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289 comments
1 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:51:36am

Tough room.

He seems to like circumstances where he knows that he’s not necessarily going to be well-recieved— like the Correspondent’s Dinner.

2 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:53:58am

re: #1 Obdicut

Tough room.

He seems to like circumstances where he knows that he’s not necessarily going to be well-recieved— like the Correspondent’s Dinner.

True bravery in comedy.

3 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:54:35am

re: #1 Obdicut

Tough room.

He seems to like circumstances where he knows that he’s not necessarily going to be well-recieved— like the Correspondent’s Dinner.

Tiz the job of the court jester to tell the king what no one else will because they’re afraid…

4 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:54:58am

He’s funny. Don’t waste my taxes on it. This is a joke. This is like an actress who plays a role to talk about the subject of said role. Are you kidding me?

5 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:55:25am

Is he doing this in-character?

6 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:55:39am

Pissing off those who don’t quite get him is his stock in trade.

7 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:55:56am

re: #5 laZardo

Is he doing this in-character?

Yes.

8 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:56:18am

Didn’t really seem that the Democrats in the audience were exactly exchanging high-fives over his schtick, either…..

9 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:57:01am

re: #8 tradewind

Didn’t really seem that the Democrats in the audience were exactly exchanging high-fives over his schtick, either…

He was asked to leave.

10 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:57:23am

re: #4 Cannadian Club Akbar

He’s funny. Don’t waste my taxes on it. This is a joke. This is like an actress who plays a role to talk about the subject of said role. Are you kidding me?

He made a point of saying he paid his own way. The taxpayer is down for the water he drank and the juice to his microphone, per paraphase of his answer to a Dumb Fox Blonde.

11 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:57:32am

re: #6 imp_62

Pissing off those who don’t quite get him is his stock in trade.

Of course the people who REALLY DON’T GET HIM insist that he’s a Republican and find him hilarious/informative for all the wrong reasons…

12 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:57:32am

OMG, YIPPEE!!!!!!!!

13 SpaceJesus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:57:42am

this is amazing

14 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:57:51am

re: #9 Cannadian Club Akbar

He was asked to leave.


Well, it seems like he was there to do five minutes and he did his five minutes.

15 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:58:17am

re: #8 tradewind

Didn’t really seem that the Democrats in the audience were exactly exchanging high-fives over his schtick, either…

I agree with the sentiment that Congress is a place where all the comedy and histrionics should be provided by our elected representatives and the odd “Czar” or two. Outside testimony should be provided by experts.

16 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:58:23am

re: #14 Obdicut

Well, it seems like he was there to do five minutes and he did his five minutes.

I could do 30.

17 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:58:29am

re: #10 Decatur Deb

He made a point of saying he paid his own way. The taxpayer is down for the water he drank and the juice to his microphone, per paraphase of his answer to a Dumb Fox Blonde.

AND IT WAS WORTH EVERY ABE LINCOLN PENNY.

/ O:

18 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:59:09am

re: #11 jamesfirecat

Of course the people who REALLY DON’T GET HIM insist that he’s a Republican and find him hilarious/informative for all the wrong reasons…

No,no James. He is a Republican. I mean, watch the show.

19 elizajane  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 9:59:59am

He actually did have a point to make at the end, that if employers can’t exploit their migrant workers because they are here legally (on a migrant worker visa program) then they will be more likely to treat and pay citizen-workers decently. It was a perfectly fine point, but this was not the context in which to make it through a series of rather lame jokes.

I suppose his appearance there made more people pay attention, although in the room at least one person was checking her e-mail…

20 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:00:26am

re: #18 imp_62

Colbert 2012. BRING ON THE APOCALYPSE, BABY.

21 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:00:29am

Too bad it wasn’t a joint session…. he and Al Franken could have tag-teamed.

22 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:00:36am

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

23 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:00:41am

This isn’t just comedy, of course. He made a number of very sharp points about the hypocrisy and lack of reality in the immigration debate.

24 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:01:17am

re: #8 tradewind

Didn’t really seem that the Democrats in the audience were exactly exchanging high-fives over his schtick, either…

At the beginning of the hearing, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., chairman of the Judiciary Committee, tried to pull the plug on Colbert’s testimony in an effort “to get to the bottom” of the issue.

“I would like to recommend that now we got all this attention that you excuse yourself and you let us get on with the three witnesses and all the other members there,” he said. “I’m asking you to leave the committee room completely, and submit your statement.”

[Link: www.foxnews.com…]

—————

“REALLY not sure this is funny,” wrote ABC News’ Rick Klein.

“Colbert is making a mockery of this hearing,” said Mother Jones’ David Corn.

“Colbert’s testimony made a mockery of Congress,” said the Washington Post’s Aaron Blake.

The Hill’s Mike O’Brien said, “This might be the most amazing public stunt before Congress.”

National Review’s Kathryn Lopez wrote that “a congressional chairman made a joke of her committee today.”

[Link: www.politico.com…]

———

Colbert defended himself, but seemed uncharacteristically rattled by the interrogation—enough to put his foot in his mouth with an off-color and worse, unfunny, joke about gay Iowans.

[Link: www.observer.com…]

——

This is the lefts idea of “expert testimony?”

25 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:01:20am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

Five minutes of anything is generally not enough to get my dander up.

I think he made some good points. You don’t?

26 Kronocide  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:01:29am

WTF is wrong here where we need comedians to go to the House and cut through the BS?

Between Colbert, Stewart, and the Onion they have about as much credibility as any other news source. The bonus is you get some good laughs even though much of it is serious shit.

27 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:01:47am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

Compared to the other colossal wastes of time perpetrated by the politicians in that room, a 5-minute speech by Colbert is nothing.

28 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:01:55am

re: #21 tradewind

Too bad it wasn’t a joint session… he and Al Franken could have tag-teamed.

Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter

29 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:02:10am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

I do, my first post said as much, at least it was meant to.

30 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:02:24am

He was essentially there as a powerful spokesman for the Farm Workers Union. (And I’m still boycotting grapes.)

31 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:02:29am

re: #25 Obdicut

Five minutes of anything is generally not enough to get my dander up.

I think he made some good points. You don’t?

Is this something we didn’t already know?

32 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:03:00am

re: #20 laZardo

Colbert 2012. BRING ON THE APOCALYPSE, BABY.

Careful what you wish for! He could run against Ted Nugent…

33 iossarian  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:03:04am

Expert testimony is paying a closet homosexual man $500,000 to claim that homosexuality is a mental disorder that can be cured by prayer.

34 elizajane  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:03:13am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

I don’t spend a lot of time watching congressional hearings on c-span, but I find it hard to believe that every five-minute presentation is normally succinct, sharp, and filled with profound policy implications.

Am I wrong?

35 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:03:25am

re: #32 imp_62

Careful what you wish for! He could run against Ted Nugent…

I’ll get the popcorn ready on the fire and brimstone.

36 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:03:30am

re: #27 Charles

Compared to the other colossal wastes of time perpetrated by the politicians in that room, a 5-minute speech by Colbert is nothing.

Agreed.

37 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:03:50am

re: #24 Walter L. Newton

I love how everyone is suddenly all concerned with congress being mocked.

38 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:04:07am

re: #27 Charles

Compared to the other colossal wastes of time perpetrated by the politicians in that room, a 5-minute speech by Colbert is nothing.

True, but using that filter, nobody should bother showing up to work in the Capitol… hmmmm that’s not such a bad idea.

39 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:04:14am

re: #25 Obdicut
The problem is that using him to make ’ good points ’ reduces their impact to comedy and makes it less likely that they’ll be given serious attention.
I just wish he’d been invited by a Republican instead of Zoe. At least there’d be some really inspired outrage in the press.//

40 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:04:29am

re: #34 elizajane

I don’t spend a lot of time watching congressional hearings on c-span, but I find it hard to believe that every five-minute presentation is normally succinct, sharp, and filled with profound policy implications.

Am I wrong?

No. It is usually politicians. Mushmouths.

41 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:04:37am

re: #24 Walter L. Newton

At the beginning of the hearing, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., chairman of the Judiciary Committee, tried to pull the plug on Colbert’s testimony in an effort “to get to the bottom” of the issue.

Conyers would have more credibility if he ever actually got to the bottom of the issue with the testimony of the so called experts.

42 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:04:58am

re: #30 Decatur Deb
Lettuce now take a moment to remember Che.

43 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:05:01am

re: #37 Obdicut

I love how everyone is suddenly all concerned with congress being mocked.

Lots of concern being expressed.

44 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:05:17am

re: #39 tradewind

The problem is that using him to make ’ good points ’ reduces their impact to comedy and makes it less likely that they’ll be given serious attention.

Can you explain how that works, exactly?

Did “A Modest Proposal” have the same effect?

45 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:05:23am

re: #37 Obdicut

I love how everyone is suddenly all concerned with congress being mocked.

Congress should be mocked on a regular basis and to their faces. Stephen Colbert for Mocker in Chief!

46 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:05:39am

re: #39 tradewind

I just wish he’d been invited by a Republican instead of Zoe.

Sadly they learned something from the Corespondents Dinner….

47 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:05:56am

re: #42 tradewind

Lettuce now take a moment to remember Che.

You really want to start a pun thread, now? Well do ya?

48 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:06:18am

re: #44 Obdicut
No, I’m sure you’re already pretty well versed.

49 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:06:38am

re: #45 PT Barnum

Congress should be mocked on a regular basis and to their faces. Stephen Colbert for Mocker in Chief!

Stephen Colbert on C-Span.

/who do I have to petition to get that done?

50 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:06:52am

re: #42 tradewind

Lettuce now take a moment to remember Che.

I come to praise Cesar.

51 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:07:23am

re: #47 PT Barnum
Mea culpa.
The low hanging fruit…. it was just there.

52 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:07:36am

re: #50 Decatur Deb

I come to praise Cesar.

Meanwhile back at the Ranch…

53 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:07:39am

re: #48 tradewind

No, I’m sure you’re already pretty well versed.

No, I’m saying you’re completely wrong. There’s a reason that the USSR cracked down on satire, and threw satirical writers into jail, or executed them: points made in satire can be more penetrating than made straight. They’re more memorable, and humor often exposes hypocrisy and nonsensical reasoning in a deft manner.

So can you explain why you think otherwise?

54 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:07:49am

re: #50 Decatur Deb
Salud, and I promise no mas.

55 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:08:08am

Jon Voight (sp)should be on Fox!!

56 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:08:22am

re: #54 tradewind

Salud Salad, and I promise no mas.

FTFY

57 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:08:31am

re: #49 laZardo

Stephen Colbert on C-Span.

/who do I have to petition to get that done?

Done. C-Span is planning to cover the Stewart/Colbert rallies. They might even get an audited crowd shot.

58 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:08:39am

re: #50 Decatur Deb

I come to praise Cesar.

remember Flip Wilson?

I have come to seize your berry, not to praise it

59 abbyadams  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:08:41am

re: #24 Walter L. Newton

LOL The press says COLBERT is needed to make a mockery out of Congress? Really? I think they’ve been doing a damn fine job of it themselves.

60 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:08:53am

re: #55 Cannadian Club Akbar

Jon Voight (sp)should be on Fox!!

He’s a mental vegetable

61 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:09:10am

Even the part about self-picking vegetables is not 100% joke. Green chiles are being bred to be able to be machine harvested because “it’s too expensive” to have humans pick them. (The scare quotes are to indicate a complex economic issue.) The other qualities of produce tend to suffer when it’s bred for durability.

62 bratwurst  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:09:15am

re: #21 tradewind

Too bad it wasn’t a joint session… he and Al Franken could have tag-teamed.

He was busy doing his job as United States Senator.

63 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:09:19am

re: #53 Obdicut

No, I’m saying you’re completely wrong. There’s a reason that the USSR cracked down on satire, and threw satirical writers into jail, or executed them: points made in satire can be more penetrating than made straight. They’re more memorable, and humor often exposes hypocrisy and nonsensical reasoning in a deft manner.

So can you explain why you think otherwise?

In Soviet Russia, prison goes to you!

64 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:09:25am

re: #58 imp_62

remember Flip Wilson?

I have come to seize your berry, not to praise it

You’ll get my blackberry when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.

65 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:09:29am

re: #54 tradewind

Salud, and I promise no mas.

Quit mesclun around.

66 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:09:32am

re: #53 Obdicut
Really, I’d rather give you a new topic…. how I never answer the thoughtful questions you pose satisfactorily.
No use breaking character now.

67 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:10:03am

re: #56 PT Barnum
I was assuming imagination ./

68 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:10:52am

re: #62 bratwurst

He was busy doing his job as United States Senator.

Franken is a douche. Down ding at will.

69 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:11:15am

re: #62 bratwurst

He was busy doing his job as United States Senator.

The mere circumstance that I cannot determine beyond reasonable doubt whether your comment is meant to be sarcastic speaks volumes about the state of our government.

70 joest73  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:11:21am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

Are the democrats in the House resigned to the fact that that are in for a beating in November… so they are just doing this for fun or are they this out of touch with how people will react to silliness like this?

71 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:11:39am

re: #66 tradewind

Really, I’d rather give you a new topic… how I never answer the thoughtful questions you pose satisfactorily.
No use breaking character now.

You’re unable to answer this one satisfactorily, I think, since you said something that’s simply demonstrably untrue.

As Mikhail Bulgakov and Igor Guberman can tell you, good satire is dangerous to those in power.

72 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:11:50am

re: #68 Cannadian Club Akbar

Franken is a douche. Down ding at will.

Since you asked so nicely, he seems to be considerably more up to date and on the ball than most Senator’s he was a political comedian after all…

From what I’ve seen so far New York would be lucky to have Jon Stewart as a senator….

73 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:11:57am

re: #68 Cannadian Club Akbar

Franken is a douche. Down ding at will.

Sorry, the biggest douchebag in Government role already belongs to Eric Cantor.

74 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:12:07am

re: #65 Decatur Deb
Despite my best intentions, here I am arugulaing with you again.

75 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:12:21am

My mom wanted me to spend a summer picking tomatoes with the UFW. I’m lucky she didn’t insist. I think she partly wanted me to see what hard work was, and partly had a romantic notion of me becoming a labor organizer.

76 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:12:37am

re: #72 jamesfirecat

Stewart and Colbert as New York’s Senators.

Now that’s what I call bipartisanship™©.

77 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:12:54am

re: #61 wrenchwench

Even the part about self-picking vegetables is not 100% joke. Green chiles are being bred to be able to be machine harvested because “it’s too expensive” to have humans pick them. (The scare quotes are to indicate a complex economic issue.) The other qualities of produce tend to suffer when it’s bred for durability.

Qualities like flavor. A few years ago many of the strawberry growers in California switched to a new breed of berry that travels and stores very well. And tastes like cardboard.

78 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:13:08am

re: #75 wrenchwench

My mom wanted me to spend a summer picking tomatoes with the UFW. I’m lucky she didn’t insist. I think she partly wanted me to see what hard work was, and partly had a romantic notion of me becoming a labor organizer.

Or she just wanted you out of the house for the summer and exhausted by the time you got home?

79 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:13:14am

re: #72 jamesfirecat
Oh, let ‘em keep Gillebrand. Harry Reid says ’ She’s Hot ‘.

80 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:13:36am

re: #75 wrenchwench

International Reptile Labor Union Local 1.

Somehow has a ring to it.

81 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:13:40am

re: #75 wrenchwench

My mom wanted me to spend a summer picking tomatoes with the UFW. I’m lucky she didn’t insist. I think she partly wanted me to see what hard work was, and partly had a romantic notion of me becoming a labor organizer.

Buddy of mine ran away from home when he was a kid. He went to pick lemons to survive, was back home at supper.

82 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:13:57am

re: #75 wrenchwench

My mom wanted me to spend a summer picking tomatoes with the UFW. I’m lucky she didn’t insist. I think she partly wanted me to see what hard work was, and partly had a romantic notion of me becoming a labor organizer.

I’ve picked tomatoes. And strawberries. And watermelon.

83 engineer cat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:14:00am

Stephen Colbert really pissed off the Republicans on Capitol Hill today. I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen so many scowling old men.

god forbid that anybody should disturb their precious peace of mind by reminding them of the exploitation of illegal workers doing backbreaking stoop labor

84 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:14:33am

“My great grandfather did not cross the Atlantic to see this country overrun by immigrants”

Now thats some funny shit.

85 pharmmajor  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:14:52am

re: #37 Obdicut

I love how everyone is suddenly all concerned with congress being mocked.

I’m surprised more people don’t realize that Congress deserves all the mockery it gets.

86 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:14:59am

re: #82 Cannadian Club Akbar

I’ve picked tomatoes. And strawberries. And watermelon.

“Picking” melons at midnight doesn’t count.

87 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:15:02am

re: #74 tradewind

Despite my best intentions, here I am arugulaing with you again.

Are you going for broquefort?

88 iossarian  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:15:02am

re: #77 Charles

Qualities like flavor. A few years ago many of the strawberry growers in California switched to a new breed of berry that travels and stores very well. And tastes like cardboard.

This is so true. I grow my own strawbs and don’t bother buying anymore, because the massive ones you get in the store just don’t taste of anything.

Pick your own can still be OK.

89 sffilk  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:15:25am

re: #19 elizajane

He actually did have a point to make at the end, that if employers can’t exploit their migrant workers because they are here legally (on a migrant worker visa program) then they will be more likely to treat and pay citizen-workers decently. It was a perfectly fine point, but this was not the context in which to make it through a series of rather lame jokes.

I suppose his appearance there made more people pay attention, although in the room at least one person was checking her e-mail…

Was she checking e-mail or tweeting?

90 abbyadams  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:15:31am

re: #77 Charles

Most of the hybrids are terrible; some pose a pretty serious threat to agriculture in general, either through potentially escaping genes or contributing to the lack of diversity so that our food supply could be taken out by a good blight.

I’m heartened to see that the localvore movement picking up in my area.

91 joest73  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:15:40am

re: #68 Cannadian Club Akbar

Franken is a douche. Down ding at will.

People on the right were warning of all of the bad things that would happen if a fruitcake like Franken was elected. I hate the guy but maybe he should be an example to the left that a few “fruitcakes” on either side won’t spell doom for this country.

92 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:15:51am

re: #86 Decatur Deb

“Picking” melons at midnight doesn’t count.

I usually leave the bar before then…

93 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:16:01am

re: #82 Cannadian Club Akbar

I’ve picked tomatoes. And strawberries. And watermelon.

Mr. w was actually a farmworker for a while. Were you? Or are you talking about gardening?

94 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:16:16am

re: #89 sffilk

Was she checking e-mail or tweeting?

Maybe showing her granddaughter that she’s cool.

95 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:16:38am

re: #91 joest73

People on the right were warning of all of the bad things that would happen if a fruitcake like Franken was elected. I hate the guy but maybe he should be an example to the left that a few “fruitcakes” on either side won’t spell doom for this country.

Why exactly is “Al Franken” a fruitcake?

Because he is knowledgeable about the issues?

Because he doesn’t believe companies should be able to make women sign away their right to sue if they get raped?

If that is a fruitcake then I say to you, we desperately need more fruitcakes!

96 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:16:39am

re: #91 joest73

People on the right were warning of all of the bad things that would happen if a fruitcake like Franken was elected. I hate the guy but maybe he should be an example to the left that a few “fruitcakes” on either side won’t spell doom for this country.

You mean like Christine O’Donnell.

97 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:16:59am

re: #91 joest73

People on the right were warning of all of the bad things that would happen if a fruitcake like Franken was elected. I hate the guy but maybe he should be an example to the left that a few “fruitcakes” on either side won’t spell doom for this country.

Franken has proved to be far from a fruitcake, when compared with some of the nuts being promoted by the GOP.

98 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:17:31am

re: #93 wrenchwench

Mr. w was actually a farmworker for a while. Were you? Or are you talking about gardening?

Making money on the side. About 75 pounds of tomatoes. More on other veggies.

99 Nervous Norvous  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:17:45am

re: #96 Walter L. Newton

You mean like Christine O’Donnell.

Walter, stop it! We agreed with each other again! People are going to talk.

100 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:17:55am

re: #96 Walter L. Newton

You mean like Christine O’Donnell.

Yes, because Franken and the woman who had no idea what she’s doing and uses public funds to pay her rent are exactly alight.


Look up in the sky, its a bird, its a plane, it’s the magic balance fairy!

101 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:18:26am

re: #91 joest73

People on the right were warning of all of the bad things that would happen if a fruitcake like Franken was elected. I hate the guy but maybe he should be an example to the left that a few “fruitcakes” on either side won’t spell doom for this country.

One example of what he has done since being elected that qualifies as ‘fruitcake’.

102 sffilk  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:18:42am

re: #33 iossarian

Expert testimony is paying a closet homosexual man $500,000 to claim that homosexuality is a mental disorder that can be cured by prayer.

Source, please?

103 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:18:58am

Colbert’s appearance before the House committee was probably just lagniappe to the Republicans… they already had the canning of CNN and NBC’s CEO’s to smile about.
Since Fox is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RNC, just another step in the domination of the media by the forces of darkness.//

104 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:19:01am

re: #91 joest73

People on the right were warning of all of the bad things that would happen if a fruitcake like Franken was elected. I hate the guy but maybe he should be an example to the left that a few “fruitcakes” on either side won’t spell doom for this country.

Or maybe describing Franken as a “fruitcake” was just wrong.

On the other hand, “fruitcake” is too forgiving a term for people like Christine O’Donnell, Carl Paladino, Rand Paul, etc. etc. etc. …

105 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:19:14am

re: #98 Cannadian Club Akbar

Making money on the side. About 75 pounds of tomatoes. More on other veggies.

Then you should be up there testifying, right after Colbert. Hard work, ain’t it?

106 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:19:40am

If anything, Washington D.C. needs more intentional comedians and fewer unintentional ones.

107 sffilk  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:19:58am

re: #50 Decatur Deb

I come to praise Cesar.

Not to berry him?

108 tradewind  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:20:07am

re: #87 PT Barnum

Nope, just going.
Have a great day, ya’ll…. eat more salads! It’s time to plant lettuce and spinach for fall crops.

109 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:20:19am

OT, just heard from my daughter. SHe got her first college grade back today: a 90 in bio-statistics. *beams*

110 iossarian  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:20:28am

re: #102 sffilk

Source, please?

George Rekers. In the heat of the moment I exaggerated: the link suggests he was only paid $120,000.

[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]

111 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:20:35am

re: #98 Cannadian Club Akbar

Making money on the side. About 75 pounds of tomatoes. More on other veggies.

Our boarding (reform) school loaned us out to local farmers to pick all day. Potatoes were cool because we worked with Amish women. Apples were the best, because hundreds or us would spent the day climbing trees. Lawyers hadn’t been invented yet.

112 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:20:42am

re: #105 wrenchwench

Then you should be up there testifying, right after Colbert. Hard work, ain’t it?

Doing it for 10 minutes is one thing. I wouldn’t bother with it.

113 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:21:23am

re: #104 Charles

Or maybe describing Franken as a “fruitcake” was just wrong.

On the other hand, “fruitcake” is too forgiving a term for people like Christine O’Donnell, Carl Paladino, Rand Paul, etc. etc. etc. …

I believe their craziness is like fruit “nectar”: only about 60% genuine. The balance is calculated to attract an audience.

114 joest73  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:21:52am

re: #96 Walter L. Newton

You mean like Christine O’Donnell.

Yep…. she may be a little crazy but at least she wasn’t
the ring leader of the SNL coke parties.

115 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:21:53am

I think it’s hilarious to see all these pundits and politicians harrumphing and getting their back hairs up over Colbert.

What they do is IMPORTANT. It must not ever be MOCKED. How DISRESPECTFUL.

These people take themselves way too seriously.

116 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:22:13am

re: #112 Cannadian Club Akbar

Doing it for 10 minutes is one thing. I wouldn’t bother with it.

I wouldn’t bother Congress I meant to say. I ain’t afraid of hard work.

117 iossarian  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:22:31am

re: #114 joest73

Yep… she may be a little crazy but at least she wasn’t
the ring leader of the SNL coke parties.

Bush II - did he ever do coke?

118 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:22:43am

re: #114 joest73

Yep… she may be a little crazy but at least she wasn’t
the ring leader of the SNL coke parties.

No. She’s a LOT crazy. And she illegally used her campaign fund as a personal bank account.

119 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:22:44am

re: #111 Decatur Deb

Our boarding (reform) school loaned us out to local farmers to pick all day. Potatoes were cool because we worked with Amish women. Apples were the best, because hundreds or us would spent the day climbing trees. Lawyers hadn’t been invented yet.

Pretty sure your “boarding school” was actually a state penitentiary, like Shawshank…

120 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:22:56am

re: #113 imp_62

I believe their craziness is like fruit “nectar”: only about 60% genuine. The balance is calculated to attract an audience.

Still says something horrifying that people behave this way intentionally because they believe it will get them support in a national election….

121 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:23:13am

re: #114 joest73

Yep… she may be a little crazy but at least she wasn’t
the ring leader of the SNL coke parties.

I think I’d rather party with Franken than perform witchcraft with O’Donnell. :P

122 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:23:57am

re: #121 Liberal Classic

I think I’d rather party with Franken than perform witchcraft with O’Donnell. :P

I’ll have both please!!
/

123 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:23:59am

re: #120 jamesfirecat

Still says something horrifying that people behave this way intentionally because they believe it will get them support in a national election…

What is horrifying is that it does garner the support.

124 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:24:14am

Here’s some comedy gold from the Senate today:

“Republicans will not stand quietly by and allow the rule of law in America to be historically altered by a federal judiciary that is agenda-oriented,” Judiciary ranking member Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said during a committee markup. “If anything, we have been far too generous with our consent.”

Yup. I’m concerned about Colbert demeaning the hallowed chambers of Congress.

125 sffilk  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:24:35am

re: #104 Charles

Or maybe describing Franken as a “fruitcake” was just wrong.

On the other hand, “fruitcake” is too forgiving a term for people like Christine O’Donnell, Carl Paladino, Rand Paul, etc. etc. etc. …

Be careful what you say - you might get the fruitcake producers of the world angry at you! (hehe)

126 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:24:37am

re: #114 joest73

Yep… she may be a little crazy but at least she wasn’t
the ring leader of the SNL coke parties.

Links?

127 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:25:33am

re: #118 Charles

No. She’s a LOT crazy. And she illegally used her campaign fund as a personal bank account.

She’s Palin lite. And Palin is already pretty “lite”. I realized listening to her that she is a dimwitted female version of Dan Quail.

128 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:25:38am

Same circus with a guest star clown. Hey I got this idea-If Congress wants to see Colbert, maybe they should tune in after work.

129 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:25:40am

re: #119 imp_62

Pretty sure your “boarding school” was actually a state penitentiary, like Shawshank…

Nah. Only half of us were sent there by Juvie. There were two more levels before you got to Morganza boys’ prison at Cannonsburgh. (Oddly, Nnow my daughter teaches in a county youth “facility”.)

130 sffilk  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:25:47am

re: #110 iossarian

George Rekers. In the heat of the moment I exaggerated: the link suggests he was only paid $120,000.

[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]

Thank you. I thought you were talking about something more recent or something.

131 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:25:55am

re: #114 joest73

Yep… she may be a little crazy but at least she wasn’t
the ring leader of the SNL coke parties.

They have SNL coke parties at the Senate? I am concerned.

132 Vambo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:26:03am

re: #16 Cannadian Club Akbar

I could do 30.

and you’d be asked to leave. For wasting MY tax dollars. Me, me, meeeee….

133 bratwurst  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:26:07am

re: #126 jamesfirecat

Links?

It’s “common knowledge”, the same way that everyone KNOWS Joe Biden is a drunk.

134 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:26:29am

re: #122 Cannadian Club Akbar

I’ll have both please!!
/

I mean, who would rather have seen dancing in the nude 10 years ago?

135 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:27:08am

re: #133 bratwurst

It’s “common knowledge”, the same way that everyone KNOWS Joe Biden is a drunk.

Think he’s referring to the FL “Rentboy” consultant. It’s pretty well linked.

136 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:27:41am

Rush was working himself into a richy frothy santorum over Colbert this morning.

137 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:27:42am

re: #134 imp_62

I mean, who would rather have seen dancing in the nude 10 years ago?

Hell Yes!! I had it going on then!!

138 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:27:44am

re: #135 Decatur Deb

Think he’s referring to the FL “Rentboy” consultant. It’s pretty well linked.

Your getting your coke and ho’s mixed up.

139 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:28:06am

re: #109 imp_62

OT, just heard from my daughter. SHe got her first college grade back today: a 90 in bio-statistics. *beams*

Thank you all for the kind “updings”. I am very proud.

140 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:28:18am

Ah hell. Nighty.

141 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:28:19am

re: #136 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Rush was working himself into a richy frothy santorum over Colbert this morning.

Colbert will pull through as long as he didn’t get his papa bear angry at him…

142 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:28:25am

What immigration “debate”? It has devolved to screaming memes.

143 joest73  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:29:02am

re: #118 Charles

No. She’s a LOT crazy. And she illegally used her campaign fund as a personal bank account.

Yes she is. The campaign money laundering was bad but she didn’t have a
steady income…. not saying it was the right thing to do but I would have a bigger problem with it if it was done by someone with a higher income….
I wouldn’t vote for her….

144 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:29:39am

re: #143 joest73

Yes she is. The campaign money laundering was bad but she didn’t have a
steady income… not saying it was the right thing to do but I would have a bigger problem with it if it was done by someone with a higher income…
I wouldn’t vote for her…

So its less of a problem to steal if you’re poor?


Man and people say its Democrats who are soft on crime!

145 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:29:59am

re: #138 Jeff In Ohio

Your getting your coke and ho’s mixed up.

Your right—I was referring to iossarian’s 33.

146 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:30:13am

re: #143 joest73

Yes she is. The campaign money laundering was bad but she didn’t have a
steady income… not saying it was the right thing to do but I would have a bigger problem with it if it was done by someone with a higher income…
I wouldn’t vote for her…

Charlie Rangle.
/not so much

147 iossarian  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:30:38am

I think a little clarification is in order:

George Rekers is a rentboy-hiring anti-gay crusader, who was hired by various state governments to provide expert witness that gay adoption is bad.

George W Bush is an ex-president who used to do a lot of drinking and partying. There is a suspicion that he may have used cocaine on occasion.

Al Franken is a current senator who had a former career as a comedian. There are rumors that he may have used cocaine on occasion.

Barack Obama is the current president: he has stated that he used cocaine on occasion in his youth.

Carry on.

148 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:30:44am

re: #143 joest73

Yes she is. The campaign money laundering was bad but she didn’t have a
steady income… not saying it was the right thing to do but I would have a bigger problem with it if it was done by someone with a higher income…
I wouldn’t vote for her…

Ethics are not subject to means testing. Sorry for the downding, but some of the most honest and generous people are poor.

149 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:31:07am

re: #143 joest73

Yes she is. The campaign money laundering was bad but she didn’t have a
steady income… not saying it was the right thing to do but I would have a bigger problem with it if it was done by someone with a higher income…
I wouldn’t vote for her…

Then perhaps she should have moved to a place which would have cost less and worked on paying her debts off through legal means.

150 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:31:13am

re: #145 Decatur Deb

Your right—I was referring to iossarian’s 33.

Cokes and Ho’s, RC and a MoonPie. It’s all good.

151 laZardo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:31:44am

Oh, and speaking of entities for sale, got a new LGF page you might be interested in…

152 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:32:12am

re: #150 Jeff In Ohio

Cokes and Ho’s, RC and a MoonPie. It’s all good.

RC and Moonpies. Yummy.

153 jaunte  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:32:21am

Colbert did a service in pointing out the truth that we need agricultural workers, and a lot of those politicians are frowning at the corollary: there are a lot of people benefiting from the illegal workforce.

But mostly they’re frowning at their deliberative dignity being mocked.

154 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:32:54am

Looking at the Republicans faces was worth it. I can see the Buicks all parked out front.

Too bad they didn’t ask Steve King of Iowa to leave.

155 sunnyj  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:33:06am

Congressional committees often bring in famous people to a hearing in order to bring media attention to it. Anyone remember Michael J Fox or Frank Zappa? There is a long list of what would not be considered traditional experts on public policy. The same modus operandi brings in victims of horrible circumstances to tell their tragic story. Again, not exactly public policy experts, but they generate a news story.

Colbert is bringing lots of media attention to this very important topic while making a very good point or two in his five minutes.

156 Decatur Deb  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:33:35am

Duty calls. It has an accent much like my wife’s. BBL

157 abbyadams  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:33:39am

re: #155 sunnyj

Don’t forget Dee Snyder!

158 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:34:11am

re: #154 Gus 802

Looking at the Republicans faces was worth it. I can see the Buicks all parked out front.

Too bad they didn’t ask Steve King of Iowa to leave.

Steve King was throwing murderous hate vibes at Colbert.

159 Vambo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:34:13am

re: #153 jaunte

Colbert did a service in pointing out the truth that we need agricultural workers, and a lot of those politicians are frowning at the corollary: there are a lot of people benefiting from the illegal workforce.

But mostly they’re frowning at their deliberative dignity being mocked.

ding ding ding!

“improve working conditions”? This guy cannot be serious!!/

160 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:34:27am

re: #152 Cannadian Club Akbar

RC and Moonpies. Yummy.

A southern delicacy.

161 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:34:40am

re: #153 jaunte

Colbert did a service in pointing out the truth that we need agricultural workers, and a lot of those politicians are frowning at the corollary: there are a lot of people benefiting from the illegal workforce.

But mostly they’re frowning at their deliberative dignity being mocked.

The Devil cannot stand mockery.

162 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:35:37am

re: #154 Gus 802

Looking at the Republicans faces was worth it. I can see the Buicks all parked out front.

Too bad they didn’t ask Steve King of Iowa to leave.

You know who also likes Buicks? The Communist CHinese. Chalkboard!11!

163 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:36:28am

re: #147 iossarian

I think a little clarification is in order:

George Rekers is a rentboy-hiring anti-gay crusader, who was hired by various state governments to provide expert witness that gay adoption is bad.

George W Bush is an ex-president who used to do a lot of drinking and partying. There is a suspicion that he may have used cocaine on occasion.

Al Franken is a current senator who had a former career as a comedian. There are rumors that he may have used cocaine on occasion.

Barack Obama is the current president: he has stated that he used cocaine on occasion in his youth.

Carry on.

It’s a hell of a drug.

Youtube Video
164 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:36:30am

re: #148 imp_62

Ethics are not subject to means testing. Sorry for the downding, but some of the most honest and generous people are poor.

Quick story -
I was running a business division at a bank. There had been a rash of thefts, and I had to coordinate with security. I wondered whether there was surveillance equipment so we could review after hours activity by the janitorial staff. The security guy told me flatly that it is almost never the janitorial staff; the working poor tend to have a lot of respect for other people’s things and a strong desire to hold on to their jobs. Turns out he was right; it was a high earning guy who just liked to steal.

165 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:37:30am

OK everyone. What is the first thing you do when picking strawberries?

166 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:37:59am

re: #165 Cannadian Club Akbar

OK everyone. What is the first thing you do when picking strawberries?

eat half. of the yield, not each berry.

167 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:38:06am

re: #165 Cannadian Club Akbar

OK everyone. What is the first thing you do when picking strawberries?

See if they’re on sale.

168 Ericus58  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:38:21am

re: #165 Cannadian Club Akbar

OK everyone. What is the first thing you do when picking strawberries?

Use the bathroom so you don’t need a pee break?
/

169 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:39:04am

re: #165 Cannadian Club Akbar

OK everyone. What is the first thing you do when picking strawberries?

Look in the package to see if there’s mold.

170 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:39:12am

Awe Geez, you guys might be funny, but no fun.
/

171 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:39:54am

re: #167 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Sheesh, you have been on lgf for EVER

172 Charles Johnson  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:40:31am

The important difference between Colbert and someone like Rush Limbaugh: with Colbert you never get the feeling that he’s simply mean or vicious. His humor is basically good-natured, and very often has a real point lurking amid the sarcasm.

Limbaugh, on the other hand, is a bitter, angry, vicious man, and what he calls “humor” is really just thinly disguised hostility.

173 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:41:04am

re: #170 Cannadian Club Akbar

Awe Geez, you guys might be funny, but no fun.
/

Wait, do you mean picking at teh store? or picking in a field? In a store, I check the bottom berries for mold, and smell the berries.

174 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:41:08am

re: #165 Cannadian Club Akbar

OK everyone. What is the first thing you do when picking strawberries?

Have the field tested for residual methyl bromide?

175 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:41:51am

re: #173 imp_62

Wait, do you mean picking at teh store? or picking in a field? In a store, I check the bottom berries for mold, and smell the berries.

Field.

176 Ericus58  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:41:52am

re: #172 Charles

The important difference between Colbert and someone like Rush Limbaugh: with Colbert you never get the feeling that he’s simply mean or vicious. His humor is basically good-natured, and very often has a real point lurking amid the sarcasm.

Limbaugh, on the other hand, is a bitter, angry, vicious man, and what he calls “humor” is really just thinly disguised hostility.

I can totally agree on your points, Charles.

177 joest73  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:42:00am

re: #126 jamesfirecat

Links?

No links. My dad was friends with someone in the cast from the early 80’s. Heard some stories….. Hearsay…. that is it.

178 sunnyj  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:42:03am

re: #157 abbyadams

Yes! Good one!

179 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:42:44am

re: #174 goddamnedfrank

Have the field tested for residual methyl bromide?

No. We are all gonna die.

180 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:43:00am

A few remarks from Steve King;

King claimed that history showed McCarthy to be “a hero for America”.
…
King said that “members of Congress that vote for a guest-worker plan … will be supporting an amnesty plan and they should be branded with the scarlet letter ‘A’ and pay for that amnesty in the ballot box in November [elections]”.
…
“Illegal immigrants from Haiti have no reason to fear deportation but if they are deported, Haiti is in great need of relief workers and many of them could be a big help to their fellow Haitians.”

181 jaunte  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:43:28am

Amazing, lightning calculations appeared to be going on behind those politicians’ faces, over how much a grin or nod might cost in lost campaign contributions if one might be seen to have some sympathy for a farm worker, or potentially cut into the profits of a giant ag corporation. Raw self-interest on display.

182 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:43:32am

re: #172 Charles

The important difference between Colbert and someone like Rush Limbaugh: with Colbert you never get the feeling that he’s simply mean or vicious. His humor is basically good-natured, and very often has a real point lurking amid the sarcasm.

Limbaugh, on the other hand, is a bitter, angry, vicious man, and what he calls “humor” is really just thinly disguised hostility.

Limbaugh is a strange, sad little man - but he does not have my pity. I do find him somewhat amusing in contradicting on Monday what he said about a policy issue on Friday, based on who happens to be supporting that particular issue. Hyperpartisanship.

183 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:43:51am

re: #177 joest73

No links. My dad was friends with someone in the cast from the early 80’s. Heard some stories… Hearsay… that is it.

Oh, because you see the crazy and illegal things that our Christine O’Donnell has done?

Not hearsay.

Said by her and verified by investigation.

Facts.

Facts are important…

184 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:43:55am

re: #153 jaunte

Hiring an undocumented worker should be punishable by high fines and jail. Like a DUI. I see zero evidence quotas could not be adjusted to get legal migrant workers in and out as needed by the industries and the economy. 12%+ unemployment rate in the same state as many huge citrus and produce farms… Connect the very real dots there folks.

185 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:44:04am

re: #175 Cannadian Club Akbar

Field.

Oh. Then we are back to eating most of them.

186 bratwurst  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:44:18am

re: #177 joest73

No links. My dad was friends with someone in the cast from the early 80’s. Heard some stories… Hearsay… that is it.

I hope fact that Franken was not with the show at all between May 1980 and late 1985 will be enough to convince you that this particular bit hearsay is not worth further repetition.

187 Kronocide  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:44:24am

re: #153 jaunte


But mostly they’re frowning at their deliberative dignity being mocked.

What, or who, was mocked?

Colbert clearly mocked the politicians and not the institution. One comedian, even of Colbert’s stature, could not so easily tarnish the institution.

188 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:44:55am

re: #183 jamesfirecat

Hey now, he’s just concerned that Congress have equitable Fruitcake Karma.

189 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:45:28am

re: #185 imp_62

Oh. Then we are back to eating most of them.

Just look out for the rattlesnakes. Use a stick. Shake the bush.

190 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:46:19am

re: #188 Jeff In Ohio

Hey now, he’s just concerned that Congress have equitable Fruitcake Karma.

I think you mean that the two sides are balanced when it comes to the issue of insanity…

191 Romantic Heretic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:46:34am

As my favorite author says, “(Comedy is) the least controllable use of language and therefore the most threatening to people in power.”

No wonder every one in that committee and in the media is having the vapors.

192 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:46:43am

re: #184 Rightwingconspirator

Hiring an undocumented worker should be punishable by high fines and jail. Like a DUI. I see zero evidence quotas could not be adjusted to get legal migrant workers in and out as needed by the industries and the economy. 12%+ unemployment rate in the same state as many huge citrus and produce farms… Connect the very real dots there folks.

Concurring in part:

seasonal worker laws do the trick and have been showed to operate as designed.

193 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:47:14am

Randall Terry and crew are launching a multi-city Quran-destroying campaign because that is what Jesus would want: [Link: bit.ly…]

rightwingwatch
Right Wing Watch

194 sagehen  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:47:40am

re: #117 iossarian

Bush II - did he ever do coke?

Not that he admitted to in public, but he never unequivocably denied it either. Change the subject, admit to smoking pot, remind everyone he quit drinking….

195 jaunte  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:47:41am

re: #187 BigPapa

Oh yes, he was definitely letting them know they’re not addressing the problem, and they didn’t like it.

196 Kronocide  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:48:05am

re: #172 Charles


Limbaugh, on the other hand, is a bitter, angry, vicious man, and what he calls “humor” is really just thinly disguised hostility.

I was taken in and charmed by Rush in the very early 90’s, I liked his schtick but felt I saw it for what it was. But he’s not changed in that 20 year span.

We all change over 20 years, especially in politics. He hasn’t at all, he’s incapable of it. And yes, I see now that the comedy and schtick is to hide over the pain and hostility.

197 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:48:24am

re: #177 joest73

No links. My dad was friends with someone in the cast from the early 80’s. Heard some stories… Hearsay… that is it.

Your dad is friends with Joe Piscopo?

198 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:48:36am

re: #194 sagehen

Not that he admitted to in public, but he never unequivocably denied it either. Change the subject, admit to smoking pot, remind everyone he quit drinking…

Well hell, I quit drinking. Oh, wait…
//

199 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:48:57am

Gov. Tim Pawlenty to speak at FRC pastors conference in MN w/ leader who said lefties are pawns of Satan: [Link: bit.ly…]

rightwingwatch
Right Wing Watch

200 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:49:04am

re: #193 Gus 802

Randall Terry and crew are launching a multi-city Quran-destroying campaign because that is what Jesus would want: [Link: bit.ly…]

rightwingwatch
Right Wing Watch

Because obviously Jesus is over that “turn the other cheek” and “love thy neighbor” shit.

///

201 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:49:52am

re: #193 Gus 802

Randall Terry and crew are launching a multi-city Quran-destroying campaign because that is what Jesus would want: [Link: bit.ly…]

rightwingwatch
Right Wing Watch

Another easy, black and white issue for me. If you burn books, you don’t belong anywhere near civilized social and political discourse.

202 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:50:09am

re: #200 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Because obviously Jesus is over that “turn the other cheek” and “love thy neighbor” shit.

///

This is the new Conservapedia Jesus™.

//

203 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:50:19am

re: #200 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Because obviously Jesus is over that “turn the other cheek” and “love thy neighbor” shit.

///

Gandhi 2, no more Mr. Passive Resistance, he’s out to kick some butt!

204 iossarian  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:50:43am

re: #192 imp_62

Concurring in part:

seasonal worker laws do the trick and have been showed to operate as designed.

Seasonal worker laws are OK in limited use, but I think they raise fairly serious long-term ethical issues if the number of seasonal workers gets high.

Cracking down on people who hire illegals is more the answer in my opinion, but that would presumably be massively unpopular with some fairly wealthy and influential people.

205 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:50:45am

re: #192 imp_62

Yes, and as unbelievable as it may seem, there are jobs for the young native born American there too.

206 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:51:02am

re: #202 Gus 802

This is the new Conservapedia Jesus™.

//

Mecha-Jesus is coming to destroy Tokyo!!!

207 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:51:11am

re: #201 imp_62

Another easy, black and white issue for me. If you burn books, you don’t belong anywhere near civilized social and political discourse.

Would be nice if Randall Terry just went away. This is however pure incitement.

208 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:51:26am

re: #203 jamesfirecat

Gandhi 2, no more Mr. Passive Resistance, he’s out to kick some butt!

“I’ll have a steak, medium rare.”

209 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:51:55am

re: #206 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Mecha-Jesus is coming to destroy Tokyo!!!

Tokyo Azatlan?

/

210 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:52:49am

re: #207 Gus 802

Would be nice if Randall Terry just went away. This is however pure incitement.

There is a lot of that going around, these days.

211 Cannadian Club Akbar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:52:55am

bbl. Play nice!!

212 sagehen  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:53:20am

re: #172 Charles

The important difference between Colbert and someone like Rush Limbaugh: with Colbert you never get the feeling that he’s simply mean or vicious. His humor is basically good-natured, and very often has a real point lurking amid the sarcasm.

Limbaugh, on the other hand, is a bitter, angry, vicious man, and what he calls “humor” is really just thinly disguised hostility.

Disguised? I never noticed any disguise.

213 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:53:49am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

I have no problem per se as that is exactly what I have come to expect from that formerly (pre cspan) hallowed chamber. Biz as usual, with a guest star.

214 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:53:58am

re: #206 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Mecha-Jesus is coming to destroy Tokyo!!!

Big Man Japan versus Mecha-Jesus!

215 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:54:21am

re: #200 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Because obviously Jesus is over that “turn the other cheek” and “love thy neighbor” shit.

///

It’s all about the sword and the lake of fire now.

/old & busted v. the new hotness.

216 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:55:19am

re: #201 imp_62

Another easy, black and white issue for me. If you burn books, you don’t belong anywhere near civilized social and political discourse.

Upding for that.

217 garhighway  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:55:26am

re: #68 Cannadian Club Akbar

Franken is a douche. Down ding at will.

What, exactly, makes him a “douche”? Please explain.

218 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:56:12am

re: #171 imp_62

Sheesh, you have been on lgf for EVER

A sense of humor goes a long way.

219 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:56:58am

re: #214 Liberal Classic

Did you say Mecha?

//

220 Stan the Demanded Plan  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:57:05am

re: #212 sagehen

Disguised? I never noticed any disguise.

Today:

Limbaugh: “we don’t need RINOs cutting deal with Imam Obama” [Link: bit.ly…]

221 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:57:10am

re: #214 Liberal Classic

Big Man Japan versus Mecha-Jesus!

Coming soon; Mecha-Jesus 2, Electric Boogaloo

This time its personal.

222 abolitionist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:57:52am

re: #191 Romantic Heretic

As my favorite author says, “(Comedy is) the least controllable use of language and therefore the most threatening to people in power.”

No wonder every one in that committee and in the media is having the vapors.

Had to look up that one. John Ralston Saul quotations

223 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:57:59am

re: #220 Stanley Sea

Today:

Limbaugh: “we don’t need RINOs cutting deal with Imam Obama” [Link: bit.ly…]

You see, he calls him an Imam, which is a Islamic term, so its funny, right?
/

224 joest73  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:59:35am

re: #197 goddamnedfrank

Your dad is friends with Joe Piscopo?

No… I did talk to Piscopo and Murphy on the phone…. I was a happy 9-10 year old. He graduated with one of the guys on the cast…. one of the less known guys…..

Just because Franken was no longer around doesn’t mean that the stories of the debauchery of the 70’s SNL cast weren’t told.

225 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 10:59:51am

re: #223 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

You see, he calls him an Imam, which is a Islamic term, so its funny, right?
/

That’s usually when I get heartburn and switch the radio to ESPN. The guy I buy my bialy and cream cheese from in the morning has begged me to stop listening to conservative talk radio. By the time I make it to the bakery I am all torqued and out of sorts.

226 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:00:29am

re: #224 joest73

Every once in a while I need a good debauch.

227 jamesfirecat  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:01:24am

re: #224 joest73

No… I did talk to Piscopo and Murphy on the phone… I was a happy 9-10 year old. He graduated with one of the guys on the cast… one of the less known guys…

Just because Franken was no longer around doesn’t mean that the stories of the debauchery of the 70’s SNL cast weren’t told.

And these “stories” are the same as the self admitting tapes we have of Christine O’Donnell saying several EXTREMELY crazy things, not to mention the inevitable fact that if there is any justice a jury of her peers will find her guilty for abusing the people’s money….

///Yeah but your new guy was said to have coke parties!

228 Sam N  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:01:38am

re: #22 Cannadian Club Akbar

So, no one has a problem that this was a big waste of time?

I disagree with the premise that it was a waste of time. I am hoping the manner in which the points were made will manage to reach a wider audience. Maybe not, but for 5 minutes, worth a try.

229 wee fury  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:01:45am

re: #220 Stanley Sea

Today:

Limbaugh: “we don’t need RINOs cutting deal with Imam Obama” [Link: bit.ly…]

I don’t think that was meant to be humor. Sounded like rancor and disdain to me.

230 rwmofo  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:02:07am

Does anyone remember when the dems had Jessica Lange, Sissy Spacek and Jane Fonda [Link: news.google.com…] as “Agricultural Experts?” Arguably a bigger waste of time and our tax dollars.

Wonder if they were sworn in in case there was a perjury trap?

/

231 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:02:24am

re: #229 wee fury

I don’t think that was meant to be humor. Sounded like rancor and disdain to me.

None of the above. Try unmasked hatred.

232 Kragar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:02:33am

re: #225 imp_62

That’s usually when I get heartburn and switch the radio to ESPN. The guy I buy my bialy and cream cheese from in the morning has begged me to stop listening to conservative talk radio. By the time I make it to the bakery I am all torqued and out of sorts.

I catch the first 10-15 minutes of his show coming into work. Its more than enough to see he’s an idiot.

233 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:02:55am

From Politico-During the hearing, members and speakers addressed the United Farm Workers’ “Take Our Jobs” effort, which seeks to place unemployed Americans in farming jobs. Lofgren and others said the effort has been widely unsuccessful, in part because illegal immigrants are the only ones willing to do the jobs.

What a load of crap. First, given record California unemployment now, all the old work studies are obsolete. Plus the statement implies that LEGAL immigrant would be equally unwilling to do the work.

WTF?

234 Killgore Trout  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:03:07am

Instapundit thinks it’s a conspiracy….

DISTRACTION: So, yesterday reader John Mark Williams suggested that the Colbert testimony was intended to distract from coverage of Christopher Coates’ testimony about the Justice Department’s racism scandals. If so, it’s worked.


Outrageous!

235 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:03:23am

re: #230 rwmofo

Are you posting from the year 1985?

236 Feline Fearless Leader  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:04:01am

re: #115 Charles

I think it’s hilarious to see all these pundits and politicians harrumphing and getting their back hairs up over Colbert.

What they do is IMPORTANT. It must not ever be MOCKED. How DISRESPECTFUL.

These people take themselves way too seriously.

Well, Pete Seeger told Arlo Guthrie that “folk was serious” and see what that got us… ;)

237 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:04:17am

re: #233 Rightwingconspirator

[Link: takeourjobs.org…]

238 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:05:06am

re: #235 Obdicut

Are you posting from the year 1985?

His posts are being delivered via UUCP mail.

239 Jeff In Ohio  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:05:28am

re: #230 rwmofo

Does anyone remember when the dems had Jessica Lange, Sissy Spacek and Jane Fonda [Link: news.google.com…] as “Agricultural Experts?” Arguably a bigger waste of time and our tax dollars.

Wonder if they were sworn in in case there was a perjury trap?

/

Ask Roger Clemons?

240 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:06:08am

re: #238 Liberal Classic

His posts are being delivered via UUCP mail.

Before anybody asks:

uucp: UUCP is an abbreviation for Unix-to-Unix Copy. The term generally refers to a suite of computer programs and protocols allowing remote execution of commands and transfer of files, email and netnews between computers. ..

241 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:06:43am

re: #235 Obdicut

Are you posting from the year 1985?

He’s got a wifi adapter installed in his Delorean.

242 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:07:02am

re: #239 Jeff In Ohio

Ask Roger Clemons?

Roger Clemons? love child of the pitcher and the E-Street sax player?

243 shutdown  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:08:14am

re: #241 goddamnedfrank

He’s got a wifi adapter installed in his Delorean.

I saw a DMC the other day. Pointed it out to my son as an example of “things that seemed like a god idea at the time”.

244 jaunte  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:08:15am

re: #233 Rightwingconspirator

From Politico-During the hearing, members and speakers addressed the United Farm Workers’ “Take Our Jobs” effort, which seeks to place unemployed Americans in farming jobs. Lofgren and others said the effort has been widely unsuccessful, in part because illegal immigrants are the only ones willing to do the jobs.

What a load of crap. First, given record California unemployment now, all the old work studies are obsolete. Plus the statement implies that LEGAL immigrant would be equally unwilling to do the work.

WTF?

This is some of the sharp dealiing you have to put up with when you’re part of the labor cost for a big agri-business. It’s no wonder most people choose another job:


Class action lawsuit against Tyson Foods will proceed

The key issue in the case is whether Tyson should have to compensate workers for all of the time they spend putting on and removing protective gear, cleaning equipment, waiting for production lines to start, walking to and from work, break, and changing quarters, and working on unpaid meal breaks.

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the workers are seeking compensation for overtime. They are also seeking compensation for unpaid “straight time” at work under the Kansas Wage Payment Act.

In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that under the Fair Labor Standards Act, production workers must be compensated for doing anything that is “integral and indispensable” to the “principal activity” of the job they perform.[Link: www.fairlabor-legal.com…]

245 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:08:56am

re: #237 Obdicut

In California is a town essentially founded by Jefes. Piru. From the legal migrant worker days. Americans can and do work California farms. I’m confident more will, and not confident at all such a development would be fairly reported. Undermines the illegal immigrant propaganda machine.

Oh, and How does that link address the contention only ILLEGAL immigrants would take the work? I guess a legal migrant workforce is not a part of the discussion.

246 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:11:39am

re: #245 Rightwingconspirator

I don’t know why you’re getting upset with me, dude.

247 Liberal Classic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:11:46am

re: #240 imp_62

What’s your bang path?

248 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:13:00am

re: #243 imp_62

I saw a DMC the other day. Pointed it out to my son as an example of “things that seemed like a god idea at the time”.

A $20K car that never needs to be painted is always a good idea.

249 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:13:05am

re: #246 Obdicut

I’m not upset with you. Not at all.
I am upset and the memes and falsehoods from both sides.

250 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:13:13am

re: #237 Obdicut

[Link: takeourjobs.org…]

I’m not an expert by any means but I don’t think many Americans understand how agricultural labor works. For one, the vast majority of unemployed anglo-Californians would never work in the fields of the Valley because they wouldn’t accept the salary. In order to sustain such a scenario we would have to see a wide ranged systemic change in agricultural sales — i.e. the inflation would be staggering. Somehow I can’t picture a bunch of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans working as fruit and vegetable pickers.

251 darthstar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:13:58am

re: #27 Charles

Compared to the other colossal wastes of time perpetrated by the politicians in that room, a 5-minute speech by Colbert is nothing.

I’ll admit I didn’t think his going before congress in character was a good idea, but now that I’ve seen the video, I think it did serve a good purpose, which is to illustrate to the committee members, on camera with them in the room, what a colossal clusterfuck they are.

252 Obdicut  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:15:00am

re: #249 Rightwingconspirator

I’m not upset with you. Not at all.
I am upset and the memes and falsehoods from both sides.

It’s not a falsehood that illegal immigrants are employed in large numbers because they will put up with conditions that legal workers won’t.

Most unemployed people aren’t willing to get up and move to another area of the US to do farm work.

253 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:15:31am

re: #250 Gus 802

I’m not an expert by any means but I don’t think many Americans understand how agricultural labor works. For one, the vast majority of unemployed anglo-Californians would never work in the fields of the Valley because they wouldn’t accept the salary. In order to sustain such a scenario we would have to see a wide ranged systemic change in agricultural sales — i.e. the inflation would be staggering. Somehow I can’t picture a bunch of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans working as fruit and vegetable pickers.

“It turns out – and I did not know this – most soil is at ground level.”

254 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:16:54am

re: #253 goddamnedfrank

“It turns out – and I did not know this – most soil is at ground level.”

“Hey Jason! Good news! You know I got fired from my engineering job last year but I finally got a job! I’ll be picking lettuce for 5 cents a head. Now I can finally get off unemployment and buy a car.”

//

255 Mark Pennington  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:17:56am

I think this is hilarious. I mean, what else is there for congress to be working on? They have to fill those long hours with something. It’s not like they were going to actually work together and accomplish something anyway.

Michelle Malkin says they will remember this in November, by God!

256 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:18:44am

re: #254 Gus 802

“Hey Jason! Good news! You know I got fired from my engineering job last year but I finally got a job! I’ll be picking lettuce for 5 cents a head. Now I can finally get off unemployment and buy a car.”

//

Yer freakin’ me out man … my real name is Jason.

257 What, me worry?  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:18:56am

re: #251 darthstar

I’ll admit I didn’t think his going before congress in character was a good idea, but now that I’ve seen the video, I think it did serve a good purpose, which is to illustrate to the committee members, on camera with them in the room, what a colossal clusterfuck they are.

Why not. It’s a great idea. You have to “get” Colbert probably, but it’s easy to hear his sarcasm here and more importantly, get his point, even if you think he’s silly.

It’s really typical of Colbert’s audience anyway. Those that get him think he’s funny. Those that don’t think he’s stupid.

Someone mentioned upthread, but I’d pay to see Colbert and Franken together. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past Colbert to seriously run for office one day.

258 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:19:24am

re: #256 goddamnedfrank

Yer freakin’ me out man … my real name is Jason.

Really? I just picked that out of a hat. Woops. ;)

259 Romantic Heretic  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:20:13am

re: #222 abolitionist

Had to look up that one. John Ralston Saul quotations

That’s him. His book Voltaire’s Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West changed the way I look at the world.

260 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:20:23am

re: #252 Obdicut

I guess my best point is you do not need either. Legal migrant workforces that come and go as needed are what used to work, and could certainly work now. And busing unemployed youth to work sites makes sense to me, but is probably a whole new topic.

261 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:20:24am

That was a thing of beauty.

262 darthstar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:22:56am

Colbert’s testifying before congress is no more a waste of time than O’Donnell’s running for Senate, and much less a waste of time than Palin’s running for anything.

263 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:23:39am

re: #252 Obdicut

I doubt these industries would fail top produce if they had to use legal workers. Taking way exploitation is good all the way around.

264 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:25:03am

re: #250 Gus 802

How is minimum wage on a farm less salary that at a burger joint?

265 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:26:21am

re: #256 goddamnedfrank

Yer freakin’ me out man … my real name is Jason.

And here I thought you were being Frank with me.

266 Mark Pennington  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:27:17am

re: #172 Charles

The important difference between Colbert and someone like Rush Limbaugh: with Colbert you never get the feeling that he’s simply mean or vicious. His humor is basically good-natured, and very often has a real point lurking amid the sarcasm.

Limbaugh, on the other hand, is a bitter, angry, vicious man, and what he calls “humor” is really just thinly disguised hostility.

Kinda like this:

Limbaugh: “We don’t need RINOs cutting deals with Imam Obama”

267 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:27:18am

re: #264 Rightwingconspirator

How is minimum wage on a farm less salary that at a burger joint?

Migrant farm workers are not payed minimum wage.

You’re also not going to get people commuting from the Bay Area or Los Angeles to work on an farm. There is no housing or infrastructure in the ag areas that would sustain the anglo lifestyle.

Ain’t gonna happen.

268 darthstar  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:29:10am

re: #264 Rightwingconspirator

How is minimum wage on a farm less salary that at a burger joint?

Actually, it’s more. More hours, anyway. I never worked in fast food, but I had plenty of friends who did, and they’d get 4 hour or even 2 hour shifts. You show up on a farm early, and you work your ass off all day. When I bailed hay as a kid we worked 10 to 12 hours a day…and I did the same when I worked bees for a few years…60-70 hour weeks were common (six bucks an hour, no benefits, but I lived with mom and dad, so all that money went straight to the bar).

269 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:29:18am

re: #267 Gus 802

Migrant farm workers are not payed minimum wage.

You’re also not going to get people commuting from the Bay Area or Los Angeles to work on an farm. There is no housing or infrastructure in the ag areas that would sustain the anglo lifestyle.

Ain’t gonna happen.

I have read they do not get overtime, but where is the minimum wage exemption?

270 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:29:29am

The only way it could be sustained would be to vastly increase corporate farming and automation of agriculture. The days of Americans working on farms is over.

271 Gus  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:33:00am

re: #269 Rightwingconspirator

I have read they do not get overtime, but where is the minimum wage exemption?

OK, according to one document 12 percent of farmworkers earn less than minimum wage. The salary range is between $7,500 and 11,000 per year.

Boy I can’t wait. The billionaires will have more billions and obese Americans will be working on farms picking vegetables and living in shacks.

272 garhighway  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:33:02am

re: #263 Rightwingconspirator

I doubt these industries would fail top produce if they had to use legal workers. Taking way exploitation is good all the way around.

The percentage of the cost of produce that is attributable to field labor is very, very small. Making significant increases in those wages would not produce a significant increase in the cost of the product.

273 allegro  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 11:45:18am

re: #272 garhighway

From USDA: Farm Income and Costs 2010…

Wage rates are forecast to be up 2.2 percent. Employee compensation (hired labor) is expected to climb $890 million (3.6 percent) while contract labor falls $130 million (3.5 percent).

You are correct, labor costs are a very small percentage of overall production costs. Compare to shareholder costs:

Payments to stakeholders will constitute 18 percent of total expenses in 2010, identical to 2009. They will constitute 39 percent of net value added, down from 45 percent in 2009.

Would that the labor wages even come CLOSE to the profit sharing percentages.

274 TedStriker  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 12:15:05pm

re: #75 wrenchwench

My mom wanted me to spend a summer picking tomatoes with the UFW. I’m lucky she didn’t insist. I think she partly wanted me to see what hard work was, and partly had a romantic notion of me becoming a labor organizer.

You asked for it:

Youtube Video

;-P

275 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 12:33:00pm

re: #274 talon_262

You asked for it:

;-P

I’ve been meaning to watch that movie…

276 sagehen  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 1:05:10pm

re: #269 Rightwingconspirator

I have read they do not get overtime, but where is the minimum wage exemption?

They get paid by the bushel instead of by the hour; the per bushel rate might seem a not unreasonable hourly rate if you’re basing your math on how much a very strong worker could pick in one hour if they’re rushing and not worried about being too tired for a 2nd hour.

At piecework rates, the workers go as long as they “want” to, which if they don’t want to get fired means as long as it’s light out. We also don’t like to talk about how many of those migrants are whole families, and the kids are put to the fields after 6th grade. Or about the masks they’re not given on pesticide day. Or the third-world living conditions in migrant camps.

Because they’re not legal, who are they going to complain to?

277 Political Atheist  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 1:24:56pm

re: #276 sagehen

They get paid by the bushel instead of by the hour; the per bushel rate might seem a not unreasonable hourly rate if you’re basing your math on how much a very strong worker could pick in one hour if they’re rushing and not worried about being too tired for a 2nd hour.

At piecework rates, the workers go as long as they “want” to, which if they don’t want to get fired means as long as it’s light out. We also don’t like to talk about how many of those migrants are whole families, and the kids are put to the fields after 6th grade. Or about the masks they’re not given on pesticide day. Or the third-world living conditions in migrant camps.

Because they’re not legal, who are they going to complain to?

All the more reason to put an end to it. Jail the employers who exploit. Fine the employers who hire illegals but pay legal wages. Make it far more difficult to get work as an undoc. Get Americans and legal migrant labor back at it.

278 Monkeyboy  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 2:22:35pm

Amazing. Who in the Democratic Party thought it was a good idea to Colbert do this? Do they think they are going to gain votes by doing this?

279 freetoken  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 2:28:26pm

re: #278 JustaDummy

Heheheh…

As if all through history royal courts and powers-that-be didn’t use comics/entertainers to tell stories to help in difficult situations.

Dude, get a grip. The Tea Partying right-wing populists have made immigration into even less of a tractable problem than it already was. If Colbert can use a bit of humor to shed light on how blindly small-minded some people are on this topic then more power to him.

280 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 2:33:59pm

re: #278 JustaDummy

Who in the Democratic Party thought it was a good idea to Colbert do this?

That question is answered nineteen seconds into the video.

Research. It’s so hard.

281 simoom  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 3:19:38pm

I hope all those in the Washington press corps who where getting out the smelling salts over Colbert’s five minutes, will show some consistency, and the next time some hack charlatan like Lord Christopher Monckton provides expert testimony opposite real scientists, they’ll fall all over themselves using words and phrases like “making a mockery of”, “made a joke of”, “sullying the institution” and “stunt”.

282 Wozza Matter?  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 4:19:28pm

mmmmmmmm…..that’s good satyre…..

283 Wozza Matter?  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 4:25:48pm

re: #4 Cannadian Club Akbar

He’s funny. Don’t waste my taxes on it. This is a joke. This is like an actress who plays a role to talk about the subject of said role. Are you kidding me?

and if he hadn’t been there the issue of migrant workers would have achieved how much news attention…………?

284 Monkeyboy  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 4:31:04pm

re: #280 wrenchwench

What I meant was who ALLOWED Zoe Lofgren to do this.
She’s not high enough in the food chain to make this call.
I see only negatives with this little stunt.
Just my two cents.

285 wrenchwench  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 5:28:09pm

re: #284 JustaDummy

What I meant was who ALLOWED Zoe Lofgren to do this.
She’s not high enough in the food chain to make this call.
I see only negatives with this little stunt.
Just my two cents.

Negatives for the Democrats?

286 BongCrodny  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 6:38:09pm

re: #250 Gus 802

I’m not an expert by any means but I don’t think many Americans understand how agricultural labor works. For one, the vast majority of unemployed anglo-Californians would never work in the fields of the Valley because they wouldn’t accept the salary. In order to sustain such a scenario we would have to see a wide ranged systemic change in agricultural sales — i.e. the inflation would be staggering. Somehow I can’t picture a bunch of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans working as fruit and vegetable pickers.


I can’t even picture a bunch of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans eating fruits and vegetables.

287 krypto  Fri, Sep 24, 2010 8:40:33pm

The CNN video of the event shows at least one Republican who was all smiles and was joking with Colbert. I’d really like to know what the breakdown was of Republicans scowling and looking angry vs. Democrats and how they reacted rather than just assuming that all Republicans were furious and all Democrats were laughing.

288 tnguitarist  Sat, Sep 25, 2010 4:34:32am

Colbert is a comic genius in the same vein as Andy Kaufman. He’s funny in a way that George Carlin and Bill Hicks were funny. They make you laugh, but they also make you think with some biting commentary.

289 Basho  Sat, Sep 25, 2010 9:28:46am

Colbert could say anything he wanted.. with that room filled with congressmen and reporters, he was the only one there who did ONE honest day of work.


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