Kentucky Republican Legislators: “The Theory of Evolution Is Not Science - Darwin Made It Up”

Atavism
Wingnuts • Views: 31,039

The headline for this article from the Lexington Herald-Leader tells you everything you need to know about America’s Republican Party in the year 2012: GOP Lawmakers Question Standards for Teaching Evolution in Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Senate Republicans pushed successfully in 2009 to tie the state’s testing program to national education standards, but three years later, they’re questioning the results.

Several GOP lawmakers questioned new proposed student standards and tests that delve deeply into biological evolution during a Monday meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Education.

In an exchange with officials from ACT, the company that prepares Kentucky’s new state testing program, those lawmakers discussed whether evolution was a fact and whether the biblical theory of creationism also should be taught in Kentucky classrooms.

Anti-science Tennessee Rep. David Givens”I would hope that creationism is presented as a theory in the classroom, in a science classroom, alongside evolution,” Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg, said Tuesday in an interview.

[…]

Givens said he and other legislators have been contacted by a number of educators with concerns about Kentucky’s proposed new science standards, which are tied to ACT testing and are scheduled to be adopted this fall.

[…] “We’re simply saying to the ACT people we don’t want what is a theory to be taught as a fact in such a way it may damage students’ ability to do critical thinking.”

Givens said he asked the ACT representatives about possibly returning to a test personalized for Kentucky, but he was told that option was very expensive and time-consuming.

[…]

Anti-Science Tennessee Rep. Ben WaideAnother committee member, Rep. Ben Waide, R-Madisonville, said he had a problem with evolution being an important part of biology standards.

“The theory of evolution is a theory, and essentially the theory of evolution is not science — Darwin made it up,” Waide said. “My objection is they should ensure whatever scientific material is being put forth as a standard should at least stand up to scientific method. Under the most rudimentary, basic scientific examination, the theory of evolution has never stood up to scientific scrutiny.”

[…]

Givens said he was satisfied with the response by ACT officials and state Education Commissioner Terry Holliday that evolution was being taught as a theory.

Last year, Holliday wrote a much-publicized letter to Hart County school superintendent Ricky Line, who complained that the new standards did not identify evolution as a theory.

“Referring to biological evolution as a theory for the purpose of contesting it would be counterproductive, since scientists only grant the status of theory to well-tested ideas,” Holliday wrote.

Line said Tuesday that he still hadn’t seen any change to the standards.

“When it says evolution as if there is no other option, then over time our students are going to assume that is the only option when there are other options out there,” Line said.

I’m actually grateful to Republicans like Givens and Waide, because they’re being honest. They’re doing rational people a service by making the alternative very, very clear.

(h/t: freetoken.)

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172 comments
1 Ben G. Hazi  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:21:49pm

*facepalm*

I really shouldn't be surprised at this atavistic, backwards shit anymore.

2 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:22:44pm

The GOP: Proudly representing the ignorant fucks of America.

3 freetoken  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:24:00pm

What bothers me, besides the obvious lack of understanding of science on display by these politicians, is the indifference to the idea that creationism is a religious teaching, and in this country creationism means overwhelmingly the teaching of a particular religious sect: fundamentalist Protestantism.

Which means that these politicians who want to spend tax money on creationism are promoting a particular religious teaching of a well defined sect over and above others.

Our Constitution, and these politicians will all claim to love it in its "original intent", is explicitly designed to keep religious sectarianism out of government.

4 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:24:07pm

Yeah this will help the economy and our education system. Sigh.

5 abolitionist  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:24:41pm

The Newtonian Law of gravity worked well enough to get men to the moon and back, several times. But it's just a theory. And many top scientists now believe that it's not quite true. So let's teach the controversy, by all means.
///

6 b_Snark  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:25:34pm

I love the one word subtitle. It says it all.

7 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:27:43pm

re: #5 abolitionist

The Newtonian Law of gravity worked well enough to get men to the moon and back, several times. But it's just a theory. And many top scientists now believe that it's not quite true. So let's teach the controversy, by all means.
///

I think they seriously think when they hear "theory" when brought up in regards to evolution that they think it means the same as saying "I have a theory that Billy stole the cookies from the cookie jar." Again sigh.

8 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:27:44pm
“The theory of evolution is a theory, and essentially the theory of evolution is not science — Darwin made it up,” Waide said.

The really believe that church of Darwin nonsense.

9 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:28:51pm

Ben Waide

10 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:29:08pm
Ben Waide (b. May 17, 1963) is a Republican member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing the 10th District since 2011.

Waide graduated in 1987 with a BA in Health Science.
[Link: ballotpedia.org...]

"Health Science"

11 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:29:09pm

re: #8 jaunte

The really believe that church of Darwin nonsense.

Made it up? Yeah Darwin just made it up. It's not like he studied species for years unlike Wade who probably has less science education than I do.

12 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:30:07pm
David Givens has been a Republican member of the Kentucky State Senate since 2009. He represents the 9th district.

Givens earned his BS in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University in 1989.
[Link: ballotpedia.org...]

13 b_Snark  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:30:24pm

re: #10 jaunte

"Health Science"

Wtf is health science?

14 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:30:27pm
“When it says evolution as if there is no other option, then over time our students are going to assume that is the only option when there are other options out there,” Line said.

The missing keyword for those playing at home would be VALID.

Many questions and problems have thousands of options, but how many are valid?

If I'm having chest pains, my options could be call 911, or see a doctor. Other options could chose could be I invoke the powers of the magic ferret who lives in my closet, or burn an offering to the gods, but they don't exactly hold up result wise.

15 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:31:20pm

re: #12 jaunte

He certainly has the BS down pat.

16 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:31:52pm

re: #13 b_sharp

Being a health care manager can put you right in the middle of clinical practice, or it can result in you working in a more administrative position for an insurance company, pharmaceutical company or other health-related setting. The BA health science degree is, in fact, so flexible that it can result in you earning a salary across a very wide range.

If you would like to put your degree to work in a medical facility setting, your bachelor in health science degree can translate into a job as a radiology technician, a nurse or physical therapist to name a few – though you will need to take a certification test in addition to your BS or BA to get a license to practice in one of these specialties. If you know exactly where your interest lies, specializing in an area like nutrition or pharmacology while you’re in school can give you unique job qualifications. And if you’re willing to stay in school, your bachelors degree could be the gateway to graduate study in dentistry or medicine.
[Link: www.successdegrees.com...]

Or you can run for office in Kentucky.

17 Amory Blaine  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:32:37pm

Why are we picking on them? We should accept all arguments as equally valid.

*barf

18 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:33:21pm

Would the gentlemen from KY like to discuss what noted theologians have made up over the last few thousand years?

19 sizzzzlerz  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:33:31pm

There is a whole mess of stupid down there in Kentucky.

20 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:33:49pm
“The theory of evolution is a theory, and essentially the theory of evolution is not science — Darwin made it up,” Waide said. “My objection is they should ensure whatever scientific material is being put forth as a standard should at least stand up to scientific method. Under the most rudimentary, basic scientific examination, the theory of evolution has never stood up to scientific scrutiny.”

Grotesquely out of his depth.

21 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:34:28pm

re: #19 sizzzzlerz

There is a whole mess of stupid down there in Kentucky.

And their jelly tastes terrible...

22 Lidane  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:35:36pm
Givens said he and other legislators have been contacted by a number of educators with concerns about Kentucky’s proposed new science standards, which are tied to ACT testing and are scheduled to be adopted this fall.

In other words, those new standards are tied to things that kids actually need to know in order to function in college.

No surprise that these ignorant fucktards want to cripple kids that want to go off to college and better their lives. We can't have those kids learn anything relevant or useful, after all. =P

23 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:35:39pm

Givens is running for re-election in the 2012 election for Kentucky State Senate District 9. He defeated Don M. Butler, II in the Republican primary on May 22, 2012, and is unopposed in the general election which takes place on November 6, 2012

Base salary $188.22/day
Per diem $135.30/day

24 Shiplord Kirel  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:36:51pm

This is a national disgrace. We are going to pay the price when our young people try to tackle real world problems from a fantasy world mental framework.

25 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:38:00pm

Here's a message to the so called tough on defense conservatives. We wouldn't have the technology we have today if it wasn't for science. The same science you decry and think should be put aside for the Bible.

26 freetoken  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:38:53pm

re: #23 jaunte

Yup, this is "democracy" in action, eh?

27 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:39:19pm

This is probably one of the worst I've seen. Typically we see the creationists wanting to include their superstitious magic into the science class. This goes further in that it outright rejects the science of evolution.

28 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:39:31pm

re: #25 HappyWarrior

Here's a message to the so called tough on defense conservatives. We wouldn't have the technology we have today if it wasn't for science. The same science you decry and think should be put aside for the Bible.

Funny how God's will never extends to improving ourselves and our knowledge of the world through scientific endeavors.

29 Lidane  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:40:12pm

re: #24 Shiplord Kirel

This is a national disgrace. We are going to pay the price when our young people try to tackle real world problems from a fantasy world mental framework.

That's just it -- these cretins think that we don't have to tackle real world problems. America is Exceptional, don'tcha know. We're a bunch of special snowflakes and we're entitled to everything and everyone around us bending to our whims. Why? Because AMERICA FUCK YEAH, that's why.

The fact that these morons present evolution as just an option, or one of a bunch of options should immediately disqualify them from having any fucking say on educational standards. These people are pathetic.

30 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:41:14pm

re: #28 Kragar

Funny how God's will never extends to improving ourselves and our knowledge of the world through scientific endeavors.

No kidding. We're still in the dark ages if our ancestors had just said fuck science and God only. These idiots see any scientific activity as a threat to their fate. In that way, they're more reactionary minded than people who lived 300-400 hundred years ago because plenty of the great scientists were also people interested in religion as well.

31 b_Snark  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:41:46pm

re: #11 HappyWarrior

Made it up? Yeah Darwin just made it up. It's not like he studied species for years unlike Wade who probably has less science education than I do.

It took Darwin 28 years from the time the Beagle left port until he published Origin. His work was meticulous and incredibly well researched. Characterizing it as 'just made up' shows how poorly this bozo does his own research.

32 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:41:53pm

158.177 Teaching of evolution -- Right to include Bible theory of creation.
(1) In any public school instruction concerning the theories of the creation of man and the earth, and which involves the theory thereon commonly known as evolution, any teacher so desiring may include as a portion of such instruction the theory of creation as presented in the Bible, and may accordingly read such passages in the Bible as are deemed necessary for instruction on the theory of creation, thereby affording students a choice as to which such theory to accept.
(2) For those students receiving such instruction, and who accept the Bible theory of creation, credit shall be permitted on any examination in which adherence to such theory is propounded, provided the response is correct according to the instruction received.
(3) No teacher in a public school may stress any particular denominational religious belief.
(4) This section is not to be construed as being adverse to any decision which has been rendered by any court of competent jurisdiction.
Effective: July 13, 1990
History: Repealed and reenacted 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 476, Pt. V, sec. 403, effective July 13, 1990. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 261, sec. 1.

33 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:43:04pm

re: #31 b_sharp

It took Darwin 28 years from the time the Beagle left port until he published Origin. His work was meticulous and incredibly well researched. Characterizing it as 'just made up' shows how poorly this bozo does his own research.

Same idiot probably thinks Darwin was a communist who worshipped the devil.

34 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:43:22pm

re: #32 Gus

(2) For those students receiving such instruction, and who accept the Bible theory of creation, credit shall be permitted on any examination in which adherence to such theory is propounded, provided the response is correct according to the instruction received.

Behold the wonder of science!

35 freetoken  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:43:31pm

Ben Waide on the issues (of which he has two on his webpage):

Kentucky Issues
The Economy

The most important thing we need to do is promote the economy and grow jobs. And the backbone of our economy here is our Coal Industry. [...]

Coal

My grandfather retired from Island Creek Coal company. When I was a kid, I didn’t know how important coal was,…I just knew how important he was. He worked for Fies #9 and #11 and helped support an industry that has put electricity in our homes and food on our tables my entire life.
Now, coal is more important than ever. It is America’s abundant and Affordable energy resource. In fact, 93% of Kentucky’s electricity is produced from coal.
(American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity www. Americaspower.org/TheFacts )
Still, President Obama is doing everything he can to destroy our Coal Industry. If he has his way, our electrical bills “will necessarily skyrocket” Those are his words.

As your State Representative, I’m going to work every day to protect our coal jobs and keep our electrical rates low.

Education

My wife and I chose public schools for our children. And we take an active role in their education. My wife is a school nurse at Browning Springs and we’ve worked with many dedicated teachers. We understand how important education is to the future of our community.

Education is the lifeline of economic development. Employers want to locate in communities where there is a well educated work force, trained for the jobs of tomorrow.

That’s why as your State Representative, I will work to get more money into the class room and less to administration. I’ll protect parent’s choices about the education of their children.

And just like my grandmother told me…A good job comes from a good education. It’s clear that we need a highly educated work force to create long term economic prosperity. That’s why our community colleges and universities are so important. But many Kentuckians can’t afford to go to college. That’s why I will work to make college more affordable and accessible. I’m not talking about lowering standards,… I’m talking about opening the doors.
I support the KEESprogram and School Counts. And I will look for new innovative ways to help people afford a college education.

Somebody might want to inform him that his "goals" in education are in conflict with his other beliefs.

36 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:44:07pm

re: #35 freetoken

Ben Waide on the issues (of which he has two on his webpage):

Somebody might want to inform him that his "goals" in education are in conflict with his other beliefs.

Right. Opening doors. To the Loch Ness monster.

37 Stanghazi  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:44:57pm

This thread is perfect

38 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:46:33pm
And just like my grandmother told me…A good job comes from a good education. It’s clear that we need a highly educated work force to create long term economic prosperity. That’s why our community colleges and universities are so important. But many Kentuckians can’t afford to go to college. That’s why I will work to make college more affordable and accessible. I’m not talking about lowering standards,… I’m talking about opening the doors.
I support the KEESprogram and School Counts. And I will look for new innovative ways to help people afford a college education.

"Long as yer science teachin' doesn't conflict with the Good Book, we can keep the gunplay to a minimum."

39 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:48:09pm

Their view on human evolution is no different than getting medical advice from a witch doctor.

40 Obdicut  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:50:49pm

re: #39 Gus

Or getting medical advice from a priest. Which is probably A-ok with these jackoffs.

41 Petero1818  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:53:30pm

re: #24 Shiplord Kirel

This is a national disgrace. We are going to pay the price when our young people try to tackle real world problems from a fantasy world mental framework.

The good news is there will be more jobs for people capable of actual thought. Roughly 40% of the country will be unemployable by anyone other than their Church or apparently government.

42 allegro  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:54:02pm

Dunno if I want to scream or cry.

43 b_Snark  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:54:26pm

re: #40 Obdicut

Or getting medical advice from a priest. Which is probably A-ok with these jackoffs.

Worse yet, mental health advice from a priest.

44 Charles Johnson  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:54:28pm

I'm actually grateful to Republicans like Givens and Waide, because they're being honest. They're doing rational people a service by making the alternative very, very clear.

45 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:54:44pm

biab

46 b_Snark  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:56:31pm

re: #41 Petero1818

The good news is there will be more jobs for people capable of actual thought. Roughly 40% of the country will be unemployable by anyone other than their Church or apparently government.

I don't know about down there but here working for government requires post-sec education.

47 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:57:16pm

It turns out when we though they were saying "JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!", they were just talking about the Book of Job.

48 simoom  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 6:59:00pm

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

Youtube Video

Romney (plaintive voice): "This is an election in which we should be talking about the path ahead, but you don't hear any answers coming from the president's reelection campaign. That's because he's intellectually exhausted ..."

(crowd snickers and laughs)

Romney: "... out of ideas and out of energy. And so his campaign has resorted to diversions and distractions. To demagoguing and defaming others. The president is taking things to a new low. His campaign and his surrogates have made wild and reckless accusations that disgrace the office of the presidency. Another outrageous charge just came a few hours ago in Virginia and the White House sinks a little bit lower. This is what an angry and desperate presidency looks like. President Obama knows better, promised better and America deserves better.

Over the last four years this president has pushed Republicans and Democrats about as far apart as they can go, and now he and his allies are pushing as even further apart by dividing us into groups. He demonizes some, he panders to others. His campaign strategy is to smash America apart and then try to cobble together 51% of the pieces. If an American president wins that way we would all lose, but he won't win that way.

So Mister President, take your campaign of division and anger and hate back to Chicago and let us get about rebuilding and reuniting America."

49 abolitionist  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:00:22pm

re: #11 HappyWarrior

Made it up? Yeah Darwin just made it up. It's not like he studied species for years unlike Wade who probably has less science education than I do.

It was fortunate in a way, that Darwin was paired up with Captain Robert Fizroy on that long voyage on the Beagle, since Fitzroy could be described as a biblical literalist. IMO, Darwin got a fairly accurate preview of the controversies that would ensue, decades before he published his famous book.

The importance of guessing

Don saw a videotape of Nobel prize-winning Physicist Richard Feynman's lecture about making up a theory. He said the first thing one needs to do is GUESS what it should be. His students giggled at this, but it was very important he said. Then one had to test the guess [edit], do some experiments, and if it didn't work throw it away!

"It's contrary to my favorite holy book" is not a reasonable test.

50 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:01:25pm

re: #48 simoom

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

[Embedded content]

Is baby Mitt angry? Yeah Mitt because you're never dishonest and divisive at all. It's only Obama. I bet Obama laughs at this loser off camera.

51 JamesWI  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:02:15pm

re: #48 simoom

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

[Embedded content]

Good lord, all the projection in that speech.

52 Petero1818  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:02:50pm

re: #46 b_sharp

I don't know about down there but here working for government requires post-sec education.

Not to be a Senator or to hold public office.

53 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:04:46pm

re: #48 simoom

...Over the last four years this president has pushed Republicans and Democrats about as far apart as they can go...

Amazing.

54 b_Snark  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:05:02pm

re: #52 Petero1818

Not to be a Senator or to hold public office.

Ah.

55 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:05:15pm
56 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:07:46pm
57 Lidane  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:11:39pm

re: #48 simoom

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

[Embedded content]

More projection than an IMAX theater.

58 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:15:18pm

Well, at least he didn't ask the kid to pull a quarter out of his pocket.

59 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:15:58pm
60 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:15:58pm

re: #48 simoom

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

[Embedded content]

Romney always has a plaintive voice.

61 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:17:32pm

re: #59 Gus

[Embedded content]

Shipped in from out of state will be the spin or they'll be called union thugs. Probably both.

62 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:18:25pm

re: #56 jaunte

63 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:19:29pm
64 Lidane  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:19:48pm

re: #62 Dark_Falcon

Eh. Ryan's budget trolls everyone into thinking he's some sort of serious thinker, so it's all fair.

65 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:19:55pm

re: #50 HappyWarrior

Is baby Mitt angry? Yeah Mitt because you're never dishonest and divisive at all. It's only Obama. I bet Obama laughs at this loser off camera.

He'll have plenty of time to laugh after election day, as he is planning his move back to Chicago. I hope the 'joke' is still funny to him then.

66 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:19:56pm
67 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:20:10pm

What's the "Hey Girl" in reference to?

68 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:20:21pm

re: #48 simoom

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

[Embedded content]

Feck Romney.

69 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:20:34pm

re: #67 HappyWarrior

[Link: knowyourmeme.com...]

70 JamesWI  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:21:51pm

re: #65 Dark_Falcon

He'll have plenty of time to laugh after election day, as he is planning his move back to Chicago. I hope the 'joke' is still funny to him then.

Awwww, wishful thinking is so cute!

71 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:23:54pm

re: #65 Dark_Falcon

He'll have plenty of time to laugh after election day, as he is planning his move back to Chicago. I hope the 'joke' is still funny to him then.

Don't hold your breath. Romney is a joke.

72 JamesWI  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:24:34pm

re: #62 Dark_Falcon

[Embedded content]

Making a joke account named "Paul Ryan Gosling" and making jokes = being a jerk.

"I don't plan on living to retirement age, so fuck your Medicare and Social Security" = being a .........

73 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:24:41pm

I'm honestly shocked that Romney is winning the money battle because I hardly see any of his ads.

74 jamesfirecat  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:24:56pm

re: #65 Dark_Falcon

He'll have plenty of time to laugh after election day, as he is planning his move back to Chicago. I hope the 'joke' is still funny to him then.

Hey Dark, if Obama wins another term... what does it mean for you? Not so much economically but in how you view the world. I mean you seem 100% sure of the fact that he will... what are you going to do and what are you going to think if he Obama does win?

75 aagcobb  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:25:20pm

Charles, while, as a Kentuckian, I wish those cretins weren't from Kentucky, I feel obliged to point out that the captions to their photographs incorrectly identified them as Tennesseans.

76 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:25:25pm

re: #72 JamesWI

Making a joke account named "Paul Ryan Gosling" and making jokes = being a jerk.

"I don't plan on living to retirement age, so fuck your Medicare and Social Security" = being a .........

Republican.

77 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:26:14pm

re: #75 aagcobb

Charles, while, as a Kentuckian, I wish those cretins weren't from Kentucky, I feel obliged to point out that the captions to their photographs incorrectly identified them as Tennesseans.

Oops.

78 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:26:47pm

re: #73 HappyWarrior

I'm honestly shocked that Romney is winning the money battle because I see any of his ads.

Much of it has to do with Federal election law. The money Mitt Romney is raising right now is General Election money, and he cannot spend it until the Republican National Convention formally nominates him as the party's presidential candidate.

79 Sionainn  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:27:22pm

re: #32 Gus

158.177 Teaching of evolution -- Right to include Bible theory of creation.
(1) In any public school instruction concerning the theories of the creation of man and the earth, and which involves the theory thereon commonly known as evolution, any teacher so desiring may include as a portion of such instruction the theory of creation as presented in the Bible, and may accordingly read such passages in the Bible as are deemed necessary for instruction on the theory of creation, thereby affording students a choice as to which such theory to accept.
(2) For those students receiving such instruction, and who accept the Bible theory of creation, credit shall be permitted on any examination in which adherence to such theory is propounded, provided the response is correct according to the instruction received.
(3) No teacher in a public school may stress any particular denominational religious belief.
(4) This section is not to be construed as being adverse to any decision which has been rendered by any court of competent jurisdiction.
Effective: July 13, 1990
History: Repealed and reenacted 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 476, Pt. V, sec. 403, effective July 13, 1990. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 261, sec. 1.

Looks like (4) wipes out (1).

80 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:28:04pm

re: #74 jamesfirecat

Hey Dark, if Obama wins another term... what does it mean for you? Not so much economically but in how you view the world. I mean you seem 100% sure of the fact that he will... what are you going to do and what are you going to think if he Obama does win?

We'll cross that bridge if we come to James. I'm not going to move to Montana and join a militia, though, if that's what you're worried about.

81 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:28:27pm

Plutocracy doesn't come cheap. Romney isn't "raising" money as much as he's being thrown money by the nervous billionaire plutocrats.

82 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:28:36pm

re: #78 Dark_Falcon

Much of it has to do with Federal election law. The money Mitt Romney is raising right now is General Election money, and he cannot spend it until the Republican National Convention formally nominates him as the party's presidential candidate.

I guess so but this is a must win county for him. If he were a smart campaigner, he'd be going into areas that lean Democrat like Obama did with Republican areas here in 2008. If one wants to understand why Obama won Virginia, one has to look at the fact that Obama was going into areas that hadn't been won by Democratic candidates since LBJ over Goldwater. The Republicans seem stupidly resigned to their belief that Northern Virginians are just a bunch of left wing lunatics. Their political funeral I guess.

83 Sionainn  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:29:21pm

re: #41 Petero1818

The good news is there will be more jobs for people capable of actual thought. Roughly 40% of the country will be unemployable by anyone other than their Church or apparently government.

My kids will have it made! Yeah!

84 Sionainn  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:30:57pm

re: #48 simoom

Romney attempts to turn the dial up to 11. The dial comes unhinged:

[Embedded content]

He's clearly delusional.

85 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:33:06pm

re: #84 Sionainn

He's clearly delusional.

Is that new? This is the guy who basically tried to act like we should thank him for Detroit's recovery even though he wrote an op-ed for one of the nation's largest papers saying in simple terms "Let it fail." He's either incredibly stupid to have forgotten his own words or he's a delusional idiot who thinks no one can look in the archives at his own words.

86 jamesfirecat  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:33:21pm

re: #80 Dark_Falcon

We'll cross that bridge if we come to James. I'm not going to move to Montana and join a militia, though, if that's what you're worried about.

I was hoping for more like the opposite effect, move to Vermont and start wearing tie dye shirts... ;)

87 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:34:19pm

re: #86 jamesfirecat

I was hoping for more like the opposite effect, move to Vermont and start wearing tie dye shirts... ;)

Heh.

88 aagcobb  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:34:54pm

re: #83 Sionainn

My kids will have it made! Yeah!

The good news of this story, which as a Kentuckian I'd like to emphasize, is that the cretinists lost this battle in Kentucky. As the story said, the Kentucky GOP pushed to tie Kentucky testing to national standards, and now a couple of idiots are expressing their butthurt because it means real science has to be taught in Kentucky so that our kids can compete nationally, instead of their fairy tale. Good News!

89 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:36:18pm

re: #85 HappyWarrior

Is that new? This is the guy who basically tried to act like we should thank him for Detroit's recovery even though he wrote an op-ed for one of the nation's largest papers saying in simple terms "Let it fail." He's either incredibly stupid to have forgotten his own words or he's a delusional idiot who thinks no one can look in the archives at his own words.

Romney has to be the biggest flip-flopper I've ever seen run for office. The man changes his opinions sometimes within 24 hours. Now they have Ryan in on the act and given Ryan's voting prior to 2009 that's already well know. One moment criticizing the stimulus and the next begging for over 20 million of stimulus funding for his district. Back to Romney. His flip-flops should even raise the eyebrows of many alleged conservatives.

90 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:38:41pm

re: #89 Gus

Romney has to be the biggest flip-flopper I've ever seen run for office. The man changes his opinions sometimes within 24 hours. Now they have Ryan in on the act and given Ryan's voting prior to 2009 that's already well know. One moment criticizing the stimulus and the next begging for over 20 million of stimulus funding for his district. Back to Romney. His flip-flops should even raise the eyebrows of many alleged conservatives.

Really, I remember 2004 and my Republican friends and acquaintances mocking Kerry for flipping flopping. Mitt has given that phrase a whole new meaning in the six years that he's been running for president. And yeah Ryan is just as bad. He claims that he has regrets about the Bush debt adding items. Awfully easy to claim that now that Bush is as unpopular with conservatives as he is with liberals now.

91 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:39:06pm

Mitt Romney on President Obama:

So Mister President, take your campaign of division and anger and hate back to Chicago and let us get about rebuilding and reuniting America.

President Obama on Mitt Romney:

He seems to have a great family. And I really think he had a great health care plan when he was in Massachusetts,” Obama said. “Seems to be working really well — One of the reasons why we set up the same kind of plan nationally and we’re implementing it right now.

The choice is clear.

Obama/Biden 2012

92 Sionainn  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:39:07pm

re: #88 aagcobb

The good news of this story, which as a Kentuckian I'd like to emphasize, is that the cretinists lost this battle in Kentucky. As the story said, the Kentucky GOP pushed to tie Kentucky testing to national standards, and now a couple of idiots are expressing their butthurt because it means real science has to be taught in Kentucky so that our kids can compete nationally, instead of their fairy tale. Good News!

I actually support a constitutional amendment on this issue that would take care of it once and for all.

93 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:39:20pm

Romney's an arrogant turd.

94 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:41:03pm

re: #88 aagcobb

The good news of this story, which as a Kentuckian I'd like to emphasize, is that the cretinists lost this battle in Kentucky. As the story said, the Kentucky GOP pushed to tie Kentucky testing to national standards, and now a couple of idiots are expressing their butthurt because it means real science has to be taught in Kentucky so that our kids can compete nationally, instead of their fairy tale. Good News!

That is good news, and a victory for practical politics. That said, state legislators should not be given too much credit for figuring out that it is both better governance and better politics to set a proper curriculum even if it means ignoring your religious opinion in the science classroom. They should be simply told "Thank you, you did the right thing and we're glad you did." and the matter left at that.

95 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:41:38pm

re: #91 Gus

Mitt Romney on President Obama:

So Mister President, take your campaign of division and anger and hate back to Chicago and let us get about rebuilding and reuniting America.

President Obama on Mitt Romney:

He seems to have a great family. And I really think he had a great health care plan when he was in Massachusetts,” Obama said. “Seems to be working really well — One of the reasons why we set up the same kind of plan nationally and we’re implementing it right now.

The choice is clear.

Obama/Biden 2012

Obama killing Romney with kindness. Has Romney even been bothered to say a kind word about Obama ever? Last I recall he acted like a mushy mouthed coward when a supporter called the President a monster. Obama meanwhile routinely tells crowds that boo Romney and now Ryan that are decent guys just with bad ideas.

96 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:42:03pm

re: #92 Sionainn

I actually support a constitutional amendment on this issue that would take care of it once and for all.

We've already got one, and that amendment was the very first one added to the Constitution.

97 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:43:07pm

re: #95 HappyWarrior

The president says that, while his surrogates aim ugliness and vitriol. It's just a bullshit act.

98 Amory Blaine  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:43:10pm

Heat Shuts Down a Coastal Reactor

A reactor at the Millstone nuclear plant in Waterford, Conn., has shut down because of something that its 1960s designers never anticipated: the water in Long Island Sound was too warm to cool it.

Under the reactor’s safety rules, the cooling water can be no higher than 75 degrees. On Sunday afternoon, the water’s temperature soared to 76.7 degrees, prompting the operator, Dominion Power, to order the shutdown of the 880-megawatt reactor.

99 allegro  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:43:58pm

re: #93 Gus

Romney's an arrogant turd.

After his bit above, I don't think he deserves such a glowing compliment.

100 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:44:19pm

Its just nuts.

On one hand we have the GOP in high gear doing everything possible to undermine science education in public schools and make it harder for middle class American students to get student loans to help get them through college.

And on the other hand, Mitt Romney at his campaign website says that the USA needs to relax immigration rules so that we can hurry up and import more scientists who were educated in other countries.

To ensure that America continues to lead the world in innovation and economic dynamism, a Romney administration would press for an immigration policy designed to maximize America’s economic potential. The United States needs to attract and retain job creators from wherever they come.

- Raise visa caps for highly skilled workers
- Grant permanent residency to eligible graduates with advanced degrees in math, science, and engineering

And the sub-intelligent GOPers don't see any connection between their lack of respect for science and the fact that we don't attract enough students into scientific pursuits.

101 Interesting Times  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:44:27pm

re: #93 Gus

Here, have something to make you feel better ;)

102 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:44:51pm

re: #96 Dark_Falcon

We've already got one, and that amendment was the very first one added to the Constitution.

Have any of them accused Romney of loathing this country and hating the people in it like Romney's surrogates do for Obama?

103 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:45:05pm

re: #95 HappyWarrior

Obama killing Romney with kindness. Has Romney even been bothered to say a kind word about Obama ever? Last I recall he acted like a mushy mouthed coward when a supporter called the President a monster. Obama meanwhile routinely tells crowds that boo Romney and now Ryan that are decent guys just with bad ideas.

None that I've ever seen. The word magnanimous never applies to Mitt Romney.

104 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:45:25pm

Draft dodger Romney.

105 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:45:53pm

re: #103 Gus

None that I've ever seen. The word magnanimous never applies to Mitt Romney.

No that phrase is pompous dick who would be in the poorhouse if it wasn't for Dad.

106 jamesfirecat  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:46:10pm

re: #97 Dark_Falcon

The president says that, while his surrogates aim ugliness and vitriol. It's just a bullshit act.

Well even you should be willing to admit that at least Obama can wield stiletto with some class as opposed to blindly slinging around a battle axe with spittle flying from their mouths.

107 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:46:12pm

re: #101 Interesting Times

Here, have something to make you feel better ;)

[Embedded content]

Thanks. We're growing exponentially! ;)

108 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:46:21pm

re: #97 Dark_Falcon

The president says that, while his surrogates aim ugliness and vitriol. It's just a bullshit act.

Yeah, the Romney campaign has the honesty to spread hatred and lies top to bottom. Obama is such a hypocrite.
///

109 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:46:55pm

re: #105 HappyWarrior

No that phrase is pompous dick who would be in the poorhouse if it wasn't for Dad.

Pretty much. Romney was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

110 allegro  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:48:56pm

re: #109 Gus

Pretty much. Romney was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

He was also born with the name Romney and the fine legacy of his dad. Bummer that he's shaming both now, IMO.

112 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:49:29pm

Image: romney_bully01.jpg

113 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:49:54pm

re: #105 HappyWarrior

No that phrase is pompous dick who would be in the poorhouse if it wasn't for Dad.

That's not true. Mitt Romney is a smart and driven man. So long as he wasn't born in the ghetto, he would have attained a decent life.

The ghetto reference refers to the social problems of such areas and should not be read as implying any sort of inferiority on the part of black people.

114 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:50:39pm

re: #110 allegro

He was also born with the name Romney and the fine legacy of his dad. Bummer that he's shaming both now, IMO.

His Dad was a decent guy. I can't say the same about Mitt when he bends over backwards to appease the bigots in his party. His father boldly stood up for Civil Rights when their church was stuck in the dark ages on racial issues. Mitt I think if he would have been in the position of the older Romney would have been silent.

115 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:50:41pm

The winner:

Neidermeyer from Animal House
22% 32 votes

116 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:51:03pm

re: #97 Dark_Falcon

The president says that, while his surrogates aim ugliness and vitriol. It's just a bullshit act.

So is Ryan's pretense that life begins at conception. He doesn't really believe that, if he really thought that every time Plan B prevented an implantation equated to a murder he'd be screaming from the rafters about it. Instead it's just a cynical ruse Republican politicians use to get dumbshit bible thumper votes. People like Ryan don't really think it's murder, or if they do their convictions are too feeble and worthless to bother accounting for, backed up by nothing but rhetoric. It's all an act, except the real world consequences are abhorrent, in the real world the policies mean robbing women of the right to control their reproductive lives and increasing odds of reproductive success for rapists.

117 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:51:18pm

He's a spoiled rich kid of average intelligence who was raised to think that rules are for other people and that principles always take a back seat to politics. A perfect leader for today's GOP.

118 Targetpractice  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:51:45pm

re: #115 Gus

The winner:

Neidermeyer from Animal House
22% 32 votes

"A pledge pin?! On your uniform?!"

119 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:52:35pm

re: #113 Dark_Falcon

That's not true. Mitt Romney is a smart and driven man. So long as he wasn't born in the ghetto, he would have attained a decent life.

The ghetto reference refers to the social problems of such areas and should not be read as implying any sort of inferiority on the part of black people.

Maybe I went a little far in that but he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he acts like all his success is due to him alone and not to being born into a very wealthy family with all sorts of connections. I have zero respect for a man like Mitt Romney who supported the Vietnam War but then dodged out to go to do missionary work in France. Everyone slammed Bush, Quayle, and others for going into the National Guard but at least they put their money where their mouth was.

120 Kragar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:52:41pm

re: #111 Gus

Poll: Which Blonde '80's Movie Asshole is Mitt Romney?

No Chet from Weird Science?

121 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:53:33pm

re: #115 Gus

The winner:

Neidermeyer from Animal House
22% 32 votes

He's more like the other guy in Animal House. If I recall that guy was more of a business type like Mitt is and if I recall the epilogue a future member of CREEP.

122 Amory Blaine  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:55:07pm

re: #119 HappyWarrior

Serving in Vietnam affected my dad deeply and in turn destroyed my family. It's nice that Romney lived in a French mansion while my family was being destroyed.

123 Interesting Times  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:55:25pm

Arc of the universe bending, bitches!

More details here:

Cliff Stearns loses, won't be able to witch-hunt Planned Parenthood anymore

You remember Stearns, don't you? He's the House Republican who believes in taxpayer-funded contraception for horses but not women.

He's also the rotten son of a bitch who launched an "investigation" into Planned Parenthood, "requesting reams of financial information and details on how the women's health organization keeps federal funds separate from abortion services"...It was that bogus investigation that Susan G. Komen for the Cure cited to justify terminating funding of Planned Parenthood's breast cancer screening program. Because Planned Parenthood was under "investigation," according to the anti-choicers at Komen, it no longer deserved funding. That didn't work out well for Komen.

124 Targetpractice  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:55:57pm

re: #121 HappyWarrior

He's more like the other guy in Animal House. If I recall that guy was more of a business type like Mitt is and if I recall the epilogue a future member of CREEP.

Greg, the weaselly little prick in charge of the other fraternity.

125 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:56:15pm

re: #113 Dark_Falcon

That's not true. Mitt Romney is a smart and driven man. So long as he wasn't born in the ghetto, he would have attained a decent life.

He was given the finest in elite private education. His trust fund and gifted stocks allowed him to attend grad school without having to work. His Dad's zero interest loan allowed him to buy his first house. HIs father's connections help him immeasurably in networking his way through life. Romney is the poster child for the advantages of a privileged birth.

126 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:57:27pm

re: #123 Interesting Times

Arc of the universe bending, bitches!

[Embedded content]

More details here:

Cliff Stearns loses, won't be able to witch-hunt Planned Parenthood anymore

Hooray!

127 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:58:34pm

Of course he'll just be replaced by just another cookie cutter Republican weirdo.

128 Amory Blaine  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 7:59:10pm

Avoiding the draft gave him a huge advantage over more honorable but poorer men.

129 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:00:28pm

re: #114 HappyWarrior

His Dad was a decent guy. I can't say the same about Mitt when he bends over backwards to appease the bigots in his party. His father boldly stood up for Civil Rights when their church was stuck in the dark ages on racial issues. Mitt I think if he would have been in the position of the older Romney would have been silent.

Honestly though, if George Romney had lived in our own time he would not be as spontaneous and original as he was. That would simply reflect the current reality, which is that CEOs and governors are for the most part not allowed to be spontaneous or original. this is because the penalties for saying something that comes across wrong are so high now. Back then, if the TV cameras weren't there your words would mostly show up in the newspapers, with enough delay normally context to defuse some of the gaffe's force. Nowadays, if you make a gaffe its on YouTube within 30 minutes and it'll have gone all around the world before you get a response off. So now politicos and execs stick to the scripted talking points and avoid the spontaneity that is now more likely to hurt a leader then help them.

130 JamesWI  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:00:51pm

re: #127 Gus

Of course he'll just be replaced by just another cookie cutter Republican weirdo.

He probably lost because he didn't hate abortion enough./

131 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:01:02pm

Here's his likely replacement:

Ted Yoho is a large animal veterinarian, small business owner and family man. He is also a Christian and conservative Republican...

He's a Christian! Woopdido. Thanks for letting us know.

132 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:01:03pm

re: #125 goddamnedfrank

He was given the finest in elite private education. His trust fund and gifted stocks allowed him to attend grad school without having to work. His Dad's zero interest loan allowed him to buy his first house. HIs father's connections help him immeasurably in networking his way through life. Romney is the poster child for the advantages of a privileged birth.

He also said earlier this year that people who need the paycheck shouldn't get into politics. Yep, its best if the unwashed masses would just leave politics to the mega rich white guys.

133 aagcobb  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:01:42pm

re: #94 Dark_Falcon

That is good news, and a victory for practical politics. That said, state legislators should not be given too much credit for figuring out that it is both better governance and better politics to set a proper curriculum even if it means ignoring your religious opinion in the science classroom. They should be simply told "Thank you, you did the right thing and we're glad you did." and the matter left at that.

If there weren't so many state legislators who lack that capacity, I would agree with you. I am so glad that the fundies didn't realize the implications of this legislation when it was enacted, or they surely would've pushed to kill it.

134 Gus  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:01:54pm

re: #130 JamesWI

He probably lost because he didn't hate abortion enough./

[Link: www.tedyoho.com...]

135 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:03:34pm

re: #129 Dark_Falcon

Honestly though, if George Romney had lived in our own time he would not be as spontaneous and original as he was. That would simply reflect the current reality, which is that CEOs and governors are for the most part not allowed to be spontaneous or original. this is because the penalties for saying something that comes across wrong are so high now. Back then, if the TV cameras weren't there your words would mostly show up in the newspapers, with enough delay normally context to defuse some of the gaffe's force. Nowadays, if you make a gaffe its on YouTube within 30 minutes and it'll have gone all around the world before you get a response off. So now politicos and execs stick to the scripted talking points and avoid the spontaneity that is now more likely to hurt a leader then help them.

Maybe but my point is that he was bold on Civil Rights issue when his own son who once promised to be more progressive than Ted Kennedy on gay and lesbian rights has devolved. It would be like if the older Romney had gone from supporting MLK to endorsing Wallace in 1968.

136 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:04:15pm

re: #123 Interesting Times

Arc of the universe bending, bitches!

[Embedded content]

More details here:

Cliff Stearns loses, won't be able to witch-hunt Planned Parenthood anymore

Sterns joins the the Democrats who lost the seats formerly held by Ted Kennedy and Anthony Weiner, as well as former Senator Bennett of Utah. All four decided to phone their campaigns in and got defeated for having done so. And that is a Good Thing, since it reaffirms that you have to actually ask the public to vote for you.

137 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:06:17pm

re: #93 Gus

Romney's an arrogant turd.

Heh...I called him a turd earlier today.

138 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:06:50pm

re: #101 Interesting Times

Here, have something to make you feel better ;)

[Embedded content]

It'll all be better when Jesus comes back.

139 garhighway  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:08:06pm

re: #125 goddamnedfrank

Born on third and thinks he hit a triple.

140 simoom  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:08:27pm

re: #95 HappyWarrior

Obama killing Romney with kindness. Has Romney even been bothered to say a kind word about Obama ever? Last I recall he acted like a mushy mouthed coward when a supporter called the President a monster. Obama meanwhile routinely tells crowds that boo Romney and now Ryan that are decent guys just with bad ideas.

Romney’s very entry into the race was a character assault on Obama's patriotism. His book and announcement speech were steeped in that Right Wing invention that the President lacks fundamental american traits, that he “doesn’t believe in American Exceptionalism” and that consequently he “goes around the world apologizing for America.”

Stunningly false personal attacks are present in the Romney camp’s first party advertising, Romney’s stump speeches and in surrogate talking points:

Dog-whistle ads accusing the president of repealing the welfare work requirement (“Under Obama’s plan, you wouldn’t have to work or wouldn’t have to train for a job, they would just send you your welfare check”); accusing the commander-in-chief of conspiring to prevent military servicemen from being able to vote; an ad, accusing a man whose religious identity is the subject of frequent smears, of engaging in a “War on Religion”; spectacularly misleading claims that the president “stole from” “robbed” “raided” the Medicare trust fund and that he has “blood on his hands.”; reckless accusations that the president is disgracing the office of the presidency and that he's trying to smash the country apart...

141 JamesWI  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:08:52pm

re: #134 Gus

[Link: www.tedyoho.com...]

2nd Amendment/ Right to bear arms: The right to bear arms is a birth right and should never be threatened.

A BIRTH right?

Our tax code needs to be simplified. I support the Fair Tax. At the minimum, the corporate tax rate should be lowered and locked in for an extended period of time that would allow businesses to make medium to long term investment plans. The estate and gift tax must be repealed.

Yeah, businesses don't have any medium to long term investment plans. We need to lower their taxes.

In addition to personally pledging to only serving 4 terms (8 years) in the House of Representatives, I would support a constitutional amendment that would enact congressional term limits.

Only four terms! Take his word for it! Of course, he's also not promising he won't then try to go on to the Senate for the rest of his life...

Looking at the rest of it.......drill everywhere for oil, get rid of the Department of Energy......get rid of federal regulations....

Cookie cutter indeed.

142 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:11:09pm

re: #140 simoom

Romney’s very entry into the race was a character assault on Obama's patriotism. His book and announcement speech were steeped in that Right Wing invention that the President lacks fundamental american traits, that he “doesn’t believe in American Exceptionalism” and that consequently he “goes around the world apologizing for America.”

Stunningly false personal attacks are present in the Romney camp’s first party advertising, Romney’s stump speeches and in surrogate talking points:

Dog-whistle ads accusing the president of repealing the welfare work requirement (“Under Obama’s plan, you wouldn’t have to work or wouldn’t have to train for a job, they would just send you your welfare check”); accusing the commander-in-chief of conspiring to prevent military servicemen from being able to vote; an ad, accusing a man whose religious identity is the subject of frequent smears, of engaging in a “War on Religion”; spectacularly misleading claims that the president “stole from” “robbed” “raided” the Medicare trust fund and that he has “blood on his hands.”; reckless accusations that the president is disgracing the office of the presidency and that he's trying to smash the country apart...

That's exactly why I asked if Romney has ever been charitable to the president even on a personal level. He's been using the apologizing to the rest of the world line from the minute Obama became president with nothing but empty rhetoric which really is the story of his presidential aspirations.

143 aagcobb  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:13:04pm

re: #134 Gus

[Link: www.tedyoho.com...]

The Tea Party eats another of its own. At the rate the GOP is devolving, soon you'll be considered a RINO if you speak instead of grunt.

144 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:18:28pm

Ryan now trying to run from Ayn Rand...lying cocksucker.

145 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:19:02pm

re: #143 aagcobb

The Tea Party eats another of its own. At the rate the GOP is devolving, soon you'll be considered a RINO if you speak instead of grunt.

That's the downside of creating a monster. Eventually they break their chains and try to take over.

146 KettleKat  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:19:52pm

This is the clearest demonstration of the Dunning–Kruger effect I've yet seen.

147 darthstar  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:20:36pm

re: #145 Mich-again

That's the downside of creating a monster. Eventually they break their chains and try to take over.

OMGYOUSAIDCHAINS!!!

148 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:22:14pm

re: #144 darthstar

Ryan now trying to run from Ayn Rand...lying cocksucker.

[Embedded content]

He's been doing that ever since he since he became more prominent in the party.

149 KettleKat  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:22:20pm

re: #20 jaunte

Grotesquely out of his depth.

God, who trusts scientists to know science, amirite?

150 HappyWarrior  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:22:49pm

Eventually the TP will be devoured by some new movement.

151 jaunte  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:30:28pm

re: #144 darthstar

"Hey girl, I'm not afraid of commitment, I just want to leave our options open... for you, girl."

152 KettleKat  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:30:45pm

re: #51 JamesWI

I don't think it's projection. I think it's a basic difference in cognition. His supporters are warped in a way that prevents them from applying critical thinking and analysis - they can only process things in terms of how they feel. They're communicating on a level beneath the rest of us - words are emotional triggers only.

153 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:30:45pm

re: #150 HappyWarrior

Eventually the TP will be devoured by some new movement.

Or they will splinter off the GOP. I don't see even a trace of a faction lurking in the GOP waiting to smack down the teabillies. There is no one to devour them. They are the GOP base.

154 Tigger2  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 8:54:31pm

re: #73 HappyWarrior

I'm honestly shocked that Romney is winning the money battle because I hardly see any of his ads.

If the media refused to air lies we would see no Romney adds anywhere.

155 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 9:08:31pm

re: #154 Tigger2

If the media refused to air lies we would see no Romney adds anywhere.

Political ads should be subject to truth in advertising laws.

156 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 9:10:58pm

Exactly why is it that political ads aren't covered under this?? I think it would be a reasonable requirement.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main federal agency that enforces advertising laws and regulations. Under the Federal Trade Commission Act:

Advertising must be truthful and non-deceptive
Advertisers must have evidence to back up their claims
Advertisements cannot be unfair

157 Bentis Fughazi  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 10:09:45pm

re: #95 HappyWarrior

Obama killing Romney with kindness. Has Romney even been bothered to say a kind word about Obama ever? Last I recall he acted like a mushy mouthed coward when a supporter called the President a monster. Obama meanwhile routinely tells crowds that boo Romney and now Ryan that are decent guys just with bad ideas.

Obama's just getting all New Testament on Romney's ass.

Romans 12:20 - "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

158 Mich-again  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 10:21:10pm

The same conservatives who consider the science behind evolution as
hooey would gladly convict a suspect and sentence them to death based on DNA evidence.

159 CriticalDragon1177  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 10:30:48pm

Charles Johnson,

Hopefully these people will loose every court case that happens as a result of them trying to get public schools to ram creationism down kids throats. I wonder how they would explain how supporters of Darwin's idea managed to convince just about every single scientist of evolution's validity regardless of their faith or lack thereof. I also wonder they would explain how attempts to get any alternative to evolution by their comrades taught in public schools on the grounds of academic freedom, has been overturned by the courts, even when the supreme court was repetitively conservative. Also, why did they have to have laws on the books forbidding the teaching of evolution in public schools, that were also eventually overturned in order to stop it from being taught there?

160 CriticalDragon1177  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 10:31:14pm

re: #158 Mich-again

The same conservatives who consider the science behind evolution as
hooey would gladly convict a suspect and sentence them to death based on DNA evidence.

Excellent point!

161 CriticalDragon1177  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 10:35:24pm

re: #144 darthstar

Ryan now trying to run from Ayn Rand...lying ******.

I'd think he would reject her philosophy. Despite whatever similarities her thinking may have to his, Rand hated religion, especially Christianity, not to mention she considered abortion to be "pro-life."

162 Sol Berdinowitz  Tue, Aug 14, 2012 11:39:37pm

You say you want an evolution?

163 druid for hire  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 1:10:02am

i know this may strike ya'll as 'splitting hairs' but the photo captions identify
these morons as tennessee rep's. i pray they are indeed from kentucky.

go vols

164 7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 4:01:11am

re: #90 HappyWarrior

What is this "Bush" to which you refer?

165 7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 4:06:02am

re: #158 Mich-again

Or even "blood spatter analysis." Was on a jury a couple of years ago. We convicted the guy of second degree murder. The state police testimony on blood spatter was incomprehensible flummery.

166 Bulworth  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 6:30:54am
We're simply saying to the ACT people we don't want what is a theory to be taught as a fact in such a way it may damage student's ability to do critical thinking.

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!

167 Thorzdad  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 10:07:00am

This country is so screwed.
I've lost any faith I might have had that the US can avoid slipping into some sort of 21st-century mini-dark age, where it's become this sick, bizarre hybrid of free-market corporate oligarchy and militaristic christian theocracy.

168 S'latch  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 10:16:26am

Why the labels "Anti-science Tennessee Rep. David Givens" and "Anti-Science Tennessee Rep. Ben Waide?"

Rep. David Givens and Rep. Ben Waide appear to represent Kentucky, not Tennessee.

169 labman57  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 10:44:45am

There will come a day -- probably sooner than later -- when Western civilization will look back and regard the Religious Right's opposition to "evolution by natural selection" as absurd as the Church's denial of the existence of atoms, or the vacuum, or the sun as the center of the solar system in past centuries.

Yet another reason why religious dogma and public policy make poor bedfellows.

170 labman57  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 10:50:00am

Sanctimonious, scientifically-illiterate, theocracy-minded politicians and pundits such as Palin, Santorum, Perry, Bachmann, and numerous socially-regressive state legislators have redefined what constitutes science to fit their own point of view. Therefore, they equate real science with natural phenomena under the control of God.

What they don't understand is that science is not merely a body of knowledge accumulated over the centuries, it is also the process through which this knowledge is attained. And so simply declaring that something is true because it says so in the Bible (or any other literary source) cannot be construed as science if that "fact" or "idea" was not the result of a valid, structured, self-critical scientific process.

"God works in mysterious ways" is a religious rationalization for what these folks really mean:  "I have no freaking clue how natural phenomena happen, nor how the process of scientific observation, experimentation, analysis, deduction, and discovery further our understanding of the universe".

The allegories and parables presented in the Bible are akin to a docudrama -- a fictional account of early human history inspired by and loosely based on actual events. These scriptures were designed, in part, to provide answers for people who asked questions about matters which they could not yet comprehend and to provide guidelines for expected moral behavior as determined by the religious order of the time.

171 docproto48  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 11:03:05am

re: #5 abolitionist

The Newtonian Law of gravity worked well enough to get men to the moon and back, several times. But it's just a theory. And many top scientists now believe that it's not quite true. So let's teach the controversy, by all means.
///

There is no gravity, the earth Sucks!

172 Pacific moderate  Wed, Aug 15, 2012 6:16:21pm

Tennessee isn't a fact. Hernado De Soto made it up.


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