National Day of Wingnut Blogger Paranoia

Man, are they ever worked up about something
Wingnuts • Views: 26,226

Hey, everybody! Did you know the wingnut blogosphere is declaring today the National Day of Blogger Silence, for some weird paranoid reason that seems extremely important to them?

I totally support this Wingnut Blogger Day of Silence, and encourage them to work on extending the timeframe to, say, a month or so. A year would be even better.

Only thing, it doesn’t look like any of these bloggers are actually being, you know, silent. They’re all still posting away, hating on President Obama and ranting about #TwitterGulag like any other day.

They seem a bit unclear on the concept of “silence.”

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213 comments
1 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:45:36am

So...this is like the quiet game? The one that Moms start in the car at about four hours into a ten hours trip?

2 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:46:18am

Sounds like somebody mixed up their carrot and their stick.

3 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:46:25am

Barbra Streisand is behind it I tells ya!!11ty

4 Bulworth  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:50:57am
Only thing, it doesn’t look like any of these bloggers are actually being, you know, silent. They’re all still posting away, hating on President Obama and ranting about #TwitterGulag like any other day.

They seem a bit unclear on the concept of “silence.”

Well, in fairness, they only promised to be silent on their web blog thingies. The Twitter is a totally different thingy and they are being persecuted on it! //

5 Bulworth  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:52:30am
Hey, everybody! Did you know the wingnut blogosphere is declaring today the National Day of Blogger Silence, for some weird paranoid reason that seems extremely important to them?

I sincerely hope that every single individual member of Congress is sufficiently aroused and terrified regarding this blogging darkness that has descended on us all and will act quickly to, um, do something. Or not do something. //

6 Kronocide  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:53:40am

I never heard of Kimberlin until these morons started StrawMangling him. Still don't know what it's all about.

I sure as hell take anything they say about him with a dump truck full of salt.

7 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:56:11am

If someone is being blackmailed, that is wrong, and it is a crime, and should be turned over to the police.

Not that hard.

8 jaunte  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:57:41am

The Champions of Capitalism don't yet understand corporate terms of service agreements.

9 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:58:27am

Wow, and there's a new conspiracy theory about me, too!

I took a look at the #TwitterGulag thread for a quick hit of humor, and one of the crackheads from the stalker blog is now saying that I'm diabolically using my LGF Connect Twitter app to hijack people's accounts for my sinister scheme to silence conservatives, by using their linked Twitter accounts to "block and report" innocent, childlike wingnuts who do nothing wrong.

Man, I am so very evil. Sometimes I scare myself.

10 Kragar  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 9:59:36am

They're silent like Steve Buscemi was in Fargo.

11 Kragar  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:00:14am

re: #9 Charles Johnson

Wow, and there's a new conspiracy theory about me, too!

I took a look at the #TwitterGulag thread for a quick hit of humor, and one of the crackheads from the stalker blog is now saying that I'm diabolically using my LGF Connect Twitter app to hijack people's accounts for my sinister scheme to silence conservatives, by using their linked Twitter accounts to "block and report" innocent, childlike wingnuts who do nothing wrong.

Man, I am so very evil. Sometimes I scare myself.

Don't forget irrelevant.

Evil and irrelevant.

12 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:00:17am

re: #6 Kronocide

I never heard of Kimberlin until these morons started StrawMangling him. Still don't know what it's all about.

I sure as hell take anything they say about him with a dump truck full of salt.

I poked around a bit on the Kimberlin stuff a while back. He and his associates are seriously deranged and have a very disturbing violent criminal past. Much of the harassment does appear to be related to bloggers who have upset him and his associates. I do hope that law enforcement follows through on this. Intimidation and threats of violence against political opponents should not be tolerated.

13 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:02:22am

re: #12 Killgore Trout

Sorry, but I just don't believe most of what they're saying about this case. These people shot their credibility to hell a long time ago, and it's a real mistake to take anything they say at face value.

14 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:05:13am

What does it take to get two days of silence?

15 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:05:47am

Here's a more balanced take on the Brett Kimberlin saga than you're going to get from the wingnut crazies:

[Link: legalschnauzer.blogspot.ca...]

16 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:06:43am

re: #13 Charles Johnson

Sorry, but I just don't believe most of what they're saying about this case. These people shot their credibility to hell a long time ago, and it's a real mistake to take anything they say at face value.

Kimberlin's past (and the other guys whose names I forget) is easily available from reliable sources and court documents. A simple google search turns up some really disturbing stuff. The "Swatting" stuff appears to be related but there doesn't seem to be a way for law enforcement to trace it.
Either way, Kimberlin isn't essential to my politics and he seems like a real creep. Fuck him.

17 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:07:04am

And you'll have to excuse me if I completely lack sympathy for the wingnuts in their paranoid war on Brett Kimberlin, after a lot of them did their best to tie me to him despite the fact that I never even heard of the guy until they all started freaking out in unison.

18 Kronocide  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:07:07am

re: #13 Charles Johnson

Sorry, but I just don't believe most of what they're saying about this case. These people shot their credibility to hell a long time ago, and it's a real mistake to take anything they say at face value.

It's very hard to find real facts in this 'story.' I gave up because Brett Kimberlin really is irrelevant.

20 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:15:42am

re: #16 Killgore Trout

Did I miss something, or did any of the wingnuts claiming they were "swatted" actually show any proof that it really happened? Because when I read the blogs claiming this, all I saw were their claims. No photos, no video, no links to articles corroborating what they say.

It may have happened, but if you take their word for it without proof, you're being played for a fool.

21 NJDhockeyfan  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:16:39am

re: #16 Killgore Trout

Kimberlin's past (and the other guys whose names I forget) is easily available from reliable sources and court documents. A simple google search turns up some really disturbing stuff. The "Swatting" stuff appears to be related but there doesn't seem to be a way for law enforcement to trace it.
Either way, Kimberlin isn't essential to my politics and he seems like a real creep. Fuck him.

I never heard of him until a few minutes ago. I just checked Wiki and he seems to have a past of serving time for violent acts including something called the “Speedway Bomber”. I never heard of that either. I agree, he seems to be a real creep.

22 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:21:10am

re: #20 Charles Johnson

Did I miss something, or did any of the wingnuts claiming they were "swatted" actually show any proof that it really happened? Because when I read the blogs claiming this, all I saw were their claims. No photos, no video, no links to articles corroborating what they say.

It may have happened, but if you take their word for it without proof, you're being played for a fool.

I commented a question on this earlier in the week.
I think if a legit reporter went to the Police agency, SWAT deployments are public information. Dates, times places. I don't have the credentials to get after any of that. But if anyone does, that's the way to go.

Re your #17 above-AFAIK, If false excellent. If true, it's an extremely dangerous tactic. It really does endanger the police and whoever gets raided. SWAT cops get hurt too often.

23 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:21:38am

Also, I've seen absolutely no proof that Kimberlin is responsible for the "swatting," even if it really happened. Just a lot of paranoid assumptions.

24 allegro  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:23:42am

re: #20 Charles Johnson

Did I miss something, or did any of the wingnuts claiming they were "swatted" actually show any proof that it really happened? Because when I read the blogs claiming this, all I saw were their claims. No photos, no video, no links to articles corroborating what they say.

It may have happened, but if you take their word for it without proof, you're being played for a fool.

Jeez, anyone who claims to have been twitter gulaged will claim anything. Victimization fantasies much?

25 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:27:02am

re: #10 Kragar

They're silent like Steve Buscemi was in Fargo.

Before or after the close-up examination of the wood chipper?

26 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:29:21am

If someone makes a claim, I expect proof.
If a wingnut makes a claim, I expect superduperspcial proof because, they lie like dogs.

27 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:30:34am

re: #20 Charles Johnson

Which is why I'm supportive of Saxby Chambliss' attempts to look into it. If the wingnuts are lying then they can be sued for libel. Nobody deserves to be harassed for expressing their political views online. It should be investigated.

28 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:32:13am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Which is why I'm supportive of Saxby Chambliss' attempts to look into it. If the wingnuts are lying then they can be sued for libel. Nobody deserves to be harassed for expressing their political views online. It should be investigated.

Yes. I'm sure that Saxby Chambliss would get to the bottom of this.

29 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:34:20am

re: #23 Charles Johnson

Also, I've seen absolutely no proof that Kimberlin is responsible for the "swatting," even if it really happened. Just a lot of paranoid assumptions.

There are recordings of the 911 calls

30 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:35:17am

Charles, to the topic at hand, of course wingnuts don't understand the concept of silence. They are always the first to break a new nontroversy, and the first to hype it to obscene proportions. Strangely enough, the only time they are silent is when the nontroversy of the day is exposed as, well, a nontroversy.

31 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:35:39am

re: #29 Killgore Trout

There are recordings of the 911 calls

Sorry that was not meant as proof that Kimberlin was responsible but it does appear that the fake calls did happen.

32 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:37:34am

Blogger Patterico Is Swatted -- July 1, 2011.mp4

Youtube Video
33 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:38:15am

re: #28 Gus

Yes. I'm sure that Saxby Chambliss would get to the bottom of this.

They only time Saxby Chambliss ever gets to the bottom of anything is when he re-inserts his head into his rectum.

34 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:39:40am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Which is why I'm supportive of Saxby Chambliss' attempts to look into it. If the wingnuts are lying then they can be sued for libel. Nobody deserves to be harassed for expressing their political views online. It should be investigated.

That's what the justice system is for.
Leave the partisans out of it.

35 NJDhockeyfan  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:40:17am

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Which is why I'm supportive of Saxby Chambliss' attempts to look into it. If the wingnuts are lying then they can be sued for libel. Nobody deserves to be harassed for expressing their political views online. It should be investigated.

Here is Sen. Chambliss's letter to Attorney General Holder.

36 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:40:57am

re: #32 Killgore Trout

This is not very helpful for proof. I could gin this up myself with free video software.

37 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:41:49am

The local authorities are investigating this, yes?
No need for congress.
Sheesh.

38 iossarian  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:43:29am

re: #37 Varek Raith

The local authorities are investigating this, yes?
No need for congress.
Sheesh.

What was that about small, local government being the best kind, again?

39 iossarian  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:47:25am

This is just yet another example of right-wing projection on the usual massive scale.

The facts of the story are that a right-wing blogger got into a tiff with a left-wing shady type*, and from this minor event a full-court press ensues on the national scene, calling for the prosecution of all and sundry who voice opposition to right-wing causes.

It simultaneously manages to be worrying and pathetic, which when you think about it is quite the achievement.

* Note that in the only actual outcome of this case so far it is the right-wing blogger who is apparently found to be at fault.

40 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:48:58am

re: #31 Killgore Trout

A recording of a phone call is not proof that a "swatting" took place. It's a recording of a phone call.

41 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:49:23am

re: #37 Varek Raith

The local authorities are investigating this, yes?
No need for congress.
Sheesh.

Seriously. How pathetic can this be. Now the wingnuts want to drag Eric Holder into this. The DOJ is busy with a lot of other serious matters much greater than this alleged swatting which is subject to investigation by the FBI. In fact the FBI tells people to contact them if they believe they were victims of swatting. This whole thing is starting to smell like yet another orchestrated right wing controversy designed to implicate Holder, Obama and Democrats. The wingnuts are trying to turn this into a national catastrophe of epic proportions.

42 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:49:59am

re: #36 Daniel Ballard

This is not very helpful for proof. I could gin this up myself with free video software.

It might be fake but it does seem to be a real 911 call recorded by the operator at the call center.

43 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:50:07am

re: #41 Gus

Seriously. How pathetic can this be. Now the wingnuts want to drag Eric Holder into this. The DOJ is busy with a lot of other serious matters much greater than this alleged swatting which is subject to investigation by the FBI. In fact the FBI tells people to contact them if they believe they were victims of swatting. This whole thing is starting to smell like yet another orchestrated right wing controversy designed to implicate Holder, Obama and Democrats. The wingnuts are trying to turn this into a national catastrophe of epic proportions.

SOLYNDRA!1!

44 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:50:15am

And Patterico is one of the most deranged, dishonest right wing bloggers, as you really should know, Killgore, since he's been smearing YOU for years.

45 iossarian  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:50:58am

re: #42 Killgore Trout

It might be fake but it does seem to be a real 911 call recorded by the operator at the call center.

Is it more, or less, convincing than the kind of evidence routinely fabricated by right-wing "investigative journalists"?

46 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:51:16am

re: #37 Varek Raith

The local authorities are investigating this, yes?
No need for congress.
Sheesh.

The problem is the calls come from internet proxies. Local authorities can't trace them.

47 iossarian  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:52:15am

re: #46 Killgore Trout

The problem is the calls come from internet proxies. Local authorities can't trace them.

Ah - a problem beyond the reach of small, local government.

Can't be all that serious then.

48 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:53:11am

re: #44 Charles Johnson

And Patterico is one of the most deranged, dishonest right wing bloggers, as you really should know, Killgore, since he's been smearing YOU for years.

I'm sure I've said some nasty stuff about him too. I still support his right to say whatever he wants and I don;t support efforts to stalk or intimidate him. Especially when the techniques allegedly being used are illegal and potentially dangerous.

49 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:53:20am

re: #46 Killgore Trout

Is that really doable? Like with skype or magic jack?

50 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:54:42am

re: #46 Killgore Trout

The problem is the calls come from internet proxies. Local authorities can't trace them.

Then you report it to the FBI to handle.
Congressional and/DoJ action is not required.

51 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:54:44am

re: #46 Killgore Trout

The problem is the calls come from internet proxies. Local authorities can't trace them.

And again, the only source for this claim are the wingnut bloggers making the claim.

52 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:54:53am

re: #48 Killgore Trout

I'm sure I've said some nasty stuff about him too. I still support his right to say whatever he wants and I don;t support efforts to stalk or intimidate him. Especially when the techniques allegedly being used are illegal and potentially dangerous.

I think Charles's point was more that it wouldn't be below Patterico's modus operandi to fake being "swatted" to gain sympathy or some such.

53 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:55:00am

re: #47 iossarian

Local police like in major cities can't get some IT help? It takes a fed to do that? I don't think so.

54 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:55:02am

re: #49 Daniel Ballard

Is that really doable? Like with skype or magic jack?

Yeah, I've seen skype mentioned. It seems the technique has been around for a while but I only heard of it recently. It doesn't sound like it's too difficult to pull off.

55 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:55:39am

Hey all,

Was just in the car listening to NPR, On Point. They are discussing TXTing while driving. A caller said his daughter was convicted of DWI because of TXTing while driving. In his state, can't remember--somewhere in the South, the law was written in such a way that the judge decided to interpret it to include TXTing.

HA!

How are you-all this afternoon?

56 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:56:34am

re: #54 Killgore Trout

Why are you taking wingnut claims at face value?

57 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:57:15am

re: #56 Varek Raith

Why are you taking wingnut claims at face value?

Because Wingnuts can't think on multiple levels?

58 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:57:26am

re: #55 ggt

Hey all,

Was just in the car listening to NPR, On Point. They are discussing TXTing while driving. A caller said his daughter was convicted of DWI because of TXTing while driving. In his state, can't remember--somewhere in the South, the law was written in such a way that the judge decided to interpret it to include TXTing.

HA!

How are you-all this afternoon?

Ouch.

As for today, I'm good. Got new windows!

59 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:58:18am

re: #58 Varek Raith

Ouch.

As for today, I'm good. Got new windows!

The undead need windows? Anyway, congrats.

Can you, or anyone, tell me why people can't get a bluetooth and use it while driving?

60 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:58:54am

re: #59 ggt

The undead need windows? Anyway, congrats.

Can you, or anyone, tell me why people can't get a bluetooth and use it while driving?

The conversation itself is just as distracting as pushing buttons.

61 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 10:59:51am

re: #53 Daniel Ballard

Local police like in major cities can't get some IT help? It takes a fed to do that? I don't think so.

I'm not sure if they lack the technology or they lack the legal tools. I don't know enough about it.

62 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:00:38am

re: #60 Varek Raith

The conversation itself is just as distracting as pushing buttons.

Honestly, in Chicago you can't drive on the Toll Road (well, I guess all of Illinois) without a headset. My husband, being in sales, had a car phone attached to the car and a mike wired to the viser in the early 90's. As soon as we could use head-sets, earbuds, or blue tooth we have been. NO problem.

It's no different that talking to a passenger.

63 Interesting Times  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:01:58am

re: #60 Varek Raith

The conversation itself is just as distracting as pushing buttons.

And if anyone is tempted to compare this to conversations with (non-children or animal) passengers, the difference is that someone IN the car WITH you can more or less see what you see ("oh shit, look out!") A disembodied voice via bluetooth is no such help.

64 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:02:08am

re: #56 Varek Raith

Why are you taking wingnut claims at face value?

It's not a wingnut claim. Google around about how swatting works and there's plenty of information
SWATTER” SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

Martinez and others made phone calls to 911 while spoofing the caller I.D. of someone for the purpose of harassment, intimidation or extortion. “Spoofing” refers to the modification of caller I.D. information to conceal the true identity of a caller. Calls to 911 were made with spoofed caller I.D. information by using commercial spoof cards and other means to convince first responders that the emergency call was really coming from the victim’s residence.

65 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:02:37am

re: #48 Killgore Trout

I'm sure I've said some nasty stuff about him too...

Awe. That's so cute. I feel all warm and fuzzy right now.

//

66 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:03:53am

Speaking of Warm and Fuzzy

67 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:03:55am

re: #61 Killgore Trout

My point is anyone (even local governments) can hire IT expertise. Skype gives up an IP. IP's can be ghosted, but that's another level of skills. I just don't see this as iossarian seems to.

68 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:04:56am

re: #64 Killgore Trout

It's not a wingnut claim. Google around about how swatting works and there's plenty of information

I don't think anyone's denying that swatting is real, only that it's been done to high-profile wingnut bloggers. It's hard to take claims seriously when it comes from serial liars, exaggerators, and otherwise hysterical and over-dramatic individuals.

69 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:06:21am

re: #67 Daniel Ballard

My point is anyone (even local governments) can hire IT expertise. Skype gives up an IP. IP's can be ghosted, but that's another level of skills. I just don't see this as iossarian seems to.

It's trivial to anonymize an IP connection. Killgore's scenario is plausible, albeit a bit of a stretch. I was pretty sure Skype did not permit emergency calls to be made; I will have to double-check that.

70 GunstarGreen  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:06:45am

Oh hey, what do you know, getting Congress involved in a matter that is and should be the exclusive province of law enforcement.

The party of Small Gub'Mint™, folks!

71 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:07:26am

Skype does NOT allow 911 calls, by the way.

72 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:08:35am

re: #69 thedopefishlives

In fact, Skype forbids calls to 911 in the United States. However, it would be trivial to find the full phone number of the call center that handles emergency calls, and Skype that number. I know it seems like I'm giving the claims the benefit of the doubt, but I'm just trying to point out the possibilities. I highly doubt that such a thing took place.

73 NJDhockeyfan  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:08:46am

re: #67 Daniel Ballard

My point is anyone (even local governments) can hire IT expertise. Skype gives up an IP. IP's can be ghosted, but that's another level of skills. I just don't see this as iossarian seems to.

Someone used Skype to make bomb threats against a school in Texas. They think it came from overseas.

'Swatting' believed to be behind Angleton High bomb threat
Bomb threat may have originated overseas

74 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:09:20am

re: #71 Charles Johnson

Skype does NOT allow 911 calls, by the way.

Magic Jack does.

[Link: voip2u.org...]

I suppose that would do it.

75 iossarian  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:10:04am

re: #67 Daniel Ballard

My point is anyone (even local governments) can hire IT expertise. Skype gives up an IP. IP's can be ghosted, but that's another level of skills. I just don't see this as iossarian seems to.

I wasn't really commenting on whether the problem is or isn't solvable by local law enforcement, the FBI, Cagney and Lacy or anyone else. I was merely pointing out the hypocrisy of the "party of small government" escalating these fairly trivial matters to the level of ZOMG NATIONAL SECURITY GET CONGRESS INVOLVED.

76 NJDhockeyfan  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:13:18am

Palm City, Fla is having a Swatting problem too.

PALM CITY, Fla. -- Imagine waking up to pounding at your front door. It's the police and they're there to investigate reports of violent crime in your home. But here's the thing, it's all bogus and you and the police are baffled.

Palm City resident: Something really bad could happen if the police misunderstand.

Armed deputies dispatched more than once to a quiet Palm City street. Confused families living on SW Long Bay Drive woke up this weekend to serious questions from authorities.

Palm City resident: It was just freaky. I was in a deep, deep sleep because I had been up late the night before.

One man and his family got their visit around 5:30 Saturday morning.

Palm City resident: It was quite a good knock.

The deputy at the door told them someone had called 911 using the AT&T relay service to report heinous crimes. The relay program was designed to help make calls for people who can't speak. But neighbors say the suspect is using it to terrorize these families.

Palm City resident: There was a call from someone within our home. Something very bad was happening, that someone was being held hostage and they were being raped.

The relay operator also told 911 that "the intruder was demanding ten million dollars, or would kill the family." Thankfully none of it was true.

SWAT teams train for these kinds of calls, but hope they'll never have to use these skills. It's dangerous work.

77 GunstarGreen  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:13:35am

re: #75 iossarian

See, the problem is that, like so many people understandably do, you confuse "small government" with "Small Gub'Mint™".

Embracing "small government" is embracing a government that interferes in the lives of its citizenry as little as possible. There are no major political parties in the United States that support this.

Embracing "Small Gub'Mint™" is embracing a government that does what you want it to do and absolutely nothing else, regardless of the actual size required to do what it is that you want it to do. This is the GOP platform.

78 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:13:43am

re: #74 Daniel Ballard

Magic Jack does.

[Link: voip2u.org...]

I suppose that would do it.

It seems a variety of techniques and services are used. These casess are solvable but it looks like the investigations take time.
Teen gets three years in SWAT prank

Ellis was arrested last year after hacking into a telephone network and impersonating a caller from a Lake Forest home, saying that he had killed someone in the house and was threatening to shoot others. The technique in which a prank call is made to 911 dispatchers is known among hackers as "SWATting."
...
Authorities spent more than six months tracking down Ellis.

79 dragonfire1981  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:13:52am

You know if I were President Obama, I might just decide to test this "day of silence" thing by way of putting out a bogus press release saying I was, in fact, born in Kenya and see if they could resist reporting on it.

The release would look perfectly legitimate, until you got to the final lines of it (in slightly smaller font than the rest) which would say the whole thing is fake and a joke.

80 dragonfire1981  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:14:34am

Also, OT but talk about (bad) luck of the draw:

Man receives harassment, death threats after being given Zimmerman's old cell phone number

81 allegro  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:14:54am

re: #74 Daniel Ballard

Magic Jack does.

[Link: voip2u.org...]

I suppose that would do it.

Wouldn't the 911 call centers be able to see if a call is untraceable and treat it with a bit of skepticism? I would think that an untraceable call coming in claiming something as dramatic as a hostage situation that would require a SWAT response would raise questions as to its veracity.

82 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:15:59am

re: #80 dragonfire1981

Also, OT but talk about (bad) luck of the draw:

Man receives harassment, death threats after being given Zimmerman's old cell phone number

I see this as T-Mobile being stupid. They should have foreseen this possible issue and flagged that number to not be re-issued for at least a year or two.

83 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:16:46am

re: #76 NJDhockeyfan

We aren't arguing whether it exists or not.

84 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:16:49am

Since swatting is a crime if Patterico faked the 9-11 call then I'm pretty sure he would be in some legal trouble for fabricating evidence of a fake crime.
Bring on the investigation.

85 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:17:24am

re: #84 Killgore Trout

Since swatting is a crime if Patterico faked the 9-11 call then I'm pretty sure he would be in some legal trouble for fabricating evidence of a fake crime.
Bring on the investigation.

Local LE jurisdiction.

86 Romantic Heretic  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:18:26am

I couldn't read the link. The colour scheme of the site was designed by a schizophrenic, or perhaps meant to make a person schizophrenic.

Hey! That's why they're wingnuts! They spend all their time hanging out at websites as horribly designed as this one and their poor brains have shorted out.

87 Amory Blaine  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:18:52am

re: #41 Gus

They are preparing to bog the POTUS down like Clinton if Obama gets reelected.

88 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:19:20am

re: #76 NJDhockeyfan

Palm City, Fla is having a Swatting problem too.

The deputy at the door told them someone had called 911 using the AT&T relay service to report heinous crimes. The relay program was designed to help make calls for people who can't speak. But neighbors say the suspect is using it to terrorize these families.

Those relay services are the source of other kinds of fraud, too. My and many other businesses have them blocked. Fortunately, deaf people do not rely on them as much as they used to.

89 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:19:24am

The FBI has contact info if you're the victim of swatting.
Here you go. Patterco? For you!

[Link: www.fbi.gov...]

90 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:19:26am

re: #84 Killgore Trout

Since swatting is a crime if Patterico faked the 9-11 call then I'm pretty sure he would be in some legal trouble for fabricating evidence of a fake crime.
Bring on the investigation.

I fully endorse the idea of Saxby Chambliss resigning his Senate seat in order to concentrate full-time on investigations of fake 911 calls.

91 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:21:02am

I made a simplistic overview page of the Kimberlin-wingnut background for those who care: [Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

92 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:21:57am

re: #90 erik_t

I fully endorse the idea of Saxby Chambliss all Republicans resigning his their Senate seat seats in order to concentrate full-time on investigations of fake 911 calls.

FTFY

93 Bulworth  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:22:24am

On topic:

[Link: tbogg.firedoglake.com...]

94 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:23:37am

re: #89 Varek Raith

The FBI has contact info if you're the victim of swatting.
Here you go. Patterco? For you!

[Link: www.fbi.gov...]

I encourage all who have been swatted to take the FBI's advice and contact your local FBI office.

95 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:23:52am

re: #81 allegro

Wouldn't the 911 call centers be able to see if a call is untraceable and treat it with a bit of skepticism? I would think that an untraceable call coming in claiming something as dramatic as a hostage situation that would require a SWAT response would raise questions as to its veracity.

I would suspect they would roll first, ask questions later given what could go wrong when they don't roll out and it's a real crisis somewhere.

96 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:25:50am

re: #94 Varek Raith

I encourage all who have been swatted to take the FBI's advice and contact your local FBI office.

Exactly. I read that earlier and mentioned it in #41. Obviously this whole thing is being wildly distorted by the professional right wing bloggers and disinformation artists. They lie almost daily so why should this be any different.

97 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:26:06am

re: #94 Varek Raith

If the calls are from in state they would not even have jurisdiction. If it's from out of state then they would. I think.

Hmmm. Catch 22 anyone?

98 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:27:03am

re: #97 Daniel Ballard

If the calls are from in state they would not even have jurisdiction. If it's from out of state then they would. I think.

Hmmm. Catch 22 anyone?

Anything over telecommunications can be handwaved into common-carrier something something interstate commerce, I think.

99 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:27:08am

re: #97 Daniel Ballard

If the calls are from in state they would not even have jurisdiction. If it's from out of state then they would. I think.

Hmmm. Catch 22 anyone?

True, but I think the local office could contact the local cops?

100 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:27:19am

So, let me get this straight.

Someone fake calls law enforcement/EMS and does it in such a way that it is traced back to you. You have no way of proving it wasn't you.

is this right?

101 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:28:33am

re: #97 Daniel Ballard

If the calls are from in state they would not even have jurisdiction. If it's from out of state then they would. I think.

Hmmm. Catch 22 anyone?

You were more likely to be right before our acts got all patrioted.

102 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:28:38am

re: #91 kirkspencer

I made a simplistic overview page of the Kimberlin-wingnut background for those who care: [Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

I think it's a mistake to whitewash Kimberlin's conviction on the basis of the hypnotism. We discussed this earlier. He was convicted for being in possession of explosives very similar (virtually identical) to the devices used in the series of bombings. He was not actually convicted of the bombings themselves. The witness testimony was irrelevant to his physical possession on the bombs.

103 Gus  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:29:19am

Image: Jason-Han-I-Haz-Mouth-2009.jpg

104 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:29:45am

I'll Have Another's Triple Crown bid ends with injury

I'll Have Another's bid to win the Triple Crown is over because of a leg injury.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, victory in Saturday's Belmont Stakes would have completed American racing's first treble in 34 years and the colt was odds-on.
Triple Crown history

Trainer Doug O'Neill said: "It isn't tragic but it's a huge disappointment."
The three-year-old colt's closest challenges were expected to have come from Union Rags and Dullahan.

Union Rags could only finish seventh in the Kentucky Derby, while Dullahan was in third, and both horses were left out of the Preakness to focus on the Belmont.

:(

105 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:29:56am

From the FBI link-""Law enforcement agencies at all levels are currently working with telecommunications providers around the country to help them address swatting activity.""

My bold of course. Any PD can contact the ISP's involved. Which is a very good thing.

106 Amory Blaine  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:30:00am

Wow. Silencing a blog in the middle of summer. How brave of them. *sniffle

107 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:30:38am

re: #105 Daniel Ballard

From the FBI link-""Law enforcement agencies at all levels are currently working with telecommunications providers around the country to help them address swatting activity.""

My bold of course. Any PD can contact the ISP's involved. Which is a very good thing.

FBI PARTY VAN!
Wait...

108 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:31:02am

re: #104 ggt

I really do not like that sport. The equine carnage is significant. And like dog racing, involuntary.

109 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:31:32am

re: #105 Daniel Ballard

From the FBI link-""Law enforcement agencies at all levels are currently working with telecommunications providers around the country to help them address swatting activity.""

My bold of course. Any PD can contact the ISP's involved. Which is a very good thing.

I'm sure some development of this work will be turned into "OBAMA IS SPYING ON YOU IN ORDER TO GET YOUR GUNS" by November.

110 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:33:21am

re: #108 Daniel Ballard

I really do not like that sport. The equine carnage is significant. And like dog racing, involuntary.

I think thorougbred and harness racing is different as far as the horse carnage goes. Thoroughbred's tend to be treated like Kings.

Both are dirty business though--I mean it's the gambling industry.

111 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:33:48am

re: #98 erik_t

Anything over telecommunications can be handwaved into common-carrier something something interstate commerce, I think.

Heh. True. Just say Beetlejuice um oops, commerce clause three times and it's all good to go Federal and ignore the local law decisions.

112 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:35:12am

From the DOJ court documents I linked to upthread....

Robert E. Casey Jr., Special Agent In Charge, FBI Dallas, praised the cooperation exhibited by law enforcement agencies in more than 40 state and local jurisdictions who have assisted in the SWATing conspiracy investigation including organizations in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arkansas, Washington, Oregon, Ohio, New Jersey, Alabama, and Michigan.

It looks like these investigation are complicated but doable.

113 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:35:22am

re: #111 Daniel Ballard

Heh. True. Just say Beetlejuice um oops, commerce clause three times and it's all good to go Federal and ignore the local law decisions.

Say 'terrorist' 3 times, and a Predator's LEDs light up.

114 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:35:44am

re: #112 Killgore Trout

From the DOJ court documents I linked to upthread...

It looks like these investigation are complicated but doable.

See?
No need for Congressional busy-bodies.

115 Mattand  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:36:01am

So, is there a bunch of wingnuts being swatted and it's an epidemic that proves liberals are just as bad, or are these isolated incidents?

116 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:36:09am

re: #110 ggt

I think thorougbred and harness racing is different as far as the horse carnage goes. Thoroughbred's tend to be treated like Kings.

Both are dirty business though--I mean it's the gambling industry.

I hope you are right. But horses get put down a bit more easily than Kings.
I mean they get great care until they are no longer valuable. Then it's really over.

117 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:36:10am

nonononononono
'Car Talk' Guys Are Retiring, But Their Best Stuff Will Be Rebroadcast

June 8, 2012; Our Fair City – Tom and Ray Magliozzi, aka Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers, the comedian mechanics who host NPR's Car Talk, will tell their listeners this afternoon that as of this fall, they'll no longer record new programs. But their weekly call-in series will continue to be distributed by NPR drawing on material from their 25 years of show archives.

"My brother has always been 'work-averse,' " says Ray, 63. "Now, apparently, even the one hour a week is killing him!"

"It's brutal!" adds Tom, 74.

The brothers have been taping Car Talk at WBUR in Boston for 35 years, and the show has been a staple on NPR Member stations for the last 25 years. With older brother Tom turning 75 this year, the guys decided it was time to "stop and smell the cappuccino."

118 Varek Raith  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:36:13am

re: #113 Decatur Deb

Say 'terrorist' 3 times, and a Predator's LEDs light up.

RALPH NADER has the same effect.
/

119 kirkspencer  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:37:24am

re: #102 Killgore Trout

I think it's a mistake to whitewash Kimberlin's conviction on the basis of the hypnotism. We discussed this earlier. He was convicted for being in possession of explosives very similar (virtually identical) to the devices used in the series of bombings. He was not actually convicted of the bombings themselves. The witness testimony was irrelevant to his physical possession on the bombs.

The witness testimony was critical to 26 of 30 counts according to the statement of appeal over the retrial of those counts.

120 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:38:42am

re: #114 Varek Raith

See?
No need for Congressional busy-bodies.

I'm not so sure. It does suck to think of losing another inch of ground of internet freedom and anonymity but swatting does seem to be a problem. These investigations take a lot of time, money and logistic cooperation from up to 40 different agencies. It's a loophole that should probably be closed.

121 Decatur Deb  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:38:52am

re: #115 mattand

So, is there a bunch of wingnuts being swatted and it's an epidemic that proves liberals are just as bad, or are these isolated incidents?

There is no easy way to determine the breadth of the problem or the depth of a rwnj's willingness to lie.

122 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:38:59am

What America Spends On Groceries

123 dragonath  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:39:49am

I love the double standard being applied here. We need to bring the entire national security appartus down on some guy but leave Mitt Romney ALOOOOOOONE

124 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:47:05am

re: #117 ggt

nonononononono
'Car Talk' Guys Are Retiring, But Their Best Stuff Will Be Rebroadcast

A momentous moment for those of us who have been listening to Click and Clack with their father since birth.

125 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:50:50am

re: #124 erik_t

A momentous moment for those of us who have been listening to Click and Clack with their father since birth.

I KNOW!!!!!!

I'm feeling some cognitive dissonance here. Not quite to the Spock in Touch With His Feelings level, but not at all comfortable.

It falls under the category of Things That Are Not in the Realm of Possibilities.

126 dragonath  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 11:58:41am

I just noticed this news story on the sidebar:

Protests temporarily delay opening Alabama forests to drilling

Aw man, really, Alabama? But there's more:

For years Forest Service land in the East was considered irrelevant when it came to oil and gas leasing. But in the last year and a half, the federal government has leased or scheduled for auction more than 384,000 acres at the request of private bidders, more than 10 times as much land as it had leased in the previous two years.

Boy if that doesn't enthuse you, what will?

127 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:01:55pm

Did I really type 'momentous moment'? Thank dog it's Friday; I'm officially useless in any and all capacities. I'll be over in the corner drooling on myself.

128 CuriousLurker  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:03:08pm

The right wing bloggers have zero credibility as far as I'm concerned. Like the boy who cried wolf, they've twisted & misrepresented things far too many times for their claims to be taken at face value. The fact that Brett Kimberlin has a criminal past doesn't mitigate that.

I've seen and heard them lie about Charles. Even if I say, "I don't personally know Charles, therefore I can't vouch for his innocence in any meaningful way," it doesn't change the fact that I have also witnessed some of these people invent flagrant lies about me. I know first hand what lying bottom-feeders they are, and I'll never believe a word they say unless it can be confirmed by an objective third party.

Saxby Chambliss? That's a bullshit, partisan political move. If I'm concerned about my safety and that of my loved ones, then I want experienced law enforcement officers on it, not some opportunistic politician who wouldn't risk the pinkie on one of his well-manicured hands to protect me. Are we to believe that there are federal crimes occurring involving a convicted felon and the FBI is refusing to investigate?

If these crimes are happening as they're portrayed, then they need to be investigated & prosecuted, regardless of how morally repugnant & lacking in personal integrity I (or anyone) find the alleged victims to be. As I said, I'm not buying a word of it until it's confirmed by someone other than right-wing bloggers, their lawyers, or politicians looking to get their names in the news.

129 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:03:59pm

teehee

Just, please don't tell my Cat Overlord!

130 Mattand  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:10:10pm

re: #128 CuriousLurker

If these crimes are happening as they're portrayed, then they need to be investigated & prosecuted, regardless of how morally repugnant & lacking in personal integrity I (or anyone) find the alleged victims to be. That said, I'm not buying a word of it until it's confirmed by someone other than right-wing bloggers, their lawyers, or politicians looking to get their names in the news.

But.. but.. what about the balance???

131 Someone Please Beam Me Up!  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:10:24pm

re: #129 ggt

teehee

Just, please don't tell my Cat Overlord!

And certainly don't tell the Overlord that it looks like the cat has learned to like it!

133 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:11:47pm

re: #131 One of the Seventeen

And certainly don't tell the Overlord that it looks like the cat has learned to like it!

The cat is aware of something that the dog is not. Any such apparently powerless position is taken as part of the master plan.

134 allegro  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:12:03pm

re: #129 ggt

teehee

Just, please don't tell my Cat Overlord!

My Beelza-buddy got his puddy come-uppins the other night. We were out walking when he pulled the leash out of my hand and ran into the bushes where we've seen a BIG gray tabby hanging out lately. Just as fast as he disappeared into the bushes he squealed like he was being murdered and came tearing outa there like a bullet, almost leaping into my arms. Funny as hell. Since then? He hasn't been so anxious to chase the park pussies.

136 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:15:31pm

re: #128 CuriousLurker

Are we to believe that there are federal crimes occurring involving a convicted felon and the FBI is refusing to investigate?

It seems to be early in the investigation and so far is in the hands of local DA's...
[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

The Bibb County District Attorney’s office in Georgia currently is investigating the case and could not offer comment on it.

It's a safe assumption that the first thing they'd do is look at the 9-11 call. The Feds will probably get involved eventually. If the wingnuts are making this up it would be a very short investigation.

137 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:16:14pm

Chicken Little?

The World as We Know It Is About to End, Say Some Really Frightened Scientists

138 iossarian  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:16:24pm

re: #134 allegro

My Beelza-buddy got his puddy come-uppins the other night. We were out walking when he pulled the leash out of my hand and ran into the bushes where we've seen a BIG gray tabby hanging out lately. Just as fast as he disappeared into the bushes he squealed like he was being murdered and came tearing outa there like a bullet, almost leaping into my arms. Funny as hell. Since then? He hasn't been so anxious to chase the park pussies.

+1 "Beelza-buddy" and "puddy come-uppins".

139 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:17:07pm

re: #133 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste

The cat is aware of something that the dog is not. Any such apparently powerless position is taken as part of the master plan.

Yeah, I was thinking along those lines as well.

There is always a reason!

140 Lidane  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:17:54pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Which is why I'm supportive of Saxby Chambliss' attempts to look into it.

Newsflash: Saxby Chambliss is a wingnut. He's not going to get to the bottom of any damned thing.

You're better off hoping for Grover Norquist to start advocating tax increases on the rich.

141 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:19:54pm

HOLY SHIT!

Americans Paid $29.5 Billion on Overdraft Fees Last Year

Wow, maybe we can afford higher taxes.

How does that compare to the cost of health care in the budget?

142 CuriousLurker  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:22:09pm

re: #136 Killgore Trout

It seems to be early in the investigation and so far is in the hands of local DA's...
[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

It's a safe assumption that the first thing they'd do is look at the 9-11 call. The Feds will probably get involved eventually. If the wingnuts are making this up it would be a very short investigation.

Yep, if they're making it up or distorting the facts, it's going to come out with law enforcement involved in the investigation. I'll let them do their jobs, and in the meantime will remain highly skeptical of any claims made by right-wing bloggers.

143 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:22:22pm

Georgina Bloomberg Defends the Right to Make Mistakes

Just a week ago we were all in a tizzy about New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg's push to ban soda in larger than 16-ounce-sized quantities from being sold at movie theaters, bodegas, restaurants, and street carts. The soda industry did not like this, and neither did a lot of people—though some said it was a good idea and would make people healthier and so on. But a lot of us just want to be able to make whatever mistakes we want to make, and to be as unhealthy as we damn well please. After all, we're all adults here, right?

One of those adults is Mayor Bloomberg's 29-year-old daughter, Georgina. At "a cocktail soiree hosted by Stefano Tonchi for Gucci’s Frida Gianni last night," she told New York magazine in response to a question about her dad's soda ban that "people should be allowed to make their own bad choices." Yes! The people should! Of course, Georgina's choices—were you invited to a cocktail soiree for Gucci last night? Were you featured in the HBO documentary Born Rich, talking about your life as a billionaire heiress? Have you been the subject of a New York Times "What I Wore"?—are generally quite a lot different than the choices of your average soda drinker. (She loves Fresca, by the way, which even in 16-ounce quantities wouldn't be banned because it has no calories.) Nonetheless, we're glad she's standing up for the little guy who loves big soda.

144 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:24:13pm

re: #140 Lidane

Newsflash: Saxby Chambliss is a wingnut. He's not going to get to the bottom of any damned thing.

You're better off hoping for Grover Norquist to start advocating tax increases on the rich.

It looks like the investigation is underway regardless. If the story checks out the local authorities will pass it on to the feds.

145 Dancing along the light of day  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:25:25pm

Spankings?

146 Interesting Times  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:30:57pm

re: #137 ggt

Chicken Little?

Only in your dreams, I'm afraid :( The sky may not be falling, but heat records sure the hell are:

Spring 2012 in the contiguous U.S. demolished the old records for hottest spring and most extreme season of any kind, said NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) on Thursday. With the warmest March, third warmest April, and second warmest May, the March - April - May spring season was 5.2°F above average--the largest temperature departure from average of any season on record for the contiguous United States. What's truly remarkable is the margin the old record was broken by--spring 2012 temperatures were a full 1°F above the previous most extreme season, the winter of 1999 - 2000. All-time seasonal temperature records are very difficult to break, and are usually broken by only a tenth of a degree. To see the old record crushed by a full degree is a stunning and unparalleled event in U.S. meteorological history.

Goodbye US agriculture if this gets any worse.

147 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:32:20pm

re: #48 Killgore Trout

I'm sure I've said some nasty stuff about him too.

Dude - he didn't just "say nasty stuff" about you - he flat-out lied that you had "planted" racist comments at Hot Air, then used that as a basis to claim that I was organizing systematic planting of comments at right wing sites.

The whole thing was a deliberate lie for political purposes. Patterico has a long history of doing this. He's a liar, and that's why you should be a lot more skeptical of his claims, not just because he wasn't nice.

148 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:33:24pm

re: #145 Dancing along the light of day

Spankings?

Only if it's consensual.

149 Dancing along the light of day  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:38:49pm

re: #147 Charles Johnson

I still wonder how "Patterico" keeps his job.

150 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:39:30pm

re: #147 Charles Johnson

Dude - he didn't just "say nasty stuff" about you - he flat-out lied that you had "planted" racist comments at Hot Air, then used that as a basis to claim that I was organizing systematic planting of comments at right wing sites.

The whole thing was a deliberate lie for political purposes. Patterico has a long history of doing this. He's a liar, and that's why you should be a lot more skeptical of his claims, not just because he wasn't nice.

I have no doubt he's a douchbag and a liar but I really don;t care what he has to say about anything about me. My feelings are unhurt. However, I still support his right to free speech and post his bullshit opinions on the internet without fear or intimidation.
I'm actually surprised how much of the wingnut narrative checked out on this one so far. As much as I dislike the wingnuts I feel no need to make excuses if they are being threatened or harassed and I'm under no delusions they'd do the same for me.
It's being investigated and I wouldn't stick my neck out for anybody in this mess.

151 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:39:55pm

re: #128 CuriousLurker

Well said. The two main bloggers pushing this Brett Kimberlin BS are two of the most notorious right wing liars on the web - Robert Stacy McCain and Patrick Frey.

If they're telling the truth, then sure - investigate and prosecute. But that's a big IF, and until I see corroboration of their claims from an independent source, my default position is disbelief.

152 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:43:26pm

re: #141 ggt

HOLY SHIT!

Americans Paid $29.5 Billion on Overdraft Fees Last Year

Wow, maybe we can afford higher taxes.

How does that compare to the cost of health care in the budget?

I mean, people bitch about sending --what $3B to Mexico?

Or paying for national health care? We piss so much away.

153 Lidane  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:44:26pm

re: #150 Killgore Trout

I'm actually surprised how much of the wingnut narrative checked out on this one so far.

A convincing lie is still a lie.

I still wouldn't trust anything they're pushing until there is actual, independent evidence of their claims.

154 Interesting Times  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:45:09pm

re: #150 Killgore Trout

I have no doubt he's a douchbag and a liar but I really don;t care what he has to say about anything about me. My feelings are unhurt. However, I still support his right to free speech and post his bullshit opinions on the internet without fear or intimidation.
I'm actually surprised how much of the wingnut narrative checked out on this one so far. As much as I dislike the wingnuts I feel no need to make excuses if they are being threatened or harassed and I'm under no delusions they'd do the same for me.
It's being investigated and I wouldn't stick my neck out for anybody in this mess.

That might make sense if Charles or anyone else here was actually doing the things you're accusing people of. Since they aren't, this post contains more strawmen than all the wheat fields in the Midwest.

155 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:45:10pm

re: #141 ggt

HOLY SHIT!

Americans Paid $29.5 Billion on Overdraft Fees Last Year

Wow, maybe we can afford higher taxes.

How does that compare to the cost of health care in the budget?

I'm still marveling at the math here . .

If we have 3 Billion people, that's 9 overdrafts per PERSON--man, women, child.

REALLY? REALLY?

And people bitch about government waste?

156 Gretchen G.Tiger  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:46:19pm

bbl

157 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:49:28pm

re: #42 Killgore Trout

It might be fake but it does seem to be a real 911 call recorded by the operator at the call center.

In order to make it clear that they're there to deal with emergencies all 911 call center operators open with some variant of the the line "911, what is your emergency?" That appears to have been a call to the Lomita Sheriff's main line, answered by someone named "Cousins."

158 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:51:19pm

re: #152 ggt

I mean, people bitch about sending --what $3B to Mexico?

Or paying for national health care? We piss so much away.

Part of the overdraft stuff is actually triggered by the banks.

(Warning: Anecdote)
My business partner is in the midst of a nasty exchange with his local bank over the processing of a deposited check, and the paying of some bills the day after the check was deposited. He claims that he confirmed with a processor that the check had been deposited and the funds cleared. The next day he got hit for *four* overdraft charges. The bank just so happened to charge the bills in the correct order that the first charged completely drained the current balance (minus the deposit that they told him had *not* been processed the previous day), and then three smaller bills proceeded to bounce after that.

He went back and forth with one of the bank managers telling him to check with the processor about the payment while they told him it had not been processed. And they at that time also told him they were cancelling his overdraft protection for "abuse".

At that point my partner blew his stack and said "Fine, I'll just report this to the state comptroller." Suddenly, the bank manager was willing to go ask the processor about the payment - which he apparently had not bothered to do before.

Not sure how things have fallen out since then. But I do also know that the hot sauce business is changing banks and will shift any further business away from this bank.

159 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:51:33pm

re: #154 Interesting Times

That might make sense if Charles or anyone else here was actually doing the things you're accusing people of. Since they aren't, this post contains more strawmen than all the wheat fields in the Midwest.

That reminds me that people here say things about me just as bad as Patterico almost every day. I'm unhurt and will still defend your right to say whatever you want without being intimidated, stalked or threatened.

160 engineer cat  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:52:37pm

National FeeFees Day In Effect

worm eating and holding your breath lessons on the mall at noon

161 CuriousLurker  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:53:07pm

re: #150 Killgore Trout

I have to agree with IT. Granted, I haven't been very active here lately, so I haven't ready every comment in every article, but I haven't seen anything I would call making excuses or sticking out one's neck. Making excuses for what? Has someone condoned the violent suppression of free speech? 'Cause that would be a first here, AFAIK. Who is sticking out their neck for whom, and in what capacity?

162 engineer cat  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:53:19pm

re: #14 Decatur Deb

What does it take to get two days of silence?

you can't afford it

(recycled marx bros joke)

163 dragonfire1981  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:54:04pm

We don't want the gubmint running our healthcare into the ground!!

Or do we?

If the Supreme Court strikes down part or all of the Affordable Care Act, a strong plurality of the public wants Congress to try again to come up with a comprehensive health care law to guarantee insurance for all Americans.

Forty-six percent of respondents in a new poll favor that ambitious approach, while 18 percent say that Congress should be content to “pass smaller measures that will cover some people without insurance but not as many as the original law.” Meanwhile, 28 percent of respondents said that Congress should simply do away with all of President Obama’s 2010 law, including any parts the Supreme Court may decide to uphold.

The results appear in the latest edition of the United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll.

The near majority—46 percent—that favored trying to come up with another law providing health insurance to all Americans shows a public that still has an ambitious agenda for Congress at the same time that it’s wary of parts of the Obama legislation.

According to the poll, some 74 percent of Americans want the Supreme Court to strike down the individual mandate that’s at the heart of the Affordable Care Act. Only 23 percent wanted the mandate upheld, and 3 percent didn’t know or refused to answer.

164 Targetpractice  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:55:17pm

re: #163 dragonfire1981

Or do we?

Translation of the article: Americans want goodies, but don't want to pay for them.

165 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:55:18pm

re: #163 dragonfire1981

Or do we?

That sounds like a lot of people don't have a clue what is really going on and are simply waving in competing breezes of talking points.

166 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:56:32pm

re: #161 CuriousLurker

I have to agree with IT. Granted, I haven't been very active here lately, so I haven't ready every comment in every article, but I haven't seen anything I would call making excuses or sticking out one's neck. Making excuses for what? Has someone condoned the violent suppression of free speech? 'Cause that would be a first here, AFAIK. Who is sticking out their neck for whom, and in what capacity?

So far the story checks out. Kimberlin is indeed a douchebag with a violent history. He is involved in various left wing sites. There is a recording of a 9-11 call that appears to be genuine. We has at least one confirmed report that a local DA is investigating. It's a safe assumption that if the 9-11 call never happened it would be a pretty short investigation.

167 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:58:38pm

re: #163 dragonfire1981

Geez. Again with the mandate. You would think the powers involved could have done something that did not have such an obvious constitutional issue. But no they just had to go for the big Federal power grab.

I'm not happy about that mandate at all. It's not a rare or unreasonable opinion.

Why not just allow medicare buy ins at a young age? That way we can all get insurance, all have options. The parts about no longer turning away people with previous conditions does not have that big legal issue hanging over it like a sword.

168 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:59:24pm

Someone could call the local police stations involved to see if there was indeed 9-11 calls and/or a police response. I think it's public record and they would probably tell you.

169 Targetpractice  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 12:59:44pm

re: #167 Daniel Ballard

Geez. Again with the mandate. You would think the powers involved could have done something that did not have such an obvious constitutional issue. But no they just had to go for the big Federal power grab.

I'm not happy about that mandate at all. It's not a rare or unreasonable opinion.

Why not just allow medicare buy ins at a young age? That way we can all get insurance, all have options. The parts about no longer turning away people with previous conditions does not have that big legal issue hanging over it like a sword.

Why the mandate? Because the alternative was tax increases, and that would never have gone anywhere.

170 Dancing along the light of day  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:00:55pm

re: #168 Killgore Trout

So, are you going to call them?

171 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:01:45pm

re: #168 Killgore Trout

Someone could call the local police stations involved to see if there was indeed 9-11 calls and/or a police response. I think it's public record and they would probably tell you.

It would be a big scoop if the police confirmed that there were no 9-11 calls or police response on record.

172 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:03:00pm

re: #170 Dancing along the light of day

So, are you going to call them?

No. The recording and statement from the DA that the investigation is ongoing leads me to believe that the claims are probably genuine.

173 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:04:50pm

O/T Breitfarts at NN conference

174 allegro  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:05:30pm

re: #164 Targetpractice

Translation of the article: Americans want goodies, but don't want to pay for them.

I can't speak for anyone else, but my objection is what we're being mandated to pay for. I would happily pay for single payer health care because it would be paying for actual health care and not added riches for for-profit insurance company big-wigs and stock holders. I suspect I'm not alone.

175 Interesting Times  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:08:57pm
176 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:09:03pm

re: #171 Killgore Trout

It would be a big scoop if the police confirmed that there were no 9-11 calls or police response on record.

I'm sure there was some kind of call, but it wasn't a 911 call, just like Zimmerman's call in Florida wasn't a 911 call. It may only be a nitpick, but it's lazy reporting that assumes all phone calls to police are calls to 911. Zimmerman called the police non-emergency number and the Patterico spoof is almost surely to the Lomita Sheriff's main line.

In fact 911 switchboards have a reverse lookup that I'm guessing is a lot harder to spoof than other systems. The one phone number you can always call from a dead/disconnected land line is 911 and it will provide them with the correct address.

177 CuriousLurker  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:11:42pm

re: #166 Killgore Trout

So far the story checks out. Kimberlin is indeed a douchebag with a violent history. He is involved in various left wing sites. There is a recording of a 9-11 call that appears to be genuine. We has at least one confirmed report that a local DA is investigation. It's a safe assumption that if the 9-11 call never happened it would be a pretty short investigation.

Yes, Kimberlin's ugly history is a matter of record. There also seems to be a pretty long history of lawsuits and bad blood between Kimberlin & several right-wing bloggers, the details of which are just now coming to light, mostly through the keyboards of said bloggers. Those bloggers don't have criminal records AFAIK, however they're not exactly paragons of truth & virtue themselves.

I'm not sure what significance the fact that Kimberlin was involved in left-wing sites has. Have those sites or the people involved with them been accused of wrongdoing in relation to the operation of the sites? Are they under investigation?

The 911 call may very well be genuine. We'll see what the investigation reveals about the circumstances surrounding it.

Still, none of that answers my questions about what you said in your #150: Who here at LGF is condoning the violent suppression of free speech? Who is sticking out their neck for whom, and in what capacity?

178 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:12:13pm

re: #176 goddamnedfrank

I'm sure there was some kind of call, but it wasn't a 911 call, just like Zimmerman's call in Florida wasn't a 911 call. It may only be a nitpick, but it's lazy reporting that assumes all phone calls to police are calls to 911. Zimmerman called the police non-emergency number and the Patterico spoof is almost surely to the Lomita Sheriff's main line.

In fact 911 switchboards have a reverse lookup that I'm guessing is a lot harder to spoof than other systems. The one phone number you can always call from a dead/disconnected land line is 911 and it will provide them with the correct address.

Ah, thanks. I do seem to recall a mention that the calls were to the non-emergency line.

179 Targetpractice  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:14:04pm

re: #174 allegro

I can't speak for anyone else, but my objection is what we're being mandated to pay for. I would happily pay for single payer health care because it would be paying for actual health care and not added riches for for-profit insurance company big-wigs and stock holders. I suspect I'm not alone.

You'll get no argument from me, I'm supportive of single-payer and would advocate such if the ACA is overturned. But right now, all I see in the poll numbers is what I've seen since '09: People want "reform," want to be able to sidle up to the table and gorge themselves on "free" goodies, but as soon as the bill comes due they start whining.

180 researchok  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:14:16pm

re: #177 CuriousLurker

Are you saying some bloggers are biased- surely you jest!

Now pick up a paper bag and inhale...

//

181 Mich-again  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:16:27pm

re: #169 Targetpractice

Why the mandate? Because the alternative was tax increases, and that would never have gone anywhere.

Odd all the hullaballoo over the dreaded "mandate". Heck, there has been a mandate at hospitals for as long as I can remember that they had to treat a person regardless if that person could pay. And when that happens, the hospitals just slide the expenses over to the people who could pay and we all picked up the tab anyway. The mandate is already here.

182 Charles Johnson  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:18:51pm

re: #177 CuriousLurker

Those bloggers don't have criminal records AFAIK, however they're not exactly paragons of truth & virtue themselves.

Actually, at least one of the bloggers involved in this mess does have a criminal record. See: [Link: legalschnauzer.blogspot.ca...]

Second, a left-leaning Web site called breitbartunmasked.com (BU) is unearthing unflattering information about the National Bloggers Club (NBC), an umbrella organization that is headed by a fellow named Ali A. Akbar. While conservatives have tried to portray Kimberlin as a mad man with a criminal history, they apparently neglected to check into the past of their own Mr. Akbar. BU revealed that Akbar has a criminal record of his own, with felony convictions for credit-card fraud and theft.

183 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:21:16pm

re: #177 CuriousLurker

I'm not sure what significance the fact that Kimberlin was involved in left-wing sites has. Have those sites or the people involved with them been accused of wrongdoing in relation to the operation of the sites? Are they under investigation?

I think that his involvement in left wing politics was the source of the conflict with the wingnut bloggers. Although the wingnuts are overplaying the Soros-Tides connections I think the money is part of what makes this dangerous. Kimberlin and his online projects are getting a decent amount of grant money. Not huge but decent. If the wingnuts make a big enough stink he might lose that money.

Still, none of that answers my questions about what you said in your #150: Who here at LGF is condoning the violent suppression of free speech? Who is sticking out their neck for whom, and in what capacity?

Here's the text of my #150

I have no doubt he's a douchbag and a liar but I really don;t care what he has to say about anything about me. My feelings are unhurt. However, I still support his right to free speech and post his bullshit opinions on the internet without fear or intimidation.
I'm actually surprised how much of the wingnut narrative checked out on this one so far. As much as I dislike the wingnuts I feel no need to make excuses if they are being threatened or harassed and I'm under no delusions they'd do the same for me.
It's being investigated and I wouldn't stick my neck out for anybody in this mess.

It's pretty clear that I am speaking for myself and expressing my opinion of how I'm going to conduct myself.

184 CuriousLurker  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:21:21pm

re: #180 researchok

Are you saying some bloggers are biased- surely you jest!

Now pick up a paper bag and inhale...

//

Biased? Never! Perish the thought. //

185 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:21:56pm

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Ah, thanks. I do seem to recall a mention that the calls were to the non-emergency line.

Which raises the question, if Patterico is in a unique position to know better, being a DA and presumably having been given a copy of the call by police, why is he himself insisting on referring to it as a 911 call when it clearly isn't?

Occam's Razor tilts to him simply not being very smart. However the degree to which these shrill assholes are capitalizing on the publicity generated by the story makes me wonder if that aren't having themselves swatted. Something about their all having the same ready made bogey man to blame but absolutely no evidence to connect the man is incredibly suspicious.

186 Targetpractice  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:24:12pm

re: #181 Mich-again

Odd all the hullaballoo over the dreaded "mandate". Heck, there has been a mandate at hospitals for as long as I can remember that they had to treat a person regardless if that person could pay. And when that happens, the hospitals just slide the expenses over to the people who could pay and we all picked up the tab anyway. The mandate is already here.

Ayep, we decided decades ago as a country that we cannot allow the poorest and least able amongst us to suffer and die in silence when they can be helped at a hospital. We've already socialized the costs, just spread them thin amongst insurance policy holders rather than the whole country.

187 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:24:27pm

re: #185 goddamnedfrank

Which raises the question, if Patterico is in a unique position to know better, being a DA and presumably having been given a copy of the call by police, why is he himself insisting on referring to it as a 911 call when it clearly isn't?

Occam's Razor tilts to him simply not being very smart. However the degree to which these shrill assholes are capitalizing on the publicity generated by the story makes me wonder if that aren't having themselves swatted. Something about their all having the same ready made bogey man to blame but absolutely no evidence to connect the man is incredibly suspicious.

It could also just be lazy prose. "9-11" is easier to type than "Local police non-emergency line".

188 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:27:25pm

re: #187 Killgore Trout

It could also just be lazy prose. "9-11" is easier to type than "Local police non-emergency line".

And the fact that they've all decided to simultaneously fixate on Kimberlin and without any evidence blame him for this rash of swatting that just conveniently happens to have boosted their publicity?

Fishy.

189 Targetpractice  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:27:54pm

File this under "Stories You Won't See On the Nightly News":

U.S. debt load falling at fastest pace since 1950s

190 CuriousLurker  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:28:43pm

re: #183 Killgore Trout

I think that his involvement in left wing politics was the source of the conflict with the wingnut bloggers. Although the wingnuts are overplaying the Soros-Tides connections I think the money is part of what makes this dangerous. Kimberlin and his online projects are getting a decent amount of grant money. Not huge but decent. If the wingnuts make a big enough stink he might lose that money.

So it all come back to partisan politics & money. Color me surprised. //

Here's the text of my #150

It's pretty clear that I am speaking for myself and expressing my opinion of how I'm going to conduct myself.

LOL, okay, I'll give you that one. You're quite good at the art of innuendo. The Iranians I know would be mightily impressed with your skills. *scribbles entry in notebook*

191 Mich-again  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:29:08pm

I see that Heartland Institute is on the banner as a sponsor for the CPAC Chicago event. Nice to see the charitable organization is abiding by the conditions of their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and sticking with educational pursuits and not getting too involved with politics. /

Look at the lineup. A veritable Idiot's Idiot list of stupid people in the Tea Party/GOP.

192 darthstar  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:29:30pm

How long until Romney's campaign disowns him?

Romney said of Obama, “he wants another stimulus, he wants to hire more government workers. He says we need more fireman, more policeman, more teachers. Did he not get the message of Wisconsin? The American people did. It’s time for us to cut back on government and help the American people.”

At least Mitt still has the Latino vote locked up...oh wait, that ain't exactly happening either.

193 Killgore Trout  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:29:54pm

re: #190 CuriousLurker

The Iranians I know would be mightily impressed with your skills. *scribbles entry in notebook*

Creeping Persianification!

194 darthstar  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:30:11pm

As they should

195 Mich-again  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:30:59pm

re: #186 Targetpractice

Ayep, we decided decades ago as a country that we cannot allow the poorest and least able amongst us to suffer and die in silence when they can be helped at a hospital.

True, but the ones clamoring the loudest for their right to not have to buy health insurance are not the same ones who can't afford it.

196 b_sharp  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:33:48pm

High Hoe!

197 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:36:06pm
In honor of the National Day of Blogger Silence called by Ace of Spades

n honor of the National Day of Blogger Silence called by Ace of Spades

n honor of the National Day of Blogger Silence called by Ace of Spades

n honor of the National Day of Blogger Silence called by Ace of Spades

n honor of the National Day of Blogger Silence called by Ace of Spades

n honor of the National Day of Blogger Silence called by Ace of Spades

hahahahahahahahahahah

198 Lidane  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:39:19pm

re: #192 darthstar

How long until Romney's campaign disowns him?

So wait... the message of Wisconsin was that people don't want more firefighters, or police or teachers?

Somebody needs to run some diagnostics on Romneybot. He appears to have a few screws loose.

199 Interesting Times  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:40:43pm
200 b_sharp  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:41:04pm

Bumper Sticky.

201 Lidane  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:43:07pm

Conspiracy Theorist Edward Klein Concern-Trolls Hillary Clinton’s Weight

Edward Klein, the writer who makes a living alleging ugly nonsense like the idea that President Obama was born overseas, that Bill Clinton raped Hillary Clinton, and that Hillary Clinton is a lesbian, has taken it on himself to start fat-shaming the Secretary of State.

“She’ll be 69 years old. And as you know—and I don’t want to sound anti-feminist here—but she’s not looking good these days. She’s looking overweight, and she’s looking very tired,” he said on Fox News in a discussion of whether Clinton will run for president in 2016. “I think she’s going to take some time off, get back into shape. And if her health holds out—that’s a big if, of course—if her health holds out, there’s no question in my mind she and Bill—two for the price of one—will run in 2016.”

202 Daniel Ballard  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:52:09pm

So has anyone seen the Creflo Dollar case?
In jail for beating his own daughter after a party. Now that's the way to get your kids to come home on time....\

203 Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:55:04pm

re: #91 kirkspencer

I made a simplistic overview page of the Kimberlin-wingnut background for those who care: [Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

I left a comment there. Hypnotic stuff turned out to be pretty irrelevant in the end, so when Kimberlin uses it to protect himself he is being dishonest.

204 erik_t  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 1:57:45pm

re: #201 Lidane

Conspiracy Theorist Edward Klein Concern-Trolls Hillary Clinton’s Weight

How much you want to bet this guy would cream his pants at the idea of a Chris Christie candidacy?

205 wrenchwench  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:01:02pm

re: #201 Lidane

Conspiracy Theorist Edward Klein Concern-Trolls Hillary Clinton’s Weight

—and I don’t want to sound anti-feminist here—

The word is 'sexist'. As in 'sexist pig.'

206 simoom  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:01:32pm

re: #128 CuriousLurker

Saxby Chambliss? That's a bullshit, partisan political move.

It's not just Saxby but lots of national and local GOP politicians. This has turned into a moronic way to score cheap points with the base and RW bloggers -- kind of like how wink-and-nod sops to the Birthers was a couple years back.

But yeah, I'm sure the local authorities and the FBI are just so thrilled the Republicans are somehow lending a hand with their helpful political rhetoric and partisan letters... //

207 Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:03:49pm

I've seen no direct evidence of Kimberlin's involvement in the swattings.

What I've seen leads me to believe that the dude is still a creep, so I wouldn't outright dismiss such a possibility either.

However the evidence that is cited for Kimberlin's involvement is tenuous at best. Something like this: Kimberlin's friend Neal Rauhauser is a techie that is connected to the Anon and made some comments that could be interpreted as threats; Kimberlin's friend Ron Brynaert has a voice that is just like the voice of the caller and talked to Patterico during the swatting. So there. Apparently Rauhauser arranged a swatting call for Brynaert or something...

Patterico never mentioned in that post that Brynaert and Rauhauser were mortal enemies at the time (later Brynaert also became Kimberlin's enemy). And there's just no evidence that he is competent enough for swatting. So why all the stuff about Rauhauser, if he was irrelevant to that call?

Then we have Brynaert's voice. Patterico swears that a couple of seconds from the recording sound just like Brynaert! Not very convincing. He also has an expert report by some audio forensic guy who claims this is Brynaert's voice, apparently. Sorry if I call bullshit (and let's be blunt: see the Zimmerman case where there has been lots of audio bullshitting).

So even Brynaert's involvement is not exactly established, so much less Kimberlin's.

208 RadicalModerate  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:04:20pm

re: #182 Charles Johnson

Actually, at least one of the bloggers involved in this mess does have a criminal record. See: [Link: legalschnauzer.blogspot.ca...]

Not to mention that the only person who is claiming that Kimberlin is making physical threats is neo-Confederate loon Robert Stacy McCain - whose own personal history on this very subject is rather sketchy, to put things mildly.

209 Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:08:26pm

re: #207 I'm back in the USSR (sigh)

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if he was involved.

210 goddamnedfrank  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:26:24pm

re: #209 I'm back in the USSR (sigh)

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if he was involved.

Me neither, but the coordinated effort to blame him without evidence is fishy. It seems to me that if I were actually swatted I'd want the actual person responsible found and punished and wouldn't go about publicly naming and thus alerting every suspected member of some convoluted, nebulous conspiracy.

The way these guys have gone about blaming the police for not advancing on their conspiracy theories fast enough, naming their suspects publicly in the utter lack of any hard evidence is rather suspicious, to say the least.

211 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:52:55pm

re: #201 Lidane

Whereas this nutsack with eyes is a real looker :D

212 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:54:21pm

re: #202 Daniel Ballard

prosperity theology parasites, wheee

213 Patricia Kayden  Fri, Jun 8, 2012 3:46:48pm

@Daniel Ballard:

Cash Flow Dollar arrested! WOW. Couldn't happen to a nicer person. Too bad the bail was just $5,000.


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