Tea Party Lawmaker Letter on Med Device Tax Repeal Authored by Lobby Group

The File’s Metadata reveals the original author
US News • Views: 26,004

— in which we find that the Tea Party’s hostage demands being put to vote by GOP house leadership are being written directly by K street lobbyists.

Earlier today, House Republicans pushed one more step towards a government shut down by passing a continuing resolution that delays the implementation of the Affordable Care Act by one year, while permanently repealing one of the primary funding mechanisms for the law, a 2.5 percent excise tax on medical device companies.

While its clear that Democrats will reject any delay of health reform, the move to revoke the medical device tax can be seen as a coup by industry lobbyists. The medical device industry, led by AdvaMed, a trade association that spends $29 million a year, has pushed aggressively to ensure that medical device companies contribute nothing to the financing of the Affordable Care Act.

After the Tea Party catapulted House Republicans into the majority, 75 right-wing lawmakers wrote a letter to Speaker Boehner demanding that a vote to repeal the device tax occur “as soon as possible.” The metadata of the letter shows that it was authored by Ryan Strandlund, a member of AdvaMed’s government affairs team:

See the Proof at The Nation: Tea Party Lawmaker Letter on Med Device Tax Repeal Authored by Lobby Group

This demonstrates once more that any industry can buy themselves some GOP congress-critters, and the ones they can’t buy can be gulled into voting for anything by their corrupt tea party compadres.

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329 comments
1 Bulworth  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 3:44:38pm

My surprise….showing….

2 Skip Intro  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 3:55:43pm

So what’s going to happen to all the people who sign up for the ACA if, somehow, the GOP does manage to gut it next year?

Are they all just going to be dumped into the street while the GOP chants “FWEEDUM” at the top of their lungs? The consequences for millions of people could be significant, particularly if they give up an existing plan for the new one.

This could be the culmination of every dark dream the GOP has ever had, at least since the implementation of Medicare.

3 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 6:59:00pm

The GOP isn’t a political party anymore. Its a joke.

4 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:06:56pm
5 b_sharp  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:10:04pm

The GOP is proud of this?

The U.S. health system is the most expensive in the world, but comparative analyses consistently show the United States underperforms relative to other countries on most dimensions of performance. This report, which includes information from the most recent three Commonwealth Fund surveys of patients and primary care physicians about medical practices and views of their countries’ health systems (2007-2009), confirms findings discussed in previous editions of Mirror, Mirror. It also includes information on health care outcomes that were featured in the most recent (2008) U.S. health system scorecard issued by the Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System

6 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:16:37pm
7 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:20:07pm

My surprise, etc. —

Not that it will ever get that far. According to HuffPo, Reid is planning on tabling whatever the House sends to the Senate since he just needs a simple majority to do it.

8 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:30:14pm
9 Skip Intro  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:30:29pm

Worst Congress Ever.

When are they going to start entertaining themselves by making farting sounds with their armpits?

10 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:30:36pm

re: #4 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Let them in on the other part, Steve. That those people told to “stay home” do so at the expense of a paycheck. Even if they’ve earned comp time, vacation time, sick leave, or any other sort of paid leave, they cannot take advantage of it. In short, you fuckwits think that robbing millions of Americans of their pay is a-okay, because after all, you don’t think they’re “real jobs” anyway.

11 AntonSirius  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:34:08pm

re: #4 Kragar

[Embedded content]

So we’ll be starting with you and your salary, right, Steve? Because your outright refusal to do your job makes you as non-essential as they come.

12 allegro  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:34:49pm

re: #10 Targetpractice

Let them in on the other part, Steve. That those people told to “stay home” do so at the expense of a paycheck. Even if they’ve earned comp time, vacation time, sick leave, or any other sort of paid leave, they cannot take advantage of it. In short, you fuckwits think that robbing millions of Americans of their pay is a-okay, because after all, you don’t think they’re “real jobs” anyway.

If only Congressional paychecks and perks were ceased as well. Why do I feel there would be a difference in motivation were that the case?

13 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:38:11pm

Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle:

14 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:38:22pm

GOP Congressman compares vote to fighting 9/11 hijackers

Republicans enthusiastically embraced Obamacare delay in a special closed-door meeting on Saturday, breaking out into huge applause as members cheered “Let’s vote!”

“The whole room: ‘Let’s vote!’” Congressman John Culberson of Texas recalled. “I said, like 9/11, ‘let’s roll!’”

Culberson was referring to a quote from Todd Beamer aboard United Airlines Flight 93, a plane hijacked by al Qaeda terrorists on Sept. 11 that crashed in Pennsylvania after Beamer and other passengers fought to regain control.

15 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:39:06pm

re: #14 Kragar

GOP Congressman compares vote to fighting 9/11 hijackers

There’s just one problem. In this analogy, the GOP are the hijackers.

16 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:40:42pm

re: #15 Lidane

There’s just one problem. In this analogy, the GOP are the hijackers.

Of course they don’t see themselves that way. In their minds, Obama’s the “hijacker,” because he took the government away from them and is not letting them take it back.

17 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:41:39pm

re: #16 Targetpractice

Of course they don’t see themselves that way. In their minds, Obama’s the “hijacker,” because he took the government away from them and is not letting them take it back.

They just want to take their country back from its democratically elected leader.
/

18 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:42:18pm

re: #17 Kragar

They just want to take their country back from its democratically elected leader.
/

Which is the whole point of their ransom note…er, their debt ceiling bill.

19 William Barnett-Lewis  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:45:21pm

re: #12 allegro

Especially for those who are “Only” making $173k a year?

20 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:47:26pm

re: #14 Kragar

There is no congressman from Texas who is not a giant douche.

21 philosophus invidius  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:47:48pm

re: #16 Targetpractice

Of course they don’t see themselves that way. In their minds, Obama’s the “hijacker,” because he took the government away from them and is not letting them take it back.

And so they plan to crash the whole thing into the ground and kill everyone involved.

22 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:53:40pm

Demagogues R’ Us.

23 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:56:44pm

re: #22 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Demagogues R’ Us.

“Demolish the IRS”? What, you want to farm them out to the private sector as well?

24 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:57:15pm

re: #22 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Demagogues R’ Us.

So now its gone from defund obamacare to abolish the IRS?

I know, lets go to a flat tax and return to the gold standard while we’re at it.

Mother fuckers.

25 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:57:58pm
26 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:58:12pm

re: #23 Targetpractice

He knows the bullshit that will make him popular with his demographic.

27 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 7:58:22pm
28 allegro  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:01:17pm

re: #22 jaunte

Demagogues R’ Us.

Pssst Cruz… the taxes the IRS collects pays your salary and stuff. You sure you wanna go there?

29 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:02:40pm

Meanwhile, the useless sacks of jelly in the House GOP caucus are deciding that if this whole shutdown business stretches out longer than 2 weeks because Obama won’t give into their demands, they’ll make the sure the really important people get paid:

House GOP Want To Continue Military Pay In Shutdown

House Republicans introduced a bill on Saturday to allow military pay to continue even if a government shutdown should occur, according to a report in Politico.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), would ensure that members of the military would be classified as essential employees. Earlier this week reports revealed that military pay could be halted should a shutdown last longer than two weeks.

30 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:03:54pm

re: #28 allegro

Pssst Cruz… the taxes the IRS collects pays your salary and stuff. You sure you wanna go there?

Pretty sure Ted wants to privatize Congress and just get himself a corporate sponsor.

31 allegro  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:03:56pm

re: #27 jaunte

And in a couple of weeks it will be the next grandstander grifter snake-oil salesman Republican. Their heroes tend to not be very long-lived.

32 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:04:29pm

re: #29 Targetpractice

That’s what you call a Cover Your Ass bill. The GOP are bound and determined to shut down the government but they don’t want to rightly be accused of not supporting the troops.

Fuck it. Let them twist in the wind. They want to shut down the government? Let them own it.

33 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:05:00pm

re: #28 allegro

He’s not serious, it’s just bullshit. Or as Fox News calls it, “red meat.”

34 dell*nix  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:05:31pm

The GOP makes the Jerry Springer show seem like high class TV.

35 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:05:31pm
36 The Ghost of a Flea  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:06:08pm

re: #28 allegro

Pssst Cruz… the taxes the IRS collects pays your salary and stuff. You sure you wanna go there?

The IRS also does terrible, terrible things like helping fill in census data and having raw data about economic trends.

Without them, gerrymandering would be easier, as would selling snakeoil about the state of the economy.

37 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:08:39pm

re: #32 Lidane

That’s what you call a Cover Your Ass bill. The GOP are bound and determined to shut down the government but they don’t want to rightly be accused of not supporting the troops.

Fuck it. Let them twist in the wind. They want to shut down the government? Let them own it.

Pretty much. The last shutdown, back in ‘96, lasted for 28 days. The GOP seems to figure that the longer they hold off making a deal, the more likely public opinion will shift in their favor and the better chance they have of Obama caving and giving them at least a delay.

Problem is that the last time the GOP did this, Clinton actually came out of it with the highest approval ratings to that point. And it hurt the GOP’s chances in the following election, very possibly costing them the presidency.

38 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:12:50pm
39 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:13:46pm

re: #35 Lidane

I kinda want those statues to turn into Weeping Angels.

40 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:14:17pm
41 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:14:32pm
42 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:14:51pm
43 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:17:08pm
44 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:18:00pm
45 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:19:42pm
46 missliberties  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:20:19pm

re: #38 Lidane

There is a lot more to keeping the military going than just paying the troops.

They need to eat, be armed, train, have transporation at the ready, plus they need the safety of covert ops to know what the enemy is up to.

Gawd, I despise the tea party with a freaking passion.

47 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:28:07pm

Rep John Garamendi (D) - CA, speaking as a former Insurance Commissioner for California, was quite well spoken about the need for ACA.

48 Stanley Sea  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:28:12pm
49 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:30:04pm
50 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:31:33pm

re: #49 jaunte

But Obummer spends $500 eleventy billion every day when he travels! We’re still the party of fiscal responsibility!

/////

51 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:33:09pm

CSPAN now:

52 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:33:30pm
53 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:35:49pm
54 Vicious Babushka  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:37:01pm
55 Vicious Babushka  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:39:07pm
56 Vicious Babushka  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:39:34pm
57 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:39:36pm
58 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:42:04pm

That sound you hear is #tcot flipping its collective shit:

59 William Barnett-Lewis  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:43:33pm

re: #43 Lidane

[Embedded content]

I so want to slap every fucking Republican I have ever heard claim that they were “for the troops”.

I’m a vet.

I KNOW BETTER you rat bastards and this is just the latest proof of your hatred for the soldiers out there dying for your profits.

Fuck you, GOP!

Tommy

I went into a public house to get a pint o’ beer,
The publican ‘e up an’ sez, “We serve no red-coats here.”
The girls be’ind the bar they laughed an’ giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an’ to myself sez I:
O it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, go away”;
But it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play.

I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but hadn’t none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-halls,
But when it comes to fighting, Lord! they’ll shove me in the stalls!
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, wait outside”;
But it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide,
The troopship’s on the tide, my boys, the troopship’s on the tide,
O it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide.

Yes, making mock of uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, and they’re starvation cheap;
And hustling drunken soldiers when they’re going large a bit
Is five times better business than parading in full kit.
Then it’s Tommy this, and Tommy that, and “Tommy, how’s yer soul?”
But it’s “Thin red line of heroes” when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it’s “Thin red line of heroes” when the drums begin to roll.

We aren’t no thin red heroes, nor we aren’t no blackguards too,
But single men in barracks, most remarkable like you;
And if sometimes our conduct isn’t all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barracks don’t grow into plaster saints;
While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, fall be’ind”,
But it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind,
There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind,
O it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind.

You talk o’ better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:
We’ll wait for extra rations if you treat us rational.
Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
And it’s Tommy this, and Tommy that, and anything you please;
And Tommy ain’t a blooming fool — you bet that Tommy sees!

60 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:52:16pm
61 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:55:29pm

“Republican” call in in favor of ACA. woot!

62 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:55:48pm
63 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:56:46pm

re: #62 Lidane

actually from listening to his whole comment I think he was mocking that point of view.

64 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:58:05pm

re: #63 Single-handed sailor

I don’t have enough booze in my house to listen to C-SPAN callers. I’ll take your word for it. :)

65 blueraven  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:58:05pm

re: #60 Lidane

Yes, I heard her and guess what? She identified as an independent.
When I see all these polls and a third of the people identify as independents, I am thinking…yeah, right.
They might not want to identify as republican but they are mostly whacked out ultra conservatives.

66 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:58:51pm
67 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 8:59:12pm
68 BongCrodny  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:01:07pm

re: #59 William Barnett-Lewis

I so want to slap every fucking Republican I have ever heard claim that they were “for the troops”.

Cuts in House Leadership SNAP Proposal Would Affect Millions of Low-Income Americans

Eligibility Cuts for Jobless Workers Could Affect 170,000 Veterans

The first of these, the “Southerland” provision, would encourage states to terminate assistance to non-elderly jobless adults (and their families) who do not find work or an opening in a workfare or job training program. According to the Census data, about 120,000 veterans could be at risk of losing SNAP under this provision. The second is the provision that would require states to terminate food aid after three months to unemployed people aged 18 to 50 not raising minor children who live in areas of high unemployment and cannot find a job or a place in a work or job training program. According to the Census data, about 50,000 veterans could be at risk of losing SNAP under this provision.

“Thank you for your service to our country. Now, go fuck yourself.”

69 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:01:15pm

While this is going on, we have a military scandal.

No. 2 US nuke commander suspended amid gambling probe

A U.S. Navy vice admiral has been suspended from his position as the second in command of U.S. Strategic Command and is under investigation for issues related to gambling, authorities said Saturday.

70 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:01:17pm

re: #67 jaunte

My theory: Mellow jazz, bongo drums, and a huge bag of weed.

71 LowenLowen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:03:59pm

Lets say you want a nice apartment. You might also want a hot meal every day.
You could survive in a box, though, or by dumpster diving. Am I required to pay for your apartment and a your food? No.
Likewise you might use birth control so you can enjoy yourself. I don’t see where I have any obligation to pay for your birth control any more than I should pay for your food, or your apartment - all of which you are free to work and earn for yourself.

72 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:04:47pm

re: #70 Lidane

My theory: Mellow jazz, bongo drums, and a huge bag of weed.

yes weed helps with listening, and Torpedo extra IPA….

73 blueraven  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:05:13pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

Lets say you want a nice apartment. You might also want a hot meal every day.
You could survive in a box, though, or by dumpster diving. Am I required to pay for your apartment and a your food? No.
Likewise you might use birth control so you can enjoy yourself. I don’t see where I have any obligation to pay for your birth control any more than I should pay for your food, or your apartment - all of which you are free to work and earn for yourself.

Fuck off troll.

74 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:05:14pm

74 year old caller from Georgia worried about her SS check coming on time if the government shuts down.

75 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:06:08pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

GAZE.

76 Stanley Sea  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:07:35pm

re: #67 jaunte

lol

77 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:07:47pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

Lets say you want a nice apartment. You might also want a hot meal every day.
You could survive in a box, though, or by dumpster diving. Am I required to pay for your apartment and a your food? No.
Likewise you might use birth control so you can enjoy yourself. I don’t see where I have any obligation to pay for your birth control any more than I should pay for your food, or your apartment - all of which you are free to work and earn for yourself.

Well, the problem is you’re a moron.

78 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:07:53pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

House Republicans are reportedly including a so-called “conscience clause” in the government funding bill they plan to approve Saturday night.

The measure would allow employers and insurers to opt out of providing health care services that they find morally or religiously objectionable. The addition reignites the debate over a portion of the health care reform law that requires most insurers to cover women’s preventative health care, including contraception. CNN reports that the provision would allow them to opt out of coverage for the next year.
politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com

You don’t know what you’re talking about.

79 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:08:38pm

The same party which wants to ban birth control wants to make sure Viagra is covered as a medical necessity.

80 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:09:22pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

Oh good, we have a sociopath.

It is in society’s interest to make sure all children are cared for. Birth Control is part of this. In addition, this allows women to continue to be independent. As for housing, having people homeless is a security risk, both to themselves and to others. And not letting people starve is a basic human trait we call empathy. You know, showing compassion to those having hard times.

And I didn’t even go into the moral reasons for the first two.

At this point, Conservatives seem to be Daleks. You certainly seem to be one.

81 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:10:45pm
82 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:11:08pm

Next up, we can have brainchild explain to us why the DOD should be disbanded because we have the 2nd Amendment.

83 blueraven  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:11:29pm

re: #81 jaunte

[Embedded content]

17 democrats just did.

84 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:12:09pm
85 sagehen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:13:50pm

re: #59 William Barnett-Lewis

If any question why we died
tell them, because our fathers lied
(epitaph on Rudyard Kipling’s son’s headstone)

86 BongCrodny  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:17:37pm

I don’t downding too often, but I gotta confess I kind of like clicking on the red downding number a few times whenever a troll stops by, just to see that number keep increasing. :-)

87 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:18:36pm

I am feeling so bitter and angry right now.

88 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:19:35pm
89 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:19:54pm

re: #87 ProTARDISLiberal

Choose not the quick and easy path as Vader did…

90 blueraven  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:20:40pm

re: #87 ProTARDISLiberal

I am feeling so bitter and angry right now.

It is appropriate to feel that way right now. You are not alone, but keep it in check, OK?

91 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:20:44pm

re: #87 ProTARDISLiberal

I am feeling so bitter and angry right now.

Take up da ganga, mon.

92 prairiefire  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:20:47pm

Missouri has had a personal property type tax on large medical equipment for a number of years. I hope people would not be double taxed by their state.
Also, it can be quite a high amount of money to pay yearly. I know a Dr. who purchased a large laser machine, only to find she would owe $9,000 a year (I hope depreciating) MO state tax a year. She sold the laser machine.

93 sagehen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:21:51pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

Likewise you might use birth control so you can enjoy yourself. I don’t see where I have any obligation to pay for your birth control any more than I should pay for your food, or your apartment - all of which you are free to work and earn for yourself.

Would you rather pay for my labor and delivery under Medicaid, and then 18 years of foster care for the child I couldn’t raise? And if I’m malnourished during pregnancy, then whatever special needs that minor child will have. For 18 years.

Admit it, you don’t give a damn about the money. You’re angry that women who don’t want to have sex with you do actually want to have sex… just not with you.

94 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:23:11pm

Senator Ted Cruz Doesn’t Know How To Set Up a Chess Board

Besides which, this is one of the stupid-ugliest chess sets I’ve ever seen.

95 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:24:01pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

Lets say you want a nice apartment. You might also want a hot meal every day.
You could survive in a box, though, or by dumpster diving. Am I required to pay for your apartment and a your food? No.
Likewise you might use birth control so you can enjoy yourself. I don’t see where I have any obligation to pay for your birth control any more than I should pay for your food, or your apartment - all of which you are free to work and earn for yourself.

When people get their health insurance through their employer that health plan is just another part of their compensation. They contribute to the plan and it’s only there to attract and retain their services, just like their salary. How they use it is up to them, if they want birth control it should cover birth control.

It also costs more in actuarial terms for an insurance plan not to cover birth control, just like it costs more to insure a building against fire loss if it doesn’t have sprinklers. That’s because birth control is prophylactic against more than just pregnancy, which costs enough on its own. Birth control also helps prevent complications from endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Which leads to the third point, the uninsured don’t get preventative care, but they do end up in the ER and hospital for expensive, complicated conditions that could have been caught and prevented early at very little cost if they had insurance. This is your problem because in the end you, me and everyone else ends up paying for that far more expensive and avoidable emergency when the poor, uninsured person can’t pay their bills. You can’t get blood from a stone and medical debt is easy to discharge via bankruptcy.

The problem is, frankly, that you’re stupid, short sighted, self centered and unempathetic. Your think your ideology of abject selfism is intelligent, grounded in reality and serves your long term interests, but mathematically it simply doesn’t bear scrutiny.

96 LowenLowen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:25:40pm

re: #59 William Barnett-Lewis

Great Poem !
During Vietnam the civilian in Sea Isle City, NJ poured beer on my shorthaired head while I stood helplessly at the urinal.
The Fathers of daughters my age bought me beers and took me in and introduced me to them.
I served faithfully for years and years and shined by my efforts and the faith in my country was strengthened.
Later, as a naval tactician I learned how easy it would have been to end the whole vietnam war in ONE day - to flood Hanoi (destroy a dam), and block its harbor (killing almost no one in the process), but the administration then went on record stating they had no interest in that or in defeating the Chinese or Vietcong, so we fought on. We died, we were maimed, and we carried scars from the carnage that still haunt us today, and when we came home, we were spat upon by those who were actually right. VN was a waste; a ruse; a fraud - but the uninformed took it out on us - we were the patsies.
Today we lament our fate when our country turns us out after we serve. Its convenient to forget. They have more pressing matters, no?
Everything your poem says is true.
Congress needs to act and we need to make our needs known. Find the nearest Veteran’s group and join it. Write letters. Do so en masse. Use the same tactics as you would on the battle field.
And Never NEVER give UP.
God Bless you, my brother.

97 The Mountain That Blogs  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:27:55pm

re: #95 goddamnedfrank

the uninsured don’t get preventative care, but they do end up in the ER and hospital for expensive, complicated conditions that could have been caught and prevented early at very little cost if they had insurance. This is your problem because in the end you, me and everyone else ends up paying for that far more expensive and avoidable emergency when the poor, uninsured person can’t pay their bills.

Quoted because I can only upding once. This can not be said enough.

98 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:29:41pm
The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government. Not only should he recognize this obligation in the way he leads his daily life and in the way he earns and spends his money, but it should also be recognized by the way in which he pays for the protection the State gives him.

Theodore Roosevelt, State of the Union Address - December 3, 1906

99 LowenLowen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:29:56pm

re: #73 blueraven

Why not just answer the question.
Do you think you should pay for my birth control?
Do you think you should pay for any of my other creature comforts?

100 sagehen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:30:29pm

Note to Breaking Bad fans:

Special Surprise Guest on SNL tonight. In character. In the cold open, and weekend update, and in a couple of other skits…

101 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:31:53pm

re: #94 jaunte

Besides which, this is one of the stupid-ugliest chess sets I’ve ever seen.

Challenge accepted!

Image: rachel_whiteread_modern_chess_set.jpg

102 William Barnett-Lewis  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:31:57pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

At best you’ve had too much to drink. Please go sleep it off.

103 The Mountain That Blogs  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:32:04pm

re: #99 LowenLowen

I’d rather pay for your birth control than your premature baby’s NICU stay.

104 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:32:54pm

re: #99 LowenLowen

Why not just answer the question.
Do you think you should pay for my birth control?
Do you think you should pay for any of my other creature comforts?

So you support a company’s right to cut off a person’s access to health care?

105 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:33:18pm

re: #89 jaunte

I admit part of this is dissapointment.

I thought that after 7/22, that things would get better, with people realizing how insane that was.

But it didn’t. It has actually gotten worse.

106 William Barnett-Lewis  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:33:36pm

re: #96 LowenLowen

Been on both sides of that equation. Take care that you’re on the good side despite the assholes on either side…

107 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:34:16pm

re: #99 LowenLowen

Basic Health Care is not a “creature comfort” you damn sociopath.

108 blueraven  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:34:21pm

re: #99 LowenLowen

Why not just answer the question.
Do you think you should pay for my birth control?
Do you think you should pay for any of my other creature comforts?

If birth control will keep you from breeding, hell yes. I would consider it a wise investment.

Now fuck off, you miserable troll.

109 Stanley Sea  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:34:25pm

re: #94 jaunte

Senator Ted Cruz Doesn’t Know How To Set Up a Chess Board

Besides which, this is one of the stupid-ugliest chess sets I’ve ever seen.

It’s possible Cruz messed up because he almost put his eye out with one of the queen’s giant breasts.

A topless Queen. Nice Senator.

110 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:35:58pm
111 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:36:06pm

Why should women be required to pay into an insurance plan that covers prostate exams, erectile dysfunction and testicular cancer, but not birth control?

112 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:37:00pm

re: #110 Lidane

[Embedded content]

*yawn* Nothing but window dressing there.

113 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:37:09pm

re: #111 Kragar

Why should women be required to pay into an insurance plan that covers prostate exams, erectile dysfunction and testicular cancer, but not birth control?

Because freedom. Duh.

114 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:38:28pm


House GOP bill keeps government open on condition Obamacare delayed one year. Which will not pass the Senate.

115 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:38:36pm

If a company can choose moral behavior, then an employer can choose not to cover cancer treatments because you were a smoker or dialysis because you drank too much.

116 Stanley Sea  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:38:58pm

re: #113 Lidane

Because freedom. Duh.

Because vagina.

117 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:39:41pm

re: #115 Kragar

If an employer is allowed to choose a religious (arbitrary) reason for denying a particular healthcare coverage, all sorts of exotic religious prohibitions could result.

118 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:40:41pm

re: #117 jaunte

If an employer is allowed to choose a religious (arbitrary) reason for denying a particular healthcare coverage, all sorts of exotic religious prohibitions could result.

“You’re single and got an STD? No penicillin for you!”

119 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:42:14pm
120 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:42:45pm

“You got injured on Sunday? Why weren’t you in Church? I’m not paying for this!”

121 Stephen T.  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:43:03pm

re: #99 LowenLowen

Why not just answer the question.
Do you think you should pay for my birth control?

Yes.

Do you think you should pay for any of my other creature comforts?

If by “creature comforts” you mean basic needs, such as shelter an food. Yes.

Seeing that my fellow man is well taken care of is not only a moral obligation, but it is also in my self-interest as a member of the same society.

122 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:46:27pm

“Man should not consider his material possession his own, but as common to all, so as to share them without hesitation when others are in need.”
- Thomas Aquinas

“The safety of the people shall be the highest law.”
- Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Fuck ‘em. I got mine.”
- Republicans

123 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:46:45pm

re: #115 Kragar

If a company can choose moral behavior, then an employer can choose not to cover cancer treatments because you were a smoker or dialysis because you drank too much.

There are some church group pools that do exactly this, which is why they aren’t called insurance. You’re putting your money and faith in some moralistic administrators sole discretion, with absolutely no guarantee that any particular bill will be covered. It’s insane, but they prey on dumbshits and people, like me, who can’t purchase actual insurance at any price on the individual market.

124 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:48:04pm

re: #123 goddamnedfrank

Thank god for the PCIP program. If the Republican House is able to delay the exchange plans at the start of next year I’ll be without insurance again for the first time in over three years.

125 I Subscribed!  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:48:25pm

re: #118 Kragar

“You’re single and got an STD? No penicillin for you!”

“You’re married and got an STD? No penicillin for you, adulterer!”

126 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:48:49pm
127 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:50:44pm

re: #126 Lidane

[Embedded content]

Because shut up.

128 freetoken  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:52:27pm

re: #99 LowenLowen

Do you think you should pay for my birth control?

As condescending as your last question is, I’ll answer this one:

Yes. As long as we make a deal (that you’ll keep): you help take care of me when I am really old and frail.

Clue for the clueless - all societies work by having generations look out for the others.

129 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:53:34pm

Crazy lady says what?

130 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:54:42pm

re: #129 Lidane

Crazy lady says what?

[Embedded content]

Now that they realize they’re really taking us over a cliff, they’re desperate to call it something else.

131 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:55:48pm

“We totally are going to cause a government shut down, but its not really a shut down, and its all Obama’s fault if anything bad happens because he wouldn’t do what we said.”

132 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:58:57pm

re: #110 Lidane

[Embedded content]

On further review, it’s not simply a CYA bill. It’s also a way for the GOP to now declare that, should the shutdown go past the cut-off date for military pay, that Senate Democrats are the ones preventing our troops from being paid.

133 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 9:59:01pm
134 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:01:03pm

re: #132 Targetpractice

On further review, it’s not simply a CYA bill. It’s also a way for the GOP to now declare that, should the shutdown go past the cut-off date for military pay, that Senate Democrats are the ones preventing our troops from being paid.

So it’s another We Want It Both Ways bill, then. The GOP gets to play the obstructionist assholes again, shut down the government, and when they don’t get their way immediately, they get to cry that they tried to pay the troops but the mean Democrats wouldn’t let them.

Fuck these assholes sideways.

135 ProTARDISLiberal  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:02:04pm

I need a way to decompress. Otherwise, I will become more unlikable, both in real life and online.

136 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:02:09pm
137 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:02:44pm
138 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:02:44pm
139 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:03:10pm

re: #71 LowenLowen

Lets say you want a nice apartment. You might also want a hot meal every day.
You could survive in a box, though, or by dumpster diving. Am I required to pay for your apartment and a your food? No.
Likewise you might use birth control so you can enjoy yourself. I don’t see where I have any obligation to pay for your birth control any more than I should pay for your food, or your apartment - all of which you are free to work and earn for yourself.

Let’s say a troll shows up on LGF…

140 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:03:22pm

re: #136 jaunte

[Embedded content]

“Please, make sure you schedule all your medical needs to take place after that.”

141 jaunte  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:04:09pm
142 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:06:07pm

My one wish for Breaking Bad is for Jesse to make it out okay.

143 sagehen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:06:57pm

What about Walt Jr and baby Holly?

144 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:07:49pm

re: #136 jaunte

Good thing it has zero chance of becoming law.

145 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:08:39pm

re: #134 Lidane

So it’s another We Want It Both Ways bill, then. The GOP gets to play the obstructionist assholes again, shut down the government, and when they don’t get their way immediately, they get to cry that they tried to pay the troops but the mean Democrats wouldn’t let them.

Fuck these assholes sideways.

Pretty much. I await to see how Harry handles this over in the Senate, and I’m not sure if it would be legally possible, but I think the great way to handle the bill would be to simply amend it to consider all government employees “essential.” Return the bill to the House saying that if we can pay men to fight on foreign battlefields, we can pay the people who protect us at home.

146 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:11:52pm

Listening to Ludovico Einaudi. I’m centered and at peace. oh, and fuck the GOP.

Youtube Video

147 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:12:51pm

re: #143 sagehen

What about Walt Jr and baby Holly?

Not as much emotional investment in them as characters. Jesse is the much more interesting character and I’d like him to break free from the hell Walter dragged him into.

148 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:14:34pm

re: #145 Targetpractice

I await to see how Harry handles this over in the Senate, and I’m not sure if it would be legally possible, but I think the great way to handle the bill would be to simply amend it to consider all government employees “essential.”

That would be amazing. Let the GOP shut down the government, but only if they agree to pay everyone anyway. Hah.

149 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:20:32pm

re: #148 Lidane

That would be amazing. Let the GOP shut down the government, but only if they agree to pay everyone anyway. Hah.

But, but…they are are all bueaucRATS.

Well except for the military, and air traffic control, and pretty much the rest of the people who keep this country running on a daily basis.

Here’s an idea. Shut down all the private government Contractors and see how long that shit is tolerated by the private sector.

150 BongCrodny  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:22:52pm

re: #142 Kragar

My one wish for Breaking Bad is for Jesse to make it out okay.

Same here — but if that’s not part of the game plan, I want Badger and Skinny Pete to take over Albuquerque’s meth trade.

151 Single-handed sailor  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:25:59pm

re: #149 austin_blue

But, but…they are are all bueaucRATS.

Well except for the military, and air traffic control, and pretty much the rest of the people who keep this country running on a daily basis.

Here’s an idea. Shut down all the private government Contractors and see how long that shit is tolerated by the private sector.

Half of the contractors are out of a job as a result of the shutdown.

152 Kragar  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:29:36pm

re: #151 Single-handed sailor

Half of the contractors are out of a job as a result of the shutdown.

The companies don’t get paid, it would then mean the companies decide not to pay their employees.

153 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:30:33pm

re: #152 Kragar

The companies don’t get paid, it would then mean the companies decide not to pay their employees.

Ayep, nice long furloughs all around.

154 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:34:35pm

re: #152 Kragar

The companies don’t get paid, it would then mean the companies decide not to pay their employees.

You miss the point. Their profit margins will go in the tank. They’ll go batshit.

155 sagehen  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:38:27pm

re: #147 Kragar

Not as much emotional investment in them as characters. Jesse is the much more interesting character and I’d like him to break free from the hell Walter dragged him into.

Jesse did turn out to be a whole lot smarter than anybody ever gave him credit for, even when he saved their asses repeatedly… the magnet was his idea, the train, the indoor tents… I’d like him to come up with a good idea.

Here’s my guess — when Uncle Jack is in the lab doing an inspection, and Jesse’s the only one within grabbing distance of a gas mask, he’ll recreate that poison gas thing Walt did in the pilot.

156 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:40:04pm

Always like how a game will wave this big prize in front of you and say it’s right past this next mission…only to tell you after the missions that you’ve got a whole other set of missions to complete before you’re considered “worthy.”

Damn you, Bethesda, and the horse you rode in on!

157 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:40:05pm

It’s just pissing down rain outside. Too bad it’s all east of the reservoirs.

Flash flood warnings north and east of Austin.

158 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:43:30pm

re: #157 austin_blue

It’s just pissing down rain outside. Too bad it’s all east of the reservoirs.

Flash flood warnings north and east of Austin.

Yep. The rain is crazy here on the East side. As hot as it’s been, though, I welcome anything that cools things off, flash flood warnings aside.

Good thing I’ve got plenty of food in the house, and no real dire needs. I can stay in tomorrow just fine if need be.

159 Lidane  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:46:38pm
160 Gus  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:53:54pm
161 Carlos Danger  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:58:30pm

re: #160 Gus

That’s the funniest looking voodoo doll I ever seen

162 Gus  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 10:59:56pm

re: #161 Carlos Danger

That’s the funniest looking voodoo doll I ever seen

Night Gallery! //

163 blueraven  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:00:04pm

re: #160 Gus

[Embedded content]

Kiss me goodnight Eddie!

164 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:02:25pm

re: #158 Lidane

Yep. The rain is crazy here on the East side. As hot as it’s been, though, I welcome anything that cools things off, flash flood warnings aside.

Good thing I’ve got plenty of food in the house, and no real dire needs. I can stay in tomorrow just fine if need be.

The Ocho at Congress and Oltorf is open 24/7. No in-store shootings for eighteen months!

She Who Must Be Obeyed was upset that the Green Mesquite gig with Diminished 7th was cancelled tonight (John Burnett was joining in on harmonica!). I was going to run sound, but the prospect of a rain shower while I had my hand on a volume slider with my right calf was grounded to the metal support on the picnic table, resulting in a my corpse, with a rictus smile and smoke pouring out of my mouth and ears, was a bit much. I took her to Elizabeth Street Cafe for Vietnamese comfort food.

She’ll get over it. Gotta say, though, I was looking forward to visiting with Burnett, who has the NPR religious desk right now. The man has an interesting job.

165 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:11:07pm

re: #160 Gus

[Embedded content]

Oh, gods, the little fucking Italian mouse.

Next up, Senor Wences!

Image: File:Senorwences1935.jpg

166 freetoken  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:16:23pm

re: #160 Gus

MP3 Audio

167 Cheechako  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:17:01pm

If the impending “Shutdown” is anything like the shutdown in the ‘90’s, Fed Employees should have nothing to worry about. I was a “non-essential” Fed at that time and we got a lot of extra days off but…wait for it…after the shutdown was over, we all got our regular pay for the days we were off. Extra days of paid vacation!!

Politicians fully realize that of all the voting blocks in the US, Fed employees have one of the highest numbers of voters going to the election booth.

168 Gus  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:22:13pm

re: #165 austin_blue

Oh, gods, the little fucking Italian mouse.

Next up, Senor Wences!

Image: File:Senorwences1935.jpg

Why you no like the little fucking Italian mouse?

…

169 Gus  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:22:19pm

//

170 Targetpractice  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:22:52pm

re: #167 Cheechako

If the impending “Shutdown” is anything like the shutdown in the ‘90’s, Fed Employees should have nothing to worry about. I was a “non-essential” Fed at that time and we got a lot of extra days off but…wait for it…after the shutdown was over, we all got our regular pay for the days we were off. Extra days of paid vacation!!

Politicians fully realize that of all the voting blocks in the US, Fed employees have one of the highest numbers of voters going to the election booth.

The glaring difference is that the ‘95-96 shutdown ended on what is generally seen as amiable terms, with both sides feeling that they’d held their ground until an agreeable conclusion could be reached. In this case, the GOP is more likely to just stiff federal employees for the cost of the shutdown, on the grounds that it actually “saves” money not to pay them for the days furloughed.

171 austin_blue  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:29:38pm

re: #168 Gus

Why you no like the little fucking Italian mouse?

…

Creeped the shit out of me as a child, as did Senor Wences.

It still affects me to this day. ;-)

“Horrors and nightmares!”, as my late MIL would say, expressing her shock at the modern world.

172 Gus  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:51:24pm

Good night.

173 simoom  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:54:48pm

Daddy Warbucks doesn’t sound too happy w/ his team:

174 Cheechako  Sat, Sep 28, 2013 11:58:34pm

re: #170 Targetpractice

The glaring difference is that the ‘95-96 shutdown ended on what is generally seen as amiable terms, with both sides feeling that they’d held their ground until an agreeable conclusion could be reached. In this case, the GOP is more likely to just stiff federal employees for the cost of the shutdown, on the grounds that it actually “saves” money not to pay them for the days furloughed.

You’re probably correct, but it would not surprise me that part of the eventual compromise includes doing no harm to the Fed employees.

175 Kragar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 12:05:39am

re: #173 simoom

Daddy Warbucks doesn’t sound too happy w/ his team:

[Embedded content]

Reap what you sow Rupert. You helped make this mess.

176 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 12:41:00am

ASSEMBLE ALL THE PRODUCTS! Also, there is glow in the dark Batman tape. Just sayin’.

And on that note, good night all.

177 freetoken  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 12:44:44am

Dinah Shore with Xavier in 1941:

MP3 Audio

178 A Mom Anon  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 1:12:51am

4 AM here, can’t sleep. Why you ask?

Apparently prednisone, given to a dog to help stem some severe allergic reactions also makes them pee. A lot. Also, in the BED. On my side. On my feet. Yay. After she had just been out to pee less than an hour earlier. Whee. Husband still sleeping, since his side of the bed is dry and snuggly. I can’t wake him at this hour to change the sheets, he worked all day Saturday.

Fortunately the mattress has a cover, so no big harm, but really? So I am up and the dog went back to bed, asleep on my pillow. Which she’d better not pee on. The good news is that she’s actually eating now (another side effect of the meds), so I can get her back on a healthy limited ingredient diet without a hassle.

But really? Peeing on my feet? If there’s something the Universe is trying to tell me with THAT, I’m not sure I want to know.

179 freetoken  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 1:40:58am

MP3 Audio

Marianne Faithful was on this seasons Who Do You Think You Are (the original BBC series), and it was a well done and thoughtful approach to some difficult subjects.

bbc.co.uk

180 freetoken  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 2:47:38am

MP3 Audio

181 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 2:50:32am

Why Boehner and the GOP are complete failures even as they fuck the American public.

speaker.gov

Boehner attempts a populist approach:

“The House has again passed a plan that reflects the American people’s desire to keep the government running and stop the president’s health care law. Repealing the medical device tax will save jobs and delaying the president’s health care law for all Americans is only fair given the exemptions the White House has granted to big businesses and insurance companies. We’ve also voted to ensure that our troops will receive their paychecks no matter what. Now that the House has again acted, it’s up to the Senate to pass this bill without delay to stop a government shutdown. Let’s get this done.”

Watch it, Orange Man, “big business and insurance companies” might cut off your bribes.

182 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:04:17am

re: #94 jaunte

Senator Ted Cruz Doesn’t Know How To Set Up a Chess Board

Besides which, this is one of the stupid-ugliest chess sets I’ve ever seen.

Cruz seems ever more Romneybot like the more I learn about him. He’s probably really book-smart, like Mittens is money-smart, but in terms of day-to-day living with us mere mortals, he’s got a few clubs missing from his bag.

Not only that, he’s a poser. Habitual chess players know where the queen goes by muscle memory. He’s just showing off his expensive (and poor) taste in chess sets, and trying to show people how smart he is. And missing the mark, like with Green Eggs and Ham.

183 Amory Blaine  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:05:52am

Watching Tomorrowworld rerun from last night. Looks like fun.

184 A Mom Anon  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:11:08am

re: #182 wheat-dogghazi

If this dude says one word about Liberal Elites he needs his stupid chessboard thrown at him. Hell, I can’t even play chess well enough to own a set and I still remember how to set up the board. Queen on her color is like one of the first things you learn when someone teaches you to play chess. 800 dollars for a chess set that you have no idea how to use, really? You can buy one at Toys R Us for 12.99.

185 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:24:59am

re: #184 A Mom Anon

If this dude says one word about Liberal Elites he needs his stupid chessboard thrown at him. Hell, I can’t even play chess well enough to own a set and I still remember how to set up the board. Queen on her color is like one of the first things you learn when someone teaches you to play chess. 800 dollars for a chess set that you have no idea how to use, really? You can buy one at Toys R Us for 12.99.

But I bet the queens aren’t built like Jessica Rabbit.

186 Amory Blaine  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:28:59am

Here’s how my hometown paper chooses to run this headline. /eyeroll

House votes to avoid shutdown, delay Obamacare

187 A Mom Anon  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:44:20am

re: #186 Amory Blaine

Is there more than a general list of what’s going to be effected by the shutdown anywhere? Maybe if people could see that, instead of some vague idea of what’s going to happen it might help a little. Or at least give those of us surrounded by morans something to show their pointy little heads.

188 urbanmeemaw  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 3:47:00am

re: #12 allegro

I think GOP Congress vampires who want to defund ACA should be forbidden from using their federall subsidized health care. As I told my congress vampire’s office - why should I pay for his federally subsizied health care when he wants to deny me the same type of access?

189 A Mom Anon  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:00:27am

re: #188 urbanmeemaw

The freaking stones on these assholes too, bitching about other people getting something decent and affordable while they never have to worry about it. Honestly, I’m to the point where I think these assholes should bring home whatver the average American family’s wages are and get the same treatment the rest of us get from our employers. There should also be a rule banning them from ever becoming industry lobbyists if they want to hold elective office.

190 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:03:00am

re: #188 urbanmeemaw

I think GOP Congress vampires who want to defund ACA should be forbidden from using their federall subsidized health care. As I told my congress vampire’s office - why should I pay for his federally subsizied health care when he wants to deny me the same type of access?

They know they’re gained privilege by spouting the policies and agenda of the RW puppeteers who paid their way to DC. Why should they care about some schlub back in the district except to exploit their reactionary fears?

191 A Mom Anon  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:11:41am

re: #190 Justanotherhuman

I believe that’s called “fuck you, I got mine” disease.

192 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:21:33am

More mass murder in Nigeria.

NIGERIA: MILITANTS KILL STUDENTS IN COLLEGE ATTACK

bigstory.ap.org

“POTISKUM, Nigeria (AP) — Islamic extremists attacked an agricultural college in the dead of night, gunning down dozens of students as they slept in dormitories and torching classrooms in an ongoing Islamic uprising in northeast Nigeria, the school’s provost said.

(snip)

“Most schools in the area closed after militants on July 6 killed 29 pupils and a teacher, burning some alive in their hostels, at Mamudo outside Damaturu.

“Northeastern Nigeria is in a military state of emergency against an Islamic uprising prosecuted by Boko Haram militants who have killed more than 1,700 people since 2010 in their quest for an Islamic state. Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden.”

193 Weet  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:12:59am

This article details what the shutdown really does,
Shutdown Details

194 Dr Lizardo  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:21:55am

It looks like Wall Street is getting nervous about GOP antics with the debt ceiling, for which I’ve created a page here on LGF.

littlegreenfootballs.com

195 Bulworth  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:22:28am

re: #181 Justanotherhuman

Our failed divided government experiment.

196 Feline Fearless Leader  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:32:36am

re: #175 Kragar

Reap what you sow Rupert. You helped make this mess.

Note also that he is also blaming the Dems for not caving in.

197 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:36:37am

re: #195 Bulworth

Our failed divided government experiment.

United we stand, divided we fall.

198 krypto  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:45:49am

I’m all for the ACA, but why of all things does it include a tax on medical devices? Doesn’t that amount to taxing what you pay for, raising its price, to thereby end up with no net gain by from the tax?

199 Feline Fearless Leader  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 6:53:04am

re: #198 krypto

I’m all for the ACA, but why of all things does it include a tax on medical devices? Doesn’t that amount to taxing what you pay for, raising its price, to thereby end up with no net gain by from the tax?

irs.gov

Here’s a spot you can start from. And note that for the most part this is a tax that the end-point consumer does not see. The tax is paid by the manufacturer or importer.

200 Mattand  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:00:14am

re: #186 Amory Blaine

Here’s how my hometown paper chooses to run this headline. /eyeroll

House votes to avoid shutdown, delay Obamacare

Yeah, I’ve been seeing that headline all over the web. I’ve already engaged one “independent” who’s taking the “At least the GOP is negotiating, why won’t Obama?” bait. Expect that to become the question of “reasonable” people soon.

Of course, the guy I’m butting heads with won’t answer whether he agrees with the GOP tactic of possibly torching the global economy. Funny how no one wants to address that question.

201 Feline Fearless Leader  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:02:58am

Image: Feline-furniture-approval.JPG

Sunday.

202 Bulworth  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:04:40am

re: #200 Mattand

And what comes after this CR runs out in December should Obama “negotiate”? And what’s supposed to happen in two weeks when the debt limit must be raised?


At this point I have reached my last nerve with the teabag party. Obama should just order the government to continue borrowing. The House can impeach but the Senate won’t convict.

203 Mattand  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:11:02am

re: #202 Bulworth

And what comes after this CR runs out in December should Obama “negotiate”? And what’s supposed to happen in two weeks when the debt limit must be raised?

At this point I have reached my last nerve with the teabag party. Obama should just order the government to continue borrowing. The House can impeach but the Senate won’t convict.

I’m thinking that’s part of the end game with these psychos.

1. Bring US to brink of disaster
2. Force Obama to save the country by invoking 14th Amendment
3. Try to impeach Obama
4. ????
5. Profit!

I’m still angry with myself about my exchange with my Blue Dog Dem friend yesterday over this. Mainly because I let him shift the focus of my offending post from “Threatening to destroy the US economy is treason” to defending the ACA.

Granted, even though this guy is a Drexel-educated engineer, his logic centers are suspect; apparently, the reasoned approach to UFO sighting are that they’re human time travelers from a distant century.

However, I can see many family and friends following suit. Hostage taking is not a rational negotiating tool, political or otherwise. Especially after the voting public has handed your ass to you on three separate occasions.

204 Areopagitica  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:17:16am

Ted Cruz on MTP this morning:

“The best way for people to get health insurance is to get a job.”

What an ASShat.

205 Bulworth  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:18:08am

re: #204 Areopagitica

I see. So people should stay dependent on their employers…

/

206 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:20:48am

Mornin’ everyone. Checking out Obamacare rates. Not that I need it - I have employer provided coverage, but the even the PLATINUM plan is less than what my last COBRA costs were when I lost my job last year.

207 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:22:25am

re: #204 Areopagitica

Ted Cruz on MTP this morning:

“The best way for people to get health insurance is to get a job.”

What an ASShat.

Ted Cruz should dress down, simplify his resume, and apply for work at Wal-Mart as one of the floor staff. He’ll see what great benefits he’d get there.

208 Mattand  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:27:05am

From CNN: Can it be stopped? 8 answers on Obamacare and the shutdown

This actually seemed like a fairly reasonable take on the ACA. It’s from CNN, though, so my natural reaction is if I think if it’s reasonable, I’m missing something.

Any thoughts?

209 Tigger2  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:27:07am

re: #173 simoom

Daddy Warbucks doesn’t sound too happy w/ his team:

[Embedded content]

Fuck you Murdoch you help create the shit bag the GOP is with you lying ass Fox news and lying ass papers.

210 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:30:08am

re: #208 Mattand

From CNN: Can it be stopped? 8 answers on Obamacare and the shutdown

This actually seemed like a fairly reasonable take on the ACA. It’s from CNN, though, so my natural reaction is if I think if it’s reasonable, I’m missing something.

Any thoughts?

whoops! Didn’t mean to down ding you

211 Mattand  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:34:54am

re: #210 A Man for all Seasons

whoops! Didn’t mean to down ding you

Eh. No biggie. The few times I’ve gotten down dinged, I just raise an eyebrow and move on.

212 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:40:35am

Right before our eyes with the shutdown about to happen..
The tail is really wagging the dog.

213 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:44:55am

Tonight will be the second time I watch Breaking Bad. The first time was the series premiere. I figure everything in between is just filler.

214 Decatur Deb  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:47:29am

re: #206 darthstar

Mornin’ everyone. Checking out Obamacare rates. Not that I need it - I have employer provided coverage, but the even the PLATINUM plan is less than what my last COBRA costs were when I lost my job last year.

[Embedded content]

COBRA is some kind of last desperate measure for sick people changing jobs. Silver is where health insurance starts to look like ‘normal’ coverage for people more concerned with monthly premiums than with out-of-pocket.

215 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:52:02am
216 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:53:44am

re: #214 Decatur Deb

COBRA is some kind of last desperate measure for sick people changing jobs. Silver is where health insurance starts to look like ‘normal’ coverage for people more concerned with monthly premiums than with out-of-pocket.

I quoted for my brother - no government subsidy because he makes too much money - $1500 a month for family of four for a decent plan. That’s a lot less than he pays now.

217 Decatur Deb  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:54:49am

re: #216 darthstar

I quoted for my brother - no government subsidy because he makes too much money - $1500 a month for family of four for a decent plan. That’s a lot less than he pays now.

SOSHULIZM!!!

218 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:55:54am
219 GeneJockey  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 7:59:22am

re: #218 darthstar

[Embedded content]

But what does it say about THEM, that we could so easily believe it was true?

Yes, I’ve heard a wingnut say this. Well, actually, SEEN a wingnut POST this. But still!

220 LGF Subscription: Breathes Like Egyptian Cotton  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:01:13am

re: #204 Areopagitica
Not all jobs have health insurance, and a lot of ones that do have very shitty health insurance that is too expensive for them to use!
Silly goose, he must have a good job lined up with Aetna after he leaves politics.

221 piratedan  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:02:41am

well with the ACA about to open exchanges soon and have heard that some employers will no longer offer medical coverage as part of their compensation packages, I just wonder if those same employers are going to increase those employees salaries as a result of no longer having to provide them healthcare….

222 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:03:17am

Clinton impersonates Bono

223 GeneJockey  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:03:33am

re: #221 piratedan

well with the ACA about to open exchanges soon and have heard that some employers will no longer offer medical coverage as part of their compensation packages, I just wonder if those same employers are going to increase those employees salaries as a result of no longer having to provide them healthcare….

As if.

224 LGF Subscription: Breathes Like Egyptian Cotton  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:03:54am

re: #221 piratedan

Hahahahah! You make me for to laugh!

225 GeneJockey  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:04:51am

re: #216 darthstar

I quoted for my brother - no government subsidy because he makes too much money - $1500 a month for family of four for a decent plan. That’s a lot less than he pays now.

Son of a bitch! I looks like Republicans were right about exchanges and the individual mandate! It actually works!

226 Stanley Sea  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:09:12am

re: #224 LGF Subscription: Breathes Like Egyptian Cotton

First time I saw your new name. haaa!

Good morning.

227 LGF Subscription: Breathes Like Egyptian Cotton  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:12:54am

re: #226 Stanley Sea
Good morning to you Stanley!

228 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:14:45am

re: #227 LGF Subscription: Breathes Like Egyptian Cotton

I like your screen name too.

229 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:15:18am

re: #221 piratedan

well with the ACA about to open exchanges soon and have heard that some employers will no longer offer medical coverage as part of their compensation packages, I just wonder if those same employers are going to increase those employees salaries as a result of no longer having to provide them healthcare….

Employer offered insurance plan costs will also go down, because insurers would rather keep those accounts than lose them. This is a bullshit rumor - sure, some small employers may do this, but they won’t if they rely on their employees to make money for themselves.

And given that the Affordable Care Act will enable people who are afraid to leave their jobs because they don’t want to lose health care to do so and start their own companies, employers will actually have to offer better benefits to keep good talent.

230 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:16:32am

Burn!

231 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:19:32am
232 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:21:37am

re: #229 darthstar

Employer offered insurance plan costs will also go down, because insurers would rather keep those accounts than lose them. This is a bullshit rumor - sure, some small employers may do this, but they won’t if they rely on their employees to make money for themselves.

And given that the Affordable Care Act will enable people who are afraid to leave their jobs because they don’t want to lose health care to do so and start their own companies, employers will actually have to offer better benefits to keep good talent.

233 compound_Idaho  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:33:52am

re: #221 piratedan

well with the ACA about to open exchanges soon and have heard that some employers will no longer offer medical coverage as part of their compensation packages, I just wonder if those same employers are going to increase those employees salaries as a result of no longer having to provide them healthcare….

The incentive is there, especially for lower wage employees who will qualify for subsidies. Depending on the situation/math it could be a good deal for both employer and employee. Also, high income families will be able to drop adult children ( up to 26 yrs) from the family plan and send them to the exchanges for subsidized coverage.

234 CuriousLurker  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:34:40am

This whole “conscience clause” is pure bullshit. How about we extend it to taxes and, as a Muslim, I’ll “opt out” of paying portions of my taxes that will inevitably go towards funding things forbidden by my religion?

FFS, being an American, participating in this experiment we call the USA, isn’t about choosing only the things we like off some à la carte menu. It’s the United States of America, not the I’ve-got-mine-so-FOAD States of America, or the My Morality Dictates the Law for Everyone States of America.

We’re a federal, constitutional republic, not a direct democracy, or plutocracy, or freaking theocracy based on a specific religion’s laws & morals—do people not understand what that basic concept means?

Everyone gets to have their say, but in the end we have to do what’s in the best interests of everyone, of our society as a whole, including people we dislike and disagree with. That’s what we’ve decided we’re all about—it’s really that simple. If you can’t wrap your head around it, or you find it impossible to live with, then go start up your own effing country, kthxbai.

Gah!! I’m SO sick of this crap.

235 ObserverArt  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:35:39am

I just wanted to mention that I sure as hell wish John Huntsman was seen as a true leader of the Republican Party. His comments this morning on Meet The Press were made by a mature politician that understands the role of government and his job in that government. After Raul Labrador prattled on with the typical Obamacare isn’t working evil warnings of impending doom, Huntsman (paraphrasing) said, “What about on Tuesday, when someone just wants to sign up for insurance they couldn’t get?” “That is the real world, and the Republicans are not acknowledging it”

He reminded Labrador that the Republican tried to crack a national healthcare policy 25 years ago and the mandate was a part of that plan all along. He mentioned that his state was one of the first to set up the health care exchange and it offers 260 individual plans. Good on him.

Labrador did admit that he wasn’t willing to shut the country down over this, even though he is part of the attempt to get the bill through to delay. He more or less said that if they couldn’t get it through he would give up the fight and told the leadership of the party. So, political theater it is!

236 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:36:15am

OMG! I’m watching Sen. Cruz on MTP…
People like me who always thought the Tea Party was a some what a lame movement consisting mostly of old people pissed off about taxes, Obama and the GOP losing power. I played down the fringe elements.

I am becoming deeply alarmed over these self styled revolutionaires.
America..
Mr. Cruz is the fruit of the Tea Party.
What have they wrought on this Nation?
The shut down of the Government is only the opening act for this bunch.
They don’t want to legislate they want to burn the Hill down and remake it to their image of America in the 50’s and 60’s.
I don’t think I’m overstating my alarm about the Tea Party.

237 ObserverArt  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:38:37am

re: #236 A Man for all Seasons

OMG! I’m watching Sen. Cruz on MTP…
People like me who always thought the Tea Party was a some what a lame movement consisting mostly of old people pissed off about taxes, Obama and the GOP losing power. I played down the fringe elements.

I am becoming deeply alarmed over these self styled revolutionaires.
America..
Mr. Cruz is the fruit of the Tea Party.
What they have wrought on this Nation?
The shut down of the Government is only the opening act for this bunch.
They don’t want to legislate they want to burn the Hill down and remake it to their image of America in the 50’s and 60’s.
I don’t think I’m overstating my alarm about the Tea Party.

I saw it, but I didn’t even want to mention the slimeball. I share your concern though. Guys like Cruz are dangerous. I don’t think he wants to take us back to the 50s and 60s. I see him taking the country back to the turn of the century…as in 1890.

238 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:40:48am

Well, for better or worse, this story blows those neurotic NSA theories right out of the water. The Republicans are too hopped up on their own hype to control the message anymore.

239 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:44:12am

Harry Reid using gentle language.

240 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:45:21am

re: #235 ObserverArt

Labrador also cited twitter as evidence that it’s the Democrats trying to shut down the government.

241 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:47:31am

re: #239 darthstar

He is trying. It is not easy to be polite when someone is frustrating the daylights out of you.

242 CuriousLurker  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:51:37am

re: #240 darthstar

Labrador also cited twitter as evidence that it’s the Democrats trying to shut down the government.

Yeah, ‘casue Twitter is a totally reliable source. *facepalm*

243 Stanley Sea  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:53:32am

re: #234 CuriousLurker

This whole “conscience clause” is pure bullshit. How about we extend it to taxes and, as a Muslim, I’ll “opt out” of paying portions of my taxes that will inevitably go towards funding things forbidden by my religion?

FFS, being an American, participating in this experiment we call the USA, isn’t about choosing only the things we like off some à la carte menu. It’s the United States of America, not the I’ve-got-mine-so-FOAD States of America, or the My Morality Dictates the Law for Everyone States of America.

We’re a federal, constitutional republic, not a direct democracy, or plutocracy, or freaking theocracy based on a specific religion’s laws & morals—do people not understand what that basic concept means?

Everyone gets to have their say, but in the end we have to do what’s in the best interests of everyone, of our society as a whole, including people we dislike and disagree with. That’s what we’ve decided we’re all about—it’s really that simple. If you can’t wrap your head around it, or you find it impossible to live with, then go start up your own effing country, kthxbai.

Gah!! I’m SO sick of this crap.

Point CL.

244 Bulworth  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:54:44am

At least the Washington Post headline this morning was on the money:

House Pushes US to Edge of Shutdown

245 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 8:59:38am

morning all!

246 Stanley Sea  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:00:17am

AMC is playing all the Breaking Bad eps up until the finale tonight.

I believe I’m about to have a totally wasted day. Yes….

247 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:01:00am

re: #234 CuriousLurker

Everyone gets to have their say, but in the end we have to do what’s in the best interests of everyone, of our society as a whole, including people we dislike and disagree with. That’s what we’ve decided we’re all about—it’s really that simple. If you can’t wrap your head around it, or you find it impossible to live with, then go start up your own effing country, kthxbai.

QFT

248 bratwurst  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:02:11am

Here is a question that has been bugging me for a while:

How much money does Norfolk Southern spend advertising on CNN and who are they trying to reach? What percentage of the CNN audience is in the market for industrial rail services exactly?

249 jaunte  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:02:52am

Medical Device Excise Tax: Frequently Asked Questions

250 CuriousLurker  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:04:14am

re: #234 CuriousLurker

Seriously, sometimes I think some people would prefer that we were a failed state like Somalia or Afghanistan where anyone can strap on a machine gun, gather a militia so he can be a warlord, then go shoot up the opposition and apply laws according to his personal preferences. Who needs civilization when we could be living in a Libertarian/Sovereign Citizen dystopia?

251 calochortus  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:04:53am

re: #234 CuriousLurker

This whole “conscience clause” is pure bullshit. How about we extend it to taxes and, as a Muslim, I’ll “opt out” of paying portions of my taxes that will inevitably go towards funding things forbidden by my religion?

FFS, being an American, participating in this experiment we call the USA, isn’t about choosing only the things we like off some à la carte menu. It’s the United States of America, not the I’ve-got-mine-so-FOAD States of America, or the My Morality Dictates the Law for Everyone States of America.

We’re a federal, constitutional republic, not a direct democracy, or plutocracy, or freaking theocracy based on a specific religion’s laws & morals—do people not understand what that basic concept means?

Everyone gets to have their say, but in the end we have to do what’s in the best interests of everyone, of our society as a whole, including people we dislike and disagree with. That’s what we’ve decided we’re all about—it’s really that simple. If you can’t wrap your head around it, or you find it impossible to live with, then go start up your own effing country, kthxbai.

Gah!! I’m SO sick of this crap.

QFT.
I think I’ll give you a few random updings on other posts just because you nailed this one so perfectly.

Now off to get dressed and make my elitist Sunday morning farmers’ market run, without which life would be less tasty. Later, all.

252 calochortus  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:05:49am

re: #250 CuriousLurker

Some people think they’d be the ones with the guns and the power.
Win! /

253 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:08:26am

I’m on the 4th book of the Game of Thrones now.

I swear, our politicians think they are living it.

bbl

254 CuriousLurker  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:08:41am

re: #248 bratwurst

Wish I could help, but I’ve never heard of ‘em.

255 I Subscribed!  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:10:07am

re: #234 CuriousLurker

Amen, amen.

But remember your blood pressure. Take deep breaths and drink some soothing herb tea. Turn off the twitter feed and watch some Star Trek reruns — or whatever your favorite brain candy is. This is going to last a while.

256 A Man for all Seasons  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:10:50am

re: #248 bratwurst

Here is a question that has been bugging me for a while:

How much money does Norfolk Southern spend advertising on CNN and who are they trying to reach? What percentage of the CNN audience is in the market for industrial rail services exactly?

I hate the Damn song..The words are so ironic in shedding light on your question.. ” Norfolk Southern what’s your function? “..Oh crap! It’s back in my head…Crap! Crap! I blame you Brat!
you cut me deep brat..you cut me deep

257 CuriousLurker  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:12:06am

re: #255 I Subscribed!

Amen, amen.

But remember your blood pressure. Take deep breaths and drink some soothing herb tea. Turn off the twitter feed and watch some Star Trek reruns — or whatever your favorite brain candy is. This is going to last a while.

Heh, yeah—step away from the computer…

258 Gus  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:12:57am

My Twitter TL reads like a litany of press releases from lobbying groups. So boring and so repetitive.

259 jaunte  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:13:02am

re: #248 bratwurst

CSX and Norfolk Southern launch ads to get government funding

Much of CSX’s advertising focuses on the environmental benefits of rail.
…..snip….
By improving its rails, CSX will be able to double-stack transportation containers on routes from east to west, saving fuel, cutting down on pollution and increasing train use. For every $1 invested, the public will receive $8 in benefits, said CSX Vice President of Corporate Communications Vance Meyer.

260 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:13:51am

re: #257 CuriousLurker

Me too. I am watching America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country on PBS. Yummy.

261 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:19:11am

re: #214 Decatur Deb

COBRA is some kind of last desperate measure for sick people changing jobs. Silver is where health insurance starts to look like ‘normal’ coverage for people more concerned with monthly premiums than with out-of-pocket.

COBRA would’ve cost me over $500 a month to keep my coverage. Screw that noise.

With luck, my phone interview tomorrow leads to an in-person interview and possibly a job. If not, I’ll be signing up for the ACA exchanges too.

262 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:21:53am

re: #255 I Subscribed!

Amen, amen.

But remember your blood pressure. Take deep breaths and drink some soothing herb tea. Turn off the twitter feed and watch some Star Trek reruns …

Speaking of which:

How ‘Star Trek’ Vision of Future Inspired Next Generation Actor LeVar Burton

Playing Geordi La Forge on TV’s”Star Trek: The Next Generation” was more than just a job to actor LeVar Burton.

…

“I was a young, black kid growing up in Sacramento, California, hooked on sci-fi,” Burton said. “‘Star Trek’ was one of the few representations of the future that included me. I was really attached to Gene’s vision. … ‘Star Trek’ has always represented that hopeful aspect of this yearning that we have. When I was a kid, that was the present I wanted to live in.”

263 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:23:40am

re: #253 FemNaziBitch

I’m on the 4th book of the Game of Thrones now.

I swear, our politicians think they are living it.

bbl

Except that the Lannisters actually pay their debts, and they’re a bunch of raging assholes. Heh.

264 bratwurst  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:25:41am

Interesting:

265 ObserverArt  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:25:53am

re: #258 Gus

My Twitter TL reads like a litany of press releases from lobbying groups. So boring and so repetitive.

You know, this comment also reminds me that John Huntsman did not spout any of the Republican talking points on MTP. Just another little thing that shows he is human and not a replicant out of Blade Runner.

266 Varek Raith  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:28:35am

re: #71 LowenLowen

Would you kindly get yourself off public roads and utilities? Also, anything else you use that was funded by my tax dollars.

Thanks.

267 The Ghost of a Flea  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:29:40am

re: #250 CuriousLurker

Seriously, sometimes I think some people would prefer that we were a failed state like Somalia or Afghanistan where anyone can strap on a machine gun, gather a militia so he can be a warlord, then go shoot up the opposition and apply laws according to his personal preferences. Who needs civilization when we could be living in a Libertarian/Sovereign Citizen dystopia?

It all goes back to the premise that most Americans aren’t Real Americans. And that Real America is defined by affiliation with a select set of gatekeepers rather than principles.*

The USA, in turn, already a failed state because we’re diverse, precisely because of civil liberties that allow many worldviews to thrive.

The end is a collapse that leads to a re-definition of the nation. More and more, it is declared that this justifies any means.

*The collary of that statement being my often-repeated refrain that we’re dealing with people for whom morality emanates from affilation not concepts. Hence the almost-shamanic adoration of historic figures while simultaneously deforming them. Virtue by touching the saint’s bones rather than living by the saint’s example.

268 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:30:41am

Jesus Christ Prudence, if Obama was 1% of the “dictator” you say he is, why are you still on Teh Twitters?

269 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:34:00am

Wingnuts think a racist assasination joke is Teh Funnie! Not embedding this shit, please flag media.

270 Feline Fearless Leader  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:35:43am

re: #248 bratwurst

Here is a question that has been bugging me for a while:

How much money does Norfolk Southern spend advertising on CNN and who are they trying to reach? What percentage of the CNN audience is in the market for industrial rail services exactly?

Trying to keep positive PR is my guess. In our transportation department at work they are referred to as the “Nazi Southern” since if you are dependent on them for initial movement of goods their contract charges are nasty since they have a monopoly there.

271 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:35:48am

I wonder what the turning point was that made the Republican caucus more bought and paid for than Ukrainian politicians. Did Citizens United finally push this party over the edge?

272 Romantic Heretic  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:41:56am

re: #173 simoom

Ah, quit yer bitchin’, Murdock. This is what you wanted.

273 Feline Fearless Leader  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:42:51am

re: #271 Carlos Danger

I wonder what the turning point was that made the Republican caucus more bought and paid for than Ukrainian politicians. Did Citizens United finally push this party over the edge?

I think it’s more fear of their own fanatic minority due to their gerrymandering policies coming to fruition. Once the primary becomes more key than the general election than only 30-40% of the actual voters matter, and the nuts have much greater influence there.

274 b_sharp  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:43:03am

re: #267 The Ghost of a Flea

The collary of that statement being my often-repeated refrain that we’re dealing with people for whom morality emanates from affiliation not concepts. Hence the almost-shamanic adoration of historic figures while simultaneously deforming them. Virtue by touching the saint’s bones rather than living by the saint’s example.

Quoted for import.

275 ObserverArt  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:44:16am

re: #271 Carlos Danger

I wonder what the turning point was that made the Republican caucus more bought and paid for than Ukrainian politicians. Did Citizens United finally push this party over the edge?

Is it what or who? We all heard about Grover Norquist and how he made no taxes a big thing and had them sign oaths. Is it him and the power backers he represents that are behind all of this insanity.

All I know is the rewards must be rather large, because they do not seem to care how they are seen by the American public, they don’t seem to care about how they will appear in history, and they don’t seem to care what havoc they cause.

Citizens United certainly gave the “who” the tools they needed, but there just has to be more to the this. The most troubling aspect is whoever it is, they are the real power and they haven’t run for one office…even as a local dog catcher. So, we getting government by power broker, not by any representation.

276 piratedan  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:48:48am

re: #275 ObserverArt

A Conservative Illuminati…. almost makes Mike Myers comedic rant from the movie I married an axe murderer regarding a secret organization that controls and shapes events to guarantee their continued wealth seem plausible (w/o our late departed Colonel Sanders). Although I’m not sure it’s a real conspiracy, I would say that there is a certain segment of the wealthy who do try and do just that, the Koch Brothers appear to be part of that cabal…. others… well faceless and powerful is how they like it I suppose.

277 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 9:56:28am
278 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:01:44am

I see that Ted Cruz is trying to guilt Harry Reid into “backing away” from the “shutdown ledge”.

Fuck you, Ted. This was your fight all along. You don’t get to beg the Dems to save you from your idiocy now that it’s obvious it’s a losing issue.

279 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:01:53am
280 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:03:29am
281 sagehen  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:10:37am

re: #246 Stanley Sea

AMC is playing all the Breaking Bad eps up until the finale tonight.

I believe I’m about to have a totally wasted day. Yes….

Vince Gilligan’s one-word tease for tonight’s ep is:

Spoiler

woodworking

Make of that what you will.


(and can I just say… today is a day I wish I had a DVR — it’s also the Homeland season premiere, the Masters of Sex premiere and the Doctor Who 9th Doctor special. Also some network stuff that thank FSM will be on Hulu or the PBS website to watch later…)

282 The Ghost of a Flea  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:11:03am

re: #278 Lidane

I see that Ted Cruz is trying to guilt Harry Reid into “backing away” from the “shutdown ledge”.

Fuck you, Ted. This was your fight all along. You don’t get to beg the Dems to save you from your idiocy now that it’s obvious it’s a losing issue.

Abusive husband logic.

You’re a terrible person unless you do what I tell you.
You fucked up, you let me do that.
Look at what you MADE me do.
This is your fault. You know I can’t be controlled.
You escalated this situation by not doing exactly what I wanted when I wanted it.
You didn’t stop me in time.

283 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:12:00am

healthcare.gov

284 jaunte  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:19:39am
285 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:22:49am
286 sattv4u2  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:24:48am

re: #285 darthstar

[Embedded content]

bloomberg.com

287 Stanley Sea  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:26:22am

re: #281 sagehen

Vince Gilligan’s one-word tease for tonight’s ep is:

[Embedded content]

Make of that what you will.

(and can I just say… today is a day I wish I had a DVR — it’s also the Homeland season premiere, the Masters of Sex premiere and the Doctor Who 9th Doctor special. Also some network stuff that thank FSM will be on Hulu or the PBS website to watch later…)

I have an inkling of what that means. I believe someone here (maybe you) gave a possibility.

288 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:26:29am

re: #285 darthstar

For a second, I thought that was Italy’s flag…

289 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:28:10am

re: #263 Lidane

Except that the Lannisters actually pay their debts, and they’re a bunch of raging assholes. Heh.

Politicians aren’t?

LOL

290 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:29:18am

re: #288 Carlos Danger

For a second, I thought that was Italy’s flag…

THEM TOO!

Sad news in Italian cuisine, by the way. Marcella Hazan has died. Thinking about making a big-ass lasagne in her honor.

291 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:30:02am
292 Lidane  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:31:30am

re: #289 FemNaziBitch

Politicians aren’t?

LOL

Sure they are. But the Lannisters are raging assholes and still pay their debts. Heh.

293 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:31:58am

WTFEver the Whackos are bitching about, rationalizing and justifying their assholery —don’t be fooled.

It’s all about This

Power and Control …

294 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:32:27am

Mmm, pizza…

295 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:32:46am

re: #292 Lidane

Sure they are. But the Lannisters are raging assholes and still pay their debts. Heh.

true. So far at least, we don’t know for sure until the series is finished.

296 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:33:07am

re: #293 FemNaziBitch

Nail hit directly on the head. You got it.

297 jaunte  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:34:02am

Boehner to Senate Democratic Leaders: Senate Must Act Today on House Measure to Prevent Shutdown

….”If the Senate stalls until Monday afternoon instead of working today, it would be an act of breathtaking arrogance by the Senate Democratic leadership. They will be deliberately bringing the nation to the brink of a government shutdown for the sake of raising taxes on seniors’ pacemakers and children’s hearing aids and plowing ahead with the train wreck that is the president’s health care law.”

298 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:35:30am

Pretty good mash up of Obamacare talk over the last week.

299 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:35:54am

re: #296 PhillyPretzel

Nail hit directly on the head. You got it.

And yeah, we have a POTUS who will not back down on this issue. (knock on wood). We have a party that will not back down.

WOMEN will not compromise.

No MORE.

300 darthstar  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:36:05am
301 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:36:10am

Durbin Signals Democrats Won’t Bite on Medical Device Tax Repeal

“I support taking a look at the medical device tax. Keep in mind, though, that we anticipate millions of more patients using medical devices with some profit associated with it to the medical device companies,” the Illinois Democrat said on “Face the Nation” on CBS. “That’s why the tax is there, but I’m willing to look at that, but not with a gun to my head, not with the prospect of shutting down the government.”

It is worth noting, however, that the amendment language offered by Republican Orrin G. Hatch of Utah and Democrat Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota called for budget neutrality in getting rid of the tax.

…

The amendment that the House sent over containing the medical device language doesn’t have an offset, meaning it scores as increasing the deficit by upward of $29 billion over a decade.

I can’t believe Orrin Hatch is considered a moderate now.

302 CuriousLurker  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:37:47am
Bill Moyers Essay: Joblessness Is Killing Us. The Pope Says So.

Moved by the plight of the poor and unemployed, last weekend Pope Francis decried a global economy that “does us so much harm” and told a crowd, “Where there is no work, there is no dignity.” Bill Moyers tells the story behind the Pope’s spontaneous remarks and says that unless we “dethrone our present system of financial capitalism that rewards those at the top,” democracy itself is in peril.

Vimeo

303 BongCrodny  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:38:05am

re: #281 sagehen

Vince Gilligan’s one-word tease for tonight’s ep is:

[Embedded content]

Make of that what you will.

(and can I just say… today is a day I wish I had a DVR — it’s also the Homeland season premiere, the Masters of Sex premiere and the Doctor Who 9th Doctor special. Also some network stuff that thank FSM will be on Hulu or the PBS website to watch later…)

One of the amazing things about this show is the stuff you don’t notice until the second time through. My own spoiler, for those who may someday watch but haven’t yet:

Spoiler

There’s a scene in season 4 where Walter is sitting in a chair by his pool playing Russian Roulette. The first couple of times he spins it points to him. On the third or fourth spin, the gun points away from him and you see the beginnings of the idea form on Walter’s face.

Although they never called attention to it, on that final spin the barrel of the gun was pointing directly at the lily-of-the-valley plant that Walter used to poison Brock.

304 Carlos Danger  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:42:46am

When poverty, wealth inequality, and misogyny collide:

China’s ‘love hunters’ seek brides for picky billionaires

305 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:45:18am

re: #304 Carlos Danger

When poverty, wealth equality, and misogyny collide:

China’s ‘love hunters’ seek brides for picky billionaires

You’d think it would be easier and cheaper to invest in cloning research to get that “perfect” bride.

306 sattv4u2  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 10:46:03am

re: #305 FemNaziBitch

You’d think it would be easier and cheaper to invest in cloning research to get that “perfect” bride.

Sofia Vergara

nuff said!

307 LowenLowen  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:18:33pm

re: #93 sagehen

Why don’t you take it upon your self to make certain that you can support the child, just like everyone else. But even before that a responsible person would make certain they use birth control in the first place - I just don’t want to pay for it any more than I am obligated to pay for any other kind of your recreation.
Further, taking the position that someone disagrees with you because they want to deny anyone health care it a shallow false argument. Obamacare as written is by it nature an extremely inefficient means of health care delivery where a smaller percentage of the health care funding actually makes it to level of actually paying for the care. There are other more efficient ways to deliver health care to everyone and the fact that the majority of Americans do not want Obamacare as written should be a wake-up call. Most people want to maintain their privacy; most people want choice of care; most people want reasonable pricing. All of these are compromised under Obamacare and furthermore, bringing the IRS into the health care industry is repugnant to the majority of Americans.
No one is objecting to persons obtaining health care. Its the means of delivery that is objectionable - in addition to penalties I have to pay for not enrolling.
Regardless of the Supreme Court findings, Obamacare offends the sensibilities of the majority of Americans and makes a repeal replace proposition in a sober, deliberate environment, the preferred alternative to the present statute (secretly I am hoping that they leave Obamacare to implode under its own weight. There’s nothing like a painful lesson to teach us not to let government meddle into what needs to be private industry). I think it will hit all of our pocketbooks, hard, and then we’ll see what the opinion of America becomes.

308 klys  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:23:55pm

re: #307 LowenLowen

Because the private health care industry has been functioning so well.

If you’re planning on paying a penalty, that means you don’t have insurance. Who is supposed to pay for your coverage if you get hit by a truck while walking down the street?

BTW, women pay for the insurance coverage too. Why should an insurance company be allowed to meddle between the decisions of a woman and her doctor because someone else doesn’t like the prescribed medication?

309 LowenLowen  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:35:53pm

re: #104 Kragar

Some state statutes prescribe the conditions under which they must provide health insurance for their employees. Generally, part time workers are not entitled to health insurance. The number of employers cutting back their employee’s hours is a sure sign that the Obamacare as written is too ponderous an expense for employers to bear, and they are exercising their statutory rights to curtail employee hours. Personally, I don’t like it. But look at the years before Obamacare. Were employers doing that under the previous system, and furthermore, were the healthcare costs this high then too?

When a statutory requirement becomes unbearable or unaffordable, your look at your alternatives - and sadly, one of the alternatives is to curtail employee hours. Like if your supplier raises his prices too high, you look for nother supplier. Given the unreasonable costs of providing health care to millions of uninsured persons, you can expect more employers to convert employees to part time, and then what. Doesn’t this make you just a little bit curious as to the efficacy of Obamacare as written now?
Lastly, many unions who pushed for Obamacare realize they’ve been screwed and are not turning on Obamacare.
Its not personal. Obamacare is a largely inefficient government run enterprise that is causing lots of unintended consequences that are not good for anyone. We need to come up with a system that works and does not force employers to convert their employees to part timers for one, and delivers reasonable heath care efficiently and cost effectively.

310 jamesfirecat  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:41:02pm

re: #309 LowenLowen

Some state statutes prescribe the conditions under which they must provide health insurance for their employees. Generally, part time workers are not entitled to health insurance. The number of employers cutting back their employee’s hours is a sure sign that the Obamacare as written is too ponderous an expense for employers to bear, and they are exercising their statutory rights to curtail employee hours. Personally, I don’t like it. But look at the years before Obamacare. Were employers doing that under the previous system, and furthermore, were the healthcare costs this high then too?

When a statutory requirement becomes unbearable or unaffordable, your look at your alternatives - and sadly, one of the alternatives is to curtail employee hours. Like if your supplier raises his prices too high, you look for nother supplier. Given the unreasonable costs of providing health care to millions of uninsured persons, you can expect more employers to convert employees to part time, and then what. Doesn’t this make you just a little bit curious as to the efficacy of Obamacare as written now?
Lastly, many unions who pushed for Obamacare realize they’ve been screwed and are not turning on Obamacare.
Its not personal. Obamacare is a largely inefficient government run enterprise that is causing lots of unintended consequences that are not good for anyone. We need to come up with a system that works and does not force employers to convert their employees to part timers for one, and delivers reasonable heath care efficiently and cost effectively.

How about single payer? It seems to work for much of the rest of the world…

311 klys  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:42:36pm

re: #309 LowenLowen

You’re right, we need single-payer.

Instead, because Republicans seem to think that’s OMGSOCIALISM, we got Obamacare, which still provides insurance to many, many more Americans than the currently existing privately run system.

Which, btw, all those companies offering plans on the exchanges are still privately run.

The ideas behind Obamacare came from a conservative think tank. It was first proposed on the national level by a Republican. A rather well-known Republican presided over the first state implementation of such an idea.

And yes, health care costs were already rising at incredible paces before Obamacare, and employers were already looking to cut back hours and reduce costs of benefits. Obamacare makes a nice, convenient excuse that keeps people from focusing on the real reasons, like why the folks in the top percentages of income continue to make more and more money while the rest of America sees their wages stagnate or worse.

So, if you’re really peeved about this, I welcome you joining in the fight for single-payer.

312 LowenLowen  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:45:46pm

re: #126 Lidane

Actually it makes no sense and must be an effort to compromise - since they maintain that Obamacare will collapse under its own weight - and I was surprised they proposed that. I think they should fund the Continuing resolution sans Obamacare and if Obama and the Senate are stubborn enough to shut down the government because of a program that the majority of America does not want, then it should be on them.
Careful though, this may be a ruse. Some parts of Obamacare are already funding no matter what happens to the CR.

313 jamesfirecat  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:45:59pm

re: #307 LowenLowen

Why don’t you take it upon your self to make certain that you can support the child, just like everyone else. But even before that a responsible person would make certain they use birth control in the first place - I just don’t want to pay for it any more than I am obligated to pay for any other kind of your recreation..

First of all birth control does not always work.


Secondly I find your idea penny wise pound foolish.

If people were angels and rational actors than we would have no need of laws, but they aren’t, the fact that casinos make money is proof of that.

People will have sex when they are not prepared for it, not take the proper precautions and get pregnant.

We as a society can either pay for everything possible to mitigate the damage of that fact (birth control, plan b, abortions) or we can pay for the orphanages, food stamps, and quite likely prisons where children who are not wanted by their parrent’s end up.

Which do you think is cheaper?

314 b_sharp  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:46:03pm

re: #311 klys

You’re right, we need single-payer.

Instead, because Republicans seem to think that’s OMGSOCIALISM, we got Obamacare, which still provides insurance to many, many more Americans than the currently existing privately run system.

Which, btw, all those companies offering plans on the exchanges are still privately run.

The ideas behind Obamacare came from a conservative think tank. It was first proposed on the national level by a Republican. A rather well-known Republican presided over the first state implementation of such an idea.

And yes, health care costs were already rising at incredible paces before Obamacare, and employers were already looking to cut back hours and reduce costs of benefits. Obamacare makes a nice, convenient excuse that keeps people from focusing on the real reasons, like why the folks in the top percentages of income continue to make more and more money while the rest of America sees their wages stagnate or worse.

So, if you’re really peeved about this, I welcome you joining in the fight for single-payer.

Dude likely wants everybody to drag unwilling doctors to their compounds to supply healthcare to their loyal followers.

Actually, that may have been a book I read.

315 klys  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:48:19pm

re: #314 b_sharp

Dude likely wants everybody to drag unwilling doctors to their compounds to supply healthcare to their loyal followers.

Actually, that may have been a book I read.

Given the level of logic this one is displaying, I’d be willing to believe that.

316 jamesfirecat  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:50:54pm

re: #312 LowenLowen

Actually it makes no sense and must be an effort to compromise - since they maintain that Obamacare will collapse under its own weight - and I was surprised they proposed that. I think they should fund the Continuing resolution sans Obamacare and if Obama and the Senate are stubborn enough to shut down the government because of a program that the majority of America does not want, then it should be on them.
Careful though, this may be a ruse. Some parts of Obamacare are already funding no matter what happens to the CR.

Actually all of Obamacare is funded even in case of a government shut down.

washingtonexaminer.com

317 klys  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:51:39pm

re: #316 jamesfirecat

Actually all of Obamacare is funded even in case of a government shut down.

washingtonexaminer.com

Shhh. The facts and logic matter not to this one, it’s what his feeeeeeeeeeeeeels tell him.

318 LowenLowen  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 4:58:54pm

re: #128 freetoken

This goes way back to “Am I my brother’s keeper” and it had been debated for centuries. America is based on equality at birth. What you do with your life results from the decisions you make. One of my friend’s who finally kicked his meth addicted son out of the house forever, said “did I put a gun to his head and force him to smoke meth? NO! Do I have to bear the brunt of his irresponsibility? NO!”

Lots of charities thrive on giving and taking care of the homeless and the underpriveledged I agree with the proposition that qualified organizations that are already extremely efficient at such things - and are largely privately funded mostly by private donations and foundations - should be left to their good works and government in general stay out of the charity business.

Back to the question at hand. I am not my brother’s keeper. I am free like anyone else to make my own life decisions and bear the responsibility for the results. No one forced anyone else to be indigent or irresponsible, or successful for that matter - and I laud those who are successful. Many donate a lot of funding to charitable organizations. But do I owe you care? No. Do I owe you a hot meal or place to live? No.
We should to live or die by our own choices, but I wish you success and I am pleased to help you succeed to the best of my ability.

319 klys  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:00:13pm

re: #318 LowenLowen

America is very good at the equal at birth as long as you are born as a straight white male into a middle-upper class household.

See also: the dudebros.

320 jamesfirecat  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:02:53pm

Oh god he’s going to go through every post in the thread and he’s never gonna get to me….

At this rate I’m gonna need to spend $5 if I want to get an argument around here.

321 klys  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:03:28pm

re: #320 jamesfirecat

Oh god he’s going to go through every post in the thread and he’s never gonna get to me….

At this rate I’m gonna need to spend $5 if I want to get an argument around here.

I’d advocate we start a drinking game for every RWNJ talking point that comes up, but I can’t really afford a trip to the ER right now.

322 goddamnedfrank  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:03:41pm

re: #318 LowenLowen

This goes way back to “Am I my brother’s keeper” and it had been debated for centuries.

You are now, without irony, quoting Cain, the first murderer in his snide response to God when asked for the location of the brother he’d murdered. Fuck you’re an idiot. A sick little idiot.

323 sagehen  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:05:04pm

re: #320 jamesfirecat

Oh god he’s going to go through every post in the thread and he’s never gonna get to me….

At this rate I’m gonna need to spend $5 if I want to get an argument around here.

Argument is down the hall, this room is for abuse.

324 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:07:01pm

re: #318 LowenLowen

America is not based on the idea of equality at birth, but rather that we are all equal before the law, and in the aspirational goal of equality of opportunity. It is the latter that you seem to reject, strongly.

325 b_sharp  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:07:18pm

re: #319 klys

America is very good at the equal at birth as long as you are born as a straight white male into a middle-upper class household.

See also: the dudebros.

The ideal is equal opportunity. That isn’t even close to the reality.

Equality at birth by itself is meaningless.

326 b_sharp  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:08:29pm

re: #324 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut

America is not based on the idea of equality at birth, but rather that we are all equal before the law, and in the aspirational goal of equality of opportunity. It is the latter that you seem to reject, strongly.

You beat me by 17 seconds.

327 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:16:11pm

LowenLowen has the same incoherent block o’text rambling rant style as francis. Is there some Troll University where they learn this technique?

328 b_sharp  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:17:07pm

re: #327 Vicious Babushka

LowenLowen has the same incoherent block o’text rambling rant style as francis. Is there some Troll University where they learn this technique?

The philosophy of Ayn Rand.

329 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Sep 29, 2013 5:19:38pm

re: #328 b_sharp

The philosophy of Ayn Rand.

In Ayn Rand’s books, the orcs win.


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