Rand Paul, Libertarian Extremist in Moderate’s Clothing

Are people really going to fall for this?
Politics • Views: 35,640

Rand Paul, the extreme right wing libertarian who has said more than once that he wouldn’t have voted for the 1964 Civil Rights Act and doesn’t believe the government should try to prevent discrimination, is now trying to dress himself up as that most rare of species, a “moderate Republican.”

He’s reaching out. Being more inclusive.

Sure he is.

But unfortunately, it’s beginning to look like our mainstream media are going to help him sell this snake oil. Today at an RNC event in Memphis, the libertarian Senator quoted Captain Kirk (because we all know the kids love Star Trek), and Politico churned out one of their usual context-free puff pieces:

“Sort of like what Captain Kirk used to say, we need to boldly go where no Republicans have gone before. So we need to go to Harlem, East L.A., Berkeley, maybe even Hollywood, though that may be dangerous.”

[…]

He added that the GOP cannot target the same constituencies as it did in 2008 and 2012, when the party lost presidential elections to President Barack Obama. But he said that if Republicans can reach out to a more diverse group of people, “we’re going to be the dominant party again.”

“And then, all these liberals better watch out!” Sen. Paul didn’t add.

He explicitly mentioned the need to target the African-American community, a group that has overwhelmingly favored Democrats in recent years. Paul said that, when it comes to helping black Americans, “we’ve tried 50 years of the Democrats passing out money and it hasn’t worked.”

And here’s Sen. Paul, hard at work:

Apparently, at his meeting with black pastors, the Senator actually told them Republicans need to stop trying to pass voter ID laws. That’s never going to happen, of course, but Paul will say anything.

Related
GOP Rebranding Watch: Rand Paul Ducks Record on Civil Rights in Awkward Howard Speech Rand Paul’s Neo-Confederate Co-Author Praised Lincoln’s Assassin

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142 comments
1 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:26:10am

All one needs to know about Rand Paul is that he would have voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Arguably the most important legislation in the last 100 years and Rand Paul is on the side of segregationists and against pretty much anyone who wasn’t a Southern politician in 1964.

2 b.d.  May 9, 2014 10:26:57am

Ted Cruz has stolen all of Rand’s fan base and he is in desperate search of a new crop of followers.

3 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:28:56am

re: #2 b.d.

Ted Cruz has stolen all of Rand’s fan base and he is in desperate search of a new crop of followers.

Yep Rand’s no longer the cool new kid at the GOP school. Just like Rand stole that title from Rubio who in turn stole it from Ryan. And eventually someone will steal it from Cruz.

4 Kragar  May 9, 2014 10:29:23am

re: #2 b.d.

Ted Cruz has stolen all of Rand’s fan base and he is in desperate search of a new crop of followers.

“It was supposed to be my time!”

5 Randall Gross  May 9, 2014 10:29:56am

Of course none in the media are going to bring up his views on Civil Rights as he does his smoke and mirrors stumping.

6 jaunte  May 9, 2014 10:30:07am
Lawmakers proposed 62 photo ID bills in 37 states in the 2011 and 2012 sessions, with multiple bills introduced in some states. Ten states have passed strict photo ID laws since 2008, though several may not be in effect in November because of legal challenges.

A News21 analysis found that more than half of the 62 bills were sponsored by members or conference attendees of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a Washington, D.C., tax-exempt organization.

ALEC has nearly 2,000 state legislator members who pay $100 in dues every two years. Most of ALEC’s money comes from nonprofits and corporations — from AT&T to Bank of America to Chevron to eBay — which pay thousands of dollars in dues each year.
investigations.nbcnews.com

Rand Paul’s veneer is too thin.

7 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 10:30:30am

No matter what attempts Rand makes to make the party look better, he can’t shut the base up, so it’s all for naught.

8 S'latch  May 9, 2014 10:33:54am

I seriously doubt that the African-American community is going to buy Rand Paul. But, I hope his best efforts to sell himself backfire.

9 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 10:34:21am
10 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:34:50am

re: #7 wrenchwench

[Embedded content]

No matter what attempts Rand makes to make the party look better, he can’t shut the base up, so it’s all for naught.

It’s similar with Hispanics. What many conservative whites don’t realize or want to admit is that the Republican Party base not “promises of free stuff” is why racial minority voters don’t like their party. If you’re a native Spanish speaker, say and here your mother tongue booed by an audience of certain party. Or if you’re black and constantly being told that your race is on the “Democratic plantation”, you’re not going to want much to do with that party. Rand himself is part of this problem. I still remember him talking down to the Howard University students and acting as if they wouldn’t know that the founding members of the NAACP were all Republicans and that the Republican Party was once the more progressive on race of the two parties.

11 iossarian  May 9, 2014 10:35:57am

The actual test would be if Rand actually went into specifics and called out individual GOP politicians who are pushing restrictive voter-ID laws in their local districts or at the national level.

Hopefully he comes face to face with an actual journalist who asks him that question. “Do you oppose Rick Scott’s efforts in Florida…” etc.

12 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:36:56am

re: #11 iossarian

The actual test would be if Rand actually went into specifics and called out individual GOP politicians who are pushing restrictive voter-ID laws in their local districts or at the national level.

Hopefully he comes face to face with an actual journalist who asks him that question. “Do you oppose Rick Scott’s efforts in Florida…” etc.

Yep get him to call out specific GOP governors by name. I bet he won’t do that and there’s a simple reason for that. He wants and needs their endorsements.

13 iossarian  May 9, 2014 10:37:28am

re: #10 HappyWarrior

Rand himself is part of this problem. I still remember him talking down to the Howard University students and acting as if they wouldn’t know that the founding members of the NAACP were all Republicans and that the Republican Party was once the more progressive on race of the two parties.

“Now, I know you all are at college and stuff, but it is a black college, and you *are* all black, so what you probably don’t know is…”

14 b.d.  May 9, 2014 10:37:41am

Snide, dickish, rude, condescending, uncaring, America hating, paranoid

Did I leave anything lot

From article:

It heartens me that you’ve taken up the mantle of spreading “awareness” about the 200+ girls who were abducted from their school in Chibok; it heartens me that you’ve heard the cries of mothers and fathers who go yet another day without their child. It’s nice that you care.

Here’s the thing though, when you pressure western powers, particularly the American government, to get involved in African affairs and when you champion military intervention, you become part of a much larger problem. You become a complicit participant in a military expansionist agenda on the continent of Africa. This is not good.

You might not know this, but the United States military loves your hashtags because it gives them legitimacy to encroach and grow their military presence in Africa.

<edit>
by Jumoke Balogun for Compare Afrique, part of the Guardian Africa network

theguardian.com, Friday 9 May 2014 06.15 EDT

15 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 10:38:29am

re: #12 HappyWarrior

Yep get him to call out specific GOP governors by name. I bet he won’t do that and there’s a simple reason for that. He wants and needs their endorsements.

Oh man, I would LOVE to see him call out Susana Martinez for pushing voter ID.

16 S'latch  May 9, 2014 10:38:53am

If Rand Paul’s best sales pitch to the African-American community is that his party should stop trying to pass voter ID laws because “It’s offending people.” then his efforts will fail. All he will do is remind everyone why they should not vote for any Republican.

17 b.d.  May 9, 2014 10:39:03am

Yep, US military can’t wait to get into Africa. We’ve always cared about going to Africa, everybody has!

//

18 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 10:39:31am

re: #14 b.d.

Snide, dickish, rude, condescending, uncaring, America hating, paranoid

Did I leave anything lot

Asshole.

19 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 10:40:08am

re: #13 iossarian

“Now, I know you all are at college and stuff, but it is a black college, and you *are* all black, so what you probably don’t know is…”

“I want to tell you one more thing I know about the Negro…”

20 sagehen  May 9, 2014 10:41:15am

re: #11 iossarian

The actual test would be if Rand actually went into specifics and called out individual GOP politicians who are pushing restrictive voter-ID laws in their local districts or at the national level.

Hopefully he comes face to face with an actual journalist who asks him that question. “Do you oppose Rick Scott’s efforts in Florida…” etc.

It’s not just voter ID, there’s a whole range of voter suppression efforts. Reducing early voting days and shortening the hours, making it harder to do registration drives, ending same-day registration, etc. And openly boasting about how these efforts are deliberately intended to limit the urban vote. (Urban is definitely less offensive than “blah people”… but don’t think we don’t know what you mean by it.)

21 jaunte  May 9, 2014 10:41:20am

re: #14 b.d.

You might not know this, but the United States military loves your hashtags because it gives them legitimacy to encroach and grow their military presence in Africa

Talk about a stretch.

22 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:42:06am

re: #13 iossarian

“Now, I know you all are at college and stuff, but it is a black college, and you *are* all black, so what you probably don’t know is…”

“Did you kids here at this widely respected black institution know that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and not a Democrat?” The fact of the matter is the GOP’s own actions are why Blacks view them so negatively. I can’t tell you how many times I hear conservative whites refer to blacks voting consistently Democratic as the “plantation.” For one, it’s a stupid metaphor but it’s also deeply offensive.

23 iossarian  May 9, 2014 10:42:13am

Hahaha, Rand Paul, what an asshole. I’m meant to be editing a report here but it’s Friday afternoon so instead I’m chuckling to myself over the fact that he actually told a roomfull of politically-aware college students that they probably didn’t realize that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican.

What a clown.

24 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:42:31am

re: #15 wrenchwench

Oh man, I would LOVE to see him call out Susana Martinez for pushing voter ID.

I would too but I don;’t see him calling anyone out by name.

25 gwangung  May 9, 2014 10:43:02am

re: #14 b.d.

Snide, dickish, rude, condescending, uncaring, America hating, paranoid

Did I leave anything lot

[Embedded content]

From article:

Racist.

26 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:43:25am

re: #23 iossarian

Hahaha, Rand Paul, what an asshole. I’m meant to be editing a report here but it’s Friday afternoon so instead I’m chuckling to myself over the fact that he actually told a roomfull of politically-aware college students that they probably didn’t realize that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican.

What a clown.

To be fair to him, I don’t think he said that about Lincoln but he did for sure tell them they would be “shocked” to know that Booker T. Washington and many early Civil Rights leaders were Republicans.I stand corrected per Charles 43. Really what an asshole.

27 gwangung  May 9, 2014 10:43:49am

re: #21 jaunte

Talk about a stretch.

It’s more “whitesplaining”.

28 iossarian  May 9, 2014 10:44:55am

re: #20 sagehen

It’s not just voter ID, there’s a whole range of voter suppression efforts. Reducing early voting days and shortening the hours, making it harder to do registration drives, ending same-day registration, etc. And openly boasting about how these efforts are deliberately intended to limit the urban vote. (Urban is definitely offensive than “blah people”… but don’t think we don’t know what you mean by it.)

Of course. You can also add disenfranchisement via criminalization to the list.

29 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 10:45:23am

re: #14 b.d.

Snide, dickish, rude, condescending, uncaring, America hating, paranoid

Did I leave anything lot

[Embedded content]

From article:

I’ll bet Rand Paul agrees with this “I’m more anti-imperialist than thou” view of GG’s as well.

You know, since they’re both “libertarians” and not progressive/liberal.

30 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 10:45:34am

re: #14 b.d.

Snide, dickish, rude, condescending, uncaring, America hating, paranoid

Did I leave anything lot

[Embedded content]

From article:

Glenn did not write that article. It was written by another asshole, just not Glenn.

31 S'latch  May 9, 2014 10:45:50am

It is amazing to me that Rand Paul is currently the most desired by Republicans to be the 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee. Next is Bush, Christie, Ryan, Cruz, Rubio, Walker, Perry, Santorum, and Jindal. I can’t wait to see them in their first debate contest to see who can be the most outrageously backwards.

32 Stanley Sea  May 9, 2014 10:46:28am

re: #9 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

Wow. Lies are us.

33 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:46:46am

re: #31 S’latch

It is amazing to me that Rand Paul is currently the most desired by Republicans to be the 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee. Next is Bush, Christie, Ryan, Cruz, Rubio, Walker, Perry, Santorum, and Jindal. I can’t wait to see them in their first group debate contest to see who can be the most outrageously backwards.

It’s flat out sad that Jeb Bush is the most decent of that bunch.

34 lawhawk  May 9, 2014 10:47:34am

Rand’s beliefs versus political expediency.

He believes that the CRA should not have existed.

But he now thinks that the GOP should lay off voter ID because it would turn off African Americans from considering the GOP as an alternative.

The former identifies Paul as an extremist and outlier, even among the GOP. In fact, if we had followed his course of action, African Americans would be in a much worse position than they are now.

The latter identifies a current policy objective of the GOP that strikes at the heart of the GOP’s demographics problems. The GOP is pitching itself headlong into identifying solely as an old white man’s party. Voter ID is a symptom of that. Trying to alter that trajectory is laudatory, except that the totality of Paul (and the GOP’s positions) would do more harm than good to the African American community, to say nothing of everyone else in the country.

35 Kragar  May 9, 2014 10:47:39am

Man, after all the great times we had in Iraq and Afghanistan, you just know everyone is the US military is a jazzed up about heading into Nigeria!
///

36 iossarian  May 9, 2014 10:48:03am

re: #31 S’latch

It is amazing to me that Rand Paul is currently the most desired by Republicans to be the 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee. Next is Bush, Christie, Ryan, Cruz, Rubio, Walker, Perry, Santorum, and Jindal. I can’t wait to see them in their first group debate contest to see who can be the most outrageously backwards.

See, I actually think Rand is somewhat dangerous unless he gets asked the tough questions and isn’t allowed to skate by on “we shouldn’t talk about X”.

Christie was too but I think the bridge thing is going to do him in. The others are nutso and/or just plain old losers. I’d love to see Jindal get the nod. “Happy Mardi Gras!”

37 b.d.  May 9, 2014 10:48:21am

re: #30 Pie-onist Overlord

edited to reflect that but my point is still valid based upon the tweet and his seeming endorsement of the article.

38 S'latch  May 9, 2014 10:48:40am

re: #33 HappyWarrior

I am actually hoping for the best. Although I don’t want any of them accidentally to win, I don’t want to see the most extreme Republican win their nomination.

39 Flying Squirrel Girl  May 9, 2014 10:48:41am

re: #16 S’latch

He should ask some of his TP base what they think about “offending people” with voter ID laws.

40 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 10:50:54am

re: #27 gwangung

It’s more “whitesplaining”.

By a black woman, who seems to be a fan of GG, at least when it comes to criticizing American actions overseas.

41 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 10:54:24am

re: #39 Flying Squirrel Girl

He should ask some of his TP base what they think about “offending people” with voter ID laws.

42 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 10:54:34am

You’ll Never Believe Which Inhuman Monster Doesn’t Care To Find Nigerian Schoolgirls (It’s Glenn Greenwald)

Read more at wonkette.com

43 Charles Johnson  May 9, 2014 10:55:27am

re: #26 HappyWarrior

To be fair to him, I don’t think he said that about Lincoln but he did for sure tell them they would be “shocked” to know that Booker T. Washington and many early Civil Rights leaders were Republicans.

Well, actually…

GOP Rebranding Watch: Rand Paul Ducks Record on Civil Rights in Awkward Howard Speech

Paul repeatedly reminded the audience that Democrats passed Jim Crow laws in the south and that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican, as were the first black legislators and the founders of the NAACP.

“Would everyone know here they were all Republicans?” he said at one point, referring to the NAACP’s founders.

“Yes!” came the booming response from nearly the entire audience, who appeared offended Paul would even raise the question.

44 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:55:38am

re: #41 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

Breaking their puny little hearts just like Rubio did when he decided not to be a dick on immigration.

45 jaunte  May 9, 2014 10:55:50am

re: #41 Pie-onist Overlord

@KayBrooks
Voter fraud offends me.

Then she should very rarely be offended.

46 Decatur Deb  May 9, 2014 10:56:19am

re: #41 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

They’re still pissed about those extra 2/5th votes.

47 Bulworth  May 9, 2014 10:56:32am
Paul said that, when it comes to helping black Americans, “we’ve tried 50 years of the Democrats passing out money and it hasn’t worked.”

Yeah, Democrat party libtards just passing out money and T-bone steaks and flat screen cell phones to the blah people. /

48 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:56:53am

re: #43 Charles Johnson

Well, actually…

GOP Rebranding Watch: Rand Paul Ducks Record on Civil Rights in Awkward Howard Speech

Oh well then. I stand corrected. Thanks Charles. Really what kind of condescending assholes tells an audience of college students especially black ones that they wouldn’t know Abraham Lincoln was a Republican. I’m glad the audience responded to that condescending bullshit.

49 Bulworth  May 9, 2014 10:57:35am

Jaunte posted:

Then she should very rarely be offended.

I swear I see mics dropping all over the place today.

50 NJDhockeyfan  May 9, 2014 10:58:07am
51 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 10:58:36am

re: #14 b.d.

Snide, dickish, rude, condescending, uncaring, America hating, paranoid

Did I leave anything lot

[Embedded content]

From article:

Douchebro?

52 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 10:58:39am

re: #47 Bulworth

Yeah, Democrat party libtards just passing out money and T-bone steaks and flat screen cell phones to the blah people. /

Yeah this is what I mean. This condescending bullshit pisses people off. Rand, you want to know why black people vote Democratic? It’s because Democratic candidates talk to black people like they’re human beings. They don’t treat them like stupid morons who only vote the way they do because of “free stuff.” When your party stops with that shit and apologizes for all the race baiting you’ve done and actually makes a real sincere effort to treat people of all races with respect then you may have a chance.

53 Bulworth  May 9, 2014 10:58:59am

Gen. Robert E Lee

You can’t make this stuff up…

54 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:00:34am

re: #53 Bulworth

Gen. Robert E Lee

You can’t make this stuff up…

What’s disturbing is in many parts of the GOP, Robert E. Lee is more popular than MLK is and it’s not even close.

55 jaunte  May 9, 2014 11:00:43am

re: #47 Bulworth

Paul said that, when it comes to helping black Americans, “we’ve tried 50 years of the Democrats passing out money and it hasn’t worked.”

Yeah, Democrat party libtards just passing out money and T-bone steaks and flat screen cell phones to the blah people. /

They still can’t figure out how racist it is to talk about white people ‘voting their interests” and then turn around and say that black people are “on the liberal plantation” with the Democrats “passing out money.”

56 CuriousLurker  May 9, 2014 11:02:09am

re: #10 HappyWarrior

Ditto for Muslims.

You average observant Muslim is pretty socially conservative*, but they’re not going to vote for a party that constantly demonizes them and uses the word “Muslim” as an epithet.

Depending on whose numbers you accept, that’s between 2.5 - 7 million people. Even if only half of them are registered voters, that’s still a lot of votes, especially in statewide elections (though obviously more concentrated in some states).

————————————————————

*No drinking, drugs, extramarital sex, abortion frowned upon, etc.

57 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:02:42am

re: #55 jaunte

Yeah, Democrat party libtards just passing out money and T-bone steaks and flat screen cell phones to the blah people. /

They still can’t figure out how racist it is to talk about white people ‘voting their interests” and then turn around and say that black people are “on the liberal plantation” with the Democrats “passing out money.”

The worst is when they repeatedly imply as he does here that all black people are on public assistance and that the only reason why they’re supporting the Dems is because they want ot keep that. I can think of nothing outside wearing a KKK mask and waving a CSA flag more offensive to black voters.

58 Decatur Deb  May 9, 2014 11:02:48am

re: #53 Bulworth

Gen. Robert E Lee

You can’t make this stuff up…

Car buff.

Image: general-lee.jpg

59 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:03:55am

re: #45 jaunte

Then she should very rarely be offended.

EVERY DEM VOTE IS MADE BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS & DEAD PEOPLE!!!!! LIKE IN CHICAGO!!!!! CONFIRMED. FACT!!!!!!

60 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:04:59am

re: #56 CuriousLurker

Ditto for Muslims.

You average observant Muslim is pretty socially conservative*, but they’re not going to vote for a party that constantly demonizes them and uses the word “Muslim” as an epithet.

Depending on whose numbers you accept, that’s between 2.5 - 7 million people. Even if only half of them are registered voters, that’s still a lot of votes, especially in statewide elections (though obviously more concentrated in some states).

————————————————————

*No drinking, drugs, extramarital sex, abortion frowned upon, etc.

Yep, that actually brings to mind thinking about the 2000 election and 2004 one. See those elections occured while I was taking Civics and US Government respectively so naturally a lot of people were talking about the election and I remember a lot of my Muslim classmates who had liked Bush in 2000 were Kerry people by 2004 and that was before the Shariah paranoia started.

61 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:05:03am

re: #55 jaunte

Yeah, Democrat party libtards just passing out money and T-bone steaks and flat screen cell phones to the blah people. /

They still can’t figure out how racist it is to talk about white people ‘voting their interests” and then turn around and say that black people are “on the liberal plantation” with the Democrats “passing out money.”

A thousand times THIS.

62 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 11:05:42am

The RWNJs have their panties in a wad because these 2 reactionaries’ “flipping” show was cancelled before it even before it could begin in the fall on HGTV.

HGTV Picks Anti-Gay, Anti-Choice Extremist For New Reality TV Show

See more at: rightwingwatch.org

Someone thought they were extremely clever in the use of the word “flip”, too.

“Last month, the HGTV network announced that it will launch a new reality TV show, “Flip it Forward,” starring David and Jason Benham. The twin brothers will “leverage their good-natured sibling rivalry to help families find a fixer-upper and transform it into the dream home they never thought they could afford.”

“What the announcement didn’t mention is that at least one of the Benhams is not just a real estate dealer but also a dedicated right-wing activist in the mold of his father, Flip Benham, who has headed the abortion-clinic protest group Operation Save America ever since it split from the militant anti-choice group Operation Rescue.”

63 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:06:49am

Hey new Texans enjoy your climate.

I’ll stay here in Michigan and enjoy ALL TEH WATERS.

64 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:06:56am

Honestly, I don’t think the U.S. military gives a shit about # hashtag activism. Tweets aren’t bullets, missiles, drones, bombs or boots on the ground.

Maybe I’m wrong.

65 jaunte  May 9, 2014 11:08:22am

re: #63 Pie-onist Overlord

Welcome to all the new Texans! Don’t eat anything caught in Trinity or Galveston Bays!

66 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:08:27am

re: #62 Justanotherhuman

They can always pitch it to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Is it still on the air?

67 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:09:15am

re: #63 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

Hey new Texans enjoy your climate.
[Embedded image]

I’ll stay here in Michigan and enjoy ALL TEH WATERS.

Why do I not trust a graphic published by ALEC?

68 jaunte  May 9, 2014 11:10:18am

re: #65 jaunte

Welcome to all the new Texans! Don’t eat anything caught in Trinity or Galveston Bays!

And that Chinese Tilapia? You’re on your own there.

69 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:10:21am

re: #62 Justanotherhuman

The RWNJs have their panties in a wad because these 2 reactionaries’ “flipping” show was cancelled before it even before it could begin in the fall on HGTV.

HGTV Picks Anti-Gay, Anti-Choice Extremist For New Reality TV Show

See more at: rightwingwatch.org

Someone thought they were extremely clever in the use of the word “flip”, too.

“Last month, the HGTV network announced that it will launch a new reality TV show, “Flip it Forward,” starring David and Jason Benham. The twin brothers will “leverage their good-natured sibling rivalry to help families find a fixer-upper and transform it into the dream home they never thought they could afford.”

“What the announcement didn’t mention is that at least one of the Benhams is not just a real estate dealer but also a dedicated right-wing activist in the mold of his father, Flip Benham, who has headed the abortion-clinic protest group Operation Save America ever since it split from the militant anti-choice group Operation Rescue.”

Splinter group of Operation Rescue? This is like reading about how GOA is a more extremist NRA. Some things you didn’t think were possible until you read it.

70 Killgore Trout  May 9, 2014 11:11:03am

Meanwhile in Thailand
Thai Protesters Launch ‘Final Fight’ as Government Clings on

Thai protesters vowed on Friday to besiege television stations and police positions as they launched a launched a “final fight” to topple a government that is on the ropes after its leader was dismissed.

Several thousand protesters left their main encampment in a park in the city’s commercial district as their firebrand leader Suthep Thaugsuban issued a rallying cry for them to establish a parallel government.

“We will regain our sovereign power and set up a people’s government and a people’s legislative council,” Suthep said before leading a march to Government House, which has been targeted by protesters for months.

“We will march on all television stations… we ask city residents to surround police cars and police headquarters to stop them from hurting our people,” he added.

Suthep is known for his hyperbolic statements and, with the government weakened but still standing, the call for a unilateral administration appears to lack any legal ground.

71 Charles Johnson  May 9, 2014 11:12:01am

Did you know Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Boko Haram and the Kidnapped Schoolgirls

72 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:12:20am

re: #69 HappyWarrior

who has headed the abortion-clinic protest group Operation Save America ever since it split from the militant anti-choice group Operation Rescue.

I believe that was the group that interrupted the Hindu prayer in the Senate recently.

73 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:13:18am

re: #72 Rev_Arthur_Belling

I believe that was the group that interrupted the Hindu prayer in the Senate recently.

Name did sound familiar.

74 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 11:13:30am

re: #66 Rev_Arthur_Belling

They can always pitch it to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Is it still on the air?

I have no idea. I can’t imagine who on the producing staff at HGTV hadn’t done their “background” homework before they offered a show to those 2. OTOH, TV is pretty superficial in and of itself…

75 lawhawk  May 9, 2014 11:13:48am

re: #67 Rev_Arthur_Belling

Those figures are roughly accurate. Net migrations do indicate a move from the Rust Belt and Northeast to the South and Southwest.

But it’s not only because of taxes. Weather plays a role too. People fed up with all the cold weather want something different.

So, they’re going to places that don’t have enough water to sustain the existing population, let alone new arrivals (TX, NM, AZ, NV), and they’re going to find that these locations aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

76 Killgore Trout  May 9, 2014 11:16:08am

re: #71 Charles Johnson

Did you know Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Boko Haram and the Kidnapped Schoolgirls

Thou shalt not insult hashtag….

These girls’ lives deserve more than a Twitter hashtag protest.

77 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:17:08am

re: #75 lawhawk

Those figures are roughly accurate. Net migrations do indicate a move from the Rust Belt and Northeast to the South and Southwest.

But it’s not only because of taxes. Weather plays a role too. People fed up with all the cold weather want something different.

So, they’re going to places that don’t have enough water to sustain the existing population, let alone new arrivals (TX, NM, AZ, NV), and they’re going to find that these locations aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

I figured there was some truth in the map, but, as you pointed out - correlation =/= causation. That doesn’t stop the ALEC-fueled GOP from trumpeting their spin, unfortunately.

78 The War TARDIS  May 9, 2014 11:17:35am

re: #71 Charles Johnson

Yeah, it’s on her Wikipedia page. What I find amusing is how conservatives are latching on so quickly to someone who committed immigration fraud, and spun up untrue stories about her life. She is a snake.

79 Mattand  May 9, 2014 11:17:39am
But unfortunately, it’s beginning to look like our mainstream media are going to help him promote his deceptive campaign.

Yup.

I’ve been catching up on Bill Maher’s show on podcast. A few weeks back, he had on Duncan Hunter, R-CA. At one point, Maher called him out for threatening to nuke Iran.

By the end of the show, however, everyone was agreeing with the good Congressman that there’s crazies in both parties.

What. The. Fuck.

No. No, there isn’t. On the whole, the Democrats, for all of their problems, don’t deny evolution. They don’t pass restrictive voter ID laws to limit suffrage of minorities. They don’t think Jesus founded the US and wrote the Constitution with his tears.

What’s hysterical is that even someone like Maher, who rails weekly at the easily proven fact that your average Republcian politician is out-of-touch with most of reality, turns around MBF’s his apparently good buddy, Rep. Hunter. The guy who wants to deal with Iran by murdering as many civilians as possible in a nuclear fireball.

And then Maher, who will not hesitate to tell you how much smarter he is than the mainstream media, will rail in November about how stupid the American voter is for voting the GOP back in, and possibly increasing their power.

He’s just as bad as the MSM overlooking Rand Paul’s sudden new found appreciation for African-Americans.

Because the day after the election, Paul is going to go right back to questioning the CRA and dog whistling the shit out of every racist meme that the GOP creates.

80 Killgore Trout  May 9, 2014 11:17:45am

Benghazi intelligence chief assassinated

According to Libya Herald, gunmen opened fire on Colonel Ibrahim Senussi near the Benghazi medical college. He managed to drive for 200 metres before being shot dead.

The assassination came two days after Senussi appeared on Libya Awalan TV and accused Ansar-al-Sharia of being behind the Benghazi violence.

In the interview, he also said that some 60 young jihadists had returned from Syria and were preparing to take part in suicide attacks.

81 sagehen  May 9, 2014 11:18:01am

re: #75 lawhawk

Those figures are roughly accurate. Net migrations do indicate a move from the Rust Belt and Northeast to the South and Southwest.

But it’s not only because of taxes. Weather plays a role too. People fed up with all the cold weather want something different.

So, they’re going to places that don’t have enough water to sustain the existing population, let alone new arrivals (TX, NM, AZ, NV), and they’re going to find that these locations aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

And the snowbird baby-boomers aren’t moving for jobs… they’re cashing out the equity in their desirable big city environs and retiring to the warm, where their Social Security check goes a lot farther. The new jobs are feeding the oldsters, entertaining the oldsters, and health care for the oldsters.

82 iossarian  May 9, 2014 11:20:14am

re: #71 Charles Johnson

Did you know Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Boko Haram and the Kidnapped Schoolgirls

Elite institutions are hotbeds of librul godless communism and Sharia so it doesn’t surprise me.

83 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:21:21am

re: #79 Mattand

Yup.

I’ve been catching up on Bill Maher’s show on podcast. A few weeks back, he had on Duncan Hunter, R-CA. At one point, Maher called him out for threatening to nuke Iran.

By the end of the show, however, everyone was agreeing with the good Congressman that there’s crazies in both parties.

What. The. Fuck.

No. No, there isn’t. On the whole, the Democrats, for all of their problems, don’t deny evolution. They don’t pass restrictive voter ID laws to limit suffrage of minorities. They don’t think Jesus founded the US and wrote the Constitution with his tears.

What’s hysterical is that even someone like Maher, who rails weekly at the easily proven fact that your average Republcian politician is out-of-touch with most of reality, turns around MBF’s his apparently good buddy, Rep. Hunter. The guy who wants to deal with Iran by murdering as many civilians as possible in a nuclear fireball.

And then Maher, who will not hesitate to tell you how much smarter he is than the mainstream media, will rail in November about how stupid the American voter is for voting the GOP back in, and possibly increasing their power.

He’s just as bad as the MSM overlooking Rand Paul’s sudden new found appreciation for African-Americans.

Because the day after the election, Paul is going to go right back to questioning the CRA and dog whistling the shit out of every racist meme that the GOP creates.

Never been a big Maher fan and that’s part of it- anti vaxxer shit aside. But seriously if Hunter is going to go on TV and suggest nuking Iran, someone in the media needs to tell he’s a dangerous lunatic who shouldn’t be in any position of power and I’m in agreement with you. The MBF shit is nonsense. The Dems have their problems, sure, what party doesn’t but the Democrats aren’t full of Know-Nothing lunatics like that guy and so many otehrs.

84 Dr Lizardo  May 9, 2014 11:22:01am

re: #56 CuriousLurker

Ditto for Muslims.

You average observant Muslim is pretty socially conservative*, but they’re not going to vote for a party that constantly demonizes them and uses the word “Muslim” as an epithet.

Depending on whose numbers you accept, that’s between 2.5 - 7 million people. Even if only half of them are registered voters, that’s still a lot of votes, especially in statewide elections (though obviously more concentrated in some states).

————————————————————

*No drinking, drugs, extramarital sex, abortion frowned upon, etc.

I can recall a time when American Muslims were a more-or-less reliable voting bloc for the GOP; aside from the general social conservatism, a good many American Muslims are small to medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs.

Now, thanks to the bigoted fanaticism of the GOP base, that voting bloc has been driven by and large in the arms of the Democratic Party. Keep up the good work, wingnuts; pretty soon, only old white people with one foot in the grave will be voting Republican.

85 Mattand  May 9, 2014 11:22:05am

re: #79 Mattand

I should amend that last post in that Rep. Hunter wants to drop nuclear bombs, which he calls bunker busters, on underground Iranian facilities where their nuclear work is conducted.

Still a fucking stupid idea, and still would needlessly kill or poison a lot of people, including civilians. I’m also not Rep. Hunter know what he’s talking about, as I don’t recall bunker busters being exclusively atomic.

86 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:23:14am

re: #84 Dr Lizardo

I
Now, thanks to the bigoted fanaticism of the GOP base, that voting bloc has been driven by and large in the arms of the Democratic Party. Keep up the good work, wingnuts; pretty soon, only old white people with one foot in the grave will be voting Republican.

Then the GOP will openly declare that they want to eliminate Social Security. Wait for it.

87 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:23:34am

re: #85 Mattand

I should amend that last post in that Rep. Hunter wants to drop nuclear bombs, which he calls bunker busters, on underground Iranian facilities where their nuclear work is conducted.

Still a fucking stupid idea, and still would needlessly kill or poison a lot of people, including civilians. I’m also not Rep. Hunter know what he’s talking about, as I don’t recall bunker busters being exclusively atomic.

Still insane when you consider one can count the usage of muclear bombs on their hand.

88 CuriousLurker  May 9, 2014 11:23:58am

re: #71 Charles Johnson

Did you know Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Boko Haram and the Kidnapped Schoolgirls

Ugh—I don’t even need to read it to know what it’ll say. *gag*

89 Kragar  May 9, 2014 11:24:26am

re: #79 Mattand

There are crazies in both parties. The difference is the Democrats sideline their crazies, while the GOP elects theirs.

90 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:25:03am

re: #89 Kragar

There are crazies in both parties. The difference is the Democrats sideline their crazies, while the GOP elects theirs.

Dennis Kucinich, after thought for Democratic presidential contenders.
Sarah Palin, McCain’s choice for VP.

91 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:25:41am

re: #71 Charles Johnson

Did you know Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Boko Haram and the Kidnapped Schoolgirls

From her edotorial:

I am often told that the average Muslim wholeheartedly rejects the use of violence and terror, does not share the radicals’ belief that a degenerate and corrupt Western culture needs to be replaced with an Islamic one, and abhors the denigration of women’s most basic rights. Well, it is time for those peace-loving Muslims to do more, much more, to resist those in their midst who engage in this type of proselytizing before they proceed to the phase of holy war.

It is also time for Western liberals to wake up. If they choose to regard Boko Haram as an aberration, they do so at their peril. The kidnapping of these schoolgirls is not an isolated tragedy; their fate reflects a new wave of jihadism that extends far beyond Nigeria and poses a mortal threat to the rights of women and girls. If my pointing this out offends some people more than the odious acts of Boko Haram, then so be it.

I suppose since she’s an ex-Muslim, a WSJ editorial is sufficient to cover the ‘much more’ she requires of current Muslims.

92 aagcobb  May 9, 2014 11:25:52am

re: #28 iossarian

Of course. You can also add disenfranchisement via criminalization to the list.

And that was another cause Rand took up in his outreach program, making it easier for felons to regain the right to vote.

93 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:26:52am
94 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:28:04am

The most aggravating though are the self proclaimed social moderates or even liberals that call themselves fiscally conservative and use that to justify voting Republican. First off, let’s just call shit-shit here and point out that the GOP hasn’t been fiscally conservative on a federal level since hte Eisenhower years. Reagan and Bush were about as fiscally responsible as a 21 year on his birthday at the bar. Secondly, the GOP’s socially reactionary policies negate any fiscally responsible policies they may have. I’d rather have a little debt than to see women harassed over wanting to control their own bodies, gays being told that they can’t marry, etc.

95 Dr Lizardo  May 9, 2014 11:30:09am

re: #94 HappyWarrior

The most aggravating though are the self proclaimed social moderates or even liberals that call themselves fiscally conservative and use that to justify voting Republican. First off, let’s just call shit-shit here and point out that the GOP hasn’t been fiscally conservative on a federal level since hte Eisenhower years. Reagan and Bush were about as fiscally responsible as a 21 year on his birthday at the bar. Secondly, the GOP’s socially reactionary policies negate any fiscally responsible policies they may have. I’d rather have a little debt than to see women harassed over wanting to control their own bodies, gays being told that they can’t marry, etc.

Yeah……remember President Nixon and his price and wage controls; that’s hardly “fiscal conservatism” by any stretch of the imagination.

96 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:30:22am

One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn’t belong…

97 aagcobb  May 9, 2014 11:30:43am

re: #56 CuriousLurker

Ditto for Muslims.

You average observant Muslim is pretty socially conservative*, but they’re not going to vote for a party that constantly demonizes them and uses the word “Muslim” as an epithet.

Depending on whose numbers you accept, that’s between 2.5 - 7 million people. Even if only half of them are registered voters, that’s still a lot of votes, especially in statewide elections (though obviously more concentrated in some states).

————————————————————

*No drinking, drugs, extramarital sex, abortion frowned upon, etc.

Yep, the GOP likes to be the party of religious values, but outside of white evangelicals and Mormons Obama did much better with religious people in the 2012 voting.

98 sagehen  May 9, 2014 11:31:25am

re: #94 HappyWarrior

Bush the Elder was fiscally conservative.

Which is why the base abandoned him and he wasn’t re-elected… a lesson well-learned by all R candidates since.

99 CuriousLurker  May 9, 2014 11:32:15am

re: #91 wrenchwench

From her edotorial:

I suppose since she’s an ex-Muslim, a WSJ editorial is sufficient to cover the ‘much more’ she requires of current Muslims.

How doe she know what peace-loving Muslims are or aren’t doing if she’s no longer part of the community? How many mosques & families is she monitoring?

It would also be helpful if she & her pals on the right would stop encouraging fear & hatred.

100 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:33:05am

re: #95 Dr Lizardo

Yeah……remember President Nixon and his price and wage controls; that’s hardly “fiscal conservatism” by any stretch of the imagination.

I think I still have a Gerald Ford ‘WIN’ button; ‘Whip Inflation Now’. Hashtag activism’s got nuthin on political buttons!

101 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:33:46am

re: #98 sagehen

Bush the Elder was fiscally conservative.

Which is why the base abandoned him and he wasn’t re-elected… a lesson well-learned by all R candidates since.

Yeah. He actually realized that tax increases are sometimes necessary. That’s something Ford realized too. What annoys me is people who think “fiscally conservative” oppose all taxes at all times. True fiscal conservatives know that tax increases on the wealthy are sometimes needed. True fiscal conservatives know you can’t just cut social spending and true ones don’t refuse to cut the defense budget. What the GOP has isn’t “fiscal conservatism”, I don’t know the exact phrasing for it but they’re not fiscally conservative at all.

102 CuriousLurker  May 9, 2014 11:34:13am

re: #100 wrenchwench

I think I still have a Gerald Ford ‘WIN’ button; ‘Whip Inflation Now’. Hashtag activism’s got nuthin on political buttons!

Button activism! Flag pin activism!

103 Feline Fearless Leader  May 9, 2014 11:34:18am

re: #63 Pie-onist Overlord

Hey new Texans enjoy your climate.
[Embedded image]

I’ll stay here in Michigan and enjoy ALL TEH WATERS.

Oh no, they’ve discovered the LGF fvck farm!

104 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:34:44am

re: #99 CuriousLurker

How doe she know what peace-loving Muslims are or aren’t doing if she’s no longer part of the community? How many mosques & families is she monitoring?

It would also be helpful if she & her pals on the right would stop encouraging fear & hatred.

Encouraging fear was the main goal of her editorial. She’s mean and evil like a little ol’ boll weevil, to quote a song.

105 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:34:57am

re: #102 CuriousLurker

Button activism! Flag pin activism!

Bumper sticker. Hashtag is just a 2014 version of the above.

106 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 11:35:09am

What we’ve seen in NC is the banking industry, in particular, moving into the Piedmont area, specifically Charlotte, which is the #2 banking city in the US.

As a result, real estate prices in this area are skyrocketing, pushing many out of the real estate market, and narrowing the choices of work as mfg jobs have all been outsourced, and working class wages have fallen. Think “Wall St of the South” (which is what I’ve heard Charlotte called). Since Charlotte is a sprawling city based on the automobile, not public transportation, smaller, close towns and adjacent counties are seeing the same effect, even spilling over into SC into southern border towns like Ft Mill and Rock Hill, a fairly short ride up I-77 into Charlotte.

“Downtown” Charlotte, which used to comprise shopping, with 3 major dept stores until the 1980s, now is called “Uptown” Charlotte, a city of high rise banks and financial centers along with major sports venues, like Panthers Stadium (NFL football), Knights Stadium (minor league baseball), Time Warner Cable Arena (NBA basketball), and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, all built with City bonds and private financing.

The other town having the same problems is the Raleigh/Durham area, with its govt offices and the Research Triangle, which draws better paid job seekers for those and university-related jobs. Both cities also have international airports.

I’ve had to make a dozen trips into Charlotte in the past couple of weeks and I almost don’t recognize it, nor some of the neighborhoods I used to reside in, formerly the “suburbs” themselves, which seem aging, sad and neglected these days. And it’s only been 15 yrs since I lived there.

107 HappyWarrior  May 9, 2014 11:35:53am

re: #96 Pie-onist Overlord

One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn’t belong…

[Embedded content]

Because Cruz is the only one saying that. No, he’s a nutjob because he insists on pushing repeals of ACA even though he knows POTUS won’t sign. He’s a racist because he panders to people like Clive Bundy.

108 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:36:43am

re: #105 HappyWarrior

Bumper sticker. Hashtag is just a 2014 version of the above.

Lawn signs!

109 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 11:37:53am

re: #93 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

Walmart is also branching out into the insurance business.

They want everything.

110 Kragar  May 9, 2014 11:37:55am

re: #108 wrenchwench

Lawn signs!

Romanes eunt domus!

111 Dr Lizardo  May 9, 2014 11:38:04am

re: #100 wrenchwench

I think I still have a Gerald Ford ‘WIN’ button; ‘Whip Inflation Now’. Hashtag activism’s got nuthin on political buttons!

I dimly remember those from my childhood. If I watch re-runs of 1970s American TV shows, particularly All In The Family, Sanford And Son or Maude, I find references to those all the time.

Most of which I have to end up explaining to my Czech friends when they wonder why I’m laughing.

112 Minor_L  May 9, 2014 11:39:06am

re: #14 b.d.

Ad hominem.

113 Flying Squirrel Girl  May 9, 2014 11:39:45am

re: #100 wrenchwench

When my mom passed away (‘99) my sister and I found a t-shirt in an old suitcase that said, “Archie Bunker for President 1972.”

114 iossarian  May 9, 2014 11:40:15am

re: #92 aagcobb

And that was another cause Rand took up in his outreach program, making it easier for felons to regain the right to vote.

FTA:

Paul said he plans to reach out to state legislators on the matter, particularly Republicans who have opposed such legislation in the past.

Someone should ask him who he’s reached out to.

115 Hercules Grytpype-Thynneghazi  May 9, 2014 11:40:56am

re: #96 Pie-onist Overlord

One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn’t belong…

[Embedded content]

Dammit, the thing about Columbus really pisses me off. It was common knowledge in his day that the world is round. Where Columbus differed from educated opinion was that he thought it was smaller than it really is. If he hadn’t had the good fortune of running into a continent that no European knew was there, his crew would have run out of food and fresh water and died long before reaching Asia.

116 Justanotherhuman  May 9, 2014 11:44:07am

re: #101 HappyWarrior

Yeah. He actually realized that tax increases are sometimes necessary. That’s something Ford realized too. What annoys me is people who think “fiscally conservative” oppose all taxes at all times. True fiscal conservatives know that tax increases on the wealthy are sometimes needed. True fiscal conservatives know you can’t just cut social spending and true ones don’t refuse to cut the defense budget. What the GOP has isn’t “fiscal conservatism”, I don’t know the exact phrasing for it but they’re not fiscally conservative at all.

How about, “I’ve got mine, fuck you”? That’s really the libertarian stance, which has nothing to do with being fiscally “conservative” and everything to do with hoarding the wealth yourself and screwing your employees on wages and benefits, along with denying govt benefits to see people over the rough patches that result from that, including UI, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.

117 CuriousLurker  May 9, 2014 11:46:39am

re: #104 wrenchwench

Encouraging fear was the main goal of her editorial. She’s mean and evil like a little ol’ boll weevil, to quote a song.

That’s exactly why I couldn’t bring myself to read it. Don’t want to ruin my day because I know it’ll be the SOS: fear mongering masquerading as concern.

118 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:47:24am

re: #100 wrenchwench

I think I still have a Gerald Ford ‘WIN’ button; ‘Whip Inflation Now’. Hashtag activism’s got nuthin on political buttons!

I always thought the slogan should have been STOP HAVING INFLATION TODAY.

119 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:48:07am

The fact is that an average citizen can’t do anything about inflation.

120 Kragar  May 9, 2014 11:48:31am

re: #116 Justanotherhuman

How about, “I’ve got mine, fuck you”? That’s really the libertarian stance, which has nothing to do with being fiscally “conservative” and everything to do with hoarding the wealth yourself and screwing your employees on wages and benefits, along with denying govt benefits to see people over the rough patches that result from that, including UI, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.

Libertarians don’t understand simple concepts like “communities” or “civilization”

“Why do we need to build an aqueduct? I can get water from the stream just fine!”

121 iossarian  May 9, 2014 11:50:30am

re: #120 Kragar

Libertarians don’t understand simple concepts like “communities” or “civilization”

“Why do we need to build an aqueduct? I can get water from the stream just fine!”

As soon as two people need to get water from the stream, there is a need for a system of making decisions.

People who think they can do better without the system are either a) rich and powerful or b) stupid.

122 Feline Fearless Leader  May 9, 2014 11:53:10am

re: #120 Kragar

Libertarians don’t understand simple concepts like “communities” or “civilization”

“Why do we need to build an aqueduct? I can get water from the stream just fine!”

And then watch the freakout when the libertarian living further upstream builds a dam and starts charging for water.

123 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:53:45am

re: #117 CuriousLurker

That’s exactly why I couldn’t bring myself to read it. Don’t want to ruin my day because I know it’ll be the SOS: fear mongering masquerading as concern.

A wise decision.

{CL}

124 wrenchwench  May 9, 2014 11:54:39am

re: #121 iossarian

As soon as two people need to get water from the stream, there is a need for a system of making decisions.

People who think they can do better without the system are either a) rich and powerful or b) stupid.

Or, surprisingly often, c) both.

125 Kragar  May 9, 2014 11:56:12am

re: #122 Feline Fearless Leader

And then watch the freakout when the libertarian living further upstream builds a dam and starts charging for water.

“You want water Moochers?! MOLON LABE!”

126 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:56:18am

re: #122 Feline Fearless Leader

And then watch the freakout when the libertarian living further upstream builds a dam and starts charging for water.

And let’s not even get started on the purity of water that flows downstream. As W.C. Fields said, “I don’t drink water. Fish fuck in it.”

127 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:56:56am

re: #120 Kragar

Libertarians don’t understand simple concepts like “communities” or “civilization”

“Why do we need to build an aqueduct? I can get water from the stream just fine!”

HURR HURR!!!!

128 Jack Burton  May 9, 2014 11:57:06am

re: #116 Justanotherhuman

How about, “I’ve got mine, fuck you”? That’s really the libertarian stance, which has nothing to do with being fiscally “conservative” and everything to do with hoarding the wealth yourself and screwing your employees on wages and benefits, along with denying govt benefits to see people over the rough patches that result from that, including UI, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.

FYJIGM “Fuck You Jack I Got Mine”

Trying to rationalize FYJIGM and make it into a virtue is what Libertarianism is all about.

129 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 11:58:38am

re: #125 Kragar

“You want water Moochers?! MOLON LABE!”

HURR HURR!!!! EVERYBODY IN TEXAS, GRAB UR GUNZ LET’S INVADE MICHIGAN & STEAL ALL THERE WATERS!!! BUNCHA LIBRULS THEY RUINT DETROIT, WE GOTS MOAR GUNS THEN THEM!!!!!!

130 Kragar  May 9, 2014 11:58:55am
131 Dr Lizardo  May 9, 2014 11:59:44am

re: #120 Kragar

Libertarians don’t understand simple concepts like “communities” or “civilization”

“Why do we need to build an aqueduct? I can get water from the stream just fine!”

For libertarians and their ilk, civilization exists only as a ladder, if you will, whereby a select elite may raise themselves to positions of mastery over their fellows.

By their reckoning, civilization doesn’t deserve to exist for its own sake.

132 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 9, 2014 11:59:44am

re: #127 Pie-onist Overlord

Voluntary consent. Hmmm, like having an opportunity to elect people to go to a governing body (let’s call them “representatives”) and vote to raise or lower taxes?

133 Kragar  May 9, 2014 12:00:55pm

Dear Libertarians,

The only reason you “did it all yourselves” is because countless people before you sacrificed and struggled to build a stable civilization for you to live in, you dumb greedy shitheads.

134 GeneJockey  May 9, 2014 12:01:35pm

re: #96 Pie-onist Overlord

One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn’t belong…

[Embedded content]

It’s worth noting that throughout history, most of the people who were CALLED crazy actually WERE crazy.

They laughed at Galileo, but they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.

135 GeneJockey  May 9, 2014 12:05:40pm

re: #132 Rev_Arthur_Belling

Voluntary consent. Hmmm, like having an opportunity to elect people to go to a governing body (let’s call them “representatives”) and vote to raise or lower taxes?

You give your consent by not leaving America.

136 Pie-onist Overlord  May 9, 2014 12:06:38pm

HURR HURR EVERYTHING IN TEH NEW YORK TIMES IS LIBRUL LIES, INCLUDING TEH ARTICLES BY RONALD REAGAN!!!!!

137 GeneJockey  May 9, 2014 12:10:06pm

re: #136 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR EVERYTHING IN TEH NEW YORK TIMES IS LIBRUL LIES, INCLUDING TEH ARTICLES BY RONALD REAGAN!!!!!

[Embedded content]

Reagan supported and lobbied for both the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban.

138 CuriousLurker  May 9, 2014 12:17:48pm

re: #123 wrenchwench

A wise decision.

{CL}

Aww, thanks. {ww}

Here’s something to make you smile. The other day this guy retweeted one of my tweets and I almost fell out of my chair LOL at the tweet he had pinned to his profile that day:

139 Hercules Grytpype-Thynneghazi  May 9, 2014 12:45:53pm

re: #134 GeneJockey

It’s worth noting that throughout history, most of the people who were CALLED crazy actually WERE crazy.

They laughed at Galileo, but they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.

You should credit Carl Sagan for the “Bozo” line.

140 Eventual Carrion  May 9, 2014 12:51:32pm

re: #55 jaunte

Yeah, Democrat party libtards just passing out money and T-bone steaks and flat screen cell phones to the blah people. /

They still can’t figure out how racist it is to talk about white people ‘voting their interests” and then turn around and say that black people are “on the liberal plantation” with the Democrats “passing out money.”

Especially when they (black folks) KNOW damn well that a HUGE majority of welfare recipients are white people.

141 majii  May 9, 2014 11:17:26pm

Rand Paul can talk as much conciliatory shit as he wants, but we Black Americans aren’t fooled by him and the other GOPTPers. We have seen how they’ve treated President Obama, and we don’t like it. If Rand Paul thinks going to Howard University, Detroit, and now Memphis will cause us to change our minds about republicans, he’s a bigger fool than I thought he was. He doesn’t realize that we’ve had a long history of dealing with racists, apologists for racists, con men like him, and bigots, and we can spot an insincere motherf*cker from 1000 yards. Sure, these black ministers were cordial to him today, but what he doesn’t know is what was said after he left. They’re most likely no more convinced he means anything good for them and POC than they were before he showed his ass up to speak to them.

The f*cker is too stupid to realize that he offended these ministers by accusing democrats of “passing out money to blacks.” Most of these ministers have jobs other than being pastors, and most Black Americans have J-O-B-S, too. We’re not waiting on him or any other person to “give” us anything. If this were the case, we would have died off from neglect long ago because the U.S. government hasn’t made “giving” us money a top priority since it was established in 1789. Most of the beneficiaries of federal largesse have not been Black Americans. Rand Paul is one of the stupidest politicians I’ve seen in all of my 61 years if he thinks Black Americans vote for democrats because we’re looking for the government to “do” something for us or to “give” us something. It’s the GOPTP’s policies that turn us off, but he has yet to understand this simple fact. He thinks that if he wraps the same old sh*t in a new package, he can sell it to us successfully. It’s not going to happen.

He’s deluding himself. He thinks we don’t know that his attempts to “reach out” to us are based on his desire to be POTUS. We’re well aware of his goal, and few of us have any plan to vote for GOPTPers who haven’t wasted one minute worrying about the abuse they’ve meted out to POC, LGBTQ Americans, atheists, and others. The one thing most members of the aforementioned groups don’t have is Stockholm Syndrome. Black Americans’ plan is to teach these b*stards a lesson they won’t easily forget at the ballot box, just call it 2012 Part Deux. No way do we plan to give our votes to these hateful, bigoted, lying, hypocritical corporate suck ups.

Rand Paul can keep his wish to be POTUS wrapped up in one hand, and he can keep sh*tting in the other because he’ll never get a majority of the votes of Black Americans.

Unlike many republicans, we learn our lessons from the past, remember them, and vote based on them.

142 darthstar  May 13, 2014 5:36:06pm

Can’t Rand be happy being part of the Dormant Party?


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