Iowa GOP Releases Platform, Goes Full Metal Wingnut

Wingnuts • Views: 38,345

Text of the Platform here

First off, they decide to disregard any Supreme Court decisions they disagree with:

We disagree with Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton as ‘settled law.’ Under the Tenth amendment, these Supreme Court decisions have no authority over the states.

They’re on board with nullification:

We support constitutional state sovereignty including nullification of federal oversteps.

UN conspiracy to take over the world? Yeah, we got that.

We demand that the term ‘sustainable development’ be defined, vetted, and controlled by county and state agricultural agencies whose private property it impacts rather than the UN, other international or Agenda 21 agencies, or any federal organization.

A shout out to the Breitbart crowd and their legacy.

We call for a full investigation of the organization formerly known as ACORN and its allied organizations, call for full prosecution of those involved in any illegalities discovered, and call for elimination of government funding of such organizations.

And of course, smaller government by destroying every organization responsible for environmental or business regulations or those which help the average person:

We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Commerce as well as TSA, FDA, ATF, EPA, National Endowment for the Arts, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

And last but not least, the crowning gem on this temple of derpitude -

We insist that a candidate prove that he or she meets all requirements for that office prior to being placed in nomination, including proof of United States citizenship.

Your Iowa GOP party platform! Lets give them all a hand!

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613 comments
1 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 10:50:48am

You are living in a cartoon world run by cartoon characters yearning for the cartoon good-old-days.

2 nines09  Tue, May 22, 2012 11:02:20am

The corn is looking brighter than these dip sticks.

3 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 11:10:56am

At this rate, the national GOP platform fight at the RNC promises to be a hoot.

4 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:08:37pm

NULLIFICATIOOOONNNNN

5 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:09:37pm

re: #1 Ghost of Insanity

You are living in a cartoon world run by cartoon characters yearning for the cartoon good-old-days.

looking for people to throw into cartoon boxcars and roll out cartoon razor fencing around

hope they don't win!

6 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:15:14pm

Good outline for the coming Romney/Obama debates.

7 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:46:59pm

I feel dumber for having read this. Just another sign that the GOP doesn't care about moderation at all.

8 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:51:33pm

Why do I picture the entire platform in purple Comic Sans?

9 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:52:31pm

re: #8 wrenchwench

Why do I picture the entire platform in purple Comic Sans?

The Iowa GOP is sans quite a lot of things. Comedy isn't one of them.

10 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:53:15pm

This is what you get when the patients are the ones running the asylum.

11 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:53:42pm

re: #7 HappyWarrior

I feel dumber for having read this. Just another sign that the GOP doesn't care about moderation at all.

What moderation? The only moderates left are either delusional that they can change things or in denial about how crazy the GOP has gotten.

At this point, I'm convinced that the REAL Republican fringe are the non-birther, non-Tenther, non-wingnut sane people who just can't admit the party has gone batshit insane.

12 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:54:57pm

What's almost amazing is that buried deep down in that mess there are some rational things I'd support. It's just that they're surrounded by nonsense.

13 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:55:00pm

The whole thing is a pinata of wingnut/tbagger talking points.

14 JRCMYP  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:56:14pm

This is what happens when having a college education is considered "snobby."

15 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:57:43pm

I propose arming the Minnesota border so that our neighbors to the south do not infect us with their evil plague.

16 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:58:19pm

re: #14 JRCMYP

This is what happens when having a college education is considered "snobby."

This is what happens when rich snobs with college educations convince a bunch of idiots and rubes that being educated is snobbish and anti-American. Or, put another way:

Image: voting_republican.jpg

Except now, the morons are the ones writing the party platform.

17 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:58:33pm

Agenda 21? Too funny. Remember when people were thinking that the Republican Party couldn't get any worse? Not gonna happen. We sill haven't reached peak wingnut which itself is in dispute.

18 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:58:49pm

re: #12 Simply Sarah

What's almost amazing is that buried deep down in that mess there are some rational things I'd support. It's just that they're surrounded by nonsense.

Hell, even some of that stuff is likely a lie. Any language involving the deficit/debt or "growth" has been rendered a rather pathetic joke in the last year and a half.

19 jamesfirecat  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:58:57pm

"Your Iowa GOP party platform! Lets give them all a hand!"


I'd rather give them the hook.

20 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:59:18pm

re: #11 Lidane

What moderation? The only moderates left are either delusional that they can change things or in denial about how crazy the GOP has gotten.

At this point, I'm convinced that the REAL Republican fringe are the non-birther, non-Tenther, non-wingnut sane people who just can't admit the party has gone batshit insane.

That's my point. With even conservatives like Lugar and Bennett last year being ousted for not "being conservative" enough, the party grows more nuts.

21 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:59:23pm

re: #19 jamesfirecat

"Your Iowa GOP party platform! Lets give them all a hand!"

I'd rather give them the hook.

Or the finger.

22 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 12:59:30pm

re: #17 Gus

Agenda 21? Too funny. Remember when people were thinking that the Republican Party couldn't get any worse? Not gonna happen. We sill haven't reached peak wingnut which itself is in dispute.

We won't even get close to peak wingnut until Barack Obama wins a second term. These freaks haven't even gotten started yet.

23 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:00:04pm

re: #17 Gus

Agenda 21? Too funny. Remember when people were thinking that the Republican Party couldn't get any worse? Not gonna happen. We sill haven't reached peak wingnut which itself is in dispute.

They need to be beaten over the head with the peak wingnut hockey stick.

24 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:00:15pm

Sharia Law, United nations law, and foreign laws shall not be used against any citizen in the US.

We demand education be returned to a free market system

School libraries should include ID and creationist materials.

25 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:01:03pm

re: #24 Kragar

any color you like as long as it's white jesus colored

26 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:01:07pm

re: #24 Kragar

We demand education be returned to a free market system

School libraries should include ID and creationist materials.

Impressive. Two opposing demands that are both wrong.

27 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:01:19pm

re: #11 Lidane

What moderation? The only moderates left are either delusional that they can change things or in denial about how crazy the GOP has gotten.

At this point, I'm convinced that the REAL Republican fringe are the non-birther, non-Tenther, non-wingnut sane people who just can't admit the party has gone batshit insane.

It's why I've taken to referring to them as "moderates," because most of the true party moderates hauled ass out or were run out on a rail in the wake of Obama's election. Why would we stay in a party that's blaming us for their problems selling 1950's philosophy to a 21st century audience?

28 Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:01:23pm

Alleged:

[Link: www.dailykos.com...]

However the soundbites have been taken out of context (literally), so unless there is a full segment somewhere, this is unusable.

29 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:01:27pm

re: #18 Targetpractice

Hell, even some of that stuff is likely a lie. Any language involving the deficit/debt or "growth" has been rendered a rather pathetic joke in the last year and a half.

I assuming anything rational was left in by mistake.

30 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:02:17pm

re: #20 HappyWarrior

That's my point. With even conservatives like Lugar and Bennett last year being ousted for not "being conservative" enough, the party grows more nuts.

It's not a conservative party anymore

31 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:02:24pm

re: #29 Simply Sarah

I assuming anything rational was left in by mistake.

It's there to give the "moderates" a fig leaf, something to point to and go "See, there's still some 'rational' people in the party ranks! We're not all stark-raving loons!"

32 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:03:16pm

re: #30 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

It's not a conservative party anymore

reactionary. I just read what government departments they want cut. Some of these are really old ones that go back to the mid 19th century.

33 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:04:08pm

If only the rich can afford to education their kids, then McDonalds and Burger King will never be short of workers willing to be paid below the minimum.

All those jobs in China will come back and rich folks won't have to pay so much for goods.

34 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:04:19pm

re: #32 HappyWarrior

reactionary. I just read what government departments they want cut. Some of these are really old ones that go back to the mid 19th century.

of course!

35 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:04:43pm

re: #32 HappyWarrior

reactionary. I just read what government departments they want cut. Some of these are really old ones that go back to the mid 19th century.

Radical reactionary, sold by the media as "the other side of things."

36 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:05:47pm

re: #35 Simply Sarah

Radical reactionary, sold by the media as "the other side of things."

As long as there's a dollar to be made, the media will always make that dollar

37 Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:06:03pm

re: #28 I'm back in the USSR (sigh)

Alleged:

[Link: www.dailykos.com...]

However the soundbites have been taken out of context (literally), so unless there is a full segment somewhere, this is unusable.

In fact the segment was linked to in the comments, it is indeed out of context.

38 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:06:26pm

Who the heck needs the EPA? The corporations will police themselves and if anything goes wrong, they can be sued in court. That'll teach them to be more careful.

39 simoom  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:06:30pm
And last but not least, the crowning gem on this temple of derpitude -

We insist that a candidate prove that he or she meets all requirements for that office prior to being placed in nomination, including proof of United States citizenship.

Just to dispel any possibility this wasn't outright Birtherism at work:

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

Don Racheter, chairman of the Iowa GOP’s platform committee, said in an interview Monday afternoon with Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson that members of the state party are questioning Obama’s citizenship through a plank in their platform draft.

“There are many Republicans who feel that Barack Obama is not a ‘natural born citizen’ because his father was not an American when he was born and, therefore, feel that according to the Constitution he’s not qualified to be president, should not have been allowed to be elected by the Electoral College or even nominated by the Democratic Party in 2008, so this is an election year,” Racheter told Henderson. “It’s a shot at him.”

40 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:07:09pm

re: #35 Simply Sarah

Radical reactionary, sold by the media as "the other side of things."

Yes, it's really messed up to see them proposing doing away with agencies that have been in place for a long time. It's simply mindboggling what Obama's election has done to the American right. Granted, they were always a little nutso but it's gone full nuts the past four years.

41 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:07:30pm

More from the proposed Iowa platform.

1.20 We support a balanced presentation of creationism and evolution in public schools. We believe that textbooks and teachers should clarify that Darwinian evolution is only a theory and not scientific fact.

1.21 We recommend that tax-funded school libraries include intelligent design and creationism materials on their bookshelves.

42 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:08:06pm

All things being equal, both sides have to be debated.

43 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:08:14pm

More of what's now boiler plate for the GOP:

1.17 We believe parents should have the right to decide which immunizations or vaccinations their child receives and when they should receive them. We call for the Iowa Department of Health to recognize a philosophical exemption to vaccines for the purpose of public school attendance.

44 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:08:20pm

Shit why not just say you want the Bible to be the law of the land. It would be honest at least.

45 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:08:24pm

re: #41 Gus

More from the proposed Iowa platform.

1.20 We support a balanced presentation of creationism and evolution in public schools. We believe that textbooks and teachers should clarify that Darwinian evolution is only a theory and not scientific fact.

1.21 We recommend that tax-funded school libraries include intelligent design and creationism materials on their bookshelves.

Teach the Controversy!

46 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:01pm

re: #41 Gus

Ugh. Reading that makes me want to go watch a science documentary on Netflix just to get some real knowledge in my head.

47 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:04pm

re: #40 HappyWarrior

Yes, it's really messed up to see them proposing doing away with agencies that have been in place for a long time. It's simply mindboggling what Obama's election has done to the American right. Granted, they were always a little nutso but it's gone full nuts the past four years.

Well, proposing the get rid of an agency, even one that has been around a long time, isn't itself extreme. The problem is that the reasoning behind their desire isn't sound in the least. It's basically "Get rid of any sort of government spending or regulation" without regard to precisely why this is a good idea beyond "because."

48 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:07pm

re: #43 Gus

More of what's now boiler plate for the GOP:

1.17 We believe parents should have the right to decide which immunizations or vaccinations their child receives and when they should receive them. We call for the Iowa Department of Health to recognize a philosophical exemption to vaccines for the purpose of public school attendance.

I guess they never heard of herd immunity.

49 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:11pm

1.18 We oppose the selling, brokering, or marketing of fetal and aborted tissue. We oppose the use of aborted fetal tissue in vaccines. This should be illegal.

50 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:27pm

We believe prayer in public institutions should not be prohibited.

Finally, something I can support.

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! IA! IA! CTHULHU FTAGHN!

51 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:42pm

re: #43 Gus

More of what's now boiler plate for the GOP:

1.17 We believe parents should have the right to decide which immunizations or vaccinations their child receives and when they should receive them. We call for the Iowa Department of Health to recognize a philosophical exemption to vaccines for the purpose of public school attendance.

Because what better way to promote public health than to gamble not only with your child's health, but also every other child in the school.

52 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:09:43pm

re: #43 Gus

They're anti-vax now too? Oy.

53 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:10:09pm

re: #39 simoom

Just to dispel any possibility this wasn't outright Birtherism at work:

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

Great. Taking "a shot" at Obama via the State Party Platform. Who do they think they are, Arizona?

54 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:10:18pm

re: #51 Targetpractice

Because what better way to promote public health than to gamble not only with your child's health, but also every other child in the school.

Precisely why the anti-vaxxers are assholes.

55 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:10:19pm

re: #43 Gus

More of what's now boiler plate for the GOP:

1.17 We believe parents should have the right to decide which immunizations or vaccinations their child receives and when they should receive them. We call for the Iowa Department of Health to recognize a philosophical exemption to vaccines for the purpose of public school attendance.

1.17a. We support the return of whooping cough and measles outbreaks to Iowa.

56 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:10:37pm

Bring back the Plague!

57 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:10:54pm

re: #47 Simply Sarah

Well, proposing the get rid of an agency, even one that has been around a long time, isn't itself extreme. The problem is that the reasoning behind their desire isn't sound in the least. It's basically "Get rid of any sort of government spending or regulation" without regard to precisely why this is a good idea beyond "because."

In the sacred words of Jack Black, never go full retard.

58 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:10pm

re: #52 Lidane

They're anti-vax now too? Oy.

Mandatory vaccinations are BIG GOVERNMENT.

59 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:22pm

re: #57 Ghost of Insanity

In the sacred words of Jack Black, never go full retard.

that was Robert Downey, Jr.

60 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:25pm

re: #49 Gus

1.18 We oppose the selling, brokering, or marketing of fetal and aborted tissue. We oppose the use of aborted fetal tissue in vaccines. This should be illegal.

Yeah, lot of things should be illegal in my opinion that aren't, first on the list mistaking religious belief for scientific fact. Get in line and take a number.

61 smashin grab  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:35pm

hey, the missed take fluoridation out of our water! its official. the john birch society is now the GOP. brought to you by the plutocrats of the 1%....

62 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:35pm

re: #49 Gus

1.18 We oppose the selling, brokering, or marketing of fetal and aborted tissue. We oppose the use of aborted fetal tissue in vaccines. This should be illegal.

They traffic in fecal tissue, not fetal tissue.

63 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:42pm

Any effort to advance society beyond the mid 1800s will be strongly opposed by your modern GOP.

64 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:11:42pm

re: #56 HappyWarrior

Bring back the Plague!

"But don't call it 'Black' this time."

65 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:12:30pm

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

66 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:12:43pm

re: #59 HappyWarrior

that was Robert Downey, Jr.

Shh.

You're harshing my mellow.

67 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:00pm

re: #58 Simply Sarah

Mandatory vaccinations are BIG GOVERNMENT.

This sounds like Bircher "FLUORIDATED WATER IS TEH DEBIL!" type stuff.

What. The. Fuck. These people are insane.

68 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:02pm

I wonder how they feel about the Girl Scouts?

Bishops Search for Condoms in Cookie Boxes

What is really at issue here is that women and girls involved in the Girl Scouts do not ask permission of ecclesial men to live as responsible citizens of a global world.

69 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:09pm

re: #65 Gus

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

Personal liberties or whatever!!1

70 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:16pm

re: #64 Decatur Deb

"But don't call it 'Black' this time."

Puce.

71 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:22pm

re: #65 Gus

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

The Iowa GOP: Making the state look fraking Amish since 2012.

72 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:35pm

re: #65 Gus

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

They've got Zombie Comstock working for them!

73 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:39pm

1.19 We encourage continued private, not public, investment in pioneering science that will result in better treatments to prevent and lessen the toll of chronic disease.

74 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:13:39pm

re: #65 Gus

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

It's included in their cable packages.

75 iossarian  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:14:23pm

re: #65 Gus

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

Government of sufficient girth to stand up to John Holmes!

76 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:14:34pm

re: #73 Gus

1.19 We encourage continued private, not public, investment in pioneering science that will result in better treatments to prevent and lessen the toll of chronic disease.

That should kill basic science.

77 Iwouldprefernotto  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:14:58pm

Again, are they trying to lose?

78 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:15:02pm

I'm beginning to agree with HappyWarrior, it would just be quicker and simpler for the Iowa GOP to just announce that the Bible is the platform they intend to run on.

79 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:15:37pm

Well, remember that this is just a proposed platform at this point. It can still change and become even more extreme.

80 iossarian  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:15:55pm

re: #77 Iwouldprefernotto

Again, are they trying to lose?

No, they're just appealing to the same people who support the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and so forth.

81 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:16:24pm

re: #65 Gus

Pron!

1.15 We believe that pornography is not included under the protections of the First Amendment.

The Supreme Court disagrees. See: Miller and Ginsburg.

82 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:16:25pm

The US is already 17th in the world as far as student science goes, how far down do they want to go?

83 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:08pm

re: #81 Lidane

The Supreme Court disagrees. See: Miller and Ginsburg.

They fixed that in the earlier '10th Amendment' plank.

84 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:11pm

Moar goat pron.

85 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:34pm

re: #77 Iwouldprefernotto

Again, are they trying to lose?

We're standing on conservative principle!

Why do you hate America?

/Iowa GOP

86 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:36pm

re: #78 Targetpractice

I'm beginning to agree with HappyWarrior, it would just be quicker and simpler for the Iowa GOP to just announce that the Bible is the platform they intend to run on.

Now now, don't go blaming the Bible for these freaks. That book has as little in common with these whack jobs as the rest of reality does,

87 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:39pm

I believe even the conservatives of the Burger and Warren court accepted that there was some constitutional protect to pornography under the law. As said, this isn't conservatism at all, this is reactionary, building a a bridge to the past. Turning back progress.

88 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:44pm

re: #81 Lidane

The Supreme Court disagrees. See: Miller and Ginsburg.

Swear to God, I actually had a wingnut earlier declare out loud "The Supreme Court can say whatever it wants, but if it ain't in the Constitution, then it don't exist!"

89 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:17:54pm

re: #24 Kragar

Sharia Law, United nations law, and foreign laws shall not be used against any citizen in the US.

We demand education be returned to a free market system

School libraries should include ID and creationist materials.

1.4 Sharia Law, “United Nations Law,” and foreign laws shall not be used against any American citizen by any judge, jury, or court in these United States.

90 mr.fusion  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:18:17pm
91 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:18:22pm

re: #89 Gus

1.4 Sharia Law, “United Nations Law,” and foreign laws shall not be used against any American citizen by any judge, jury, or court in these United States.

My Shariah.

92 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:18:32pm

I'm trying to tell myself not every Iowan thinks this way; hell, probably not every conservative Iowan thinks this way. I hope, anyways.

93 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:18:37pm

This is a holy grail of right wing stupidity.

94 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:19:20pm

re: #88 Targetpractice

Swear to God, I actually had a wingnut earlier declare out loud "The Supreme Court can say whatever it wants, but if it ain't in the Constitution, then it don't exist!"

*sigh*

And this is why we need better education in this country.

95 AK-47%  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:19:23pm

I thought Sherrif Joe Arpaio and his Birther Goon Squad were gonna bring home the prize for Stoopidest State in the Union for Arizona, but it seems that Iowa is giving them a run for their money....

96 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:19:42pm

re: #86 William Barnett-Lewis

Now now, don't go blaming the Bible for these freaks. That book has as little in common with these whack jobs as the rest of reality does,

They be yearnin' for an imaginary old testament.

97 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:19:56pm

re: #89 Gus

1.4 Sharia Law, “United Nations Law,” and foreign laws shall not be used against any American citizen by any judge, jury, or court in these United States.

1.8 Lead shall not be transmuted to gold.

98 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:20:02pm

re: #93 HappyWarrior

This is a holy grail of right wing stupidity.

This is only the beginning. Just wait for the national 2012 GOP platform. THAT will be hilarious, especially if it sounds anything like this.

99 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:20:17pm

re: #89 Gus

1.4 Sharia Law, “United Nations Law,” and foreign laws shall not be used against any American citizen by any judge, jury, or court in these United States.

UN law?

What's that?

100 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:20:35pm

re: #98 Lidane

This is only the beginning. Just wait for the national 2012 GOP platform. THAT will be hilarious, especially if it sounds anything like this.

I think that will be toned down some but we will see some of this same madness.

101 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:20:37pm

1.16 We believe that bequeathing citizenship to babies born to illegal aliens in the United States is a misinterpretation of the 14th amendment. Illegal aliens are not citizens of the United States and have committed a criminal act by entering illegally.

102 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:21:10pm

Crazy doesn't question itself:

A Year After the Non-Apocalypse: Where Are They Now?
May 21 believers couldn’t afford to doubt either. Whenever I met one, I would ask: Is there any chance you might be wrong? Could someone have miscalculated, misunderstood a verse, botched a symbol? Just maybe?

I asked this question of a believer in his mid-twenties. He started listening to Harold Camping’s radio show in college and immediately went out, bought a Bible, and immersed himself in it. After graduation, he took a job as an engineer at a Fortune 500 company; a job he loved and a job he quit because he thought the world was ending. He wrote the following in his resignation letter: “With less than three months to the day of Christ’s return, I desire to spend more time studying the Bible and sounding the trumpet warning of this imminent judgment.”

103 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:21:28pm

1.3 We call on citizens concerned with the cultural heritage of our state and nation to vote “NO” on retention of each of the four remaining Supreme Court Justices who voted against Iowa’s Marriage Law.

104 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:21:41pm

re: #98 Lidane

This is only the beginning. Just wait for the national 2012 GOP platform. THAT will be hilarious, especially if it sounds anything like this.

That should truly amusing the fuck out of me, the background arguing and horse-trading involved in trying to come up with a platform that isn't on a whole other dimensional plane from reality while still being crazy enough not to scare off the wingnuts.

105 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:22:02pm

re: #89 Gus

1.4 Sharia Law, “United Nations Law,” and foreign laws shall not be used against any American citizen by any judge, jury, or court in these United States.

Has anyone explained to these imbeciles that excluding foreign law would mean excluding the Bible too?

106 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:22:14pm

re: #101 Gus

Iowa GOP:

This is SPAAAAAAARTAAAAAAA

107 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:22:32pm

re: #103 Gus

1.3 We call on citizens concerned with the cultural heritage of our state and nation to vote “NO” on retention of each of the four remaining Supreme Court Justices who voted against Iowa’s Marriage Law.

You mean the cultural heritage where everyone is equal?

108 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:22:36pm

re: #103 Gus

1.3 We call on citizens concerned with the cultural heritage of our state and nation to vote “NO” on retention of each of the four remaining Supreme Court Justices who voted against Iowa’s Marriage Law.

Siiiiiiiigh.

109 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:22:42pm

re: #105 Lidane

Has anyone explained to these imbeciles that excluding foreign law would mean excluding the Bible too?

Oh come on Jesus wrote the Bible while wearing an American flag t-shirt and singing Toby Keith songs.

110 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:23:15pm

re: #99 Ghost of Insanity

UN law?

What's that?

It's part of the One World Order Constitution --you never heard of it? Soros wrote it and Obama is his heir apparent.

/

111 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:23:32pm

re: #73 Gus

1.19 We encourage continued private, not public, investment in pioneering science that will result in better treatments to prevent and lessen the toll of chronic disease.

and they support skipping vaccinations.

It doesn't work that way, fucknuts.

112 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:23:35pm

re: #101 Gus

1.16 We believe that bequeathing citizenship to babies born to illegal aliens in the United States is a misinterpretation of the 14th amendment. Illegal aliens are not citizens of the United States and have committed a criminal act by entering illegally.

Damned aliens.

113 Romantic Heretic  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:23:43pm

re: #32 HappyWarrior

reactionary. I just read what government departments they want cut. Some of these are really old ones that go back to the mid 19th century.

I call them 'revolutionaries' myself. As in Bolsheviks and Jacobins, not the Founding Fathers.

They intend to destroy the current system and replace it with one more to their liking. Which includes destruction of any one or any thing that even looks like it dissents from their beliefs.

114 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:23:52pm

re: #101 Gus

1.16 We believe that bequeathing citizenship to babies born to illegal aliens in the United States is a misinterpretation of the 14th amendment. Illegal aliens are not citizens of the United States and have committed a criminal act by entering illegally.

So Mitt Romney isn't a citizen?

115 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:24:02pm

re: #107 mattand

You mean the cultural heritage where everyone is equal?

No, the cultural heritage that sets the age of consent for Poland China hogs at three.

116 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:24:02pm

re: #105 Lidane

Has anyone explained to these imbeciles that excluding foreign law would mean excluding the Bible too?

Not if you are Mormon.

:0

117 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:24:11pm

1.5 We oppose teaching so-called “multiculturalism”.

118 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:24:18pm

re: #113 Romantic Heretic

I call them 'revolutionaries' myself. As in Bolsheviks and Jacobins, not the Founding Fathers.

They intend to destroy the current system and replace it with one more to their liking. Which includes destruction of any one or any thing that even looks like it dissents from their beliefs.

Be careful. Calling them that will only encourage them.

119 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:24:33pm

re: #114 darthstar

So Mitt Romney isn't a citizen?

We'll need to see his Birth certificate in the appropriate format.

120 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:24:50pm

re: #117 Gus

1.5 We oppose teaching so-called “multiculturalism”.

White power.

121 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:25:22pm

re: #119 Kragar

We'll need to see his Birth certificate in the appropriate format.

Weren't his grandparents from Mexico? That makes his parents non-citizens, and by extension, him.

122 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:25:36pm

1.29 We believe that sexual orientation should not be allowed to be a basis for school clubs, such as the Gay Straight Alliance, at any level of the government school system.

123 AK-47%  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:25:48pm

re: #117 Gus

1.5 We oppose teaching so-called “multiculturalism”.

There is only one true culture. The rest is heathen barbarism.

124 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:25:51pm

re: #117 Gus

1.5 We oppose teaching so-called “multiculturalism”.

Because the only culture that matters is...is...fuck, what is American culture again?

//

125 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:26:03pm

I remember being shocked when Santorum won Iowa. Now, I'm starting to think if he had more money, he probably would have beat Romney overall.

126 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:26:05pm

re: #117 Gus

1.5 We oppose teaching so-called “multiculturalism”.

They better get their shit together and come up with a rational definition of monoculturalism then.

127 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:26:23pm

re: #121 darthstar

Weren't his grandparents from Mexico? That makes his parents non-citizens, and by extension, him.

Impure bloodlines will not be tolerated.

It says Natural Born citizen after all.

128 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:26:40pm

re: #125 HappyWarrior

I remember being shocked when Santorum won Iowa. Now, I'm starting to think if he had more money, he probably would have beat Romney overall.

He very likely would have. He could have plowed Newt and Paul under, at the very least, and made it a two-man race.

129 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:26:46pm

No more pizza for you Billy.

130 AK-47%  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:26:49pm

re: #125 HappyWarrior

I remember being shocked when Santorum won Iowa. Now, I'm starting to think if he had more money, he probably would have beat Romney overall.

Without Newt in the race, things could look very different today...

131 lawhawk  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:27:25pm

Iowa's GOP has definitely gone off the deep end, but it's hardly alone. For your dining pleasure, here's the Nevada draft platform, which includes:

We oppose implementation of Agenda 21, adopted by the United Nations in 1992. It leads directly to central control over private property, energy, water use, food production, ownership and use of automobiles, population control, heat and air conditioning in our homes and many other issues.

Nevada also calls for the repeal of the Federal Reserve Act, and the elimination of the following Departments: Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Education (ED), Department of the Interior, (DOI), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other bureaucracies that have consistently demonstrated wasteful spending and operational inefficiencies.

The Missouri draft platform has a bunch of stuff to ruminate over too. Maine's sticking with their 2010 TP draft platform.

132 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:27:25pm

There's probably more. Downloaded the PDF.

133 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:27:29pm

re: #130 Expand Your Ground

Without Newt in the race, things could look very different today...

That too. Really as I said, I was shocked tat Santorum became Mitt's top rival but now it's very easy to see why.

134 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:27:34pm

re: #127 Kragar

Impure bloodlines will not be tolerated.

It says Natural Born citizen after all.

No Mudbloods! /potter

135 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:27:54pm

re: #122 Gus

1.29 We believe that sexual orientation should not be allowed to be a basis for school clubs, such as the Gay Straight Alliance, at any level of the government school system.

Then all of the clubs that exclude gays need to be rejected. The same goes for any club that forces gays to stay closeted.

136 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:28:15pm

re: #135 Ghost of Insanity

Then all of the clubs that exclude gays need to be rejected. The same goes for any club that forces gays to stay closeted.

Stop persecuting Christians.//

137 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:28:21pm

Ragging on these guys is cathartic and what not, but it's really frustrating to read about fellow Americans who are taking their cues from Theodoric of York, Medival Judge.

I feel like I should do something, but I have no idea what. The best I can come up with is to call my Republican Congressman's office and ask politely that they not embrace this stuff in Tampa.

138 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:28:30pm

re: #124 Targetpractice

Because the only culture that matters is...is...fuck, what is American culture again?

//

AMERICA! FUCK YAH!

139 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:28:38pm

You think the Iowa platform is bad, check out the Lubbock, Texas GOP platform over on the Pages.
That sucker blows right past wingnutty straight into full-blown nationalistic fascism.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

A direct quote from the platform:

"One nation, one flag, one language, one loyalty."

140 Romantic Heretic  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:28:45pm

re: #77 Iwouldprefernotto

Again, are they trying to lose?

Which they are cool with because science keeps discovering things that confuse and frighten them.

141 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:29:19pm

Greetings Lizards!

Good News: I'm in Rome for 2-3 days.

Bad News: It's Rome, New York...

Any Lizardly suggestions on places to see or eateries to visit in this neck of the woods?

I will be visiting Cooperstown tomorrow, so no need to mention the Baseball Hall of Fame. And I'm aware of Fort Stanwix, since it's across the street from the motel.

142 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:29:40pm

re: #139 RadicalModerate

You think the Iowa platform is bad, check out the Lubbock, Texas GOP platform over on the Pages.
That sucker blows right past wingnutty straight into full-blown nationalistic fascism.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

A direct quote from the platform:

What, was "Ein reich, ein volk, ein fuhrer" already taken?

//

143 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:30:21pm

re: #137 mattand

Ragging on these guys is cathartic and what not, but it's really frustrating to read about fellow Americans who are taking their cues from Theodoric of York, Medival Judge.

I feel like I should do something, but I have no idea what. The best I can come up with is to call my Republican Congressman's office and ask politely that they not embrace this stuff in Tampa.

Phone them and ask to speak to the loon in charge.

144 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:30:24pm

re: #139 RadicalModerate

You think the Iowa platform is bad, check out the Lubbock, Texas GOP platform over on the Pages.
That sucker blows right past wingnutty straight into full-blown nationalistic fascism.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

A direct quote from the platform:

That sounds like something that you would hear at Nuremberg. But please Lubbock tell us why the left are the real Nazis.

145 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:30:41pm

re: #139 RadicalModerate

You think the Iowa platform is bad, check out the Lubbock, Texas GOP platform over on the Pages.
That sucker blows right past wingnutty straight into full-blown nationalistic fascism.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

A direct quote from the platform:

One giant boner.

146 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:30:57pm

I don't get the part under agriculture regarding Child Labor Laws --does that mean you can "adopt" a brown child from another country and work him to death?

And Electrical work on the farm? WTF is that about?

147 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:31:00pm

re: #135 Ghost of Insanity

Then all of the clubs that exclude gays need to be rejected. The same goes for any club that forces gays to stay closeted.

1,29 Achtung! Wir glauben, dass die sexuelle Orientierung nicht gestattet werden dürfe, um eine Grundlage für die Schul-Clubs, wie dem Homosexuell Straight Alliance sein, auf jeder Ebene der Regierung Schulsystem werden.

148 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:31:28pm

And when Romney loses, they are going to convince themselves that the problem is that they weren't nuts enough. Going to get worse before it gets better.

149 leftynyc  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:31:49pm

re: #88 Targetpractice

Swear to God, I actually had a wingnut earlier declare out loud "The Supreme Court can say whatever it wants, but if it ain't in the Constitution, then it don't exist!"

I always shut up those types by asking them to explain the 9th amendment. Their eyes just glaze over.

150 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:32:33pm

I love how they keep talking about preserving people's liberties and freedom while at the same time promising to wipe out the liberties and freedoms for huge segments of population of the U.S.

151 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:32:33pm

re: #144 HappyWarrior

That sounds like something that you would hear at Nuremberg. But please Lubbock tell us why the left are the real Nazis.

Because Pulitzer Prize winner Jonah Goldberg told them so! =P

152 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:32:54pm

re: #149 leftynyc

I always shut up those types by asking them to explain the 9th amendment. Their eyes just glaze over.

Uh, it's the one before the 10th, right?

153 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:32:55pm

re: #147 Gus

1,29 Achtung! Wir glauben, dass die sexuelle Orientierung nicht gestattet werden dürfe, um eine Grundlage für die Schul-Clubs, wie dem Homosexuell Straight Alliance sein, auf jeder Ebene der Regierung Schulsystem werden.

Heil der Fuehrer.

154 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:32:56pm

re: #148 HappyWarrior

And when Romney loses, they are going to convince themselves that the problem is that they weren't nuts enough. Going to get worse before it gets better.

Did you see my Harold Camping article post #102? That is exactly what it said.

155 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:33:15pm

re: #88 Targetpractice

Swear to God, I actually had a wingnut earlier declare out loud "The Supreme Court can say whatever it wants, but if it ain't in the Constitution, then it don't exist!"

That's actually worse than the idiot I commented about the other day regarding John Locke ("We don't need those frog philosophers in America"). Locke is probably high school appropriate material, but that's grade school civics class stuff.

I morn for my nation...

156 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:33:21pm

re: #151 Lidane

Because Pulitzer Prize winner Jonah Goldberg told them so! =P

or noted historian Glenn Beck. Because actual historians like Ian Kershaw are snobby elitists who talk in ways we don't like.

157 lawhawk  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:33:25pm

re: #141 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Oneonta has the Soccer Hall of Fame (and Brooks BBQ). Route 20 (which you'll cross on your way to Cooperstown from Rome) has a ton of antiques places, particularly around Madison.

158 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:34:04pm

re: #154 ggt

Did you see my Harold Camping article post #102? That is exactly what it said.

No much thanks though. Going to read now.

159 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:34:09pm

re: #142 Targetpractice

What, was "Ein reich, ein volk, ein fuhrer" already taken?

//

"Kinder! Küche! Kirche!" was their second choice.

160 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:34:26pm

Update: ChiCops Call Activist Commie Faggot & Arrest 9 Prior to NATO Protest Including Kossack TarheelDem

To serve and protect, oink oink

Chicago, IL -- The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) condemns a preemptive police raid that took place at approximately 11:30pm Wednesday in the Bridgeport neighborhood, and instances of harassment on the street, in which Chicago police are unlawfully detaining, searching, and questioning NATO protesters. The Bridgeport raid was apparently conducted by the Organized Crime Division of the Chicago Police Department and resulted in as many as 8 arrests.

According to witnesses in Bridgeport, police broke down a door to access a 6-unit apartment building near 32nd & Morgan Streets without a search warrant. Police entered an apartment with guns drawn and tackled one of the tenants to the floor in his kitchen. Two tenants were handcuffed for more than 2 hours in their living room while police searched their apartment and a neighboring unit, repeatedly calling one of the tenants a "Commie faggot." A search warrant produced 4 hours after police broke into the apartment was missing a judge's signature, according to witnesses. Among items seized by police in the Bridgeport raid were beer-making supplies and at least one cell phone.

161 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:35:27pm

I wouldn't have been surprised if they stated the Holocaust never happened.

These people truly need psychiatric help.

162 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:35:49pm

re: #150 Kragar

I love how they keep talking about preserving people's liberties and freedom while at the same time promising to wipe out the liberties and freedoms for huge segments of population of the U.S.

It's a perfect storm of "Fuck you, I got mine."

163 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:36:00pm

re: #150 Kragar

I love how they keep talking about preserving people's liberties and freedom while at the same time promising to wipe out the liberties and freedoms for huge segments of population of the U.S.

preserving the liberties of the white masters


There were certain liberties taken with minorities in the 50's, I'm sure that's what they mean by "liberty"

164 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:36:04pm

Fuck, I'm getting a migraine. I've already lost my peripheral vision and the little wiggly lightning bolts are chasing around on my eyes.

Next comes the tunnel vision and then BLAM!

BBL

165 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:36:14pm

re: #160 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Yeah, best to stay out of the City during the NATO convention.

166 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:36:39pm

re: #164 Ghost of Insanity

Fuck, I'm getting a migraine. I've already lost my peripheral vision and the little wiggly lightning bolts are chasing around on my eyes.

Next comes the tunnel vision and then BLAM!

BBL

been fighting one since yesterday.

I feel you pain

(((ghost)))

167 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:36:54pm

I don't get it. Now these right wingers are against the Patriot Act?

168 sizzzzlerz  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:37:27pm

re: #109 HappyWarrior

I was gonna say jebus wrote da bibble on the back of a dinosaur whilst wearing an "America, Fuck Yeah!" tee-shirt but you beat me to it.

169 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:37:46pm

re: #167 Gus

I don't get it. Now these right wingers are against the Patriot Act?

Ever since Bush was revised as a liberal and Obama came into office.

170 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:39:18pm

re: #167 Gus

I don't get it. Now these right wingers are against the Patriot Act?

black president = worse than hitler


wait until Obama wins and the domestic terrorism begins in earnest, wheee America

171 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:39:26pm

re: #139 RadicalModerate

You think the Iowa platform is bad, check out the Lubbock, Texas GOP platform over on the Pages.
That sucker blows right past wingnutty straight into full-blown nationalistic fascism.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

A direct quote from the platform:

I'm waiting for the RNC to stop pretending and just go with the Falangist motto: "God! Nation! Family!"

I swear it looks more like Spain 1935 every day...

172 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:39:59pm

re: #161 ggt

I wouldn't have been surprised if they stated the Holocaust never happened.

These people truly need psychiatric help.

it's just like the old days, posses, torches, and snake handling mystics rule the day

173 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:40:44pm

One nation, undercooked

174 Romantic Heretic  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:41:29pm

re: #150 Kragar

I love how they keep talking about preserving people's liberties and freedom while at the same time promising to wipe out the liberties and freedoms for huge segments of population of the U.S.

This is a classic case of misdirection. They talk about freedom but they're really talking about power. They want to return to the days when white, Christian males could tell everybody else what to think and how to act. Along with the power to make those who dissent pay in pain and blood.

175 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:41:35pm

re: #170 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

black president = worse than hitler

wait until Obama wins and the domestic terrorism begins in earnest, wheee America

Now, now. We can still remain hopeful it won't come to that. :x

176 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:42:03pm

re: #165 ggt

Yeah, best to stay out of the City during the NATO convention.

It's like a portable police state, wheee

177 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:42:06pm

re: #164 Ghost of Insanity

Fuck, I'm getting a migraine. I've already lost my peripheral vision and the little wiggly lightning bolts are chasing around on my eyes.

Next comes the tunnel vision and then BLAM!

BBL

[[[GoI}}} I used to get them. Good lord only knows why they stopped but I can remember them all the same.

178 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:42:17pm

re: #131 lawhawk

Nevada also calls for the repeal of the Federal Reserve Act, and the elimination of the following Departments: Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Education (ED), Department of the Interior, (DOI), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other bureaucracies that have consistently demonstrated wasteful spending and operational inefficiencies.

RON PAUL!

179 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:42:47pm

1.16 We oppose federal funding for all media outlets.

180 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:43:15pm

re: #179 Gus

1.16 We oppose federal funding for all media outlets.

Because Sesame Street is the work of the devil?

181 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:43:31pm

re: #174 Romantic Heretic

This is a classic case of misdirection. They talk about freedom but they're really talking about power. They want to return to the days when white, Christian males could tell everybody else what to think and how to act. Along with the power to make those who dissent pay in pain and blood.

Don't give them too much credit. They want to return to a world that never even existed in the first place.

182 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:43:54pm

Really it's the worst of Ron Paul's economic world view with Santorum's social world view.

183 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:44:03pm

re: #180 ggt

Because Sesame Street is the work of the devil?

You know who shares? Communists!

See also: Joplin speech.

184 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:44:10pm

re: #180 ggt

Because Sesame Street is the work of the devil?

Brought to you by the numbers 6, 6, and 6!

185 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:44:14pm

re: #179 Gus

1.16 We oppose federal funding for all media outlets.

Because the only media outlets that get federal funding are PBS and NPR.

What a bunch of idiots.

186 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:44:23pm

re: #175 Simply Sarah

Now, now. We can still remain hopeful it won't come to that. :x

I am not hopeful that animalistic Americans who believe the president is a dictator terrorist and black people should be sterilized, will just go away

We got Tim McVeigh in an era that was really quite sedate, compared to what's going on now

187 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:44:34pm

re: #180 ggt

Because Sesame Street is the work of the devil?

Elmo is red, clearly Jim Henson intended to use him to introduce our children to Communism.

188 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:44:39pm

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

189 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:45:00pm

re: #186 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

I am not hopeful that animalistic Americans who believe the president is a dictator terrorist and black people should be sterilized, will just go away

We got Tim McVeigh in an era that was really quite sedate, compared to what's going on now

Granted. This is mostly me trying to keep a sliver of hope for the future.

190 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:45:13pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

Oh there Ron Paul is.

191 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:45:50pm

re: #187 HappyWarrior

Elmo is red, clearly Jim Henson intended to use him to introduce our children to Communism.

Pfft. Elmo is a false flag. He is capitalism incarnate. And that asshole sidelined Grover.

192 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:46:11pm

1.7 We believe that the United States should abandon “land for peace” pressure from any party or parties against Israel in regards to the Middle Eastern crisis.

1.8 We support the elimination of foreign aid.

1.9 We oppose so-called “World Government” and support full constitutional sovereignty of the U.S.A.

193 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:46:35pm

re: #157 lawhawk

Oneonta has the Soccer Hall of Fame (and Brooks BBQ). Route 20 (which you'll cross on your way to Cooperstown from Rome) has a ton of antiques places, particularly around Madison.

I drove through Madison earlier this afternoon and noted that it was heavily loaded with antique stores. The 1850 Tavern with the cobblestone walls was also something that caught the eye.

I'm not really shopping for furniture or decorating items right now. Too much stuff in the apartment as it is. Now a good BBQ place -- that might be worth looking into.

194 Eventual Carrion  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:46:45pm

re: #50 Kragar

We believe prayer in public institutions should not be prohibited.

Finally, something I can support.

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! IA! IA! CTHULHU FTAGHN!

Exactly. If they pass that I don't want to hear shit if my child wants to chant adoration to Gaia before class starts.

195 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:46:49pm

re: #191 Simply Sarah

Pfft. Elmo is a false flag. He is capitalism incarnate. And that asshole sidelined Grover.

Worst Sesame Street character ever. The Count FTW.

196 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:46:51pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

What's the rationale behind the libertarian obsession with the gold standard again? Is it because it's a finite physical resource that can be easily accounted for?

197 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:47:20pm

re: #196 mattand

What's the rationale behind the libertarian obsession with the gold standard again? Is it because it's a finite physical resource that can be easily accounted for?

It's shiny.

198 [deleted]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:47:34pm
199 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:47:50pm

re: #188 Gus

Has anyone explained to these idiots that a Republican president took us off the gold standard?

200 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:47:53pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

Because what America needs right now is an economic crash that would make the Depression look sunny.

201 SpaceJesus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:04pm

We hate the federal government! (unless its providing us with money to grow corn)

202 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:08pm

re: #196 mattand

What's the rationale behind the libertarian obsession with the gold standard again? Is it because it's a finite physical resource that can be easily accounted for?

Because the value of a gold is fixed, rather than set by the surroundings, and does not adjust with supply and demand as with every other physical object.

I deeply wish I were kidding.

203 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:16pm

1.3 We oppose the unconstitutional appointment and power of “Czars”.

1.5 We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Commerce as well as TSA, FDA, ATF, EPA, National Endowment for the Arts, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

204 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:30pm

re: #189 Simply Sarah

Granted. This is mostly me trying to keep a sliver of hope for the future.

I actually have lots of hope for the future! But not for America as a great entity. America is fucked up, the American game is rigged against its most vulnerable citizens, and will remain fucked up. That's just reality. But I don't live in "America", I live in a specific town full of cool people that makes more sense and has fewer theocratic dipshits than the rest of America. So I have plenty of hope :)

All patriotism is local ^_^

205 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:38pm

Eliminate the EPA and the ATF! LOL

206 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:46pm

re: #199 Lidane

Has anyone explained to these idiots that a Republican president took us off the gold standard?

Yes, and Luap Nor hates him for that. Nixon wherever he is probably thinking, God I was an asshole but at least I had ideas that worked.

207 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:48:56pm

re: #192 Gus

1.7 We believe that the United States should abandon “land for peace” pressure from any party or parties against Israel in regards to the Middle Eastern crisis.

1.8 We support the elimination of foreign aid.

So, who wants to be the one to point out to them that you can't support Israel and cut it off financially at the same time?

208 iossarian  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:49:02pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

The silver standard! FUCKING A!

None of that new-fangled Jewish gold shit.

209 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:49:28pm

re: #202 erik_t

Because the value of a gold is fixed, rather than set by the surroundings, and does not adjust with supply and demand as with every other physical object.

I deeply wish I were kidding.

So that's why gold prices never rise or fall.

Wait, what?

210 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:49:34pm

re: #207 Targetpractice

So, who wants to be the one to point out to them that you can't support Israel and cut it off financially at the same time?

I was going to. Sorry you can't claim to be Israel's BFF and then say you support cutting off all foreign aid. That's not what a friend does.

211 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:49:46pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

Time to create a currency backed by derp. We appear to have an infinite supply, now we just need to figure out how to make someone value it.
/

212 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:49:53pm

re: #207 Targetpractice

So, who wants to be the one to point out to them that you can't support Israel and cut it off financially at the same time?

Exactly. I'm laughing. Especially a STATE platform trying to get involved in international politics. First they're complaining about the UN but then they turn around and want to plat UN at the next turn.

213 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:50:06pm

re: #203 Gus

1.3 We oppose the unconstitutional appointment and power of “Czars”.

1.5 We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Commerce as well as TSA, FDA, ATF, EPA, National Endowment for the Arts, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

Yes, because why have departments and organizations whose job it is to focus on the important issues when we can just leave such things up to a paralyzed Congress?

214 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:50:22pm

re: #207 Targetpractice

So, who wants to be the one to point out to them that you can't support Israel and cut it off financially at the same time?

You also can't get rid of the Fed and put us on the gold and/or silver standard and expect to have a functioning economy, but that's not stopping them either.

215 SpaceJesus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:50:52pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

Yeah, a fully transparent Fed would in no way cause speculative chaos 24-7

216 Eventual Carrion  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:50:56pm

re: #81 Lidane

The Supreme Court disagrees. See: Miller and Ginsburg.

But they want to be able to ignore whatever the supreme court says. Which I take to mean I can too weather they like it or not. And if they say anything about it to me I can tell them to fuck off.

And if they get in my face about it, I can stand my ground and blow their motherfucking heads off their shoulders.

Note: they really need to understand this shit goes both ways.

217 AK-47%  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:51:07pm

re: #208 iossarian

The silver standard! FUCKING A!

None of that new-fangled Jewish gold shit.

You shall not crucify mankind on a cross of gold!

218 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:51:13pm

re: #214 Lidane

You also can't get rid of the Fed and put us on the gold and/or silver standard and expect to have a functioning economy, but that's not stopping them either.

This isn't a wingnut platform, it's a Paulian wet dream.

219 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:51:18pm

re: #203 Gus

1.3 We oppose the unconstitutional appointment and power of “Czars”.

1.5 We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Commerce as well as TSA, FDA, ATF, EPA, National Endowment for the Arts, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

In section 1.2 of the Executive Branch section, they're complaining about signing statements.

Where the fuck were these people 8 years ago?

220 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:51:48pm

re: #198 MikeySDCA

The Confederate States Constitution was a good deal more modern and forward-looking.

You mean what with it further enshrining slavery and basically having a neutered central government (It was a confederacy, after all)?

221 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:51:53pm

re: #207 Targetpractice

So, who wants to be the one to point out to them that you can't support Israel and cut it off financially at the same time?

There were a couple of obvious contradictions in the abortion section at the top --like we oppose all abortion, yet think women should be forced to watch ultrasounds and the parents of minors should be informed.

Why is this necessary if abortion is illegal in your world?

222 AK-47%  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:52:02pm

re: #219 mattand

In section 1.2 of the Executive Branch section, they're complaining about signing statements.

Where the fuck were these people 8 years ago?

Depends on who's doing the signing...

223 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:52:04pm

re: #219 mattand

In section 1.2 of the Executive Branch section, they're complaining about signing statements.

Where the fuck were these people 8 years ago?

fellating George Bush while jerking off to 9/11 revenge fantasies, of course

225 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:52:18pm

re: #219 mattand

In section 1.2 of the Executive Branch section, they're complaining about signing statements.

Where the fuck were these people 8 years ago?

Easy Obama got elected. These idiots act like Obama created the czars. Then again some of these same people probably think czars are part of Communism.

226 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:53:07pm

Somewhere I learned back in college or other parts of my youth that it was the farmers that supported going off the gold standard in the first place.

Am I remembering correctly?

227 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:53:32pm

re: #224 Kragar

‘Young Black Thugs’ Need To Be ‘Put Down Like The Dogs They Are,’ Says Louisiana School Psychologist

Oh another twitter casualty :D

WHAT?!?! YOU MEAN PEOPLE READ THESE?!?!?!

228 AK-47%  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:53:49pm

re: #226 ggt

Somewhere I learned back in college or other parts of my youth that it was the farmers that supported going off the gold standard in the first place.

Am I remembering correctly?

They wanted to get us onto the carrot standard...

229 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:54:04pm

re: #224 Kragar

‘Young Black Thugs’ Need To Be ‘Put Down Like The Dogs They Are,’ Says Louisiana School Psychologist

Yikes. Guy may even more unhinged than the crazy Fox news shrink. Someone explain to me how Trevyon was a thug but Zimmerman who actually had been arrested for violence was not? Oh I know, Martin was black and had a hoodie. Because every black kid who wears a hoodie is a thug.

230 Eventual Carrion  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:54:13pm

re: #88 Targetpractice

Swear to God, I actually had a wingnut earlier declare out loud "The Supreme Court can say whatever it wants, but if it ain't in the Constitution, then it don't exist!"

See ya Air Force, nice knowing ya.

231 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:54:46pm

re: #226 ggt

Somewhere I learned back in college or other parts of my youth that it was the farmers that supported going off the gold standard in the first place.

Am I remembering correctly?

Sounds right, yes.

232 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:54:57pm

re: #224 Kragar

‘Young Black Thugs’ Need To Be ‘Put Down Like The Dogs They Are,’ Says Louisiana School Psychologist

YBT --sounds like a good name for a band.

Think the author of the twitters considers himself a Christian?

233 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:54:59pm

re: #230 RayFerd

See ya Air Force, nice knowing ya.

Aircraft carriers aren't mentioned either.

234 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:55:11pm

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

235 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:55:20pm

re: #233 Gus

Aircraft carriers aren't mentioned either.

nor are tanks.

236 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:55:23pm

No missiles either. Just cannonballs and muskets.

237 iossarian  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:55:36pm

re: #234 Kragar

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

Exactamundo.

238 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:56:03pm

re: #233 Gus

Aircraft carriers aren't mentioned either.

Ok, how do you find out the % of welfare recipients in a state?

wonder what Iowa's is.

239 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:56:20pm

re: #238 ggt

Ok, how do you find out the % of welfare recipients in a state?

wonder what Iowa's is.

Try Statemaster?

240 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:56:29pm

re: #88 Targetpractice

Swear to God, I actually had a wingnut earlier declare out loud "The Supreme Court can say whatever it wants, but if it ain't in the Constitution, then it don't exist!"

By that logic, Jesus doesn't exist.

241 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:56:40pm

re: #234 Kragar

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

YOu can't right now because they are beholden to the Party heirarchy for all kinds of stuff. YOu can't trust they'll vote their conscience.

242 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:56:45pm

re: #234 Kragar

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

That's my feeling! We have nice Republicans locally in Oregon, but I won't vote for them anymore, the party is too depraved and dangerous

243 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:57:02pm

I'm surprised they haven't advocated abolishing the 13th amendment. Hey it wasn't in the original Constitution.//

244 HappyWarrior  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:58:06pm

re: #242 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

That's my feeling! We have nice Republicans locally in Oregon, but I won't vote for them anymore, the party is too depraved and dangerous

Bet that makes you glad that Oregon along with Maryland bucked the national trend in 2010 huh.

245 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:58:31pm

I only just saw this story today:

Katrina's Hidden Race War

To be honest, after the past year, this is how I expect conservatives to act if Obama wins in November.

246 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:58:43pm

re: #241 ggt

YOu can't right now because they are beholden to the Party heirarchy for all kinds of stuff. YOu can't trust they'll vote their conscience.

Actually, you can't trust them because they have a proven track record of lying and breaking the deals they make.

247 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:59:14pm

re: #234 Kragar

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

And that's why, when I hear "moderates" talk along the lines of "I'll just support candidates who aren't that crazy," I have to laugh. Then I point them to Olympia Snowe, to Dick Lugar, or to any of a number of other "RINOs" who have been chased out of the party for not toeing the line often enough for the likes of the loonies.

248 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 1:59:50pm

re: #244 HappyWarrior

Bet that makes you glad that Oregon along with Maryland bucked the national trend in 2010 huh.

We've always been outside the main game in America :D

249 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:00:16pm

re: #234 Kragar

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

Exactly. If you were to look at my voting record, you'd see occasional votes in the past for Republican candidates at the local and state level, just because they seemed to be tolerable.

Not anymore. The Texas GOP is now filled with the worst of this sort of batshit crazy, and the national party is worse. These days, if my only choices in a race are Republican I'll leave that slot blank. Thanks but no.

250 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:00:41pm

re: #167 Gus

I don't get it. Now these right wingers are against the Patriot Act?

Given that they also have in their platform that
leftist ACORN, "Alinsky-type" political advocacy groups should not be allowed (but apparently rightwing groups are perfectly ok),

the UN via Agenda 21 is going start the whole "One World Government", so the US must withdraw immediately,

elective abortion, and women's birth control should all be illegal, and anyone who is involved in such procedures be charged with murder,

homosexual acts re-criminalized, (and recognition of same-sex unions be considered a felony),

the 14th Amendment, Affirmative Action and the 1965 Voting Rights Acts should all be overturned because they are all somehow racist,

advocate the abolishment of multiculturalism because it is a threat to American "identity",

and churches be allowed to engage in direct electioneering without any effect on their tax-exempt status,

(and this is just a small sampling of the craziness)

I consider the whole "Patriot Act" bit pretty small potatoes in comparison to the rest.

251 Mattand  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:01:11pm

re: #234 Kragar

Its shit like this which leads me to the belief that you cannot vote for any GOP legislator at any level whatsoever. If you elect one, he'll stick with the nutballs in the name of party unity and only enable the GOP to try and enact more of this crap.

I was saying this a few threads back. I've told this to some local GOP candidates and their proxies. Around here, at any rate, the local GOP does focus on local issues.

However, I'm having a harder and harder time trying to justify voting for someone who belongs to a party that has gone so radical.

252 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:02:23pm

re: #239 Gus

Try Statemaster?

No, didn't have anything except medicaid spending.

253 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:02:51pm

re: #240 Kragar

By that logic, Jesus doesn't exist.

he doesn't.

If he did, it was something like 2000 years ago.

254 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:04:19pm

re: #188 Gus

1.17 The Federal Reserve must be transparent, fully audited, and accountable to Congress. We demand the elimination of the Federal Reserve Act and the implementation of a sound commodity-backed currency. We support returning to the gold and/or silver standard.

Right. Because Congress has shown themselves to be sooo responsible with money. And we should tie the world's largest economy to some metal that we don't control the majority of. That'll help.

255 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:04:21pm

re: #252 ggt

No, didn't have anything except medicaid spending.

It was number 21 in per capita spending in 2006. Close to about the same now. So around the middle. Iowa of course receives billions in agricultural aid. Which is also funny because they have this in their platform:

1.5 We believe in free enterprise. Therefore, all affiliated costs of ethanol, bio-diesel, wind, clean coal, oil shale, and other forms of energy research and production should be borne by the private sector.

256 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:05:24pm

re: #253 ggt

he doesn't.

If he did, it was something like 2000 years ago.

Nope, never existed, just like oil companies, Japanese porn stars or waffles.

257 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:06:19pm

There's more!

1.9 We support labeling GMO (genetically modified) crops and food products made from GMO crops as such.

1.10 We call for the end of all federal subsidies in agriculture, including ethanol, and support the repeal of all federal regulations that inhibit the ability of the American farmer to compete fairly and effectively in the free market. It is not the government’s role to choose economic winners and losers.

1.11 We support the proper care and treatment of animals. We oppose laws or regulations elevating the well-being of animals to a similar status as the rights of people.

1.10 is pretty funny. I mean we're talking Iowa here.

258 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:06:20pm

re: #255 Gus

Hmmm, I didn't see oil in there.

259 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:06:35pm

re: #256 Kragar

Nope, never existed, just like oil companies, Japanese porn stars or waffles.

And the Great Pumpkin?

260 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:07:59pm

1.16 We demand that all laws restricting the growing of industrial hemp be immediately eliminated.

1.17 We support the definition of manure as a natural fertilizer.

261 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:08:06pm

re: #238 ggt

Ok, how do you find out the % of welfare recipients in a state?

wonder what Iowa's is.

Number of Iowans living in poverty increases

But we all know that anti-poverty programs and helping your fellow man is evil. =P

262 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:08:07pm

re: #259 ggt

And the Great Pumpkin?

Hate to break it to you...

263 jaunte  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:08:11pm

re: #257 Gus

1.11 We support the proper care and treatment of animals. We oppose laws or regulations elevating the well-being of animals to a similar status as the rights of people.

No one can tell them a pig should be able to turn around on its way to being bacon.

264 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:09:18pm

re: #260 Gus

1.17 We support the definition of manure as a natural fertilizer.

What do they have it defined as now? "The Party Platform"?

265 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:10:46pm

re: #262 Kragar

Hate to break it to you...

He got gourd.

266 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:11:00pm

re: #261 Lidane

Number of Iowans living in poverty increases

But we all know that anti-poverty programs and helping your fellow man is evil. =P

Good story tho--this lady is in school and has a plan.

267 Bulworth  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:12:41pm

Agenda 21! The ACORN zombie!

Also, too:

We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Commerce as well as TSA, FDA, ATF, EPA, National Endowment for the Arts, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

That's some full-blown Bircher stuff there.

268 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:13:20pm

re: #267 Bulworth

That's some full-blown Bircher stuff there.

It's all straight out of Ron Paul's playbook too.

269 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:13:37pm

re: #267 Bulworth

Agenda 21! The ACORN zombie!

Also, too:

That's some full-blown Bircher stuff there.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

PRIVATIZE THEM!

Yeah!

270 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:14:21pm

re: #243 HappyWarrior

I'm surprised they haven't advocated abolishing the 13th amendment. Hey it wasn't in the original Constitution.//

That's in their current platform:

7.19 We call for the reintroduction and ratification of the original 13th Amendment, not the 13th Amendment in today’s Constitution.

271 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:15:37pm

re: #268 Lidane

It's all straight out of Ron Paul's playbook too.

The Paulbots have been very successful in taking over the conventions/platforms for many states due to their determination to muck everything up and other GOP members basically not paying attention.

272 Bulworth  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:15:59pm
We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services,

Wonder if that includes the Center for Medicare Services or whatever the new name is for the agency/office that oversees Medicare and Medicaid. Not sure if CMS is "independent" or not. Don't think it is. Oh well. Sure. Let's dump it all. Let's see the glorious chaos that would result from that. /

273 Bulworth  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:17:16pm

But this is a Very Serious party platform to which all Very Serious people in Washington will say is deserving of much Seriousness. Big Ideas! /

274 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:17:39pm

re: #270 Gus

That's in their current platform:

7.19 We call for the reintroduction and ratification of the original 13th Amendment, not the 13th Amendment in today’s Constitution.

This 13th Amendment:

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

275 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:18:27pm

re: #270 Gus

That's in their current platform:

7.19 We call for the reintroduction and ratification of the original 13th Amendment, not the 13th Amendment in today’s Constitution.

"Original" 13th Amendment? What the hell is that? Maybe they're talking about this?

276 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:18:40pm

re: #274 Gus

This 13th Amendment:

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Looks to be worth of a Pages Post, Gus.

277 Bulworth  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:20:04pm

Are they demanding the election of U.S. Senators by the state legislatures? Freedom! /

278 Romantic Heretic  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:20:34pm

re: #202 erik_t

Because the value of a gold is fixed, rather than set by the surroundings, and does not adjust with supply and demand as with every other physical object.

I deeply wish I were kidding.

Yeah, I've had that argument with the libertarians. I point them at the European inflation in the 16th Century due to the huge influx of Spanish gold stolen from America but they always go, "lalalalalalala! I can't hear you!"

279 jaunte  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:20:42pm

re: #274 Gus

It's about taking that Nobel prize away.

280 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:20:46pm

re: #275 Simply Sarah

"Original" 13th Amendment? What the hell is that? Maybe they're talking about this?

No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within any State, with the domestic institutions thereof, including that of persons held to labor or service by the laws of said State.

Well, I guess since Slavery is in the Bible . . . .

Iowa was not a slave state was it?

281 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:21:06pm

re: #275 Simply Sarah

"Original" 13th Amendment? What the hell is that? Maybe they're talking about this?

I just have to ask, since they seem interested in largely killing the 14th, as well.

282 Bulworth  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:21:18pm
We support the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Commerce as well as TSA, FDA, ATF, EPA, National Endowment for the Arts, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

Then who will build the effin wall across the entire U.S./Mexican border? /

283 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:21:22pm

re: #270 Gus

That's in their current platform:

7.19 We call for the reintroduction and ratification of the original 13th Amendment, not the 13th Amendment in today’s Constitution.

So on top of all the other crazy, they're pro-slavery too? Sheesh.

This should be a Page.

284 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:21:42pm

re: #281 Simply Sarah

I just have to ask, since they seem interested in largely killing the 14th, as well.

Yes, that's been a meme for a while now --well, since it was ratified.

This has been brewing since the Civil War --have a black man as POTUS has blown the lid off the kettle.

285 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:22:14pm

re: #282 Bulworth

Then who will build the effin wall across the entire U.S./Mexican border? /

Who else? Mexican day laborers. Just as long as they stay on the "proper" side of the fence when they're done. =P

286 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:22:32pm

re: #282 Bulworth

Then who will build the effin wall across the entire U.S./Mexican border? /

We need to wall off Canada first...keep Americans from crossing the border for their cheap health care and prescription medications.

287 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:23:06pm

re: #283 Lidane

So on top of all the other crazy, they're pro-slavery too? Sheesh.

This should be a Page.

I'm thinking it's Pro-Bible more than it is Pro-Slavery.

Or maybe that is the twisted logical justification.

288 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:23:21pm

re: #19 jamesfirecat

"Your Iowa GOP party platform! Lets give them all a hand!"

I'd rather give them the hook.

The RNC this year is going to be great TV altogether.

289 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:23:33pm
We demand that the term ‘sustainable development’ be defined, vetted, and controlled by county and state agricultural agencies whose private property it impacts rather than the UN, other international or Agenda 21 agencies, or any federal organization.

Welcome to the Party That Factory Farming Built. This plank is an "up yours" to federal regulation of agriculture and the EPA, and most of all a hearty "screw you" to family farms, consumers and anybody who doesn't believe pollution and the destruction of the land is just a necessary by-product of capitalism.

290 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:23:35pm

re: #270 Gus

That's in their current platform:

7.19 We call for the reintroduction and ratification of the original 13th Amendment, not the 13th Amendment in today’s Constitution.

Wait. They're wanting to replace the abolition of slavery with the Corwin Amendment?

‘‘No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within any State, with the domestic institutions thereof, including that of persons held to labor or service by the laws of said State.’’

That's right. The question of slavery belongs to the individual states.

291 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:23:42pm

re: #280 ggt

Well, I guess since Slavery is in the Bible . . .

Iowa was not a slave state was it?

AFAIK, Iowa not only voted heavily for Lincoln, but they were firmly a Union state.

292 jaunte  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:24:05pm
In January 1810 Senator Reed proposed the Thirteenth Amendment, and on April 26, 1810 was passed by the Senate 26 to 1 (1st-2nd session, p. 670) and by the House 87 to 3 on May 1, 1810 (2nd session, p. 2050) and submitted to the seventeen states for ratification. The Amendment reads as follows:

"If any citizen of the United States shall Accept, claim, receive or retain any title of nobility or honor, or shall, without the consent of Congress, accept and retain any present, pension, office or emolument of any kind whatever, from any emperor, king, prince or foreign power, such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit under them, or either of them."
[Link: www.theforbiddenknowledge.com...]

So if you accept a Nobel Prize, like magic you're no longer President!

293 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:24:34pm

re: #278 Romantic Heretic

Yeah, I've had that argument with the libertarians. I point them at the European inflation in the 16th Century due to the huge influx of Spanish gold stolen from America but they always go, "lalalalalalala! I can't hear you!"

There is also the fact that the Spanish pretty much pissed away all that gold (and it was Aztec and Incan gold before it was Spanish), so the English got ahead by inventing the Industrial Revolution instead.

There's a lesson in there, actually. Smart is better than rich.

294 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:24:53pm

re: #290 RadicalModerate

That's right. The question of slavery belongs to the individual states.

States' Rights! Eleventy!

295 Simply Sarah  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:25:46pm

re: #280 ggt

Well, I guess since Slavery is in the Bible . . .

Iowa was not a slave state was it?

No, slavery was actually banned by the Iowa Supreme Court almost immediately after it was created (And several years before statehood). Iowa was actually ahead of many states, at least in legal theory, on rights of blacks.

296 Daniel Ballard  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:26:07pm

I'll give them a hand. Just like the hand Agent Gibbs gives a probie after a screw up.

297 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:27:23pm

re: #292 jaunte

So if you accept a Nobel Prize, like magic you're no longer President!

The Nobel Committee is not a foreign government or power even within the meaning of this paragraph.

298 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:27:50pm

re: #297 Ascher

The Nobel Committee is not a foreign government or power even within the meaning of this paragraph.

You were looking for logic?

299 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:28:00pm

re: #39 simoom

Just to dispel any possibility this wasn't outright Birtherism at work:

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

“There are many Republicans who feel that Barack Obama is not a ‘natural born citizen’ because his father was not an American when he was born and, therefore, feel that according to the Constitution he’s not qualified to be president, should not have been allowed to be elected by the Electoral College or even nominated by the Democratic Party in 2008, so this is an election year,” Racheter told Henderson. “It’s a shot at him.”

This, inherently, is the problem with Birthers.

You don't 'feel' things related to Constitutional law.

Not, that's not quite right. You may feel that the Constitution should be interpreted one way or another, or that it should be changed in certain ways.

However, in the matter of whether someone, under the current law, is qualified to run for President, 'feeling' has absolutely nothing to do with it.

300 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:28:08pm

re: #295 Simply Sarah

No, slavery was actually banned by the Iowa Supreme Court almost immediately after it was created (And several years before statehood). Iowa was actually ahead of many states, at least in legal theory, on rights of blacks.

What happened?

301 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:28:29pm

re: #298 ggt

You were looking for logic?

I know, it's like telling a void not to be empty.

302 jaunte  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:28:42pm

re: #297 Ascher

Maybe it's about the UN Security Council. I can't really understand their thinking.

303 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:29:48pm

re: #302 jaunte

Maybe it's about the UN Security Council. I can't really understand their thinking.

You win.

304 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:30:56pm

re: #299 SanFranciscoZionist

Just to dispel any possibility this wasn't outright Birtherism at work:

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

“There are many Republicans who feel that Barack Obama is not a ‘natural born citizen’ because his father was not an American when he was born and, therefore, feel that according to the Constitution he’s not qualified to be president, should not have been allowed to be elected by the Electoral College or even nominated by the Democratic Party in 2008, so this is an election year,” Racheter told Henderson. “It’s a shot at him.”

This, inherently, is the problem with Birthers.

You don't 'feel' things related to Constitutional law.

Not, that's not quite right. You may feel that the Constitution should be interpreted one way or another, or that it should be changed in certain ways.

However, in the matter of whether someone, under the current law, is qualified to run for President, 'feeling' has absolutely nothing to do with it.

His mother being an American citizen and him being born in the United States? Not relevant. Whats really important is his father being a non-white foreigner.
/

305 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:31:03pm

re: #299 SanFranciscoZionist

Just to dispel any possibility this wasn't outright Birtherism at work:

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

“There are many Republicans who feel that Barack Obama is not a ‘natural born citizen’ because his father was not an American when he was born and, therefore, feel that according to the Constitution he’s not qualified to be president, should not have been allowed to be elected by the Electoral College or even nominated by the Democratic Party in 2008, so this is an election year,” Racheter told Henderson. “It’s a shot at him.”

This, inherently, is the problem with Birthers.

You don't 'feel' things related to Constitutional law.

Not, that's not quite right. You may feel that the Constitution should be interpreted one way or another, or that it should be changed in certain ways.

However, in the matter of whether someone, under the current law, is qualified to run for President, 'feeling' has absolutely nothing to do with it.

I've got some pretty strong feelings about the 19th amendment.

306 dragonfire1981  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:31:55pm

Apparently the 13th amendment nonsense IS about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize:

Why Republicans want to restore the 13th amendment

307 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:33:50pm

Sound the alarm bells!!!

308 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:35:04pm

re: #306 dragonfire1981

Apparently the 13th amendment nonsense IS about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize:

Why Republicans want to restore the 13th amendment

They don't want to restore anything. They want to replace the anti-slavery amendment with something that they can use against Barack Obama.

What the fuck?

309 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:35:47pm

re: #307 Gus

It's probably going to end up being some no-name third stringer anyway. DC Comics isn't about to make one of their major characters gay.

310 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:37:35pm

re: #306 dragonfire1981

Apparently the 13th amendment nonsense IS about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize:

Why Republicans want to restore the 13th amendment

In the world of the Thirteenthers, though, it’s all a conspiracy, and the leading suspects are those shady characters who put “esquire” after their names. To quote the Web site Constitutional Concepts, “This Amendment was for the specific purpose of banning participation in government operations by attorneys and bankers who claimed the Title of Nobility of ‘Esquire.’ These people had joined the International Bar Association or the International Bankers Association and owed their allegiance to the King of England.” In other words—well, we’re not sure how to explain it any better, but Constitutional Concepts CEO Jim Barrus says in an e-mail that enforcement of the 13th Amendment would strike a blow against “the elected politicians who have grand plans of ruling every facet of America,” and would essentially delegitimize virtually every act of the federal government since 1819. Who wouldn’t want that?

I have attorney friends who use the "esquire" title. I've never understood it --unless they think is the same as "doctor" only for lawyers.

311 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:37:45pm

re: #309 Lidane

It's probably going to end up being some no-name third stringer anyway. DC Comics isn't about to make one of their major characters gay.

Nope, it's a "major superhero"

312 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:38:29pm

re: #306 dragonfire1981

Apparently the 13th amendment nonsense IS about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize:

Why Republicans want to restore the 13th amendment

Nice final line there:

As far as their platform goes, we should all be willing to defer to Iowa Republicans on the definition of manure as natural fertilizer. So long as they keep it on the fields, where it belongs.

313 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:38:45pm

re: #308 Lidane

They don't want to restore anything. They want to replace the anti-slavery amendment with something that they can use against Barack Obama.

What the fuck?

Tin-foil hat crowd is as it does.

314 jaunte  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:39:34pm

re: #306 dragonfire1981

Apparently the 13th amendment nonsense IS about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize:

Why Republicans want to restore the 13th amendment

Pure Iowa O.D.S.

315 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:40:26pm

re: #310 ggt

I have attorney friends who use the "esquire" title. I've never understood it --unless they think is the same as "doctor" only for lawyers.

Mmmmm, 1819..
Image: 4th-of-July-1819-Philadelphia-John-Lewis-Krimmel.JPG

316 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:40:40pm

re: #280 ggt

Well, I guess since Slavery is in the Bible . . .

Iowa was not a slave state was it?

No. They were admitted as a free state in 1846.

317 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:41:25pm
318 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:41:56pm

re: #292 jaunte

So if you accept a Nobel Prize, like magic you're no longer President!

Did anyone ever have the nerve to tell Teddy Roosevelt he was no longer a citizen?

319 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:42:18pm

re: #311 Ascher

Nope, it's a "major superhero"

Certainly would explain why Bruce has been afraid to commit all these years.

//

320 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:43:03pm

re: #317 ggt

I think it is supposed to be showing an Independence Day Celebration.

Not sure why the one in 1819 was so special though.

321 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:43:17pm

re: #317 ggt

???

Everything run by white protestant men; only minority is a little "coloured" boy just happy to be in the around the partying free folks.
Sarcasm....

322 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:43:38pm

re: #308 Lidane

They don't want to restore anything. They want to replace the anti-slavery amendment with something that they can use against Barack Obama.

What the fuck?

This is the classic cartoon where a man dismantles his house with an ax, desperate to get that pesky fly.

323 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:44:17pm

Good afternoon lizards!

I went to jury duty yesterday and there were 32 of us answering questions from the judge and lawyers. They picked 8 people for the jury...I was one of them.

324 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:44:56pm

re: #323 NJDhockeyfan

Good afternoon lizards!

I went to jury duty yesterday and there were 32 of us answering questions from the judge and lawyers. They picked 8 people for the jury...I was one of them.

If the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

325 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:45:14pm

re: #311 Ascher

Nope, it's a "major superhero"

Batman and Robin are finally getting married?

326 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:45:19pm

re: #323 NJDhockeyfan

Good afternoon lizards!

I went to jury duty yesterday and there were 32 of us answering questions from the judge and lawyers. They picked 8 people for the jury...I was one of them.

Fry the bastard!

...wait, what was I saying?

//

327 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:46:10pm

re: #323 NJDhockeyfan

If you'd worn an "I love Casey Anthony" t-shirt you could have gotten out of it.

328 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:46:19pm

re: #322 SanFranciscoZionist

This is the classic cartoon where a man dismantles his house with an ax, desperate to get that pesky fly.

I think they yearn for a cleansing fire - which they would be happy to set

Image: fire.jpg

329 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:46:50pm

Yeah...now THAT'S how you act as a surrogate.

330 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:47:00pm

It's just a civil suit. I was hoping for a murder, armed robbery, or terrorism case. That would be more interesting.

331 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:47:44pm

re: #27 Targetpractice

It's why I've taken to referring to them as "moderates," because most of the true party moderates hauled ass out or were run out on a rail in the wake of Obama's election. Why would we stay in a party that's blaming us for their problems selling 1850s philosophy to a 21st century audience?

FTFY and QFT

332 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:48:25pm

re: #330 NJDhockeyfan

It's just a civil suit. I was hoping for a murder, armed robbery, or terrorism case. That would be more interesting.

You at a terrorism case? That would be like a Cheesehead at a Packers game.

333 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:49:18pm

re: #306 dragonfire1981

Apparently the 13th amendment nonsense IS about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize:

Why Republicans want to restore the 13th amendment

Fine. If they want to have the Nobility Clause added, let them resubmit and re-ratify the amendment, since the vast majority of historical documents from that time indicate that did not have 13 states' ratification before 1812 (when it would subsequently need 14 by virtue of Louisiana's statehood). Since there's now 50 states, that means they'll need 38 states' ratification - and precedent for this was set by the 27th Amendment which didn't get ratified until the 1990s.

This still doesn't explain why they want to abolish emancipation though, since that was a separate amendment that WAS passed by the required number of states in the United States post Civil War- and any claim that former slave states didn't approve doesn't make a damn bit of difference because (a) they seceded, meaning during those years they were NOT part of the United States, and (b) one of the requirements to readmission was the recognition of the 13th-15th Amendments.

334 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:49:22pm

Meanwhile, in the land where nothing is worth something:

The anger amongst some investors and traders that Facebook did not deliver a “pop” on Friday continued to grow as the stock faced increasing pressure from short sellers looking to bet against its valuation, which had fallen from $104bn to below $85.3bn by close on Tuesday in New York. The shares fell 8.5 per cent on the day.

(FT)

335 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:50:11pm

I tell you what, trying a court case in a federal court is very interesting. I am learning a lot about how the process works.

336 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:52:13pm

re: #43 Gus

More of what's now boiler plate for the GOP:

1.17 We believe parents should have the right to decide which immunizations or vaccinations their child receives and when they should receive them. We call for the Iowa Department of Health to recognize a philosophical exemption to vaccines for the purpose of public school attendance.

Birthers, creationists, misogynists, and anti-vaxxers.

Just when I thought Republicans couldn't get any more stupid and insane, the Iowa GOP blows their wad.

337 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:52:24pm

re: #335 NJDhockeyfan

I tell you what, trying a court case in a federal court is very interesting. I am learning a lot about how the process works.

Everything you learn can and will be held against you by the GOP in Iowa.

338 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:52:46pm

re: #309 Lidane

It's probably going to end up being some no-name third stringer anyway. DC Comics isn't about to make one of their major characters gay.

I bet its Booster Gold.

339 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:53:00pm

re: #337 Ascher

Everything you learn can and will be held against you by the GOP in Iowa.

They can piss off. I'm in Virginia.

340 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:53:08pm

re: #334 Ascher

A point and a question:

Point: We all should have seen this coming FB is nothing more than a site to keep up with old friends. That's it. Hard to monetize.

Question: What is its stock price now?

341 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:53:51pm

re: #340 ProGunLiberal

A point and a question:

Point: We all should have seen this coming FB is nothing more than asite to keep up with old friends. That's it. Hard to monetize.

Question: What is it's stock price now?

Closed at $31.12

342 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:54:16pm

Mmm...Reagan blood.

Romney will inject it into himself to be an even more severe conservative, only to find it makes him propose tax hikes to balance the budget.

343 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:54:19pm

re: #321 Ascher

Everything run by white protestant men; only minority is a little "coloured" boy just happy to be in the around the partying free folks.
Sarcasm...

ah!

344 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:54:49pm

re: #341 Ascher

Ouch. Almost $7 under the initial offering.

345 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:54:52pm

re: #339 NJDhockeyfan

They can piss off. I'm in Virginia.

With the TeaParty birther nutball Ken Cuccinelli as your Attorney General, are you really sure that's a better deal for you?

346 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:56:18pm

re: #342 darthstar

Memo to Republicans: Reagan's Blood will not work like Jenova Cells or Sephiroth's Genetic Material and turn you into an near clone of him.

Even if Jenova and Reagan show the commonality of being parasitic.

347 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:56:38pm

Image: 579612_10150984465459179_806454071_n.jpg

Share with your friends in Iowa if you like.

I'm off for a while

348 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:56:53pm

re: #344 ProGunLiberal

Ouch. Almost $7 under the initial offering.

Watching facebook's IPO going down the toilet has been somewhat entertaining. Apparently their earnings potential was downgraded right after the IPO started and all the big money said, "Fuck it."

349 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:56:57pm

re: #344 ProGunLiberal

Ouch. Almost $7 under the initial offering.

Framed differently: A loss of almost $20bn in market value since the first trading day.

350 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:58:24pm

re: #349 Ascher

That's more loss than all but 4 Hurricanes that have hit the US.

Those Hurricanes were Katrina, Andrew, Ike, and Wilma

351 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:58:27pm

re: #342 darthstar

Romney will inject it into himself to be an even more severe conservative, only to find it makes him propose tax hikes to balance the budget.

Does that pass muster in Iowa?

1.18 We oppose the selling, brokering, or marketing of fetal and aborted tissue. We oppose the use of aborted fetal tissue in vaccines. This should be illegal.

352 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:58:39pm

re: #348 darthstar

Watching facebook's IPO going down the toilet has been somewhat entertaining. Apparently their earnings potential was downgraded right after the IPO started and all the big money said, "Fuck it."

Apparently, analysts had been questioning earning potential in investor conference calls. I think a primary reason anybody thinks FB is worth anything is that so many people couldn't figure out for years how Google was going to make money.

353 CuriousLurker  Tue, May 22, 2012 2:58:51pm

Holy crap, Iowa! O_o

354 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:00:24pm

re: #351 erik_t

Does that pass muster in Iowa?

Reagan was only fetal in mental capacity at the end.

355 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:01:14pm

re: #338 Kragar

I bet its Booster Gold.

I had to go look him up since I don't know him. I could see it. He could be a Jack Harkness, "I'm from the future, LOL @ your sexual norms" type, no problem.

356 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:01:57pm

Hearing for NATO terror suspects postponed

CHICAGO—
A hearing for 3 anti-NATO protesters accused of plotting to make Molotov cocktails was postponed Tuesday as they sit in jail.

Jared Chase of New Hampshire and Brent Betterly and Brian Church, both of Florida were arrested last week in a Bridgeport apartment building.

Prosecutors say they planned to fire bomb Chicago police stations, President Obama's campaign office, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel's home.

The hearing which was supposed to be held Tuesday has been rescheduled for June 12th.

Their attorneys say they're being treated unfairly.

They're each being held on one and a half million dollars bail.

What's unfair?

357 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:01:59pm

re: #353 CuriousLurker

Iowa has a lot of Moderates and Liberals though, like Colorado.

Colorado and Iowa will have fireworks this election.

358 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:02:54pm
359 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:03:26pm

re: #348 darthstar

Watching facebook's IPO going down the toilet has been somewhat entertaining. Apparently their earnings potential was downgraded right after the IPO started and all the big money said, "Fuck it."

They were over-valued long before the IPO. If they'd priced their shares more conservatively from the start, their price would likely be rising now, not falling.

360 BongCrodny  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:03:39pm

re: #338 Kragar

I bet its Booster Gold.

I was thinking The Shade, although I don't know whether there's any way he'd be considered "major."

Booster would be the obvious choice, though.

361 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:03:42pm

re: #348 darthstar

Watching facebook's IPO going down the toilet has been somewhat entertaining. Apparently their earnings potential was downgraded right after the IPO started and all the big money said, "Fuck it."

When it's a penny stock it might be valued appropriately.

362 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:04:16pm

Daily Beast thinks it wasn't very beastly:

Chicago’s Placid NATO Summit Protests

Organizers produced a timid—and overwhelmingly white—showing at the summit. And the press covered it like it was World War III. James Warren reports.

[Link: www.thedailybeast.com...]

363 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:04:57pm

re: #349 Ascher

Framed differently: A loss of almost $20bn in market value since the first trading day.

Clearly this is Obama's fault. If only Mitt Romney was President then all big IPOs would be amazing creations of wealth, Facebook stock would be at least $45, and we'd all live happily ever after.

364 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:05:00pm

re: #359 Lidane

re: #361 William Barnett-Lewis

Heard something last night about how "FB is worth $100 Billion, but only gets $4 Billion in revenue."

Bubble?

365 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:05:39pm

re: #334 Ascher

Meanwhile, in the land where nothing is worth something:

(FT)

I'm gonna hold out for Space Exploration Technologies' (aka SpaceX) IPO next year, especially if they get a few more successful launches under their belt. If they are able to directly compete with Boeing (DeltaIV) and Lockheed-Martin(AtlasV), on a cost/launch basis, they are going to revolutionize LEO delivery systems.

366 BongCrodny  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:05:41pm

re: #353 CuriousLurker

Holy crap, Iowa! O_o

I think we should just get rid of the "I" and the "a" and just call it "ow."

367 uk ultraviolet  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:06:50pm
The Iowa GOP: Making the state look fraking Amish since 2012.

No way. Amish are goddam commies. They live on communes and believe in working together for the good of the community.

368 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:07:01pm

re: #365 RadicalModerate

I'm gonna hold out for Space Exploration Technologies' (aka SpaceX) IPO next year, especially if they get a few more successful launches under their belt. If they are able to directly compete with Boeing (DeltaIV) and Lockheed-Martin(AtlasV), on a cost/launch basis, they are going to revolutionize LEO delivery systems.

Just remember that the first companies to introduce a technology successfully are not always around to enjoy the fruit.

369 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:08:29pm

re: #365 RadicalModerate

Let SpaceX and similar companies take care of the more mundane Satellite Launches for companies and the resupply flights to the Space Station, and let NASA do the fun stuff.

370 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:08:33pm

What we see in the Iowa GOP platform is what happens when a political party machine decides to court a group of extremists to help win a majority, then allow those extremists to become the base of the activists in a party, and then those activists decide to become the majority running the show.

I suspect the Iowa GOP is slowly pricing themselves out of the political market - that is, it's going to become too costly for most candidates to tow that line, in a state like Iowa with a large share of the population being more squishy and moderate than the extremist SoCons.

371 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:08:36pm

re: #361 William Barnett-Lewis

When it's a penny stock it might be valued appropriately.

When it hits penny stock status, I'll buy a couple thousand shares myself as they'll get bought by Google at that point.

372 Daniel Ballard  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:08:43pm

And the hits to civil liberties keep a coming...
[Link: www.cnn.com...]

Excerpt
What little has come to light so far about the companies' practices does not paint a comforting picture. Addressing a surveillance industry conference in 2009, Sprint's electronic surveillance manager revealed that the company had received so many requests for location data that it set up a website where the police could conveniently access the information from the comfort of their desks. In just a 13-month period, he said, the company had provided law enforcement with 8 million individual location data points. Other than Sprint, we do not have even this type of basic information about the frequency of requests for any of the other cell phone companies.

373 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:09:35pm

re: #367 uk ultraviolet

No way. Amish are goddam commies. They live on communes and believe in working together for the good of the community.

Mere mensheviks compared to the hellish Hutterites:

[Link: www.hutterites.org...]

Welcome, newbie.

374 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:09:45pm
375 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:09:51pm

re: #369 ProGunLiberal

Let SpaceX and similar companies take care of the more mundane Satellite Launches for companies and the resupply flights to the Space Station, and let NASA do the fun stuff.

I don't think there's anything mundane about a satellite launch. In fact, North Korea's probably saying, "What the fuck?"

376 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:10:06pm

re: #359 Lidane

They were over-valued long before the IPO. If they'd priced their shares more conservatively from the start, their price would likely be rising now, not falling.

It's the underwriters and investors who get screwed in this scenario. FB got its $38 buck per. The problem for FB will arise if they are planning a secondary offering, or if they bought treasury stock (I don't know whether they did or didn't). If Zuckerberg is worth 18% less than he was last Thursday, that's his problem.

377 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:10:51pm

anyone notice Drudge is going all race war lately

378 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:11:10pm

re: #367 uk ultraviolet

Welcome, hatchling!

379 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:11:20pm

re: #372 Daniel Ballard

Live with the presumption that you have no privacy and you'll be closer to correct than those who think such still exists.

380 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:11:45pm

re: #375 darthstar

Well, we seem to have it down rather well. That's what I mean.

Also, North Korea is pants-on-head stupid.

381 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:11:52pm

re: #368 Ascher

Just remember that the first companies to introduce a technology successfully are not always around to enjoy the fruit.

SAME GOES FOR ART

382 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:12:18pm

re: #367 uk ultraviolet

No way. Amish are goddam commies. They live on communes and believe in working together for the good of the community.

also those beards are totally marxist

383 BongCrodny  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:12:58pm

re: #374 Gus

[Embedded content]

Are conservatives too logical?

I know when I think of the anti-evolution, anti-science, Young Earth movement, the first thing that crosses is my mind is "Wow...these guys are really logical!"

384 CuriousLurker  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:13:33pm

re: #366 BongCrodny

I think we should just get rid of the "I" and the "a" and just call it "ow."

No kidding! Gonna paste some more stuff I just found into a comment...

385 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:14:29pm

Karl Marx Created Climate Change to Destroy Capitalism

Earlier we reported that James Dobson warned that the environmental movement is a “Satanic” effort to help radical Islamists and Cal Beisner claimed that the movement is modeling itself after Satan. Conservative talk show host and Eco-Tyranny author Brian Sussman appeared yesterday on Eagle Forum Live with Phyllis Schlafly and identified yet another sinister force behind the environmental movement. Sussman claims that Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels not only created the environmental movement but also the nefarious, anti-capitalist and anti-Christian notion of man-influenced climate change. And now, Sussman says, they have a powerful disciple in the White House:

You know, I'm beginning to think all theories might not be valid for debate and some might just be completely full of shit.

386 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:14:30pm

re: #375 darthstar

I don't think there's anything mundane about a satellite launch. In fact, North Korea's probably saying, "What the fuck?"

They need to rebuild these rockets.

387 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:14:32pm

re: #368 Ascher

Just remember that the first companies to introduce a technology successfully are not always around to enjoy the fruit.

True, but they have some really smart people on the Engineering side, as well as a frontman (Musk) who has a track record in the ability to make intelligent business decisions. Plus, from a technical standpoint, they are currently about a year and a half ahead of their nearest private competitor (OSC/Antares).

388 Swampwitch  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:14:56pm

I live in Sac County, right in the middle of Steve King's district. There are three bars in this town, including one housed in the local VFW hall. In these bars on any given night you can find mass quantities of registered Republicans. However lately, few of them will admit it. Even fewer will admit to having ever voted for Steve King.

These small town and rural Republicans are ashamed of their party, and an awful lot of them say they'll be voting for Christie Vilsack and Pres. Obama.

The Iowa GOP, like every other state's GOP, has been taken over by birthers and 'baggers and Birchers and Breitbartards. If I didn't believe that at some point these cretins and their causes would implode, I'd have to spend the rest of my days curled in a fetal position doing an impression of my car alarm for hours on end.

389 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:14:56pm

When I think of people who use a 2000 year old book full of magic and witchcraft and made-up supermen and shit to justify dehumanizing Americans, I think LOGICAL

390 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:16:08pm

re: #386 NJDhockeyfan

With as inept as North Korea's government is, they would somehow cause the Hydrogen and Oxygen in the water to separate and cause an explosion.

391 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:16:20pm

re: #388 Swampwitch

I live in Sac County, r....

Sorry. This is as far as I got.

392 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:16:33pm

re: #385 Kragar

Satanic!

They just love their movie monsters

393 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:17:26pm

re: #388 Swampwitch


let me guess, these republican bars serve both kinds of beer, miller and bud

394 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:18:08pm

re: #393 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

let me guess, these republican bars serve both kinds of beer, miller and bud

Beers all taste the same. It is written.

//

395 BongCrodny  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:18:31pm

re: #377 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

anyone notice Drudge is going all race war lately

Sir, you and I obviously have different definitions of the word "lately."

The "Fedora Remora" has been beating that drum forever.

396 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:19:21pm

re: #395 BongCrodny

Sir, you and I obviously have different definitions of the word "lately."

The "Fedora Remora" has been beating that drum forever.

I remember Drudge being racial, but now it's like every day there's half a dozen new stories, it's like the focus of his whole joint now

397 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:19:51pm

re: #388 Swampwitch

... Even fewer will admit to having ever voted for Steve King.

These small town and rural Republicans are ashamed of their party, and an awful lot of them say they'll be voting for Christie Vilsack and Pres. Obama....

With the loss of a district, and the subsequent redistricting, isn't it possible that King won't be returned to Congress, even if the GOP didn't have lots of defections?

My impressions of the state of Iowa is that the extremists that now control the state GOP are not indicative of the population there as a whole.

398 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:20:56pm

My two daughters have been downstairs making chili for the last two hours. Time to grab the Maalox and face the music.

Later

399 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:22:18pm

re: #393 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

let me guess, these republican bars serve both kinds of beer, miller and bud

NO MILLER! It says union made on the can!!!

Yes they do & yes I've heard that from idiots.

400 shutdown  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:22:55pm

Parting gift - link to the US Constitution plus Amendments.

Legal Information Institute

401 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:23:34pm

re: #392 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Satanic!

They just love their movie monsters

The Devil is scary, especially when you can't rock.

402 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:25:15pm

re: #385 Kragar

Karl Marx Created Climate Change to Destroy Capitalism

You know, I'm beginning to think all theories might not be valid for debate and some might just be completely full of shit.

By this logic, we may as well address Teddy Roosevelt as "comrade".

403 Lidane  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:25:43pm

Heh:

Is Mitt Romney A Unicorn? Arizona Secretary Of State’s Birther Probe Ridiculed

Balanced is one term for it. Tipped the scales might be another. At least one progressive online network, Left Action, took up the cause this week under the theory that if 1,200 emails can convince Bennett to investigate one conspiracy theory, maybe they can cobble together enough support to get him to investigate anything.

As of Tuesday afternoon some 15,000 people and counting had already put their names on Left Action’s online petition asking Bennett to investigate whether Mitt Romney is really a unicorn. (Yes, a unicorn. The petition even has its own domain name: MittRomneyIsAUnicorn.com.) That’s more than 10 times the number of people who asked Bennett to investigate the president in the first place.

404 CuriousLurker  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:26:05pm

Okay. Wait. Okay. This has apparently been brewing for a while. I got curious, as I'm wont to do, and started googling for PDFs related to the Iowa GOP platform. The first one I clicked on was the Jackson County 2006 version. Here are a few choice bits (added emphasis mine):

Iowa Republican Party Platform

Preamble

As Republicans we continue to uphold the principles of individual responsibility, adherence to traditional moral standards, a strong national defense, a free enterprise system and respect for the sanctity of human life. We believe in retaining the moral absolutes that our Founding Fathers drew from the Holy Scripture as the principal foundation for our Constitution. We acknowledge God’s blessing on our Country and our continued dependence upon God for the preservation of our Nation. We believe high moral character is a necessity of public servants. The highest standard of character should be embodied in both private and public life. We encourage the proliferation of these principles and their passage to future generations.

[...]

Agriculture

1.10 We oppose efforts to impose a “sin” tax on all forms of red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.

[...]

Business and Economic Development

2.6 We support a landlord’s right to refuse leasing property and business owner refusing service based on moral grounds of individuals not covered by the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

[...]

Education

3.2 We believe the displaying of the Ten Commandments, the American Flag and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance should be allowed.

3.3 We support voluntary teacher or student led prayer in government schools. The use of the Bible as a textbook should be allowed as a local option.

3.4 We support the teaching of alternative theories on the origins of life including Darwinian Evolution, Creation Science or Intelligent Design, and that each should be given equal weight in presentation.

[...]

3.10 We support the abolition of the Federal Department of Education, and the removal of this position from the Cabinet. In addition, we call for the downsizing of the Iowa Department of Education. We believe that the control of education should be left to the parents, teachers, and local school boards.

[...]

Source PDF...

That last one looks like they want all kids to be home schooled. There are 22 pages of this bat guano crazy—I stopped at page 5.

405 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:26:25pm
406 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:26:59pm

re: #375 darthstar

I don't think there's anything mundane about a satellite launch. In fact, North Korea's probably saying, "What the fuck?"

I have it on good authority that North Korea currently has agents scouting the local Hobby Lobby looking for 14 year old rocket enthusiasts!
//

407 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:27:16pm

Holy dog shit Batman!

Ex-UGA professor, CNN executive caught placing dog feces in mailbox

COVINGTON, GA (CBS ATLANTA) - A neighborhood argument ended with a stinky stunt that left one man facing a $180 fine.

The prankster admitted to police that he shoved a plastic bag filled with dog feces into his neighbor's mailbox. But he's not just any neighbor - he was once an instructor at the University of Georgia and he was also a high-ranking executive at CNN.

..."It doesn't happen very often," said Capt. Kem Malcom with the Covington Police Department. "In this situation the victims actually had video. "

You can see on the video a pooch stroll past the Worthington Manor in Covington, where Dameron and Miller live. Only moments later, Furnad walked up to the mail box, stuffed something inside and walked away.

"Mr. Furnad stated that he did place a bag containing dog feces in the victim's mail box," Malcom said.

"Did he say why?" asked Kiggins.

"He said an ongoing feud between the two individuals,"explained Malcom.

Someone needs to grow up.

408 CuriousLurker  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:28:09pm

re: #404 CuriousLurker

I added a link to the source PDF. Refresh your browser window if you want to see it.

409 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:28:31pm

Looks like the Iowa GOP's been nuts for a while. Here's a column from 2006, where they were pushing things like creationism and corporal punishment at schools.

[Link: www.niemanwatchdog.org...]

410 Kragar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:30:07pm

re: #402 RadicalModerate

By this logic, we may as well address Teddy Roosevelt as "comrade".

To these ignorant fucktards, Thomas Aquinas was a commie pinko.

411 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:30:15pm

re: #406 sattv4u2

There's a reason I am not too worried about North Korea, and see them as a joke, barring the Human Rights.

They cause be anger in the way they treat people, but otherwise, they are a small source of amusement.

412 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:30:59pm

re: #408 CuriousLurker

No thanks to reading it. Having enough trouble with my neuroses that I don't need to read WTF incarnate.

413 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:31:49pm

Even better, here's a news item from 1996!

[Link: articles.latimes.com...]

Approved during the state GOP convention June 15, the plank reads: "We protest the teaching to 4-Hers that homosexuality is an acceptable alternative lifestyle, and we oppose the encroachment of socialism in 4-H competition at fairs."

Now the entire party thinks like this. Yesterday's fringe, today's mainstream.

414 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:31:55pm

re: #411 ProGunLiberal
and see them as a joke, barring the Human Rights.

Well,,, seeing how they treat their people, that overrides any "joke",, AND ,,, I'm sure the good citizens of South Korea fail to see the humor!

415 CuriousLurker  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:32:19pm

re: #412 ProGunLiberal

WTF incarnate—now, there's a keeper! LOL

416 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:32:56pm

re: #404 CuriousLurker

Yes, some of the local groups are more extreme than even the statewide convention.

Vander Plaats' organization is explicitly Christian and he has been trying to centralize the activists around a theocracy. Apparently other GOP leaders in the state are very wary of this and there is friction within the GOP there. The current Republican governor was never on board with the theocrats but this year has had to be more amendable to their ways... but it does show that the theocrats are probably pushing too hard too fast.

It's possible with time the Iowa theocrats will be able to gain a solid majority, but it's not something they can do today. In the long run, I think this is why we must fight diligently the theocratic impulse - as unlikely as it seems such an affair could come about, groups change over the generations. And, we need to think about the next generation.

417 RadicalModerate  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:34:39pm

re: #409 Be Zorch, Daddio

Looks like the Iowa GOP's been nuts for a while. Here's a column from 2006, where they were pushing things like creationism and corporal punishment at schools.

[Link: www.niemanwatchdog.org...]

This has got me curious now. I previously was under the impression that the Iowa GOP was at least relatively moderate compared to some of the other states out there, and if their platform is that pants-on-head crazy, whether ANY state GOP platform could be described as anything resembling sane.

418 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:34:56pm

re: #411 ProGunLiberal

There's a reason I am not too worried about North Korea, and see them as a joke, barring the Human Rights.

They cause be anger in the way they treat people, but otherwise, they are a small source of amusement.

They would be easier to laugh at if they didn't have a collection of nukes.

419 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:34:57pm

re: #414 sattv4u2

With all the incompetence I have seen in my lifetime (since 1990) that I have seen from North Korea, I have a real hard time taking them seriously. I wonder if they could even do that much damage if they jumped North Korea. I have to imagine that we are helping them in getting the ability to shoot down any missiles (Like the Patriot Missile Systems).

However, NK's treatment of its people is atrocious and the new rule can GFOAD.

420 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:37:42pm

re: #418 NJDhockeyfan

The two tests that have happened so far have had extremely low yield, suggesting they are having significant issues with it.

421 CuriousLurker  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:39:25pm

re: #416 freetoken

Yes, some of the local groups are more extreme than even the statewide convention.

Vander Plaats' organization is explicitly Christian and he has been trying to centralize the activists around a theocracy. Apparently other GOP leaders in the state are very wary of this and there is friction within the GOP there. The current Republican governor was never on board with the theocrats but this year has had to be more amendable to their ways... but it does show that the theocrats are probably pushing too hard too fast.

Well, that makes me feel a little bit better.

It's possible with time the Iowa theocrats will be able to gain a solid majority, but it's not something they can do today. In the long run, I think this is why we must fight diligently the theocratic impulse - as unlikely as it seems such an affair could come about, groups change over the generations. And, we need to think about the next generation.

THIS. We can ridicule, but it's no joking matter. The crazy that's hatching now started incubating 30-odd years ago, so 20-30 years from now (maybe even less)...?

422 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:39:37pm

re: #419 ProGunLiberal

With all the incompetence I have seen in my lifetime (since 1990)

What I've seen from them in my lifetime (1953) is a tad more than "incompetence". I seem to recall a pretty nasty war where many Americans were killed (about 38,000) and another 8K still listed as "missing"

Incompetence ,, yeah!!! {sigh}

I have to imagine that we are helping them in getting the ability to shoot down any missiles (Like the Patriot Missile Systems)

I believe that would (and has been since the early 50's ) the Chinese

423 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:39:51pm

re: #420 ProGunLiberal

The two tests that have happened so far have had extremely low yield, suggesting they are having significant issues with it.

Fizzles at best, suggesting that they either have a problem with the material they're using or with the detonation sequence.

424 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:41:50pm
[...]

Months before the lessons began, parents voiced concern over the contents and stressed a need for "balance." Virtually every scientist studying atmospheric and earth sciences says climate change is real and that humans are the cause. But some parents sought inclusion of opposing theories, such as other causes and doubts that climate change is occurring.

In response, Nancy Rowe, one of four teachers developing the unit, devised lessons to show that climate change is not all caused by humans. "We want to be balanced," Rowe said.

That desire of balance lead the program's creators to avoid terms like "climate change" or "global warming" in lesson plans, Rowe said, "which would have sent a biased point of view."

[...]

An instructional unit on climate change that avoids the terms "climate change" and "global warming".

This is what the MBF has wrought.

425 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:43:09pm

re: #424 freetoken

An instructional unit on climate change that avoids the terms "climate change" and "global warming".

This is what the MBF has wrought.

Ayep, there's compromise and then there's giving it all away for nothing in return.

426 Killgore Trout  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:43:17pm

re: #407 NJDhockeyfan

Holy dog shit Batman!

Ex-UGA professor, CNN executive caught placing dog feces in mailbox

Someone needs to grow up.

One of the local dog walkers keeps putting dog poop bags in my bamboo hedge. I don't think it's a personal grudge, probably just a lazy asshole.
I bought a few of these
Image: No_Dog_Poop.png
I hope it works.

427 Swampwitch  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:44:07pm

re: #391 Ascher

I'm not FROM Sac County. I'm from Des Moines. My late husband was from here. And I'm proud to say that I'm not blood related to anyone around here except my son.

428 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:44:35pm

re: #426 Killgore Trout

probably just a lazy asshole.

You say that like it's a bad thing!!

429 Killgore Trout  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:45:11pm

I bought Assassin's Creed I today. Fun game, the controls are a little complicated. Game developers need to learn to cut back on the dialogue and cuts scenes. I wanna play the game, not watch a corny movie.

430 BeenHereAwhile  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:45:16pm

re: #335 NJDhockeyfan

I tell you what, trying a court case in a federal court is very interesting. I am learning a lot about how the process works.

If the Plaintiff and Defense attorneys in your trial are any good, you'll find a well tried court case can be like a well directed play, (even federal civil cases - since the rules of evidence are different than they are for fed crim cases).

Good attorneys realize they have to entertain the jury to ensure the jurors pay attention.

431 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:46:22pm

re: #430 BeenHereAwhile

Good attorneys realize they have to entertain the jury to ensure the jurors pay attention.

An envelope of cash addressed to me works better

432 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:46:39pm

re: #429 Killgore Trout

I bought Assassin's Creed I today. Fun game, the controls are a little complicated. Game developers need to learn to cut back on the dialogue and cuts scenes. I wanna play the game, not watch a corny movie.

Be thankful that you're not playing Metal Gear Solid 4. IIRC, the first 15 minutes or so is one long cut-scene.

433 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:46:40pm

re: #422 sattv4u2

Ack, I meant the South Koreans.

The South Koreans should have a anti-missile systems, right?

The North Koreans were a threat back then. Now, they just seem laughable.

re: #423 Targetpractice

I did a tick of research. Apparently, there was little to no radionuclide emissions from the 2009 test.

434 Killgore Trout  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:47:22pm

re: #432 Targetpractice

Be thankful that you're not playing Metal Gear Solid 4. IIRC, the first 15 minutes or so is one long cut-scene.

Ugh.

435 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:47:44pm

re: #433 ProGunLiberal

I did a tick of research. Apparently, there was little to no radionuclide emissions from the 2009 test.

I've heard the theory going around that they just put a shit-ton of explosive in the same place and detonated them at once. Not sure I buy into it, but there it is.

436 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:48:06pm

re: #429 Killgore Trout

I liked the ones after it more.

Revelations was my favorite, as it was based in Istanbul.

However, the game loses massive points for batshit overall story-line.

437 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:48:11pm

re: #430 BeenHereAwhile

If the Plaintiff and Defense attorneys in your trial are any good, you'll find a well tried court case can be like a well directed play, (even federal civil cases - since the rules of evidence are different than they are for fed crim cases).

Good attorneys realize they have to entertain the jury to ensure the jurors pay attention.

These are top dollar lawyers. I think they are the best money can buy for a corporation. This week and next is going to get very interesting.

438 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:49:06pm

re: #431 sattv4u2

Good attorneys realize they have to entertain the jury to ensure the jurors pay attention.

An envelope of cash addressed to me works better

Had good luck with horse-heads.

439 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:49:26pm

re: #435 Targetpractice

I wonder the same.

We did something like that, to simulate a nuclear detonation. It was Minor Scale.

440 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:49:49pm

re: #433 ProGunLiberal

Now, they just seem laughable

Some 48 million South Koreans and 126 million Japanese aren't laughing (not to mention whatever number of American and UN observers on the scene

441 Swampwitch  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:51:03pm

re: #397 freetoken

Unfortunately, there are far too many people in this district that may not even be aware that anyone is actually running against King. Radio is dominated by Clear Channel, and not an hour goes by without yet another soundbite of King working valiantly to save our very souls. And forget Iowa Public Radio. Every political analyst from the big universities here give mere lip service to Vilsack, and usually end their segments with the verdict that there's no way she can win. IPR, like its big brother NPR, has become nothing more than Clear Channel in hushed tones.

442 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:51:49pm

Later gators...time to get some sleep. I have a full day in court tomorrow.

443 BeenHereAwhile  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:52:13pm

re: #438 Decatur Deb

re: #431 sattv4u2

"Good attorneys realize they have to entertain the jury to ensure the jurors pay attention."

'An envelope of cash addressed to me works better'

Had good luck with horse-heads.

That's certainly dramatic, but plays to a smaller audience.

444 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:52:59pm

The Iowa GOP would not approve:

Deportation threat lifted for lesbian Vt. couple

A married lesbian couple living in Vermont who were threatened with being separated by federal immigration authorities have been granted a reprieve.
Japanese immigrant Takako Ueda (tah-kah-koe you-AY'-dah) and her American spouse, Frances Herbert, got word Tuesday that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decided to defer action on deportation proceedings against Ueda, whose visa had expired.

The binational couple live in the southern Vermont town of Dummerston. They have been together for more than a decade and were legally married in Vermont last year. But because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage, they didn't have spousal status for immigration purposes.

[...]

445 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:53:32pm

Fortunately, there are quite a few Dems in Iowa, and probably more every day as the Pubs go full frontal batshit.

Lubbock GOP stokes the crazy train.

This is what Romney had to contend with to land the nomination. It is the base, the rank and file, that is bug-fuck crazy. I could almost feel sorry for him if he wasn't such a weasel. TR and Goldwater are rolling over in their graves, while Lincoln's gyrations threaten to alter the rotation of the planet.

446 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:53:53pm

re: #438 Decatur Deb

Had good luck with horse-heads.

447 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:56:00pm

re: #445 Shiplord Kirel

Fortunately, there are quite a few Dems in Iowa, and probably more every day as the Pubs go full frontal batshit.

Lubbock GOP stokes the crazy train.

This is what Romney had to contend with to land the nomination. It is the base, the rank and file, that is bug-fuck crazy. I could almost feel sorry for him if he wasn't such a weasel. TR and Goldwater are rolling over in their graves, while Lincoln's gyrations threaten to alter the rotation of the planet.

I've noticed a low rumble coming from Reagan's grave, but I'm putting that down mostly to all the mean talk lately about how he'd be chased out of the modern GOP.

448 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:57:09pm

re: #398 Ascher

My two daughters have been downstairs making chili for the last two hours. Time to grab the Maalox and face the music.

Later

I read this as "making chill" and I was about to ask if they used Ableton

449 Swampwitch  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:57:20pm

re: #393 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

They're not Republican bars. There are a lot of Republicans IN the bars. There are also Democrats. And the occasional Lyndon LaRouche devotee.

The Republicans drink Bud.
The Democrats drink Miller Lite.
The LaRoucheies and Paultards drink Coors. Nobody will sit with them. They tend to smell like flopsweat and fever dreams.

450 dragonfire1981  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:57:33pm

re: #424 freetoken

An instructional unit on climate change that avoids the terms "climate change" and "global warming".

This is what the MBF has wrought.

MBF?

451 Kronocide  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:57:48pm

re: #447 Targetpractice

I've noticed a low rumble coming from Reagan's grave, but I'm putting that down mostly to all the mean talk lately about how he'd be chased out of the modern GOP.

He would be Vetted.

452 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:58:02pm

re: #450 dragonfire1981

MBF?

Magical Balance Fairy.

453 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:58:26pm

re: #449 Swampwitch

They're not Republican bars. There are a lot of Republicans IN the bars. There are also Democrats. And the occasional Lyndon LaRouche devotee.

The Republicans drink Bud.
The Democrats drink Miller Lite.
The LaRoucheies and Paultards drink Coors. Nobody will sit with them. They tend to smell like flopsweat and fever dreams.

ahahaha ^_^

454 dragonfire1981  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:59:02pm

re: #452 Targetpractice

Magical Balance Fairy.

Ahh, ok. I tend to be pretty sharp with acronyms but that one eluded me.

455 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 3:59:40pm

re: #450 dragonfire1981

MBF?

This guy.
Image: MBF.jpg

456 Targetpractice  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:00:30pm

re: #455 darthstar

This guy.
Image: MBF.jpg

GAH! Slap a warning on that next time!

457 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:00:32pm

This is what our non-linear dynamicist friends (such as LVQ) would call a "negative feedback", I believe:

Germans Afraid Of Greek Anger Avoid Vacations In Blow To Economy

German taxi driver Rudolf Kugel, who says he’s visited Greece more times than he can count, won’t be going again anytime soon to the Mediterranean sunspot because he’s concerned about the reaction of local people.

“They hold Germans responsible for all their misery,” said the 62-year-old from near Stuttgart. “You want to go on holiday to have a comfortable break, not to be lynched.”

It’s thinking like Kugel’s which has contributed to declines of as much as a third in bookings from Germans planning their summer break in Greece, according to Air Berlin Plc (AB1) and TUI AG (TUI1), which owns Europe’s biggest travel company. Their avoidance is further hampering Greece’s economic woes.
Tourism is Greece’s biggest industry, accounting for almost 16 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2011, and almost one in five jobs, according to the London-based World Travel and Tourism Council. The 2.2 million Germans who visited Greece last year represented the biggest national group at 13.6 percent of the total, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, ahead of the British at 10.7 percent.

[...]

458 Kronocide  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:03:00pm

The Breit Ones should hire Eddie Vetter to Vet the Usuwper in Cheef since he's not been Vewy Vetted yet.

459 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:04:04pm

re: #458 Kronocide

The Breit Ones should hire Eddie Vetter to Vet the Usuwper in Cheef since he's not been Vewy Vetted yet.

THOUGHTS ARIIIVE LIKE BUTERFLIIIES

GOP DON'T KNOW-WHOA SO THEY CHASES THEM AWAY-HEEYAY

460 Kronocide  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:04:27pm

I'm going to go Vet this here sandwitch.

Remember: NOT VEWY VETTED.

461 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:06:27pm

re: #139 RadicalModerate

You think the Iowa platform is bad, check out the Lubbock, Texas GOP platform over on the Pages.
That sucker blows right past wingnutty straight into full-blown nationalistic fascism.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

A direct quote from the platform:

Sounds better in the original German...

///

462 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:06:40pm

Speaking of Steve King:

Rep. Steve King Compares Immigrants to Dogs

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, compared immigrants to dogs at a town hall meeting on Monday, saying that the United States should pick the best immigrants the way one chooses the “pick of the litter,” according to a story in Salon, which also carried a video clip of the incident.

[...]

463 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:10:25pm

re: #457 freetoken

If I were Greek, I would be pissed too. Merkel and her cronies are dismantling that country for money, forgetting about the people, leaving them to starve/die/what have you.

Either that, or Merkel is one of the worst sociopaths in Europe right now.

464 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:11:39pm

re: #463 ProGunLiberal

If I were Greek, I would be pissed too. Merkel and her cronies are dismantling that country for money, forgetting about the people, leaving them to starve/die/what have you.

Either that, or Merkel is one of the worst sociopaths in Europe right now.

Can you point to any starvation and deaths in Greece due to the Eurozone's imposition of austerity measures?

465 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:12:41pm

re: #464 erik_t

Can you point to any starvation and deaths in Greece due to the Eurozone's imposition of austerity measures?

Dude! You haven't been noticing the suicides?

466 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:12:48pm

As stupid as I think King's comments are, and often are, and as hateful as he is, I doubt that clip is really that damnatory.

Ultimately the hypocrisy of King's comments center around the word "legal" as an adjective to describe "immigrants" at the front of that clip.

There wasn't any distinction until modern immigration systems and laws came into effect.

And as for the "cream" of the crop, which King asserts, I have to ask him:

(1) were the prisoners exiled to the new continent the "cream" of the prisoners?
(2) were the slaves who were not the ones who died en route from Africa, and thus lived to become slaves in the US, the "cream", and yet were not citizens?
(3) were the first immigrants, the ones who made it some 15,000 years ago, the "cream"? If so, then why did King's ancestors steal their land from them?

467 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:13:50pm

re: #465 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Dude! You haven't been noticing the suicides?

Well, no. Is there more than the one?

468 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:14:09pm

re: #463 ProGunLiberal

Oh... foo.

Germany is not responsible for the current Greek crisis. The Greeks are the ones who overspent what they could afford.

469 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:14:14pm

re: #464 erik_t

Can you point to any starvation and deaths in Greece due to the Eurozone's imposition of austerity measures?

This guy set himself on fire, though he's technically still alive

Go austerity! YEAH!

470 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:15:07pm

re: #463 ProGunLiberal

If I were Greek, I would be pissed too. Merkel and her cronies are dismantling that country for money, forgetting about the people, leaving them to starve/die/what have you.

Either that, or Merkel is one of the worst sociopaths in Europe right now.

W
T
F

471 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:16:03pm
472 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:17:12pm

re: #335 NJDhockeyfan

I tell you what, trying a court case in a federal court is very interesting. I am learning a lot about how the process works.

Prepared to be bored shitless soon. A lot of the process is going to be rote stuff that has to be done to keep t's crossed and i's dotted without advancing the case much. And done that way since it is the rules that it be done that way. And if you're lucky the lawyers won't be trying all sorts of little tricks and such that can derail the process.

473 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:19:17pm

re: #470 sattv4u2

W
T
F

do you even pay attention to international news, lol

474 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:19:36pm

re: #468 freetoken

And now Austerity is cutting down to the bone so much, they cannot fund proper Public Health. AIDS infections increased last year by 1,250% (no, not a typo), and Malaria is back.

At what point do we realize that Austerity of this scale is destructive. Austerity leads to a downward spiral. Yes, things need to be cut. But they aren't being cut.

For example, the corrupt deals involving German Submarines.

Edit: Link for the first paragraph here.

475 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:20:29pm

re: #474 ProGunLiberal

And now Austerity is cutting down to the bone so much, they cannot fund proper Public Health. AIDS infections increased last year by 1,250% (no, not a typo), and Malaria is back.

At what point do we realize that Austerity of this scale is destructive. Austerity leads to a downward spiral. Yes, things need to be cut. But they aren't being cut.

For example, the corrupt deals involving German Submarines.

agree dentirely

476 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:21:13pm

re: #471 ProGunLiberal

This story should cover it.

If that's your justification for calling Merkel a sociopath who is dismantling Greece for cash and leaving the population to starve and die, then I will say you're being almost outlandishly hyperbolic and then I will walk away.

477 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:21:29pm

re: #473 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

do you even pay attention to international news, lol

And that's Merkels/ Germanys/ German tourists fault ,, how??

478 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:22:27pm

re: #476 erik_t

If that's your justification for calling Merkel a sociopath who is dismantling Greece for cash and leaving the population to starve and die, then I will say you're almost outlandishly hyperbolic and then I will walk away.

I think Germany's policies are destabilizing and destroying greece to the point where it cannot recover.


is that Very Serious enough for ya?

479 erik_t  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:23:07pm

re: #478 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

I think Germany's policies are destabilizing and destroying greece to the point where it cannot recover.

is that Very Serious enough for ya?

I don't disagree with that. I think Merkel has her hed up her ass.

480 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:23:10pm

re: #388 Swampwitch

I live in Sac County, right in the middle of Steve King's district. There are three bars in this town, including one housed in the local VFW hall. In these bars on any given night you can find mass quantities of registered Republicans. However lately, few of them will admit it. Even fewer will admit to having ever voted for Steve King.

These small town and rural Republicans are ashamed of their party, and an awful lot of them say they'll be voting for Christie Vilsack and Pres. Obama.

The Iowa GOP, like every other state's GOP, has been taken over by birthers and 'baggers and Birchers and Breitbartards. If I didn't believe that at some point these cretins and their causes would implode, I'd have to spend the rest of my days curled in a fetal position doing an impression of my car alarm for hours on end.

Driving up through rural parts of PA and NY today I saw numbers of "Ban Fracking" signs in a number of places in both states. Since both these states are generally described as Democratic supporting cities amidst a sea of rural areas that vote Republican I also begin to wonder if this issue might have an effect at some point as well.

481 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:23:33pm

re: #476 erik_t

The Austerity they are pushing is nothing less than malicious. Do they need cuts? Yes. But not to the point where her ideas are literally making Greece a 3rd-World Nation. This is absolutely ridiculous.

At this point, they are trying to extract blood from a stone. There is virtually nothing left to take.

482 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:24:50pm

re: #477 sattv4u2

And that's Merkels/ Germanys/ German tourists fault ,, how??

because Merkel wants to withhold aid unless crippling austerity is held to

basically banks get paid, senior citizens in greece are scrounging in the garbage, literally

483 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:25:41pm

re: #479 erik_t

I don't disagree with that. I think Merkel has her hed up her ass.

prolife is not being that hyperbolic, it's policy that is inhuman and evil


banks always win!

484 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:26:25pm
Seventy-year-old Eletharias cannot afford to go the supermarket any more, so for the past few months he has started rummaging for food in dustbins.

He goes out in Athens at night so that no one sees. When Sky News met him, he was collecting onions from some wheelie bins.

"Since my pension was cut, I can't buy food so I look through the garbage," he said, "I can only pray that things get better."
He is among an increasing number of pensioners who have slipped into desperate poverty and rely on waste food to survive.

Irini Gkana, 77, and 80-year-old Argyro Hadri-Sotiraki get their sustenance from a downtown soup kitchen.


On her way out of the complex, Irini stooped to pick up an apple lying on the pavement and squirreled it into her trolley bag.
Life has not always been like this but the debt crisis has left them unable to provide for themselves for the first time since they were war children.

[Link: uk.news.yahoo.com...]

485 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:26:26pm

re: #426 Killgore Trout

One of the local dog walkers keeps putting dog poop bags in my bamboo hedge. I don't think it's a personal grudge, probably just a lazy asshole.
I bought a few of these
Image: No_Dog_Poop.png
I hope it works.

You need to add a few "WARNING: ATTACK FROGS ON PREMISES" signs too.

486 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:26:55pm

re: #482 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

because Merkel wants to withhold aid unless crippling austerity is held to

basically banks get paid, senior citizens in greece are scrounging in the garbage, literally

And what part did the Greek gov't play in all this?

487 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:26:59pm

re: #477 sattv4u2

It isn't the German's fault, but it is Merkel's.

Unfortnately, people (not just Greece, but everywhere) tend to be emotional and irrational, Greeks will blame all Germans for the destruction of their nation. Or at least, that is the perception among. I don't think it would be correct.I have a friend on honeymoon with her husband there right now. As long as they don't go around praising Merkel in the Streets, these people would be okay.

488 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:27:03pm

re: #481 ProGunLiberal

The Austerity they are pushing is nothing less than malicious. Do they need cuts? Yes. But not to the point where her ideas are literally making Greece a 3rd-World Nation. This is absolutely ridiculous.

At this point, they are trying to extract blood from a stone. There is virtually nothing left to take.

+1

489 bratwurst  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:27:41pm

re: #457 freetoken

This is what our non-linear dynamicist friends (such as LVQ) would call a "negative feedback", I believe:

Germans Afraid Of Greek Anger Avoid Vacations In Blow To Economy

My best friend is a Greek woman who lives in Germany. Imagine what her life is like these days.

490 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:28:20pm

re: #486 sattv4u2

And what part did the Greek gov't play in all this?

They adopted the Euro!


Shouldn't have done that!

491 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:29:24pm

re: #490 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

As if a dramatically depreciating Drachma would be such a great deal...

492 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:29:52pm

re: #491 freetoken

As if a dramatically depreciating Drachma would be such a great deal...

it would be their currency though, they have control over it

493 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:30:25pm

Wingnut email from my dad...I won't quote the whole thing, but the summary paragraph shows the deep logic in their strategy...with Allen West as VP and the shit gets crazier after that...

Instead of simply nominee X against Obama we would have Nominee X vs Obama…Congressman Allen West vs Joe Biden…John Bolton vs Hillary Clinton…Sarah Palin vs Stephen Chu…General Petreaus vs Leon Panetta…Pam Bondi vs Eric Holder…Michele Bachmann vs Tim Geitner…Ron Paul vs Ben Bernake…Bobby Jindal vs Ken Salazar and Sheriff Joe Arpaio vs Janet Napolitano.
Think about that…Let that sink in…All campaigning at once. There would be no way out for Obama as each and every key player on his team would be exposed and held to account from the word GO. It would be a full on frontal assault and Obama would have no place to hide.

Who would hide from a team like that? Bachmann, Palin, West, Luap Nor running the Fed! Fucking dream ticket for the Democrats to run against.

494 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:30:26pm

Hmm. Rather than roam Rome looking for an eatery I chickened out and went to the Denny's next door to the motel. Right at the end of the meal it started pouring rain (and still is). Chalk one up to laziness preventing getting soaked.

Need to go find a beer now though... :(

495 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:30:32pm

re: #491 freetoken

As if a dramatically depreciating Drachma would be such a great deal...

A depressed drachma would be a bad deal, but a bad deal is better than riots, self-immolation, and economic slavery

496 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:31:04pm

Hosting the Olympics probably wasn't the best idea... hey, it's the UK's turn this year!

heh heh heh

497 prairiefire  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:32:08pm

In college, I rented a small house on Corfu with some friends. While at the beach, a German couple asked us if they could go into the yard of the house. The husband said his wife liked to make love on the rocks. We said "no."

498 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:32:13pm

re: #493 darthstar

Wingnut email from my dad...I won't quote the whole thing, but the summary paragraph shows the deep logic in their strategy...with Allen West as VP and the shit gets crazier after that...

Who would hide from a team like that? Bachmann, Palin, West, Luap Nor running the Fed! Fucking dream ticket for the Democrats to run against.

Sarah Palin vs Stephen Chu? Gaaahhhhh.

499 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:32:15pm

re: #491 freetoken

As if a dramatically depreciating Drachma would be such a great deal...


I consider Paul Krugman to be smarter about this stuff than either of
us :)

500 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:32:31pm

re: #495 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Imagine Greece trying to buy petroleum products, or natural gas, or any import, with a dirt cheap Drachma.

The Greeks would be in a bad way.

The underlying problem here is that the Greeks have built their modern economy on tourism, a industry whose future is highly dependent upon cheap oil.

501 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:34:11pm

re: #500 freetoken

Imagine Greece trying to buy petroleum products, or natural gas, or any import, with a dirt cheap Drachma.

The Greeks would be in a bad way.

The underlying problem here is that the Greeks have built their modern economy on tourism, a industry whose future is highly dependent upon cheap oil.

They are in a worse way now, sorry, I am not buying it

The Drachma would be short term pain, being tethered to the euro is vampirism

502 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:34:18pm

re: #500 freetoken

Imagine Greece trying to buy petroleum products, or natural gas, or any import, with a dirt cheap Drachma.

The Greeks would be in a bad way.

The underlying problem here is that the Greeks have built their modern economy on tourism, a industry whose future is highly dependent upon cheap oil.

They need to develop the oar-powered cruise ship and also massively increase olive oil production.
/ ;)

503 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:34:21pm

Oh brother.

Here I thought this was "just the free-market responding".

504 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:36:37pm

re: #491 freetoken

It's not so much that as the German Government, being the dominant player in the EU, have been using the Euro to lower costs for themselves, and make things more expensive for the other nations. This has bad effects.

Non-Euro Denmark and Sweden can be compared to Euro Finland. Finland has a much weaker economy than those two.

That's leaving out Greece. The Euro seems to be good only for Germany.

The UK, Denmark, and Sweden took the correct course in not joining the Euro. This also might explain why Germany doesn't what Turkey joining the EU. Aside from the antipathy the Germans have to the Turks, Turkey is rapidly building up, and is nearly the same size as Germany in population.

If Turkey joins, Germany loses much of its power at the EU.

505 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:36:54pm

re: #500 freetoken

No one knows precisely how much the Drachma would fall compared to the euro if it was reimplemented, but guesses are all over the place ranging from 20-80%. No matter what, the decline will be substantial. Substantial enough that that bar on the right-hand side of the above chart will spike higher. And if some of the more extreme guesses are right (like the 80% guess) then we'll see something more than substantial on the export side as Greece becomes ultra competitive. And perhaps more importantly, Greece will start printing money again. And that means an end to the austerity and a double whammy on the growth side - domestic government spending stimulus AND a substantial boost in foreign trade. For a country in a depression that would almost certainly mean nothing but economic improvement from these levels. It would be nearly impossible NOT to see a growth boom - "boom" from current levels.

So expect the line to hold here. Germany has the most to lose from a break-up. And my guess is it'll start to do everything in its power to avoid a break-up, because the worst case scenario will be a disaster for the one strong economy left using this currency. Greece might be able to leave at this point, but if that occurs, the core needs to put up a firewall. If they don't, this whole thing could blow-up in their faces.

[Link: seekingalpha.com...]

Germany/bank interests are Greece's interests

506 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:37:14pm

re: #490 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

They adopted the Euro!

Shouldn't have done that!

So Greece put itself in this tenuous position, both at that time and their actions since

507 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:37:30pm

We need to settle the Euro

with your Sega Dreamcast!

508 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:39:44pm

On the Internet, cats + Aztlan = Caztlan of course

Image: cat3.jpg

509 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:40:45pm

re: #502 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

They need to develop the oar-powered cruise ship and also massively increase olive oil production.
/ ;)

hehe...

re: #499 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Krugman is suggestive of something there which the universe doesn't allow.

More specifically - Argentina could increase exports because they could increase agriculture, for example. Or increase production of raw materials. It is a large-ish country with still mineral wealth to be exploited.

Greece's agricultural production pretty much, as our feline-o-phile pointed out - was based around such staples as olive oil. They pretty much exploited their countryside thousands of years ago, and like the rest of the world increased their output post-industrial revolution with the green revolution, etc.

Now, Greece's ability to increase food production is much more limited than Argentina, same with minerals. As for increasing manufacturing - yes, Greece can do that but they would need foreign investment and who in their right mind would set up a factory in Greece these days?

510 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:42:33pm

re: #493 darthstar

Wingnut email from my dad...I won't quote the whole thing, but the summary paragraph shows the deep logic in their strategy...with Allen West as VP and the shit gets crazier after that...

Who would hide from a team like that? Bachmann, Palin, West, Luap Nor running the Fed! Fucking dream ticket for the Democrats to run against.

Oh for fucks sake. The intellectual firepower they THINK they have. It's all about Obama hate to put these fools up as worthy.

511 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:44:30pm

re: #509 freetoken

hehe...

re: #499 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Krugman is suggestive of something there which the universe doesn't allow.

More specifically - Argentina could increase exports because they could increase agriculture, for example. Or increase production of raw materials. It is a large-ish country with still mineral wealth to be exploited.

Greece's agricultural production pretty much, as our feline-o-phile pointed out - was based around such staples as olive oil. They pretty much exploited their countryside thousands of years ago, and like the rest of the world increased their output post-industrial revolution with the green revolution, etc.

Now, Greece's ability to increase food production is much more limited than Argentina, same with minerals. As for increasing manufacturing - yes, Greece can do that but they would need foreign investment and who in their right mind would set up a factory in Greece these days?

Which brings us around to asking what Greece's assets (or potential assets) are that can be expanded or further exploited in order to either gain currency or attract foreign investment. A piratical rampage across the Med could be in the offing here.

512 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:44:38pm

re: #493 darthstar

There are fewer nuts at Peanut Farm.

513 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:44:59pm

re: #505 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

Yes, because Germany's interest is in keeping the Greece solvent Germany has so far gone along with rescue plans.

Now, the issue to which I linked initially is the blowback among the working stiffs, in both Germany and Greece. If everyday Germans don't want to vacation in Germany out of fear, and the Greeks then become more distrustful of Germans (and other Europeans as well)... then this feedback continues into even darker places, I fear.

514 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:50:30pm

Germany should pay for me to take a vacation in Greece. Win-win-win!

515 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:52:13pm

re: #513 freetoken

Yes, because Germany's interest is in keeping the Greece solvent Germany has so far gone along with rescue plans.

Now, the issue to which I linked initially is the blowback among the working stiffs, in both Germany and Greece. If everyday Germans don't want to vacation in Germany out of fear, and the Greeks then become more distrustful of Germans (and other Europeans as well)... then this feedback continues into even darker places, I fear.

I think pencil help is needed. I don't think Germans are afraid of vacationing in Germany.

516 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:52:44pm

re: #513 freetoken

Merkel cares about the solvency of Greece to the point where it doesn't look like they care about the Greek People literally dumpster diving for food. When I wanted punishment for Bosnia earlier, I didn't even want stuff like this. This is absolutely horrifying. And this is what flipped me the other way.

I will note though, Spain has higher unemployment than Greece. Greece is at 21.7%, Spain is at 24.1%.

517 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:53:00pm

Arizona's Attorney General got embarassed so bad, he had to issue a non-apology apology.

Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Apologizes To Arizona

You can't trust people who wear suits that ugly, I say.

518 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:53:15pm

In the latest NBC/Murdoch-land poll, this response stands out to me:

Do you believe that it is more important to have––a president who stands up for his convictions, OR a
president who seeks common ground? (IF "BOTH," ASK:) Well, between the two, which do you think is
MORE important?

...............................5/12 6/07
Stands up for convictions ...... 56 46
Seeks common ground ............ 38 43
Depends (VOL) ................... 3 8
Not sure ........................ 3 3

Over the last 5 years it appears as if we have collectively become less interested in working together.

519 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:53:37pm

re: #517 Be Zorch, Daddio

Arizona's Attorney General got embarassed so bad, he had to issue a non-apology apology.

Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Apologizes To Arizona

You can't trust people who wear suits that ugly, I say.

I think he still needs to find out whether Romney is a unicorn.

520 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:53:52pm

re: #515 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Don't be so sure. For a similar example, I as an American would not want to vacation in Arizona.

///

521 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:53:57pm

re: #515 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

I think pencil help is needed. I don't think Germans are afraid of vacationing in Germany.

hey ,,, I grew up in Massachusetts and there are many places there I'd be afraid of as a vacation spot!!!

522 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:54:04pm

re: #517 Be Zorch, Daddio

Arizona's Attorney General got embarassed so bad, he had to issue a non-apology apology.

Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Apologizes To Arizona

You can't trust people who wear suits that ugly, I say.

Nice 1900s haircut.

523 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:55:18pm

re: #521 sattv4u2

hey ,,, I grew up in Massachusetts and there are many places there I'd be afraid of as a vacation spot!!!

Yea, look at the welcome that English tour package got in Lexington and Concord!

524 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:55:38pm

re: #518 freetoken

In the latest NBC/Murdoch-land poll, this response stands out to me:

Over the last 25 years it appears as if we have collectively become less interested in working together.

ftfy

525 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:55:47pm
526 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:56:15pm

re: #518 freetoken

In the latest NBC/Murdoch-land poll, this response stands out to me:

Over the last 5 years it appears as if we have collectively become less interested in working together.

And that's just inter-party.

527 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:56:49pm

re: #515 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

The link I posted earlier states:

The Germans need encouragement. Revenue from German tourists declined 61 percent to 10.3 million euros in February, the most recent month for which there is data available, while there were 12.7 percent fewer arrivals from Europe’s biggest economy compared with the previous year, the Bank of Greece (TELL) said April 25.

528 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 4:57:12pm

re: #525 darthstar

Well, it looks like the last of the Dixiecrats are out of our party at least.

529 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:00:55pm

re: #527 freetoken

Yes. But shouldn't
"Now, the issue to which I linked initially is the blowback among the working stiffs, in both Germany and Greece. If everyday Germans don't want to vacation in Germany out of fear,"

really be

"Now, the issue to which I linked initially is the blowback among the working stiffs, in both Germany and Greece. If everyday Germans don't want to vacation in Greece Germany out of fear,"

That's was what I was remarking on.

530 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:03:17pm
531 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:03:33pm

re: #522 Gus

Nice 1900s haircut.

Now he just needs a waxed curly-que mustache, like Snidely Whiplash...

532 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:05:14pm

Another choice question from that survey:

Q20 When it comes to the idea of having (READ ITEM) as president, is this something that raises concern for
you and your family personally, something that raises concern for people in your neighborhood or who you
work with, or something that does not raise any concerns with anyone you know?

Total
Raises
Concerns
[/]
Raises concerns for
me and my family [/]
Raises concerns for
neighbors/co-workers [/]
Does not raise
concerns [/]
Not
Sure

A person who is gay ... ... ... 41 24 16 56 3
A Mormon ... ... ... ... ... ... 27 16 11 71 2
A Hispanic . ... ... ... ... ... 16 6 10 82 2
A woman ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 6 8 85 1
An African American ... ... ... 12 3 9 87 1

533 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:07:00pm

re: #529 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Thanks for catching that... I haz typd tu fast.

534 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:07:06pm

re: #405 Gus

Tearjerker:

Photos of a Clandestine Gay Rights Rally in Tehran

God, that takes guts.

535 darthstar  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:07:06pm

re: #532 freetoken

Another choice question from that survey:

Let's get marriage equality passed first...can't have a single person running for president, after all.

536 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:08:30pm

re: #418 NJDhockeyfan

They would be easier to laugh at if they didn't have a collection of nukes.

That, and, you know, everything else.

North Korea is occasionally entertaining, but only when you forget what's going on in there.

537 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:08:43pm

re: #535 darthstar

Which is odd, because we have had single presidents.

538 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:10:20pm

re: #444 freetoken

The Iowa GOP would not approve:

Deportation threat lifted for lesbian Vt. couple

In case anyone was wondering why civil unions recognized by the states are not good enough, BTW, this is one clobberingly large reason why.

539 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:10:58pm

re: #534 SanFranciscoZionist

God, that takes guts.

...yearning to be free.

540 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:14:45pm

re: #520 ProGunLiberal

Don't be so sure. For a similar example, I as an American would not want to vacation in Arizona.

///

I HAVE vacationed in Arizona.

It's...very cold late at night in early spring....

541 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:14:57pm

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips.

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

-- Emma Lazarus, 1883

542 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:15:43pm

re: #540 SanFranciscoZionist

I HAVE vacationed in Arizona.

It's...very cold late at night in early spring...

You were supposed to wear SOME clothes!

543 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:19:27pm

Heh, another Republican following Steve King's survival of the fittest meme:

Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf, henceforth known as Missouri's resident idiot, spent eight hours filibustering the PDMP bill, ending with this brilliant justification for not protecting patients with a PDMP: "If they overdose and kill themselves, it just removes them from the gene pool."

It makes it hard to understand why these conservative Republicans don't embrace Darwin.

544 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:20:49pm

re: #534 SanFranciscoZionist

God, that takes guts.

To paraphrase Kipling, they're better men than I...

545 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:21:29pm

re: #542 sattv4u2

You were supposed to wear SOME clothes!

My husband almost froze to death. I have been leery of Arizona ever since.

(Of course, if he and his BFF weren't such straight boys, it wouldn't have happened. Why didn't you crawl under your limited bedding together, I asked. Wouldn't sharing body heat have been a good idea, I asked. And they looked at me, baffled that I would consider there to be a viable alternative here besides freezing to death separately, with no doubt cast on their sexuality. Death before someone thinking you're gay, not that there's anything wrong with that.)

546 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:22:53pm

re: #543 freetoken

Heh, another Republican following Steve King's survival of the fittest meme:

It makes it hard to understand why these conservative Republicans don't embrace Darwin.

...

Senator Schaaf has been a family physician in northwest Missouri since 1985 and is Chairman of the Board of the Missouri Doctors Mutual Insurance Company (MoDocs), which he helped form in 2004 to provide medical liability insurance to Missouri doctors.

In addition to his legislative duties, Sen. Schaaf is a member of the St. Joseph Area Chambers of Commerce; past president of the Buchanan County Medical Society; the Missouri Pilots Association; councilor of the Missouri State Medical Association; and a board member of the Missouri State Medical Foundation. Senator Schaaf is also a devout Christian.

Born January 4, 1957 in St. Louis, Sen. Schaaf is a 1975 graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph. He went on to college and received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Missouri Western State College (now Missouri Western State University) in 1979, and earned his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1983. Senator Schaaf resides in St. Joseph with his wife, Deborah, and their two children: Robert and Renee.

547 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:26:03pm

re: #545 SanFranciscoZionist

My husband almost froze to death. I have been leery of Arizona ever since.

(Of course, if he and his BFF weren't such straight boys, it wouldn't have happened. Why didn't you crawl under your limited bedding together, I asked. Wouldn't sharing body heat have been a good idea, I asked. And they looked at me, baffled that I would consider there to be a viable alternative here besides freezing to death separately, with no doubt cast on their sexuality. Death before someone thinking you're gay, not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Hell ,,, I woulda been wearing the same underwear AT THE SAME TIME as my BFF as opposed to freezing

548 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:28:22pm

re: #547 sattv4u2

Hell ,,, I woulda been wearing the same underwear AT THE SAME TIME as my BFF as opposed to freezing

Yes, well, that's because you're SANE.

549 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:30:24pm

Looks like the Election in Benghazi went very well. Only issue was an average 20 minute delay to the start of voting from the expected time for SNAFUs. Considering this nation's history and the trauma last year, that is very good.

They are doin much better than Egypt. In addition, the MB got a much smaller percentage of the vote than in Egypt, around 33%.

550 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:31:13pm

re: #513 freetoken

Yes, because Germany's interest is in keeping the Greece solvent Germany has so far gone along with rescue plans.

Now, the issue to which I linked initially is the blowback among the working stiffs, in both Germany and Greece. If everyday Germans don't want to vacation in Germany out of fear, and the Greeks then become more distrustful of Germans (and other Europeans as well)... then this feedback continues into even darker places, I fear.

When people are starving, they get a little pissed

551 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:31:28pm

re: #547 sattv4u2

Hell ,,, I woulda been wearing the same underwear AT THE SAME TIME as my BFF as opposed to freezing

Just cause you're small enough to fit.

552 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:31:40pm

So whose stupid idea was this? Uncommitted?

553 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:32:27pm

re: #551 Ghost of Insanity

Just cause you're small enough to fit.

and ????

554 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:33:51pm

re: #552 Gus

Who is this Kaczynski fellow. He is of apparently Polish-Descent (based off of last name), but what else?

555 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:35:22pm

re: #545 SanFranciscoZionist

My husband almost froze to death. I have been leery of Arizona ever since.

(Of course, if he and his BFF weren't such straight boys, it wouldn't have happened. Why didn't you crawl under your limited bedding together, I asked. Wouldn't sharing body heat have been a good idea, I asked. And they looked at me, baffled that I would consider there to be a viable alternative here besides freezing to death separately, with no doubt cast on their sexuality. Death before someone thinking you're gay, not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Cold enough the bears turn white?

556 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:35:33pm

re: #553 sattv4u2

and ???

I hear you lose most of your heat from your head.

557 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:36:40pm

We have smoke above us from forest fires. It's more dramatic than the eclipse. I wish I had my camera here. The sun is a red disc. The smoke is swirling purple, red, orange and brown. To top it off, there are vultures soaring around up there.

558 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:36:43pm

re: #554 ProGunLiberal

Who is this Kaczynski fellow. He is of apparently Polish-Descent (based off of last name), but what else?

I can't seem to find a bio. He works for Buzzfeed.

559 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:36:45pm

re: #550 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

When people are starving, they get a little pissed

I just hope the GOP does not get to learn this lesson the hard way.

560 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:36:54pm

re: #556 Ghost of Insanity

I hear you lose most of your heat from your head.

and !!?!?!?!?

561 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:37:20pm

re: #550 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

When people are starving, they get a little pissed

If only Germans had some historical reference they could draw on to see what can happen when a country is driven to poverty by severe financial obligations imposed on it by other countries.

562 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:38:07pm

re: #560 sattv4u2

and !!?!?!?!?

Then you lose your head and some Immortal collects your Quickening.

563 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:39:16pm

re: #562 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

Then you lose your head and some Immortal collects your Quickening.

Then it's their problem, not mine!
I won't miss it!

564 Only The Lurker Knows  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:39:18pm

Evening Lizards.

565 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:39:36pm

re: #554 ProGunLiberal

Who is this Kaczynski fellow. He is of apparently Polish-Descent (based off of last name), but what else?

He's a young guy who recently became somewhat famous for scouring YouTube for video of politicians saying things that embarrass them now. He got a job based on that.

566 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:40:57pm

re: #563 sattv4u2

Then it's their problem, not mine!
I won't miss it!

If you don't use a muscle it atrophies.

567 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:42:44pm

re: #561 Spongebath Squaredance

That's what makes this so epically stupid.

How can Merkel and co. not see it? Apparently the French do, if the election of Hollande is anything to go by.

568 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:43:40pm

re: #566 Ghost of Insanity

If you don't use a muscle it atrophies.

I like mine steamed with some drawn butter

Image: Mussels-.jpg

569 Dark_Falcon  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:44:29pm

re: #561 Spongebath Squaredance

If only Germans had some historical reference they could draw on to see what can happen when a country is driven to poverty by severe financial obligations imposed on it by other countries.

They do, but they don't see the situations as analogous, and in many ways they aren't. Germany in the early 1920's was not getting financial aid from the countries demanding money from it, which Greece is getting. Second, Germany is no occupying parts of Greece, as France did to Germany. Third and last is that frankly Germans still regard the Versailles diktat (to use their word for it) as unfair in a way their demanding austerity from Greece is not. That last may not be true, but its how they see it.

570 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:44:57pm

re: #561 Spongebath Squaredance

If only Germans had some historical reference they could draw on to see what can happen when a country is driven to poverty by severe financial obligations imposed on it by other countries.

---


Why funny you say that because IT'S ALREADY HAPPENING

twenty-one members of Golden Dawn were sworn into Greece's Parliament on Thursday, making it arguably the most far-right party to enter a European national legislature since Nazi-era Germany.

Europe's financial crisis is changing the tone across the continent, with frustrated voters turning to extremists on both the right and left. None seem as extreme as Golden Dawn, whose leaders claim that the Nazis did not use gas chambers to kill death camp inmates during the Holocaust. The party — which won 7 percent of the vote in a May 6 election — says it wants to rid Greece of immigrants and plant landmines along the border with Turkey.

yeah! YEAH!

571 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:45:01pm

The Capitalism God requires more sacrifices?

Gingrich's private ventures are going bankrupt

572 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:45:44pm

re: #568 sattv4u2

I like mine steamed with some drawn butter

Image: Mussels-.jpg

You always have to one-up me don't you.

573 wrenchwench  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:46:53pm
Is smoke bad for me?
Yes. It’s a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. If you are healthy, you usually are not at a major risk from smoke. But there are people who are at risk, including people with heart or lung diseases, such as congestive heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma. Children and the elderly also are more susceptible.

Fortunately, the smoke is way up in the sky, not down here at lung level. Safe for me to walk home.

574 sattv4u2  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:47:15pm

re: #572 Ghost of Insanity

You always have to one-up me don't you.

I don't have too.

Image: OneUp_logo%283%29.jpg

575 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:47:16pm

re: #571 freetoken

The Capitalism God requires more sacrifices?

Gingrich's private ventures are going bankrupt

That photo makes Gingrich look as evil as he actually is

576 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:48:21pm

re: #571 freetoken

The Capitalism God requires more sacrifices?

Gingrich's private ventures are going bankrupt

Gee, wonder if Newt the GOP Candidate had anything to do with it.

"Opened in 2003, the center pulled in $59 million over nine years from more than 300 companies, some of which paid as much as $200,000 in dues. Among its activities, the center and Gingrich helped push a mandate requiring everyone to carry health insurance. At the time, the position was beneficial to the center's healthcare industry members, but Gingrich later repudiated it as a candidate."

577 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:48:43pm

Quick, somebody warn Alex Jones:


Special ops practice for RNC in Tampa

578 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:48:49pm

re: #571 freetoken

The Capitalism God requires more sacrifices?

Gingrich's private ventures are going bankrupt

Do the sacrifices work if you throw the virgin into a volcano in a national park, or does it have to be privately owned?

579 Dark_Falcon  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:49:22pm

re: #570 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

---

Why funny you say that because IT'S ALREADY HAPPENING

yeah! YEAH!

Deny Holocaust: Check.
Advocate Ethnic Cleansing: Check.
Plan to violate your nation's treaty obligations: Check.
Be utterly economically illiterate: Check.

Yes indeed, Golden Dawn is the perfect party for a 5th rate shithole of a country. Those who vote for it are voting to turn Greece into such a shithole.

580 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:49:44pm

re: #575 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]

That photo makes Gingrich look as evil as he actually is

Needs more jaundice.

581 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:49:47pm

re: #578 Spongebath Squaredance

Do the sacrifices work if you throw the virgin into a volcano in a national park, or does it have to be privately owned?

The virgin can be privately owned, but public virgins are allowed also.

582 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:50:52pm

re: #581 freetoken

The virgin can be privately owned, but public virgins are allowed also.

Just make sure that Bain hasn't already bought the volcano and stripped it's magma fund in order to pay toe consultant fees.

583 William Barnett-Lewis  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:51:20pm

re: #569 Dark_Falcon

They do, but they don't see the situations as analogous, and in many ways they aren't. Germany in the early 1920's was not getting financial aid from the countries demanding money from it, which Greece is getting. Second, Germany is no occupying parts of Greece, as France did to Germany. Third and last is that frankly Germans still regard the Versailles diktat (to use their word for it) as unfair in a way their demanding austerity from Greece is not. That last may not be true, but its how they see it.

Actually, DF, the Germans received significant amounts of loans and financial aid from, especially, the US but also Great Britain during that period, all of it predicated on them maintaining their payments. The Versailles diktat is very similar to the conditions being placed on Greece. See
"The Wages of Destruction" and "The Lords of Finance" for more on the economic backdrop to the beginning of the second part of the 20th Century War.

Frankly though, the Olympics need to be stopped. The only ones that aren't financially harmed by the games are the bribe takers at the IOC. The Games are a huge chunk of Greece's current problems. Pity we can't stick the bills with the IOC crooks.

584 Dark_Falcon  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:51:47pm

re: #577 freetoken

Quick, somebody warn Alex Jones:

Special ops practice for RNC in Tampa

Great stuff! A Chinook in flight is a sight to behold. I got to see one in the air above Chicago last week.

585 Dark_Falcon  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:53:39pm

re: #578 Spongebath Squaredance

Do the sacrifices work if you throw the virgin into a volcano in a national park, or does it have to be privately owned?

They don't throw in virgins anymore, they throw in 'sluts', but only after Rush Limbaugh shames them.

/spits at Limbaugh

586 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:55:20pm

Getting lots of play on the internet today:

The changing complexity of congressional speech

Congress now speaks at almost a full grade level lower than it did just seven years ago, with the most conservative members of Congress speaking on average at the lowest grade level, according to a new Sunlight Foundation analysis of the Congressional Record using Capitol Words.

Of course, what some might interpret as a dumbing down of Congress, others will see as more effective communications. And lawmakers of both parties still speak above the heads of the average American, who reads at between an 8th and 9th grade level.

Today’s Congress speaks at about a 10.6 grade level, down from 11.5 in 2005. By comparison, the U.S. Constitution is written at a 17.8 grade level, the Federalist Papers at a 17.1 grade level, and the Declaration of Independence at a 15.1 grade level. The Gettysburg Address comes in at an 11.2 grade level and Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is at a 9.4 grade level. Most major newspapers are written at between an 11th and 14th grade level. (You can find more comparisons here)

[...]

I especially like this title:


Speech by members of Congress drops a grade level due to conservatives and new members, according to study

587 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:56:13pm

re: #586 freetoken

We could call it the Jim-Hoftization of American politics.

588 Gus  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:58:36pm

re: #577 freetoken

Quick, somebody warn Alex Jones:

Special ops practice for RNC in Tampa

Marshall law iz comin' to Tampas!!!!

//

589 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 5:59:57pm

re: #583 William Barnett-Lewis

I like the concept of the Olympics.

But something went awry along the way.

590 dragonfire1981  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:00:43pm

Cue the "eating their own" comments from wingnuts:

Black Pastors scold NAACP for support of gay marriage

The article says the group of black Pastors supports equal civil rights for all Americans but still doesn't think gays should be allowed to marry.

591 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:01:34pm

Serious question:

What would we do for entertainment if the current crop of GOP didn't exist?

592 freetoken  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:02:37pm

re: #591 Ghost of Insanity

Serious question:

What would we do for entertainment if the current crop of GOP didn't exist?

Well, the DWTS final is tonight...

593 Obdicut  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:03:09pm

re: #579 Dark_Falcon

Yes indeed, Golden Dawn is the perfect party for a 5th rate shithole of a country. Those who vote for it are voting to turn Greece into such a shithole.

And how do you feel about the GOP's platform in Iowa, and what it would do if enacted in Iowa?

594 Origuy  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:03:48pm

re: #457 freetoken

“They hold Germans responsible for all their misery,” said the 62-year-old from near Stuttgart. “You want to go on holiday to have a comfortable break, not to be lynched.”

The German tourists should just put Austrian flags on their backpacks.

595 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:03:49pm

re: #592 freetoken

Well, the DWTS final is tonight...

That's what I mean.

596 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:05:37pm

re: #593 Obdicut

And how do you feel about the GOP's platform in Iowa, and what it would do if enacted in Iowa?

Trade Iowa for Greece.

597 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:06:47pm

re: #596 Ghost of Insanity

Trade Iowa for Greece.

Circe for Senate!
;)

598 Mich-again  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:07:59pm

The Iowa GOP platform included a couple lines about teaching creationism in the schools and about making sure there were ID books available for the students. Who could have seen that coming. Demanding that their kids remain as stupid and ignorant as mom and dad and grandpa before them.

599 dragonath  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:08:28pm

re: #588 Gus

I once came across a bootleg Marshall Arts movie...

600 Dark_Falcon  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:13:27pm

BBL

601 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:14:12pm

And for our musical interlude while the next thread is started.

602 live life like you have one  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:21:44pm

re: #588 Gus

RNC this time should be real entertaining. re: #584 Dark_Falcon

chinooks over chicago protecting us from terrorists

603 Sheila Broflovski  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:23:01pm

re: #594 Origuy

The German tourists should just put Austrian Canadian flags on their backpacks.

604 jamesfirecat  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:26:54pm

re: #591 Ghost of Insanity

Serious question:

What would we do for entertainment if the current crop of GOP didn't exist?

Make/look at more more "My little pony friendship is magic" image macros

605 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:31:59pm

re: #591 Ghost of Insanity

Serious question:

What would we do for entertainment if the current crop of GOP didn't exist?

We'd laugh at Europe and be glad that American politicians aren't the laughing stock of the world.

But instead, we're stuck going
Image: II0Xy.jpg

606 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:32:31pm

Going home has not helped my stress.

Big issue? My mom has decided I should reconcile with "Dad." After years of yelling, intimidation, tamper tantrums, and more than occasional hitting (which ended last year for some reason), I think that idea can go to hell. And that list is me exclusively.

Some things are not repairable.

607 ProGunLiberal  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:38:17pm

And I killed the thread.

608 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:47:06pm

re: #571 freetoken

The Capitalism God requires more sacrifices?

Gingrich's private ventures are going bankrupt

Schadenfreude is delicious!

609 jamesfirecat  Tue, May 22, 2012 6:51:04pm

re: #608 Gitarzan

Schadenfreude is delicious!

Straight "A" students getting "B"s!
Ex's getting STDS!

610 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Tue, May 22, 2012 7:04:23pm

re: #608 Gitarzan

Schadenfreude is delicious!

Schadenfreude ist die schönste Freude.

611 Decatur Deb  Tue, May 22, 2012 7:18:05pm

re: #545 SanFranciscoZionist

My husband almost froze to death. I have been leery of Arizona ever since.

(Of course, if he and his BFF weren't such straight boys, it wouldn't have happened. Why didn't you crawl under your limited bedding together, I asked. Wouldn't sharing body heat have been a good idea, I asked. And they looked at me, baffled that I would consider there to be a viable alternative here besides freezing to death separately, with no doubt cast on their sexuality. Death before someone thinking you're gay, not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Tell them US Special Forces says it's OK.

612 b_sharp  Tue, May 22, 2012 7:18:57pm

re: #611 Decatur Deb

Tell them US Special Forces says it's OK.

Just remember to keep your piece holstered.

613 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Wed, May 23, 2012 8:46:01am

oh man the GOP convention will be a hoot. And just think, they can all be armed too!


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