional. Talk about magical thinking.

    Besides, in this timeline the billionaire would be Elon Musk, the scholar would be Alan Dershowitz and the the politician would be tRump.

    Parent

    I'm not sure why you believe that (none / 0) (#179)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 07:13:50 PM EST
    a new constitution would be controlled by people who support democracy rather than by the MAGA crowd. The minority vote in this country more often than not decides who wins or loses.

    Parent
    Because MAGA is less than 50% of the country (none / 0) (#181)
    by RickyJim on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 07:55:46 PM EST
    I said the referendum would be decided by national popular vote. If having such a referendum is illegal, than all national polling is illegal.  The last thing on my mind would be having it done by by a convention called by the states as some right wingers have recently proposed. The current US constitution declared how it would be ratified.  It contradicted the restrictions in the Articles of Confederation that all states would have to agree on modifications.  So of course switching to a new constitution, ratified by popular referendum, would be "unconstitutional".  So what!  If there is a clear message that the people want a change, it will be hard for the powers that be to resist.  Read what Jefferson thought about this matter.  

    Parent
    The only way the US gets a new constitution (none / 0) (#196)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 04:59:07 PM EST
    is the same way they got the first one. A violent revolution. And then it is not the US anymore. It becomes some other country. Or countries.

    Other than that your wish is just unicorns and rainbows.

    Parent

    That is Historically Inaccurate (none / 0) (#198)
    by RickyJim on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 05:58:03 PM EST
    While the Articles of Confederation went into effect in 1777 during the revolution, the Constitution of 1787 (going into effect in 1789) was a result of peaceful realization that the former document was inadequate.  France has had about 17 different constitutions since then, most not during a revolution.  I think all were ratified by popular referendum.

    I'll make a deal. If you guys stop complaining every time the Electoral College or Supreme Court does something you don't like, and don't suggest a sensible remedy, I will shut up about the need for a new constitution. -:)

    Parent

    Articles of Confederation Went into Effect in 1781 (none / 0) (#199)
    by RickyJim on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 06:08:10 PM EST
    Four years after the Continental Congress ratified them.  Sorry for the error.

    Parent
    And voila! Simple as that. (none / 0) (#200)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 06:11:26 PM EST
    RickyJim: "Here is a possible scenario: A billionaire, a scholar of constitutions and a charismatic politician get together. The scholar comes up with a new constitution and convinces the other two that this it would make a far better system ..."

    Peter Thiel, Jonathan Turley and Ron DeSantis walk into a bar together. That's the perfect beginning to a very bad joke. Thank you.

    I'll be sure to program HAL9000 to let us know when your space pod returns to the mothership.

    ;-D

    Parent

    As a GA (none / 0) (#123)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 05:33:00 PM EST
    resident I am beyond tired of Lindsay's nonsense but I'm sure he will appeal to the SC and they will turn him down. He will finally have to testify.

    Parent
    I'm finding the Dahmer series (none / 0) (#133)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 20, 2022 at 08:27:10 PM EST
    really disturbing.  I am not easily disturbed. I need a break after every episode.  It's hard to put your finger on exactly what about it is so disturbing.

    Most of the gore is, so far, off camera.  It really gives new meaning to "the banality of evil".  

    It's maddening to see all times he was allowed to skate by cops because they were so homophobic they accept what he was doing.  And of course because of who he was doing it to.

    Evan Peters is amazing.  If he doesn't get an EMMY he will have been robbed.  

    Dahmer--Monster (none / 0) (#137)
    by KeysDan on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 11:48:07 AM EST
    synchronistically dramatizes the serial murders and the systemic failures that surrounded them. Dahmer is presented as unempathetically as a monster warrants making the story so unnerving as to be practically unbearable. But, the story needs to be told as an integral part of  concern for the victims and their families.

    Parent
    Psycho Killer (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by jondee on Sat Oct 22, 2022 at 03:38:44 PM EST
    Qu'est-ce que c'est?

    I'm psycho killered-out at this point.

    I have a friend who, years ago, escaped from the Houston Candyman by diving through a plate glass window and went right to the cops, who didn't do a damn thing about it.

    Arthur Shawcross literally lived down the street from me back in the eighties.

    At this point, I'd rather not contemplate the depths of human depravity for one second longer than I'm forced to in this carnival freak show of a country.

    Parent

    Recreational pot is on the ballot (none / 0) (#139)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 03:53:49 PM EST
    in my state.  There has been a ton of ads for and against.  The ads against are almost laughable recycles of reefer madness footage.  The pro ads are very smart.  They are hammering the fund the police angle.  It seems very smart to me.  The AR state police have tried to force them to stop showing them but if you watch tv for 5 minutes you WILL see one.

    Responsible Growth Arkansas

    Missouri (none / 0) (#140)
    by MO Blue on Fri Oct 21, 2022 at 04:18:20 PM EST
    Also has recreational pot on the ballot. It is the only amendment that got a  yes vote from me.

    Parent
    He was right about Trump in 2016 (none / 0) (#156)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 01:02:09 PM EST
    and nobody believed him.  Not even me.
    Let's hope he is right again.

    `I'm deadly serious': why film-maker Michael Moore is confident of a Democratic midterm win

    Well (none / 0) (#160)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 03:37:29 PM EST
    we are having record breaking turnout here in GA. The polls have consistently shown Kemp winning by a comfortable margin but it seems to be dawning on some Republicans that that just might not happen.

    Parent
    Stacey seems (none / 0) (#162)
    by KeysDan on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 04:17:08 PM EST
    to be campaigning the old-fashioned way---getting out the vote.  She is good at that, hope it works.

    Parent
    Me too (none / 0) (#166)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 06:45:54 PM EST
    I am sick of Kemp and his signing whatever the Gold Dome sends him.

    Parent
    We completed our mail-in ballots today (none / 0) (#169)
    by Peter G on Mon Oct 24, 2022 at 08:22:59 PM EST
    having received them a few days ago. And then we discovered, this evening, that the local drop-box -- a much safer way to ensure the ballots are received and counted than actually mailing them in -- does not open until Saturday. So now we have the challenge of not misplacing our completed ballots for five whole days!

    Fetterman Oz (none / 0) (#178)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 07:11:35 PM EST
    livestream

    Fetterman is not telegenic (none / 0) (#180)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 07:16:54 PM EST
    Oz is in a reptilian way.  

    Parent
    The (none / 0) (#190)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 12:34:21 PM EST
    terms reptilian and republican are becoming interchangeable anyway.

    Parent
    Fetterman was just awful (none / 0) (#182)
    by Peter G on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 08:08:07 PM EST
    Embarrassing. Disturbing. Did not (and presumably could not) actually answer a single question that he was asked. Nor did his accusations against Oz as a liar come across as convincing. I fear he may have lost a lot of support tonight. The machinegun format was a disaster for him. Yeah, Oz is reptilian, but he did not come across as badly as Fetterman, to be honest with myself.

    Parent
    It was unwatchable. (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 09:10:07 AM EST
    You are correct. Fetterman did himself no favors. However, even Oz couldn't directly answer a question. The debate was just a rehashing of the all the TV commercials I've had to endure.

    Parent
    It was (5.00 / 1) (#189)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 12:00:01 PM EST
    But the coverage that I have seen today is surprisingly balanced.  

    It might not end up being the disaster it felt like in real time.

    Parent

    Relying on (none / 0) (#191)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 12:37:54 PM EST
    reporting, since I did not watch the debate, it seems that the big takeaways were Fetterman's struggle to overcome his disability and Oz's practiced homeopathic sales pitch.  The Oz comment on abortion--between the woman, doctor and local politicians seems to be subject to great ridicule.

    DeSantis looked sharp in his white boots in comparison to his look in the debate with Charlie Crist.  Crist was aggressive rendering DeSantis a deer in the headlights.  When DeSantis did.make an effort to respond he demonstrated the charisma of a bowl of mashed potatoes. But, he does have the look of a 59-year old, an accomplishment for a 44-year old.  Maybe that gravitas outweighs  the absence of charm.

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#183)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 08:23:15 PM EST
    It was a disaster. I just wanted some one else to say it

    Parent
    I am trying to remind myself, or convince (none / 0) (#184)
    by Peter G on Tue Oct 25, 2022 at 09:37:38 PM EST
    myself, that not every Senator needs to be (or can be) an Elizabeth Warren, a Cory Booker, or an Amy Klobuchar. On his worst day, Fetterman will be better than Josh Hawley, Susan Collins, Marco Rubio or another 35 or so I could list. And better to have his vote -- even if he cannot hold his own in a debate format -- than to be "represented" by Mehmet Oz.

    Parent
    It is possible (5.00 / 1) (#185)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 08:07:04 AM EST
    Fetterman might get some credit for having the balls to show up and do that.  It was pretty clear it was not easy for him.
    I suspect lots of people know someone who has had to recover from a stroke.  And they understand what he's going through.  And what he is capable of.

    Then of course there was the great line from Ozzie about how local officials, Parks and Recreation someone said, should be making decisions about abortions.

    Fetterman might lose the battle and win the war.
    Oz was truly odious.

    Parent

    I have to say (5.00 / 1) (#187)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 08:52:45 AM EST
    after all the doom posting on social media I thought surely this must be a disaster but when I watched it I saw a guy who was brave enough to show that he is struggling to come back from a stroke. He actually was not as bad as I had thought he would be but Oz wants me to take the DMV to me with the doctors and the DMV make the decisions for me.

    Parent
    One thing (none / 0) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 08:11:19 AM EST
    there seemed to be a camera angle that was specifically set up only to highlight and frame the lump on the back of Fetterman neck.  It was an odd angle, from the back.  They never showed Oz from the back once.

    WTF.

    I would love it if some one asked why that angle was used SO heavily.  Or needed at all.

    Parent

    The Leak (none / 0) (#192)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 01:16:42 PM EST
    At an event at the right-wing think tank,The Heritage Foundation, Justice Alito continues his sad about that leak of his draft of Dobbs/ Roe.  "It was a great betrayal of trust and it was a shock, so it certainly changed the atmosphere at the Court for the remainder of the last term.  And, it endangered the lives of the justices placing a target on the justices for assassination".  

    Alito cited the instance near Kavanaugh's house-- the one where Nicholas Roska called 911 on himself and has been charged with attempted murder of a Justice. Roska indicated being motivated by the Uvelde shootings and abortion.

    It would seem that it was not the leak as much as the ruling. But, poor Alito is the victim because his life was engendered.

    Trump, too, recently pressed  concern about the leak.  At a rally, he noted how awful the leak was and suggested that journalists and publishers of the leak should be put in jail where they could become the "bride" of an inmate and raped until they give up thier source.  The MAGA crowd found that to be hilarious. Trump did not mention what crime was committed by leaking Alito's draft.

    I think it was (none / 0) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 01:51:40 PM EST
    Roberts

    Parent
    Despite. (none / 0) (#194)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 26, 2022 at 03:18:29 PM EST
    Alioto's imperious ranting and umbrage for those who question legitimacy and integrity of a court that takes away basic rights,I think it was Alito, himself, so as to pressure Kavanaugh from drifting over to Roberts.  Of course, Ginni is still in my sights.

    Parent
    We went to vote today, it all went... (none / 0) (#201)
    by desertswine on Thu Oct 27, 2022 at 01:14:40 AM EST
    very smoothly.  We voted for the current governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is running against a charismatic but moronic Republican former TV climate change denying weatherman.  The polls say that the race is very tight, hard to believe.  Lujan Grisham has done a fabulous job imo.

    Happy Birthday (Mine) and Open Thread | 202 comments (202 topical)