Tea Parties? Racism? No Way!

Politics • Views: 4,946

The Tea Party-endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate for New York, Carl Paladino, has been sending out emails that you will not freaking believe.

wnymedia.net has an exposé of Paladino’s work, and be aware — it’s not work-safe. It’s actually not even human-safe, and I mean that literally. NY Gubernatorial Candidate Carl Paladino’s Racist and Sexist Email History.

(If that link won’t load due to high traffic, here’s Google’s cached version.)

Here’s a screenshot of a video he forwarded (now deleted from YouTube for terms of use violation), titled “Obama Inauguration Ceremony,” which was posted at the neo-Nazi site Stormfront (the link goes to a Google search page).

(Hat tip: Balloon Juice, whose DougJ also reports that Paladino is not exactly a fringe candidate.)

TPM has a statement from Paladino’s campaign manager:

Paladino’s campaign manager, Michael Caputo, would not comment on specific emails, but acknowledged to TPMmuckraker that Paladino had sent emails that were “off-color” and “politically incorrect,” saying that few such emails represented the candidate’s own opinion. Caputo accused Democrats of wanting to change the subject from substantive issues to “having sex with horses.”

Oh brother.

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190 comments
1 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 9:55:55am

GOP: Have gun, will shoot self in foot.

For free.

2 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 9:56:55am

re: #1 EmmmieG

GOP: Have gun, will shoot self in foot.

For free.

The real trick is being able to do it while the foot is in their mouth, I think they must take yoga...

3 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 9:57:48am

I'd like to hear from the GOP officials who attended this guy's campaign kick-off.

As in, explaining what the fuck they were thinking.

4 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 9:58:04am

re: #2 jamesfirecat

The real trick is being able to do it while the foot is in their mouth, I think they must take yoga...

The kind of intellectual pretzel-ism that it takes to do something so blatantly racist while pretending that you aren't racist has led to this sort of flexibility.

5 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 9:59:37am
few such emails represented the candidate’s own opinion.

um, then why send them out instead of hitting "delete for evermore"?

6 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:00:45am

re: #5 reine.de.tout

um, then why send them out instead of hitting "delete for evermore"?

Why did the people in Guantanamo Bay take pictures of the guards pointing at the genitalia of a naked prisoner?

My bet is these people DEEP DEEP DEEP DEEE333EEEP Down, know that they're wrong and want to get caught...

7 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:00:59am

Does the link work for you guys? It's timing out for me...

8 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:01:09am

re: #5 reine.de.tout

I have never looked at an email, said, "no, I don't agree with that," and then sent it on.

Someone who would do that doesn't strike me as rational.

So his defense is that he's kinda crazy. Nice.

9 Charles Johnson  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:01:34am

Interesting that this topic triggers Google ads from Goldline.

10 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:01:41am

re: #5 reine.de.tout

um, then why send them out instead of hitting "delete for evermore"?

Because they're still living in the past, a past where this sort of thing was still semi-acceptable, and could be kept as an in-joke over drinks and cigars. Sending it over the Internet is no different to shouting it from the roof-tops, but they don't get that.

11 Summer Seale  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:02:26am

Racism? No way!

These are just reasonable people who are just challenging Obama on the issues, of course!

Nothing more. Move along. Nothing to see. We love black people and "others"....we even have some as friends!

These are just slightly off color remarks - slip-ups which any person can make (*snark snark* *guffaw guffaw* *nudge nudge*)

Great party they have going there!

12 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:02:57am

A local tea party leader (who is also active in the Republican Party) has been posting anti-cyclist messages in comments at the local paper's web site. To the tune of "I'll run 'em over." Pro-cyclist commenters are called "gay-loving Californians who should go back where they came from". The hate is not just for the races. Perhaps this local guy is reluctant to bash those who are not white like himself because whites are the minority around here.

13 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:03:14am

re: #6 jamesfirecat

Why did the people in Guantanamo Bay take pictures of the guards pointing at the genitalia of a naked prisoner?

My bet is these people DEEP DEEP DEEP DEEE333EEEP Down, know that they're wrong and want to get caught...

Either that, or they believe it's right, and people deep down will agree with them. Shades of Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men."

14 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:03:18am

re: #10 Kruk

Because they're still living in the past, a past where this sort of thing was still semi-acceptable, and could be kept as an in-joke over drinks and cigars. Sending it over the Internet is no different to shouting it from the roof-tops, but they don't get that.

No, no, no, it's shouting it over the rooftops while you record yourself doing it. Not only are you telling everyone you did it, but you're leading documented proof of yourself doing it.

15 Charles Johnson  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:03:24am

re: #7 HoosierHoops

Does the link work for you guys? It's timing out for me...

It's very slow, lots of traffic. Worked for me but it took a while.

Here's Google's cache: it came right up for me.

[Link: wnymedia.net...]

16 NJDhockeyfan  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:03:52am

re: #9 Charles

Interesting that this topic triggers Google ads from Goldline.

I'm getting 'Online Tax Revolt' ads.

17 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:04:29am

Someone should alert J.D. Hayworth. One of his other emails contained a vid of woman a stallion. I won't say more of the sake of keeping my breakfast down. This guy is major perversion freak.

18 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:04:40am

re: #6 jamesfirecat

Why did the people in Guantanamo Bay take pictures of the guards pointing at the genitalia of a naked prisoner?

My bet is these people DEEP DEEP DEEP DEEE333EEEP Down, know that they're wrong and want to get caught...

My opinion is that deep down (which isn't that far for these folks) they don't think there's anything wrong with being racist.

19 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:04:52am

re: #8 Obdicut

I have never looked at an email, said, "no, I don't agree with that," and then sent it on.

Someone who would do that doesn't strike me as rational.

So his defense is that he's kinda crazy. Nice.

Well, exactly!

I put it in my spam folder so the e-mail addy it comes from doesn't ever get through to me again.

I swear -
If I had the energy and the expertise, I would run for office based purely on being ethical and sort of rational.
If I won - I'd be a one-termer, I'm willing to bet.

20 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:05:37am

re: #12 wrenchwench

A local tea party leader (who is also active in the Republican Party) has been posting anti-cyclist messages in comments at the local paper's web site. To the tune of "I'll run 'em over." Pro-cyclist commenters are called "gay-loving Californians who should go back where they came from". The hate is not just for the races. Perhaps this local guy is reluctant to bash those who are not white like himself because whites are the minority around here.

Does Anti-Cyclist mean that they're against people using bicycles? Wow these people really can get angry over anything and everything...

21 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:05:44am

What the hell?

Some of Paladino’s emails contain hardcore pornography. One contains a video clip involving bestiality. Other emails display an attitude of misogyny or blatant racism – the latter being an issue with which Paladino already has a problem, given his past dealings with, and criticisms of Antoine Thompson, Jim Pitts, Byron Brown, and Dr. James Williams.

Amateur hour. Clowns on the loose.

22 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:05:54am

re: #6 jamesfirecat

Why did the people in Guantanamo Bay take pictures of the guards pointing at the genitalia of a naked prisoner?

My bet is these people DEEP DEEP DEEP DEEE333EEEP Down, know that they're wrong and want to get caught...

that was at Abu Gharib, not at Gitmo. Just for the sake of accuracy.

23 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:06:28am

re: #22 Dark_Falcon

that was at Abu Gharib, not at Gitmo. Just for the sake of accuracy.

Sorry my bad.

24 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:07:25am

re: #20 jamesfirecat

Does Anti-Cyclist mean that they're against people using bicycles? Wow these people really can get angry over anything and everything...

Only if said use is on the public roads. He has no problem with off-road cycling.

25 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:08:06am

re: #12 wrenchwench

A local tea party leader (who is also active in the Republican Party) has been posting anti-cyclist messages in comments at the local paper's web site. To the tune of "I'll run 'em over." Pro-cyclist commenters are called "gay-loving Californians who should go back where they came from". The hate is not just for the races. Perhaps this local guy is reluctant to bash those who are not white like himself because whites are the minority around here.

Where are you (just generally). Some parts of this country truly hate Cali. It's the sort of nasty sectionalism this country has always had to deal with.

26 Kragar  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:08:08am

re: #9 Charles

Interesting that this topic triggers Google ads from Goldline.

When in doubt, buy GOLD!

/

27 ryannon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:08:30am

And another one bites the dust:

AP Sources: NYC terror probe nabs 4th in Pakistan

[Link: www.google.com...]

28 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:08:53am

re: #11 Summer

Racism? No way!

These are just reasonable people who are just challenging Obama on the issues, of course!

Nothing more. Move along. Nothing to see. We love black people and "others"...we even have some as friends!

These are just slightly off color remarks - slip-ups which any person can make (*snark snark* *guffaw guffaw* *nudge nudge*)

Great party they have going there!

Hey beauty! ;^)

29 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:09:24am

re: #19 reine.de.tout

Well, exactly!

I put it in my spam folder so the e-mail addy it comes from doesn't ever get through to me again.

I swear -
If I had the energy and the expertise, I would run for office based purely on being ethical and sort of rational.
If I won - I'd be a one-termer, I'm willing to bet.

In politics, ethics and rationality plus an empty sack would be worth the sack.

(Bonus Marks to anyone who gets that one.)

30 bratwurst  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:09:30am

re: #18 wrenchwench

My opinion is that deep down (which isn't that far for these folks) they don't think there's anything wrong with being racist.

Agreed. They are from the school of "how can I be RACIST if I am just being HONEST?"

31 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:09:57am

re: #21 Obdicut

What the hell?

Amateur hour. Clowns on the loose.

The NY Daily News says Paladino is calling this "just another liberal Democrat blog smear." Oh yeaaaa... it's our fault you love porno, birthers and racist jokes.

(Dorothy, we ain't in Kansas anymore.)

[Link: www.nydailynews.com...]

32 bratwurst  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:10:20am

re: #20 jamesfirecat

Does Anti-Cyclist mean that they're against people using bicycles?

Maybe they think biking somewhere you could drive is un-American?

33 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:10:32am

re: #25 Dark_Falcon

Where are you (just generally). Some parts of this country truly hate Cali. It's the sort of nasty sectionalism this country has always had to deal with.

I'm in NM. I have also lived in California, Oregon, and Washington. Every state around California blames Californians for their problems.

34 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:10:57am

re: #27 ryannon

And another one bites the dust:

AP Sources: NYC terror probe nabs 4th in Pakistan

[Link: www.google.com...]

The NYPD has become very skilled at working with the Feds to crack terror plots. This wasn't luck, this was skill and because of that skill four more terrorists have been neutralized.

35 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:11:09am

re: #32 bratwurst

Maybe they think biking somewhere you could drive is un-American?

Yes because nothing says American like fat and lazy!

(I wish I was kidding...)

36 bratwurst  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:11:21am

re: #26 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

When in doubt, buy GOLD!

/

Hope you have a LOT because when the deep dodo goes down, the price of my non-hybrid seeds is going to blow your mind!

37 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:12:12am

We talked yesterday about the wisdom of attending protests, left or right, with fringe elements present. This isn't about fringe elements present, this is local leadership.

38 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:13:12am

re: #30 bratwurst

Agreed. They are from the school of "how can I be RACIST if I am just being HONEST?"

And then there are people who say "You say racist like it's a bad thing...."

(I was I was kidding about that one.)

39 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:13:15am

re: #12 wrenchwench

A local tea party leader (who is also active in the Republican Party) has been posting anti-cyclist messages in comments at the local paper's web site. To the tune of "I'll run 'em over." Pro-cyclist commenters are called "gay-loving Californians who should go back where they came from". The hate is not just for the races. Perhaps this local guy is reluctant to bash those who are not white like himself because whites are the minority around here.

One gets the impression that the his only method for engaging in debate is to smear and deride. Not actually discuss the issue based on a rational exchange of viewpoints. I have the suspicion that one can not run a political entity long term based on this methodology.

40 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:13:41am

re: #32 bratwurst

Maybe they think biking somewhere you could drive is un-American?

There have been lots of deliberate car-on-bicycle attacks in the news lately. It's not road rage, it's "get out of my car's way with your gaytarded bicycle" rage.

41 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:13:47am

Uh-oh better get rick santorum to intervene with this guy if he has a thing for man/animal love.

42 Kragar  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:13:55am

re: #36 bratwurst

Hope you have a LOT because when the deep dodo goes down, the price of my non-hybrid seeds is going to blow your mind!

The people who buy gold for when a disaster hits have no real idea of how economics really work.

43 Stanghazi  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:13:59am

Seriously, it's up to us. Call. It. Out.

If you receive a racist email, it is up to you to call out the sender. I swear, inch by inch it must be done.

I've been brave that way with my family. It was hard, but I did it.

44 lawhawk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:14:12am

I posted about Paladino back on March 10, in the context of his contemplating a run on the GOP line and the potential run by Steve Levy who was at the time a Democrat contemplating a party switch to the GOP line.

The more I see about Paladino, the more crazy I think he is and the State GOP, which is a mess even in good times (and this isn't exactly a good time for the GOP), is going to court him anyways because they think they see public sentiment pushing for Tea Party activism and that it will get a GOPer elected.

Levy, Suffolk County Exec, was a registered D who switched to the GOP. Paladino is going to exploit this as a RINO move (even as Rudy and Bloomberg both made that jump years ago - and Bloomberg then went I more recently). The State GOP is caught in the crossfire - trying to get a palatable GOPer who can win votes downstate with the anger about RINO, the NY-23 ongoing fallout in the GOP heirarchy, and the Tea Party that is trying to throw its weight around from the grassroots.

And even Levy is courting the Tea Partiers - he's doing an upstate swing to get support.

And all of this is set against the fact that the state may again be out of money by June, and that it's contemplating all manner of tax hikes to keep the budget rolling including the tax on sugared beverages (aka the soda tax, but everyone takes a powder).

45 Lidane  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:14:30am

OT, but this guy really needs to learn to STFU:

Massey CEO Don Blankenship: Safety Regulators ‘As Silly As Global Warming’

*sigh*

46 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:14:44am

re: #32 bratwurst

Maybe they think biking somewhere you could drive is un-American?

That's not it. Most people have bad experiences with oblivious or obnoxious cyclists (riding on the sidewalk or running red lights). Most of us know these are just the deeds of a few assholes, but some less balanced people like that teabagger may incorporate those people into their paranoid fantasies.

47 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:15:07am

re: #45 Lidane

OT, but this guy really needs to learn to STFU:

Massey CEO Don Blankenship: Safety Regulators ‘As Silly As Global Warming’

*sigh*

I can't get over how silly his outfit is....

48 bratwurst  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:15:19am

re: #37 Decatur Deb

We talked yesterday about the wisdom of attending protests, left or right, with fringe elements present. This isn't about fringe elements present, this is local leadership.

This is the detail that many well-meaning lizards don't get when they say "some of my perfectly reasonable friends without a hateful bone in their bodies go to the tea parties!". When the organizers and leaders of the "movement" are involved with stuff like this, or going on CNN to call the President of the United States "an Indonesian thug", this should serve as fair warning.

49 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:16:01am

re: #41 Dreggas

Uh-oh better get rick santorum to intervene with this guy if he has a thing for man/animal love.

Nah--he passes the anti-abortion test.

50 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:16:10am

re: #41 Dreggas

Uh-oh better get rick santorum to intervene with this guy if he has a thing for man/animal love.

A horrible thought (and no, I'm not going to click that video to check), did the video have any mention about Obama's parentage? You can bet there are some who do equate an inter-racial marriage to beastiality.

51 Summer Seale  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:16:11am

re: #28 Cato the Elder

Hey beauty! ;^)

LOL Thanks...I needed a laugh this afternoon. Hehe.

52 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:16:36am

re: #49 Decatur Deb

Nah--he passes the anti-abortion test.

I suppose that's one way avoid the possibility of getting pregnant....

53 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:16:56am

re: #50 Kruk


I didn't click the link either. No need to see a dog and pony show this early in the am.

54 alexknyc  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:18:07am

When I first heard of the tea parties last year, I was very interested in protesting runaway government spending. I even considered going to an event nearby.

Then I did some research and found that the movement had gone off the rails.

I'd still like to find an outlet to express my concern over the unsustainable spending we're still doing but the tea parties ain't it.

55 Kragar  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:18:30am

re: #47 jamesfirecat

I can't get over how silly his outfit is...

You have to be one hell of a Patriot to wear the American flag that much. And you can't even see his star spangled banner in those pants.

56 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:19:08am

re: #39 oaktree

One gets the impression that the his only method for engaging in debate is to smear and deride. Not actually discuss the issue based on a rational exchange of viewpoints. I have the suspicion that one can not run a political entity long term based on this methodology.

At the beginning of his remarks, he was anonymous, then another anonymous commenter outed him, and he confirmed his identity as he continued the "I'll run 'em over with my big truck" remarks. His business (yes, a business open to the public!) is a block away from mine, but I've decided to stay as far away from him (and his big truck) as I can, because he must be crazy, which means he might really do it.

57 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:20:19am

re: #46 Dark_Falcon

That's not it. Most people have bad experiences with oblivious or obnoxious cyclists (riding on the sidewalk or running red lights). Most of us know these are just the deeds of a few assholes, but some less balanced people like that teabagger may incorporate those people into their paranoid fantasies.

It's also part of a complex feedback loop since I know some bicyclists who do some of the "asshole" behaviors out of self-defense. Essentially they get no respect from automobiles at all, and given narrow shoulders and nonexistent bicycle lanes they stop acting like a vehicle.

I also see that same sort of issue with pedestrians. (I swear Philadelphians get training at some point to stand 3-4' off the curb into the lane while they wait for the light to change.)

Key seems to somehow get folk some empathy training into what each other's issues. Put all the drivers out there on a bike (and on foot) for a week so that they get the other point of view. And do the same with the bikers and peds -- have them experience what the car driver's are seeing (or not seeing since there is a lot going on.)

I do all three, so I try to take everyone into consideration. I also half-assume that everyone in a 100' radius of me will suddenly do something idiotic as well and attempt to keep my options open and/or be prepared to make an immediate defensive move.

58 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:20:48am

re: #45 Lidane

OT, but this guy really needs to learn to STFU:

Massey CEO Don Blankenship: Safety Regulators ‘As Silly As Global Warming’

*sigh*

Ye Gods. Im agree, seriously, STFU, Mr Massey. Preferably for the next fifty years.

59 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:21:22am

"Stupid and racist is no way to go around life, son."

60 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:21:54am

re: #55 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

You have to be one hell of a Patriot to wear the American flag that much. And you can't even see his star spangled banner in those pants.

Did you pick up on the coal industry component of last Apr 15 TP? This guy is a heavy contributor.

61 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:22:48am

re: #43 Stanley Sea

Seriously, it's up to us. Call. It. Out.

If you receive a racist email, it is up to you to call out the sender. I swear, inch by inch it must be done.

I've been brave that way with my family. It was hard, but I did it.

You're a good man, Stan.

62 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:23:39am

re: #43 Stanley Sea

Seriously, it's up to us. Call. It. Out.

If you receive a racist email, it is up to you to call out the sender. I swear, inch by inch it must be done.

I've been brave that way with my family. It was hard, but I did it.

Back during the election, a woman I considered a friend started forwarding all these racist Obama emails. When I pointed them out, she was well aware of it. I just had no idea she was a racist. We don't speak anymore.

I don't accept religious email either. I told this before, but a coworker sent me a prayer which ended in "in Jesus name we pray". I said to her, "You know I'm Jewish, why did you send me that." She said, "Oh, take out the word "Jesus" and substitute "God" and you'll be just fine."

So I found a Pagan prayer, sent it to her and at the top of the email I said, "If the word "goddess" offends you, just remove it and put in the word "God" and you'll be just fine." She never talked to me again.

Making friends, one person at a time :p

63 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:23:42am

re: #61 wrenchwench

You're a good man, Stan.

(psst - just discovered - Stan is a she)

64 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:24:51am

re: #63 reine.de.tout

(psst - just discovered - Stan is a she)

Fooled again!

You're a good woman, Stan!

/blushing

65 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:24:55am

re: #62 marjoriemoon

Back during the election, a woman I considered a friend started forwarding all these racist Obama emails. When I pointed them out, she was well aware of it. I just had no idea she was a racist. We don't speak anymore.

I don't accept religious email either. I told this before, but a coworker sent me a prayer which ended in "in Jesus name we pray". I said to her, "You know I'm Jewish, why did you send me that." She said, "Oh, take out the word "Jesus" and substitute "God" and you'll be just fine."

So I found a Pagan prayer, sent it to her and at the top of the email I said, "If the word "goddess" offends you, just remove it and put in the word "God" and you'll be just fine." She never talked to me again.

Making friends, one person at a time :p

Well done for better or worse, I think we live a richer life with a few true freinds than with many false ones...

66 Stanghazi  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:24:56am

re: #63 reine.de.tout

(psst - just discovered - Stan is a she)

With a regretful nic. Ah, the trauma of registering in 30 seconds flat. :)

67 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:25:55am

re: #62 marjoriemoon

Thus the reason everyone talks weather and sports. Politics and religion destroy more relationships it appears since challenging viewpoints there appears to hit very very deeply in people's psyches.

68 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:26:05am

re: #62 marjoriemoon

Heh. I would have found something Satanic or Wicca (no, not even *close* to being the samething, but a lot of fundamentalist Christians think they are) just to make your friend's head explode.

69 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:26:31am

Yeah--Hoops very gallantly hit on me the first day.

70 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:26:43am

re: #65 jamesfirecat

I go through it with my parents-- not that they're racist, but they believe a lot of the rumors and stuff that float around, many of which have a racist tinge to them.

And global warming.

My dad didn't believe in evolution when I was a kid. I don't know how much I was part of helping him turn that around, but I've talked to him about science and stuff a lot over the years.

71 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:26:48am

re: #65 jamesfirecat

Well done for better or worse, I think we live a richer life with a few true freinds than with many false ones...

Well she was proselytizing around the office and management wouldn't do anything about it. She brought in Jews for Jesus books and would try to corner the secular Jews in the office and convert them. I took her email as an attempt to feel me out. If management wasn't going to yell at her, then I decided I would.

72 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:27:01am

re: #66 Stanley Sea

With a regretful nic. Ah, the trauma of registering in 30 seconds flat. :)

We have Stanley Sea who's a she.

And Decatur Deb who's a he.

Easy to be confused!

73 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:28:04am

re: #72 reine.de.tout

I am a meat Popsicle.

74 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:28:09am

re: #72 reine.de.tout

We have Stanley Sea who's a she.

And Decatur Deb who's a he.

Easy to be confused!

Others, too IIRC.

75 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:28:29am

re: #73 Obdicut

I am a meat Popsicle.

But you have a multi-pass nonetheless.

76 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:28:43am

re: #70 Obdicut

I go through it with my parents-- not that they're racist, but they believe a lot of the rumors and stuff that float around, many of which have a racist tinge to them.

And global warming.

My dad didn't believe in evolution when I was a kid. I don't know how much I was part of helping him turn that around, but I've talked to him about science and stuff a lot over the years.

Wow... I have no words.

Just one more story that makes me feel glad I grew up in my boring Nuclear upper middle class family with one older brother two cats, a dad who worked for the FDA and a mom who started out volunteering at my school's library but now is a Network administrator at another high school...

77 lawhawk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:28:50am

re: #73 Obdicut

Just make sure that you have a multipass.

78 Interesting Times  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:29:09am

re: #45 Lidane

OT, but this guy really needs to learn to STFU:

Massey CEO Don Blankenship: Safety Regulators ‘As Silly As Global Warming’

In a just world, the next time his name appears in print, it would be accompanied by the words "charged with 29 counts of negligent homicide."

79 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:29:21am

re: #67 oaktree

Thus the reason everyone talks weather and sports. Politics and religion destroy more relationships it appears since challenging viewpoints there appears to hit very very deeply in people's psyches.

I have no problem discussing religion with friends if I see it's not going to end up in fist-to-cuffs. But I do not like people sending me religious emails out of the blue. I would never do that to anyone unsolicited.

80 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:29:29am

re: #76 jamesfirecat

Normal is the new weird.

81 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:29:51am

re: #68 Kruk

Heh. I would have found something Satanic or Wicca (no, not even *close* to being the samething, but a lot of fundamentalist Christians think they are) just to make your friend's head explode.

Honestly, the prayer was really lovely. I specifically chose a beautiful sentiment.

82 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:30:21am

re: #65 jamesfirecat

Well done for better or worse, I think we live a richer life with a few true freinds than with many false ones...

Quite Concur. Some parts of this song make me think of that truth:

83 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:30:59am

re: #76 jamesfirecat

Oh, both my parents are highly-educated academics who went to UC Berkeley during the 1960's. They're just 'humanities' types who are quite religious, so it's easy for them to be misled on scientific issues, and anything involving statistics or probability.

It's really not a class thing, or an education thing. It's very easy for someone who is ignorant of basic science to get a college degree in this country.

84 MrSilverDragon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:31:32am

re: #71 marjoriemoon

Well she was proselytizing around the office and management wouldn't do anything about it. She brought in Jews for Jesus books and would try to corner the secular Jews in the office and convert them. I took her email as an attempt to feel me out. If management wasn't going to yell at her, then I decided I would.

It's even more fun when it's your sister doing it to you. I remember her keeping me up until 3AM telling me I was going to hell for not accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior just after she had been "born again" into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She also tried the same thing with our parents, too.

This being the same sister who, after seeing Jurassic Park, turned to her husband and said, "Gee, I wonder how they trained the dinosaurs how to do that."

No, I'm not making that up.

85 avanti  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:31:58am

re: #8 Obdicut

I have never looked at an email, said, "no, I don't agree with that," and then sent it on.

Someone who would do that doesn't strike me as rational.

So his defense is that he's kinda crazy. Nice.

More excuses, and spinning:

link.

86 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:32:51am

re: #46 Dark_Falcon

That's not it. Most people have bad experiences with oblivious or obnoxious cyclists (riding on the sidewalk or running red lights). Most of us know these are just the deeds of a few assholes, but some less balanced people like that teabagger may incorporate those people into their paranoid fantasies.

Most experienced bicyclists know that stopping with car traffic at a red light is one good way to get killed.

You stop next to a waiting car. Driver doesn't even see you. When you take off, you'll often match or exceed the speed of the the car for a few seconds. He/she still doesn't know you're there, so a slight swerve and you're history. Plus, sitting at a long light with a bunch of stinking cars with their engines running is bad for your respiratory health.

As for riding on sidewalks, there are many places where I live where roads are simply suicide.

The whole "share the road, bicycles are vehicles too, and must obey the same traffic laws as cars" notion is great in theory, if car drivers even notice bicyclists' existence. The only places I've ever seen it work are Northern Europe and Bainbridge Island, a Seattle bedroom community. For bicyclists, it's a deadly joke.

I'm no longer an active cyclist, and don't know how Charles thinks about all this, but running red lights and riding on sidewalks are not asshole behaviors on the part of bicyclists. They're self-defense.

87 darthstar  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:32:54am

Did someone say 'sex with horses?' Whoa, Nelly! WHOOOA!

88 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:33:01am

re: #73 Obdicut

I am a meat Popsicle.

Oh, golly.
Now you know I could have gone the entire rest of my life not having to know that.

89 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:34:10am

re: #88 reine.de.tout

Heh. It's a quote from The 5th Element, in response to the inquiry "Are you classified as human?"

I like it for its insouciance.

90 Interesting Times  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:34:16am

re: #72 reine.de.tout

We have Stanley Sea who's a she.

And Decatur Deb who's a he.

Easy to be confused, are we!

Rhymed it for you :)

91 lawhawk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:34:23am

re: #88 reine.de.tout

Movie quote

92 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:34:55am

re: #79 marjoriemoon

I have no problem discussing religion with friends if I see it's not going to end up in fist-to-cuffs. But I do not like people sending me religious emails out of the blue. I would never do that to anyone unsolicited.

I'm luckily already known in most of my social circles as a non-observing person. (Whether I'm atheist, agnostic, or whatever is not discussed much.) This leads to religion not being brought up that much.

Though I one friend needles me about going into churches. Most of that group is Catholic and I end up there for weddings and such. Generally enjoyable since it's for festive events and I like church architecture (especially in the 19th century and early 20th century buildings I normally end up in.)

In that same group I've been very hesitant recently to broach religion recently since I'm not sure how they as a group or individually are being affected by the various scandals that are hitting the media now. I know that my best friend was in the middle of a crisis of faith 5-6 years ago during the initial US scandals. These further revelations I presume are a further quake on that already damaged foundation.

93 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:34:56am

Dear Dr. Martin King
Someday we shall all share your dream of living in a post racial world
Your Life inspired America..
Right now..I'm kind of ashamed of us.. We should be so much further as a nation..Have we learned anything?
Someday we will judge a man by his soul and not the color of his skin..
Sorry Doctor...I hope we can grow past this..
The world misses you..Sorry you had to give up your life to put us on the path to racial equality..
Rest in Peace

94 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:35:08am

re: #83 Obdicut

Oh, both my parents are highly-educated academics who went to UC Berkeley during the 1960's. They're just 'humanities' types who are quite religious, so it's easy for them to be misled on scientific issues, and anything involving statistics or probability.

It's really not a class thing, or an education thing. It's very easy for someone who is ignorant of basic science to get a college degree in this country.

I'm not saying that lack of belief in evolution can happen to anyone it's just whenever I hear a story of someone who has their parents' divorce, or who has a sibling from a different mother/father, or lost a sibling growing up... or fill in your generic horrific situation of choice... it makes me doubly glad for my hum drum life...

95 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:35:35am

re: #89 Obdicut

Heh. It's a quote from The 5th Element, in response to the inquiry "Are you classified as human?"

I like it for its insouciance.

OK.
I've seen the movie, but didn't catch the reference.
When I saw everyone talking about "multi-pass", I knew I had missed something.
NTTAWWT.

96 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:36:10am

Has anyone talked to Irenicum today? There was a worrisome note from him (?) asking for prayers yesterday...

97 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:37:03am

re: #93 HoosierHoops

Beautiful sentiment, Hoops.

I'd like to add:

And I'm sorry that a man like Congressman John Lewis, who endured abuse, vicious beatings, contempt, spittle, invective, hatred, threats, and all the rest to help bring about King's dream of freedom, is now accused of lying about racism by scum-sucking assholes.

98 CarleeCork  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:37:23am

re: #84 MrSilverDragon

It's even more fun when it's your sister doing it to you. I remember her keeping me up until 3AM telling me I was going to hell for not accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior just after she had been "born again" into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She also tried the same thing with our parents, too.

This being the same sister who, after seeing Jurassic Park, turned to her husband and said, "Gee, I wonder how they trained the dinosaurs how to do that."

No, I'm not making that up.


Too funny, thanks for the chuckle.

99 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:37:24am

re: #84 MrSilverDragon

It's even more fun when it's your sister doing it to you. I remember her keeping me up until 3AM telling me I was going to hell for not accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior just after she had been "born again" into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She also tried the same thing with our parents, too.

This being the same sister who, after seeing Jurassic Park, turned to her husband and said, "Gee, I wonder how they trained the dinosaurs how to do that."

No, I'm not making that up.

Oh my. Well it's harder when it's family isn't it. As my mother says, you can't pick them....

100 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:37:48am

re: #96 Cato the Elder

Has anyone talked to Irenicum today? There was a worrisome note from him (?) asking for prayers yesterday...

Her.
I believe awhile back she talked about a sister who was very ill, had a recurrence or relapse.
I'm guessing it's not looking good.

101 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:38:51am

You know, these kind of E-mails come to light when someone is foolish enough to mass forward them to people they know slightly or not at all. I have to wonder what's circulating among close friends who *know* it's safe to send the most racist things to each other. If someone did a climate gate style hack (which I would never for a second advocate), you have wonder what will come out into the light.

102 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:39:12am

re: #13 Kruk

Either that, or they believe it's right, and people deep down will agree with them. Shades of Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men."

Ah, yes, the 'you know it's true/funny, you just won't say so cause you're being PC' defense.

103 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:39:47am

re: #100 reine.de.tout

Her.
I believe awhile back she talked about a sister who was very ill, had a recurrence or relapse.
I'm guessing it's not looking good.

Should I add her to the the prayer list Reine?

104 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:40:34am

re: #103 HoosierHoops

Yes, she asked for prayers for herself from everyone.

105 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:40:57am

re: #104 Obdicut

I didn't mean 'herself', I meant, for strength to get through what she's going through. Apologies.

106 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:41:12am

re: #102 SanFranciscoZionist

Ah, yes, the 'you know it's true/funny, you just won't say so cause you're being PC' defense.

"You can't handle the truth!"

107 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:41:16am

re: #103 HoosierHoops

Should I add her to the the prayer list Reine?

Hoops - I don't know.
I'm sure we should all remember.
But I hate to just add someone to a prayer list without their OK.

108 bratwurst  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:41:21am

re: #102 SanFranciscoZionist

Ah, yes, the 'you know it's true/funny, you just won't say so cause you're being PC' defense.

Wait until Rush is over in 90 mins...his fans will be around to chide us for not having the keen appreciation of "satire" they do.

109 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:41:41am

re: #12 wrenchwench

A local tea party leader (who is also active in the Republican Party) has been posting anti-cyclist messages in comments at the local paper's web site. To the tune of "I'll run 'em over." Pro-cyclist commenters are called "gay-loving Californians who should go back where they came from". The hate is not just for the races. Perhaps this local guy is reluctant to bash those who are not white like himself because whites are the minority around here.

Counter-revolutionaries.

110 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:41:42am

re: #20 jamesfirecat

Does Anti-Cyclist mean that they're against people using bicycles? Wow these people really can get angry over anything and everything...

I don't like Critical Mass, but holding a general grudge against cyclists seems really bizarre.

Old joke: Two Germans are sitting over coffee, reading the paper. One of them says, "The war is all the fault of the Jews."

The other man says "Ja, ja, and also the bicycle riders."

The first looks puzzled. "Why the bicycle riders?" he asks, after a moment.

The second guy shrugs. "Why the Jews?"

111 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:41:57am

re: #101 Kruk

You know, these kind of E-mails come to light when someone is foolish enough to mass forward them to people they know slightly or not at all. I have to wonder what's circulating among close friends who *know* it's safe to send the most racist things to each other. If someone did a climate gate style hack (which I would never for a second advocate), you have wonder what will come out into the light.

funny how, at work, "that person" is never the high performer that you have a high opinion of. it's always "that person".

which means their candidate is (in addition to being a racist, chauvinist ordure) "that person". waaay to skim the top of the barrel, folks...

112 avanti  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:42:30am

Same economy, two different opinions, from Gallup:

"In recent weeks, economic confidence among Democrats has improved significantly, from -17 to +2 on Gallup's Economic Confidence Index. At the same time, confidence among Republicans has worsened slightly, from -41 to -47."
Why the big difference, both sides see the same indicators ?

113 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:42:30am

re: #103 HoosierHoops

Should I add her to the the prayer list Reine?

Hoops -
See:re: #104 Obdicut

re: #105 Obdicut

114 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:43:42am

re: #111 Aceofwhat?

funny how, at work, "that person" is never the high performer that you have a high opinion of. it's always "that person".

which means their candidate is (in addition to being a racist, chauvinist ordure) "that person". waaay to skim the top of the barrel, folks...

The Republicans Barrel at the moment seems to be built in the shape of a mobius strip, no top, no bottom, just an unending loop of crazy.

115 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:44:49am

re: #64 wrenchwench

Fooled again!

You're a good woman, Stan!

/blushing

Deb is a man. Stan is a woman. Keep up!!

116 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:45:08am

re: #113 reine.de.tout

Hoops -
See:re: #104 Obdicut

re: #105 Obdicut

I'm going to add her...Anytime a lizard is in great distress and asking for prayers the least we can do is say a prayer for comfort and healing.

117 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:45:10am

re: #112 avanti

Same economy, two different opinions, from Gallup:

"In recent weeks, economic confidence among Democrats has improved significantly, from -17 to +2 on Gallup's Economic Confidence Index. At the same time, confidence among Republicans has worsened slightly, from -41 to -47."
Why the big difference, both sides see the same indicators ?

Through staggeringly precise application of micro-Keynesian economics, we are making sure only the Democrats get the advantage of the upturn.

118 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:45:57am

re: #114 jamesfirecat

The Republicans Barrel at the moment seems to be built in the shape of a mobius strip, no top, no bottom, just an unending loop of crazy.

vote for Christ!!

119 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:46:00am

re: #115 SanFranciscoZionist

Deb is a man. Stan is a woman. Keep up!!

Can I be a 945 year-old time lord?

120 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:46:21am

re: #118 Aceofwhat?

vote for Christ!!

He isn't running for office.

121 Stanghazi  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:46:39am

re: #112 avanti

Same economy, two different opinions, from Gallup:

"In recent weeks, economic confidence among Democrats has improved significantly, from -17 to +2 on Gallup's Economic Confidence Index. At the same time, confidence among Republicans has worsened slightly, from -41 to -47."
Why the big difference, both sides see the same indicators ?

Must be that hope thingy.

122 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:47:00am

re: #117 Decatur Deb

Through staggeringly precise application of micro-Keynesian economics, we are making sure only the Democrats get the advantage of the upturn.

Heh. Who would have thought the government could be so accurate?

123 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:47:07am

re: #84 MrSilverDragon


This being the same sister who, after seeing Jurassic Park, turned to her husband and said, "Gee, I wonder how they trained the dinosaurs how to do that."

No, I'm not making that up.

OK, that's funny. Although it occurs to me that 'velociraptor trainer' would be one hell of a resume item.

124 MrSilverDragon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:47:15am

re: #119 EmmmieG

Can I be a 945 year-old time lord?

Gallifreyans can't vote.

125 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:47:54am

re: #117 Decatur Deb

Through staggeringly precise application of micro-Keynesian economics, we are making sure only the Democrats get the advantage of the upturn.

"Oh conservatives. Does the sun never shine during a democratic administration? If there are babies laughing, do you only hear the sound of kittens drowning?"

Jon Stewart.

126 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:06am

re: #120 EmmmieG

He isn't running for office.

Nor would He.
And I suspect He's got a lot more on His mind than who is in office at any given time in the US.

127 teleskiguy  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:13am

Expose this motherfucker! He's not allowed to be governor of the second most populous state in the union.. What a disgusting piece of shit!

128 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:26am

re: #124 MrSilverDragon

Gallifreyans can't vote.

I would happily give up my vote for a Tardis.

(Of course, with a Tardis, I would have way more power.)

129 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:28am

re: #120 EmmmieG

He isn't running for office.

Au contraire, chère amie. He's running for US Senate in Florida!

130 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:36am

re: #118 Aceofwhat?

vote for Christ!!

He was the original believer in seperating Church and State. "Render unto Ceaser" and all that.

131 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:42am

re: #116 HoosierHoops

I can't find the post but I'm confident she'd be okay with it, Hoops. She stated the need quite broadly. I don't know her that well so I can't judge precisely, but she sounded quite despondent. I hope for courage for her to face what she's facing.

The world has a cruel aspect to it lately, for me. So many friends dying and so many friends sick and ill and out of work. The only thing buoying up my spirits is that my friends are all helping each other out, with words and deeds.

132 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:46am

re: #86 Cato the Elder

Most experienced bicyclists know that stopping with car traffic at a red light is one good way to get killed.

You stop next to a waiting car. Driver doesn't even see you. When you take off, you'll often match or exceed the speed of the the car for a few seconds. He/she still doesn't know you're there, so a slight swerve and you're history. Plus, sitting at a long light with a bunch of stinking cars with their engines running is bad for your respiratory health.

As for riding on sidewalks, there are many places where I live where roads are simply suicide.

The whole "share the road, bicycles are vehicles too, and must obey the same traffic laws as cars" notion is great in theory, if car drivers even notice bicyclists' existence. The only places I've ever seen it work are Northern Europe and Bainbridge Island, a Seattle bedroom community. For bicyclists, it's a deadly joke.

I'm no longer an active cyclist, and don't know how Charles thinks about all this, but running red lights and riding on sidewalks are not asshole behaviors on the part of bicyclists. They're self-defense.

I hear you, and I understand. If it's someone who needs to go through and makes their way carefully and politely, I don't have a problem. But some biker act like "I'm on a bike, get out of my way!" Asshole bikers, just like asshole drivers.

133 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:48:58am

re: #129 Aceofwhat?

Au contraire, chère amie. He's running for US Senate in Florida!

Doesn't he spell his name "Crist"?

134 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:49:22am

re: #110 SanFranciscoZionist

Sorry, I'm gonna have to disagree with you there. I just love the Critical Mass.

I've done it through the Tenderloin and the hookers flashed us. I've done when Willie Brown lined the streets with every available cop and CHP. I've also done it with a cop next to me on a mountain bike with a .45, which was tres cool. I've done it over the Bridge and out to the beach. Did it with the bicycle message world championships; usually the BMs avoid CM.

Yeah, it's a little in your face but seriously people need to get out of their damn cars every once in awhile and Critical Mass sort of reminds them of that.

135 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:49:57am

re: #125 jamesfirecat

"Oh conservatives. Does the sun never shine during a democratic administration? If there are babies laughing, do you only hear the sound of kittens drowning?"

Jon Stewart.

Hah! I forgot that one. What I love about Jon Stewart is that he can skewer the anger and craziness without giving into the anger himself.

136 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:49:58am

re: #126 reine.de.tout

Nor would He.
And I suspect He's got a lot more on His mind than who is in office at any given time in the US.

Christ is running for senate in Florida...

137 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:49:58am

re: #133 reine.de.tout

Doesn't he spell his name "Crist"?


It appears I may very well be running way behind here, and need to catch up.
That whole thing about missing the move reference just threw me off.

138 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:50:42am

re: #135 Kruk

Hah! I forgot that one. What I love about Jon Stewart is that he can skewer the anger and craziness without giving into the anger himself.

Well he gives into the anger every so often, and its hilarious...

"Guys... I need something to clear the vomit out of my head..."

139 Decatur Deb  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:50:48am

Work to do. BBL

140 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:51:26am

re: #133 reine.de.tout

Doesn't he spell his name "Crist"?

Whoops - i keep doing that. Thanks!

141 Dancing along the light of day  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:51:35am

Hopefully, the people in New York, learn this information about Palladino.
What a creep.

142 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:51:41am

re: #134 Olsonist

I did it the one time that Brown said they couldn't do it. That was worthwhile.

But aside from that, the Critical Mass guys are total assholes to those of us who take mass transit, and to pedestrians. I'm sorry, but it's totally fucking counterproductive. I'm a very pro-bike guy, but every time I get stuck in Critical Mass that is hard to uphold.

If Critical Mass gathered the same people and did something useful-- like building/maintaining bike paths in the cities parks-- I'd respect them.

As it is, it's just a cool party for the kids to go to and behave obnoxiously while not thinking about the actual effects of their actions.

143 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:52:07am

re: #136 Aceofwhat?

Christ Crist is running for senate in Florida...

pimf...

144 Kruk  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:52:13am

re: #126 reine.de.tout

Nor would He.
And I suspect He's got a lot more on His mind than who is in office at any given time in the US.

Aporos of nothing, has anyone here seen "Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter"? It's seriously good.*

*And by good I mean so bad it's fun.

145 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:52:43am

re: #140 Aceofwhat?

Whoops - i keep doing that. Thanks!

No wonder I was confused.

146 jamesfirecat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:53:06am

re: #144 Kruk

Aporos of nothing, has anyone here seen "Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter"? It's seriously good.*

*And by good I mean so bad it's fun.

Be excellent to each other...

It's all good, its all right... everybody gets laid tonight!

147 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:53:37am

re: #92 oaktree

I'm luckily already known in most of my social circles as a non-observing person. (Whether I'm atheist, agnostic, or whatever is not discussed much.) This leads to religion not being brought up that much.

Though I one friend needles me about going into churches. Most of that group is Catholic and I end up there for weddings and such. Generally enjoyable since it's for festive events and I like church architecture (especially in the 19th century and early 20th century buildings I normally end up in.)

In that same group I've been very hesitant recently to broach religion recently since I'm not sure how they as a group or individually are being affected by the various scandals that are hitting the media now. I know that my best friend was in the middle of a crisis of faith 5-6 years ago during the initial US scandals. These further revelations I presume are a further quake on that already damaged foundation.

I was always told that we (Jews) are not allowed to step inside a church, but there's some debate about it. I believe the Torah prohibits it.

I've been inside quite a few churches. Mostly Catholic. The Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables is my favorite (other than those in Israel).

I've always wanted to attend a gospel service. Hooting, screaming and singing.

148 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:53:38am

re: #145 reine.de.tout

No wonder I was confused.

Rule of thumb...assume it's my fault on all items unless i double-check. I might just be off my meds...

149 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:54:27am

re: #136 Aceofwhat?

Christ is running for senate in Florida...

C R I S T. Not Christ.

150 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:54:28am

re: #130 Kruk

He was the original believer in seperating Church and State. "Render unto Ceaser" and all that.

Paid His Taxes by Fishing and finding money in da fish!
What's up with that?
Turned water into wine
Could feed thousands with 5 loafs of bread
Free taxes
Free Wine
Free food

151 avanti  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:55:09am

re: #121 Stanley Sea

Must be that hope thingy.

Maybe, and the doom and gloom thing on the other side. Fox business news is twisting them selves into a pretzel trying to show how all the good news is going to be a disaster. I often wonder how many conservatives bought gold and missed the recent rally thanks to Fox.

152 bratwurst  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:55:12am

If Crist could add that h to his name in time to appear that way on the ballot, you would think that might earn him a good few impulse votes!

153 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:56:13am

re: #147 marjoriemoon

I was always told that we (Jews) are not allowed to step inside a church, but there's some debate about it. I believe the Torah prohibits it.

I've been inside quite a few churches. Mostly Catholic. The Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables is my favorite (other than those in Israel).

I've always wanted to attend a gospel service. Hooting, screaming and singing.

If you're ever in Jacksonville, you're welcome to my laid-back, coffee-sipping, flip-flops and jeans hippie church anytime!

154 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:56:29am

re: #123 SanFranciscoZionist

OK, that's funny. Although it occurs to me that 'velociraptor trainer' would be one hell of a resume item.

Has one arm, one leg, one ear, one eye, and is known as "Lucky"...

;)

155 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:56:38am

re: #149 marjoriemoon

C R I S T. Not Christ.

Yep. i mess it up twice per week. thanks!

156 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:56:52am

re: #132 Dark_Falcon

I hear you, and I understand. If it's someone who needs to go through and makes their way carefully and politely, I don't have a problem. But some biker act like "I'm on a bike, get out of my way!" Asshole bikers, just like asshole drivers.

Of course. There are asshole pedestrians, too. I've been known to be one of them.

157 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:57:20am

re: #153 Aceofwhat?

If you're ever in Jacksonville, you're welcome to my laid-back, coffee-sipping, flip-flops and jeans hippie church anytime!

hehe One of my bosses is from Jax. I had a number of native friends there years ago, but I never get that way anymore.

158 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:57:46am

re: #155 Aceofwhat?

Yep. i mess it up twice per week. thanks!

lol Easy mistake.

159 ryannon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:58:48am

re: #86 Cato the Elder

Most experienced bicyclists know that stopping with car traffic at a red light is one good way to get killed.

You stop next to a waiting car. Driver doesn't even see you. When you take off, you'll often match or exceed the speed of the the car for a few seconds. He/she still doesn't know you're there, so a slight swerve and you're history. Plus, sitting at a long light with a bunch of stinking cars with their engines running is bad for your respiratory health.

As for riding on sidewalks, there are many places where I live where roads are simply suicide.

The whole "share the road, bicycles are vehicles too, and must obey the same traffic laws as cars" notion is great in theory, if car drivers even notice bicyclists' existence. The only places I've ever seen it work are Northern Europe and Bainbridge Island, a Seattle bedroom community. For bicyclists, it's a deadly joke.

I'm no longer an active cyclist, and don't know how Charles thinks about all this, but running red lights and riding on sidewalks are not asshole behaviors on the part of bicyclists. They're self-defense.

In Holland, bicyclists have the right-of-way no matter what, when or where. It works out fine, essentially since the Dutch are reasonable people and very bike-friendly. In Paris, the city is opening one-way streets to two-way bike traffic. The whole discipline of traffic management and engineering is undergoing some interesting modifications with the Shared Space concept which posits the removal of all traffic signalization from urban centers - with very positive results:

160 stevemcg  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:59:25am

re: #156 Cato the Elder

Of course. There are asshole pedestrians, too. I've been known to be one of them.

I'd rather get run over by something I can see than get hit from behind, so I ride on the wrong side of the street. I also think drivers would rather know I see them. I can't tell you how often bikes meander around when they don't see traffic coming up behind them.

161 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 10:59:56am

re: #51 Summer

LOL Thanks...I needed a laugh this afternoon. Hehe.

Just don't go putting me in one of your columns or categories yet, mmkay? I say the same thing to my dog when he wakes me up in the morning.

162 Dark_Falcon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:04:27am

re: #142 Obdicut

I did it the one time that Brown said they couldn't do it. That was worthwhile.

But aside from that, the Critical Mass guys are total assholes to those of us who take mass transit, and to pedestrians. I'm sorry, but it's totally fucking counterproductive. I'm a very pro-bike guy, but every time I get stuck in Critical Mass that is hard to uphold.

If Critical Mass gathered the same people and did something useful-- like building/maintaining bike paths in the cities parks-- I'd respect them.

As it is, it's just a cool party for the kids to go to and behave obnoxiously while not thinking about the actual effects of their actions.

People often enjoy bothering other people. As for CM, I'd like to stand 20 guys across their path with riot shields. Make them stop and turn around, and do that on a regular basis to make things less fun for them.

163 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:04:50am

You won't see big ticket GOP candidates criticizing the Tea Baggers and you won't see center-right GOP voters punishing them at the polls. There is a huge nod and a wink going on.

164 RogueOne  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:05:33am

I'm not from NY so I'll have to take the word on whatever locals we have there if this guy is mainstream or not. I finally got the cached version of the site to open and they had a link to a NY DailyNews article about him calling him an opportunist and a blowhard. Plus this....

[Link: www.nydailynews.com...]

For instance, Paladino bitterly attacked Democratic Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy for changing parties so he could run for governor as a Republican. He also made a big deal out of the fact that Levy - while serving in the Assembly from 2000 to 2005 - contributed to a fund-raising committee controlled by Speaker Sheldon Silver (Levy gave a paltry $650).

Levy's "longtime support for Speaker Silver is a fundamental problem for our party and a deal-breaker for most rank-and-file Republicans watching the governor's race," Paladino blustered.

But Buffalo-area blogger Chris Smith points out that Paladino himself was a Democrat until 2005. And he and his companies have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to pols from both parties - including Silver's Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee.

I'm finding it hard to believe that a man who was a dem until 2005 would be considered a mainstream republican, but I could be wrong.

165 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:06:53am

re: #147 marjoriemoon

I was always told that we (Jews) are not allowed to step inside a church, but there's some debate about it. I believe the Torah prohibits it.

I've been inside quite a few churches. Mostly Catholic. The Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables is my favorite (other than those in Israel).

I've always wanted to attend a gospel service. Hooting, screaming and singing.

I never quite understood how one would get contaminated/contaminate by entering another group/sect's religious grounds. But since I'm not steeped in those matters I hold it as not being my concern and a group wanting to keep me out would have the appropriate signage.

166 ryannon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:07:25am

re: #162 Dark_Falcon

People often enjoy bothering other people. As for CM, I'd like to stand 20 guys across their path with riot shields. Make them stop and turn around, and do that on a regular basis to make things less fun for them.

Less fun:

167 Feline Fearless Leader  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:10:32am

re: #160 stevemcg

I'd rather get run over by something I can see than get hit from behind, so I ride on the wrong side of the street. I also think drivers would rather know I see them. I can't tell you how often bikes meander around when they don't see traffic coming up behind them.

With their narrow wheel (and tire) bases compared to cars bicycles are much more affected by minor pavement imperfections and small amounts of loose debris that a car will simply ignore.

Not to mention sewer grates!

168 Cato the Elder  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:11:47am

re: #162 Dark_Falcon

People often enjoy bothering other people. As for CM, I'd like to stand 20 guys across their path with riot shields. Make them stop and turn around, and do that on a regular basis to make things less fun for them.

Ah, yes, CM. Those guys are just holding bike riots for the hell of it. Giving regular cyclists (especially cyclists in groups) a bad name. And they're at least indirectly responsible for some of the car-rage attacks on bicycle riders.

I'm pretty sure 20 guys with riot shields would have no effect.

169 kirkspencer  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:15:59am

I keep making this point in various places, I'll do it again here. Racists are only part of the Tea Party bag.

They're the "patriots". Some are white supremacists. Some are militia movement. Some are rabid isolationists. (Most fit more than one category.)

The one thing they all have in common is a belief that some conspiracy has stolen or is stealing their nation from them. Not only is "I'm from the government and I'm here to help," a terrifying phrase, it's a flat-out lie -- the government is part of the conspiracy to steal the nation.

170 reine.de.tout  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:18:50am

re: #147 marjoriemoon

I was always told that we (Jews) are not allowed to step inside a church, but there's some debate about it. I believe the Torah prohibits it.

I've been inside quite a few churches. Mostly Catholic. The Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables is my favorite (other than those in Israel).

I've always wanted to attend a gospel service. Hooting, screaming and singing.

Gospel services are great for getting swept away into that crowd enthusiasm.

As for simple worship - not my cuppa tea.

171 webevintage  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:21:24am

Palladino and folks like him running for office seem to think you can do do crap like this and not get caught.....which just proves they are basically too stupid to hold office.

172 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:26:44am

re: #171 webevintage

The GOP does not punish candidates for this. They reward them. George Allen wasn't punished by the GOP for his dog whistle macaca slur. He barely lost by 0.3%.

173 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:30:53am

re: #134 Olsonist

Sorry, I'm gonna have to disagree with you there. I just love the Critical Mass.

I've done it through the Tenderloin and the hookers flashed us. I've done when Willie Brown lined the streets with every available cop and CHP. I've also done it with a cop next to me on a mountain bike with a .45, which was tres cool. I've done it over the Bridge and out to the beach. Did it with the bicycle message world championships; usually the BMs avoid CM.

Yeah, it's a little in your face but seriously people need to get out of their damn cars every once in awhile and Critical Mass sort of reminds them of that.

Critical Massers are bad for serious cyclists. I am a serious cyclist.

174 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:45:17am

re: #173 wrenchwench

In what way is CM bad for serious cyclists? Did the local Tea Party activist who is also active in the Republican Party have his commute delayed or was he just another asshole?

San Francisco, where CM started, is a wanna be New York. It was (was) proud of its livability, a city for walking and riding. Decades ago, the board of supes tried to extend a freeway through the city to connect the GG bridge to 101. The entire board got thrown out. If anything, CM traces itself back to that.

You think CM is bad for serious cyclists. Cars are bad for serious cyclists.

175 Hawkins  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:47:02am

Heh, heh. Kinda puts the "goober" back in "gubernatorial," as they say.

176 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:48:02am

re: #174 Olsonist

You think CM is bad for serious cyclists. Cars are bad for serious cyclists.

Both can be true. I don't think CM is effective, politically or in any other way.

177 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:51:09am

re: #176 Obdicut

I believe the San Francisco Bike Coalition was started as the official wing of CM. It certainly represented CM with the SFPD in the early years.

178 wrenchwench  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:52:51am

re: #174 Olsonist

In what way is CM bad for serious cyclists? Did the local Tea Party activist who is also active in the Republican Party have his commute delayed or was he just another asshole?

San Francisco, where CM started, is a wanna be New York. It was (was) proud of its livability, a city for walking and riding. Decades ago, the board of supes tried to extend a freeway through the city to connect the GG bridge to 101. The entire board got thrown out. If anything, CM traces itself back to that.

You think CM is bad for serious cyclists. Cars are bad for serious cyclists.

Cars are no threat. Bad drivers are the threat. Critical Massers teach drivers to expect cyclists to be assholes. I'm in a very small town. The only problem I see from local Critical Massers is that they do not show young and new cyclists how to behave in traffic. Young and new cyclists need to learn that they are part of traffic, and to act properly in traffic. I do not see a need to model assholish behavior to make political gains. Quite the contrary.

179 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 11:54:39am

re: #177 Olsonist

And now they call CM a double-edged sword.

[Link: articles.sfgate.com...]

180 Olsonist  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 12:02:17pm

re: #179 Obdicut

I would agree with that. But it didn't have to be that way. It didn't use to be that way. CM used to be a bit of a parade. The route was unofficially negotiated with the SFPD and the SFPD bike cops rode with us.

Then Willie needed a bogeyman for his political machinations. Instead of the SFPD being an escort they became the opposition. Instead of serious cyclists toning down the meathead anarchists, they left. What was fun and useful became strident and offensive. It's easy to see that a serious cyclist would resent what it has become but I think the solution is to rejoin and retake what was a wonderful thing.

It didn't have to be that way.

181 Obdicut  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 12:03:29pm

re: #180 Olsonist

I'd agree with that--- but it still leaves the current state as what it is. And i'm not a cyclist, so I can't do much about it.

182 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 12:07:53pm

re: #165 oaktree

I never quite understood how one would get contaminated/contaminate by entering another group/sect's religious grounds. But since I'm not steeped in those matters I hold it as not being my concern and a group wanting to keep me out would have the appropriate signage.

I'd love to comment, but I think if I did, I'd insult my Christian friends. Suffice it to say, the answer to this "mystery" is the first commandment.

183 celticdragon  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 12:25:30pm

re: #50 Kruk

A horrible thought (and no, I'm not going to click that video to check), did the video have any mention about Obama's parentage? You can bet there are some who do equate an inter-racial marriage to beastiality.

Yep. They are right there with the ones who say same sex relationships are identical to screwing dead people, little children and farm animals.

Santorum comes to mind.

184 theheat  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 1:18:17pm

When the GOP gets all teary eyed and nostalgic, and yearns for the old days, the never-was days, the days whose historical documentation rode away into the sunset on black-and-white television screens via the backs of unicorns, when they mistakenly recall "gub'mint di'n't git to tell the li'l guy what to do" - this is the kind of bullshit they're getting all sentimental about.

They miss casual racism. They miss the days when progress meant it was alright to slash and burn and decimate the landscape because the one true Christian God had put it all out there for the taking. They miss safe cigarettes. They miss the days when gays were simply queers and fags and dikes, and as rare as hen's teeth. They miss the days when explaining creation and procreation was as easy as opening the bible. They miss the days when shooting animals from airplanes was considered a sport. They miss the benefits of a red meat / processed sugar diet. They miss the days of scorning unwed mothers and their swollen bellies. They miss the Cold War, and hating anyone who wasn't as red-blooded and all-American as they.

Fortunately, with the popularity of the tea parties, Birchers, birthers, Beck, Palin, Perry, Limbaugh, Bachmann, Buchanan, Ron Paul, Robertson, Jindal, Stormfront, secessionists, neo-Confederates and militiamen- the "good old days" are making a comeback. The GOP has virtually guaranteed it.

And this is precisely why I will probably never vote GOP again in my lifetime.

185 What, me worry?  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 2:25:22pm

re: #184 theheat

hehe I like that "probably" you threw in there at the end! Never say never? (Come on. Ya know you want to).

The rest is spot on.

186 William of Orange  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 4:31:29pm

[Jon Stewart mode]
So now the Tea party is accusing the Democrats of using e-mail in a way to shift attention from the real issues...

Now wait a minute... Haven't we seen that tactic before in recent months?
[/Jon Stewart mode]

karma has a way of biting you in the ass sometimes. ;-)

187 Fortitudine  Mon, Apr 12, 2010 7:18:04pm

re: #169 kirkspencer

I keep making this point in various places, I'll do it again here. Racists are only part of the Tea Party bag.

They're the "patriots". Some are white supremacists. Some are militia movement. Some are rabid isolationists. (Most fit more than one category.)

The one thing they all have in common is is a belief that some conspiracy has stolen or is stealing their nation from them. Not only is "I'm from the government and I'm here to help," a terrifying phrase, it's a flat-out lie -- the government is part of the conspiracy to steal the nation.

The one thing they have in common is the dawning realization that it's not "their" nation any more. It's ours. And it's scaring the piss out of them.

188 hokiepride  Tue, Apr 13, 2010 8:28:53am

re: #159 ryannon

Hmm...bikes having the right of way might work in Europe due to its higher population density, and higher fuel costs. Besides, I do not like the idea of anyone having the automatic right of way. Everyone on the road should obey traffic signs. I have seen a lot of bikers riding 5 abreast doing 15 in a 35 zone, blocking traffic.

OTOH, encouraging the use of bikes for short commutes is good as it builds fitness and reduces congestion. I bike to work in summer and I find it great.

189 andydp  Tue, Apr 13, 2010 11:58:07am

Apparently Mr Paladino has already responded to the "conspiracy":

Paladino spokesman Michael Caputo said in a prepared statement that the campaign "won't be wading through the details of what is just another liberal Democrat blog smear."

Read more: [Link: www.timesunion.com...]

The fact he personally had to physically forward the e mails from his own office, must also part of the "smear".

190 Kevitivity  Wed, Apr 14, 2010 12:38:55pm

There are racists in all parties... so I don't understand why we should focus on them. It's probably best to ignore the jerks rather than give them air time.


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