Creationist Opponent and Pro-Science Lizard Runs for Texas School Board

Politics • Views: 13,976

LGF lizard Joel W. Walker (nickname “spaceman”) is running a campaign for the local School Board of College Station, TX, home of creationist dentist Don McLeroy, on a
pro-science platform. He writes:

LGF played a critical role in focusing my attention on our state’s curriculum battle. I hope you’ll have a look at my website; any support from the lizards would be much appreciated.

Here’s Joel’s site; if you’re in a position to support him and help fight back against the deceptive creationist appointed by Republican Governor Rick Perry, please do: Joel W. Walker, Candidate, Place 2, CSISD Board of Trustees.

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210 comments
1 Adrenalyn  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:40:22am

no way

2 doppelganglander  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:40:34am

Way to go, Joel! I hope you become the first elected official from the lizard kingdom.

3 Adrenalyn  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:40:49am

that takes nerve in TX

4 ConservatismNow!  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:40:50am

Stick it to the man, Joel!

5 Cato the Elder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:41:19am

Damn, my eyes so wanted to read "spacejesus" there.

Now that would have been a hoot.

6 Occasional Reader  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:41:21am

Local lizardoid makes good! "Walker, Texas (School Board) Ranger"... I like it!

Good for you, Joel, for taking a stand.

7 lawhawk  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:41:43am

Best of luck Joel.

8 Shug  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:41:44am

My headline:

Spaceman beats Space Case

9 MrSilverDragon  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:41:44am

Good luck, Joel. Can't vote for you since I'm in MD (and I'm honest when it comes to voting, unlike certain parties), but you've got my support.

10 Cathypop  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:42:10am

re: #3 Adrenalyn

that takes nerve in TX


We are not all crazy here in Texas.

11 Lincolntf  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:42:11am

Good luck, Spaceman!

12 MandyManners  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:42:33am

Go Joel!

Where's tfk today?

13 ConservatismNow!  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:42:34am

re: #5 Cato the Elder

Damn, my eyes so wanted to read "spacejesus" there.

Now that would have been a hoot.

I think you have to be over 18 to run for a local school board position. :D

14 Adrenalyn  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:42:39am

Joel,


I give you this Laurel, and Hearty Welcome

15 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:42:46am
16 Honorary Yooper  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:43:16am

Way to go Joel!
This is a great example of what we need to do. If we could do this from the ground up, school boards, city councils, county boards, etc, we could really make a difference.
Joel, I sincerely hope you are successful.

17 Killgore Trout  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:43:33am

Spaceman Ackbar!

18 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:43:35am

Good job!

But what are those strange pagan symbols........

19 Adrenalyn  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:43:38am

re: #10 Cathypop

We are not all crazy here in Texas.

nor are we in CA
but everyone thinks so
and just to keep the neighbors guessing
I say bizarre things

20 Randall Gross  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:43:53am

Way to go Joel, you have our backing

21 Mad Al-Jaffee  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:44:40am

Dr. Spaceman?

22 Devil's Advocate  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:45:06am

If a Republican has a tough decision to make when confirming Robert Bork and standing up against Card Check, maybe he's not a Republican.

23 rusty_armor  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:45:46am

. . . I care. No really. I do care.

~ rusty in Texas

24 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:46:02am

You go, Joel. Isaac looks kind of bored and put-upon in that picture. LOL!

25 Occasional Reader  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:46:18am

re: #14 Adrenalyn

Joel,


I give you this Laurel, and Hearty Welcome

Nietzsche said, "out of chaos comes order".

26 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:46:24am
27 lawhawk  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:46:30am

Hate to go OT, but the Fort Dix Six sentencing is underway. One of the convicted terrorists just got life plus 30 years in prison. 4 others remain to be sentenced.

28 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:46:39am

Go Joel go!

We support you all the way.

29 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:47:04am

You go, Joel. Isaac looks kind of bored and put-upon in that picture. LOL!

30 Occasional Reader  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:47:26am

re: #14 Adrenalyn

Joel,


I give you this Laurel, and Hearty Welcome

Nietzsche said, "out of chaos comes order".

31 Shug  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:47:27am

re: #13 ConservatismNow!

I think you have to be and IQ over 18 to run for a local school board position. :D

Sorry Space Jesus

32 DistantThunder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:47:53am

Joel can ask the creationists if they are willing to also entertain the Hindu creation myth, and then there is the Navajo creation story, and my particular favorite

The Inuit Creation Story

At the beginning of the world there were giants.

They lived on the land and ate the fruits of the land. One year, as the days began to get shorter and colder, a baby girl was born to two of the giants. They named her Sedna.
Day by day, as the sun became weaker and smaller, Sedna grew stronger and bigger. She grew and grew very quickly until, in no time at all, she was huge. Soon she was bigger than her giant parents.
The bigger she got the more she ate and the more she needed to eat, but there were not enough plants on the land to satisfy her hunger. One night, ravenously hungry, she began to gnaw her parents legs.
‘Owww!’ they cried, ‘that's enough of that.’ With a great struggle they bundled Sedna up in a blanket and carried her to their canoe. It was dark but they paddled out to sea in the light of a hazy moon. When they reached the middle of the ocean, they pushed Sedna overboard into the icy waters.
And that, they thought, was that. They started to paddle back towards the land, shivering for the cold and also for shame at what they had done to their own daughter. Yet before they had gone far, the canoe stopped - no matter how fast they paddled, the canoe would not move forward. To their horror they saw two hands, Sedna's hands, reaching out of the water to grip the canoe and then to rock it from side to side.
The giants felt the boat shaking. Soon they would be tossed into the ocean they would surely drown, unless they did something quickly.

Simply to save themselves, they pulled out sharp knives and chopped off Sedna's fingers. One by one the fingers splashed into the sea and, as they sank, they changed into swimming creatures. One became a whale, one a seal, another a walrus, another a salmon. The fingers changed into all the creatures of the seas.

As for Sedna, she drifted through new shoals of fish to the bottom off the ocean. There the fishes built her an underwater tent. Above her, the cold waters formed a crust of ice and sealed Sedna in her wintry, watery world. She still lives there, and whenever the Inuit are short of food, they call on Sedna and she provides it, even in the depths of winter.

33 Gella  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:48:08am

good luck Joel

34 KansasMom  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:48:16am

Good luck, Spaceman!

(Wish you were in Kansas)

35 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:49:16am

re: #25 Occasional Reader

Nietzsche said, "out of chaos comes order".

Apes don't read Nietzche.

Yes they do, Otto! They just don't understand it!

36 MandyManners  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:49:51am

24, 25, 29 and 30?

37 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:50:09am

re: #32 DistantThunder

But they are an indigenious people at one with nature.

So it's true.

38 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:50:12am
39 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:50:14am

I'm all for a new political party, but I question the general acceptance of the LIZARD party name outside of this group.

40 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:50:54am

re: #27 lawhawk

Hate to go OT, but the Fort Dix Six sentencing is underway. One of the convicted terrorists just got life plus 30 years in prison. 4 others remain to be sentenced.

How long before CAIR whines?
How long before the 0 releases them because they're being tortured by having the other prisoners get pork?

41 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:51:07am

Why do Charles and Spaceman hate Christians?

Repent!

//////////// getting it out of the way Early!

Fly Spaceman, Fly!

Spacemen don't run! ;-)

42 Occasional Reader  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:52:19am

(with apologies to David Bowie)

There's a space man
running for the Board
He says he'll back good science
and I say we take his word

There's a space man
resisting "Young Earth" bile
He can count on our support
because his cause is so worthwhile

43 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:53:16am

Wonder if Spaceman has any posts he's regretted?...

I would never admit I was FBV if running for office. I have said way to many idiotic things here to want an potential electorate to read them.

44 DistantThunder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:53:53am

re: #27 lawhawk

Hate to go OT, but the Fort Dix Six sentencing is underway. One of the convicted terrorists just got life plus 30 years in prison. 4 others remain to be sentenced.

I live right down the road from Ft. Dix in Burlington County. I have helped host dozens of USO receptions for arriving soldiers. Sometimes 250 soldiers a time. This terrorist scheme was very chilling.

45 looking closely  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:54:05am

I've been considering running for public office, but its so damn distasteful . . . .groveling for money. . .having partisan hacks come and dig up (or just make up) dirt on you.

Just the though of it makes me want to take a shower.

Plus, if I were to win, I don't think I could afford the pay cut.

46 doppelganglander  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:54:05am

re: #21 Mad Al-Jaffee

Dr. Spaceman?

Upding for a 30 Rock reference.

47 DistantThunder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:55:36am

re: #45 looking closely

I've been considering running for public office, but its so damn distasteful . . . .groveling for money. . .having partisan hacks come and dig up (or just make up) dirt on you.

Just the though of it makes me want to take a shower.

Plus, if I were to win, I don't think I could afford the pay cut.

Now is not the time to shake hands and kiss babies.

48 MrSilverDragon  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:55:38am

re: #45 looking closely

I've been considering running for public office, but its so damn distasteful . . . .blockquote>

I could never run for public office. I shoot my mouth off WAY too much.

49 Honorary Yooper  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:56:20am

re: #39 CommonCents

I'm all for a new political party, but I question the general acceptance of the LIZARD party name outside of this group.

We don't necessarilly need to be a new party, just a PAC.
Lizard PAC.

50 Occasional Reader  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:56:32am

re: #43 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Wonder if Spaceman has any posts he's regretted?...

I would never admit I was FBV if running for office. I have said way to many idiotic things here to want an potential electorate to read them.

Tell me about it.

BREAKING NEWS: "OCCASIONAL READER" WITHDRAWS FROM RACE, CITES ADRIANA LIMA RESTRAINING ORDER SCANDAL

51 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:56:58am

re: #50 Occasional Reader

Yeah. It's kind of like that.

52 looking closely  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:57:24am

re: #21 Mad Al-Jaffee

Dr. Spaceman?

Well, he didn't go to Spaceman medical school for six years to be called "Mister".

53 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:57:32am

re: #35 Ben Hur

Apes don't read Nietzche.

Yes they do, Otto! They just don't understand it!

Now let me correct you on a few things. Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not "every man for himself". And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked them up.

Spaceman, keep us posted on your campaign.

54 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:58:35am

re: #43 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Wonder if Spaceman has any posts he's regretted?...

I would never admit I was FBV if running for office. I have said way to many idiotic things here to want an potential electorate to read them.

Crow is not vegetarian!

/;-P sorry couldn't resist!

55 Pvt Bin Jammin  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:58:40am

Best of luck, Joel!

56 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:59:12am

re: #49 Honorary Yooper

We don't necessarilly need to be a new party, just a PAC.
Lizard PAC.

Or even just a lobby. It's worked out very well for the Jewish Lobby. They run everything in the whole world.
/

57 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:59:50am

I'm sure LGF will come up during the campaign.

58 Kenneth  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:00:37pm

OT: Pakistani Intelligence: Osama Is Dead

...but hey, if you can't trust the Al Qaeda riddled ISI to tell you the truth, who can you trust?

59 Kragar  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:02:01pm

re: #53 SanFranciscoZionist

Now let me correct you on a few things. Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not "every man for himself". And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked them up.

Oh, I'm so very, very, very ssssssssssss... FUCK YOU!

///

60 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:02:11pm

re: #54 jcm

On MST3K he is!

61 DistantThunder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:02:14pm

re: #58 Kenneth

OT: Pakistani Intelligence: Osama Is Dead

...but hey, if you can't trust the Al Qaeda riddled ISI to tell you the truth, who can you trust?

No....Obama said he was going to get him. he said...he said...he said....

62 Sunlight  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:02:46pm

I sent a note to Dr. Joel on facebook suggesting that he set up a "politician" or "fan" page so we can keep track...

63 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:03:34pm

If this keeps up, we'll have to form a new Lizard Party.

Speaking of which:

As some of you may remember, I'm slowly working on an essay not about a new political party but rather a new political orientation that falls outside the left-right spectrum.

One of the sticking points is that I need a name for this orientation.

The name must not be a pre-existing political orientation name, nor a former one that has been abandoned. It also must function as both a noun and an adjective. It also must be a pre-existing word in the English language but which does not have a specifically political connotation.

(The best comparable example is the word "progressive," which meant something non-political until it was given a new political meaning, and functions as both noun and adjective.)

I still haven't decided on a name, but I'd like to offer up a candidate name that recently occurred to me. The political orientation I'm speaking of is of course LGF-esque "anti-idiotarianism", the Ideology Which Dare Not Speak Its Name.

Anyway, the word that occurred to me is:

commoner

As in: a "common man" with "common sense." It also conjures an image of an unpretentious citizen who is unwavering in his down-to-earth sanity.

The possible downsides are:

It's too close to "communist"
It sounds kind of demeaning.
It's the last name of Peace and Freedom Party nutcake Barry Commoner.
...etc.?

Anyway, what do you think? Would you be comfortable if the word "commoner" came to describe the no-nonsense political orientation many of us share? Would you gladly call your self a "commoner" with "commoner" ideals? (Similar to a "liberal" with "liberal" ideals or a "conservative" with "conservative" ideals.)

Keep in mind that if you are already comfortable with a pre-existing label, such as conservative, libertarian, liberal, or whatever, then this question isn't for you. It's for people who are searching for an identity.

Just trying to get a general sense if "commoner" is an excellent or ridiculous candidate word.

64 Kenneth  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:04:11pm

It's Not Torture, and it Does Work

In truth, the disagreement is about where to draw the line, not whether or not to torture. Everyone already agrees that we should not torture detainees. What we disagree about is what interrogation techniques amount to torture. Everyone agrees that gouging out eyes is torture. The disagreement comes in when we start talking about vastly gentler techniques, such as waterboarding and sleep deprivation. There is a real debate to be had about that, but many on the left will have none of it.

65 gmsc  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:04:14pm

re: #60 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

On MST3K he is!

I prefer Noh theater over MST3K.
;)

66 Mad Al-Jaffee  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:04:26pm

re: #52 looking closely

And it's pronounced "Spa-Chemen."

67 Lynn B.  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:04:40pm

Joel!

Now this here is change we can believe in.

68 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:04:44pm

re: #60 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

On MST3K he is!

Cruses! Foiled again!

69 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:05:16pm

re: #58 Kenneth

OT: Pakistani Intelligence: Osama Is Dead

...but hey, if you can't trust the Al Qaeda riddled ISI to tell you the truth, who can you trust?

Show me a corpse

70 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:05:17pm

re: #63 zombie

"Commoner" just does not inspire me.

71 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:05:42pm

re: #59 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Oops!

72 DaddyG  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:05:47pm

re: #63 zombie Close... but unfortunately commoner conjures up images of a royal talking about the peasants.

73 MrSilverDragon  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:06:08pm

re: #63 zombie

When I hear "commoner", I think bourgeious... not sure if that would be the word to go with, in my opinion.

74 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:06:26pm

re: #70 Alouette

"Commoner" just does not inspire me.

That's 0 Yeas and 1 Nay.

75 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:06:51pm

re: #72 DaddyG

Close... but unfortunately commoner conjures up images of a royal talking about the peasants.

re: #73 MrSilverDragon

When I hear "commoner", I think bourgeious... not sure if that would be the word to go with, in my opinion.

0 yeas and 3 nays.

76 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:07:24pm
77 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:08:43pm

re: #76 buzzsawmonkey

Make an mp3 of that and he's got a winning campaign theme song!

78 doppelganglander  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:08:45pm

re: #76 buzzsawmonkey

Look at that! Already you've got a campaign theme song!

79 Idle Drifter  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:10:04pm

re: #63 zombie

"Commoner" does have baggage was words go.

80 gmsc  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:10:18pm

re: #63 zombie

Just trying to get a general sense if "commoner" is an excellent or ridiculous candidate word.

I almost like "commoner" just because of its demeaning sound – it says that the people taking on that label aren't afraid of what other people think or how they use labels.

I might be alone in this, but put me down as a Yea.

81 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:10:57pm

re: #80 gmsc

Yeah. I like it too.

82 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:05pm

re: #79 Idle Drifter

"Commoner" does have baggage was words go.

I take that as a "nay":

0 Yeas and 4 Nays.

83 Idle Drifter  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:24pm

re: #79 Idle Drifter

was => as PIMF

84 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:32pm

re: #80 gmsc

I almost like "commoner" just because of its demeaning sound – it says that the people taking on that label aren't afraid of what other people think or how they use labels.

I might be alone in this, but put me down as a Yea.

1 Yea and 4 Nays.

85 aggieann  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:32pm

Way to go! I live in the B part of B-CS so cannot vote for him. Good luck, though!

86 doppelganglander  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:46pm

re: #82 zombie

I take that as a "nay":

0 Yeas and 4 Nays.

Make that 5. I think it's too easy for the opposition to make fun of.

87 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:51pm

Oops. Must go!

Zombie? Yea.

88 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:11:53pm

re: #81 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Yeah. I like it too.

2 Yeas and 4 Nays.

89 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:12:03pm

re: #63 zombie

How about the Thinkers party. It implies that other parties don't, which isn't far from the truth sometimes.

90 Liberal Classic  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:12:19pm

Good luck, Joel Walker!

91 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:12:26pm

President Shimon Peres will meet with US President Barack Obama on Monday while in Washington to attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, the Israeli Embassy announced Tuesday.

Peres will be the first Israeli leader to be hosted by the new president, after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu pushed back his inaugural visit to Washington until mid-May.

[Link: www.jpost.com...]

So Obama meets the "good" Israeli first?

92 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:12:38pm

re: #86 doppelganglander

Make that 5. I think it's too easy for the opposition to make fun of.

re: #87 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Oops. Must go!

Zombie? Yea.

3 Yeas and 5 Nays.

93 DaddyG  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:13:07pm

Any description I can think of that embodies peole, work, independence, patriotism or the like has already been co-opted by the commies or the existing parties.

How about Sensible?

94 nikis-knight  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:13:11pm

re: #89 CommonCents

How about the Thinkers party. It implies that other parties don't, which isn't far from the truth sometimes.

That's as obnoxious as calling yourself 'Brights.'

95 Sunlight  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:13:31pm

re: #63 zombie

I keep thinking "hybrid", although it sounds a little too new-agey. A new party would need principles of operation (law enforcement, restricted govt to defend country/constitution, keep your mitts off others, leave other people alone, etc.) as the foundation rather than these wild litmus issues everywhere. And then we have to convince others to vote our way, which is how we would make changes.

96 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:13:35pm

re: #63 zombie

Interesting, 'cause for lack of better label I use the cumbersome, small "c" conservative, small "l" libertarian, classical liberal. To try to define my thinking.

I try to be RATIONAL.

97 haakondahl  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:13:36pm

re: #63 zombie

If this keeps up, we'll have to form a new Lizard Party.

Speaking of which:

As some of you may remember, I'm slowly working on an essay not about a new political party but rather a new political orientation that falls outside the left-right spectrum.

One of the sticking points is that I need a name for this orientation.

The name must not be a pre-existing political orientation name, nor a former one that has been abandoned. It also must function as both a noun and an adjective. It also must be a pre-existing word in the English language but which does not have a specifically political connotation.

(The best comparable example is the word "progressive," which meant something non-political until it was given a new political meaning, and functions as both noun and adjective.)

I still haven't decided on a name, but I'd like to offer up a candidate name that recently occurred to me. The political orientation I'm speaking of is of course LGF-esque "anti-idiotarianism", the Ideology Which Dare Not Speak Its Name.

Anyway, the word that occurred to me is:

commoner

As in: a "common man" with "common sense." It also conjures an image of an unpretentious citizen who is unwavering in his down-to-earth sanity.

The possible downsides are:

It's too close to "communist"
It sounds kind of demeaning.
It's the last name of Peace and Freedom Party nutcake Barry Commoner.
...etc.?

Anyway, what do you think? Would you be comfortable if the word "commoner" came to describe the no-nonsense political orientation many of us share? Would you gladly call your self a "commoner" with "commoner" ideals? (Similar to a "liberal" with "liberal" ideals or a "conservative" with "conservative" ideals.)

Keep in mind that if you are already comfortable with a pre-existing label, such as conservative, libertarian, liberal, or whatever, then this question isn't for you. It's for people who are searching for an identity.

Just trying to get a general sense if "commoner" is an excellent or ridiculous candidate word.

Sorry, sounds too daintily of the Scepter'd Isle.

98 Cato the Elder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:14:00pm

re: #82 zombie

I take that as a "nay":

0 Yeas and 4 Nays.

I'm for it.

House of Commons, and all that.

Maybe time for a new branch of government?

99 DaddyG  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:14:38pm

re: #96 jcm

... RATIONAL.

Me likey!

100 axegrinder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:14:40pm

re: #63 zombie

Commoner also could be confused with Proletariat. The Marxist link is unfortunate. No, I don't think that one will work. Bourgeoisie would be better if it didn't sound so damn French. I work on it and get back to you.

101 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:14:43pm

re: #94 nikis-knight

That's as obnoxious as calling yourself 'Brights.'

First off, what's wrong with obnoxious?

102 Lincolntf  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:14:53pm

re: #98 Cato the Elder

A NEW one? Hell, I'd rather drop one.

103 lawhawk  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:14:54pm

Fan Fraking Tastic for all those who use NJ Transit or Amtrak on the NE Corridor between NY and points south.

A brush fire has suspended service both directions in and out of NY Penn Station until further notice.

104 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:06pm

re: #80 gmsc

I almost like "commoner" just because of its demeaning sound – it says that the people taking on that label aren't afraid of what other people think or how they use labels.

I might be alone in this, but put me down as a Yea.

I agree with your reasoning. I like taking on a name that is already seen as being as low-down as possible. Sort of how the gay rights movement adopted "queer" as their self-appellation. The attitude: We've already co-opted the lowest-down insult you can give us. We own it. Sticks and stones can't hurt our bones.

A sort of anti-pretention.

105 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:07pm

re: #91 Nevergiveup

President Shimon Peres will meet with US President Barack Obama on Monday while in Washington to attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, the Israeli Embassy announced Tuesday.

Peres will be the first Israeli leader to be hosted by the new president, after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu pushed back his inaugural visit to Washington until mid-May.

[Link: www.jpost.com...]

So Obama meets the "good" Israeli first?

Meets the irrelevant one with ZERO power.

But yes, the "good" one.

106 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:09pm

How about "Uncommoner"?

The problem I have with "commoner" is that it sets up a dichotomy, those who aren't "commoners" are "royalty" or "nobility."

107 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:22pm

Yay for our side!

108 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:33pm

Specter: I'm more important than you......

"I found that the prospects for winning the Republican primary were bleak. I am not prepared to have my 29-year record in the United States Senate decided by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. Not prepared to have that record decided by that jury."
109 nikis-knight  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:36pm

re: #101 CommonCents

First off, what's wrong with obnoxious?

Depends. Are you trying to convince people, or make each other feel superior?

110 OldLineTexan  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:15:43pm

re: #3 Adrenalyn

that takes nerve in TX

Really? Why? People run for the school board(s) all the time ... cranks and non-cranks.

111 Honorary Yooper  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:16:04pm

re: #89 CommonCents

How about the Thinkers party. It implies that other parties don't, which isn't far from the truth sometimes.

Not bad, but I think we may need something more in line with American tradition. Parties have been named Republicans, Democrats, Whigs, Native Americans, Libertarians, Federalists, Democratic-Republicans in the past. I would suggest that it would have to be something that would best represent us, but also be well in line with tradition.

How about the Liberty Party?

112 DaddyG  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:16:15pm

re: #98 Cato the Elder

I'm for it.

House of Commons, and all that.

Maybe time for a new branch of government?

We could merge anti-idolatarianism with the Audobon society and be the House of Cormorants. /

113 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:16:30pm

re: #105 Ben Hur

Meets the irrelevant one with ZERO power.

But yes, the "good" one.


The good one that bombed the shit out of Leb to show that he wasn't weak.

Nailed a UN school, too.

Obama must think that the Arabs forgot and see Israeli leaders from left and right as something different.

We need Bibi and Leiberman to continue to speak truth to Samantha Powers.

114 abolitionist  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:16:36pm

re: #89 CommonCents

How about the Thinkers party. It implies that other parties don't, which isn't far from the truth sometimes.

Beware. The Islamic Thinkers Society of New York may try to claim they are a local chapter.

115 Liberal Classic  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:16:40pm

re: #96 jcm

Interesting, 'cause for lack of better label I use the cumbersome, small "c" conservative, small "l" libertarian, classical liberal. To try to define my thinking.

I try to be RATIONAL.

My thoughts exactly.

116 MandyManners  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:16:51pm

re: #111 Honorary Yooper

Not bad, but I think we may need something more in line with American tradition. Parties have been named Republicans, Democrats, Whigs, Native Americans, Libertarians, Federalists, Democratic-Republicans in the past. I would suggest that it would have to be something that would best represent us, but also be well in line with tradition.

How about the Liberty Party?

Some could confuse it with the Libertarian party.

117 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:17:08pm

re: #108 jcm

Specter: I'm more important than you......

Does that make ANY SENSE at all?!?

118 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:17:20pm
119 realwest  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:17:24pm

OT - and DRIVE BY- But I gotta nominate this as the worst headline down here in YEARS:
Some Suspected cases of swine flu in North Carolina,Officials decline to state how many or where(off line from [Link: healthmap.org...] -click on NC) It's followed by the most useless story imagineable!

120 Kenneth  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:17:39pm

Does harsh interrogation work?

The second dimension of this debate is about whether harsh interrogation... works to elicit useful information. If you are inclined to label the harsh interrogation methods approved by the Bush administration as torture, then I don't even have to ask whether or not you believe that torture is effective. Instead, I can already say with a fairly high degree of certainty that you believe that torture is not effective (e.g., that it merely leads to false confessions, not the truth). ...you willingly adopt that point of view ...because it simultaneously quiets your mind and allows you demonize your intellectual opponents. It quiets your mind because it allows you to believe that your point of view is the one that adheres to the principle of doing no harm to humans (something everyone aspires to). If harsh interrogation methods "worked," you'd suddenly be denied this comfortable mind set because, all of a sudden, your principled stance against waterboarding high-level terrorists could directly result in the gruesome deaths of thousands of innocent American lives. That's not a very comfortable way to think. Indeed, if harsh interrogation worked, one could not climb so very high up on that moral high horse.

The liberal chain of thought:

1. All methods of harsh interrogation are torture.
2. Torture doesn't work.
3. Therefore, there is no good reason to use harsh interrogation torture.
4. Therefore, only evil people torture.

121 Querent  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:18:02pm

re: #39 CommonCents

I'm all for a new political party, but I question the general acceptance of the LIZARD party name outside of this group.

But can we keep them for our logo? Elephants, Donkeys, Lizards... ?

122 OldLineTexan  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:18:11pm

re: #54 jcm

Crow is not vegetarian!

/;-P sorry couldn't resist!

How about shoe?

/

123 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:18:17pm

re: #89 CommonCents

How about the Thinkers party. It implies that other parties don't, which isn't far from the truth sometimes.

re: #93 DaddyG

Any description I can think of that embodies peole, work, independence, patriotism or the like has already been co-opted by the commies or the existing parties.

How about Sensible?

re: #94 nikis-knight

That's as obnoxious as calling yourself 'Brights.'

re: #95 Sunlight

I keep thinking "hybrid", although it sounds a little too new-agey. A new party would need principles of operation (law enforcement, restricted govt to defend country/constitution, keep your mitts off others, leave other people alone, etc.) as the foundation rather than these wild litmus issues everywhere. And then we have to convince others to vote our way, which is how we would make changes.

re: #96 jcm

Interesting, 'cause for lack of better label I use the cumbersome, small "c" conservative, small "l" libertarian, classical liberal. To try to define my thinking.

I try to be RATIONAL.

Thanks for the alternate nominations for candidate words. Most I've already considered, but I'll add them to the list.

At the moment, however, I'm just trying to asses the viability of this one candidate word, "commoner."

124 KenJen  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:18:50pm

The Constitutional Party?

125 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:18:57pm
126 DaddyG  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:09pm

Lizardtarian?

127 callahan23  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:18pm

Hooooooottt, Joel you are our lizardoid hero of the month, IMHO.
I am just in. So here I go again HHOOOOOOOOOOTTTT!

128 Cygnus  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:27pm

re: #66 Mad Al-Jaffee

And it's pronounced "Spa-Chemen."

Ed Sullivan: Is that your crash helmet?

Spa-cemen: Oh, I hope not!

129 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:29pm

re: #111 Honorary Yooper

Not bad, but I think we may need something more in line with American tradition. Parties have been named Republicans, Democrats, Whigs, Native Americans, Libertarians, Federalists, Democratic-Republicans in the past. I would suggest that it would have to be something that would best represent us, but also be well in line with tradition.

How about the Liberty Party?

I'd be all for that if there weren't already a Libertarian party. I believe that would bring on confusion. Originalist party would be good. It wouldn't absorb any negative history linked to any former party and basically says "get back to the original point".

130 nikis-knight  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:42pm

re: #123 zombie

I wasn't actually suggesting it to you; you said don't reply if you're okay with a label; I think conservative pretty well represents the ideas of America's founding already, but good luck to you in your nomenclature search.

131 Russkilitlover  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:42pm

re: #63 zombie

I don't really care for commoner because of the class implication. But I also don't have anything else to offer at this time....

132 Ben Hur  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:19:50pm

re: #120 Kenneth

Does harsh interrogation work?

The liberal chain of thought:

1. All methods of harsh interrogation are torture.
2. Torture doesn't work.
3. Therefore, there is no good reason to use harsh interrogation torture.
4. Therefore, only evil people torture.
5. Mock US war hero for being tortured in Vietnam.

133 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:20:16pm

re: #117 Ben Hur

Does that make ANY SENSE at all?!?

No... and yes.

Yes.... Specter doesn't care what the electorate thinks, he just wants to hang onto that seat.

No... his record his is record, and he owns it. His record is why he's dead in the (R) primary.

134 aggieann  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:20:20pm

re: #111 Honorary Yooper

Not bad, but I think we may need something more in line with American tradition. Parties have been named Republicans, Democrats, Whigs, Native Americans, Libertarians, Federalists, Democratic-Republicans in the past.

How about the Yellow Dog Gun-n-Bible Clingers?

135 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:20:28pm

re: #125 buzzsawmonkey

William Jennings Bryan was called The Great Commoner.

Bryan was a populist.

136 DaddyG  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:20:34pm

re: #129 CommonCents
Foundationalist. (Sorry Zombie- we're on a roll, pass the butter)

137 jorline  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:20:51pm

OT

California Declares State of Emergency Over Swine Flu

Gov. Schwarzenegger declares a state of emergency that will allow federal funding to combat an outbreak of swine flu in California, which could be the first state to link a fatality to the virus.

Schwarzenegger is a political whore looking for any federal dollars he can get his hands on.

California's latest CDC numbers...give me a break!

According to these numbers NY can ask for 4 and a half times what California is asking for.

138 Honorary Yooper  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:21:09pm

re: #116 MandyManners

Some could confuse it with the Libertarian party.

That was my fear, but I was working on short notice. :-)

A few other ideas...

Conservative Party (maybe a bit too confining?)
Lizard Party (I know, it sounds more like a fiesta rather than politics.)
Rational Party (implies other parties are not rational, and it's true, IMHO)

139 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:21:19pm

re: #93 DaddyG

Any description I can think of that embodies peole, work, independence, patriotism or the like has already been co-opted by the commies or the existing parties.

How about Sensible?

re: #97 haakondahl

Sorry, sounds too daintily of the Scepter'd Isle.

re: #98 Cato the Elder

I'm for it.

House of Commons, and all that.

Maybe time for a new branch of government?

re: #100 axegrinder

Commoner also could be confused with Proletariat. The Marxist link is unfortunate. No, I don't think that one will work. Bourgeoisie would be better if it didn't sound so damn French. I work on it and get back to you.

re: #106 Alouette

How about "Uncommoner"?

The problem I have with "commoner" is that it sets up a dichotomy, those who aren't "commoners" are "royalty" or "nobility."

Current totals as of comment #123:

4 yeas
9 nays

140 turn  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:21:19pm

Good luck spaceman Joel,

Your background is impressive. btw turn knows a few people who teach at A&M and that work at TTI. They live in and around College Station. I'm meeting them in San Antonio at the end of the month and I'll spread a good word about you. I'm sure they will support you. Go lizard!

141 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:21:27pm

re: #114 abolitionist

Beware. The Islamic Thinkers Society of New York may try to claim they are a local chapter.

Good luck with that. I doubt if I were running for office anyone would mistakenly attach them to me.

142 OldLineTexan  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:22:01pm

re: #136 DaddyG

Foundationalist. (Sorry Zombie- we're on a roll, pass the butter)

Are you a First Foundationalist, or one of those Second Foundationalists?

/Good thing Asimov is dead.

143 aggieann  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:22:44pm

CAIR: Conservative And Informed Republicans. That'll mess with the lamestream media.

144 CommonCents  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:23:31pm

re: #136 DaddyG

Foundationalist. (Sorry Zombie- we're on a roll, pass the butter)

Very nice.

145 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:23:57pm

re: #80 gmsc

I almost like "commoner" just because of its demeaning sound – it says that the people taking on that label aren't afraid of what other people think or how they use labels.

I might be alone in this, but put me down as a Yea.

I may not be qualified to vote, since I'm not really looking for a new political identity, but I kind of like it--the association with 'the common man' has a nice English yeomanish sound to it that I like. Sensible.

Then again, I have no problem with being 'bourgeois'.

Problems I see: all the ones already suggested, plus to my liberal ears it does have an echo of suggesting that non-Commoners are 'elites'.

146 OldLineTexan  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:23:57pm

The Party of Victor Hanson of Latter-Day Conservatives

/sorry, DaddyG

;)

147 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:24:35pm

re: #125 buzzsawmonkey

William Jennings Bryan was called The Great Commoner.

Another mark against the word.

148 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:25:54pm

re: #123 zombie


At the moment, however, I'm just trying to asses the viability of this one candidate word, "commoner."

First pass my instinct was a no vote. Commoner already has a political / class definition.

On further consideration: ...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
We the common people, the governed, hold sovereignty. It has a certain appeal in that light.

At this time I'll take the bold step and vote.....
Present!

149 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:26:07pm

re: #131 Russkilitlover

I don't really care for commoner because of the class implication. But I also don't have anything else to offer at this time....

re: #145 SanFranciscoZionist

I may not be qualified to vote, since I'm not really looking for a new political identity, but I kind of like it--the association with 'the common man' has a nice English yeomanish sound to it that I like. Sensible.

Then again, I have no problem with being 'bourgeois'.

Problems I see: all the ones already suggested, plus to my liberal ears it does have an echo of suggesting that non-Commoners are 'elites'.

5 yeas
10 nays

150 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:26:37pm

re: #148 jcm

First pass my instinct was a no vote. Commoner already has a political / class definition.

On further consideration: ...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
We the common people, the governed, hold sovereignty. It has a certain appeal in that light.

At this time I'll take the bold step and vote.....
Present!

6 yeas
10 nays

151 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:28:22pm

re: #146 OldLineTexan

The Party of Victor Hanson of Latter-Day Conservatives

/sorry, DaddyG

;)

The Normans!

;-)

152 Russkilitlover  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:28:45pm

re: #137 jorline

OT


Schwarzenegger is a political whore looking for any federal dollars he can get his hands on.

Ya got that right! From recent polling his extension to his tax increase (Props 1A-1F) are going down in flames.

153 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:28:49pm

re: #137 jorline

OT

California Declares State of Emergency Over Swine Flu

Schwarzenegger is a political whore looking for any federal dollars he can get his hands on.

California's latest CDC numbers...give me a break!

According to these numbers NY can ask for 4 and a half times what California is asking for.

Da Goobernator just wants to pump you up ... with fear.

154 tracon  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:30:56pm

5
4
3
2
1
Go team Spaceman!

155 spaceman  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:31:08pm

WOW - Thanks so much to Charles for the support, and to all of you for the good wishes. They are so much appreciated !

With all my Best,
Joel / Spaceman

156 Russkilitlover  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:31:17pm

re: #148 jcm

How about the Consent party?

157 wiffersnapper  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:31:44pm

Go Spaceman! Wish I could vote for you!

158 Russkilitlover  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:31:46pm

re: #155 spaceman

WOW - Thanks so much to Charles for the support, and to all of you for the good wishes. They are so much appreciated !

With all my Best,
Joel / Spaceman

Best of luck and all good wishes for your success!

159 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:32:12pm

Wel, barring a massive onslaught of "yea" votes, it looks like "commoner" will be like the political career or Barry Commoner -- going down to defeat in flames.

160 KansasMom  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:32:30pm

re: #123 zombie

Its growing on me....put me down as YEA.

161 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:33:20pm

re: #155 spaceman

WOW - Thanks so much to Charles for the support, and to all of you for the good wishes. They are so much appreciated !

With all my Best,
Joel / Spaceman

Chose your theme song from comments #76 or #42 above!

162 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:33:46pm

re: #160 KansasMom

Its growing on me....put me down as YEA.

7 yeas
10 nays

163 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:35:09pm

re: #156 Russkilitlover

How about the Consent party?

That's what Obama thinks the commoners have done....
Consented to be screwed!

//////////

164 JacksonTn  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:35:22pm

When I first looked at this post ... I thought it said SpaceJesus ... LOL ... now that would be some wild candidate j...

165 haakondahl  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:35:38pm

As a diversion, you might like to read a blog post I put up three years ago: The American Party Party

Short read.

166 haakondahl  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:36:50pm

re: #155 spaceman

WOW - Thanks so much to Charles for the support, and to all of you for the good wishes. They are so much appreciated !

With all my Best,
Joel / Spaceman

Good Luck! Run Well!

167 spaceman  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:36:56pm

re: #24 Ward Cleaver

You go, Joel. Isaac looks kind of bored and put-upon in that picture. LOL!

You're not kidding! But aren't our bluebonnets beautiful!

Not to mention my two ladies ;)

168 LGoPs  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:40:01pm

How about the Cincinnatus Party. It evokes a favorite image of mine.........

169 Occasional Reader  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:41:18pm

re: #159 zombie

Wel, barring a massive onslaught of "yea" votes, it looks like "commoner" will be like the political career or Barry Commoner -- going down to defeat in flames.

I don't care what we're called, as long as our symbol is the Peregrine Falcon. (As I discussed at length yesterday!)

170 spaceman  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:42:25pm

re: #85 aggieann

Way to go! I live in the B part of B-CS so cannot vote for him. Good luck, though!

Howdy Aggieann!

171 spaceman  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:43:32pm

re: #140 turn

Good luck spaceman Joel,

Your background is impressive. btw turn knows a few people who teach at A&M and that work at TTI. They live in and around College Station. I'm meeting them in San Antonio at the end of the month and I'll spread a good word about you. I'm sure they will support you. Go lizard!

Much Thanks!

172 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:44:38pm

re: #50 Occasional Reader

Tell me about it.

BREAKING NEWS: "OCCASIONAL READER" WITHDRAWS FROM RACE, CITES ADRIANA LIMA RESTRAINING ORDER SCANDAL

You've got a restraining order out against her? Wow!

173 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:45:08pm

re: #169 Occasional Reader

I don't care what we're called, as long as our symbol is the Peregrine Falcon. (As I discussed at length yesterday!)

With a matched pair of Kimbers in it's claws.

174 debutaunt  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:46:01pm

re: #86 doppelganglander

Make that 5. I think it's too easy for the opposition to make fun of.

We are uncommoners.

175 Kenneth  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:47:35pm

Why not stick with the Republican Party name? It's got some great history and the some of the finest presidents ever (Reagan, Lincoln...)

Take it back from the lunatic fringe and the country club establishment. You don't have to re-invent the wheel, just fix the flat tire.

176 zombie  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:48:54pm

re: #175 Kenneth

Why not stick with the Republican Party name? It's got some great history and the some of the finest presidents ever (Reagan, Lincoln...)

Take it back from the lunatic fringe and the country club establishment. You don't have to re-invent the wheel, just fix the flat tire.

I'm not talking about political parties. I'm talking about "orientations."

177 kansas  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:50:48pm

[Link: www.guardian.co.uk...]

We got them off the board for now in Kansas.

I'm gonna go register as a Democrat now. If you can't beat em........

178 jcm  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 12:51:51pm

re: #176 zombie

I'm talking about "orientations."


You need to get out of San Fransisco!

/;-P

179 Catttt  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:02:30pm

Mr. Walker, this is awesome! I wish I could vote in the election.

180 texgcb  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:04:55pm

I live in College Station and I'll be voting for Joel!

181 UberInfidel67  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:10:51pm

re: #63 zombie

Commoner makes me think peasant. Keep trying : ) I'm anxious to see what you and others come up with.

182 vitoc  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:10:57pm

Good luck on that election campaign. Anything that tries to defeat the various forms of kookery has my moral support...

Speaking of kookery: I guess this probably isn't news to anyone here, but when I had a look at Pamela Gellers blog to see whether there was anything new on that Pro Köln story, I noticed something I found rather remarkable. The two most prominently places paid adverts are for creationist products. Not a coincidence surely.

183 doppelganglander  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:16:00pm

re: #66 Mad Al-Jaffee

And it's pronounced "Spa-Chemen."


This seems appropriate.

Tracy: Doctor Spaceman, when they check my DNA, will they tell me what diseases I might get, or help me to remember my ATM pin code?

Dr. Spaceman: Yes, Tracy. Science is...whatever we want it to be.

184 Shr_Nfr  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:36:15pm

The Lizards will inherit the earth. You just got my dime. Go get'em.

185 smijer  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:48:05pm

Delurking to say very nice. spaceman's Response to McElroy was absolutely fantastic... Extremely well and concisely stated, covering all the bases in a convincing manner. The special needs page is also very moving. For that matter, the Teachers & Teaching page expresses the true heart of an educator.

I wish I could move to College Station and vote for you, spaceman.

186 Cato the Elder  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 1:52:10pm

re: #102 Lincolntf

A NEW one? Hell, I'd rather drop one.

Which one, pray?

187 shiplord kirel  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 2:05:26pm

"....if you’re in a position to support him and help fight back against the deceptive creationist appointed by Republican Governor Rick Perry, please do."

I am and I will!

188 BLBfootballs  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 2:33:23pm

Tomorrow: the Texas School Board. Next week: THE WORLD! Lizards ascendant!

Next up: The Protocols of the Elders of Charles !

189 Hooray for Captain Spaulding  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 3:02:34pm

Guys, cut the "I wish I could help" bullshit and DONATE!
Put your money where your virtual mouth is.

190 Warm Mountain  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 3:18:05pm

Good luck, Joel, from a fellow Texan. I can't vote for you, but I wish you all the best.

191 wonk-a-donk  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 3:34:06pm

Is he a liberal or conservative?

192 Lynn B.  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 3:44:31pm

re: #191 wonk-a-donk

Is he a liberal or conservative?

Why are you asking? And why did you ding down this thread?

193 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 3:53:47pm

re: #192 Lynn B.

Why are you asking? And why did you ding down this thread?

Looks like another one who equates "conservative" with "creationist."

194 lostlakehiker  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 3:54:13pm

re: #63 zombie

If this keeps up, we'll have to form a new Lizard Party.

Speaking of which:

As some of you may remember, I'm slowly working on an essay not about a new political party but rather a new political orientation that falls outside the left-right spectrum.

One of the sticking points is that I need a name for this orientation.

The name must not be a pre-existing political orientation name, nor a former one that has been abandoned. It also must function as both a noun and an adjective. It also must be a pre-existing word in the English language but which does not have a specifically political connotation.

(The best comparable example is the word "progressive," which meant something non-political until it was given a new political meaning, and functions as both noun and adjective.)

I still haven't decided on a name, but I'd like to offer up a candidate name that recently occurred to me. The political orientation I'm speaking of is of course LGF-esque "anti-idiotarianism", the Ideology Which Dare Not Speak Its Name.

Anyway, the word that occurred to me is:

commoner

As in: a "common man" with "common sense." It also conjures an image of an unpretentious citizen who is unwavering in his down-to-earth sanity.

The possible downsides are:

It's too close to "communist"
It sounds kind of demeaning.
It's the last name of Peace and Freedom Party nutcake Barry Commoner.
...etc.?

Anyway, what do you think? Would you be comfortable if the word "commoner" came to describe the no-nonsense political orientation many of us share? Would you gladly call your self a "commoner" with "commoner" ideals? (Similar to a "liberal" with "liberal" ideals or a "conservative" with "conservative" ideals.)

Keep in mind that if you are already comfortable with a pre-existing label, such as conservative, libertarian, liberal, or whatever, then this question isn't for you. It's for people who are searching for an identity.

Just trying to get a general sense if "commoner" is an excellent or ridiculous candidate word.

For all the thought you've given it and all its merits, I'm afraid that word won't do. The trouble is that there are two types of people, nobility and commoners. Since there are no nobility in the U.S., we are all commoners. The word does nothing to distinguish one man from another; in the U.S., it just makes no sense.

You might email Anu Garg, owner of "a word a day" who has an extensive vocabulary beyond all normal bounds. If there's a word that has ever been used as English enough times to give it a claim to being English, he probably knows it.

Would it be fair to say that your new orientation lines up better with Teddy Roosevelt's, both before and after he split with the Republicans, than it does with any currently existing political movement?

Maybe we are the moose under-represented group on today's political scene!

195 Zimriel  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 4:23:26pm

Well, if SpaceJesus is ineligible, at least we have Joel. :^)

Go, spaceman, go!

196 wonk-a-donk  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 4:37:34pm

re: #193 Charles

Looks like another one who equates "conservative" with "creationist."

No, just phishing for lurkers who would make assumptions about me solely based on a non-question. Looks like you won...

What's in a name anyway?

Press calling it the "Swine Flu" and of course, the pork industry doesn't like that one bit -- bad for bacon sales...

Ja-Na is trying to label it the "H1-N1" virus... wow, that was really rolling off their tongues at the press conference... Who do they think they're foolin'?

Obama just reads what his teleprompter says to read, "don't worry, be happy."

I think the Israelis are the closest to having it right, just call it what it is: "Mexican Flu"

197 wonk-a-donk  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 4:43:24pm

re: #192 Lynn B.

I just hatched... I don't know anybody here... Can't really say anything good about Texas.... Boomer Sooner

198 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 5:21:41pm

re: #196 wonk-a-donk

No, just phishing for lurkers who would make assumptions about me solely based on a non-question. Looks like you won...

OK, since you seem to want to be a jerk, I'll just ask you: do you equate "conservative" with "creationist?"

199 Jim D  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 5:32:31pm

re: #198 Charles
He seems eager to equate Mexican with disease.

200 spaceman  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 5:48:46pm

Ladies and Gents,

I'm speechless. To have the support of like minded individuals from parts so distant and diverse is a great encouragement.

My hat is tipped to Charles for his advocacy and leadership on this issue, and for his generosity in allowing me to access his audience.

Humbly,
Joel

201 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 5:57:36pm
202 pink freud  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 5:58:07pm

re: #200 spaceman

Kick ass, spaceman. I'm rooting for you.

203 VioletTiger  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 6:18:04pm

Best of luck, Joel!

204 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 8:06:28pm

The very best of luck, Joel! We're all rooting for you.

205 spaceman  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 8:16:46pm

re: #201 buzzsawmonkey

Let me know if you decide to use the campaign song upthread.

Love 'em both! Do you sing, or is it just lyrics?

206 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 8:27:30pm

re: #205 spaceman

May your victory arrive on swift wings, Spaceman. I regret that I have nothing more to give you than a big pair of "thumbs up".

207 Suihei Deloi  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 11:57:29pm

re: #159 zombie

A few people earlier said rational fit better, and I agree. So would that make us "rationalists"? It's also kind of catchy.

Though "uncommoner" is an interesting party name - for some reason the 'Unbirthday' song from Alice in Wonderland popped into my head just then. Anyway that's my two cents. Have a good night folks. Time for me to hit the sack.

208 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 29, 2009 6:24:56am
209 bull  Wed, Apr 29, 2009 6:49:28am

Good job Joel. You have my full support - and yes, I can actually vote for you!

210 spaceman  Wed, Apr 29, 2009 12:52:16pm

re: #209 bull

Good job Joel. You have my full support - and yes, I can actually vote for you!

Fantastic and thanks so much! Please email your home address and I'll drop a sign by this weekend.


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